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.
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
Pair of Midcentury Italian Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
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 by Mazzega. Each Wall Sconce is co...
Metal, 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
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
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
Pietro Chiesa style. Art Deco and Atomic Era glass pendant light, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa, Oscar Torlasco, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
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 ...
Chrome, Brass, Metal
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$2,320 / set
Set of 2 Ceramic Wall Lamps
By Goebel Company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Kaiser Leuchten, Fog & Mørup
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
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
Italian Midcentury Clear Lilac Murano Chandelier by Carlo Nason, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
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
$3,249Sale 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
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
Egon Jakobsson, Table Lamp, Fossil Stone, Fabric, Sweden, 1990s
Located in High Point, NC
A fossil stone and beige fabric table lamp designed and produced by Egon Jakobsson, Sweden, c. 1990s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Disco...
Stone
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
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 a single lamp should specify whic...
Metal
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
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
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
Pink Ilmari Tapiovaara Maya The Bee Table Lamp in Pink, Hienoteräs, Asko, 1950s
By Hienoterä, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A Beautiful Maya The Bee (Maija Mehiläinen) table lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara, one of the leading interior architects and furniture designers in Finland. This series was first designed...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
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
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
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
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
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Pine, Sweden, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1980s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Minor crack to the wood as illustrate...
Pine
Swedish Brass And Wood Chandelier, circa 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Swedish brass and wood chandelier from the 1940-1950s. Six elegantly curved arms from a centerpiece with turned wood elements and cast bras decorations. Nice original condition...
Brass
Carlo Nason for Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Sconce, Italy Circa 1970's
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega
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
1950s Italian Pendant Light with Black Saucer Shade and Opaline Glass Cone
Located in Rome, IT
Italian pendant light dating from the 1950s, characterized by a refined mid-century composition in brass, black lacquered metal and opaline glass. The fixture features a slender bra...
Metal, Brass
Mid century Wall light Brass and Cotton Shade Sweden 1960
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A typical Scandinavian wall light in brass made during the 1960s. This one with gifted with the possibility to turn the arm in order to get the light where you want. The lamp has be...
Brass
Mid-Century Rattan & Brass Pendant, Sweden 1950s 1960s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This mid-century pendant was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s to 1960s. The light features a sculptural woven rattan shade in a warm natural tone, forming a rounded...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Set of Three Iridescent White Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Set of Three Italian Iridescente White Clear Murano glass Wall Sconces. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Mazzeg...
Metal
Max Ingrand Pendant Lamp by Fontana Arte, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte pendant lamp, Italy, 1960. Formidable smaller pendant light which comes in chromed brass and textured acid-etched (blinded) shield-form reflector shades. T...
Brass
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
Very Large Massimo Vignelli for Venini 'Cipolla' Onion Glass Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pendant was designed by Italian designer and architect Massimo Vignelli. Inspired by an onion, this model is called the Cipolla, and was created in two sizes. At 18", this is th...
Metal, Brass
French Gilt Metal Sunburst Light Fixture, Gilbert Poillerat, 1930s France
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist sunburst ceiling light or wall light, designed and crafted by Gilbert Poillerat in France, 1930s. This striking piece features a bold, sculptural metal structure ...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Elegant Mid-Century Modern chandelier, 1950s, Style of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Itsu
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant Paavo Tynell–Style Mid-Century Modern chandelier, likely designed and manufactured by Itsu in Finland during the 1950s. (No manufacturer's markings.) This striking and unusua...
Brass
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
Wall sconce, vintage 1980s Pink Scandinavian Ikea wall light
Rare Brass Version Model 2093 Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A superb and exceptionally rare pair of Model 2093 wall sconces designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, during the 1960s. This celebrated design perfectly embodies Ingrand’...
Brass
Pair of Carlo Nason for Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Circa 1970s
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of Carlo Nason wall sconces for Mazzega, Murano glass, Italy circa 1970s. Featuring sculptural folded iridescent glass shades with vibrant rainbow prism effects and te...
Chrome
$575 / item
Large Pendants in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pendants, opaline glass and metal, Europe, 1960s. Minimalistic and pristine pendants in opaline glass. Great shade with flattened top and small opening in the bottom. Black coated ...
Metal
Lotus Flower Wall Sconce, Mother-of-Pearl Petals & Gilt Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite Italian lotus flower wall light, 1970s. Delicate, layered mother-of-pearl petals mounted on polished gilt brass backplates, it emits a warm, romantic, pearl-like glow. Full...
Brass
Pair of Raku Ceramic Lamps, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of blue lamp glazed in the Raku technique. 20x21 Base Only 10x8
Ceramic
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
Vintage metal chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari, Italy, 1950s
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
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
Massive Iridescent Pearl Ceramic Clam Shell Table Lamps
By Smania, Premco mfg, Verceram Ceramique 1
Located in Bensalem, PA
Pair of iridescent pearl ceramic matching table lamps with updated dimmer switches
Ceramic, Blown Glass
Rare Mid-Century Brass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This refined three-light pendant features a vertical brass structure with staggered circular shades arranged at different heights. Each light element combines a warm brass-toned oute...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Five Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Five Austrian Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar ...
Metal, Brass
Sergio Mazza & Giuliana Gramigna 'Magnolia' Table Lamp for Quattrifolio, 1973
By Giuliana Gramigna, Sergio Mazza, Quattrifolio
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna in 1973. The model is called Magnolia, produced by Quattrifolio in Italy. The graphic design features a chrom...
Chrome
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.