Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Collection of vintage sterling silver picture frames by Tiffany & Co, 20th cent.
Located in View Park, CA
A beautiful collection of vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling silver picture frames made in Italy and Spain: 1. Large classic moder...
Sterling Silver
Mid Century Montagnani Italy Wood and Metal Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design features a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut geometric veneer, c...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Photo frame Decorative Object Brass Aluminum Mid-Century Modern Design Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning frame, made in Italy around 1970. The frame has a mid-century modernist design, featuring a rectangular form and a geometric wood veneer complemented by polished gold alum...
Aluminum, Brass
Abalone shell & Alpaca Picture frame, Mexico, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and small abalone shell photo frame designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal rectangular frame with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca is a true work ...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Umberto Mascagni Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni, based in Bologna, designed this alluring picture frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts silvered aluminum in brushed and frosted patterns, with a wav...
Metal, Aluminum
Exceptional and Rare Frame signed George Nakashima, 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Very Beautiful and Rare Frame signed George Nakashima, 1960 With its original glass. With drawing by Alfred Reth (not for sale) Width 60 cm Height 90 cm
Walnut
Dior Photo Frame in Ice Effect Lucite and Chrome, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century picture frame in a gorgeous frosted lucite and chrome-plated metal. This incredibly charming and unique piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attribut...
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Signed Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful frame from Ti...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
$658Sale Price|19% Off
Venini Murano Glass and Brass Hole Holder 1940
By Venini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Original and Elegant photo frame for chest of drawers or coffee table, something really elegant to keep at home.
Brass
Small Italian Round Painted Florentine Gilt Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Italian blue painted wood art frame. Very detailed and charming art frame to add to a collection. Marked on the back, Made in Italy.
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Vintage Mid-20th Century Tortoiseshell Picture Photo Frame, Italy 50s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant antique frame dating back to around the 1950s, crafted in tortoiseshell and soft dark rust-colored velvet. In this mid-20th century piece...
Tortoise Shell, Glass
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Small Italian Florentine Wood Art Frame, circa 1960's Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming gold gilt Florentine frame from Italy. Vibrant reds and blues combined with the gilt makes this a fantastic frame to be used in a grouping or stand alone.
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...
Brass
Vintage Murano Glass Dressing Table/Vanity Mirror, Italy, Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Murano glass - dressing table/vanity mirror - all original fittings with silver leaf backed mirror - finished and hinged wood easel back (can be wall mounted) - unsigned - ...
Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood
Dior Large Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century photo frame crafted entirely in beautiful tortoiseshell-effect lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was produced in Italy during the...
Brass
Collector Original Murano Mauve glass picture frame, Made in Italy
Located in Venezia, IT
Collectable and unique Murano glass photo frame handmade in the land of Venice, Italy. The twisted handmade glass is massive transparent glass with 24k gold details while the metal f...
Brass, Steel
1960s MCM MOD OP-Art Chrome Base & Lucite Spinning Photo Prism Cube Sculpture
By Alessio Tasca, Victor Vasarely
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage 1960s Mod OP Art Lucite & chrome base Photo Prism kinetic sculpture designed by Bob Cornell Creations. The photo frame brochure (not included), says its a fine precision ...
Chrome
Dior Large Photo Frame in Gilt Brass and Lucite Tortoiseshell, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century rectangular photo frame entirely crafted in vibrant tortoiseshell-effect lucite and gilt brass. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was produced in Italy d...
Brass
Mid-Century Swid Powell Silver Plated Picture Frame with Spherical Detail
By Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This Swid Powell silver-plated picture frame, created in the United States around 1980, is a striking example of modernist design infused with subtle elegance. Swid Powell, a promine...
Metal
Rare Large Pair Murano / Venini Torchon Picture Frames, c.1950
By Venini
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and very large pair of vintage Italian Venini photograph frames, extremely heavy and in beautiful condition. The twisted glass is flecked with gold with gilded brass fittings....
Blown Glass
Large tabletop picture frame with a back stand and a wide metal border featuring
Located in New York, NY
Large tabletop picture frame with a back stand and a wide metal border featuring a slightly convex surface. A decorative piece that beautifully highlights photographs or small artwor...
Metal
Art Deco Silver Plate Piicture Frame in The Style of Swid Powell ca. 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully designed silver plate picture frame featuring a minimalist construction that suspends two panes of glass within a polished silver surround. The "sandwich" design elegan...
Silver Plate
Romeo Rega Style Italian Brass And Steel Picture Frame
By Romeo Rega
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant Italian picture frame crafted in finely worked brass and mirror-polished steel, with a black velvet-covered back. This refined decorative object, produced between 1965 and 19...
Brass, Steel
Midcentury italian Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant medium Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. Signed in the brass frame The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to cr...
Brass
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Tiffany. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Tiffany! ...
Sterling Silver
Montagnani Italy Mid Century Metal and Wood Picture Frame
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design features a rectangular shape with a light burl walnut wood geometric ven...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Picture Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell & Brass Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular picture photo frame in tortoiseshell lucite effect and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Silver Photo Frame, Wood Stand, Italy, Circa 1940s
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A 1940s solid silver photo frame with the original sticker 'Argenterie Torino' on the stand. The frame has an indented decoration throughout and solid wood stand and back.
Silver
$187Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Elegant Silver Plate Vintage Picture Frame Rectangular
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern elegant silver plate vintage picture frame Rectangular shape. New glass. Black velvet finish on the ...
Silver Plate
Photo frame Corrado Corradi of Acqua Azucena
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Photo frame Corrado Corradi of Acqua Azucena
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Silver Photo Frame, Thick Border, Italy, 1940s
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A beautiful 1940s solid silver photo frame found in Torino. The frame has an especially thick border and solid wood stand and back.
