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Red and Smoked Lucite "Plia" Folding Chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy
Red and Smoked Lucite "Plia" Folding Chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy

Red and Smoked Lucite "Plia" Folding Chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy

By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli

Located in Roma, IT

charming and makes this folding chair perfect for a Mid-Century Modern style project. PLIA, the symbol of

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink and White Folding Plia Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink and White Folding Plia Chairs for Castelli, 1970s

Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink and White Folding Plia Chairs for Castelli, 1970s

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Roma, IT

versatile folding chair extremely elegant and perfect for a Mid-Century Modern style project. PLIA, the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Set of 6 Red and Smoked Lucite Plia folding chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy
Set of 6 Red and Smoked Lucite Plia folding chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy

Set of 6 Red and Smoked Lucite Plia folding chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Roma, IT

charming and makes this folding chairs perfect for a Mid-Century Modern style project. PLIA, the symbol

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Paul Mccobb Black Cache Table For Karakter
Paul Mccobb Black Cache Table For Karakter

Paul Mccobb Black Cache Table For Karakter

By Paul McCobb

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

-century design, Paul McCobb conceived the Planner series in the 1950s, a modular furniture series that

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of prototype FerroTipi Armchairs by Gianantonio Malacrida and P. Resmini
Pair of prototype FerroTipi Armchairs by Gianantonio Malacrida and P. Resmini

Pair of prototype FerroTipi Armchairs by Gianantonio Malacrida and P. Resmini

By Malacrida and Co.

Located in Milano, IT

the threshold between mid-century modernism and the radical investigations that would define the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Armchairs

Materials

Iron

XL mushroom table lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1960s
XL mushroom table lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1960s

XL mushroom table lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1960s

By Elio Martinelli, Martinelli Luce

Located in Zevenaar, NL

mid-century Italian lighting, combining sculptural presence with everyday functionality. He continued

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Elio Martinelli 625 mushroom table lamp by Martinelli Luce, Italy, 1960s, 2 av.
Elio Martinelli 625 mushroom table lamp by Martinelli Luce, Italy, 1960s, 2 av.

Elio Martinelli 625 mushroom table lamp by Martinelli Luce, Italy, 1960s, 2 av.

By Elio Martinelli, Martinelli Luce

Located in Zevenaar, NL

mid-century Italian lighting, combining sculptural presence with everyday functionality. He continued

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Milo Sofa – Quiet Geometry Meets Everyday Grace
Milo Sofa – Quiet Geometry Meets Everyday Grace

Milo Sofa – Quiet Geometry Meets Everyday Grace

Located in Gurugram, IN

. The retro design eschews European and mid-century classics for its own use in translation into a

Category

2010s Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Daya-w2 Brass Wall Light Sconce, Flow 2 Collection
Daya-w2 Brass Wall Light Sconce, Flow 2 Collection

Daya-w2 Brass Wall Light Sconce, Flow 2 Collection

By Jonathan Amar

Located in Paris, FR

contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century designs, his success strives from sourcing

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

IDRIA-T2 Brass Table Lamp, Flow 2 Collection
IDRIA-T2 Brass Table Lamp, Flow 2 Collection

IDRIA-T2 Brass Table Lamp, Flow 2 Collection

By Jonathan Amar

Located in Paris, FR

pieces and bespoke contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century designs, his success

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Paul Mccobb Cache Console & Set Of Two Drawers, Oak For Karakter
Paul Mccobb Cache Console & Set Of Two Drawers, Oak For Karakter

Paul Mccobb Cache Console & Set Of Two Drawers, Oak For Karakter

By Paul McCobb

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

prominent figure in American mid-century design, Paul McCobb conceived the Planner series in the 1950s, a

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Tapio Wirkkala for Idman Rare Desk Lamp in Brass and Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Idman Rare Desk Lamp in Brass and Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Idman Rare Desk Lamp in Brass and Glass

By Tapio Wirkkala, David Weidman

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Scandinavian mid-century modern design of the 20th century. Born and raised in Helsinki, Wirkkala started his

Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Gran Costellazione, Orion, Brass Onyx Flush Mount Chandelier Piattelli design
Gran Costellazione, Orion, Brass Onyx Flush Mount Chandelier Piattelli design

Gran Costellazione, Orion, Brass Onyx Flush Mount Chandelier Piattelli design

By Silvio Piattelli

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

, resulting in a sculptural graphic composition and a refined light diffusion. It blends a mid-century

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Italy Table lamp, brass and chrome-plated steel, Willy Rizzo for BD Lumica
Italy Table lamp, brass and chrome-plated steel, Willy Rizzo for BD Lumica

Italy Table lamp, brass and chrome-plated steel, Willy Rizzo for BD Lumica

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Valladolid, ES

style that prevailed in the mid-century. He was influenced by figures such as Mies van der Rohe and Le

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage MidCentury Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model Fire by Kai Kristiansen
Vintage MidCentury Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model Fire by Kai Kristiansen

Vintage MidCentury Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model Fire by Kai Kristiansen

By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

-quality craftsmanship and collaborations with leading mid-century modern designers. Founded in 1919, the

