What is midcentury modern?

Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Midcentury Modern Collectables

Hunting Collectibles

Mid Century United Furniture Walnut Nightstand

Midcentury Coat Rack

Mid Century Modern Mexican Jewelry

Italian Mid Century Modern Furniture

Mid Century Bedside Tables

Mid Century Bed Frame And Headboard

Pair Of Nightstand Mid Century Modern

Set Italian Mid Century Collectible Medea 102 Wood Dining Chairs by Tagliabue

$5,617Sale Price / item|20% Off

Set Italian Mid Century Collectible Medea 102 Wood Dining Chairs by Tagliabue

By Vittorio Nobili

Located in Milano, IT

Set of 2 very rare and highly collectible "Medea" wood dining chairs, designed by Vittorio Nobili

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

1970s Collectible Art Modernist Pewter Serving Utensils by Shirley Charron

$550 / set

1970s Collectible Art Modernist Pewter Serving Utensils by Shirley Charron

By Royal Holland

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Midcentury Modern Collectible Brutalist Pewter Art Metalware Set of Salad Servers Tongs Serving

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

Vintage Mid Century Table Bell Geisha Brass Wood Statue, Vienna Austria 1950s

$560

Vintage Mid Century Table Bell Geisha Brass Wood Statue, Vienna Austria 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

mid century collectible to display in your home.

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Original Charles & Ray Eames Mid Century Leg Splint in Molded Plywood, 1943

$5,851

Original Charles & Ray Eames Mid Century Leg Splint in Molded Plywood, 1943

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Stockholm, SE

produced by Evans 1943. A true mid century collectible piece perfect as a wall sculpture etc. Height: 42

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Plywood, Paper

Sleek Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Laquered Mahogany & Maple Dining Table

$3,400

Sleek Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Laquered Mahogany & Maple Dining Table

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Hopewell, NJ

leaves This rare mid century collectible table is a stunning art piece by an iconic designer. Measures

Category

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

Sculptural "Arches" chair, Italian collectible, Memphis style, decorative dining

$739Sale Price / item|74% Off

Sculptural "Arches" chair, Italian collectible, Memphis style, decorative dining

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

, specialized in interior decoration, furniture design and Mid-Century collectibles hunting. You can access our

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Iconic Brionvega radio turntable RR126 by Achille Castiglioni

$12,289

Iconic Brionvega radio turntable RR126 by Achille Castiglioni

By Brionvega, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Milano, IT

based creative atelier specialized in interior decoration, furniture design and Mid-Century collectibles

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chair, Blue Velvet, Steel Base, Italy, 1960s

$805Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chair, Blue Velvet, Steel Base, Italy, 1960s

Located in Milano, IT

atelier, specialized in interior decoration, furniture design and Mid-Century collectibles hunting. You

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid Century Modern Swank Arrow Tie Bar Clip 1960s Collectible Jewelry

$65

Mid Century Modern Swank Arrow Tie Bar Clip 1960s Collectible Jewelry

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a 1960s Swank Arrow Tie Bar Clip. Maker stamp present. Dimensions: 3.5 L x .25 D x 3.16 thickness Please visit take a look at our listings, we have an amazi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26

$9,070

Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Berlin, BE

Authentic mid-century collectible with documented provenance: This spacious Florence Knoll Model 26

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century style bedside tables, circa 1950, Italy, Laminated wood frame.

$3,745

Mid-Century style bedside tables, circa 1950, Italy, Laminated wood frame.

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Comodini in stile Mid-Century, 1950 circa, Italia, Struttura in legno laminato. Presentano segni

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Bright Yellow Murano Sculptural Bowl , perfect to decorate your coffee tables !

$533Sale Price|20% Off

Bright Yellow Murano Sculptural Bowl , perfect to decorate your coffee tables !

