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.
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman
By Weiman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Olive Green Modular Sectional Sofa by Doimo Salotti
By Doimo Salotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Doimo Salotti attributed sectional sofa commands attention with its rich olive green faux suede upholstery and distinctive modular design. Four-piece L-shaped configuration features ...
Fabric, Foam
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Sectional Sofa for Craft, 1970s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa for Craft. This sectional sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations, as shown in the images...
Upholstery
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
Mah Jong 17-piece sectional sofa in Kenzo Takada fabric, Roche Bobois
By Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in amstelveen, NL
Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a customized mix of textiles by Kenzo Takada. It features multiple cushions that can be arranged ...
Cotton, Silk, Velvet
Rare Snake Shaped Sofa, Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, Erik Jørgensen
By Erik Jørgensen, Peter Hiort-Lorenzen, Johannes Foersom
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare snake shaped "pipeline" sectional sofa, design Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, manufactured by Erik Jørgensen, Denmark, 1980s. Reupholstered with high-quality model...
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Sofa With Chaise, 1970
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Sofa with Chaise Lounge, 1970. This is a Vladimir Kagan for Weiman/Preview. Original upholstery. Measures 30” tall 86” long 66” deep a chaise, seat height 16” seat d...
Upholstery
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and three regular element...
Leather
Sulptural Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa by M Fillmore Harty, Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, two piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original Rose colored...
Fabric
1970s De Sede Style Green Tufted Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly fun and inviting 1970s De Sede style green tufted leather modular sectional sofa. This versatile piece offers exceptional flexibility in arranging a lounge space, composed of...
Leather
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
$29,391Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Limited Edition Jaguar XK150 Sofa
Located in London, GB
Limited Edition X150 Sofa Made from Fibreglass Made in Two Halves so you can have a table in the middle Identical to Original Leather Upholstery and Wire Wheels Much Fun and a Real C...
Fiberglass
Selig Large 7-Piece Sectional or Modular Parsons Sofa Set, Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this 7-piece sectional sofa was produced by Selig in the early days of the company. Typically Selig is known today for importing Danish furniture and de...
Fabric
1st Edition Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois c.1975
Located in Lutz, FL
Iconic First Edition Mah Jong Modular Sectional Sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France c.1975. Upholstered in the original multi tonal blue knit fabric with threads of ...
Fabric
$13,933Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Set of Vintage Italian Velvet Five Modular Armchairs and Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful modular velvet sofa, composed of 5 armchairs and a coffee table. The coffee table has a smoked mirror as a top. The Italian sofa is in dark orang...
Velvet, Beech
Luciano Frigerio, Sectional Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A sectional dark-stained wood and off-white fabric sofa produced by Luciano Frigerio, Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 107.88"W x 85.25"D Seat Height (inches)...
Fabric, Wood
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman for Saporiti Italia 1970s
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Skokie, IL
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman in newly upholstered in soft mohair for Saporiti Italia, 1970s. You can easily remove one section from the middle of the sofa if you ...
Steel
$12,375 / item
L-Shaped Mesa Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sectional is fully upholstered and features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as a Sectional with Chaise or a Sofa. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and ...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Munster, NRW
This Togo living landscape consisting of 3seater sofa, a lounge chair and a ottman was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1974. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, stunning beautif...
Leather
Large Custom Mid-Century Modern 2 Piece Sectional Attributed to Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
A fabulous mid-century modern sectional attributed to Harvey Probber likely from the Nuclear Sert series. It is a pioneering example of modular furniture. This unit is in 2 pieces....
Upholstery, Wood
Rare 'Nap' designer sofa by Missoni Home (Mah Jong) Italy. Discontinued model.
By Missoni Home
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning Missoni Home Nap Modular Sofa, Italy Rare Discontinued Modular Sofa in Iconic Missoni Jacquard The Nap sofa by Missoni Home is a striking example of Italian textile driven ...
Jacquard
Verner Panton, Sectional Sofa, Metal, Fabric, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A metal and brown fabric "Pantonova" sofa designed by Verner Panton and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.5” H x 104” W x 38” D Seat Heig...
Metal
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one large square module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
1970s 'Camaleonda' C&B Italia Seven Piece Beige Velvet Sofa Set by Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1970-1972 production 7 Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (which become B&B Italia in 1973) in beige velvet. Comes with three black step side table pieces....
Velvet
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Sea...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sectional Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and white fabric sectional sofa likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.5"H x 117.0"W x 91.5"D Seat Height (inches): 16.0" Arm He...
Fabric, Pine
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa 40 Elements in Full-grain Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 40 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Sna...
