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.
Cesare Lacca Brass and Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Italian bar trolley entirely crafted in brass and wood with crystal glass tops. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy...
Brass
Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Smoked Glass Rectangular Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large rectangular coffee table in solid brass and chrome, completed by a bronzed smoked glass top. This elegant piece was designed by Romeo Rega and produced in Italy durin...
Brass, Chrome
Midcentury Organic Modern Nakashima Style Live Edge Walnut Side or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An awesome studio made walnut burl side table. It features a thick cut of walnut with beautiful graining. A truly one of a kind piece.
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall “Declaration” Walnut End Table for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern side table in walnut from the Declaration collection designed by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall for Drexel Furniture Company, circa 1960's. This piece featur...
Walnut
$1,677 / item
Modernist Side Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
The side table is the ideal piece to accompany your relaxation. The raised marble top is set upon an organic three-legged sculptural design and is elegantly featured in a dark Romulo...
Marble, Aluminum
Gordon & Jane Martz Mosaic Black Ceramic + Walnut End Tables
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of rare end tables by Gordon & Jane Martz. The square table top is inlaid with round dark grey ceramic tiles placed randomly throughout the table. The frame of the table and f...
Ceramic, Walnut
$1,990 / set
Set of 2 bedroom end tables by Lane
By Lane Acclaim
Located in South Charleston, WV
Set of 2. 15" deep, 20.25" tall and 26" wide. Entirely refinished and not a single mark to be found anywhere except on the side of one table. Entirely refinished in a conversion varn...
Rosewood, Walnut
Pair of Dudouy End Tables With Saint Gobain Tops, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Oak and Saint-Gobain glass end tables with offset legs by Charles Dudouyt.
Glass, Oak
Wooden Side Table with Glass Top by Renè Gabriel, France, 1940's
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant side table designed by René Gabriel and produced in France in the 1940s. This piece reflects Gabriel’s functional and humanistic design approach, developed in the ...
Oak
$200 / item
Two Mid Century Bamboo Side Tables
Located in New York, NY
Two bamboo and glass side tables, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only minor signs of age and use, normal and consistent with age. The tables match ...
Bamboo, Glass
French Designer, End Table, Wood, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood end table or side table designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Minimal signs of wear. Middle shelves have variable position; measured as shown. Max Width a...
Wood
Single Tripod Hand Forged Side or Drinks Table, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Single custom tripod hand-forged side or drinks table, in stock Hand-forged iron legs, round top with lip Dark bronze patina Perfect for drinks, side, end table Ready to ship from ou...
Iron
Heywood Wakefield Bamboo Style Side Table, Magazine Rack
Located in Miami, FL
Heywood Wakefield Side Table, ready for a new home.
Wood
Spanish Designer, End Table, Metal, Spain, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A gold-painted metal end table, side table or martini table designed and produced in Spain, c. 1980s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.35" Height x...
Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti White Italian Carrara Marble Side Table Eros High Model
Located in Chicago, IL
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian white Carrara marble high side table in the Eros series for Skipper. Excellent condition. Angelo Mangiarotti was the master and expert at the highly sculpt...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Conant-Ball Side Tables by Russel Wright, circa 1940's
By Conant Ball
Located in High Point, NC
This is a gorgeous pair of mid-century modern end tables designed by Russel Wright for Conant Ball. Part of the "Modernmates" series manufactured by Conant Ball of Massachusetts, ...
Birch
Henredon Parquetry Top Burlwood Walnut Campaign Nightstands End Tables, Set of 2
By Henredon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1980s Classic Campaign styling from Henredon, pair of burl wide body walnut parsons side (or end) tables having a single recessed brass pull and striking parquetry tops. The ultra ra...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Telefunken Speakers by Van Ernst Dieter Hilker, circa 1960s
By Telefunken
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Telefunken Speakers Designed by Van Ernst Dieter Hilker for Omnia, Circa 1960s Feature a quintessential sleek Scandinavian style design with a beautiful t...
Metal
Midcentury Smoked Glass and Chrome-Plated Tubular Coffee Table Mayen Style 1970s
By Paul Mayen
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Modern smoked glass coffee table in chrome-plated tubular in the style of Paul Mayen. A great example of 1970s design, ...
Metal
Vintage 3 Drawers Oak End Tables with Magazine Racks, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare set of solid oak side tables magazines racks from the 1970s. Amish crafted in Pennsylvania. Feature 3 drawers. Top drawer consists of a hot proof drink coaster and desert plat...
Oak
$375 / set
Pair of Bamboo and Glass Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cube form bamboo stands with plate glass tops. Each table has cross hatch woven sides and open ends, both are in good condition, clean, sturdy, and ready to use. One gla...
