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.
Sideboard In Monumental Rosewood Zebrawood Lacquered Mid-Century Design 1970s
Located in Taranto, IT
Monumental rosewood sideboard, made in Italy in the 1970s, a fine example of the craftsmanship and elegant design typical of the period. Characterized by linear volumes and importa...
Wood
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
1960s Teak Falster Style 2-Piece Buffet Hutch Credenza
By Dyrlund, Bernhard Pedersen & Son, Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Bensalem, PA
Please look at pictures for overall details feel free to email with any questions
Glass, Teak
Period Mid-Century Modern Buffet, French, Rosewood, 1950s
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet enfilade from period mid-century France made of wood, primarily a beautiful rosewood. The design across the front showcases a striking bold design and alternating wood grain. ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Baumritter Maple Buffet and Hutch
By Viko Baumritter, Baumritter
Located in Raymondville, TX
A vintage mid-century modern two piece buffet and hutch by Viko Baumritter circa 1960. Crafted from maple wood with a beautiful natural aged patina, this spectacular display cabinet ...
Glass, Maple
Modern Venetian Mirror 3-Drawer Buffet with a Forged Metal Base by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
What makes this piece special is the combination of the Antique mirror front doors inserted in a wood case and the forged metal base. Inspired by the Antique Venetian and French mirror furniture...
Metal
Magnificent Restored Bullnose Nine-Drawer Chest in Bamboo
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely Installation Ready. An absolutely jaw-dropping custom commissioned vintage nine-drawer chest...
Hardwood, Bamboo
Brazilian Modern Credenza in Caviúna Hardwood by Forma, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This refined Brazilian Modern credenza was produced in the 1960s by Forma, a leading manufacturer associated with the maturation of modern furniture production in Brazil. Executed en...
Hardwood
French Carved Oak Cabinet, France
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A quiet yet resolute expression of mid-century French craftsmanship, this carved oak cabinet from the 1940s is imbued with a sense of order, geometry, and gravitas. Its sculpted door...
Oak
Amuneal's Blue Lacquer Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop and Integral Sink
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Blue Lacquer Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop and Integral Sink features hand-polished lacquered cabinet doors and drawer faces inlayed with buffed brass and integral pulls to create a modern, tailored statement. The composition of the lower cabinet is set off against a polished and patinated brass counter, which brings a timeless nuance to this modern design. Amuneal’s collector's wall hung shelves...
Brass
Brutalist Sideboard Oak, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This sculptural sideboard holds a quiet monumentality—its façade a study in balance, depth, and geometric relief. Two symmetrical doors are adorned with deeply carved concentric meda...
Oak
French Rattan & Elm Buffet Cabinet, circa 1970
By Roche Bobois
Located in Labrit, Landes
French rattan and elm credenza buffet. Two doors and two drawers. Typical design of the 1970's, this side cabinet has been made by Maugrion for Roche-Bobois. Maugrion "Le Rotin Prest...
Rattan, Elm
Mid-Century Walnut China Cabinet Buffet Hutch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful, retro Mid-Century Modern detailed proportioned walnut buffet China cabinet in great original condition. The hutch is one solid-piece, featuring two sliding glass doors on ...
Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Macassar French Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
French buffet from the mid-century period made with a striking Macassar of ebony veneer throughout. The piece features five dovetailed drawers all in smooth working order. There are ...
Macassar
Karl Springer Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s Heavy, polished stainless steel over wood server, buffet, cred...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Macassar Sideboard, France, 1960s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Art Deco sideboard, credenza, with bar cabinet. The sideboard features stunning Macassar wood grain and rich pattern. It offers ample storage, with shelves. The case rests ...
Teak
George Nelson Thin Edge Buffet/Sideboard for Herman Miller, 1950s. Signed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare, long out of production George Nelson walnut Thin Edge buffet/sideboard/credenza/storage cabinet. Original 1950s acquired from the original owner. Retains the original finish. A...
