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.
Set of Twelve Elegant Rustic Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Oak and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, oak, rush, Europe, 1950s/1960s This large set of twelve dining chairs combines a rustic character with a clean, modern design. The oak frames feature ge...
Rush, Oak
Argentine Designer, Dining Room Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six wood and brown fabric dining room chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstere...
Fabric, Wood
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Rush & Dark Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' rush, stained beech, Italy, design 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of V...
Rush, Beech
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of 6 Danish Modern Rosewood Dining Chairs by Boltinge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Rosewood , Original Upholstery, Foam This set of six Danish Modern dining chairs by Boltinge Stolefabrik A/S dates to the 1970's an...
Upholstery, Foam, Rosewood
Set of Ten Mid-Century Modern Rustic Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of ten dining chairs, pine, Europe, 1950s These dining chairs are full of character and show simple construction with beautifully expressive pine. Broad rectangular backrests an...
Pine
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-25-A Set of Six Dining Chairs, Chandigarh, Circa 1958–59
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare set of six PJ-SI-25-A dining chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, designed for the government and educational buildings of Chandigarh, the modernist city conceived by Le Corbusier. Pr...
Cane, Teak
Set of 8 Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs in Mahogany and Chenille, Italy, Late 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional set of eight dining chairs was designed by Paolo Buffa and made in Italy from the late 1940s. They are accompanied by a certificate from the Paolo Buffa Archive in C...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, African Mahogany
Set of 12 “969” Volute Chairs in Ivory Luxury Velvet by Gio Ponti, Montina, 1970
Originally conceived by Gio Ponti for the VI Triennale di Milano in 1936, this exceptional and remarkably large set of twelve “969” dining chairs was reissued by Montina during the 1...
Velvet, Foam, Ash, Birch
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Alpaca Wool Mohair, by Zak Fox, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Blue Velvet Jacquard by Casamance, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Set of 8 Henning Kjærnulf “Razorblade” Dining Chairs in Oak & Mohair, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional set of 8 dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, in the 1960s. Known as the celebrated “Razorblade” model, these chairs are distingu...
Wool, Mohair, Oak
Chalet Inspired Sculptural Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, Europe, 1970s These dining chairs have a rustic, chalet inspired character. Made from solid pine, each chair has a two part seat and a polygonal backrest with a...
Pine
Set of 6 Iconic Razorblade Tall Version Dining Chairs in Carved Oak 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of 6 Iconic tall version Razorblade oak dining chairs by Henning ("Henry") Kjærnulf made in Denmark the 1960's as by EG Kvalitetsmobel (chairs are labeled underneath). These are ...
Wool, Oak
Sculptural Bentwood Armchairs in Black Lacquered Wood and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, lacquered beech, sheepskin, Europe, 1970s Dining armchairs crafted from lacquered beech and upholstered in soft beige sheepskin. Their elegant bentwood frames feature flo...
Fabric, Beech
Set of Eight Vintage Dining Chairs In the manner of Jean Prouvé, France c. 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A set of eight dining chairs after Jean Prouvé’s Standard chair. Moulded plywood seat and back on a lacquered steel frame, with broad tapering rear legs and slender tubular front leg...
Steel
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi Set of Six 'Sapporo' Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, set of six dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s Set of sculptural chairs designed by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, distinguished by their st...
Leather, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Maple
Early Vico Magistretti for Mario Luigi Comi Set of Eight Carimate Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Fratelli Mario e Luigi Comi, First Edition set of eight 'Carimate' dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, design 1959 This first-edition set of dining chairs belon...
Straw, Beech
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Set of Six Dining Chairs in Oak
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, set of six dining chairs, oak, Italy, 1970s An exceptional set of chairs by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi. The chai...
Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Set of Four Dining Chairs in Oak and Orange Wool
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, set of four dining chairs, solid oak, wool, France, 1960s These charming dining chairs designed by the French duo Guillerme et Chambron exemp...
Wool, Oak
Eight Vintola Studio Dining Chairs, Terracotta Velvet Orta by Casamance, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
$2,800 / item
Pierre Chapo 'S45' Dining Chairs in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'S45' or 'Chlacc' dining chairs, elm, France, design ca. 1979 This 'S45' dining chair, also known as the 'Chlacc' chair is designed by Pierre Chapo. These chairs are e...
Elm
The Zet Dining Chair in Tiger Mountain Velvet Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1960s Brualist Danish Modern Oak Dining Chairs style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A chair with a sleek, refined silhouette. Unlike many pieces from this era, it has no horizontal supporting elements, giving it a light and airy presence. Yet it dramatically contras...
Wool, Oak
Mid Century Heart Chair, White and Green Art Deco Jacquard, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing velvet fabric by Dedar - one of the best Italian premium fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kur...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Giovanni Carini for Planula Set of Twelve 'Libellula' Dining Chairs in Canvas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Carini for Planula, set of twelve 'Libellula' dining chairs, canvas, lacquered steel, steel, Italy, ca. 1969 Giovanni Carini’s Libellula chairs for Planula are made from s...
