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.
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
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 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
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
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
Mid-Century Modernist Triangular Side Table with Tapered Supports signed Cushman
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist triangular side table, crafted by Cushman and signed by the maker, is an elegant and understated piece reflecting the principles of mid-century design. Cre...
Wood
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 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
Mid-Century Modern Square Onyx Marble Display Pedestal Table by Muller of Mexico
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A versatile modern pedestal from Muller of Mexico circa 1970s. It features 100% onyx construction. Very good overall condition.
Onyx, Marble
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Hermes Style Trompe L'Oeil Equestrian Strap Side Tables
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of side tables featuring a trompe l'oeil framework of equestrian harnesses rendered in steel with genuine leather accents, in the manner of Jacques Adnet for Hermes, circa lat...
Steel
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
$3,028 / 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Topped Coffee Table of Wenge 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
Pair of Mid-20th Century French Brass and Glass Side Tables, End Tables
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of mid-century French brass and glass square side tables feature a faux bamboo motif. Each table is fitted with a glass top and lower shelf finished with a mirrored edge. A...
Brass
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
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
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
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
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
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut and Slate Top Side Tables - Pair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
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
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
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
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
Round Crystal Glass Side Table, 1940s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Round Crystal Glass Side Table, 1940s Elegant round side table from the 1940s, crafted in crystal glass and refined with subtly burnished brass elements. A stylish, light-catching pi...
Brass
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
Midcentury Pair of Bed Side Tables Nightstands in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful pair of bed side tables or nightstands in bamboo and rattan with drawer and bottom shelf . Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
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
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
Halabala Style Round Side Table by Kozelka & Kropacek, 1947
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek, Interiér Praha
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
Vivai del Sud Pair of Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Mid-Century nightstands, fully hand-made in bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker, completed with a crystal glass top. These unique organic nightstands were produced...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass
Pair Witco Carved Wood & Glass Tiki Side Cube Tables Stools Rustic Modern 1960s
By Witco, William Westenhaver / Witco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made by William Westenhaver, this pair of side or end tables was sold under the Witco name. There aren't many of these floating around, and were typically sold as stools...
Glass, Cedar
Les 2 Potiers Michelle and Jacques Serre Deux Potiers French Ceramic Side Table
By Jacques Serre, Les 2 Potiers
Located in Chicago, IL
Important piece unique ceramic side table or small coffee table by Les 2 Potiers France, circa 1956. The table has a green blue glazed ceramic tiles with the iconic unusual textured ...
Ceramic
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
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
American Designer, Side Tables, Maple Burl, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of maple burl side tables likely designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.5"H x 18.0"W x 18.0"D All items...
Wood, Maple, 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
Walnut Bedside Table with drawer and V-Shaped Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
V Bedside Table Walnut is a multi-purpose table made of solid walnut. With a lot of storage, this table is just as functional in your bedroom next to a bed, as in the living room nex...
Walnut