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.
Mid-Century Modern “American Leisure” Walnut Coffee Table / Bench by Kroehler
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...
Walnut
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
1950s Coen de Vries Style Desk, Birch, Beige Enameled Tubular Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact desk attributed to the style of Coen de Vries combines birch construction with a beige enameled tubular metal frame. Three drawers with turned wooden knobs occupy an asymmetr...
Metal
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Console Table w/ Bookshelf
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...
Walnut
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Coffee Table in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper and beech, Italy, 1960s. This coffee table is an absolute eye-catcher. The copper is in beautiful, patinated condition and the vibrant yet...
Copper
Expertly Restored - California Modern Floating-Top Tier Coffee Table by Ace-Hi
By ACE-HI
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
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (Pequi), Brazil, 1970s This exceptional hand-carved coffee table embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: a deep ...
Hardwood
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
Guillerme & Chambron Extendable 'L'Italienne' Dining Table in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, dining table, model 'L'Italienne', solid oak, France, 1960s This L'Italienne dining room table is designed by the acclaimed French designer d...
Oak
Pair of French Red/Black Tripod Gueridon Tables, Emilio Terry Style, 1950s
By Emilio Terry, Mathieu Matégot
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of side tables/gueridons was produced in France in the 1950s. Each table features a welded steel rod construction with sculptural red scrolled tripod bases and b...
Steel
Early Saarinen Knoll International Tulip Coffee Table Oval Calacatta Marble Top
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Originally designed by Eero Saarinen, this table was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International for resale in the heart of New York City. Being an early model, this specificati...
Marble, Enamel, Iron
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Walnut
Extraordinary Italian Mixed Marble & Bronze Steel Dining Table w/ Knoll Base
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
I sourced this piece of marble years ago, tucked away in a basement, without a base. Since then, I've held onto it, waiting for the right base to come along. When I found an authentic, severely pitted Florence Knoll-designed base, I knew it was the one. This marble top features an extraordinary assortment of marble chunks...
Marble, Enamel, Steel
Mid century Danish Drop Leaf Extension 2-12 Dining Table Teak by Hafnia Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Maria 2-12 folding extension dining table in the manner of by Bruno Mathsson. Table is Teak wood with brass hardware and very high quality. Beautiful vin...
Brass
Mid-Century Dutch Coffee Table, Rattan Basket, Smoked Glass, Lucite Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, 1960s, strikingly designed coffee table with rattan basket, smoked glass top and transparent lucite legs. This round coffee table, manufactured with great expertis...
Rattan, Smoked Glass, Acrylic, Lucite
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
Roger Capron 'Cuvette' Coffee Table in Ceramic and Iron
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron coffee table, model Cuvette, ceramic, iron, France, 1960s This iconic Cuvette model features a beautifully composed ceramic tile top, carefully arranged within a gently...
Iron
1940s vintage food cart made of wood and glass Italian design
Located in None, IT
Food cart with wooden frame, glass shelves and gilt brass wheels, Italian design, 1940s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 76 cm, wid...
Brass
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Walnut and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, walnut, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made ...
Brass
Charles Flandre Naturalistic Dining Table in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, dining table, solid elm, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this solid elm dining table reflects a careful balance between rustic strengt...
Elm
Dudouyt Carved Pedestal Table #1, France, 1940's
Located in New York, NY
A Charles Dudouyt pedestal table with a highly carved stem and base 23.5x24
Wood
Pair of 1960s Charlotte Perriand Inspired Pine Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of two petite, Dutch Mid-Century, pine side tables or nightstands. This beautiful pair is inspired by the work of Charlotte Perriand for her groundbreaking 1960s Les Arcs ski r...
Wood
Mid-Century Dutch Dining Table in Oak with Cross-Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, the Netherlands, 1960s This elegant dining table from the 1960s Netherlands is a beautiful example of refined mid-century design. Crafted in solid oak, the piece ...
Oak
Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1960 , France
By Roger Capron
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Roger Capron "Shogun" Coffee Table, 1960s French Design, Ceramic & Wood, Japandi Style Description: This iconic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, created in France during ...
Ceramic, Wood
Pierre Chapo Dining Set with 'T14D' Table, 'S14B' Bench and 'S24' Chairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining room set with bench, chairs, and table in solid elm, leather, France, 1960s Beautiful dining room set by Pierre Chapo that expresses the designer’s dedication t...
Leather, Elm
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table from the 1960's. Simple lines with tapered legs and 2 extensions which greatly elongates the size. Inlaid border around top sur...
Wood
Rare Paul T. Frankl Model '5025' Coffee Table in Cork
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, coffee table '5025', varnished cork, United States, 1950s Designed by Paul Frankl, this very rare coffee table features a striking biom...
Cork
1940s Mid-Century Elegant Italian Dining or Center Table in Rosso Francia Marble
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining or center table, stained wood, Rosso Francia marble, brass, Italy, 1940s A striking example of mid-century Italian design, featuring graceful lines and luxurious materials. T...
Marble, Brass
Ico Parisi Style Italian Brass Serving Trolley by Cesare Lacca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Mid-Century Ico Parisi style, two tiered, brass and lacquered wood bar cart or tea trolley with graceful, curved lines. Manufactured by Cesare Lacca. Brass accents complemen...
