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.
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a simple and well-balanced composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting. Each fixture features a round brass ...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined brass structure and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each fixture features a round brass wall plate supp...
Brass
$1,048 / set
Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Elegant pair of wall sconces featuring a distinctive Murano glass shade. The sconce has an elongated oval shape, mounted directly on the wall. The glass showcases a highly structured...
Art Glass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...
Brass
Arched Floor Lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, Italy, 1960s–1970s, Mid-Century Modern
By Reggiani, Goffredo Reggiani
Located in Palermo, IT
An iconic extendable arched floor lamp designed by the renowned Italian designer Goffredo Reggiani for his company, Reggiani, and produced between the late 1960s and the 1970s. It is...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian Sputnik chandelier in brass plated metal frame, 51 rare transparent glass tips. Murano blown glass in a traditional way. 10 light points. Period: late xx century Dimensions: ...
Art Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Rare Austrian Brass Pendant Attributed to Kalmar, Loos Manner, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting, Adolf Loos
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally rare and beautifully crafted Austrian pendant lamp of museum-quality craftsmanship, executed in solid brass and inspired by the timeless design philosophy of Adolf L...
Brass
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Pair of White Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian White Clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Ea...
Metal
Large Mid-Century Modern Valinte Table Lamp in Brass & Rattan, Finland 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking and unusually large Finnish Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Valinte, manufactured in the 1950s. Elegant in its simplicity yet sculptural in its form, the lamp is defined ...
Brass, Metal
Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...
Aluminum
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid Century Table Lamp Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier 1950/60's
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century table lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, circa 1950/60's. The lamp features an oblong walnut body with brass spacer tubes, mounted on a black disk f...
Metal
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Signed Petite Marigold & Brass Midcentury Sconce by Stilnovo - Italy 1960's
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Small 1960s spotlight in marigold color. Hinged at the base of the reflector. Brass structure and lacquered steel shade. Signature present inside the shade and on the brass hinge. Sw...
Brass, Steel
Italian Designer, Pendant Light, Resin, Brass, Italy, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white polymer resin pendant light designed and produced in Italy, c. 1980s. Resin has a tear repaired as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensio...
Brass
1970s Largest Sciolari Glass Rod Chandelier with 8 Lights , Italy
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
5 row of optical grade glass rod chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari . Solid well made structure . The longest rods measure 24 in. high , medium 16 in. and smallest 12 in. Total d...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
Ingo Maurer Uchiwa Rice Paper and Bamboo Wall Light
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Chicago, IL
The Uchiwa II wall lamp by Ingo Maurer is an elegant example of 1970s design, with a structure that combines natural materials and modernity. The metal and bamboo are harmoniously co...
Bamboo, Paper
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Wood Floor Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Roller Lamp Co. Manufacturer: Roller Lamp Co Materials: Walnut-Stained Oak Wood, Brass Accents, New Custom Linen Shade Dimensions: 63in H x 11in W x 11in D Lamp Shade: 1...
Brass
$909 / set
Vintage Swedish Wall Sconces, Set of 2
Located in KUTNO, PL
This pair of vintage Swedish wall sconces is a perfect example of decorative Scandinavian design from the 1960s and 1970s, when simplicity of form was often combined with sophisticat...
Metal
Mid-Century "Champs Élysées" Frosted Crystal Chandelier signed René Lalique
By René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional chandelier in Lalique’s iconic Champs Élysées motif in rendered in sculpted, frosted crystal leaves, recalling the chestnut trees lining the famous Parisian avenue. ...
Crystal
Achille Castiglioni Large Mid-Century Beige Flower "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large Mid-Century bell-flower shaped cocoon pendant in resin and brass. This gorgeous ceiling lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy duri...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century dome-shaped Cocoon pendant light in beige resin and steel. This gorgeous ceiling light was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960...
Metal, Steel
Vintage Large White Opaline Glass Globe Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass globe 2 meter black cotton flex Brass top Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incand...
Brass
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
Brutalist Sunburst Flush Mount Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1950 Sculptural brutalist ceiling light fixture with sunburst design, gilt iron, gold leaf. _____________________...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Murano Glass Ceiling Light with Pink Glass Flower-Shaped Petals.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano Glass Ceiling Light "Pink Daisy" The "Margherita Rosa" ceiling light is a refined example of Murano craftsmanship, entirely handcrafted from fine blown glass. The large, deli...
Brass
Tulip Fabric Pendant Lamp Desiged By Josef Frank For, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a tulip fabric shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Used but in a very good condition.
Brass
Mid-Century Marbled Beige Cocoon Pendant by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and rare mid-century round cocoon pendant with a wonderful warm beige patina and a marbled finish. This stylish piece was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Ita...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Murano Glass Palmette Chandelier with Green Accents and Brass.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large Murano glass palmette chandelier. The chandelier features a metal frame painted gold and brass, with green and clear Murano glass palmettes. This large Italian chandelier featu...
