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 Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Nikolay Diulgheroff, Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to ...
Metal, Brass
Czechoslovakia Mid-century Set of Eight Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Czechoslovakia Set of Eight glass Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Czechoslovakia. These Flush Mounts or Wall Sc...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Set of Six Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous, stunnin and unique Set of Six Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 li...
Metal, Brass
1970s Coral Marbleized Glass Rondelle Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wide saucer-shaped ceiling fixture from the 1970s with a marbleized glass shade in coral pink, carrying bold cream and rose veining that evokes the look of colored stone. Chrome hard...
Glass
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Blue Glass and Brass Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian mid-century table lamps featuring rounded light blue glass bodies, circular brass bases and matching brass details. Their soft spherical form and pale blue color give...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
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
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Bronzed Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent and unique large pair of bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown glass and solid brass with a stunning uniform bronzed patina. These exceptional lights were desig...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, combining brass, black lacquered metal and white opaline glass in a refined mid-century composition. Each fixture features a large...
Brass
Vintage 1970s "Area" wall lamp, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall or ceiling lamp that can also be used as a table lamp, with a white ceramic base and a glass-fiber-reinforced paper shade, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s. 4 lamps...
Ceramic, Paper
Pair of 1950s Italian Opaline Glass and Brass Bedside Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian table lamps from the 1950s, featuring solid brass bases and tall rectangular shades in white opaline glass. The softly rounded corners of the glass contrast with the ...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Chandelier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous floral chandelier entirely crafted from mouth-blown Murano glass and solid brass. This incredibly elegant and sculptural piece was produced by the mastery of Barovier in It...
Brass
Italian Stilnovo Chandelier in Brass, Prismatic Glass in 104cm/40.94in
By Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stilnovo, ceiling light, brass, prismatic glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s by Stilnovo captures the refinement of mid-century modern design. Its s...
Brass
Italian Pair of Midcentury Amber Murano Glass Pair of Wall Sconces, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1970s in Italy. Each Wall Sconce is composed by 4...
Metal, Brass
Vico Magistretti for Artemide 'Triclinio' Chandelier in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model 'Triclinio', matt nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features three opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix "Tri", Greek for three. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of Table Lamps in Wrought Iron & Hammered Glass by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
Midcentury amazing pair of table lamps in golden wrought iron and multi-color hammered glass produced by Longobard the concurrent of Poliarte at the 1960s / 1970s. Made in Italy in ...
Metal, Iron
French Ceramic Table Lamp, Black Glazed, Organic Form, 1950s Design
By Roger Capron, Pol Chambost, Georges Jouve, Peter and Denise Orlando
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Exceptional French ceramic table lamp, circa 1950s, featuring a rare and beautifully sculpted organic form in deep black glazed ceramic. The highly sensual silhouette, articulated by sweeping curves and elegantly pierced openings, reflects the poetic vocabulary of post-war French organic modernism. Its sculptural language is evocative of the work of George Jouve and Pol Chambost, while the piece retains a distinctive and singular character of its own. The surface is particularly remarkable: a sublime, exceptionally deep black glaze with a rich, almost lacquer-like luminosity that follows and accentuates every curve of the form. The combination of the sculptural volume, restrained geometry and extraordinary glaze gives the lamp a powerful yet sophisticated presence. The electrical system has been completely renewed. The new lampshade has been carefully made to the original model, using a contemporary material reproducing the subtle appearance of the Rhodoïd traditionally used for French lampshades...
Ceramic
$3,735Sale Price|20% Off
Pietro Chiesa style. Art Deco and Atomic Era glass pendant light, Italy, 1950s
By Arredoluce, Stilnovo, Oscar Torlasco, Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Art Deco style pendant lamp in the style of Pietro Chiesa’s designs for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s. This chandelier ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Pair of 1950s Italian Sculptural Wall Lights in Brass, Green and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural mid-century composition and a distinctive combination of brass, green lacquer and opaline glass. Ea...
Brass
Vintage Flower Murano Glass Flush Mount or Sconce Wall Light Italy, 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage Murano glass flush mount or wall light, designed in the graceful form of a flower. Made in Murano, Italy, in the 1970s, this striking fixture features richly text...
