Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard
By Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern burl wood liquor cabinet bar, display cabinet or sideboard by V.
Category
Modern Burl Cabinets
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Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood Sideboard, Credenza, or Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Lane Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet In the manner of Milo Baughman By Lane Furniture USA, 1970s Beautiful book-matched burled olive wood, with ash w...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Ash, Burl
Jack Cartwright for Founders Burl Wood Lighted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, 1970s
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Milo Baughman style lighted display cabinet, bar cabinet, or bookcase By Jack Cartwright for Founders USA, 1970s Gorgeous book-matched burl wood front, with smoked gl...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Burl
Mid Century Modern Burl Wood Highboy Dresser by Thomasville
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Highboy Dresser by Thomasville—elegant design with ample storage and vintage charm. Some wear to the surfaces and edges as shown in the photos. We...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Dressers
Materials
Burl
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Almelo, NL
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, 1970s Elegant, bold, and timeless—this rare Sequoia Burl Display Cabinet, designed by Willy Rizzo for Ma...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Burl
Pair of Burl Wood Dark Olive Green Dome Shape Vitrine Cabinets Mastercraft MINT
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Burl Wood Dark Olive Green Dome Shape Vitrine Cabinets Mastercraft MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Burl
Mid Century Modern German Walnut Credenza with Burl blonde doors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern German Walnut Credenza with two blonde burl wood sliding doors with shelf inside and four drawers on the right. Drawers are lined with Felt for flatware storage. G...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Modern Italian Burl Wood and Brass Credenza After Pierre Cardin
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a sleek and modern Italian Burl Wood and Brass Credenza, inspired by the design of Pierre Cardin. It features a stylish combination of burl wood and brass, adding a t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Pair Mastercraft Dome Shape Burl Wood Curio Display Cabinets w Shelves Lights
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Mastercraft dome shape burl wood curio display cabinets w shelves lights.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Chrome Credenza by Biltrite
By Biltrite
Located in North Hollywood, CA
If you're in the market for a statement piece that combines style and functionality, look no further than this vintage Biltrite credenza from the 1970s. Manufactured in Montreal, Can...
Category
Vintage 1970s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Chrome
Modern Burl Walnut Matched Grain Veneer Commodes
$4,900 / item
Modern Burl Walnut Matched Grain Veneer Commodes
Located in Dallas, TX
These Modern Burl Walnut Matched Grain Veneer Commodes are incredibly striking. The rich walnut veneer and matched grain details and clean lines give these commodes a timeless and c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Burl
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Arthur Umanoff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional vintage burl wood credenza designed by American designer Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham, circa 1970s. Widely recognized for his refined approach to mid-century design, ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Burl Wood Sideboard
$7,170 / item
Burl Wood Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Perfect for grand dining rooms or luxurious living spaces, this statement piece seamlessly blends classic craftsmanship with modern appeal. Whether used as a serving station, media c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Materials
Wood, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham
By Arthur Umanoff, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you purchase vintage furnitu...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Credenza by William Doezema for Mastercraft
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Matching Greek-key stretchers along the base further emphasize the cabinet's balanced proportions and meticulous attention to detail.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Marble, Brass
Mid Century Burl Wood Glass 38" Wide 76" Tall Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine MINT
By Drexel, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Burl Wood Glass 38" Wide 76" Tall Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Glass, Burl
Burl and Brass Modernist Dry Bar / Cabinet attributed to Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Burl Wood and brass accents Dry Bar ,cabinet attributed to Milo Baughman. Black lacquer interior with glass shelf and lamp as well as pull-out cutting/ serving shelf.Interi...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Burl Credenza
$4,320 / item
Midcentury Burl Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
Midcentury Burl Credenza. This tall narrow three-door sideboard credenza has a warm 'rustic' hand-rubbed mappa burl veneer, a beveled frame surrounding the doors, an interior fitted ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl
Streamline Modern Cabinet by Walter Dorwin Teague
By Walter Dorwin Teague
Located in San Francisco, CA
Streamline Modern cabinet designed by Walter Dorwin Teague for Hastings. Originally a server for a dining suite but perfect as a bar cabinet or storage. Newly refinished, polished an...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Burl
Elm Burl Sideboard
$10,384 / item
Elm Burl Sideboard
By Axel Wannberg
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
The Elm Burl Sideboard merges inspiration from historic furniture design with brutalist references. Made out of elm burl, the piece combines the warmth of the wood with a minimalist,...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Sideboards
Materials
Elm, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Faux Painted Burl 3 Drawer Solid Oak Desk
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern faux painted burl 3 drawer solid oak desk. Beautiful 3 drawer desk all solid oak drawers. Great Design - Style of Milo Baughman circa 1970. Located in Brooklyn NYC...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Oak, Burl
Vintage Milo Baughman Style Burl & Black Tall Dresser or Wardrobe Modern Design
By Milo Baughman
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Add bold, modern elegance to your space with this vintage tall dresser or wardrobe, chifferobe in the style of Milo Baughman. Featuring a striking combination of burl wood and black ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood, Burl
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Briar Burl Wood Dresser by Hickory White
$1,526Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Briar Burl Wood Dresser by Hickory White
By Hickory White
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Milo Baughman Style Burl and Black Dresser or Credenza in Modern Design
By Milo Baughman
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Introduce a bold statement piece into your home with this vintage dresser or credenza in the style of Milo Baughman. Featuring a striking burl wood design paired with sleek black acc...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood, Burl
Milo Baughman Style Henredon Scene Two Burl Wood Three Cabinet TV Wall Unit
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Milo Baughman Style Henredon Scene Two Burl Wood Three Cabinet TV Wall Unit
By Henredon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning three-piece set of Henredon scene two wall units. Set includes three olive wood burl wood wall units with one tall four drawer TV cabinet and two rounded display cases with ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Burl
Okumé Plywood and Natural Elm Burl Sipario Cabinet by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Okumé Plywood and Natural Elm Burl Sipario Cabinet by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 112 x D 50 x H 162 cm Materials: Okumé plywood, Polished Brass, Natural Elm Burl. Bar c...
