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.
Pair of Danish Midcentury Lounge Chairs with Birch Armrests Halabala Style 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the 1940's with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch in a really nice color. Somewhat r...
Wool, Beech
Danish Otto Schulz style Low Mid century Lounge Chair in Oak and Shearling 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Otto Schulz style lounge chair made by unknown Danish master carpenter sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. The style is similar to that of Schulz with the typical separat...
Sheepskin, Oak
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Lounge Chair Model 2 + Stool, Beech with Webbing 1970s
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Scandinavian modern easy chair and lounge chair with stool model 2 Pernilla manufactured by Dux of Sweden. Designed by architect and designer Bruno Mathsson in 1944. The frame is m...
Leather, Beech, Fabric
Two Mid Century GFM Stools in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful pair of two stools designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one...
Textile, Beech
Mid Century GFM Stool in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
Set Off Two Bastiano Longue Chair By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Gavina 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Bastiano Longue Chairs By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Gavina 1960s
Leather, Teak
LC2 Le Corbusier Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Sven Ivar Dysthe Model 7001H Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Sven Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in Lutz, FL
An uncommon High Back Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman set designed by Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Mobler Norway. A well documented design however as no tags are present....
Metal
Set of 2 Mid Century Angel Pazmino Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Chairs
Located in Lutz, FL
Set of 2 Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Lounge Chairs by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960's, original metal tags on front cross stretcher and paper tags on underside of leather seat...
Leather, Fruitwood
Pair of 1970s vintage low tan leather scoop lounge chairs with chrome feet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of 1970s vintage low tan leather scoop lounge chairs with chrome feet. Tufted curved armless low lounge chairs. Shows little signs of use and wear on leather. Very comfortable a...
Chrome
Mid Century GFM 64 Armchair, Drawing Jacquard Velvet Dedar, Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM 64 designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...
Textile, Beech
Danish Modern, A Pair of Lounge Chairs in Oak & Wool, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Henning Kjærnulf, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A fascinating sculptural pair of Danish modern lounge chairs in the manner of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf. Made in solid oak and the original brown savak wool upholstery. Made in the 19...
Wool, Oak
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut & Boucle Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century modern sculpted walnut rocking chair beautifully marries organic form with relaxed comfort, showcasing the era’s commitment to human-centered design. The sculpted wa...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Arne Norell “Ilona” Lounge Chair in Stained Beech and Leather, Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a mid-century Scandinavian lounge chair designed by Arne Norell. This Ilona model combines elegant form with great comfort. Crafted with a stained beechwood frame a...
Leather, Beech
Johannes Andersen Capri Longue Chair 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Johannes Andersen Capri Longue Chair 1950s in original condition
Fabric
Pair of Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan in Luxe Camel Mohair
Located in New York, NY
This pair of swiveling "Nautilus" chairs by the iconic designer Vladimir Kagan exemplifies his groundbreaking approach to modern furniture design. Inspired by the organic and fluid f...
Mohair
Vintage Pernilla Armchair by Bruno Mathsson for Dux
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Chicago, IL
Pernilla 69 lounge chair by DUX Sweden, circa 1970 laminated and steam-bent beech, canvas webbing chair: 38½ h × 29½ w × 35 d in Condition: Good overall condition. General wear exi...
Bentwood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Mohair, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, metal and yellow mohair lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Mohair, Wood
French Designer, Lounge Chairs, Metal, Fabric, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bronze-painted tubular steel and fabric lounge chairs likely designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Moderate to heavy wear to metal frame. Fraying to vintage fabric. ...
