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.
Vintage 1960s Danish Brutalist Chevron Oak Cabinet, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This exceptional Danish modern brutalist cabinet, dating from the 1960s, is in the style of renowned designer Henning Kjærnulf. This oak piece features his signature geometric, relie...
Oak
Teak Stereo Record Expandable 2 pc. Entertainment Cabinet and Desk Denmark (A)
By Viborg Stolefabrik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An expandable stereo record cabinet with one door having an adjustable shelve, 3 record slots and an open storage area with one adjustable shelve for your stereo equipment. The other...
Teak
Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio Early and Rare Loop Cabinet in Verdigris Copper
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, ‘Loop’ wall-mounted cabinet, welded copper with applied verdigris patina, steel, brass, painted wood, United States, circa 1968 Made around 1968, t...
Brass, Copper, Steel
Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of chests was made in the 1960s by American of Martinsville. Each dresser features three drawers with the classic Gershun louvered look, almost ...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid stained oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming large sideboard is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. This p...
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcases in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcases, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1957 These library units, crafted from walnut, are the work of Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Fabric, Walnut
Leon Martin Rare Console from French Dental Cabinet Office circa 1920 Paris
By Léon Martin 1
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
A sensational early 20th century Dental Cabinet from Paris , France . Beautifully manufactured in iron with 8 drawers metal background and 1 doors. The top is black glass. A fabulous additional for any office or used as console Leon Martin...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Italian Designer, Cabinet, Wood, Parchment, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, beige-painted wood and beige parchment cabinet or side board designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Includes one key. Overall Dimensio...
Wood, Parchment Paper
Mid‑Century Modernist Teak Cabinet, Belgium 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully balanced example of Belgian mid‑century design, this 1960 teak cabinet embodies the clarity, warmth, and functional sophistication that defined the era. With its clean ...
Teak
Vintage 1970s Danish Oak Low Cabinet / Sideboard, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This commanding oak sideboard is a masterful homage to the iconic “Baroque Modern” style of Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf. Exemplifying the Brutalist-inspired furniture movement o...
Oak
Vintage 1994 Danish Modern Oak Cabinet in the style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This Danish cabinet, crafted from Nordic oak in 1994 by HM Møbler, is a deliberate and masterful homage to the legendary "Baroque Modern" style of Henning Kjærnulf. It captures the e...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Oak 15-Drawer Architect's Blueprint Flat File Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional vintage Mid-Century Modern or Arts & Crafts style oak 15-drawer architect's blueprint flat file cabinet, map file, or art cabinet In the manner of Globe Wernicke By ...
Steel
$840Sale Price|30% Off
Lane Staccato Mid Century Modern Oak Brutalist Nightstand Cabinet Side Table
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Dayton, OH
1970s Vintage Lane Furniture Staccato collection Brutalist style Oak nightstand cabinet. 568-32. The cabinet base showcases Lanes iconic cubed brutalist form with two doors that tha...
Oak
$5,950Sale Price|30% Off
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Curved China Display Cabinet Curio Tambour Doors
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional Vintage Scandanavian Modern Breakfront, Made in Denmark. Features a curved form made teak with a divided and illuminated back lit curio showcase along the top over a...
Glass, Teak
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Edward J Wormley Manufacturer Dunbar Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, this exceptional cabinet reflects Wormley’s philosophy of blending modern desig...
Metal
1950s Italian Sideboard in Green Lacquered Wood with Oak Interior and Black Legs
Located in Rome, IT
Italian sideboard from the 1950s, restored and restyled with great attention to craftsmanship and modern proportions. The structure is made of solid wood, finished with a green shell...
Brass, Iron
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet w/ Chrome Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Chrome
Expertly Restored - Carlo Jensen Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet for Hundevad & Co.
By Hundevad & Co., Carlo Jensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Rosewood
Cubical Cabinet in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, Oregon pine, Europe, 1970s Concise in design, this cabinet is a versatile piece for various settings or interiors. It could serve as a practical storage solution for an off...
Pine
A Mid-Century Modern Cabinet, in Style of Jean Prouvé, Sweden c. 1950s
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A Mid Century Modern Cabinet, in the Style of Jean Prouvé, Sweden, 1950s A Swedish cabinet produced in the 1950s. Executed in wood with a restrained and functional design, defined b...