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Plywood
Magnificent Milo Baughman Style Burl 6 Drawer Credenza Mid-Century Modern
$5,000Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Milo Baughman Style Burl 6 Drawer Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style burl Olivewood 6 drawer credenza. This piece is in fabulous vintage condition with only light signs of age. This stylish credenza has a fantastic glos...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl
French Mid-Century Modern 1960's Dark Mahogany / Light Burl Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Carmine, TX
A striking Mid-Century Modern sideboard crafted circa 1960, featuring a rich dark mahogany frame contrasted by beautifully figured light burl wood panels.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1940s Swedish Modern Nordens Flora Botanical Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A remarkable mid-20th century circa 1940s Swedish modern sideboard, credenza, or cabinet finished with a striking decoupage surface. The sinuous case is embellished with a dense patc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Materials
Marble, Brass, Steel
Vintage Modern Black & Burl Drexel Heritage 3 Pc Lighted Wall Display or Vitrine
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Modern Drexel Heritage 3 piece lighted wall display, vitrine, or storage unit comprised of black & burl wood, glass front & side doors, glass shelves with double pl...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Radius Writing Desk in Oyster Burl Wood
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Mid-Century ""Radius"" writing desk with a rectangular top with rounded edges and two drawers, finished in oyster burl veneer and resting on four rounded triangular legs. V...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Burl
Okumé Plywood and Natural Elm Burl Modulo Cabinet by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Okumé Plywood and Natural Elm Burl Modulo Cabinet by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 215 x D 50 x H 75 cm Materials: Okumé plywood, Polished Brass, Natural Elm Burl. Cabinet...
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Cabinets
Materials
Plywood, Elm
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Burl, Rare Sideboard, USA, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Burl, Rare Sideboard, USA, 1960s Unique sideboard designed by Tommi Parzinger (1903 - 1981) for Parzinger Originals in New York, circa 1...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
Mid century modern credenza by Lane Furniture. Case clad in richly figured burl
By Lane Furniture
Located in Elkton, MD
Mid century modern credenza by Lane Furniture. Case clad in richly figured burl veneer. Bookmatched grain across the center panel. Clean, hardware-free drawer fronts. Raised on a re...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Wood, Burl
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Armoire Tallboy Dresser 62"
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Armoire Tallboy Dresser 62"
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American of Martinsville MCM Ash Burl Armoire, circa 1960s. A fun blend of Mid Century and Art Deco styling. Features double doors over three dovetailed lower drawers. Ope...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Giuseppe Scapinelli Brazilian Modern Burled Vanity Cabinet
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning Giuseppe Scapinelli burled wood vanity dresser, 1958, Brazil. Expertly crafted with burled wood, eight drawers with brass pulls, open space in center and eight curved front ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Maple, Burl
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By George Nakashima, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Dresser Mirrored Sideboard , Style Osvaldo Borsani, in Burl
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Modern Italian dresser sideboard , style designer Osvaldo Borsani, in burl walnut with mirror, glass top and ebonized legs with brass pins. measures cm: dresser: H 78 W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
MCM "Flair" Burl Credenza by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Dekalb, IL
The richly figured burl grain creates a symmetrical pattern spanning all four doors, while a minimalist brushed metal frame base gives the cabinet a floating appearance characteristi...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Metal
Classy Brass & Burl Wood Dry Bar Cabinet Sideboard by Mastercraft
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Clever & Classy Mastercraft Sideboard Cabinet with unfoldable leaves to prepare drinks etc. When folded we have the lovely burl wood surface and when unfolded there is laminate plas...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
Lift Flip Top Burl Wood Campaign Style Server Bar Liquor Cabinet Mid Century
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Light Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet Storage Console King Bed Headboard MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood Bar Cabinet by Henredon
By Henredon, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Milo Baughman style Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet or small credenza By Henredon, "Scene Two" Collection USA, 1980s Burled olive wood door fronts, with ash case, Macass...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Ash, Olive, Macassar
Mid-Century Modern Burl and Brass Credenza by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Burl and Brass Credenza by Thomasville featuring rich burl wood veneer, sleek mid-century lines, and elegant brass-tone accents.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawers Walnut Burl Wood Long Credenza Dresser Mint!