Aluminum
$36,714 / item
Amuneal's Charred Pine Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Charred Pine Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop is a one of a kind textural statement piece. The patinaed and polished countertop and h...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...
Mahogany
$7,245 / item
Modern Burl Buffet Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern burl buffet sideboard with four doors framed by a beveled edge, with interior drawers and shelves and finished in a lightly distressed rustic warm h...
Wood
Johannes Andersen U15 Teak Sideboard, Danemark, 1960
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Sublime Danish teak sideboard by the famous designer Johannes Andersen for SAMCOM. Composed of two times four drawers on the sides and two large curtain...
Teak
Mid-Century French Buffet Enfilade
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet enfilade from mid-century France made of wood with a beautiful rosewood. The design across the front emphasizes the burled ash and rosewood as well as lemon wood inlay. There ...
Brass
$3,200 / item
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinets in Stained Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboards, stained oak, glass, France, 1960s This sculptural cabinet is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. The piece is executed i...
Glass, Oak
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Brass
Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/Credenza in Black Lacquer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful multi-purpose case piece by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Wonderful design allows for use as a chest, buffet or credenza. Restored in black lacquer to provide co...
Brass
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Sideboard in Walnut, Sweden, circa 1940
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and well made example of the Nordic sensibility- form and function working together. Featuring three internal compartments, one on each side and a generous center compart...
Walnut
SOLD 10/10/23 Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut Curved Buffet and Hutch
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut Curved Buffet and Hutch The buffet measures: 64 wide x 19 deep x 24.75 inches high The hutch measures: 60 wide x 12.5 deep x 49 inches high Th...
Glass, Walnut
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Buffet & Hutch
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Buffet & Hutch Buffet measures: 48.5 wide x 20 deep x 67.25 All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Glass, Walnut
Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing an alluring low sideboard, meticulously crafted from bleached oak and graced with plinth legs, embodying the distinct design essence of the 1950s. This sideboard harmonio...
Oak
Gerrit Rietveld Elling Buffet, Solid Wood, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Elling Buffet For Cassina A strikingly fascinating buffet-sideboard that, along with the Red and Blue armchair by G. T. Rietvel...
Wood
Two-drawer Maple Drop Leaf Rolling Buffet Server, Circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous 1970s Two-drawer Maple Drop Leaf Rolling Buffet Server in very good vintage condition. Top drawer is felt line foryou silver ware prot...
Maple
Pier Luigi Colli Oak Buffet Mirror Sideboard, Midcentury, Italy, 1940s-1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pier luigi Colli oak sideboard, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1950s Beautiful oak sideboard. The oak has lovely patina throughout the piece. It is a large-scale sideboard with four doors and architectural details throughout. Amazing oak grain visible throughout the piece. Smoked glass mirrors cover the front doors. The piece is in original vintage condition. Measures: 19 inches deep 93 inches wide 33 inches high Hays Company/Pier Luigi Colli The firm was founded in Turin in 1850, as a laboratory that embroidered for the upholstery of armchairs and sofas. The manufactory collaborated with the Martinotti and C.ia furniture manufacturer, Giuseppe and then Luigi Martinotti, who since 1831 produced luxury furniture in style and from the end of the century in the most up-to-date liberty style. At the death of Federico Martinotti, the last male descendant of the family, in the twenties, the widow gave way to Teresa and Maria Colli and the two companies reunited, assuming the name "Colli da 1831" (with the date they referred To the foundation of the firm Martinotti). Then came Pier Luigi Colli (1895-1968), younger brother of the two holders who had attended the courses of the École des arts décoratifs. Pier Luigi Colli, thanks to his close relationship with Paris, imported Lalique glasses and Jean Perzel decor lamps in Turin. The company took care of the real train setup, built by Fiat Ferroviaria and the technical office, led by Pier Luigi Colli, designed and produced the chairs of the Magna University of Turin and the furniture of the Turin seat of the Bank Italy and the Prefecture. In addition to the furniture, the company produced embroidery for coverings and curtains, carpets, lamps with Seguso glasses, door locks and door handles. The company also carried out works designed by external architects: Gio Ponti (partition walls and windows in the Turin headquarters of Vembi), Giovanni Gariboldi (furnishings for the Richard Ginori showroom in Rome), Carlo Mollino (railing of the RAI auditorium and window frames Of the Royal Theater), Domenico Morelli (furniture of the Rai skyscraper); Gabetti and Isola (neoliberty furniture on the stock exchange) Aldo Morbelli (furniture of Fasano jewelery in Via Roma...