Wood
André Sornay Cabinet or Wardrobe with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s This tall cabinet, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary...
Wood, Mahogany
Vintage Josef Frank Style Swedish Cabinet, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vintage Swedish cabinet, after Josef Frank. Wildflower front with a grounded frame. The loose botanical motif echoes the Svenskt Tenn aesthetic with a nice balance of movement. Solid...
Textile, Beech
Mid Century Dyrlund Teak Arched Lighted Display Cabinet
By Dyrlund
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Lighted Display or Curio Cabinet attributed to Dyrlund. Cathedral Arched top with paned glass doors, a moody beautiful piece in deeper toned t...
Glass, Teak
Mid-Century Modern 1950s Italian Cabinet in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, mahogany, mirrored glass, glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming cabinet stands out with its graphical door panels, featuring carved horizontal lines that add character ...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Wardrobe in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or wardrobe, oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the graphical de...
Brass
Franz Xaver Sproll Hand-Crafted Large Cabinet in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franz Xaver Sproll, large cabinet or wardrobe, pine, Switzerland, 1960s Swiss furniture maker Franz Xaver Sproll is known for his high-quality, handcrafted solid wood furniture, de...
Pine, Walnut
Studio B.B.P.R. Large Library in Walnut and Glass
By Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio B.B.P.R. (Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Enrico Peressutti, Ernesto Nathan Rogers), library, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, late 1960s. This wonderful bookcase is designed b...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Bookcase with Cabinet in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, bookcase, oak, black glass, France, 1960s Elegant bookcase with integrated sideboard designed by Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme for Vo...
Glass, Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet 'Thierry' in Oak and Ceramic
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, cabinet, model 'Thierry', oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This model 'Thierry' case piece is designed by Guillerme & Chambron. It features geometric engravings in...
Ceramic, Oak
Poul Cadovius hanging Royal Wall System 1950s Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this iconic Royal System by Poul Cadovius 1950s in the rare African Bonkonko Wood Beautiful warm light color . 4 uprights 2 Cabinets 12 shelves ....
Wood
Shaw Walker Faux Wood 1940s File Cabinet
By Shaw Walker
Located in Pasadena, TX
Heavy duty 1940s 2-drawer steel file cabinet made in the USA by Shaw Walker, with a faux wood or faux bois printed finish. In very good vintage condition, working well and sturdy wit...
Metal
Pair of Large Nightstand Tables Bedside Cabinets Chestnut Spanish Style c. 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
Bedside cabinets nightstand of 1970s made in France in the Spanish style. Chestnut wood and handle in wrought iron. The cabinet are closed by a wooden shutter held in the closed posi...
Wrought Iron
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Ceramic Handles
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, highboard or cabinet, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This wardrobe is based on a well-designed structure where aesthetics and functionally go hand in hand. The d...
Oak
Vintage Danish Chevron Oak Cabinet, Henning Kjærnulf Baroque style, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A refined and sculptural 1960s Danish Chevron Oak cabinet, attributed to Designer Henning Kjaernulf. An elegant and textural piece, it reveals those highlights of Nordic craftsmanshi...
Brass
$3,900 / item
Mid-Century Tall Filing Archive Cabinets in Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Filing cabinets, lacquered steel, metal, Germany, 1960s These filing cabinets from the 1960s are unusual because of their cylindrical shape. Instead of the usual boxy, rectangular ...
Metal, Steel
Rare Raoul Clement & R. Verot French Highboard in Sycamore
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Raoul Clement and R. Verot, cabinet, varnished sycamore, dark stained wood, France, 1955 This rare cabinet is designed by French cabinetmaker Paul Cléme...
Wood, Sycamore
Mid-Century Modern Sliding Door Walnut Storage Cabinet
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this stunning 1960s American-made walnut sliding door cabinet, a true Mid-Century Modern classic. Featuring rich walnut grain and clean, minimalist lines, thi...
Wood, Walnut
American Designer, Cabinet, Wood, Cane, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and cane cabinet designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Minor top surface imperfections. Wear consistent with vintage age and normal use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3...