By Harvey Probber, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern 9 drawers walnut burl wood long credenza dresser mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Paul Evans Burl Wood Credenza
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning burl wood patchwork credenza with chrome cabinet. Floating style sideboard with drawers, chrome cabinet with adjustable shelves. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Chrome
Long Walnut 9 Drawers Two Doors Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Burl Accents
By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Long walnut 9 drawers two doors Mid-Century Modern dresser credenza Burl Accents MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Burl & Brass Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century modern credenza by Founders. Designed with a combination of bright burl wood grain and polished brass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Burl Wood Armoire by Lane
By Lane Furniture, Roland Carter
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Roland Carter for Lane, this armoire/highboy dresser features straight lines and an elegant burl wood grain throughout. Includes a storage compartment on top hidden by tw...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Burl
Modern Neoclassical Style Patchwork Burl Chest / Commode By Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1990s modern interpretation of a French neoclassical style chest. It is by Henredon and is marked. The patchwork burl is most likely maple. The drawers are dovetailed, and ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham Burl Sideboard
By Arthur Umanoff, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Many modern cabinets try to emulate the style, but the original is always better!
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Burl
Vintage Mid Century Modern Dresser with Burl-wood Accents
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid Century Modern Dresser with Burl-wood Accents
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Dresser with Burl-wood Accents Dimensions. 60 W ; 18 D ; 31 1/2 H
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood
9 Drawers Art Deco Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Bow Front Dresser Brass Pulls
By Andrew Szoeke
Located in Rockaway, NJ
9 Drawers Art Deco Mid-Century Modern burl wood bow front dresser brass pulls mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Maple, Burl
Burl Wood Panel Brass Birch 7 Drawer Mid Century Modern High Boy Dresser MINT!
By Drexel, Henredon, J. L. Metz Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Burl Wood Panel Brass Birch 7 Drawer Mid Century Modern High Boy Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
50s Mid-century modern Italian Burl Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Guglielmo Ulrich Style
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Dassi
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Exceptional Italian illuminated bar cabinet from the 1950s, crafted in burl wood with mirrored mosaic interior surfaces and refined brass details. The cabinet opens to reveal a spect...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Modern Burl Wood Etageres, Wall Unit or Book Shelves
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning transitional pair of matching shelving units from the 1970's. They feature burl wood with a decorative lattice work. Price includes the pair.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Burl
Quality Pair of Mastercraft 1960's Burl Maple and Brass 2-Door Cabinets
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Quality Pair of Mastercraft 1960's Burl Maple and Brass 2-Door Cabinets
By Mastercraft
Located in San Francisco, CA
Each striking 2-door cabinet of contrasting woods with geometric designs on all sides; fitted with brass hardware; the interior fitted with a single drawer and burlwood shelf; each w...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Burl Wood Sideboard
$5,397 / item
Mid Century Burl Wood Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Burl Wood Sideboard, which seamlessly combines contrasting finishes for a sophisticated touch. Featuring a luxurious pyramid brown Tamo ash veneer and an organic metal base, this pie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Post-Modern Italian Executive Desk Piano Black Burl by G&C Italia Art Deco Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the 1980s in Italy, this desk features a sleek, post-modern, and angular design. Finished in a gloss piano black complemented by burl drawer-fronts, the large work surface ha...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Mid Century Burl Credenza Brass Hardware
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful long and low Burl credenza in the styling of Michael Taylor for Baker's Far East Collection. Wonderful burl offset by solid brass hardware. This piece has ample storage wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
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Modern Burl Cabinets For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of modern burl cabinets available for sale. The range of distinct modern burl cabinets — often made from wood, burl and metal — can elevate any home. There are 873 antique and vintage modern burl cabinets for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 25 modern editions to choose from as well. Modern burl cabinets have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Modern burl cabinets are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Hollywood Regency styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Modern burl cabinets have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, Mastercraft and Henredon are consistently popular.
How Much are Modern Burl Cabinets?
The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,498, while they’re typically $20 on the low end and $90,000 highest priced.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
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Thomasville Highboy Dresser
Thomasville Highboy
Antique Burl Wood Dresser
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Maple Burl Wood Dresser