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.
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Nakashima-Style Organic Edge Side Table or Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century side table or low stool from the 1950s, built in the manner of George Nakashima's organic approach to woodworking. The top is a solid wood slab with a naturally und...
Wood, Lacquer
Sculptural Bar Stools, Counter Stool in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Bar or Counter Stool in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Available seat height is 26" - 30". Made in the USA. Price is for ...
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
George Nakashima Style Saddle Stools with Trestle Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark wood saddle stools influenced by the work of George Nakashima, each featuring a gently curved seat formed to a saddle-like profile. The wood displays natural variation throughou...
Wood
Model GS60 Stool, Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s
By Glyngøre Stolefabrik, Peder Kristensen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model GS60 stool, design Peder Kristensen, manufactured by Glyngøre Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Teak frame, seat made of woven papercord. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patin...
Papercord, Teak
Signed Cleo Baldon Terra Wrought Iron Bar Counter X Stools Mid Century Modern
By Cleo Baldon, Terra
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of rare Campaign style / X-Bar or Counter Stools (model number XBS-35) by Southern California architect/designer Cleo Baldon/Terra Furniture. Designed in 1964, constructed of wr...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Charlotte Perriand Style Rattan Bar Stool by Dirk van Sliedregt
By Rohe Noordwolde, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven rattan bar stool produced by Rohe Noordwolde and designed by Dirk van Sliedregt in a style closely associated with Charlotte Perriand's iconic rattan seating. The seat and back...
Metal
Dutch Mid-Century Brutalist Oak Milking Stool, Charlotte Perriand Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid Dutch oak milking stool or low side table in the manner of Charlotte Perriand, The rectangular seat has lightly chamfered edges and prominent oak grain visible through a dark w...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Mocho" Stools by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Mocho" Stools by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s Inspired by the traditional cow-milking stools used in Brazil, the three-legged Mocho is a 1954 creation...
Fabric, Wood
Dirk van Sliedregt Rattan Bar Stools in Charlotte Perriand Style
By Dirk Van Sliedregt, Charlotte Perriand, Rohe Noordwolde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven rattan bucket-style bar stools designed by Dirk van Sliedregt for Rohe Noordwolde, produced in the Netherlands in a design influenced by Charlotte Perriand's iconic wicker seat...
Metal
Pair of Benches in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Mid-century Bar Stools in Pine and Soft Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar stools, pine, fabric, Europe, 1960s This striking set of European bar stools from the 1960s is a beautiful example of robust, honest craftsmanship. Executed in solid pine, the s...
Fabric, Pine
Pair of 1950s French Stools in the Style of Charlotte Perriand Wood Woven Straw
By Charlotte Perriand, Steph Simon
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of 1950s French Stools in the Style of Charlotte Perriand – Wood & Woven Straw Seats Description: This pair of French stools from the 1950s is crafted in the unmistakable rusti...
Wood, Straw
pair of Stools BELGIUM - 1970s
Located in Forest, BE
Christophe Gevers embodies a true architecture of detail. His work is defined by precise lines, balanced proportions, and a constant dialogue between aesthetics and function. Every e...
Metal
Set of Four Charlotte Perriand Style Wicker Counter Stools with Chrome Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, Charlotte Perriand style counter-height stools combine woven wicker with chrome tubular steel, made by Gebr. Jonkers during the 1960s. One of Dutch Mid-Century Mod...
Chrome
Pair of Chromed Steel 'Cube' Stools by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in London, GB
A pair of chromed tteel 'Cube' Stools by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen. Each formed from a continuous chromed steel wire frame with a loose upholstered cushion. The design was orig...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Mid Century Modern Sculptural Graphic Walnut & Taupe Mohair Bench
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern walnut and taupe bench was realized in Italian, circa 1950. It features a sculptural high gloss walnut base composed of two adjoining inverse arch "v ...
Velvet, Walnut
$775 / item
Sturdy Mid-century Bar Stools in Solid Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar stools, beech, metal, Europe, 1960s A set of sturdy bar stools made in Europe in the 1960s. Crafted from solid beech, these stools feature a sturdy construction and a timeless d...
Metal
Set of 2 Padova Counter Height Stools by Hank Loewenstein, Italy, c. 1970s
By Hank Loewenstein, Roy McMakin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 2 "Post-Modern" Padova Counter Height Stools by Hank Loewenstein, Italy, c. 1970s ( in the style of Roy McMakin ) Yellow Lacquer Beech Frames with Original Rush Seats and Cu...