Metal
Danish Upholstered Lounge Chair ca. 1950
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Nice large Danish Lounge chair probably made around 1950. Made after older methods with coils springs in the backrest and seat but with a loose cushion added which became popular aro...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Early Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, circa 1955
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and desirable pair of early Barcelona chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll during the formative years of auth...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Cognac Leather Reclining Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Rosewood, Cognac Leather This Mid-Century Modern reclining lounge chair by Göte Möbler Nässjö exemplifies Scandinavian comfort and craftsmanship from the 1970s, designed for everyday living rather than formal display. Upholstered in original cognac leather, the chair was meant to age gracefully, developing a rich patina through years of use in living rooms and reading corners. The sculpted rosewood frame provides both visual warmth and structural strength, while the reclining mechanism allows the sitter to effortlessly shift between upright and relaxed positions. Subtle button tufting and softly contoured armrests enhance long-term comfort, making this a piece intended for extended lounging rather than occasional seating. Paired with its matching ottoman, the chair becomes a functional centerpiece—perfectly suited for conversation, reading, or unwinding at the end of the day. Fun Historical Fact During the 1960s and 1970s, Swedish manufacturers like Göte Möbler focused heavily on ergonomic seating, responding to a growing cultural emphasis on comfort, wellness, and time spent at home. Reclining lounge chairs became especially popular in Scandinavian households, where long winters encouraged cozy interiors and functional furniture. Rosewood was prized during this era for its durability and striking grain, often reserved for higher-end designs. Today, original Swedish recliners...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Danish 1940-50s Lounge Chairs with Carved Armrests in Beech
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super elegant and charming 1940s- pair of lounge chair in the style of Alfred Christensen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Wooden armrest accents in bro...
Wool, Beech
Danish 1950's Wingback Lounge Chair in with Open Armrest by Soren Willadsen
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool low swung Danish wingback lounge chair by Soren Willadsen. Great dramatic angles and proportions with carved wooden armrests and legs made of varnished oak wood showing gre...
Beech
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Brand new green fabric. Overall Dime...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Alky Chairs in Off-White Fabric by Giancarlo Piretti for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
A pair of beautiful Giancarlo Piretti “Alky” chairs reupholstered in luxurious off-white wool-cotton blend fabric produced by a highly recognized textile manufacturer Chase Erwin fro...
Bouclé
Italian Rattan and Bamboo Lounge Chair with Black Leather Cushion, 1960s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
his low lounge chair presents a relaxed yet carefully balanced presence, defined by its compact proportions and open structure. The profile is deliberately understated, with a low se...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
$14,837Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Vintage Svend Skipper “Model 91” Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
By Skipper Mobler, Svend Skipper
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
We are proud to present an exceptionally rare and iconic pair of Danish modern lounge chairs: the Svend Skipper ‘Model 91,’ affectionately celeb...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Italian Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood lounge chair designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric shows distress at front edge of seat cushion. Moderate weatherin...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Cabinetmaker Lounge Chair in Shearling, Mid-Century, Denmark c. 1940s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A Danish cabinetmaker lounge chair from the 1940s, Denmark. Upholstered in shearling with a solid wood frame. Simple, well-balanced proportions and solid craftsmanship.
Sheepskin
1940s, Danish Slipper Chair Newly Upholstered in Botanical Fabric
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and elegant Danish slipper chair dating from the 1940s, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and organic design language characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian furnitur...
Linen, Beech
Danish Modern Lounge Chair in Oak & Lambswool, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning Danish Modern lounge chair in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in solid oak with reupholstered cushions in high-quality shearling lambswool. Made in the 1960...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Oak, Wool
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and blue velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Moderate wear to fabric. Staining on seat cushions, top edge of backrests, and back-facing pa...
Velvet, Wood
Italian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and stained wood lounge chair likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Reupholstery recommended. A 1” long tear in fabric of right arm. Light staining to fab...
Velvet, Wood
Czech Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and green fabric lounge chairs likely designed and produced in the Czech Republic, 1930s. One has loose fabric on top edge of backrest. Very minor scuff...
Fabric, Wood
Arne Norell Pair of 'Ari' Lounge Chairs in Steel and Patinated Leather 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Meer, VAN
Arne Norell Pair of 'Ari' Lounge Chairs in Steel and Patinated Leather, Sweden 1960s A very nice pair of Arne Norell ‘Ari’ lounge chairs in steel and patinated brown / green leather...
Steel
Hans Olsen for Bröderna Andersson Rosewood and Black Leather Chair
By Bröderna Anderssons 1, Hans Olsen
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Rosewood and Black Leather Lounge Chair attributed to Hans Olsen, made by Bröderna Andersson Sweden c.1960’s. A classic timeless design with curved rosewood arms ...
