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.
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
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
Fontana Arte Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and incredibly rare photo frame in chiseled Nile green crystal and solid brass, designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1950s. Fully ori...
Crystal, Brass
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
Team Guzzini Italy Modernist Lucite and Wicker Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Team Guzzini, Guzzini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Team Guzzini, Italy, designed this stunning modernist picture frame, which was crafted circa 1970. The rare photo frame boasts a reverse "V" shape with a large, rounded picture view....
Rattan, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Wicker
1960s Italian Square Chrome Photo Frame
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A gorgeous small 1960s Italian photo frame made in chrome. The frame itself is square but the aperture for displaying a photo is a circle. An iconic 1960s design in good condition.
Chrome
Dior Round Photo Frame in Golden Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Italy, 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning round picture frame made of golden brass and Lucite, enriched inside with Vienna straw. This incredibly stylish photo frame is attributed to a Dior Home design and was produ...
Brass
Vintage Hawaiian Tiki Copper Relief in Tortoise Bamboo Frame With Woven Rattan
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Fantastic vintage Hawaiian wall art featuring an embossed copper relief scene of a reclining hula girl beneath a palm tree overlooking a trop...
Copper
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
French Space Age Green Glass Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French Space Age green glass picture frame features a round domed design with a kinetic effect. The piece was crafted circa 1970. The easel and the back are covered wit...
Glass, Art Glass
$4,737Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
$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
Midcentury Rattan, Wicker and Glass Rectangular Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular picture frame in rattan, wicker and glass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home.
Wicker, Rattan, Glass, Wood, Bamboo
Silverplate Mappin & Webb large ornate photo frame
Located in London, GB
Beautiful and fabulous quality silvered and gilt metal large photo frame.
Silver Plate, Brass
Gallotti & Radice 1960 Rectangular Molato Crystal Photograph Holder
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Gallotti & Radice Molten Crystal photography holder elegant and very refined Italian production circa 1960.
Crystal
1960s Signed Fontana Arte Glass Picture Frame
By Fontana Arte
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A wonderful find. This perfectly designed heavy glass picture frame in hand-blown turquoise glass was made by Fontana Arte in the 1960s and was found here in Italy. It is signed on t...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
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
Petite Vintage Brass Pig Picture Frame, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous petite picture frame showing a pink pig. No restoration has been carried out on this charming little piece, which remains in nice functioning condition, wear is consistent...
Metal
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
$252Sale Price|57% Off
Photo frame in decorated crystal and Brass Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Photo frame in decorated crystal and brass Italian Design 1970s.
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Gold Gilt Wood Art Frame w Liner
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fabulous wooden rectangular decorative frame with fantastic gilt.. This ornate frame has its original brown velvet liner which will accommodate artwork 10 to 10.5 inches wide by 8 in...
Wood, Velvet
Gucci Italy Cognac Leather and Brushed Aluminum Picture Frame, circa 1980
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
House of Gucci designed this exceptional picture frame in Italy, circa 1980. It is crafted in timeless, elegant golden‑brown cognac calfskin leather with a refined textured pattern. ...
Metal, Aluminum
Gucci, Italy Leather Picture Frame with Pierced Design, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Gucci Sage Green Calfskin Leather Picture Frame, Italy, circa 1970 — A Collector's Piece of Italian Design Heritage Infuse your exclusive interior with timeless sophistication t...
Leather
Mid-Century Modernist Enamel and Metal Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This outstanding Mid-Century picture frame was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The stunning easel-type table photo holder features enamel on copper in a green color and chromed metal fr...
Metal, Chrome, Copper, Enamel
Midcentury Brass and Lucite Swivel Picture Frame Paul Lobel Style, Italy 1950s
By Paul Lobel
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing swivel double picture frame in brass and lucite in the style of Paul Lobel. The double frame swivels and is double-sided. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Metal, Brass
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
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Nickel
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 a wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Paris Tortoiseshell Lucite Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior picture frame is a true masterpiece from the esteemed Christian Dior Interior Collection, circa 1970. Designed with sophistication in mind, this rare fr...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Italian Picture Frame in gilded aluminum and Faux Burl Formica By Mascagni, 70s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
We offer for sale a Picture Frame whose production is attributable to the Umberto Mascagni brand. Made in Italy, as attested by the engraving on the gilded aluminum support, undoubte...
Aluminum
Mid Century Montagnani Italy Metal and Walnut Wood Picture Frame
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame circa 1970. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with burl walnut wood geometric veneer complem...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Murano Green Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and green Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Brass
Pietro Chiesa per Fontana Arte cornice portafoto n. 1370
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Eleganza senza tempo racchiusa in un set di cornici portafoto disegnate da Pietro Chiesa per Fontana arte. mod 1370\1 composto da una fascia in ottone, che nella sua curvatura manti...
Brass
Signed Christofle Tortoiseshell Plexiglass and Brass Photo Frame, France, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare photo frame made of beautiful tortoiseshell-effect lucite and polished brass. This stunning decorative piece was produced in France during the 1970s by Christofle ...
Brass
Dior Picture Frame in Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful picture frame made of golden brass and clear lucite, enriched with Vienna straw. This lovely folding frame is attributed to Dior Home and was produced in Italy in the earl...
Metal, Brass
Umberto Mascagni Geometric Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni, based in Bologna, designed this exquisite picture frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts gilded aluminum with a frosted geometric pattern. The back a...
Metal, Aluminum
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
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
Midcentury Picture Frame in Curved Leather and Glass, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful picture frame in curved brown leather, glass and details in brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Metal, Brass
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
20th Century, Gabriella Crespi Round Photo Frame in Brass, 70s
Located in Turin, Turin
Born in 1922, Gabriella Crespi studies architecture at the Politecnico in Milan, where her work is permeated by her perspective on Le Corbusier’s and Frank Lloyd Wright’s design expe...
Brass
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in golden color
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in Golden color glitter Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in golden color glitter/transparent color. Suits for 5x7"...
Murano Glass
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Attributed Picture Frame
By Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Attributed Picture Frame Offered is an unusual early mid-century Italian glass and brass frame attributed to Fontana Arte. This timeless design, executed...
Brass
Clear with Gold Flecks Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border infused with gold flecks / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 11 inches / width: 12.5 inches / de...
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 sl...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Wicker, Rattan
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 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
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
Mid-Century Brass & Wood Picture Frame, Gabriella Crespi Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern brass & wood picture frame in the manner of Gabriella Crespi, Italy 1970s wood, brass H 33 cm 27 × 2 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Brass
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
"Torchon" Murano Art Glass Mirror, Signed Barovier-Toso Murano, 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
"Torchon" clear glass and brass details Perfect condition.
Brass
Orange Filament Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border and orange filament ribbon / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 10.5 inches / width: 8.3 inches /...
Brass
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
Dunhill Vintage Mid-Century Boxed Leather Easel-Back Picture Frame
By Dunhill
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine vintage mid-century style leather easel-back picture frame by Dunhill and dating from the 20th century. The frame is of square form with rounded corners and is leather fronted...
Leather, Glass, Wood
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
Vintage Italian Faux Turtle Shell Lucite Mirror/Photo Frame, 1970's.
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large vintage Italian frame created in curved faux turtle shell imitation lucite, from 1970's. Central part is with mirror in chrome frame. Mirror...
Chrome
Umberto Mascagni Shiny Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this stunning picture frame. The piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The piece boasts shiny gilded aluminum with a bronze-c...
Metal, Aluminum
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