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.
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Piero Fornasetti 1970s Side Table, Black Lacquered Wood, Sun King
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy This striking side table by the iconic Italian designer Piero Fornasetti dates to the 1970s and featur...
Metal
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands or Side Tables in Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful pair of mid-century rectangular nightstands or side tables crafted in bamboo, wicker, and hand-woven rattan. These elegant organic pieces were produced in Italy during the ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega, Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables with simple and elegant wooden squared structure completed by the central handle. Those side tables or...
Wood
Mid-Century Side Table in Smoked Ruby Cobra with Brass Castors by Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A glamorous Mid-Century Modernist side table, designed by the celebrated Karl Springer, featuring luxurious smoked ruby cobra leather upholstery and elegant brass casters, American, ...
Brass
Wrought Iron Branch Table Glass Top, Belgium, circa 1960
By René Drouet
Located in Vienna, AT
Wrought iron and glass table, Belgium mid-century modern. Extravagant artisan wrought iron side-table with 19" table top from glass. Composition in wrought iron, dated circa 1960s, ...
Wrought Iron
Antique “Jaguar Petite” Stool by Mario Lopez Torres - Mexico, circa 1970
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Sculptural “Jaguar Petite” zoomorphic stool designed by Mario Lopez Torres, a leading figure in 20th-century Mexican design working with natural fibers, circa 1970. The piece featur...
Iron
'Butterflies' Drinks Table / Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional and highly collectible ‘Farfalle’ (Italian for “butterflies”) occasional table by Piero Fornasetti is a striking example of the designer’s poetic and surreal approac...
Brass
Bertil Söderberg, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood side table or coffee table designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Svensk Hemslöjd, Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2...
Wood
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
Italian Pair of Nightstands in Poplar Burl and Brass, Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and unique pair of nightstands in poplar burl wood and solid brass. This incredibly elegant pair of nightstands was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced in Italy during the 1...
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
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
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
Ceasare Lacca Pair of Tripod Side Tables with Glass top circa 1950
By Cesare Lacca
Located in CA, CA
Cesare Lacca pair of tripod side tables are iconic examples of Italian Mid-Century Modern design. This table is a beautiful example with it's sculptural wooden base and handle enclo...
Glass, Wood
Expertly Restored - Adrian Pearsall "Stingray" Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of Adrian Pearsall “Stingray” side tables for Craft Associates exemplifies mid-century modern design with dynamic organic form and s...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
1950s Mid-Century Salterini Lily Pad Garden Patio Leaf Tables Nesting Pair
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Pair of nesting, lily pad, leaf tables by Salterini, unmarked, showing the expected cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Tops were scrubbed and lightly polished, preserving...
Wrought Iron
Danish mid-century teak side table with drawer by Salin Nyborg, circa 1960s
By Salin Møbler
Located in München, DE
Original side or coffee table made of solid teak. Mid-Century Modern. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. Manufacturer: Salin Møbler Nyborg. Manufacturer's stamp on the underside. Beautifu...
Teak
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
Isamu Noguchi Occasional table, model 87 Knoll International USA, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Isamu Noguchi Occasional Table (Model 87) by Knoll International, USA, 1970. The Cyclone table by Isamu Noguchi, designed in the 1950s for Knoll, is one of those pieces that f...
Steel
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
French Designer, Side Table, Iron, Marble France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and marble side table or coffee table designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Dramatic patina on metal frame. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dime...
Marble, Iron
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
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
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
Enzo Mari for Driade 'Cugino' Table in Glass and Steel
Enzo Mari for Driade, table 'Cugino', glass, steel, Italy, 1973. A pure and understated design by Enzo Mari for Driade. This table features a clear construction. The base consists o...
Steel
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
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
By Erik Wørts, Tue Poulsen, Heltborg Møbler
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 Hans Wegner for Getama Teak Nighstands C. 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Norwalk, CT
This set of nightstands were designed by the famous Hans J. Wegner, one of the most beloved mid-century designers of Denmark. These nightstands are crafted from solid teak, an icon...