Bamboo, Glass
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 34
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
Saarinen Knoll Tulip Table
Located in New York, NY
Early Knoll Saarinen tulip table, cast iron base, oval laminate top. Minor cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age.
Iron
$1,250 / set
Vintage Teak Nesting End Tables, Set of 3
Located in Denver, CO
Midcentury modern, solid Teak wood nesting end tables In the manner of Hans Wegner Unique, sculpted stretcher detail on these compared to similar teak nesting table sets. No mar...
Wood, Teak
1970s Solid Teak Danish Modern End Tables by Vejle Stole Mobelfabrik, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous pair of teak Danish Modern end tables by Vejle Stole Mobelfabrik. These lovely tables measure 27-1/2” square, stand 20” tall, and are in excellent condition. There are a f...
Teak
Pr. Post Modern Oak and Glass Side, or End Tables c. 1970/80's
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish pair of mechanical disk form three tier side, or end tables, constructed of solid oak frames with tinted glass insert tops. The tables feature three circular stable...
Glass, Oak
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Organic Modern End Table
Located in Trenton, NJ
This stunning mid-century organic modern side table embodies the sophisticated design ethos of Adrian Pearsall and Jens Risom. Featuring a natural travertine top with soft veining, i...
Stone
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lane Step End Tables with Inlaid Walnut Burl Style
Located in Topeka, KS
Amazing Mid-Century Modern pair of Lane Alta Vista step table end tables style #1927 walnut with inlaid walnut burl squares in their centers. They are in wonderful condition. The tops have been refinished with a new coat of polyurethane applied. The legs retain their original finish and are in good condition. Please see photos. Dated on bottom. One November 15,1958 and one December 14, 1957. Oh, my goodness! What an incredible pair of mid-century modern Lane step tables...
Walnut, Burl
American Mid-Century Modern Tall Table with Drawer by Heywood Wakefield
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful tall table by Heywood Wakefield, circa 1950s freshly refinished solid and sturdy elegant legs represents the Atomic age at full splendor.
Maple
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
Warren Platner for Knoll International Wire Side Table, circa 1970s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful original production wire side table by Warren Platner for Knoll International, designed in 1966 and this example circa 1970s to 1980s. From Warren Platner's iconic coll...
Metal
Mahogany Faux Bamboo Galleried Leather Top Gueridon Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful faux bamboo mahogany gueridon Bouillotte style with leather top with brass pierced gallery. Very good condition. Measures 18.25" in diameter and stands 28" tall. W605...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Two Tiered Rattan Corner Table. Circa 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Two Tiered Rattan Corner Table in the Paul Frankl's Style. C 1950s Features a quintessential Mid Century Modern Design, two tiers with cream color laminate...
Rattan
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 36
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
$5,800 / set
A Pair of Dunbar Three Tier Occasional Tables
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar three tier occasional tables # 4423. Refinished in dark brown walnut.
Mahogany
Art Deco Oak Side Table with Barley-Twist Pedestal, Attributed to Charles Dudouy
Located in TARBES, FR
A Sculptural Piece in the Spirit of Charles Dudouyt We proudly present this remarkable guéridon (or accent table) in solid wood, whose powerful, rustic modernist design is clearly a...
Wood, Oak
1963 MCM Lane Rhythm Collection Walnut Single End Table with Drawer & Brass Plat
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Lane Rhythm Collection MCM or mid-century modern walnut single end table with a drawer and brass plated pull. Lovely condition,...
Metal, Brass
1950s Mid-Century Italian Modern Ico Parisi Style Sculptural Side Table
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Ico Parisi
Located in Forney, TX
An original mid-century modern side table, in the manner of legendary Italian modernist architect and designer Ico Parisi (1916-1996) Italy, circa 1950s, having a rectangular inset ...
Glass, Softwood
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
Bamboo and Glass Side, End Table
By McGuire, Henry Olko
Located in New York, NY
High quality and well made bamboo end, or side, table having woven wicker trim, bamboo legs, and a glass top. In the style of Olko, Link, McGuire -Ficks Reed etc. unsigned. Please vi...
Bamboo, Glass
1950's Pair of Atomic Age Stackable Triangle tables in Iron & White Laminate Top
Located in San Diego, CA
1950s American Mid Century Modern, Atomic age pair of stackable triangle table with white color laminate top great accent table for indoor or outdoor use, can be combined with Memphi...
Iron
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Marble Top Tulip Saarinen Style Side Table
By Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Measures 20.5 diameter with a height of 20 inch makes this a great side table with num...
