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.
Brown Leather Photo Frame, France, 1950s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The photo is not provided. An elegant brown leather-covered photo frame, characteristic of refined decorative accessories from the 1950s. Its clean lines are enhanced by delicate fi...
Glass, Leather
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
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
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
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
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
Modernist Chrome and Horn Inlaid Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. The photo frame has an exceptional combination of materials that come together to create a sophisticated de...
Metal, Chrome
$669Sale 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
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 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
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
1990s Barovier Style Art Deco Grey Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A grey Murano glass picture frame designed and manufactured in Venice in the style of Barovier, it's in lovely condition. The vintage photo frame is a beautiful and elegant piece of ...
Brass
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
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
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
photo frame in Brass worked Italy Tommaso Barbi 1970
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Made of machined brass
Brass
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Mid-Century Brass Photo Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern patinated brass picture frame, 1970s.
Brass
Midcentury Steel Picture Frame by Felice Antonio Botta, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangulare picture frame in steel, wood and glass with eight photo by Felice Antonio Botta. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attac...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Photo frame Corrado Corradi of Acqua Azucena
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Photo frame Corrado Corradi of Acqua Azucena
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
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
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
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
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
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
"Torchon" Murano Art Glass Mirror, Signed Barovier-Toso Murano, 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
"Torchon" clear glass and brass details Perfect condition.
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
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
Midcentury and Handwoven, Stylishly Organic Eye-Like Cane on Bamboo Wall Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and organically beautiful, eye and eye lashes design wall mirror. This rare and all-handcrafted mirror is another one of our wonderful recent finds. We rate it for many reasons...
Bamboo, Cane, Mirror
Ondulation Mid-Century Bronze Picture Frame, Jean royere France, 1940´s
By Jean Royère
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Ondulation Mid-Century Bronze Picture Frame, Jean royere Style, France, 1940´s Jean Royère was known for turning functional objects into sculptural statements, and this design echoe...
Bronze
$881Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Tommaso Barbi Burl and Chrome Square Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing midcentury chromed brass and burl square photo frame. This beautiful piece was designed in Italy in the 1970s by Tomaso Barbi and is als...
Metal, Chrome
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...
Brass, Metal
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
1960s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Smoked Glass Luxury Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This sophisticated Italian picture frame is a prime example of 1970s luxury design, blending the structural elegance of the Mid-Century Modern movement with the bold materiality of t...
Brass
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
Midcentury Brass and Glass Picture Frame Paul Lobel Style, Italy 1950s
By Paul Lobel
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing large rectangular picture frame in brass and glass in the style of Paul Lobel. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Green Leather Photo Frame – In the Style of Jacques Adnet, France, Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant green leather-covered photo frame made in the style of Jacques Adnet, an iconic figure of French design, renowned for his refined Art Deco-inspired creations combining l...
Faux Leather
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
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
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
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
Christofle Gilded Brass and Lacquer Resin Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your private interior with this rare Christofle Paris picture frame, a stunning creation from the brand's prestigious Interior Collection. Meticulously crafted in France circa ...
Metal, Brass
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
Midcentury Decorative Murano Flowers Frame, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful decorative frame with flowers from Italy. The frame is made of glass and plastic. it can be also a mirror. The frame is in good vintage condition. Few yellow flowers is m...
Metal
Rectangular Mid-Century Painted Hand-Carved Wood Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand carved wood frame suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on canvas or board paintings. This frame certainly captures that vintage European ...
Wood
30% OFF Sale Christian Dior Italian Sterling Silver Frame
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior sterling silver picture frame in Mid-Century Modern style, made in Italy. In new condition and sold in its original box, it measures 9 5/8'' by 7 5/8'' in outer dimens...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Set of Four Prints of Geisha Ladies with Bamboo Frames, Chinoiserie Style, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Four bamboo rectangular frames with Gheisa women prints. Spain, 1960s. Each print has a different design, all them representing japanese Gheisas different landscapes. Highly decorati...
Bamboo, Rattan, Paper
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
Midcentury Lucite & Rattan Picture Frame Christian Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful picture frames in lucite and rattan in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Wicker, Straw, Rattan, Glass, Lucite, Plexiglass
Mid-Century Italian Brass Bamboo Photo Frame, Dior Style, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century photo frame in solid brass with a bamboo cane finish. This stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s, in the style of Maison Jansen and Ch...
Brass
Midcentury Picture Frame Lucite, Rattan and Brass Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular picture photo frame in lucite , rattan, glass and brass chrome in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk obje...
Metal
Fontana Arte Thick Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and incredibly rare photo frame in thick hand-sculpted Nile green crystal and solid brass. This stunning piece was designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte ...
Crystal, Brass
1970s Silver Plated Photo Frame, Made in Italy, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous photo frame in silver plated with glass masterfully crafted in Italy . Featuring a sophisticated silver-plated finish accented by a classic twisted rope motif, this pi...
Silver Plate
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
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
Large Nickel-Plated, Brass & Glass Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames, Set of 2
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 picture frames. They are made in ground glass with and internal decorative nickel-plated & brass frame. Very good vintage condition: oxidati...
Brass, Nickel
Collector Original Murano Clear 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 while the metal frame is handcrafted fr...
Brass, Steel