Oak
Vintage MCM to Modern Rosewood Buffet Credenza Lucite Legs Attr Bernhardt Flair
By Bernhardt, Flair, Milo Baughman
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Mid-Century Modern to modern Rosewood buffet or credenza with Lucite legs & chrome accents attributed to Bernhardt Flair. This pi...
Metal, Chrome
Brutalist Oak Sideboard 1940s France
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Step into the captivating world of Charles Dudouyt with this remarkable solid oak credenza from 1940s France. Designed in the style reminiscent of Dudouyt's iconic creations, this ar...
Oak
Gaston Poisson - Inspired - Cabinet - Oak - 1950 - France - Brutalist
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Geometric Oak Cabinet in the Spirit of Gaston Poisson, France, 1930s–40s Architect’s rigor in cabinetmaker’s oak — a compact essay in French geometric modernism. This striking cabin...
Oak
French 1940s Art Deco Brutalist Credenza with Hand-Carved Foliage
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of stoic grandeur, this French credenza from the 1940s articulates a language of sculptural restraint and quiet monumentality. The façade unfolds in three compartments ...
Oak
Alpine Chalet Chic Sideboard in Oak, France
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Step into the world of authentic French design with this exquisite cabinet, a delightful sideboard crafted from solid oak and inspired by the renowned French designer duo Guillerme e...
Oak
Monumental Mid-Century Sideboard in Wood and Brass, Buffa Style, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Monumental and elegant Italian Mid Century sideboard / Drybar in wood and brass, in the style of architect Paolo Buffa, 1950s design. It is a storage unit capable of storing large qu...
Brass
Vintage Kent-Coffey "Perspecta" Walnut Buffet
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century modern walnut buffet from the “Perspecta” line by Kent Coffey. Features the collection’s signature sculpted rosewood arch pulls and clean architectural lines, o...
Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron - Sideboard - Oak & Ceramic Tiles - 1960 - France
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This characteristic cabinet, buffet in solid oak is designed by the French designer duo Jacques Chambron (1914-2001) and Robert Guillerme (1913-1990). It features two sliding front d...
Oak
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Maple Wheat Credenza and Hutch
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Maple Wheat Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 48 wide x 19 deep x 32.5 inches high The hutch measures: 44 wide x 14 deep x 26 inches high The c...
Maple
Skobvy Møbelfabrik Scandinavian Dark Wood Credenza Bar Cabinet Buffet 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury modern design rosewood bar cabinet produced by Skobvy Møbelfabrik with two doors, one of which folds down to become a shelf for bottles and glasses, Denmark, ...
Wood
ACO Møbler Sideboard, Gunni Omann, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This sideboard by Gunni Omann is a true classic of Danish furniture design. The representative model number 13 is made of very high quality teak and is in an exceptionally good condi...
Teak
Art Deco Dry Bar Cabinet by Meroni & Fossati Gio Ponti attributed, Briar of Elm
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Small cabinet buffet, dry bar, Art Deco period 1940 , Gio Ponti attributed per Meroni & Fossati, veneered in briar of elm with interior in mahogany . Original handless of the period....