Carrara Marble, Enamel, Steel
Side Table, Stool or Night Stand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 28
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated construction serves as a suppor...
Wood, Hardwood
Midcentury Rega Smoked Glass, Brass and Chrome Square Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant midcentury smoked glass, brass and chrome squared coffee table. This amazing piece was designed by Romeo Rega in Italy during the 1970s. This coffee table, thanks to the c...
Brass, Chrome
Pr. One Drawer Mid Century End or Side Sleigh Leg Tables by Lane c. 1950/60's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Mid Century side, or end, tables made by the Lane Furniture Company, circa 1950/60's. Then tables feature a breadboarded style top over one drawer, supported by a sle...
Wood
$1,808Sale Price|20% Off
End Table / Bedside table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 1960's
By Guillerme et Chambron, Boleslaw Danikowski
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
End table / bedside table by Guillerme and Chambron for Edition Votre Maison, France, 1960's. In oak, the top is made of polychrome earthenware tiles made by the artist Boleslaw Dani...
Oak
Heywood Wakefield Chestnut & Rattan "Step" End Table
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Heywood Wakefield Step Table with Rattan details. End Table. Side Table. Nightstand. Featuring solid Chestnut three-tier rectangular form with wrapped Rattan accents and Faux Bamboo ...
Bamboo, Chestnut
$2,495 / set
Baker Vintage Round Walnut Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Wichita, KS
Pair of Baker Vintage Two Tier Flame Walnut Side Tables or Gueridon Tables With Elegant Reeded Legs Finished With Brass Detailing. Beautiful flame walnut patterning shown in images ...
Brass
Pair of Brass gueridons or end tables, design Osvaldo Borsani 1950, Italy.
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of gueridons, end tables or occasional tables. Tripod brass foot with stained mirror top. Design Osvaldo Borsani ( 1911-1985) Edited by Arrendamenti Borsani Varedo Biography:...
Brass
$466Sale Price|20% Off
French Iron and Ceramic Coffee Table or Serving Table, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Iron serving table or coffee table recovered of Black white and yellow ceramics, Signed by Carve French, circa 1960 Colors and ceramic technic typical...
Iron
Sleek Mid Century Chrome and Glass End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sleek Mid Century Chrome and Glass End Table, American, circa 1960s. It is priced at $950, including the glass top.
Chrome
Mid-Century Verner Panton Pantonova Wire Cube for Fritz Hansen (Two Left)
By Verner Panton, Fritz Hansen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Mid-Century Verner Panton Pantonova wire cube for Fritz Hansen. They can be used as a stool or side table. Multiples can be configured into a ...
Steel, Chrome
1950s Pacific Iron Works Style Iron and Glass Side Table
By Pacific Iron, Milo Baughman, Freda Diamond, Arbuck, Frank & Son
Located in New Windsor, NY
Iron frame and glass top table reminiscent of Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron Works. Featuring two glass tops with a nice flared leg frame. A nice ac...
Iron
Pair 1950s French Lacquered Maple Occasional Side Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of chic 1950s French lacquered maple occasional side tables with a single drawer and polished brass hardware.
Brass
Sears Pacesetter Hexagonal Table ca' 1971
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A stylish hexagonal side table by Sears from the Trendsetter Collection ca' 1971. Opens to reveal storage, travertine top.
Mahogany
Dudouyt Pedestal End Table, France 1940's
Located in New York, NY
Quad footed pedestal table with a large diameter ringed stem and a parqueted top.
Walnut
Bespoke Cerused Oak and Parchment Table in the Dupre Lafon Manner
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Bespoke Cerused oak and parchment table in the Dupre Lafon Manner. Please note that this table can be completely customizable with a lead time of 8-10 weeks. The parchme...
Oak, Parchment Paper
French Designer, End Table, Brass, Wood, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and wood end table likely designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Heavy patina around brass edge of tabletop and within texture of brass design consistent with normal use...
Brass
Romeo Rega Italian Coffee Table in Brass and Chrome Smoked Glass Lucite 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century solid brass and chromed coffee table with smoked glass top and amethyst Lucite blocks. This fantastic object was desi...
Brass, Chrome
Mexican Modernist Michael Van Beuren Woven Rope Cord Triangular Table
Located in Round Top, TX
Muebles Austin was founded in 1944 in Mexico City by Austin Sulzburger (Switzerland) and was a successful furniture production company throughout the Mi...
Cord, Rope, Wood
Pair of Walnut Nightstands by American of Martinsville w/ Black Top and Drawers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern end tables feature two small louvered drawers and a bottom tier with a black laminate top. A sleek two-tier design made of walnut that sits on to...
Laminate, Walnut