Located in Milano, IT

Mid-Century Modern decorative bowl / vide poche in yellow Murano glass, beautiful hue of color and

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Vintage, Collectible, black Italian Monk Dining Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa

$1,404Sale Price / item|20% Off

Vintage, Collectible, black Italian Monk Dining Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa

By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Milano, IT

mid-century collectible design. Check out our storefront and website for a constantly updated

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Leather

Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Bright Yellow Murano Glass , decorative piece

$1,217Sale Price|20% Off

Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Bright Yellow Murano Glass , decorative piece

Located in Milano, IT

Sculptural Yellow Glass - Modern Ashtray - Murano Glass Mid-Century Modern decorative bowl / vide

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Vintage Ceramic Hands Sculptural White Glazed Bowl

$395

Vintage Ceramic Hands Sculptural White Glazed Bowl

Located in West Palm Beach, US

, reminiscent of mid-century European or Italian studio pottery. The minimalist white glaze highlights the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jard...

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles

$650 / set

Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles

Located in Riverdale, NY

Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles. Upgrade your legacy and clout with

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paper

Cowhide Juliette Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron, 1960s

$8,134

Cowhide Juliette Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron, 1960s

By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron

Located in Aartselaar, BE

more architectural, sculptural, and mid-century collectible design pieces.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Oak, Cowhide, Animal Skin

Pair of Carlotta Lounge Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina

$5,559 / set

Pair of Carlotta Lounge Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Aartselaar, BE

architectural, sculptural, and mid-century collectible design pieces.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Foam

Postmodern Tobia Scarpa Sofa with Upholstered Cushions Bastiano, 1960s

$5,400Sale Price|20% Off

Postmodern Tobia Scarpa Sofa with Upholstered Cushions Bastiano, 1960s

By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa

Located in Basel, BS

other brand name rare mid century collectible pieces. Additional information: Materials: Fabric

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Venini by Pierre Cardin, big Murano Glass Sculpture, Egg Sculpure, Italian 1960s

$1,020Sale Price|20% Off

Venini by Pierre Cardin, big Murano Glass Sculpture, Egg Sculpure, Italian 1960s

By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana, Venini, Pierre Cardin

Located in Milano, IT

trading relevant mid-century collectible design. Check out our storefront and website for a constantly

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Organic Modern Stool Table Sculpture in Travertine - Urban Wabi Style

$13,810

Organic Modern Stool Table Sculpture in Travertine - Urban Wabi Style

By Spinzi

Located in Milano, IT

furniture design as well as sourcing and trading relevant mid-century collectible design. Check out our

Category

2010s Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Modernist Silver Spiral Bracelet in Style of Alexander Calder

$395

Mid-Century Modern Modernist Silver Spiral Bracelet in Style of Alexander Calder

Located in Studio City, CA

A fantastic, wonderfully designed, and artfully crafted Mid-Century modern vintage spiral/swirl

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver

Metal coat rack, Italian manufacture, 1970s

$1,872

Metal coat rack, Italian manufacture, 1970s

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Condition: Fair - Superficial marks Materials: Painted Metal Epoque: 1960

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Marble and wood floor hangers, 1960s

$2,106

Marble and wood floor hangers, 1960s

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Condition: Good Materials: Marble, Wood Epoca: 1960 Measures: 50x50x178 cm

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Marble

Mid-20th Century Platinum Band

$195

Mid-20th Century Platinum Band

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and ranging in date and style from Baroque to Mid-Century Modern. In

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Beads Necklace from Aarikka, Finland, 1960s

$234

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Beads Necklace from Aarikka, Finland, 1960s

By Kaija Aarikka

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Beads Necklace from Aarikka, Finland, 1960s

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Wood, Cotton, Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set

$3,900 / set

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A gorgeous bedroom set that includes a dresser with mirror, highboy dresser, and small dresser. Rich walnut woodgrain is complemented by black sides and tops, along with circular met...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Western Buckle Belt La Nueva Era Dorada

$375

Mid Century Modern Western Buckle Belt La Nueva Era Dorada

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage modernist buckle belt "La Nueva Era Dorada". Brass with walnut wood and stones. Dimensions: 2.88" W x 2.25" H Please visit take a look at our list...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Brass