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s

Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Roma, IT

, perfect to enhcance a Mid-century Modern project. The price is per single chair. Dimensions (cm): Depth

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Large Vintage striped Modular Danish Sofa Pop Art Modular Sofa
Large Vintage striped Modular Danish Sofa Pop Art Modular Sofa

Large Vintage striped Modular Danish Sofa Pop Art Modular Sofa

Located in Markington, GB

Fantastic Danish Space-Age Modular Seating Group, 1970s A striking example of early 70s Danish

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Selig "Playpen" Modular Sofa
Selig "Playpen" Modular Sofa

Selig "Playpen" Modular Sofa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Selig modular sofa with three sectionals in blue velvet. Allows flexibility to arrange in armless

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet

Vintage Modular Shelving Units By Van Pelt
Vintage Modular Shelving Units By Van Pelt

Vintage Modular Shelving Units By Van Pelt

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Exquisite MCM Modular Shelving Units by Van Pelt, crafted with meticulous attention to detail in

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Multi-Colored Fabric Modular Chair
Multi-Colored Fabric Modular Chair

Multi-Colored Fabric Modular Chair

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

The modular fabric chair in a vibrant multi-colored finish is a sophisticated seating solution

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter
Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter

Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter

By Paul McCobb

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

prominent figure in American mid-century design, Paul McCobb conceived the Planner series in the 1950s, a

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter
Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter

Paul Mccobb Set Cache Console & Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter

By Paul McCobb

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

prominent figure in American mid-century design, Paul McCobb conceived the Planner series in the 1950s, a

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Vintage Modular Sofa, 80s
Vintage Modular Sofa, 80s

Vintage Modular Sofa, 80s

$7,468Sale Price|60% Off

Vintage Modular Sofa, 80s

Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR

Elegant corner modular sofa entirely restored and reupholstered. 5 modules Italy, 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Studio Crafted Modular Credenza
Studio Crafted Modular Credenza

Studio Crafted Modular Credenza

Located in Denton, TX

Studio crafted solid walnut modular cabinet system. There are two cabinets that measure 30.5" wide

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Leathersofa
Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Leathersofa

Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Leathersofa

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This is a high-quality modular leather sofa by Dreipunkt International, consisting of five seating

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Beech

Pair Doimo Salotti Vintage Modular Chairs
Pair Doimo Salotti Vintage Modular Chairs

Pair Doimo Salotti Vintage Modular Chairs

By Doimo Salotti

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pair Doimo Salotti Modular Chairs. Made in Italy. Original fabric. 28w 32d 30h 16s. Price for pair.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mogens Koch Pair of Modular Oak Bookcases, Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Pair of Modular Oak Bookcases, Rud Rasmussen

Mogens Koch Pair of Modular Oak Bookcases, Rud Rasmussen

By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch

Located in Long Island City, NY

cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen. Koch designed several variations of these beautiful modular case pieces, and they

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Modular 1960s Italian Chandelier
Modular 1960s Italian Chandelier

Modular 1960s Italian Chandelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Modular 1960s Italian chandelier in satin aluminum and molded acrylic finish. Partially restored

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Mogens Koch Solid Oak Modular Bookcases
Mogens Koch Solid Oak Modular Bookcases

Mogens Koch Solid Oak Modular Bookcases

By Mogens Koch

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mogens Koch solid oak modular bookcases with removable plinths by Rud Rasmussen. Denmark c. 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Franco Albini Infinito Modular Bookcase
Franco Albini Infinito Modular Bookcase

Franco Albini Infinito Modular Bookcase

By Franco Albini

Located in Milano, IT

Franco Albini (1905-1977) Infinito original book unit. Large modular bookcase made up of 6

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Wim Rietveld Modular Wall Cabinet
Wim Rietveld Modular Wall Cabinet

Wim Rietveld Modular Wall Cabinet

By Wim Rietveld

Located in Delft, NL

Wim Rietveld modular wall cabinet. A yellow with gray lacquered metal wall cabinet. The doors

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Otto Schulz Birch Mirror, Swedish Modern, 1930s.
Otto Schulz Birch Mirror, Swedish Modern, 1930s.

Otto Schulz Birch Mirror, Swedish Modern, 1930s.

By Otto Schulz, Boet

Located in Skanninge, SE

, and often striking. Famous for his deep, wrap-around easy chairs and mid-century-looking cabinets

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Birch

Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa
Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa

Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa

By Tetrad

Located in London, GB

This versatile sofa comprises three 71cm-wide sections that can be arranged as a three-seater, a two-seater with a single chair, or used individually. Upholstered in original, beauti...

Category

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

1950s French Industrial Modular Shelving System
1950s French Industrial Modular Shelving System

1950s French Industrial Modular Shelving System

By Pierre-Paul Prud’hon

Located in London, Lambeth

Industrial modular shelving with 20 adjustable shelves in a amazing color mounting on a black frame.

