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.
Paul Evans Style Patchwork Metal Brutalist Nightstand Pair by Lane
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Nightstand Pair by Lane. Done in the style of the Cityscape line by Paul Evans. A variation of the prisim line with patchwork metal doors in chrome and b...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides and door...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Attributed 1950's Italian Side Table
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1950's round side table with inlay top and sculptural legs side table or coffee table attributed to Paolo Buffa, restored with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Walnut
Pair Andre Bus - Lane 'Acclaim' Walnut Oak Cube Side Tables Castors Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the 1960s by Lane for their Acclaim line of furniture, this pair of side tables was designed by Andre Bus, who was responsible for all Acclaim pieces at the time. This design...
Laminate, Walnut
Branch form wrought iron side table
Located in London, GB
Branch form wrought iron side table Dimensions in inches: H 19” x W 33” x D 25” Age: 1970s Origin: Belgium Condition: Good Overview Composition in wrought iron, dated 1970s from B...
Wrought Iron
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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...
Wood, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Side Tables
By Jens Risom
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...
Wood, Walnut
Pair Vintage Rattan Wrapped Tables with Glass Tops, 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Pair Vintage Rattan Wrapped Tables with inset light gray glass tops. Some wear to finish as shown in photos. Measurement Good overall sturdy condition, with few scratches to glass tops
Rattan, Glass, Hardwood
Newly Refinished - Andre Bus “Silhouette" Sculptural Side Table for Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 Materials: Walnut, Original Glass Top This sculptural Mid-Century Modern side table showcases the elegant, flowing lines that made the Silhouette line so visually distinctive in the 1960s. Crafted from walnut, the base features gracefully curved supports that create an airy, architectural presence while remaining solid and well-balanced. The original round glass top sits neatly within the frame, allowing the sculptural form of the base to remain the focal point. Subtle brass detailing at the center adds a refined accent that complements the warm wood tones. Expertly refinished, the table retains its original design integrity while presenting beautifully for contemporary interiors. Fun Historical Fact: Lane’s Silhouette...
Glass, Walnut
1970s Olivewood Burl Side Table Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista
By Milo Baughman, Lane Furniture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Olivewood Burl Side Table attributed to Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista Virginia 27w x 22d x 20h Preowned good condition remains as unrestored vintage Nic...
Composition
Enameled Lava Stone Side Table attributed to Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
An elegant side table attributed to Jacques Adnet, produced in France during the 1950s. The table features a rectangular enameled lava stone top decorated with a geometric pattern in...
Stone, Iron
Italian Post Modern Travertine Stone & Brass Side Table by Artedi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top Shows Minor Scratches Throughout But No Chips, Very Good Original Condition on Stone, Patinated Brass Materials: Travertine, Patinated Brass, Original ...
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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...
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Brass and Glass Side Table, End Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid-century French square brass side table or end table features two levels fitted with smoked glass that create a unique display space. The ideal side table beside a chair with...
Brass
Large "Marcel T" Chrome Coffee Table by K. Takahama for Cassina, Italy 1974
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and very rare “Marcel T” coffee table in chrome-plated steel and crystal, designed by Kazuhide Takahama and produced by Cassina in 1974 as a tribute to Marcel Breuer’s iconi...
Crystal, Chrome, Stainless Steel
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Two-Tier Side Tables by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Elm, Walnut
Italian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table or serving table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Moderate natural cracking on tabletop. Wear consistent with age and normal use. Touch ups carried out....
Wood
Italian Brass and Bamboo Coffee Table, Gabriella Crespi Style, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous coffee table crafted in a refined combination of solid brass and bamboo, completed with a thick smoked glass top. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in I...
Brass
Pair Danish Side Tables and Stools of Solid Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of Danish Henning Kjærnulf style stools and side tables. They have numerous functions either as stools or as side tables, bed-side tables and lamp tables. Made by a Danish Fur...
Oak
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful pair of Mid-Century nightstands in bamboo, rattan, hand-woven wicker and brass. These charming organic bedside tables were designed in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing ...
