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Modern Century Armchairs

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern James Mont Style Black Lacquer Armchairs by Century
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of unique vintage James Mont style armchairs feature stylish sculpted backs, brass feet
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid Century Modern Armchair
Located in Draper, UT
Introducing a true icon of mid-century design, this striking tubular aluminum armchair from the
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Modern Armchair
Mid Century Modern Armchair
H 30.5 in W 22.5 in D 23.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern office chairs with walnut wood frames. Handsome mid-century design for your
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
H 29 in W 29 in D 29 in
Mid-Century Modern Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style metal and leather armchair, sleek steel grey frame with wood arms, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Swiveling Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of stylish Mid-Century Modern armchairs that are upholstered in an attractive beige fabric and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature an open frame design with a unique
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
H 28 in W 27.75 in D 24.75 in
Mid Century Modern Armchair
By Milo Baughman, Kroehler Mfg. Co., Directional, James Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in Garnerville, NY
A comfortable compact sexy little accent chair. Great in any spot in the home or office. Freshly upholstered with new cushioning. Upholstered in a sweet durable, period style fabric....
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Mid Century Modern Armchair
Mid Century Modern Armchair
H 28 in W 24 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Blue Fabric Armchair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Blue Fabric Armchair Single armchair
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid Century Modern Armchair
Located in Draper, UT
Step into the opulent world of the Victorian era with this exquisite orange upholstery armchair
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid Century Modern Armchair
Mid Century Modern Armchair
H 38 in W 27 in D 21 in
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, Mid-Century Modern, armchair features a sculptural ebonized maple frame with aubergine
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs, easy chairs, side chairs. Timeless, very nice modern Danish
Category

Vintage 1950s American Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The armchair was manufactured in Poland in the 1960s. It underwent a thorough renovation of
Category

Vintage 1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
H 30.71 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs. Seats and backs are covered in a vintage faux
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Pair of Modern Chairs by Cain Modern
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of modern armchairs designed and manufactured by Cain Modern. The chairs have
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

PVC, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, Europe Late 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the midst of the swinging 1960s a remarkable design style emerged, a kind of mature mid-century
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sculptural Pine Armchair, Swedish, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hasselt, VLI
This is a very unique 20th century armchair, expertly hand-carved from pine with an eye-catching
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Pine

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany and Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern leather armchair and footrest, a mahogany frame with button tufted leather
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Italian small armchair, white boucle
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Italian manufacture armchair reupholstered with a white bouclé fabric. Perfect for any kind of
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian small armchair, white boucle
Italian small armchair, white boucle
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Walnut Armchair
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a Classic Mid-Century Modern armchair with a walnut base and vinyl upholstery
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Chrome Armchair
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, 1970s, chrome framed armchair features ebonized maple armrests and newly
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, a Pair
Located in Burton, TX
We love the sleek and sculptural form of these Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs. Newly restored and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, a Pair
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, a Pair
H 37.5 in W 25 in D 25.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Wood, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Wood, Italy, 1970s
Category

20th Century Italian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Wood, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Wood, Italy, 1970s
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Armchair with armrests produced in Poland in 1960s. Very good condition, after professional
Category

Vintage 1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 30.32 in
Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Armchair with armrest produced in Poland in 1960s. Very good condition, after professional
Category

Vintage 1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
Beige Mid-Century Modern Armchair, 1960s
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 30.32 in
Modern Coastal Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Armchair, a modern solid oak accent chair with brown leather cord wrapped around the exposed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Coastal Armchair
Modern Coastal Armchair
H 34 in W 32 in D 32 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak Danish armchair, circa 1960's. Beautifully sculpted frame offers comfort without an imposing
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Armchair
Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Armchair
H 32 in W 26.5 in D 24.5 in
Broches Modern Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Broches modern armchair. A French style standout, it features shapely arms crafted of clear acrylic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Acrylic

Broches Modern Armchair
Broches Modern Armchair
H 32.25 in W 28.5 in D 37.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish armchair, circa 1960's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your seating
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

1960s Armchair Mid-Century Modern from Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Lucca, IT
1960s armchairs Mid-Century Modern from Cassina, It is very confortable and gives style and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1960s Armchair Mid-Century Modern from Cassina
1960s Armchair Mid-Century Modern from Cassina
H 31.5 in W 23.23 in D 17.33 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Joszef Peresztegi
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-Century Modern armchairs by Joszef Peresztegi.
Category