Leather, Wood
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sofa 14 Elements in Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 14 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Snake' is arguably the most famous sofa in the world. The non-stop system makes this sofa endless and it currently has the record 'longest sofa in the world'. This listing is for a DS 600 with 14 elements - creating a visually pleasing and very comfortable colorful seating...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Modern Style Four Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century Modern style four piece sectional sofa with 2 contoured end units and 2 curved center units that offers ample seating. The sectional with button tufted backs, foam fill...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
Mid-Century French 'L-10' Sectional Sofa by Pierre Guariche for Airborne, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and sought-after 'L-10' sectional sofa designed by Pierre Guariche for the renowned French company, Airborne, in the 1950s. This piece is classically styled with a black ename...
Metal
Minotti Hamilton Sectional Sofa on Chrome Base.
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Hamilton sectional by Minotti, custom-ordered in the 2010s. Composed of three modular elements, the design rests on a smoked chrome base with a chaise that can be positioned to eit...
Chrome
Cy Mann Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa
By Cy Mann
Located in Redding, CT
Cy Mann Designers collection Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa. Classic Mid Century style. In a blue/ purple chenille. Comes with 5 sections plus the ottoman. Structurally sound ...
Metal
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa - Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips 5-piece modular sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex, Italy, 1970s An iconic modular design by Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Ove...
Velvet
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa after Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern sofa in a hexagonal form circa 1970's. It features a two section design with low profile feet. Fabric is original and needs recovering...
Fabric
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete wit...
Chrome
Vintage 6-Piece Bamboo Modular Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A versatile 6-piece modular sofa crafted with a warm honey-toned bamboo frame and upholstered in its original cream-colored fabric. Designed for flexible living spaces, this vintage ...
Fabric, Bamboo
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Semi-Circle Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking sectional sofa by Adrian Pearsall. Very comfortable. Ready for your choice of fabric. Arm can be added on other end if desired.
Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Curved Modular Sofa in Cognac Leather, Italy 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning Mid Century Modern Modular sofa in cognac leather. It features strong a unique architectural language and design elements, such as: - deeply ...
Leather, Wood
Giorgio Montani for Souplina Sectional Sofa in Stainless Steel and Plum Suede
By Souplina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giorgio Montani for Souplina, sectional sofa, reupholstered suede, stainless steel, France, 1970s A very rare design by Giorgio Montani for Souplina. This sofa, designed in the 1970...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Walnut Sectional Sofa w/ Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Add a touch of mid-century charm to your living space with this inviting sectional sofa, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s. This piece is all about both style and fl...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of 3 Amanta Lounge Chairs or Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Set of 3 iconic lounge chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1966, winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro prize in 1970. Seat cushions reupholstered in bright saffron yellow velve...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Outstanding 8 Piece Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Cube Sectional Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin 8 piece cube sectional. This is the largest set of this very desirable and rare cube sectional we have ever laid eyes on-perfect for a la...
Upholstery, Formica
$19,782Sale Price|20% Off
Lara modular sofa designed by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood 1968
By Noti Massari, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare modular sofa model Lara designed by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari in 1968 for Stilwood. Polyurethane rubber frame, cotton bouclé fabric, restored, excellent condit...
Cotton, Rubber
Wonderful Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 6 Piece Cube Sectional Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 6 piece labeled Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin cube sofa sectional. This sectional will most certainly need to be reupholstered but, oh the possibilities. There are 2 co...
Upholstery, Wood
Mah Jong 33 piece sofa by Hans Hopfer in Missoni / Kenzo fabric for Roche Bobois
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Large Mah Jong sectional sofa in original fabric designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in fabric by Missoni and Kenzo Takada. The 2 brown cushions in the video are not included in...
Fabric
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. C&B,...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Boxy Modular Parsons Style L Shaped Sofa with Chaise Lounge
By Parsons, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage five piece modular sofa in need of recovering. Design lines for days. Measurements below. Single chair W33 D35.5 Corner piece W 34 D35.5 Ottoman W33 D35
Fabric
Monumental Omnibus Sectional Sofa Designed by Vladimir Kagan, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental three-piece sectional Omnibus sofa by Vladimir Kagan, 1970s. This very large sofa would look great in any Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary home. The scale is wonderful, however, new upholstery is recommended. The lucite bases are in good condition with age-appropriate wear. A classic masterpiece! From the Complete Vladimir Kagan book...
Upholstery, Lucite
Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Modular Pencil Reed Sectional Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Modular Pencil Reed Mid Century Sectional Sofa This sectional sofa measures: 132 wide x 99.5 deep x 24.75 inches high, with a seat height of 11.5...
Brass
Bonacina Record Player Corner Sofa with Integrated Speakers & Pull-Out Bed
By Bonacina
Located in Faversham, GB
A rare and playful vintage corner sofa by Bonacina, Italy, dating from the late 1960s–1970s. This exceptional piece combines seating, entertainment, and storage into one sculptural u...
Steel
Large Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, Labeled
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern 1950s Harvey Probber two-piece sectional sofa with mahogany tapered legs. Sofa has original fabric, it needs to be reupholstered and foam replaced. There is ...
Upholstery, Mahogany