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.
Cassina Spider Outdoor Rug, 100% Recyclable Polypropylene, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Spider Rug The Spider outdoor rug is a playful interweaving of different colors. The yarn is very high-tech, versatile and durable. It ensures colorfastness to sunlight, i...
Polyester
Round American Hooked Rug Dated 1963
Located in New York, NY
Rare American Hooked rug with a happy colorful motif. Dated 1963 and initialized IEV. Not sure whose name is in the initials Measure: 30'' round.
Wool
In-Touch Rug by Cassina: Eco-Friendly Tencel, Mid-Century Modern
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
$4,177 / item
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran com...
Jute
Cassina Spider Outdoor Rug, 100% Recyclable Polypropylene, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Spider Rug The Spider outdoor rug is a playful interweaving of different colors. The yarn is very high-tech, versatile and durable. It ensures colorfastness to sunlight, i...
Polyester
Cassina Spider Outdoor Rug, 100% Recyclable Polypropylene, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Spider Rug The Spider outdoor rug is a playful interweaving of different colors. The yarn is very high-tech, versatile and durable. It ensures colorfastness to sunlight, i...
Polyester
Antique American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
A handmade one-of-a-kind American hooked rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 2' x 5'1''.
Wool
$3,954Sale Price|20% Off
UrbanVintage Indigo Blue & Blue Mirage 180x270cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Take a captivating journey through history and style with our Hand Knotted Wool Rug. This remarkable piece seamlessly blends traditional heritage with modern living. Its stunning des...
Wool
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
$5,367Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bahaar Peach dust & Amethyst 150x240 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Shift your focus away from the chase and embrace the sheer joy of nature with Bahaar, a standout from the Majnun Collection designed by Pavitra Rajaram. Departing from the convention...
Wool
Vintage French Cubist Rug, 1970s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Vintage French Cubist Rug, 1970s Vintage Design This rug from the 1970s, design and vintage, could be described as a colorful and daring masterpiece, characterized by geometric and ...
Wool
Scandinavian Carpet Woven Rug Pink Rollakan Rolakan Carpet Swedish, G120
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Very large scandinavian rug from the 60s. Flat weaving technique (rillakan), wool on linen. Traditional geometrical patterns in pink, white and ...
Wool, Linen
Vivid Blue Vintage Turkish Deco Rug
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th worn Century Turkish Deco intermediate rug featuring a repetitive all-over design on a vivid blue ground Measures: 5'3'' x 8'5''.
Wool
Ewald Kroner Round Rug with Graphic Target Pattern, Germany 1970s
By Ewald Kröner
Located in Naples, IT
Pop art wool rug designed by Edwald Kroner. This soft and cozy rug features a graphic target pattern in a modern color palette of purple, mauve, and fuchsia. The rug is in good cond...
Wool
Red Geometric Rya Rug in Wool, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Long-pile wool rug with geometric shapes in shades of red from the typical Space Age style of the 1960s. The carpet has been thoroughly cleaned, is in good condition without holes, ...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Long Green Vintage Turkish Deco Runner
Located in New York, NY
Rare long and narrow size mid-20th century Turkish deco long and narrow runner with a repetitive all-over checkerboard cintomani design in black green and yellow accents. Measures...
Wool
Laila Karttunen Finnish Flat-Weave Carpet for Kiikan Mattokutomo, 1930s
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A superb example of Scandinavian modernism, this “finish” flat-weave carpet was designed by Laila Karttunen for Kiikan Mattokutomo in the 1930s. Elegant, restrained, and deeply archi...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Primitive Vintage Turkish Deco Runner
Located in New York, NY
Mid 20th century Turkish Deco Runner Details rug no. j3829 size 2' 6" x 6' 11" (76 x 211 cm)
Wool
$4,177 / item
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Barcode Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran com...
