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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fontana Arte Thick Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
$672Sale 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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Gucci Metal Photo Frame, White Glass, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A white metal Gucci photo frame made in the 1970s. It is stamped Gucci on the base, has the Gucci Gs insignia on the front and a Gucci button on the back. The piece is 50 years old a...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a refined mid-20th century tabletop frame, an object that combines modern taste with a charming retro appeal. It makes a perfect gift for tennis enth...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Pair frame no.1371 by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Italia c. 1946 20th century
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Palermo, IT
Timeless elegance encapsulated in a set of photo frames designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana arte. mod 1370\1 composed of a brass band, which in its curvature keeps the two hand-cut c...
Brass
$244Sale 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 Photo Frame by Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and elegant picture frame with thick "nile green" beveled glass panels and brass frame / Made in Italy by Fontana Arte, circa 1950s Measures: width 9 inches, height 5.5 inches, ...
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
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
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
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 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
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 Modern Picture Frame by Fontana Arte, Hand-Blown Glass
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, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Pietro Chiesa per Fontana Arte cornice portafoto n. 1370
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
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
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
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
1970s Mid-Century Modern High Quality Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This high-quality 1970s Italian picture frame is a masterclass in understated luxury and Mid-Century Modern sophistication. The design features a broad, textured border meticulously ...
Silver Plate
Gabriella Crespi Signed Plexiglass and Nickel-plated Brass Photo Frame, Italy 70
Located in Naples, IT
Very rare plexiglass photo frame with nickel-plated brass frame. Incised signature to the reverse.
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
Midcentury Lucite and Rattan Pair of Picture Frame Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful pair of picture frames in lucite and rattan in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Wicker, Straw, Rattan, Lucite, Plexiglass
Clear with Gold Flecks Round Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage round photo frame in hand blown Murano "Torciglione" clear glass border infused with gold flecks / Made in Italy circa 1960s Diameter: 12 inches / Depth: 2 inches 1 available...
Brass
Midcentury Picture Frame Glass and Steel Attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful picture frame in engraved glass and steel attributed to Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Metal
Ceramic optical Tile Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche, 1968
By Ettore Sottsass, Cedit Ceramiche 1
Located in taranto, IT
Rare ceramic tile designed in 1968 by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche aluminum frame Size with frame 35x35 cm, tile size 15x15 cm, protrusion from the wall 5 cm Very good cond...
Ceramic
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. ...
Leather
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 Picture Frame in Steel, Wicker and Glass by Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury wonderful round picture frame in steel, wood, wicker and glass by Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Metal, Steel
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
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
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
$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
Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous photo frame in lucite with a stunning tortoiseshell effect. This elegant piece was produced in Italy in the 1970s. This stunning piece is perfect to enhance a modern studio...
Lucite, Plexiglass
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