Metal
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: 15...
Brass
$1,548Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Riviera and Palm Beach Regency style seashell table lamps, France, 1950s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. French Riviera and Palm Beach Regency style conch shell table lamps, France (La Côte d’Azur), 1950s. Each piece is composed of a lar...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces in Smoked Glass and Brass, Italy
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of Italian wall lamps featuring handcrafted Murano glass shades in a "fumé" (smoked) finish. The elongated shades feature a refined horizontal ribbed texture that sof...
Brass
Pair of French 1960's iron wall sconces manner of Giacometti
Located in London, GB
A pair of French 1960's iron wall sconces in the manner of Giacometti. Rewired, sold with two replacement linen shades.
Iron
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Chandelier in Hammered Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, chandelier, model 12369, brass, Italy, circa 1951 Angelo Lelii, the creative mind behind Arredoluce, crafted this chandelier with an organic, flowing sh...
Brass
Large 1950s Mid-Century Glass Art and Brass Leaf Three-Light Semi-Flush Mount
Located in Lisse, NL
Some ceiling lights are designed merely to illuminate a room; this beautifully balanced 1950s fixture was clearly intended to become part of its architecture. At almost 25 inches in...
Metal, Brass
Set of two wall lamps in blue and white Perspex, Italy, 1970s, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
A pair of vintage Italian wall lamps (applique) from the 1970s, made of acrylic glass and Perspex. These are iconic pieces of modernist design in the Italian Modern style, characteri...
Brass
Mac Hegerup, Kronobergs Belysning, table lamp B100, glass and teak, Sweden, 1950
Located in Forserum, SE
A triangular table lamp, model B100, designed under the pseudonym Mac Hegerup for the Swedish manufacturer Kronobergs Belysning in the 1950s. The distinctive shade is constructed fro...
Glass, Teak
French 1950'S Black Metal Tripod Based Floor Lamp
Located in London, GB
French 1950's black metal tripod based floor lamp. Sold rewired, not including shade which is for display. Height top of shade: 164cm Height top of light fitting: 136cm Width: 50...
Metal
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
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Rare Table Lamp with Rotating Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, table lamp, model '12398', brass, marble, coated aluminum, Italy, ca. 1952 This rare table lamp is unmistakably characteristic of Angelo Lelii’s invent...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage metal chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari, Italy, 1950s
By Gaetano Sciolari, Sciolari Lighting
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Large vintage geometric chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari made in Italy in the 1950s. The Sciolari brand was founded in Rome by Angelo Sciolari in 1892, but it was his namesake grand...
Metal
Black Opaline Glass Ball Table Lamp Attributed to Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
This black opaline glass ball table lamp, made in France in the 1950s, is attributed to Jacques Adnet. The lamp is a simple sphere of deep black opaline glass with a high-gloss, ref...
Opaline Glass
Pair of Cylindrical Wooden Table Lamps, France, 1990s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included ! Pair of French table lamps dating from the 1990s, featuring tall turned wooden bases with a warm brown finish. Each lamp displays a sculptural cylind...
Wood
French Green Opaline Glass Brass Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French green opaline glass industrial pendant. Weight 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incandescent lig...
Brass
On Hold|$2,800 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall lamps dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce is built around a round brass wall plate and a...
Brass
$2,296 / set
Set of 2 Ceramic Wall Lamps
By Goebel Company, Fog & Mørup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Kaiser Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Very nice pair of ceramic wall lamps from the 1960s. Wonderful design and workmanship. The lamps with the special hand-painted glaze and the elegant design are a beautiful eye-catche...
Metal
Fabulous Pair of Large Ceramic Lamps with a Volcanic Lava Drip Glaze Finish
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous pair of large 1960"s ceramic lamps with a wonderful Volcanic textured Glaze finish. The lamps sit on black finished wooden bases and they have been Newly rewired with adjus...
Brass
Wall sconce, vintage 1980s Pink Scandinavian Ikea wall light
Pair of Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano 3-Arm Classical Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
This ornate Pair of Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano 3-Arm Classical Wall Sconces originated in Italy, Circa 1950. Each sconce presents a central blown-glass body from which three elega...