Reed & Barton Silver Plate Shoe Horn Mid Century Modern Patinated

$75

Reed & Barton Silver Plate Shoe Horn Mid Century Modern Patinated

By Reed & Barton

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage Reed & Barton silver plated shoe horn. Mid-century modern period

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Mexican Sterling Silver Geometric Linked Choker Necklace

$995

Mid-Century Modern Mexican Sterling Silver Geometric Linked Choker Necklace

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Mid-Century Modern style. The thick sterling silver links are geometrically shaped in a stylized Aztec

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Mexican Geometric Linked Chunky Bracelet

$699

Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Mexican Geometric Linked Chunky Bracelet

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

-Century Modern style. The bracelet is composed of a series of geometrically stylized Aztec links with an

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Native American Belt Buckle Turquoise Ebony Cowboy Mid-Century Modern

$310

Native American Belt Buckle Turquoise Ebony Cowboy Mid-Century Modern

Located in Chula Vista, CA

information on the maker. Modern Native American cowboy belt buckle. Dimensions: 3 .13" W x 1.75" H x 1" D

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Stone

Mid Century Modern Kenneth Reid Buckle Dark Wood Thin Line Brass

$175

Mid Century Modern Kenneth Reid Buckle Dark Wood Thin Line Brass

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage mid-century modern buckle belt by Kenneth Reid with dark woods

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Italian Sofa Bed by Spinzi, Green Fabric Upholstery, Bolts Details

$3,651Sale Price|29% Off

Contemporary Italian Sofa Bed by Spinzi, Green Fabric Upholstery, Bolts Details

By Spinzi

Located in Milano, IT

trading relevant mid-century collectible design. Check out our storefront and website for a constantly

Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered Nightstand

$550

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered Nightstand

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Charming mid-century nightstand featuring a two-tiered design that adds both height and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Wallpaper Press

$555

Mid-Century Modern Wallpaper Press

Located in Weesp, NL

Wallpaper press Mid-Century Modern. Intriguing and beautiful object. Measurements: H 58 x D

Category

Vintage 1960s French More Furniture and Collectibles

Mid-Century Modern Solid Bronze Belt Buckle Wood Abalone Inlay Cowboy

$250

Mid-Century Modern Solid Bronze Belt Buckle Wood Abalone Inlay Cowboy

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a 1970s Solid Bronze Abalone Belt Buckle. Stamped by maker "D.S." Dimensions: 3.25" W x 2.25" H x .38" D . It will fit a 1 3/4" belt. Please visit take a l...

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Belt Buckle Exotic Wood Brass Copper Cowboy Western

$110

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Belt Buckle Exotic Wood Brass Copper Cowboy Western

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, mid-century modern exotic wood brass and copper vintage belt buckle

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Brass, Copper

French Modernist Armchair, 1950s

$3,803

French Modernist Armchair, 1950s

Located in Aartselaar, BE

appeal. Perfect for collectors of mid-century modern furniture, lovers of vintage French design, or

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Fabric, Mohair

American Mid-Century Modern Onyx Inlaid Chess Board

$390

American Mid-Century Modern Onyx Inlaid Chess Board

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century Modern white and brown onyx inlaid chess board.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Games

Materials

Onyx

Mid-Century Modern White Top Nightstand

$550

Mid-Century Modern White Top Nightstand

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stylish nightstand crafted in rich walnut, featuring a sleek profile accented by a contrasting white top. Its streamlined form and practical storage make it a versatile and attractiv...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands

$1,700 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A handsome pair of mid-century modern walnut nightstands featuring beautifully crafted dovetail

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

$1,600 / set

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Pair of Unique Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

$1,500 / set

Pair of Unique Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Handsome pair of mid-century nightstands showcasing rich grain and clean modern lines. Each piece

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bed

$3,300

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bed

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Striking and sculptural, this vintage Lucite four-poster bed is a glamorous centerpiece in the style of Charles Hollis Jones. The transparent frame adds visual lightness while delive...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Rocking Elephant