Leather, Rosewood
$12,800 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso “Senior” Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso “Senior” Lounge Chairs Newly upholstered in mustard bouclé Brass Legs, Italy, circa 1960 Available to view in-situ at our Miami gallery.
Brass
Finnish Modern, Shell Form Lounge Chairs, Beige Shearling, Wood, Finland, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Finnish Mid-Century Modern, Organic Lounge Chairs, Beige Sheepskin, Wood, Finland, 1950s Pair of wonderful organic form lounge chairs in the manner of Sven Staaf and Carl Johan-Boma...
Sheepskin
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of floral-printed fabric and wood lounge chairs designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1950s. Moderate wear to fabric, reupholste...
Fabric, Wood
$4,569Sale Price|20% Off
All-Black Eames Lounge Chair by Herman Miller 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare and elegant all-black edition of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, produced by Herman Miller. This version features black plywood shells combined with black leather upholstery, cre...
Aluminum
Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of moulded walnut lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Minor evidence of wear with mild scuffing throughout. One chair at slightly lower angle. Overall D...
Walnut
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Open Armrests in Beech by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved natural beech wood. Nice slim elegant ...
Beech, Wool
Danish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Pine, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three blue, red, yellow fabric and pine lounge chairs designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s. Mild wear to fabric cushions. Minor scratches and imperfections throughou...
Fabric, Pine
Isamu Kenmochi Sculptural Rattan Lounge Chairs Mid Century Modern Japan
By Isamu Kenmochi, Yamakawa Rattan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Rattan Lounge Chairs, designed by Isamu Kenmochi for Yamakawa Rattan, Japan, circa 1960s. They are a near pair, as the chair seen on the right in the first photo is slight...
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Vladimir Kagan For Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs In Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of 1980's Vladimir Kagan design for Directional swivel lounge chairs, the chairs were purchased from the original owner who got them from the Vladimir Kagan showroom in ...
Velvet
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 34.5 wide x 34 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height/chair clearance...
Upholstery, Walnut
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Mohair, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, metal and yellow mohair lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina screw heads. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. R...
Mohair, Wood
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a soft, luxurious, golden brown 100% mohair fabric. Cassina labels to the underneath. Price...
Alpaca
Art Deco Lounge Chair in Wood and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, beech, cane, Europe, 1930s/1940s This elegant lounge chair was crafted in Europe in the 1930s/1940s, showcasing the timeless appeal of early modern design. The piece f...
Cane, Beech
$16,500 / set
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of red, brown, blue velvet and wood lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Dassi, Italy, 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery reco...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Hunting Chairs in Oak & Leather by Kurt Østervig, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional pair of mid-century Hunting Chairs designed by Kurt Østervig for KP Møbler in the 1960s. Constructed from solid oak and upholstered in original cognac leather, these c...
Leather, Oak
Finn Juhl Japan Series Chair, Wood and Raf Simons Kvadrat
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1957, relaunched in 2007. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Finn Juhl’s partnership with the furniture manufacturer France & Son...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Big Italian Easy Armchair, Beige Wool, Walnut Wood, 1950s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Mid-Century Italian Easy Chair, 1950s An elegant Italian mid-century easy chair from the 1950s, featuring a beautifully sculpted bentwood frame and refined, well-balanced proportion...
Beech, Wool, Bentwood
Pair of Mid Century GFM Stools in Tweed Jacquard Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a beautiful pair of “Sirocco” armchairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. Crafted with stained ash wood frames and...
Leather, Ash
Danish 1940s Banana Style Barrel Low Club or Lounge Chair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Comfortable, exuberant, and superbly made Danish lounge chair perfectly capturing the essence of 1940s Danish design bridging the the period between the Art Deco and the midcentury p...
Wool, Mohair, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Oak, France, 1960
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric and oak lounge chair designed by Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron, produced by Votre Maison France, c. 1960. Minor wear to wood frame. Vintage worn fabric in distress...
Fabric, Oak
LC2 Lounge Chairs by Le Corbusier for Cassina Signed Mid Century Modern Art Deco
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of LC2 Petite Modele Lounge Chairs, originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928, these chairs are authentic authorized produced by Cass...
Chrome, Metal