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Virgil Abloh Modular Imagination Table For Cassina
Virgil Abloh Modular Imagination Table For Cassina

Virgil Abloh Modular Imagination Table For Cassina

By Virgil Abloh

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Virgil Abloh Modular Imagination Table For Cassina Virgil Abloh and Cassina design a project that

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s
Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s

Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Münster, DE

A modular bench, the Tandem Seating Group by the American mid-century design duo, husband and wife

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s
Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s

Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas Bench with Side Table 1970s

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Münster, DE

Tandem Seating Group by the American mid-century design duo, husband and wife Charles and Ray Eames

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Customizable modular sofa by Studio Glustin
Customizable modular sofa by Studio Glustin

Customizable modular sofa by Studio Glustin

By Glustin Creation

Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR

Superb modular sofa by Studio Glustin. Entirely customizable set. Price as exhibited on the picture

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa

George Nelson Modular Group Sofa

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Highland, IN

The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Italian 1950's modular coat rack
Italian 1950's modular coat rack

Italian 1950's modular coat rack

$2,655Sale Price|30% Off

Italian 1950's modular coat rack

Located in Diest, BE

Italian 1950's modular coat rack. One of the most beautiful wall coat racks. Modular haning system

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Modular Couch Rubik with Soft Velvet

Modular Couch Rubik with Soft Velvet

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Rubik is a customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, Rubik S

Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Scandinavian Modular Leather Sofa, Norway, circa 1970
Scandinavian Modular Leather Sofa, Norway, circa 1970

Scandinavian Modular Leather Sofa, Norway, circa 1970

Located in Voorburg, NL

This striking modular sofa is a refined example of high-end Norwegian modern design from the late

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany.
Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany.

Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany.

Located in Landgraaf, NL

Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany. Designer unfortunally unknown. 6 pieces in dark brown

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather

Federigo Fabbrini Asymmetrical Ceramic Bowl, Italy 1950s
Federigo Fabbrini Asymmetrical Ceramic Bowl, Italy 1950s

Federigo Fabbrini Asymmetrical Ceramic Bowl, Italy 1950s

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

the contemporary Italian Mid Century Modern design and art and the historic elements, such as the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic

Argentine Designer, Modular Sofa, Velvet, Argentina, 1970s
Argentine Designer, Modular Sofa, Velvet, Argentina, 1970s

Argentine Designer, Modular Sofa, Velvet, Argentina, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A brown velvet modular sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age

Category

Vintage 1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Large Variety of Modular Pine Bookcases
Large Variety of Modular Pine Bookcases

Large Variety of Modular Pine Bookcases

Located in London, GB

This versatile set of Danish 1970s modular shelves is a practical and stylish storage solution

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Abstract Modular Cherry Wood Sculpture, France, 1970s
Abstract Modular Cherry Wood Sculpture, France, 1970s

Abstract Modular Cherry Wood Sculpture, France, 1970s

By Alexandre Noll

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

mid-20th century French abstraction—ideal for collectors of modern design and sculptural objects.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

French modular sofa 1970s, 9 seats
French modular sofa 1970s, 9 seats

French modular sofa 1970s, 9 seats

By Airborne International

Located in PARIS, FR

French modular sofa from the 70s, set of 9 seats, Entirely reupholsteured in a caramel velvet jab

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Foam

Vintage Danish Modular Wall Unit   1960
Vintage Danish Modular Wall Unit   1960

Vintage Danish Modular Wall Unit 1960

Located in Vigevano, PV

Vintage Danish 3-Bay teak Modular Wall Unit

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Iron

Giancarlo Piretti “Sistema 61" Modular Sofa
Giancarlo Piretti “Sistema 61" Modular Sofa

Giancarlo Piretti “Sistema 61" Modular Sofa

By Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s, Italy - fully restored in wool hopsack. It can be arranged in any way, as each piece connects and disconnects using u-hooks that connect beneath the sofa. This piece is in ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Wool

Set of Six Modular Tables
Set of Six Modular Tables

Set of Six Modular Tables

Located in Kansas City, MO

Great set of six multifunctional triangular tables. White and black laminate tops. Lacquered wood frames. Individual tables. Width - 21.75 in. Depth - 18 in. Height - 15.5 in.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970
Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970

Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970

By Wittmann

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Super cool Wittmann Atrium modular leather sofa manufactured in Austria 1970. This sofa is made of

Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1950s "Hansa" modular bookcase in teak
1950s "Hansa" modular bookcase in teak

1950s "Hansa" modular bookcase in teak

By Gillis Lundgren, IKEA

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Sweden Designer: Gillis Lundgren Manufacturer: IKEA Era: 1950s Materials: Teak, Metal Measurements: 35.5″ wide x 10″ deep x 43.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original condi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Italian Modular Seating Set in Checkered Upholstery
Italian Modular Seating Set in Checkered Upholstery

Italian Modular Seating Set in Checkered Upholstery

Located in Zagreb, HR

Elegant vintage Italian modular seating set from the 1970s features seven upholstered elements in a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Metal

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Midcentury Modular For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic midcentury modular available at 1stDibs. Each midcentury modular for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer midcentury modular, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each midcentury modular bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one midcentury modular that is appealing in its simplicity, but Poul Cadovius, Herman Miller and Royal System produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Midcentury Modular?

Prices for a midcentury modular start at $466 and top out at $14,250 with the average selling for $4,909.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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.