Glass, Teak
French Designer, Side Table, Oak, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained oak side table or guéridon designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.5"H x 19.75"W x 19.75"D All items...
Oak
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
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
Midcentury Organic Modern 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
French Designer, Side Table, Walnut, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
Minor imperfections in tabletop surface, siding, and footer. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.75in x 23.5in All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Walnut
Sculptural Curved Display or Side Table in Cerused Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large side or coffee table, cerused oak, Europe, 1960s This eccentric large display table or coffee table is made in a precise manner, implementing geometrical shapes and straight l...
Oak
Vintage 1970s Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Table for Knoll Oval Emperador Marble Top
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Eero Saarinen tulip side table for Knoll with oval Emperador marble top. There has been a repair, older restoration done by a professional. I didn't even notice it I took pho...
Marble, Aluminum
$10,500 / set
Sculptural Round Side Tables in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee or side tables, walnut, Europe, 1970s These beautiful tables, influenced by the artistic sensibilities of the Art Deco movement with a post-modern twist, are distinguished by...
Walnut
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
Giuseppe Scapinelli side table made in Brazil 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A highly rare and elegant side table designed by Brazilian-Italian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli in the 1950s, this piece is a striking example of mid-century Brazilian design infused...
Brass
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
A pair of Handcrafted mid-century modern wine racks / Side tables. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Vintage Handcrafted mid-century modern wine racks / Side tables. Circa 1960s Features two different-height solid-wood wine rack bases with black-laminated tops, making wine...
Formica, Wood
Iron and Glass "Ondulation" Side Tables Circa 1950s
By Jean Royère
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of mid century "ondulation" wrought iron and glass side tables in the manner of French designer Jean Royere.
Wrought Iron
"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
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of 780 Red Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
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 Metal and Glass Ashtray Vide Poche Side Table, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb side table with a glass vide poche was crafted in France circa 1950. The rare geometric three-foot stand features its original black-painted metal, with chromed metal bal...
Metal
Small Eames for Herman Miller Black Laminate, Plywood, and Chrome LTR SideTable
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller LTR (low table rod) side table originally designed in 1950 in layered plywood with a black laminate top supported by a resistance-welded chrom...
Steel, Chrome
Pair Witco Carved Wood & Glass Tiki Side Cube Tables Stools Rustic Modern 1960s
By William Westenhaver / Witco, 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
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables by George Ciancimino, France, c.1970
Located in London, GB
Pair of tall black metal and tinted glass side tables by George Ciancimino. Fantastic quality.
Metal
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s Minor blemish to table finish. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 25.5"D All ite...
Birch
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
Jacques Adnet Square Occasional Table, Thick Top & Nickel Spacers, France, 1930
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) Small Square Occasional Veneer Table, Thick Beveled Grill Top and Nickel Plated Spacers, France, c. 1930 Documented with dining Suite H: 24 D: 15.75 D: 15.7...
Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Side Table, Iron & Ceramic, Roger Capron Style
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
French small iron and ceramic tiled topped side table. Wear conducive to age. Small bend to one leg but does not affect the stability of the table. Great character and look.
Metal
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
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
Pr. Mid Century Side End Tables designed by Adrian Pearsall by Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid Century ribbon base glass top side, or end, table designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Circa 1960's, model 2460 - T24, these classic tables feature sculptura...
Glass, Wood
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
Single Tripod Hand Forged Side or Drinks Table, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Single custom tripod hand-forged side or drinks table, in stock Hand-forged iron legs, round top with lip Dark bronze patina Perfect for drinks, side, end table Ready to ship from ou...
Iron
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
Uncommon Pair of Arthur Court Cast Aluminum & Glass Floral Form Side Tables
By Arthur Court
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the United States by Arthur Court, this pair of side tables features the most expressive and rarest version of this design. While most Court tables have leaves t...
Metal, Aluminum