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.
Jacquard fabric Sofa, Mario Bellini, "Le stelle" B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, produced by B&B Italia, model "La Stelle". Made with a metal frame and upholstered in the original linen and cotton jacquard fabric. The origi...
Metal
Convertible sofa Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, Italy
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Three-seater Anfibio sofa designed by Alessandro Becchi in the late 1960s and produced by Giovannetti in Italy. Fully padded with foam and upholstered in cognac full-grain leather,...
Leather
Danish 1940's Curved Small Sofa
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super elegant "Banana" shaped curved sofa that the Danes were famous for in thew late Art Deco and early Midcentury periods. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beaut...
Beech
Danish 1940's Banana Sofa with Straight Back and Front
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming upholstered sofa made in Denmark sometime in the 12940's. Voluptuous organic design lines. This sofa is unique by having a straight back and front and not the curvatur...
Beech, Wool
Cassina Soriana Mohair Sofa designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic labeled Italian modern "Soriana" sofa, made by Cassina and designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The 20th century sofa features the iconic "soft-architecture" construction, co...
Metal
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...
Leather
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman
By Weiman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon...
Fabric, Upholstery
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969 It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather. The patchwork pieces are sust...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Four Seater Curved Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Four-seat curved Italian sofa from the 1950's. The sofa features a continuous curved backrest, four individual seat cushions, and slender tapered legs with brass-capped feet. Designe...
Metal, Brass
Danish 1940's Finn Juhl Style Settee or Loveseat in Green Mohair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl style sofa or settee attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark made sometime in the 1940s. Perfectly balanced lines and proportions providing for a solid ...
Mohair, Beech
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Sofa - Pair
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Walnut Sofa - Pair Each sofa measures: 90.25 wide x 30.75 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and a...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Velvet, Wood
Gianni Songia GS195 Sofa / Daybed for Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Model GS195 sofa or daybed designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in the early 1960s. The design is defined by its architectural rosewood frame and generous leather cushions, with thr...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Brown Leather 3 Seat Sofa wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful medium reddish brown leather 3 seat sofa wood frame and legs. Style of Mogens Hansen. Soft thick Brown leather is soft and shows little signs of u...
Leather, Wood
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful black Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Tan leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great...
Leather, Oak
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...
Chrome
Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of six (6) seats and six (6) back rests by Percival Lafer. Brazil, ca' 1960's imported to New York. Made of patchwork brown leather where the pieces can be arranged in dif...
Leather
Danish Midcentury Sofa with Legs and Accents in Teak by Georg Thams Denmark 1957
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super cool and elegant sofa by Georg Thams for Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik. Designed and produced around 1957. Epitome of Danish 1950's style by one of the iconic designers. Solid and...
Wool, Teak
Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Platform Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960’s. Iconic, timeless design from renowned designer, Adrian Pearsall. His pieces are highly ...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Selig
By Selig, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional Selig rosewood sofa from 1960s Denmark is the kind of piece that stops conversations. When Brazilian rosewood enters a room, everything else fades into the backgroun...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Sofa in the style of Harvey Probber
Located in Bantam, CT
Elegant sloped arm sofa, comfortable proportions. Sofa was reupholstered in a Maharam wool tweed. Shows minor wear, general good condition.
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Svante Skogh, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svante Skogh
Located in High Point, NC
A green floral-printed fabric and wood sofa, model "Chile" designed by Svante Skogh and produced by Klings, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Minor scuffing on fe...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage modular patchwork leather sofa DS11 by Desede, 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brown patchwork leather modular sofa by Desede. Desede produced high quality leather sofas and is still producing today. This DS11 model is quite rare to find. This pa...
Leather
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern black soft Leather 3 seat Sofa oak legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern Black leather 3 seat sofa with oak wood legs and armrest cushions. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows very little signs of use but very comfortable. ...
Leather, Birch
Large Danish 1940s Banana Form Curved Sofa
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sizable and very elegant Danish 1930-40s curved sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This model is...
Wool, Beech
$3,971Sale Price|30% Off
Caesar Lacquer Curved Sofa 1950s wooden cone feet Mid-century
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sofa Italian Cesare Lacca curved Italy 1950s wooden feet.
Velvet
Large Danish 1940s Banana Form Curved Sofa
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super cool Danish 1940s curved three seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This mode...
Wool, Beech
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Coronado' Sofa in Butterscotch Leather, 1966
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic 'Coronado' three-seater sofa, a testament to the revolutionary Italian Mid-Century Modern movement, was designed by the esteemed duo Afra & Tobia Scarpa for the world...
Steel
1960s Reupholstered Dusty Pink Velvet 'Palazzo Torta' Sofa
Located in Florence, Tuscany
I love a 'Palazzo Torta' sofa. These wonderful round sofas are mainly found in large palazzi or in old hotels in Italy. This one was found in Naples - it was made in the 1970s and we...