Brass
set Jacques Adnet Red Stich Leather Table lamps 1960s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beathiful set of Table lamps . Red stich Leather base ,Brass column uprights . attributed to Jacques Adnet . 1960s France . so stylish . the shades, ''not in the best condition''...
Leather
1950’s French black metal and parchment table lamp
By Louis Sognot
Located in London, GB
A very good French 1950’s black metal and parchment paper table lamp. Bespoke shade replacement. Minor rust marks. Rewired & Pat tested.
Metal
Carl Fagerlund wall mounted sconces, glass and brass lamps from Orrefors, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Condition: Excellent. The sconces show minimal signs of wear and remain in fantastic vintage condition. Description A pair of elegant crystal glass wall sconces designed by Carl Fag...
Brass
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chandelier 'Eptaclinio' in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model ‘Eptaclinio’, nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features seven opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix “epta,” Greek for seven. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These elegant chandelier embodies the refined glamour of European mid century lighting design. Its sculptural composition of textured glass e...
Brass
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces. In the style of Bagues. Blue Crystal Flowers and gold leaves tole. H / 23.5 inches. W / 14.5 inches.
Crystal, Wrought Iron
Mid Century Table Lamp in Wrought Iron with Woven Rattan Shade 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Mid Century Table Lamp in Wrought Iron with Woven Rattan Shade 1960s A characterful mid-century table lamp in wrought iron with a shade in woven rattan and wood. Europe, mid 20th ce...
Wrought Iron
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - Mazzega - 23 "rondini" green glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier. The fixture is made up of 23 individual handblown green glass elements hanging from a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 46,45 inche...
Art Glass
Fantastic pair of Murano Glass Tube wall sconces - 13 wisteria rust alabaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 13 large wisteria rust albaster glass tubes in a star shape...
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...
Brass
Two floral wall lamps made of metal with hand-painted details, Italy 1950s
Located in München, BY
Two beautiful Italian wall lamps from the 1960s, made of metal with hand-painted and gilded details. Exquisite, high-quality floral design featuring intricate detailing. Made in Ita...
Metal, Gold Plate
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces manufactured in the 1950s, featuring slender angular brass arms supporting tapered satin opaline glass shades. The minimalist asymmetric structur...
Brass
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
Spanish Sunburst Leaves Chandelier / Pendant Light in Silvered Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Sunburst Chandelier / Ceiling Pendant Light in Silver Patinated Iron and Frosted Glass. Hand-crafted in Spain, 1950-1960 Large size. This outstanding chandelier features a s...
Metal, Iron
Stunning Pair of Pink Glass "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces by Barovier and Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso (Italy, 1950s) – Pair An exceptional pair of mid-century wall sconces crafted in Murano, Italy, and attributed to t...
Metal
Huge Contemporary MCM Style Antique Brass Pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Gino Sarfatti
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
MCM style BRASS pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights ( youre choice , same price ) . Concave and convex disc are hand spun with prime quality brass . Solid sturdy hardware and c...
Brass
German Midcenturry Murano Ice-Glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand, 1970s
By Hillebrand, Egon Hillebrand
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Murano Ice-glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand Leuchten. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Model 8527-211. This Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
Large Sunburst Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron and Glass, c. 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching gilt wrought iron sunburst ceiling flush mount with large frosted glass lampshade. Spain, 1950s Rare find. This stunning ceiling light fixture features a sunburst struc...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Italian Amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. This Wall Sconce is equipped wit...
Metal
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Lighted Cooper Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic Poul Cadovius large cooper anodized aluminium lighted planter RS 50 pendant . Contain one E26/27 ceramic socket rated at 40 watt. Actual set up is a plug in with 12 fee...
Aluminum
$2,535Sale Price|25% Off
Hollywood Regency handmade pink Scallop Shell chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Longobard, Tiffany Studios, Ferro Art
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach Regency style Scallop Shell waterfall chandelier, Italy, 1960s. The whole pendant light is made of pink Scallop Shell leaded with golden brass in the...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Vintage Italian Nautical Ship Cabin Wall Lights in Chrome, 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 4 matching small Italian Wall Lights in chrome-plated steel. All original with pin on/off switches shades adjustable to all sides and up and down. Measurements: Reach: up ...
Steel, Chrome
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - Mazzega - 53 pink lattimo glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Murano Italian glass chandelier. Fantastic chandelier with pink and white "lattimo" glasses, nickel-plated metal frame. It has 53 big monumental petals glass. The glasses are very hi...
Art Glass
Rare Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass - pink glasses
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic and fabulous of vintage Murano Italy art glass ceiling light. The rare lamp is made of 24 mouth-blown hand-formed leaf-form pink glass panels plus a huge glass as a bottom....
Art Glass
Mid-Century Italian Chandelier in Brass with Amber Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s captures the warmth and refinement of mid-century design. Crafted in brass with a beautifully a...
Brass
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.