Vintage 1970s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Cane Back Walnut Armchair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderfully, detailed, Mid-Century Modern, walnut armchair features a caned back and newly
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchair, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchair, 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchair, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchair, 1950s
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame Leather Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, black, steel frame, armchair is newly upholstered in a medium gray leather.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Founders Chrome Dining Armchair
By Milo Baughman, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern chrome armchair attributed to Milo Baughman by
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century modern Carl Malmsten "Hemmakväll" armchair
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
"Hemmakväll" armchair by Carl Malmsten for OH Sjögren AB, beech and upholstery. Sweden, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Accent Armchairs
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Mid-Century Modern accent armchairs. Refinished in a rich walnut color and reupholstered in
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern 3 Armchairs, Italy, 1960s, - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern 3 Armchairs, Italy - New Upholstery
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Chrome Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century armchairs make a comfortable vintage addition to any setting. With
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lucite Armchairs
By James Hollis Jones
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Molded tubular armchairs with curved back panel in Lucite. Tri-leg form elegant and simple
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Modern Cantilevered Armchairs, 4
Located in New York, NY
Set of Four Modern Cantilevered Armchairs, 1970s. 33" H x 21" W x 22" D; seat: 17" H.
Category

20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Cantilevered  Armchairs, 4
Modern Cantilevered  Armchairs, 4
H 33 in W 21 in D 22 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
An expertly restored 20th-century vintage armchairs or lounge chair in typical Italian mid-century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Shell Armchair - Modern White Armchair
By Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
Crafted with the most exquisite fabrics, the embracing curves of the Shell collection draw a sense of warmth and comfort into every environment. The piece was designed and manufactur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Shell Armchair - Modern White Armchair
Shell Armchair - Modern White Armchair
H 27.56 in W 48.82 in D 34.26 in
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Sublime Pair of Newly Upholstered Original Midcentury Italian Armchairs
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Sublime pair of original Mid-Century Modern Italian armchairs. Sourced in Modena Italy from a
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lawsonia Armchairs
By Lawsonia Mfg. Co. Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of Lawsonia armchairs features a Classic style with bold design aesthetics that is
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Highback Armchair
By Sven Ellekaer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage armchair features sturdy Mid-Century construction and a comfortable molded
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair and Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lovely vintage modern wood frame chairs with sculpted arms, spindle backs and thick cushions
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Danish Modern Sculptural Woven Armchair
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous rare and unique style with rush seat and sides. Well designed and constructed, would make a great accent piece in any room. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear....
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Brazilian Designer, 1970s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Brazilian Designer, 1970s Armchair with solid wood legs, made by an
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Eclectic Modern Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Eclectic Modern leather armchair with a coffee finish antiqued leather, with a+America oak legs and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Eclectic Modern Leather Armchair
Eclectic Modern Leather Armchair
H 32 in W 28 in D 28 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of vintage modern chairs by Knoll International makes the perfect eye catching
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Wickers Armchairs
Located in Brussels , BE
set of 4 Mid-Century Modern wickers Armchairs.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Wickers Armchairs
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Wickers Armchairs
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Armchairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant pair of vintage modern chrome frame arm chairs feature comfortable upholstered
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern chairs feature sculpted arm rests, a floating style backrest
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Modern Quilted Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern quilted leather armchair with top grain Cuba brown leather, with a sloping rear and curved
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Modern Quilted Leather Armchair
Modern Quilted Leather Armchair
H 34 in W 31 in D 34 in
Vintage Modern Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Italian modern style armchair features sculpted hardwood frame with plush upholstered
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Modern Armchair
Vintage Modern Armchair
H 32.5 in W 28 in D 27 in
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Velvet Lounge Armchair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dark mahogany outer frame. Hardwood inner frame. New recycled foam back and seat cushion. New luxurious high-end taupe and ivory windowpane-checked velvet upholstery fabric....
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Two Armchairs by Isa Bergam Mid-Century Modern
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Lucca, IT
Two Armchairs by ISA Bergamo, red velvet original and legs in brass.Mid-Century Modern Italy 1960s .  
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Two Armchairs by Isa Bergam Mid-Century Modern
Two Armchairs by Isa Bergam Mid-Century Modern
H 28.35 in W 24.81 in D 25.6 in
Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchair, Orignal Fabric, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Rattan armchair, orignal fabric, Italy.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Wingback Armchair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful midcentury lounge chair features the iconic design of Adrian Pearsall. Sculpted armrests and wingback seating make this a comfortable and uniquely stylish addition to ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

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Modern Century Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of modern century armchairs is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct modern century armchairs — often made from wood, fabric and metal — can elevate any home. We have 39380 antique and vintage modern century armchairs in-stock, while there are 5582 modern editions to choose from as well. Modern century armchairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Modern century armchairs are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Modern century armchairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Cassina, De Sede and Knoll are consistently popular.

How Much are Modern Century Armchairs?

Prices for modern century armchairs start at $1 and top out at $1,610,578,944 with the average selling for $3,370.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Modern Century Armchairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    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. 

    Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.