Brass
Midcentury Organic Modern Nakashima Style Live Edge Walnut Side or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An awesome studio made walnut burl side table. It features a thick cut of walnut with beautiful graining. A truly one of a kind piece.
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Paul Frankl Style Rattan 2 Tier Side Tables, Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
This vintage Frankl style rattan 2 tier side tables set features a coastal, tropical style with a dark brown wood grain laminate tabletop and contrasted golden rattan and bamboo stac...
Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Inspired Side Table by Lane Furniture. Early 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist-Inspired Side Table by Lane Furniture, from the early 1970s Features plenty of storage, clean brutalist-inspired lines, a wood-block design at t...
Walnut
Set of two Nesting Tables, Black / White Stripes, 50s Style, Kidney Shaped
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of a set of two nesting tables, kindney shaped. In the style of the 50 s. Very decorative in black-white colored stripes. Also avaiable in other colors. These tabl...
Brass
Pair of McGuire Bamboo Cube Granite Top Drinks Tables
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sleek pair of vintage McGuire San Francisco bamboo cube shaped side, end, or drink tables featuring smooth black granite tops. Each table features linear vertical bamboo slat constru...
Granite
Axel Larsson - Smoker’s Table with Metal Top
By Axel Larsson
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Smoker’s table designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors in the 1930s, model 837. Open shelving layout with a central vertical divider, allowing stora...
Metal
$2,987 / set
Pair of George Ciancimino side tables
Located in London, GB
Pair of tall black metal and tinted glass side tables by George Ciancimino.
Metal
Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top Materials: Chrome Metal, Original Smoke Glass Top Product Description This striking pair of postmodern side tables by Milo Baughman for the Design Inst...
Chrome
A Petrified Wood Accent Table on Iron and Copper Base
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional custom side table pairs the ancient beauty of a solid petrified wood slab with expertly repurposed ironwork salvaged from Ritts Co., creating a striking dialogue bet...
Copper, Iron
Side Table in Red Lacquered Wood and Smoked Glass, G. Frattini, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century side table in red lacquered oak and smoked glass. This stylish small table is attributed to Gianfranco Frattini and was produced in Italy during the 1960s. Ful...
Wood, Smoked Glass
$2,295 / set
Mid-Century Bentwood Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of mid-century bentwood glass top side tables. Rectangular tables are made of maple, decorated on top with triangular panels, banded rounded edges with beveled details, and in...
Glass, Maple, Bentwood
Mid-Century Space Age Parsons Side Table from Syroco, 1960s
By Syroco
Located in Hamburg, DE
Schlichter Beistell- bzw. Couchtisch des US-amerikanischen Herstellers Syroco. Ein minimalistischer Entwurf, der in seiner Formgebung auch in die Postmoderne zuhause wäre. Der Tisch...
Plastic
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
By Tue Poulsen, Heltborg Møbler, Erik Wørts
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Square coffee table by Danish artist and ceramist Tue Poulsen (born 1939) and Danish furniture designer Erik Wørts (1916-97). Made ca 1960s. The coffee table has handmade tiles on to...
Ceramic, Wenge
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Tripod Walnut Side Table by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Metal
Henning Kjærnulf Style Oblong Coffee Table of Solid Oak 1970s Danish Crafted
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish oblong brutalist style coffee table with wavy apron made of solid oak. Handcrafted by Danish carpenters in the 1970s The fine natural surface and patina with a warm glow has...
Oak
French Designer, Side Table, Pine, Glass, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and glass side table designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.5"H x 17.5"W x 17.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Glass, Pine
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Rattan, Wicker and Brass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular pair of Mid-Century nightstands made of curved rattan and woven wicker, completed with solid brass knobs. These incredibly elegant and unique pieces were produced in Ital...
Brass
Midcentury Wishbone Side Table in Walnut (4 available)
By Dean Santner, George Nakashima, Wendell Castle Collection
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful iconic wishbone circular table designed by Dean Santner featuring black walnut construction. This amazing design looks simple yet complex at the same time. Wonderful prop...
