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.
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
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
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
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
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
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
By Fornasetti, Piero 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
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
Cesare Lacca Brass and Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca, (After) Gio Ponti
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Poly-Z Desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra, Mahogany, Brass
By Abraham A. Patijn, Zijlstra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poly-Z desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra Joure demonstrates sophisticated Dutch engineering through its floating top construction. The work surface suspends above the cabinet base on ...
Metal, Brass
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% 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
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
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
Italian Mid-Century Dining Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, ash, Italy, 1960s This Italian dining table from the 1960s is a beautiful example of mid-century modern design, where strength and simplicity come together in perfect ...
Ash
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega, Ico & Luisa Parisi, 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
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
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
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
Round Pine Coffee Table, Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs Design, France, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Round coffee or sofa table in solid stained pine, produced in France during the late 1960s. The design captures the sculptural, essential quality associated with Charlotte Perriand’s...
Metal
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted stained wood console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Minor imperfections from normal use. Refinished in recent history. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Wood
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
$2,380Sale 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
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
Enzo Testa, Desk, Pine, Wood, Italy, 1968
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and wood desk designed and produced by Enzo Testa for a residential commission, Bergamo, Italy, c. 1968. Minimal signs of wear. Top refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Wood, Pine
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
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
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted wood and black-lacquered glass console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Minor wear to wood. Minor to moderate wear on glass tabletop surface. Overall...
Glass, Wood
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
Extra large Borge Mogensen design model 142 dining table in vintage oak
By Børge Mogensen, Karl Anderson
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large vintage oak oval top dining table, extending with 4 extra leaves designed in 1964 by Borge Mogensen and produced by Karl Andersson as part of the 'Oresunde Serie'. This impres...
Oak
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
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
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
George Nakashima Double Pedestal Desk with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, Double Pedestal Free-Edge writing desk, American black walnut, United States, 1969 You have encountered a truly outstanding example of ...
Walnut
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
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Birdseye Maple
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
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
$940Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Maple Draw Leaf Extendable Dining Table MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
A Quaint Mid Century Heywood-Wakefield Dining Table. Features a rectangular frame made from maple with two draw leafs for extension. The table is supported by angular square legs. ...
Maple
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Glass, Wood
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 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. Thi...
Metal
Attributed to Lothar Klute, round Coffee Table, Circa 1980
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
A round coffee table divided into three glass sections, with a frame made of forged bronze. A specific bronze alloy allowed the artist to forge the bronze. The glass was produced usi...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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