Skip to main content

Midcentury Modular

to
336
2,681
1,507
3,966
270
100
3,602
187
110
15
15
3
2
2
1
1
12
8
3,944
370
10
2,341
1,431
1
9
31
430
1,015
1,155
111
17
2,150
1,342
1,310
811
631
3,262
1,179
751
693
654
4,308
4,091
4,159
228
224
200
133
106
Sort By
Mid-Century Modern Modular White Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Modular White Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Modular White Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1960s

By Carlo Nason

Located in Brussels, BE

Modulable table lamp by Carlo Nason For Mazzega, Italy, 1960s White Murano glass One small chip - pictured.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Dining Table with a White Marble Top Attrib. to Ico Parisi 1950s
Mid-Century Dining Table with a White Marble Top Attrib. to Ico Parisi 1950s

Mid-Century Dining Table with a White Marble Top Attrib. to Ico Parisi 1950s

By Ico Parisi

Located in Rome, IT

Striking Mid-Century table with octagonal shape white Carrara marble top. Features an elegant

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Side Table Cees Braakman Pastoe dutch design industrial mid century modern 1955
Side Table Cees Braakman Pastoe dutch design industrial mid century modern 1955

Side Table Cees Braakman Pastoe dutch design industrial mid century modern 1955

By Pastoe, Cees Braakman

Located in Dronten, NL

Dutch furniture designer known for his innovative and functional designs in the mid-20th century. He was

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

MCM 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield
MCM 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield

MCM 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern Coastal Bamboo 4 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield Newly

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Modular Coat Rack, 1960s
Vintage Modular Coat Rack, 1960s

Vintage Modular Coat Rack, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century modular wall mounted coat rack with hat storage. The hooks can be positioned as

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Hans Wegner President Sideboard for Ry Møbler
Hans Wegner President Sideboard for Ry Møbler

Hans Wegner President Sideboard for Ry Møbler

By Hans J. Wegner, Ry Møbler

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern Danish Credenza by Hans Wegner. Stunning credenza with tambour doors which

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather

Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather

Located in Madrid, ES

Four mid-century modular armchairs that can be combined to a sectional sofa by Giuseppe Munari

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Plywood

Tobia Scarpa Style Cognac Leather Modular Loveseat by Leolux
Tobia Scarpa Style Cognac Leather Modular Loveseat by Leolux

Tobia Scarpa Style Cognac Leather Modular Loveseat by Leolux

By Tobia Scarpa, Leolux

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century Leolux modular loveseat with cognac leather frame and gorgeous patina. A cozy 2 piece

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Loveseats

Materials

Leather

Modular Wood and Metal Bar Table by Luigi Sormani for FIARM, Italy 1960s
Modular Wood and Metal Bar Table by Luigi Sormani for FIARM, Italy 1960s

Modular Wood and Metal Bar Table by Luigi Sormani for FIARM, Italy 1960s

By Fiarm, Luigi Sormani

Located in Echt, NL

Manufactured by FIARM in the 1960s Add a touch of Italian mid-century design to your space with this stunning

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Nine Wine Bottle Rack, Mexico, Mid-20th Century
Nine Wine Bottle Rack, Mexico, Mid-20th Century

Nine Wine Bottle Rack, Mexico, Mid-20th Century

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

design characteristic of Mexican mid-century modernism. The piece is composed of carefully assembled

Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Cedar

Vintage Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler Teak Dining Table
Vintage Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler Teak Dining Table

Vintage Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler Teak Dining Table

By Arne Vodder

Located in Emeryville, CA

Danish designer Arne Vodder designed this beautiful Danish mid-century extension dining table with

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Modern Modular Brass Candelabra with Glass Shades
Scandinavian Modern Modular Brass Candelabra with Glass Shades

Scandinavian Modern Modular Brass Candelabra with Glass Shades

Located in London, GB

craftsmanship and experimental modularity of mid-century Scandinavian design. The form evokes the aesthetic of

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova Set of Four Modular Orange Sofa 1970s
Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova Set of Four Modular Orange Sofa 1970s

Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova Set of Four Modular Orange Sofa 1970s

By Poltronova

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Italian Mid Century Modern orange set of four modular sofa by Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Plastic

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase or Room Divider by Lou Hodges, c1970s
Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase or Room Divider by Lou Hodges, c1970s

Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase or Room Divider by Lou Hodges, c1970s

By Lou Hodges

Located in Chino Hills, CA

For sale is a genuine, mid-century modern marvel - a cerused oak modular standalone shelving unit

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric

MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric

By Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern 3 Peace Modular Living Room Set by Directional in Original Fabric The Mid

