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
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
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
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
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
Original Carl Aubock Walnut Tree Trunk Coffee Sofa Table, Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
An authentic vintage sculptural „Baumtisch“ tree trunk table from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Carl Auböck II. This unusual minimalist piece is made from a walnut wood slab wit...
Brass
Carlo Enrico Rava, Console Table, Brass, Marble, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted brass and marble console table designed by Carlo Enrico Rava, Italy, c. 1950s. Patina brass legs. Minor natural imperfections in marble. Overall Dimensions (inches)...
Marble, Brass
$2,353Sale Price|42% Off
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778, Solid Cherry, 1970s Italy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778 for Cassina, Italy 1970s – Square Solid Wood Italian Modern Design A rare and elegant 1970s dining table, designed by Afra & Tobia...
Cherry
Italian Mid-Century Modern Drinks Cart or Rolling Bar Trolley
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Italian Mid-Century Modern bar cart or drinks trolley, featuring a rectangular two-tier design of wood and chrome, with the top tier being a tray style, with a chrome gallery ...
Metal, Chrome
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar 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
Studio Kastilia Silvi, Italian White & Cream Vanity Table with Blue Seat, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century transformable Kastilia vanity table in a charming and unique ivory-white and cream color completed by blue upholstered chair. This stunning piece was designed i...
Metal
Expertly Restored-Adrian Pearsall Model 2450TK Coffee Table for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Birdseye Maple
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
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
Maison Jansen Brass and Crystal Tiny Round Bar Cart, France, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous compact Mid-Century round bar cart in solid brass and crystal glass. This elegant piece was produced by Maison Jansen in France during the 1950s. In excellent condition, th...
Metal, Brass
Juliette Belarti Designer Coffee Table with Ceramic Surface and Iron Base
Located in London, GB
A unique vintage artistic mid-century coffee table featuring a ceramic tile top decorated with an expressive abstract pattern in earthy tones, mounted on a sculptural black enamelled...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Wood Dining Table Round by Moscatelli for Meroni Mid-Century Modern Italy 1964s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century dining table by Giulio Moscatelli for the Meroni company. This Italian design piece, dating back to 1964, is crafted from fine wood with visible grain on the circular top...
Metal
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
1950s Sculptural Venetian Wall Console Table Cristallo Brass Italy
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Ico Parisi, Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Italian Regency Console Table. Made in Italy. Sculptural brass, New cristallo stone top. Unmarked. Custom made in Italy style of Gio Ponti. Dimension...
Stone, Brass, Bronze
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
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
Osvaldo Borsani Sculptural Round Dining Table in Walnut, Varedo, Italy, 1945
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare dining table was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1945 and produced by his company Arredamenti Borsani in Varedo, Italy. The piece is accompanied by a certificate of aut...
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
Jacques Duval Brasseur Coffee Table France 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Jacques Duval Brasseur Brass and Glass Coffee Table France 1970s
Brass
Premium Rosso Levanto Marble Table With Tapered Solid Base, Customizable Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
ROSSO LEVANTO MARBLE DINING TABLE Type of Marble: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 72" x 36" (Custom sizes available) Leg Model: Rosso Levanto (Custom leg models available) Customization:...
Travertine, Marble
$772Sale Price|20% Off
1940s vintage wooden coffee table Italian design
Located in None, IT
Walnut coffee table with curved legs and decorated top, Italian style, 1940s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 47 cm; diameter 62 cm; M...
Wood
Mario Bellini Gli Scacchi Black Table Elements for C&B Italy, circa 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini 'Gli Scacchi' table/seat elements for C&B (later B&B) Italy, circa 1970 3 black polyurethane elements by Mario Bellini that can either be used as table or seats or pre...
Plastic
1960 Nakashima for Widdicomb Sundra Walnut Coffee Table
By John Widdicomb, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Bensalem, PA
Please look at video and pictures for overall detail and condition. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Rosewood, Walnut
French Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Slate, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and slate coffee table designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimension...
Slate
Sculpted Sapele Mahogany Console Table in Espresso, 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
An elegant sculptural console table crafted from solid sapele mahogany, dating to the 1960s. This striking piece features a continuous flowing frame with softly tapered legs and grac...
Mahogany
Cesare Lacca 1950 Italia oval-shaped bar cart with brass wheels
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Oval-shaped Italian wooden cart by Cesare Lacca with glass tops, elegant and minimal.
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Glass, 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
Minimalist Chrome Desk or Dining Table by Egon Eiermann for Wieland
Located in Hamburg, DE
Eiermann E2 table with central strut by Wieland. A design classic based on a design by architect Egon Eiermann. This E2 version has a vertical, central crossbar, allowing it to be u...
Metal
Brazilian Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and marble coffee table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Moderate break on one corner of marble. Natural color variation with subtle green inclusions. Wear consis...
Marble
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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Round Coffee Table
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
1960s Mid-Century Italian Walnut Rattan and Black Glass Top Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, in wood with elegant rattan wicker bamboo frame, decorated legs and black glass top. The unique and typical design, with the ...
Glass, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan
Signed Large Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and very rare large coffee table in beautiful beechwood, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. The table is signed under the le...