Jute
$7,536Sale Price / item|20% Off
World Wanderer Charcoal Slate & Medium Gray 300x420 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey through time and cultures with the Transitional rug. This meticulously hand-knotted masterpiece transcends eras, drawing inspiration from primitive art and the ri...
Wool
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
Tulu Rug in Soft Ivory Wool, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Tulu rectangular long-pile rug colorivory made of pure virgin wool woven to great deecorative effect, Tulu rugs are handmade from unspun wool, and have a luxurious, fur-like feel t...
Wool
$3,750
American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
A handmade one-of-a-kind American Hooked rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century w Measures: 4'4'' x 8'6''.
Wool
$4,177 / item
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
Vintage Navajo Native American Small Woven Rug Tapestry
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Navajo Native American Woven Small Rug Tapestry handcrafted 14.75 H x 12.5 W original vintage Refer to images listed
Textile
American Hooked Checkerboard Chess Rug
Located in New York, NY
A handmade one of a kind American Hooked Rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with an irregular checkerboard pattern Measures: 3' x 5'7''.
Wool
Long Checkerboard Vintage Turkish Deco Runner
Located in New York, NY
Rare long runner size 3rd quarter of the 20th century Turkish deco rug with a repetitive all-over checkerboard design in an assortment of different colors. Originally custom made for...
Wool
$11,891 / item
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
$726Sale Price|61% Off
Spanish Textured macramé tapestry from the 70s – Unique design object
Located in Oirlo, LI
This beautiful macramé tapestry from the 1970s is a true work of art that gives your interior a unique and stylish look. Handcrafted in Spain, this large tapestry is composed of diff...
Wool
$10,716 / item
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
Blue Vintage Turkish Deco Runner
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th worn century Turkish Deco runner with an all-over repetitive diamond motif throughout. Measures: 2'3'' x 10'5''.
Wool
In-Touch Rug by Cassina: Eco-Friendly Tencel, Mid-Century Modern
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
$8,416 / item
Gtdesign For casino In Touch Rug
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For casino In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, one...
Natural Fiber
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version.
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
In-Touch Rug by Designer Cassina, Tencel Fiber, Eco-Friendly, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For casino In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, one...
Natural Fiber
In-Touch Rug by Designer Cassina, Tencel Fiber, Eco-Friendly, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
$6,091 / item
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
$4,177 / item
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina Ténéré Handwoven Jute Rug Polychrome Version. A rug that celebrates nature, entirely hand-made of jute, using ancient traditional methods. Cassina partners with the Golran ...
Jute
$3,612Sale Price|27% Off
Berber Tribes of Morocco Vintage Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug, 05'07 x 14'05
Located in Dallas, TX
20046 Vintage Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug, 05'07 x 14'05. Craft a serene and contemporary ambiance with this hand knotted wool vintage Moroccan Beni Ourain rug, where simplicity meets cozy sophistication. Neutral earthy tones blend seamlessly, creating a tranquil color palette within the principles of Shibui aesthetics. Enriched with Judaic symbolism, the Moroccan rug proudly bears the revered Star of David, transforming it into a masterpiece of Judaica art. This long vintage Moroccan rug not only resonates with visual beauty but also carries the rich tapestry of Jewish history in Morocco, infusing spaces with a profound cultural energy. Each intricately woven thread tells a story, with the weaver's initials adding a personal touch to the rug. A harmonious addition to Minimalist design and modern interiors, this Moroccan runner becomes both a visual delight and a cultural statement. Marking the sacred moments of Jewish tradition, the rug gracefully signifies Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, Rosh Hashanah...
Wool
$4,650Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-20th Century Hand-Knotted Oriental Wool Carpet in Red and Blue
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This impressive mid-20th century hand-knotted wool carpet features a finely detailed floral design with a deep red field surrounded by an intricate navy-blue border. The rich color p...