Rush, Beech, Lacquer
Argentine Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three dark-stained and hand-carved wood counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (in...
Wood
FORMA Stool in Blackout Oak and Shearling by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Forma Stool by Carlos Solano The Forma Stool by Carlos Solano is a sculptural study in balance, craftsmanship, and materiality. Defined by its hand-sculpted solid walnut base and in...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Set of 3 Cleo Baldon “Terra” Bar Stools, 1970s Architectural Iron & Sheepskin
By Terra, Cleo Baldon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and architecturally refined set of three “Terra” bar stools designed and manufactured in the 1970s by Cleo Baldon. These stools exemplify Baldon’s signature balance of s...
Steel
Black Leather Teak Ottoman Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This minimalist ottoman features a gently contoured rectangular top raised on slender round legs. Its low profile offers classic Scandinavian style and functional versatility. A fine...
Teak
Italian BAR COUNTER STOOL vibrant deep blue 50s 60s Style Iron / Brass / Velvet
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian DEEP BLUE VELVET HQ UPHOLSTERED BAR / COUNTER STOOL DEEP BLUE VELVET 1950s / 1960s style Lacquered iron / Solid brass / Velvet / Upholstered
Brass, Iron
Original Italian BAR / COUNTER STOOL 1950s Solid Brass rosé Velvet upholstered
Located in Landshut, BY
The stool is of Italian origin and was produced in the 1950s. It is composed of solid brass, velvet, and new upholstery. The new upholstery consists of high-quality foam and is co...
Brass
Set of Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Set of Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Stool in Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, folding stool or ottoman, leather, steel, Italy, 1985. This stool is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia ...
Steel
Charlotte Perriand Stool in Ash and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charlotte Perriand, stool, part of the '19' series, ash, straw, France, 1950s A beautiful design by Charlotte Perriand: this stool, a piece from the 1950s that embodies natural beauty and impeccable design. Crafted with precision, the stool features a sturdy ash frame, boasting four straight, thick legs...
Straw, Ash
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find George Nelson for Herman Miller vanity bench, newly reupholstered in mohair fabric. This example is in very good, clean and ready to ...
Mohair, Wood
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Stool Pouf Attributed to Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful stool pouf or side table attributed to Tito Agnoli. This fantastic Stool was made in Italy during the 1960s. The workmanship of these stools is exceptional, th...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pierre Chapo S31A Stool in Solid Elm, Chapo Creation, France, 2025
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking three-legged stool is the Model S31, designed by Pierre Chapo in 1974. It features a cross-legged base and a round seat, both crafted from solid elm wood. The stool can...
Elm
Argentine Designer, Stools, Wood, Leather, Fabric, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, brown leather and beige fabric stools designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Age-app...
Leather, Wood, Fabric
Set of Two Mid Century Vintage Beige Melange Stools, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful beige high quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of t...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$2,750 / item
Pierre Chapo 'S01' Stools in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, stools, model 'S01A', solid elm, France, design 1962 This set of modernized farm stools have a robust and rustic character and showcases the characteristics of Pierre ...
Elm
$200Sale Price|55% Off
Set of 3 Bamboo Camping Chairs, 1960's
Located in Bern, CH
Set of 3 vintage 1960's Bamboo Camping Stools. Bamboo folding base with new seat strapping using original late 1960's / early 1970's heavy cotton material. Good, stable structure an...
Fabric, Bamboo
Set of Three Bruno Rey for Dietiker Light Birch Bar Stools with Chrome Footrests
Set of 3 beech bar stools designed by Bruno Rey for Dietiker. Small backrests and round, chrome footrests. Historically, created from the most successful Swiss chair ever produced, 'the 3300 chair...
Chrome
IKEA Frosta Stools Set of 3, Beech Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By IKEA
Located in Den Haag, NL
Frosta Beech Stools .by Ikea 1980s Good condition . not in the assortment anymore . stack able .
Beech
Set of Two Blue Velvet 20th Century Triangle Stools, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour upholstery in blue color. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, charac...