Wood, Beech
Gio Ponti Style Teak Writing Desk for Dassi, Mid-Century, Italy, 1950s
Italian writing desk attributed to Gio Ponti for Vittorio Dassi exemplifies the designer's refined aesthetic through geometric precision and material contrast. Rich teak construction...
Brass, Steel
$593Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 60's wooden and glass food trolley Italian design
Located in None, IT
Wooden cart with gold-plated brass inserts, two glass shelves, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good, working condition, shows signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 67 cm; w...
Brass
G-Plan "Fresco" Dressing Table or Desk by Victor Wilkins, Circa 1960.
By G-Plan
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Beautiful five-drawer 1960s teak dressing table or vanity by G-Plan in outstanding condition. Designed by Victor Bramwell Wilkins for G-Plan during the Mid-Century Modern era in Brit...
Teak
George Coslin Serving Bar Cart with Drawers in Rosewood and Chrome, Italy, 1950s
By George Coslin, Bernini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century Italian bar trolley crafted in a refined mix of rosewood, chrome-plated metal, and white laminate. This refined and distinctive piece was designed by George Cos...
Metal, Chrome
Willy Rizzo Coffee Table in Chrome, Brass, Burl Wood, Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique coffee table in a combination of brass, chrome and burl wood, completed with smoked glass. This refined table was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attri...
Steel, Chrome, Brass
Nanda Vigo, Console Table, Glass, Italy, 1980s
By Nanda Vigo
Located in High Point, NC
A small wall-mounted blue opaline glass console table designed by Nanda Vigo and produced by Glas Italia, Italy, c. 1980s. Minor imperfections to frost of glass and plastic wall sup...
Glass
Gordon & Jane Martz Mosaic Black Ceramic + Walnut End Tables
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of rare end tables by Gordon & Jane Martz. The square table top is inlaid with round dark grey ceramic tiles placed randomly throughout the table. The frame of the table and f...
Ceramic, 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
Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Smoked Glass Rectangular Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large rectangular coffee table in solid brass and chrome, completed by a bronzed smoked glass top. This elegant piece was designed by Romeo Rega and produced in Italy durin...
Brass, Chrome
1950s Wim Rietveld Friso Kramer Reply Drafting Table Ahrend de Cirkel
By Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Wim Rietveld 'Reply' drafting table with rare side tray. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjust...
Metal
1990s Henk Vos Modernist Coffee Table in Leather, Steel & Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table designed by Henk Vos for Maupertuus Vos in the Netherlands during the 1990s features a distinctive approach to mixed materials. The design incorporates a bent steel fram...
Chrome, 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
Polished Italian Travertine Triangle Coffee Tables, 1970s - A Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Two piece triangle polished travertine marble coffee tables by Stone International, Italy 1970s. Large: W55” D27.5” H15.74” Small: W55” D27.5” H12"
Travertine
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
Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
GALLOTTI E RADICE Produced by Gallotti e Radice, Italy, ca. 1971. President desk, "Dattilo" model, chromed brass frame, rectangular top and sides in smoked glass. Please note that th...
Crystal, Chrome
Mid-Century Round Oak Dining Table with Three Extensions, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Kurt Østervig, CJ Rosengaarden
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Danish dining table crafted in solid oak, made in the 1960s by a skilled cabinetmaker. The table combines sculptural presence with practical functionality, making it a ti...
Oak
Mid century large burl wood blonde chrome coffee table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century large burl wood blonde chrome coffee table. Large Mid Century Modern rectangle book matched blonde burl wood with chrome base coffee table in the style of Milo Baughman. ...
Chrome
Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-TAT-08-B
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Teak Library Table circa 1955–56 by Pierre Jeanneret - model PJ-TAT-08-B This model was produced in several variants and dimensions for Chandigarh’s public institutions. The detacha...
Teak
$2,240Sale Price|30% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Mid Century Modern Cantilever Floating Gold Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dayton, OH
An intriguing Mid Century Modern Floating Cocktail Table by 'Paul Evans'. Part of the Cityscape Collection, Circa 1970. The coffee table is made from Polished/Brushed Metal & G...
Metal
$770Sale Price|30% Off
John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM
By John Stuart
Located in Dayton, OH
John Stuart Hairpin Desk, circa 1960s. Features a minimalist open form with plank top set between three dovetailed oak drawers set on turned and tapered legs with brass feet and a h...
Maple
Italian Mid-Century Cane, Bamboo and Woven Rattan Tray Table with Glass Top, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer this Italian Mid-Century Modern tray table from the 1970s, crafted from bamboo, cane, and woven rattan. Originally sourced from a coastal home on the Riviera ...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass
Italian Mid-Century Brass, Wood and Glass Console Table
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Italian very solid and heavy, brass, wood and glass console table from 1970's. The top of this console is in glass. The structure is combined with laquered dark brown color w...
Brass
Unique Studio Craft Modernist Rosewood and Teak Doctor's Desk, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
A one-of-a-kind studio craft doctor’s desk fashioned from solid planks of rosewood and teak. Built in the 1970s by a student of RIT’s “School for American Crafts” for his doctor and ...
Steel
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