Murano Glass
Italian Vintage Murano Chandelier with 52 Lattimo Glass Petals and Drops
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier made of 52 glass petals (glass with streaks and a lattimo finish) on a nickel frame plated metal frame. Period: late 20th century Dimensions: 55....
Glass
$3,215Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Floral Foliage Globe Pendant Light in Polychromed Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Multicolor Foliage & Flowers Pendant Light Fixture, Polychrome Iron, Italy, 1950s-1960s. One of a kind polychromed iron foliage flower bush pendant light. This stunning pendant l...
Metal, Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Brass Two-Arm Sconces w/ Sculptural Volute Motif
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural Pair of Mid-Century Brass Two-Arm Sconces w/ Sculptural Volute Motif originated in Spain, 20th Century. Each sconce presents a tall, pierced backplate cut into a styl...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Clear Lilac Murano Chandelier by Carlo Nason, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, unique and large Interlocking Clear Lilac Murano glass Chandelier by Carlo Nason for Mazzega. This Chandelier was made during the 1970s in Italy. Mazzega lie in the noble Ve...
Brass
Sergio Mazza for Artemide Rare Chandelier in Glass and Nickel-Plated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, rare chandelier, nickel-plated brass, lacquered metal, crystal glass, Italy, 1960s An exceptionally rare design by the acclaimed Italian architect and vis...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Opaline Glass Brass Vintage Cast Iron Double Sconces Wall Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Double vintage brass and cast iron sconce wall lamp Brass top with opaline glass Diameter cast iron wall piece 10.5 cm / 4”. 2 holes to secure. Weight: 2.85 kg / 6.3 lb Priced pe...
Brass, Iron
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. The absence of a workin...
Brass
French Designer, Pendant Light, Parchment Paper, Rope, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream parchment paper and brown cord and rope pendant light designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. Reta...
Rope, Paper
Arredoluce style ceiling pendant, Italy circa 1960s
By Arredoluce
Located in Long Island City, NY
Arredoluce style ceiling pendant. Opaline glass, brass, enameled metal Designed and made in Italy, 1960s Takes 1 medium base bulb. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. Overall hei...
Metal, Brass
Four-Tier Murano Cut Glass Chandelier by Venini, Italy 1970s
By Venini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful Venini chandelier, Murano glass, Italy 1970s. Featuring four cascading tiers of handblown clear crystal prisms suspended from a polished brass ring, creating dazzling light...
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Pendant Lamps in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pendants, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s Elegant Italian pendant lamps from the 1950s. Their softly rounded shades are made from white translucent glass, diffusing the light into a war...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Pendant Light 135cm/53.15in.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pendant light / chandelier, glass, brass, lacquered steel, acrylic, Italy, 1950s/1960s This lighting pendant, a mid-century Italian design from the 1950s or 60s, reflects postwar I...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream white fabric and brass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light oxidat...
Brass
Carlo Nason for Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Sconce, Italy Circa 1970's
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful Carlo Nason wall sconce for Mazzega, Murano glass, Italy circa 1970s. Featuring sculptural folded iridescent glass shade with vibrant rainbow prism effects and textured met...
Chrome
Bakelite and Brass Table Lamp, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included ! French table lamp dating from the 1970s, combining a deep red Bakelite body with brass details. The geometric square base features softly rounded edg...
Brass
Midcentury Chandelier in Enamel Metal and Brass Stilnovo Style, Italy 1950s
By Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing three light adjustable chandelier in red, green and yellow enameled metal and brass in the style of Stilnovo. Made in Italy in the 1950s. The chandelier features...
Metal, Brass
Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Coastal Sculptural Crane Table Lamp 1 of 2
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This sculptural Hollywood Regency / Chinoiserie crane bird table lamp is offered individually, with a coordinating lamp available. Buyers purchasing...
Metal
1969 Rare Iconic Pierre Folie ' Hydra ' 5 ams Brass Floor Lamp , France
By Pierre Folie, Jacques Charpentier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare iconic massive ' Hydra ' floor lamp from Pierre Folie made by Jacques Charpentier in 1969 , France . Solid , sturdy material and construction . Create fun aesthetic sculp...
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.