Steel
Set of Six Mixed Colors Kangaroo Chairs Designed by Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This model is called Z-chair. Designed in 1968 in the GDR by Ernst Moeckl and Siegfried Mehl, German Version of the Panton chair. Also called kangaroo chair or variopur chair. Produc...
Fiberglass
Set of 4 MR10 Rattan Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and rare set of four iconic MR10 cantilever chairs in chromed tubular steel and hand-woven rattan. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll International d...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Twelve Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Charlotte Perriand, Charles Dudouyt, Pierre Jeanneret, Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Twelve Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with Rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have ...
Rush, Oak
Set of Four 1950s Italian Dark Stained Exotic Wood Dining Chairs
By Carlo Ratti
Located in Rome, IT
This set of four dining chairs was produced in Italy during the 1950s and reflects the clean, sculptural lines typical of Italian mid-century design. The chairs are crafted from dark...
Faux Leather, Wood
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
Pastel Violet Kangaroo Chair Designed by Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This model is called Z-chair. Designed in 1968 in the GDR by Ernst Moeckl and Siegfried Mehl, German Version of the Panton chair. Also called kangaroo chair or variopur chair. Produc...
Fiberglass
$3,916Sale Price / set|24% Off
6 Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Razorblade Dining Chairs, H. Kjærnulf style 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Henning Kjærnulf's iconic "Razorblade" dining chairs, produced by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in 1960s-70s Denmark. This set of six represents the definitive original—a captivating fusion of b...
Fabric, Oak
$895 / set
Paul McCobb Pair of Planner Group Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group solid maple dining chairs. Nice original condition, solid with nice color. Label to bottom of chairs. Check out my listing for a matching Dining ...
Maple
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, White and Blue Jacquard, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful jacquard fabric. This chair can be customized to your specific...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech, Jacquard
Six Mid Century Heart Chairs, White and Green Art Deco Jacquard, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing velvet fabric by Dedar - one of the best Italian premium fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kur...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Set of 8 Cal Mode Walnut and Sage Green Dining Chairs, Los Angeles 1960s
By Cal Mode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive set of eight vintage Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Cal Mode Furniture Mfg. Co., manufactured in Culver City, California, during the 1960s. Each chair features a so...
Fabric, Walnut
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Set of Eight Mid Century Modern Bumerang Chairs, Rust Velvet, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...
Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech
Mid Century Modern Bumerang Chair, Rust Velvet, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...
Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech
Zanotta 2062 Castiglia Chairs - Achille Castiglioni & Marcello Minale, 1968
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Bern, BE
Pair of Zanotta model: 2062 Castiglia chairs - by Achille Castiglioni & Marcello Minale, 1968 Chromed tubular steel frame with thick, nicely patinated leather seat and backrest....
Steel, Chrome
8 Mid-Century Italian Modern Tucroma Dining Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Pace
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular set of eight Guido Faleschini Tucroma chairs for the pace Collection. Beautiful craftsmanship with ultra soft brown leather on minimal chrome round tube frames. In excell...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Six Dining Chairs, Drawing Velvet by Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vintage Set of Four Slim Oak Dining Chairs with Upholstered Backs, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of four slim oak dining chairs from the mid-20th century. These chairs have a light and elegant presence, with narrow frames and a tall upholstered back that gives them a dist...
Oak
Vintola Dining Chair, Schwarzwald Linen - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vintola Dining Chair, Tiger Mountain Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Carl Hansen & Søn Wegner Wishbone Dining Chairs Set of 6 Beech Danish Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic set of six Wishbone dining chairs features a distinctive Y-shaped backrest. The sculptural profile seamlessly balances organic form with functional comfort. Their timeles...
Beech
Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vintola Dining Chair, Ginger FR Velvet, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Set of Six 1950s French Rustic Dining Chairs in Solid Elm, Rush by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs solid elm, rush, France, 1950s/60s Crafted by a highly skilled French cabinetmaker in the 1950s/60s, this rustic set of chairs reflects the same philosophy ...
Rush, Elm
Early Vico Magistretti for Mario Luigi Comi 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Fratelli Mario e Luigi Comi, First Edition pair of 'Carimate' dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, design 1959 This first-edition set of dining chairs belongs to...
Straw, Beech
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Wood, Maple
Set of Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Blue Jacquard, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
George Nakashima Set of Four 'Conoid' Chairs in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, set of four 'Conoid' chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1962 This stunning set of four Conoid dining chairs are designed by woodwork mast...
Hickory, Walnut
Neils O. Moller Teak Upholstered Dining Chairs by J.L. Moller Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of four sculptural teak wood framed dining chairs with upholstered seat and backs in an oatmeal toned woven fabric. Designed by Niels O. Moller known for his simple, functional...
Upholstery, Teak
Vamdrup Stolefabrik Dining Chairs Set of 4 Oak Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of four dining chairs showcases clean lines and functional Scandinavian design by Vamdrup Stolefabrik. Expertly crafted in Denmark, they bring timeless elegance and reliable...
Oak