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
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
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
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
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
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
$4,723Sale 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
1950s Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Glass Picture Frame by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A perfectly preserved mirrored glass rectangular picture frame designed and manufactured by Fontana Arte, one of the leading manufacturers of Mid-Century Modern design in Italy. The ...
Cut Glass, Mirror
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
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Nickel
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
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
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
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
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
Team Guzzini Italy 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
Christian Dior Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century photo frame in curved lucite with a beautiful tortoiseshell effect and brass. This charming piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to a Chris...
Brass
Italian Florentine Black Gold Gilded Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Florentine black and gold gilded frame with intricate detail throughout. Sturdy and beautiful, this frame is ready for a picture and certainly captures that European vibe...
Wood, Giltwood
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
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
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 2 Available
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
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
Vintage French Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive French gilt gold art frame with liner found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and wou...
Gold
Vintage Mid 20th Century Louis Vuitton Photo Frame, Circa 1960–70
Located in London, GB
A mid 20th century Louis Vuitton photo frame, dating from around 1960–70. Originally produced as an advertising counter piece, it was likely used to display jewellery or other smal...
Leather
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
20th Century Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte Mod 1371 Glass and Brass
Located in Turin, Turin
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
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
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
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
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
Exceptional Murano Glass and Brass Photo Frame by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A truly rare and exquisite Murano glass and brass photo frame by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, dating back to the 1940s. This signed piece stands out for its exceptional craft...
Brass
$210Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Mirror Glass Photograph Frame. English 1950's
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Stylish mirror glass photograph frame Decorative bevelled detail to the edges Slight silver loss top right corner. No chips to the glass Good clean back Free UK shipping
Mirror, Glass
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
1970s Mid-century Modern Mirror and Glass Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian Mirror and Glass Picture Frame Add a touch of 1970s Italian glamour to your home with this striking and unique vintage picture frame. This piece embo...
Glass, Mirror
Vintage Mid-Century Green Leather Photo Frame France
Located in Munich, DE
This elegant desktop green leather photo frame was created in France in the middle of the 20th century. The convex curved green leather front is highlighted by white ornamental stitc...
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
Photo frame Decorative Object Silver Plated Brass Mid-Century Modern Italy 1960
Located in Palermo, IT
Rectangular photo frame made with a silver-plated brass frame and embossed decorations. Made in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s. The back is also elegant, covered in smooth velvet. Plea...
Brass
1970s Christian Dior Home Style Modern Wicker and Plexiglass Picture Frame
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Mid-Century Modern rectangular picture frame, designed and manufactured in Italy in the style of Dior Home, seamlessly blends luxury and natural elements. The frame featur...
Wicker, Plexiglass
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
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 create...
Brass
$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
Two 1970s Willy Rizzo Style Mid-century Modern Silver Plated Picture Frames
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Chic Pair of 1970s Willy Rizzo Style Mid-Century Modern Silver-Plated Picture Frames Capture your cherished memories in true 1970s style with this exquisite pair of picture frames, m...
Silver Plate, Brass
Photo Frame in Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite, Christian Dior, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century picture frame in a beautitful tortoiseshell effect lucite. This incredibly stylish piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to a Christian Di...
Lucite
Picture frame Apple Red and Green Enamel gold plated Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with fine hand-engraving by “masters of art” Renato Dainelli and Gianfranco Secci, of fruit (apples) fired with polych...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Curved Leather Italian Picture Frame by Nova Tecno, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous rectangular photo frame fully made in a fantastic thick curved leather. This incredibly elegant and unique object was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s by Nova Tecno. Thi...
Leather, Glass
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...
Rattan, Wicker, Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite
Mid-Century Italian Smoked Pink Lucite Photo Frame, Dior Home, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large photo frame made from a single curved piece of smoked pink lucite and completed with a thick clear lucite front. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy d...
Lucite
Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame Attributed to Venini, Italy 1950s
By Venini
Located in Rome, IT
A beautiful picture frame made of clear "twisted rope" Murano glass and the original wooden backrest, with brass support, attributed to Venini. Made in Italy in the 1940s.
Metal, Brass
1950s Round Perspex Photo Frame
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A very pretty Italian plexiglass and brass photo frame. This frame perfectly houses a small circular photo on a desk. It is made of three concentric tubes of plexiglass held together...
Brass
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
Tiffany Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular window in plain and flat surround. At top is gold emblem in form of waisted cylinder e...
Sterling Silver
1970s Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Italian Rectangular Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Picture Frame is a stylish and distinctive piece of decor that reflects the design trends of its era. The frame is crafted from Lucite, a type of acrylic glass known for i...
Lucite
European Mid-Century Gold Gilt Painted Wood Art Frame w Liner
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found on a European buying trip, a fabulous wooden rectangular decorative frame with fantastic gilt. This ornate frame has its original orange velvet liner which will accommodate ...
Paint, Velvet, Wood
Florentine Gilt Mirror Collection, Italian, Wood & Resin, 1950s-60s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Great grouping of Florentine gilt mirrors from Italy. This charming mirror collection includes three wooden and one resin. Can be used in a grou...
Giltwood, Paint