Walnut
Danish Mid Century Rosewood Side Table, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Authentic Danish mid century side table from the 1960s, crafted from solid wood with rich rosewood veneer. Clean geometric lines and compact scale embody Scandinavian modern design p...
Rosewood
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Walnut Side Table By Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This petite walnut side table is designed by American designer Mel Smilow circa 1950s. The table perfectly captures Smilow's design criteria - a commitment to simplicity, functionali...
Walnut
Bought from the original owners granddaughter, this historic piece of furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom made in the 80s - this is such a beautiful and rare stone. Matching coffee table in my other listings. Rosa Marinace Granite is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants a t...
Granite
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century “Marcuso” square coffee in chrome plated metal completed by a thick square shaped glass. This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in ...
Crystal, Chrome
Modernist Side Table in Wrought Iron & Red Leather - Jacques Adnet Style - 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Side Table in Wrought Iron & Red Leather - Jacques Adnet Style - 1950s Elegant end table / side table with a great modernist and sophisticated design. Very reminiscen...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Severin Hansen, Side Tables, Teak, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak side tables designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.25"H x 19.25"W x ...
Teak
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of 780 Red Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Mid-Century tables, Model 780, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. The tables are signed inside the legs. Fully origi...
Laminate, Wood
Tomlinson Furniture, Side Table, Wood, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and brass side tables produced by Tomlinson Furniture, USA, c. 1950s. One has signs of repair and natural cracking on tabletop surface. Dramatic patina to brass deta...
Brass
Cesare Lacca Italian Mid-Century Brass and Lacquered Wood Round Side Table 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique mid-century side table in black lacquered wood and brass completed by a round crystal glass. This incredibly elegant piece wasdesigned by Cesare Lacca and produc...
Crystal, Brass
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular Mid-Century side table / bench from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely midcentury off-white "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom. In ama...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Drum Side Table, Newly Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern white lacquered drum side table By Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 21"W x 21"D x 18.5"H. Professionally refinis...
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Cotswold School Wine Table, English, Walnut, Side, Lamp, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Cotswold School wine table. An English, walnut side or lamp table, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. An exceptional example with rich colour, fine craftsm...
Walnut
20th Century Small Inlaid Side Table with Jewelry Compartment and Music Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Italian 20th century small rectangular wood side or end table with decorative inlaid top, cabriolet legs, private jewelry compartment and music box. It is approx. 2.63" dee...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut and Slate Top Side Tables - Pair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut and Slate Top Side Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 22 wide x 27 deep x 19.75 inches high Great Vintage Condition - V...
Slate
Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Walnut Side Table By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern 'Floating' top walnut side table was designed by Jens Risom circa 1950s. This occasional side table features a 19" square top that gives the appearance of flo...
Walnut
Pair Mid Century Lane "Monte Carlo" Side or End Tables - Walnut + Mosaic Tile
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Lane Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
PAIR of Lane "Monte Carlo" side or end tables, circa 1960s. American black walnut and warm gray ceramic mosaic tile. Mortis and tenon joinery. Fully restored and in excellent, ready ...
Ceramic, Walnut
Large Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Table by Vivai del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury elephant-shaped side table with removable tray fully made in hand-woven wicker. This stunning organic piece was designed by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 197...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Italian wooden Side table. Italy 1950s
Located in Catania, CT
This rectangular side table is a quintessential piece of Mid-Century Modern Italian design, presumably dating from the 1950s. Emanating the refined aesthetic associated with designer...
Wood
Halabala Style Round Side Table by Kozelka & Kropacek, 1947
By Interiér Praha, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Halabala style round side table by Karel Kozelka and Antonin Kropacek, circa 1947. Oak frame holds inset glass top above integrated wood shelf in light brown finish. Part of a set th...
Glass, Oak
Milo Baughman Polished Stainless Steel Chrome Drum Side Table, 17"h
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Oakland, CA
Polished Stainless Steel Drum Table designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Diameter 24 H 17 inches
Steel, Chrome