$760

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Rocking Elephant

Located in Doornspijk, NL

This stylized elephant is an original variation to the classical rocking horse. It would be great fun for children to ride on its back (as you can see by its tail that has suffered ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set

$1,800 / set

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Full 1960s bedroom set with decorative black plaques and ornate gold leafing. Long and tall chest of drawers, bedside tables and queen size headboard. Please confirm location.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands

$1,500 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Handsome pair of MCM nightstands with clean modern lines and warm wood grain. Each features

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Starburst German Catchall

$206

Mid-Century Modern Starburst German Catchall

Located in Charleston, SC

Great minimalist colors in this ceramic ashtray/catchall. This is one from my personal collection, I hope you love it as much as I do. I love the starburst effect made in this on...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Artisan Made Brass, Wenge Wood & TIger Eye Stone Belt Buckle

$375

Mid-Century Modern Artisan Made Brass, Wenge Wood & TIger Eye Stone Belt Buckle

By Burle Marx, Roberto Burle Marx

Located in St. Louis, MO

1970s Artisan handmade custom surrealist modernist biomorphic abstract landscape oval unisex belt buckle. Heavy brass base, with sculpted wenge wood set with two tiger eye gemstones....

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

Pal Kepenyes Choker Necklace Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Scapolite Gemstone

$1,450

Pal Kepenyes Choker Necklace Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Scapolite Gemstone

By Pal Kepenyes

Located in Chula Vista, CA

. Brutalist mid-century modern period. Mexico circa the 1970s. Unique designing brass with pink translucent

Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Brutalist Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

Mid Century Modern Vanleigh Nightstands 4 Drawer

$2,840 / set

Mid Century Modern Vanleigh Nightstands 4 Drawer

By Vanleigh Furniture

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Wonderful streamline 4 drawer nightstand by Vanleigh for Albert Distinctive Modern Furniture. top

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Single Mid-Century Modern Cane and Walnut Nightstand

$525

Single Mid-Century Modern Cane and Walnut Nightstand

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A charming mid-century modern walnut nightstand featuring a distinctive cane-faced drawer that adds

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Hans Hansen Sterling Bracelet Bangle Danish Geometric, Mid-Century Modern

$1,440Sale Price|20% Off

Hans Hansen Sterling Bracelet Bangle Danish Geometric, Mid-Century Modern

By Georg Jensen, Hans Hansen

Located in Hyattsville, MD

A rare and well loved Minimalist Scandinavian 1970s modernist sterling silver hexagonal bangle. A seldom offered design, versatile, and comfortable with a strong flush clasp. Size (...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Styled 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks

$1,795 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Styled 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

to approximately 1960 and done in the Brutalist Mid-Century Modern style. The cufflinks are composed

Category

Mid-20th Century German Brutalist Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

1980s C Jere Brass Plated Bird Flock of Seagulls Wall Sculpture, Signed and Date

$1,620

1980s C Jere Brass Plated Bird Flock of Seagulls Wall Sculpture, Signed and Date

By Curtis Jeré

Located in Wheat Ridge, CO

Matisse, two well-known names of mid-20th century costume jewelry. During the mid-20th century, the C

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Five-Piece Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set by John Widdicomb

$8,000 / set

Five-Piece Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set by John Widdicomb

By John Widdicomb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Exceptional five-piece mid-century modern bedroom set crafted in richly grained walnut by John

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Walnut

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Midcentury Modern Collectables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of midcentury modern collectables for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique midcentury modern collectables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. Find 1322 antique and vintage midcentury modern collectables at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 15 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Midcentury modern collectables have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Midcentury modern collectables are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Midcentury modern collectables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Paul McCobb, Carl Auböck and Werkstätte Carl Auböck are consistently popular.

How Much are Midcentury Modern Collectables?

Prices for midcentury modern collectables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, midcentury modern collectables begin at $50 and can go as high as $42,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,230.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.

Questions About Midcentury Modern Collectables

What is midcentury modern?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.