Canvas, Cotton, Silk, Velvet
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 126.5 wide x 66 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches Fair Vintag...
Upholstery, Walnut
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
$19,917Sale Price|25% Off
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. This daybed has been meticulously restored to its former glory, ma...
Metal
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa for Dunbar Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
Danish 1940s Large Banana Form Curved Sofa
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful very cool Danish 1940s curved sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This model is from ar...
Wool, Beech
$6,146Sale Price|20% Off
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia (Cassina...
Leather
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important Adjustable 'Roll Back Day Bed' Sofa by Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very important piece of design history, and to understand why - it is all in the details, so to anyone interested in modern art and interior design, please keep reading. Vladimir Kagan’s 'Roll Back Day Bed' (model #6718) was originally conceived as a one-off design for a client in the 1950s. Valdimir Kagan selected Rosewood and Lucite, materials he had just started experimenting with at that time, blended it into a futuristic frame with a brass-capped cylindrical adjustable back cushion that can transform the sofa into a daybed and even into a double sided gallery seating system. All on top of Lucite legs giving the appearance the sofa is floating above ground. By all accounts - Vladimir Kagan advertisements, catalogues, the design community and even the team at Vladimir Kagan Designs had it documented that the design (model 6718 Roll Back Day Bed) was first put into production in 1967, however this one - this exact sofa in the photos and listed for sale, IS THE ONE that he created in the 1950s for a special one-off client. And it was later, in 1967 that he decided to bring the design into production, all based on this concept model which we have listed for sale. This is all documented with the Vladimir Kagan archives under registry 25073. They were thrilled to have found this surviving example and have added it into their archives, knowledge-base and timelines. They wrote: "We conducted a detailed review of the Kagan Archive, and we were puzzled to find that Vladimir consistently dated the release of the Roll Back Day Bed to 1967. Also based on Vladimir’s accounts, Hugo Dreyfuss retired in 1960, ending their partnership. This would mean that your example pre-dates the “earliest production date” we have on record for the Roll Back Day Bed or Roll Back Sofa...
Brass
Rounded Silhouette Sofa In Ebony Wood Back & Eggplant Velvet By Jose Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Sulptural Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa by M Fillmore Harty, Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, two piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original Rose colored...
Fabric
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 2 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede 'DS-2011' Chocolate Leather Sofa, Swiss 1983
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking vintage De Sede 'DS-2011' sofa, designed in Switzerland in 1983. This iconic piece features a captivating low-slung, curvilinear profile, upholstered in thick, high-qualit...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan Design Group, USA, c. 1990s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Pre-restoration images ava...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Rosewood Mid-Century Daybed or Sofa by Kai Winding for Hundevad
Located in Southampton, NJ
An outstanding 1960s Rosewood daybed by Kai Winding for Hundevad and Company finished on all sides with original fitted slats featuring beautiful wood grains with warm luster. Scarce...
Felt, Wood, Rosewood
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,663Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Turquoise Velvet Sofa by Cesare Lacca, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant two-seater sofa designed by Cesare Lacca in Italy during the 1950s. This sculptural piece embodies the refined balance between organic form and architectural precision typica...
Velvet, Wood
Anni '70s sofa by E. Cobianchi for Insa
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage three-seater sofa with foam padding and original cognac-colored leather upholstery, wooden feet. In good overall condition, shows some signs of time as visible in photographs.
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Style Sofa With Wraparound Wood Back By José Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Mid Century Sofa Daybed by Miroslav Navrátil, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
This Mid Century Modern sofa / daybed was designed by Miroslav Navrátil and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. A strong example of Central European modernism, the piece bal...
Fabric, Wool, Beech
Rare modular Voyage Immobile ‘Carpe Diem’ sofa by Studio Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Roche Bobois Voyage Immobile Discontinued Modular Sofa Textured Nomadic Fabric Modular Lounge System from the Les Voyages Collection An extraordinary modular sofa from the Voyage Im...
Fabric
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Teak
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
70's Selig Rosewood Upholstered / Leather Strap Sofa
By Selig
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptional stunning slab-sided Brazilian rosewood cube styled sofa with upholstered seat cushions. The loose cushions sit on thick black leather straps that are held by chromed a...
Aluminum
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Modern Atomic Walnut Gondola Sofa Couch 96"
Located in Dayton, OH
Adrian Pearsall mid century modern / atomic era sofa or couch featuring traditional gondola form with the original peach and tufted floral fabric. Dimensions: 96" x 35 x 28"; seat 15"
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Funky Sculptural Sofa made by Artifot
By Artifort
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super groovy well built sofa made by Artifort in the Netherlands. Fabric is original & in poor condition. Needs a basic recovering to be excellent.
Chrome
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of four (two corners + two easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furn...
Velvet, Foam