Brass
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Resin, Brass and Agate
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, agate, resin, formica, wood, Belgium, 1960s/1970s A luxurious square cocktail table, crafted with the remarkable attention to detail that de...
Agate, Brass
Italian Naturalistic Dining Set With Six Chairs and Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining set with table and six chairs, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, distinctive material use, and superb craftsmanship combine to form an exceptional dining set, perfect ...
Pine
Mid-Century Pastoe Inspired Rosewood & Chrome Extendable Table
By Thereca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century Pastoe inspired rosewood & chrome extendable table. This piece, attributed to have been made by Dutch furniture manufacturer Thereca in the 1st half of the 1960s, ...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Italian Wood Inlay Wall Console Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian Mid-Century Modern design console side table. Standing on four typically shaped wooden legs with the front drawer decorated by the wooden vein veneer...
Wood
Cesare Lacca Brass and Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Italian bar trolley entirely crafted in brass and wood with crystal glass tops. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy...
Brass
Ralph Lauren Geometric Modern Round Ash Lauren Studio Dining Breakfast Table 68"
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
Ralph Lauren Lauren Studio Table Features a round ash top over a geometric modernist base. Great for use in a game room or dining / breakfast nook. Includes Glass top. Dimensio...
Ash
Danish Mid-20th Century Modern, Side Table by Anton Kildeberg, Model 210, 1960s
By Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, Anton Kildeberg
Located in Odense, DK
This refined side table is a classic example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design from the 1960s by Anton Kildeberg for Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, showcasing the clean lines, elega...
Oak
Beautiful original Mid Century teak sewing box with hinged compartments
Located in München, DE
Original Mid Century Modern folding sewing box in very good vintage condition. The entire box is made of plywood with teak veneer. Buttons for opening are made of brass. A fantastica...
Brass
Rare Titina Ammannati & Giampiero Vitelli Dining Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Titina Ammannati & Giampiero Vitelli for Rossi di Albizzate, dining table, teak, lacquered steel, Italy, 1950s The Italian design duo Titina Ammannati and Giampiero Vitelli conc...
Steel
Danish Round Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style Ø 119 cm
By Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage brutalist Henning Kjærnulf style round extendable dining table manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s. The table is made of solid patinated oak with wood work details. ...
Oak
Vintage Ercol Mid Century Modern Plank Dining Table
By Lucian Ercolani, Ercol
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage plank dining table. Model 382 by Ercol. Solid elm wood top and beech wood legs. Maker's label on bottom. This piece is in excellent condition with very few sign...
Beech, Elm
Roger Capron Dining Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, dining table, ceramic and beech, France, 1960s This dining table is a beautiful example of Roger Capron’s work from the 1960s, combining his signature ceramic artistry...
Ceramic, Beech
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
Italian Designer, Desk, Teak, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and brass desk designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Dark stains and surface scratches on tabletop. Wear consistent with age and use. Includes two keys. Overall Dimensi...
Brass
Mid-Century Gilbert Marklund Style Pine Trestle Table, Carved Panels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pine trestle base table demonstrates Scandinavian Mid-Century construction techniques through peg tension joinery and substantial solid wood components. The design reflects Gilbert M...
Pine
Solid Rustic Oak Round Coffee Table in Style of Charlotte Perriand France, 1960s
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Solid Rustic Oak round Coffee table in style of Charlotte Perriand, France, 1960s. Please always request a shipping quote, as this differs significantly from the online price.
Oak
Dining Room Table by Søren Nissen & Ebbe Gehl for Ebenisterie Seltz France
By Ebenisterie Seltz et Fils 1, Søren Nissen & Ebbe Gehl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern dining room table. Design by Søren Nissen & Ebbe Gehl for Ebenisterie Seltz France. Striking Danish design from the 1980s. Two solid beech...
Beech, Elm
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip-Top Expandable Table and Brass Castors
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and highly functional, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar flip-top table exemplifies the designer’s mastery of refined modernism and thoughtful versatility. Crafted in richly gra...
Mahogany
Franco Albini Console or Vanity Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera style console or vanity table fully made of rattan, woven wicker, and brass. This delightful and unique organic piece was designed by the mastery ...
Brass
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted gilded wood and marble console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 35.5"W x 15.0"...
Marble
Henredon Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Mahogany Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie carved mahogany coffee table or cocktail table By Henredon USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 50"W x 39.75"D x 14"H. Profe...
Mahogany
French Designer, Partners Desk, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A large oak desk or partners desk designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural wood cracking and patina buildup. Missing smal...
Oak
Large Rectangular Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Mixed Hardwood Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large & impressive rectangular coffee table from Brazil. Solid wood top consisting of mixed hardwoods shoeing their natural organic form. Extremely heavy & well made.
Wood
$2,361Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Vintage Brutalist Danish Extending Oak Dining table style Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This vintage oak table captures the essence of Henning Kjærnulf's design philosophy, blending a bold brutalist aesthetic with refined craftsmanship. The intricate leg carvings harmon...
Oak
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Melchiorre Bega, Gio Ponti, 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
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