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Space Age Trolley "Baby" by Joe Colombo Black Modular Storage Cart
Space Age Trolley "Baby" by Joe Colombo Black Modular Storage Cart

Space Age Trolley "Baby" by Joe Colombo Black Modular Storage Cart

By Joe Colombo

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century Space Age storage caddy “Boby” by Joe Colombo features plastic construction

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Space Age Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Plastic

Jesper MCM Teakwood 3-Piece Modular Cabinet C1960
Jesper MCM Teakwood 3-Piece Modular Cabinet C1960

Jesper MCM Teakwood 3-Piece Modular Cabinet C1960

Located in Big Flats, NY

This Jesper Mid-Century Modern teakwood modular cabinet, dating to approximately 1960, offers a

Category

Mid-20th Century Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8.
Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8.

Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8.

By Nagel & Stoffi, Bmf Nagel

Located in Asaa, DK

patterns. Timeless and beloved Mid-Century modern design. Very good vintage condition with patina

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-SI-13-A, Demountable Chair, Circa 1955
Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-SI-13-A, Demountable Chair, Circa 1955

Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-SI-13-A, Demountable Chair, Circa 1955

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Hasselt, VLI

, and Mid-Century Modern elegance, crafted by the visionary Pierre Jeanneret around 1955-1956. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Teak, Cane

A Pair of storage cabinets by Andre Vandenbeuk
A Pair of storage cabinets by Andre Vandenbeuk

A Pair of storage cabinets by Andre Vandenbeuk

By Andre Vandenbeuck

Located in London, Lambeth

André Vandenbeuck is primarily recognized for his mid-century and modernist seating designs for

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Cabinets

Materials

Plastic

1970s Floral Organic Rattan Modular Sectional Sofa, set of 6
1970s Floral Organic Rattan Modular Sectional Sofa, set of 6

1970s Floral Organic Rattan Modular Sectional Sofa, set of 6

By Ficks Reed

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

delightful mid century design, assuring a striking proportioned profile view from all angles. These pieces

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan

1960s Oak Wabi Sabi Brutalist Sculptural Modular Coffee End Tables
1960s Oak Wabi Sabi Brutalist Sculptural Modular Coffee End Tables

1960s Oak Wabi Sabi Brutalist Sculptural Modular Coffee End Tables

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

beauty's! The distinctive craftsmanship frame that give this piece a delightful mid century design

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s
Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s

Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s

By Omnia

Located in Linkebeek, BE

characteristic of mid-century modern furniture and the futuristic aesthetic of the 1970s. Vintage German Omnia

Category

20th Century German Space Age Shelves

Materials

Metal

Vintage 20th Century Italian Modular Teak Wall Cabinet c.1960
Vintage 20th Century Italian Modular Teak Wall Cabinet c.1960

Vintage 20th Century Italian Modular Teak Wall Cabinet c.1960

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A modular mid century wall cabinet and shelving system in teak with black metal uprights and brass

Category

20th Century Italian Other Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

1970s Modular Slim Chenille Tan Sectional on Castors
1970s Modular Slim Chenille Tan Sectional on Castors

1970s Modular Slim Chenille Tan Sectional on Castors

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

that give this piece a delightful mid century design, assuring a striking proportioned profile view

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany
MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany

MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany

By Gebrüder Deyhle

Located in San Diego, CA

Sculptural mid-century modern modular desk organizer by Karl Deyhle, produced in Germany circa the

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

1950s Immaculate Yellow Boucle Style Quilted Serpentine Curved Modular Sectional
1950s Immaculate Yellow Boucle Style Quilted Serpentine Curved Modular Sectional

1950s Immaculate Yellow Boucle Style Quilted Serpentine Curved Modular Sectional

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

craftsmanship frame that give this piece a delightful mid century design, assuring a striking proportioned

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace
1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace

1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace

By Pace Collection, Guido Faleschini

Located in Buffalo, NY

chairs.. this ensemble showcases Italian craftsmanship and mid-century modern elegance at its finest.Hand

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Teak Shelving System, in Poul Cadovius style, 1960, Set
Teak Shelving System, in Poul Cadovius style, 1960, Set

Teak Shelving System, in Poul Cadovius style, 1960, Set

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Rødekro, DK

Elegant mid-century modern wall-mounted shelving system in the style of Scandinavian design from

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Mid-Century Modern walnut low bench with modular desk and drawer cabinet designed by Merton Gerhsun

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Four-Seater Modular Sofa in Jean-Michel Frank Style Original Olive Velvet 1970s
Four-Seater Modular Sofa in Jean-Michel Frank Style Original Olive Velvet 1970s