Velvet, Wood
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 Early Stool #60 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Sweden by Artek. During the war period Artek opened factories in neutral Sweden where supplies were still available...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer
$375 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Persimmon Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a red-orange colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
Handmade Taupe Boucle Mushroom Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern Style, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a taupe colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Fabric, Teak
Set of Four Swivel Stools, Copper-Plated Metal with Oxblood Leather, American
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking set of four low-profile swivel bar stools in copper-plated metal with original oxblood leather upholstered seats, produced for the American commercial hospitality market during the golden age of the supper club and cocktail lounge. The warm rosy-copper finish and compact, refined proportions place these firmly within the best Mid-Century American bar seating tradition — the kind of stool that furnished the finest hotel bars, steak houses, and private clubs of the late Eisenhower and early Kennedy eras. Each stool features a generously proportioned circular padded seat above a slim central post, with a circular footrest ring braced by a clean cross-support. The flared trumpet base provides stability with an elegance typical of the period's best commercial seating. The seats swivel freely. The design reflects the tighter, more refined silhouette characteristic of late 1950s and early 1960s American bar furniture — before the heavier forms of the 1970s took hold — and anticipates the rose gold aesthetic by several decades. All four retain their original copper-plated finish showing a pleasing natural variation and patina consistent with age. The oxblood seats display surface crazing consistent with honest vintage use. Consistent in quality and character with production by American commercial seating manufacturers such as Chromcraft, Shelby Williams, or Admiral Chrome Corp...
Metal, Copper
Pair of Midcentury Leopard Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard high-quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this stools also in another option of fabric and wood. Please check the last pictures with color samples.
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Set of Two Camel Boucle Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. The stools consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Stools were designed b...
Fabric
Pair of Wooden Stools by Pierre Gautier Delaye, France, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
A pair of vintage solid wood stools designed by Pierre Gautier Delaye, manufactured in France during the 1960s. The design features a distinctive molded seat composed of two distinct...
Wood
Bauche Chairs by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1960, Set of 6
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Set of six Bauche No.19 lounge chairs, designed by Charlotte Perriand and produced by Steph Simon in the 1950s. This model reflects Perriand's interest in natural materials and esse...
Rush, Ash
Pair of 20th Century Yellow Pattern Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful yellow pattern high quality spanish gull lamadrid velvet upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs n...
Fabric, Chenille, Velvet, Beech, Walnut
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four black-painted iron and blue velvet counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to metal. Wear consistent with age and u...
Iron
Green Pluff Italian Folding Stool Chair by G. Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1960
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning "Pluff" folding stool chair in chrome and green colored polyurethane seat. The super rare and iconic "Pluff" was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli and prod...
Aluminum, Chrome
Brazilian Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet stools designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.876"H x 14.0"W x 14.5"D Seat Height (inches): 30.25" All upholste...
Velvet, Wood
Italian Designer, Stools, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and beige fabric stools or ottomans designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Restored and reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.5"H x 23.5"W x 16.25"D S...
Fabric, Walnut
Bench in Camel Boucle by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was designed by Vintola...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Mini Heart Stool, Gray Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Small stool called "Heart" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat in beautiful velvet italian fabric. This stool can be customized to your specificatio...
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
Rare Midcentury Stool Produced by Mario Sabot, Italy 70s
By Mario Sabot
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare stool designed produce by Mario Sabot Italy in the 70s Lacquared wood and leather.
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
French, Set Of 2 Twisted Grape-vine Roots Bar Stools 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair Grape-vine Roots Bar Stools . A pair of rustic art high stools made from branches of antique vine wood that is especially old, and thick, with dramatic expressive character an...
Walnut
Mid-Century Grass Green Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful fresh green color velvet upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this pair also in another color of fabric...
Velvet, Beech
Midcentury Mustard Yellow Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful mustard yellow high quality velvet upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, char...
Fabric
$7,500 / item
Pierre Chapo Stools 'S13A' in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, stools, model 'S31A', solid elm, France, circa 1974 This S31A stool is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood ...
Elm
Kinetics "Paperclip" Bar Stool, Model K700, Canada, 1970s
By Kinetics, Hugh Hamilton & Philip Salmon
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Kinetics "Paperclip" Bar Stool, Model K700, Canada, 1970s An enduring icon of Canadian modernist design, the K700 "Paperclip" bar stool by Kinetics is celebrated for its sculptural ...
Steel, Chrome