Walnut, Burl
Buffet By Guillerme And Chambron
Located in Charmes, FR
By Guillerme and Chambron for "Your Home". "Lorrain" series. Brass hinges. 1 vertical door. 1 horizontal door with leather straps. 2 drawers. In very good condition.
Wood
Op-Art Illusion Bone Inlay Sideboard Buffet by House of Jaipur
By Sasmita Rout
Located in New York, NY
Bring a gallery-worthy statement into your home with the Op-Art Mirage Bone Inlay Sideboard, a stunning fusion of craftsmanship and visual illusion. Inspired by the Op-Art movement o...
Bone, Wood
Large Carved Wood Cabinet "Hunter" Unique Piece
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Unique piece, amazing cabinet made by a passionate cabinet maker. Really nice carved wood work. Old documentation about it on request.
Wood
$5,600 / item
Vintage Paul Evans Slate Top Server for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Striking mid-century credenza by Paul Evans for Directional, featuring a patchwork brass facade, his iconic cityscape design, and a slate top. Behind the two push latch doors reveal ...
Slate, Brass
Kitchen Doors by Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs 1800 ski resort Pinewood, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Kitchen doors designed by Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs, a ski resort in the Alps. These doors come from a kitchen of Les Arcs 1800, Résidence La Nova. Manufactured in France in t...
Pine
rare André Sornay sideboard in Oregon pine and studded 40s art deco modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sideboard of the Lyon designer André Sornay dating from the 40s. Structure in veneered and solid Oregon pine, stained on the bottom of the base in black. The sideboard is composed of...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert, Henredon, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Drexel Profile K37 buffet credenza by John Van Koert stands as a commanding exemplar of mid-century modern elegance—defined by precision, craftsmanship, and sculptural detail. C...
Chrome
Gio Ponti - Inspired - Sideboard - Macassar - Impressive - 1960s - France
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A prow of polished wood and brass — domestic architecture at the scale of furniture. This striking sideboard channels the daring spirit of Gio Ponti, where cabinetry becomes a small...
Teak
Meuble de rangement Charlotte Perriand Les Arcs vintage en pin des années 60 70
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble de rangement vintage type armoire vaisselier des années 60 70, en pin, de Charlotte Perriand pour Les Arcs, 4 tiroirs coulissants et 4 portes avec 2 étagères intérieures, bon ...
Pine
Stellar Bamboo Buffet or Credenza in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Completely installation ready. A fabulous meticulously restored four-door ca...
Bamboo, Hardwood
Mid Century Mediterranean Revival Carved Oakwood Buffet Cabinet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Mediterranean Revival dining room buffet crafted with exquisitely carved drawer/cabinet fronts. Its elevated stature features brass drawer pulls and duel fold cabinet doo...
Brass
French 1940s Bleached Oak Credenza in the Manner of Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of resolute symmetry and quiet monumentality, this 1940s French credenza in solid oak embodies the spirit of Charles Dudouyt’s vision—a language of sculptural restraint...
Oak
Lawrence Peabody Mid Century Walnut and Cane Buffet with Hutch
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lawrence Peabody Mid Century Walnut and Cane Buffet with Hutch The buffet measures: 58 wide x 19.25 deep x 30 inches high The hutch measures: 38.5 wide x 14.75 deep x 29.25 inches h...
Cane, Walnut
Stickley Cherry Valley Collection Drop-leaf Buffet Server
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare Stickley Cherry Valley Collection Drop-leaf Buffet Server Measures 41" in width close. 62" in with open, 21" in depth and 38" in height.
Faux Bamboo, Mahogany
Danish Mid-Century Teak Credenza Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage teak sideboard makes a stylish storage piece in a variety of settings. Quality Teak veneer, unique carved pulls, interior rosewood drawers and plenty of cabinet...
Teak
Bleached Art Deco Solid Oak Sideboard with Geometric Details, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of resolute presence, this monumental French credenza articulates a language of sculptural massing and architectural discipline. Attributed to the influence of Charles ...
Oak