Silver
$1,800
Clear Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 13 inches / width: 10 inches / depth: 2 inches For photo siz...
Brass
1950s Fontana Arte Style Mid-Century Modern Verde NIlo Glass Picture Frame
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This high quality Mid-Century Modern picture frame is made of Verde Nilo glass, a distinctive green-tinted glass often associated with high-end Italian glasswork from the mid-20th ce...
Silver Plate
Mid 20th Century Modern Picture Frame in Travertine Marble By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer this elegant Italian vintage tabletop photo frame, dating to the mid-20th century and crafted in genuine Rapolano travertine, sourced from Tuscany, Italy. Fe...
Travertine
Fontana Arte Large Double-Sided Nile Green Photo Frame with Mirror, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and rare large double-sided picture frame in Nile green crystal glass with a silvered mirror base. This incredibly elegant piece was produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during...
Crystal, Silver
60s Italian Ritorto clear blown glass picture frame by Barovier and Toso Murano
Located in London, GB
1960s Italian “Ritorto” technique, clear blown glass picture Frame by Barovier and Toso This hand-blown clear glass picture frame utilizing...
Blown Glass
Midcentury Rounded Picture Frame Made in Silver Plate and Teak, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer an elegant circular picture frame, almost certainly made in Italy between 1960 and 1970. This vintage round frame is crafted in silver plate with a mahogany-v...
Silver Plate
Italian Florentine Venetian Gold Gilt Wood Art Frame Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
In our travels we come across a lot of amazing gilt frames. When we saw this particular one, we were in awe!! This Florentine gold gilded frame, featuring its intricate carvings, is ...
Wood, Giltwood
Vintage Italian Murano Blown Glass and Brass Photo Frame by Tommaso Barbi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Italian Murano blown glass and brass photo frame by Tommaso Barbi from 1970's. The glass is handmade, blown, transparent with brass frame and leg. Signed Tommaso Barbi made i...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Organic Photo Frame in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century organic photo frame entirely handmade from rattan canes and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
1950s Fontana Arte Style Mid-Century Modern Mirror Glass Italian Picture Frame
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A perfectly preserved mirrored glass rectangular picture frame designed and manufactured in the style of Fontana Arte, one of the leading manufacturers of Mid-Century Modern design ...
Cut Glass, Mirror
20th Century Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte Mod 1371 Glass and Brass
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Picture frame model n. 1371 designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1960s. The picture frame is in glass and brass, with its own patina of time.
Brass
Italian Florentine Gold Gilded Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rectangular Mid-Century Florentine gold gilded frame with intricate detail throughout, especially pay attention to the rear corners of the frame. Sturdy and beautiful, this frame is ...
Wood, Giltwood
Italian Lucite, Rattan and Gilded Aluminum Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative picture photo frame is perfect for a living space or vanity. The frame features a rounded shape with clear Lucite and rattan or wicker cane work. The rattan ...
Metal, Aluminum
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Mid-Century Brass Photo Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern patinated brass picture frame, 1970s.
Brass
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Silver Plated Photo Frame, Glass, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous photo frame in silver plated with glass. Made in Italy. The item is in excellent condition . Photo size is 8 x 10 inches - cm 20 x cm 25 H cm Dimension 10,62 x 2,75 x ...
Silver Plate
Midcentury Picture Frame Faux Bamboo Silvered Maison Baguès Style, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful little picture frame in faux bamboo silvered bronze, wood and glass in the style of Maison Baguès. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Metal, Bronze
Barovier and Toso murano glass picture frame. Italy c1949
Located in London, GB
Orignal Barovier and Toso glass picture frame. Italy c1949 Larger size. Glass in wonderful condition no damages. Brass has lovely original patina Actual glass frame 3cm deep.
Brass
Max Ingrand brass and glass picture frame for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte, Model 1371. Italy 1960s
Brass
Italian Florentine Deep Red Gold Gilded Wood Art Frame, circa 1965
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Florentine Red and Gold Gilded Frame, Italy. Sturdy and beautiful, this frame is ready for a picture and certainly captures that European vibe. Frame can be used vertiall...
Wood, Giltwood
Mid Century Montagnani Walnut Wood and Metal Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. The photo frame Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut wood geom...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Laminated Multi-Layers Lucite Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Italian Modernist Lucite Picture Frame, circa 1970 A striking example of Italian modernist design, this sculptural picture frame showcases exceptional craftsmanship and bold vis...
Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
French Gilded Aluminum & Metal Picture Frame – 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The photograph is not included French Gilded Aluminum & Metal Picture Frame – 1970s Description: This is a vintage picture frame made in France during the 1970s, crafted in gil...
Brass, Chrome
Italian Picture Frame in Lucite and Rattan, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist Lucite and rattan picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. This exceptional, rare piece boasts an "L" shape with an extra-thick Lucite sla...
Wicker, Rattan, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Large Vintage Italian Gucci Picture Frame c.1970
By Gucci
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent sized vintage photograph or picture frame by the famous Italian fashion house, Gucci. Made from silver plate and lavishly finished with gold or gilding, the raised dec...
Silver Plate
Collection of Italian Florentine Gilt Wood Art Frames Circa, 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Great grouping of four small gilt frames from Italy. We see these as in a grouping as part of a gallery wall or certainly stand alone. For comparison on size, the largest frame mea...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Gilt Bronze Edouard Rambaud Picture Frame, circa 1990, Paris, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Highly decorative Edouard Rambaud picture frame, circa 1990, Paris, France. Gilt bronze, glass, black velvet. Stamped: Edouard Rambaud Paris. Dimensions: 15 cm H, 15 cm W, 12 cm D. A...
Bronze