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.
Friso Kramer Stabilux Cabinets for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1950s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, 1950's, gray enameled metal four compartment storage cabinet module. Designed by Dutch post-war design luminary Friso Kramer as part of the Stabilux line for Ahren...
Metal
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
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
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
$6,800Sale Price|20% 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
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
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 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
French Designer, Cabinet, Walnut, Marble, Brass, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, brass and marble cabinet or sideboard designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Loose trim inside. Minor imperfections throughout inside shelving surfaces consistent wit...
Marble, 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
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
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
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 Brutalist Cabinet or Highboard, Belgium ca. 1970
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1970 / Cabinet / wood and aluminum / Mid-Century / Brutalist A striking example of Belgian Brutalist design from the 1970s, this sculptural cabinet combines bold geometry ...
Aluminum
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
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
Two EU/NU-11 Japanese Series Wall Cabinets by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1958
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern EU/NU-11 Japanese Series wall cabinets. Design by Cees Braakman for Pastoe Utrecht. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. The EU-11 wall ...
Milk Glass, Mirror, Teak
Willy van der Meeren Wardrobe for Tubax, Two-Tone Blue Doors, Belgium, 1952
By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax
Located in Los Angeles, CA
striking free-standing wardrobe designed by Willy van der Meeren for Tubax in 1952. An emblematic piece of Belgian Mid-Century design, this cabinet showcases van der Meeren's functi...
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
Expertly Restored -George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Steel
Gio Ponti Style Horizontal Tambour Storage Cabinet with Key
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century storage cabinet with tambour door and key. Classic rustic style with tons of character and functionality making for a perfect addition to any space that values efficiency...
Oak
$10,324
ITALIAN CABINET - 50's
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cocktail Cabinet Italy, 1950s Italian cocktail cabinet featuring a sculptural façade adorned with organic relief motifs, creating a fluid and graphic composition. Executed in veneere...
Brass
Walnut Florence Knoll Hanging Cabinet with Off White Drop Front Doors c1950s
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 1950s. This cabinet was purchased from the original owner who...
Leather, Walnut, Paint
Aldo TURA - Cabinet à cocktails
By Aldo Tura
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Aldo Tura (1909–1964) Rare cocktail cabinet for TURA, Italy, 1950s. Executed in walnut with black lacquered elements and a carved maple façade with basket-weave motif. Dimensions: 12...
Maple, Walnut, Lacquer
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
Dieter Rams 606 Series Floating Credenza for Vitsoe, 1960s Design
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare, iconic "606 Series" unit, designed by the legendary Dieter Rams in his signature minimalist style for Vitsoe, is a wall mounted floating credenza, consisting of two out o...
Metal
$20,041 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit creat...
Aluminum
$25,142 / set
Pair of Cabinets Italy, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Cabinets Italy, 1970s Pair of architectural cabinets in cherry wood with raffia panels. Molded square-panel façades with sculpted diamond-poin...
Raffia, Cherry
Pair of rare Cabinets by Gio Ponti for Domus Nova, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant pair of high cabinets designed by Gio Ponti, Italy, circa 1930s. Each piece is crafted in burl wood and walnut, showcasing a refined geometric design enriched by a gently cur...
Wood
Mid-Century Brutalist Wall Mounted Patchwork Cabinet Signed Paul Evans 68
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
An iconic design by legendary American studio craftsman Paul Evans, this mid-century Brutalist wall-mounted cabinet exemplifies his innovative artistry and bold industrial aesthetics...
Slate, Metal
20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Rare Trumeau mod. Gran Coromandel
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Turin, Turin
Piero Fornasetti was an Italian painter, sculptor, decorator, and craftsman who used ornamental and pictorial motifs to decorate silk scarves, furniture, plates, vessels, and similar...
Glass, Wood, Harewood
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
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
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
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
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
Kazuhide Takahama Bramante Cabinet for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Bramante Cabinet For Cassina A design storage cabinet, symbol of a modern-day timeless classic with sleek uncluttered lines upon w...
Wood
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
Rare 1920s Art Deco Amsterdam School Dresser, Oak, by Paul Bromberg for Pander
By Paul Bromberg, H.Pander & Zonen
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
French Designer, Cabinet, Oak, Marble, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and marble cabinet or sideboard with carved decorative relief designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 37.4"H x 86.625"W x 21.5"D All items sh...
Marble
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet
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
Danish Modern Corner Bar / Cupboard by Skagen Møbelfabrik
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Skagen Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 36″ wide x 21.25″ deep x 54″ tall
Teak
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
$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
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
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 6 Drawers in White for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Patricia Urquiola Hayama Cabinet, Lacquered MDF, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Hayama Cabinet For Cassina With her unmistakable design signature, what Patricia Urquiola creates is an invitation to travel, in the form of furniture – through th...
Lacquer
Mid Century Modern Danish Style Teak Credenza Bar Sideboard Buffet G Plan 1960s
Located in Portland, OR
A very stylish original Mid Century Modern teak credenza bar, by G Plan, 1960s. This very chic twin level credenza is made from very attractive figured grained teak, the top with cur...
Teak
$3,999Sale Price|50% 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
21st Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Style Colored Murano Glass Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Mid-Century modern style Italian cabinet made of hand blown colored Murano glass, in good condition. The inside of the detailed buffet is made of Walnut, composed with three non ad...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern file cabinet with vertical sliding tambour front in teak made by Bjerring...
Teak
French Designer, Cabinet, Mahogany, Brass, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and brass cabinet or sideboard designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Mild to moderate imperfections on top surface from normal use. Minimal scratches on side panels...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet or Bookcase for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A solid maple wood cabinet or bookcase sitting on stainless square tubed legs having two sliding doors with finger pulls and one nonadjustable shelve inside. A very functional and pe...
Brass
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 6 Drawers in White for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Spectacular Murano Italian Cabinet
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Hand made by an Italian artisan this cabinet with a wooden frame, covered in handcrafted glass panels with brass inlays, brass legs and a spectacular designed rectangular brass handl...
Brass
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 4 Drawers in Honey for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Expertly Restored United Furniture Walnut Diamond Triple Dresser 9 Drawers 1960s
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern united furniture company vintage circa 1950s nine-drawer triple dresser would work well in the bedroom as originally intended or in the living room re-purposed as ...
Aluminum
Jean Michel Frank, Ecart, Paris Cabinet, France, model created in 1932
By Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jean Michel Frank, Ecart, Paris Cabinet, France, 1932 Oak, Gouge technique H: 33.5 D: 19.85 L: 67 in. This is a custom ordered cabinet made in 2022 by Ecart, authorized JM Frank ma...
Oak
A Pair of MCM Pergamino Covered Cabinets / Nightstands, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sophisticated pair of two-door cabinets or nightstands clad in richly toned natural parchment (pergamino). The clean, rectilinear forms are complemented by minimal brass embellishm...
Brass
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, minimalist, open book case-cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg DK. Beautiful teak with dovetail joints and nice details. The teak has turned to a dar...
Teak