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.
Rare Gio Ponti Custom Corner Sofa in Pierre Frey Rose and Off-White Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti sofa, reupholstered in "Georges" velvet by Pierre Frey fabric, walnut, Italy, 1960s Beautiful sofa by Gio Ponti. This particular sofa breathes the luxurious feel of well-b...
Velvet, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Wool, Mahogany
Mid Century Danish Matador Leather Sofa By Aage Christiansen Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Mid Century Danish Matador Leather Sofa By Aage Christiansen Circa 1960s - Quality mid chocolate brown leather - Decorative leather stitching around the cushions and arms - 3 seate...
Leather
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Giotto Stoppino, Rodolfo Bonetto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, rosewood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fa...
Fabric, Rosewood
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By H.W. Klein, Komfort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Box Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Box Sofa Under the skirt sofa sits on a beautiful walnut plinth base.
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Corner Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, corner sofa, lacquered wood, metal, fabric, Italy, 1970s. Magnificent corner sofa designed by Italian designer Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. The ric...
Metal
Italian Post-Modern Sculptural Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, cognac leather, sofa, Italy, circa 1970 This striking sofa is executed in beautiful cognac leather that contributes to a refined monochrome appearance, emphasizing the sculptu...
Leather
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square dark wood stained legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick cognac light tan leather is soft and show...
Leather, Wood
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Molteni & C, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian sofa from the early 1950s is a refined example of postwar design, defined by its streamlined silhouette and gently curved form....
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Mid-Century Modernist Curved Sofa in Oyster Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist curved sofa is a quintessential example of sophisticated 1980s American design. Featuring an elegant, flowing silhouette, the sofa’s gently curved...
Velvet
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Sienna ultrasuede 3 Seat Sofa birch Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Sienna ultrasuede Long leather 3 seat sofa with round Birch legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful ultrasuede is soft and shows no signs of use ...
Birch, Ultrasuede
Contemporary 3 Seater Curved Sofa with Tailored Upholstery & Brass Plinth
By JLC
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
Poltronova, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Poltronova
Located in High Point, NC
A Russian pine and yellow fabric designed by Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. Vintage fabric presents with light staining as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Pine
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed, model '711', leather, laminated wood, copper, Italy, 1968 A cubic sofa designed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cinova, which can be tran...
Copper
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Model 150BS
Located in Westport, CT
This stunning and rare Serpentine Sofa, Model 150BS, designed by Vladimir Kagan, dates to the 1990s and showcases his signature sensual, sculptural form. The gracefully curved frame ...
Linen, Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Corner sofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1960s This sculptural Italian mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s is defined by its sweeping curved form, conceived to organize the surroundin...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul László for Glenn of California, bench or sofa, mahogany, cane, United States, 1950 Designed in 1950, this rare bench sofa occupies a significant position within Paul László’s p...
Cane, Mahogany
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By Marco Comolli, ICF De Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 A highly comfortable sofa by Marco Comolli due to down filling and well-designed proporti...
Leather, Walnut
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Knoll, Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Vintage Bastiano 3 seat long low sofa with a rosewood frame and Original tan leather cushions. All straps are original and functional the frame has a beautiful rosewood w...
Brass
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09G' Sofa or Bench in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09G', elm, fabric, France, 1978 This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction pr...
Fabric, Elm
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Upholstery
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
De Sede DS-31 Three Seat Sofa in Deep Green Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, three-seat sofa model ‘DS-31’, leather, chrome-plated aluminum, Switzerland, design 1967 A classic design by De Sede, this model ‘DS-31’ sofa showcases the brand’s signatur...
Aluminum, Chrome
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955 This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simpl...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century American Sectional Corner Sofa in Finely Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular corner sofa, fabric, beech, brass, United States, 1960s This sectional corner sofa is a typical midcentury design of the United States designed in the tradition of Harvey Pr...
Brass
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Red Leather Amigo Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes 'Amigo' Redish burnt orange leather 3 seat sofa. Great vibrant Red soft leather tufted cushions and arm rests with solid Stained birch wood ...
Leather, Birch, Foam
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
American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut
Located in San Diego, CA
This 1960s sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a walnut frame floating over a black plinth base with fabric straps, upholstered back and cushions. Ideal for an interior designer looking...
Slate
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Teak and Cognac Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, leather, Europe, 1960s A sofa characterized by a striking geometric structure with clean lines and distinctive carvings. Its wide armrests feature subtle detailing with ...
Leather, Teak
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
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Green 3-Seater Sofa/bed, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fabric in good condition - Extended dimension: 167cm. - Cleaned - Seat Height 41cm
Fabric
Rare Three Seat Platform Sofa, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic platform sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this three-seater sofa is ...
Walnut, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two Seater Sofa in Green Velvet and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Two seater sofa, velvet fabric, mahogany, Italy, 1950s An Italian sofa from the 1950s, its shape is characteristic of postwar modern design. The armrests are striking in their desig...
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Michael Taylor Wicker Loveseat Sofa, 1970s USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
Distinctive woven rattan Loveseat sofa by Michael Taylor featuring graceful waisted and scalloped form with classic braided arms & surround. New custom cushions are upholstered in so...
Cotton, Wicker, Rattan
$3,557Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ilona Lounge Sofa by Arne Norell for Norrell Mobel AB, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This iconic sofa, designed by Arne Norell in the 1960s and produced in Sweden, exemplifies the very best of Scandinavian mid-century design. The sturdy beech wood frame anchors the...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Cloud' sofa, walnut, fabric, United States, 1950s Adrian Pearsall's "Cloud" sofa, crafted in the 1950s in the United States, is a stunning example of mid-century m...
Fabric, Walnut
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 Adrian Pearsall Walnut Boomerang Storage Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this rare 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall walnut boomerang storage sofa. Showcasing Pearsall’s iconic sculptural design, this piece features a be...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, C. 1970s
Located in Westport, CT
Iconic Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, 1970s. This sculptural piece has been fully restored by Stamford Modern, including all-new interior foam and materi...
Chenille, Walnut
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena ‘Toro’ Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, sofa, model ‘P20B Toro’, fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by Az...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Soriana' sofa with ottoman, leather, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969 Iconic design by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The ‘Soriana’ p...
Steel, Chrome
De Sede DS-44 Buffalo Leather 3-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic three seat leather sofa DS-44 by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970, handcrafted from thick buffalo neck leather with a rich patina that showcases the exceptional Swiss craftsmanship ...
Leather
Camaleonda Modular Sofa in Bordeaux by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This Camaleonda set, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia , consists of two seating elements and two poufs, upholstered in a burgundy fabric. This version has been produced by ...
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 'Bastiano' sofa, ash, fabric, Italy, design 1960 This Bastiano sofa truly intensifies the experience of sitting itself and is a standout in any modern room....
Fabric, Ash
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
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
George Nakashima Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, 1962
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990), American Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, 1962, with spindle back, turned wood legs, four green cushions and original drawing. Overall: 30.5" H x 112.5...
Textile, Walnut
Mah Jong Kenzo Platform Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare 21st century Mah Jong "Composition Natsu-Kenzo Takada" sectional modular sofa with gilt beech wood platforms. The Natsu sofa was commissioned in 2021 to mark the 5...
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Amazing Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa Designed by Percival Lafer Made in Brazil. Cube designed Shaped 3 seat fully upholstered Burnt saffron yellow color Soft leather sof...
Leather, Wood
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