Cane, Wood
Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Cabinet
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' side table cabinet, metal, plastic, fabric, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, th...
Steel
Guillerme & Chambron Buffet in Stained Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboard, stained oak, France, 1960s This sculptural cabinet is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. The piece is executed in solid,...
Oak
Dyrlund Danish Teak Mid-Century Tambour Door Credenza w/ Glass-Fronted Hutch Top
By Dyrlund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Danish modern teak credenza by Dyrlund featuring signature tambour doors and a detachable glass-fronted hutch top. The lower case opens to reveal a bank of dovetailed drawers...
Brass
1970s Modular Plastic Cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original pair of cylindrical cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell, modular with vertical overlap was designed for every room. A true pieces of italian design. The items are in...
Plastic
French Designer, Cabinet, Sycamore, Brass, France, 1950
Located in High Point, NC
A sycamore wood and brass cabinet or sideboard designed and produced in France, c. 1950. With darkening to wood present to top end of cabinet doors as illustrated. Overall Dimensio...
Brass
French Riviera Organic Cabinet in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century cabinet fully made in bamboo and woven rattan. This wonderful organic two-door cabinet was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and with a c...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1960s by Poul Cadovius, this 2nd generation wall unit was produced by Cado during the same time period. Cado as a company was founded when Poul began selling his...
Glass, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Oak 15-Drawer Architect's Blueprint Flat File Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional vintage Mid-Century Modern or Arts & Crafts style oak 15-drawer architect's blueprint flat file cabinet, map file, or art cabinet I...
Steel
Vintage Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Burlwood Cabinet with Etched Brass
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage 1970’s Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Furniture burlwood tall chest with iconic Rohne acid-etched brass panel on middle front of cabinet. The upper doors open to a storage compar...
Brass
$7,500Sale Price|21% Off
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin, Rosewood and Brass Italian Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A freshly refinished Aldo Tura dry bar cabinet, crafted in Italy circa 1950s, showcasing Tura’s signature mix of luxury materials and sculptural mid-century form. The cabinet is fini...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Cabinet in Oak, Hand carved by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Round Rock, TX
Danish Hand-Carved Oak Cabinet, Denmark, Mid-20th Century This exceptional Danish cabinet is crafted from solid oak and distinguished by its deeply hand-carved façade. The front pan...
Oak
$2,700Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet by Aksel Kjersgaard Odder. This 2-piece standing storage unit contains 5 slide pull drawers below a ...
Birch
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet by Carlo Jensen
By Carlo Jensen, Hundevad & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Birch, Rosewood
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Broyhill Brasilia line is extensive, spanning multiple rooms across more than 30 models. Throughout our multi-decade experience in this industry, we have seen and handled nearly ...
Walnut
Charles Flandre Cabinet in Solid Elm and Wrought Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, cabinet, solid elm, pine, wrought iron, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this exquisite elmwood high cabinet beautifully blends rustic ...
Iron
Vintage Two-Drawer Oak Locking Filing Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Attractive and useful are two words to describe this nice oak 2-drawer filing cabinet. It has a beautiful oak finish with solid wood trims. The entire cabinet measures 16" x 17" x 28...
Brass
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / CU07 cabinet / Pastoe / Cees Braakman / metal, teak / Vintage / Mid-century Highboard CU07 designed by the Dutch designer Cees Braakman in 1958 for Pastoe. This mo...
Metal
Pair Restored Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Cabinets
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of dressers was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional ...
Leather, Walnut
Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Side Table or Small Cabinet
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' side table or cabinet, coated steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manu...
Steel
André Sornay Cabinets or Wardrobes with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinets or wardrobes, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s These tall cabinets, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, are exem...
Wood, Mahogany
Franco Albini for Poggi Italian Midcdentury Dark Wood Sideboard, 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design little credenza sideboard "MB48" model designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi with stained walnut wood and brass details, made in Italy 1960...
Wood
$3,749Sale Price|53% Off
Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps
By Johan Tapp, Gumps
Located in Lafayette, IN
Spectacular burled cabinet/wall unit designed by Johan Tapp for Gumps. Cabinet features beautiful book-matched burl veneered doors, solid brass hardwa...
Brass