Wool
Contemporary Handmade Persian Flat-Weave Accent Rug in Dark Brown
Located in New York, NY
A modern Persian flat-weave Kilim accent rug from the 21st century with four dark brown sections stitched together due to its nomadic nature. The blue, white, red, pink, and yellow s...
Wool
Modernist Abstract Ecuadorian Tapestry / Wall Hanging Designed by Olga Fisch
By Olga Fisch
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Modernist Abstract Ecuadorian Tapestry / wall hanging designed by Olga Fisch.... Of Hungarian origin, Olga Fisch (1901-1991) emigrated in...
Wool
Rare and Unusual Mid-Century Modern Beni Ouarain Wool Berber Rug
Located in Milan, IT
The Beni Ouarain confederation is composed of seventeen tribes inhabiting the high mountain region of the northeastern Middle Atlas. Their rugs differ from other Berber weavings in t...
Wool
In-Touch Rug by Designer Cassina, Tencel Fiber, Eco-Friendly, Italy
By Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gtdesign For Cassina In Touch Rug In-Touch is a design carpet that caters to creativity and meets the most extreme needs, suited to any modern furnishing style. Made of Tencel, on...
Natural Fiber
Mid-Century Modern Bessarabian Kilim Rug
Located in Milan, IT
Woven in brown and grey tones, this unusual kilim is decorated by a geometric pattern influenced by the European avant-garde, rather than with the more typical floral design. It is s...
Wool
$7,250Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sakya Canterbury & Canterbury 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse yourself in a legacy of power and wisdom with the Sakya rug, a masterpiece from the Majnun Collection. Curated by renowned AD100 designer Pavitra Rajaram, this stunning piece...
Wool
Modernist Flat- Weave Rug Signed Valja
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Textile Flat Weave Rug signed Valja ,Wonderful hues of blues, grays taupes. Fit seamlessly into any environment.
Wool
Set of Three Retro Design Carpets/Rugs, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of synthetic fabric - Loop adjustment rugs - Cleaned - Dimension of smaller carpet are 137 x 67 cm - Very good, original condition.
Synthetic
$4,799Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Woven Rug, Signed by Maurice Andre, 1950 French Piece, Limited Edition
Located in Port Washington, NY
An exceptional rug made in Aubusson, by Maurice André, France 1950. This Post-modern, Forme-Libre, Geometrical Abstraction, piece is made in thick wool i...
Wool
Large Modernist Rug / Weaving, Depicting 3 Musicians, Hand Loomed
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 67" x 67" Modernist rug / weaving, depicting 3 Musicians, hand loomed, Flat weave, reversible, reminiscent of famed image by Picasso. Wonderful wall ...
Wool
Stunning Large Shag Pile Rug Depicting Houses in the Style of L.S Lowry
By L. S. Lowry
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely brand new Shag Pile run depicting L.S Lowry style houses A very comfortable and thick rug, extremely well made and clearly Lowry in...
Wool
$12,690Sale Price|20% Off
Gilded Waves Sea Blue & Gold 300x420 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Nestled within the gentle embrace of its intricate threads lies this mesmerizing rug design from our Entropy collection. Picture yourself stepping onto the plush surface of this carp...
Wool
$8,166Sale Price / item|20% Off
Leher-Leher Medium Blue & Liquorice 200X300 cm Handknotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Can creativity truly be woven into yarns of carpet? The Leher-Leher rug, crafted by the talented hands of Ram Pyaari, Mamta, and Manju, answers this question with every intricate kno...
Wool
$2,664Sale Price|20% Off
Starry Skyfall Indigo Blue & CastleRock 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the regal allure of this handcrafted beauty from our Savana collection. This hand knotted carpet introduces an indigo-blue symphony seamlessly blended with castlerock hues,...
Wool
$2,664Sale Price|20% Off
Pearly Shores Ivory & Beige 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace exquisite artistry and a touch of nature with this hand knotted rug from our Thyme collection. This magnificent piece, crafted from the finest wool, features a beautiful inte...
Wool