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.
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente del Mobile, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
1950s Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Italian Burl Wood Bar Cabinet Credenza
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Mid-Century Art Deco bar cabinet credenza in burl veneer wood with great details such as the handes and framed top. The typical aestetic, shape, design with the ...
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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 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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Poul Cadovius hanging Royal Wall System 1950s Denmark
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
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
Art Deco Cocktail Bar by Beautility
By Beautility
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: England Designer: Beautility Manufacturer: Beautility Era: 1950s Materials: Walnut Measurements: 60.5" wide x 18.5" deep (bar closed), 28" deep (bar open) x 33" tall
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 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
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
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
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
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet in Solid Oak and Glass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboard, solid oak, glass, France, 1960s Charming cupboard designed by the acclaimed designer duo Guillerme et Chambron. One can hide its pe...
Glass, Oak
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
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
Poul Cadovius modular floating Teak and White Wall system 1960s Denmark
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beathiful iconic Poul Cadovius Royal Wall System . Comes in a very nice Teak And White color combination . Denmark 1960s The set is consisting of .3 very Hight 230 cm and 1 short...
Teak
Guillerme & Chambron Bookcase with Cabinet in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
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
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
Hanging Drop Front Knoll Cabinet c. 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Florence Knoll walnut hanging cabinet with off white lacquered drop front doors with black leather pulls for Knoll circa 1960s. This cabinet was purchased from the original owner who...
Leather, Glass, Walnut, Paint
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
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
Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Cabinet
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
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
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
1970s pair of Plastic Modular Cabinets by Anna Castelli Ferrieri 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
Guillerme & Chambron Buffet in Stained Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
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
$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
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
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 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
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet in Rosewood and Marble, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in PARIS, FR
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet in Rosewood and Marble, Italy, 1970s Exceptional bar cabinet designed by Willy Rizzo, crafted in Italy in the 1970s. ...
Marble
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Chair with Storage in Oak and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, lounge chair and cabinet, oak, leather, France, 1960s This is a remarkable piece of furniture by Guillerme et Chambron. The whole construction is based on a seating area and a unique, custom-made cabinet. The armrest is beautifully shaped and contains an engraved...
Leather, 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
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
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
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
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 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
Scandinavian Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Scandinavian sideboard, 1960s. Sideboard made of patinated teak veneer wood, with essential line and right proportions. It consists of two sliding doors and four side drawers. The ha...
Wood, Teak
Borup Møbelfabrik "Bm207" Teak Corner Unit / Bar With Pullout Tray
Located in Berkeley, CA
This Teak Corner Bar Cabinet is a great example of thoughtful mid century design, made to fit neatly into spaces that are often overlooked. Its angled shape allows it to sit comforta...
Teak
Rare Ico Parisi for Fratelli Rizzi Cabinet or Vanity in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ico Parisi for Fratelli Rizzi, Intimiano, cabinet or vanity, a desk from the same series referenced under cat. no, '1950.56', chestnut, mahogany, brass, mirrored glass, Italy, 1950 ...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Cabinet
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...
Metal
Rare 1920s Art Deco Amsterdam School Dresser, Oak, by Paul Bromberg for Pander
By H.Pander & Zonen, Paul Bromberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and expressive cabinet, designed in the early 1920s by the influential Dutch designer Paul Bromberg for the distinguished firm H. Pander and Sons, is a stunning example of ...
Glass, Oak
Stewart MacDougall 1970s Room Divider with Desk, Birch, Walnut & Formica
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully conceived room divider with integrated desk from the 1970s, designed by Stewart MacDougall. Crafted in a harmonious blend of birch, warm walnut, vibrant Formica, and sl...
Metal