Four-Seater Modular Sofa in Jean-Michel Frank Style Original Olive Velvet 1970s

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR

This stunning four-seater sofa is an exceptional piece of mid-century modern design (circa 1970

Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Modernist Modular Lounges / Loveseat
Pair of Modernist Modular Lounges / Loveseat

Pair of Modernist Modular Lounges / Loveseat

$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of Modernist Modular Lounges / Loveseat

By Kazuhide Takahama

Located in Raleigh, NC

make a very cozy loveseat sofa. We had a lot of fun making these off of our love for mid century

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sculptural Italian Modular Bookcase in solid Teak and Formica, 1960s
Sculptural Italian Modular Bookcase in solid Teak and Formica, 1960s

Sculptural Italian Modular Bookcase in solid Teak and Formica, 1960s

By Ico Parisi

Located in Milano, IT

) Configuration: Modular wall-mounted system with adjustable shelves and cabinets Style: Mid-Century Modern

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza
Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Located in Markington, GB

flexibility of mid-century modern design. This super minimalist wall-mounted system is designed for

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza
Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Located in Markington, GB

flexibility of mid-century modern design. This super minimalist wall-mounted system is designed for

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Madison, WI

This very unique modular 5 Piece Mid Century wall unit set has it ALL, and leaves plenty of room

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s
Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s

Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern two-piece modular dresser or chest of drawers on bench/table

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Aluminum

6x unit Modular Patchwork Leather Sofa
6x unit Modular Patchwork Leather Sofa

6x unit Modular Patchwork Leather Sofa

Located in Nashville, TN

Item Details: modular sofa consisting of 6 units: two end units with one arm (one on right, one on

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather

Danish Teak Wall Unit Modular Room Divider by Kurt Ostervig
Danish Teak Wall Unit Modular Room Divider by Kurt Ostervig

Danish Teak Wall Unit Modular Room Divider by Kurt Ostervig

By Kurt Østervig

Located in Kensington, MD

. - Kick-out legs also “lighten” the piece and provide the essential mid-century vibe. Dimension: W 122.5

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Teak

Vintage 5 pc leather DS46 modular sofa by De Sede, 1970s
Vintage 5 pc leather DS46 modular sofa by De Sede, 1970s

Vintage 5 pc leather DS46 modular sofa by De Sede, 1970s

By De Sede

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century thick Buffalo neck leather sofas by Desede consisting of 5 elements. Desede stands for

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Luciano Bertoncini, "Gronda" Coat Hanger for Elco, Italy 1970's
Luciano Bertoncini, "Gronda" Coat Hanger for Elco, Italy 1970's

Luciano Bertoncini, "Gronda" Coat Hanger for Elco, Italy 1970's

By Luciano Bertoncini

Located in Kampen, NL

Wall-mounted Mid-Century coat hanger, model Gronda, designed by Luciano Bertoncini for Elco, Italy

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Resin, Walnut

5x Unit Modular Sofa by Lemke. Germany, 1970s/1980s
5x Unit Modular Sofa by Lemke. Germany, 1970s/1980s

5x Unit Modular Sofa by Lemke. Germany, 1970s/1980s

Located in Nashville, TN

Technique: leather Place of Origin: Germany Period: mid-century Date of Manufacture: circa 1970s/1980s

Category

Late 20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather

Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base

Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Ferndale, MI

Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Modular Candle Holders in Brass, Margareta Slingam, Sweden, 1960s
Pair of Modular Candle Holders in Brass, Margareta Slingam, Sweden, 1960s

Pair of Modular Candle Holders in Brass, Margareta Slingam, Sweden, 1960s

Located in London, GB

, circa 1960s, these pieces exemplify the imaginative spirit of Scandinavian mid-century design. Their

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Large Postmodern Four-Panel Screen Abstract Art Room Divider, 1970s.
Large Postmodern Four-Panel Screen Abstract Art Room Divider, 1970s.

Large Postmodern Four-Panel Screen Abstract Art Room Divider, 1970s.

Located in Dublin 8, IE

This striking mid-century folding screen is a true statement piece, combining functional design

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Vintage Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Møbler
Vintage Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Møbler

Vintage Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Møbler

By Domino Møbler

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic mid-century modern Danish stackable bookcase crafted in warm, beautifully grained teak by

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

GE280 Modular Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama, 1980s
GE280 Modular Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama, 1980s

GE280 Modular Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama, 1980s

By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Rare modular sofa designed by of of the best mid century designers Hans J Wegner for Getama. Model

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Oak

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Midcentury Modular", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.