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.
Pair of Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Pine Wall Lamps, Markslöjd, 1970s
By Markslöjd
Located in Stockholm, SE
sculptural lights feature gracefully curved, swan-neck style arms in lacquered pine, paired with pleated shades that diffuse a soft, warm glow. The design is both playful and refine...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Arthur Jacobs Model-1695 Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Arthur Jacobs Manufacturer Modeline Dimensions 33.25in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 24in H x 10in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece o...
Brass
Green glazed ceramic table lamp, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included. A US adapter is provided. An elegant vintage French ceramic lamp from the 1960s, characterized by a vase-shaped base with soft, balanced lines. Its nuanced green glaze, punctuated with speckled patterns, offers a rich and vibrant texture that subtly captures the light. The contrast between the glossy base and the light fabric shade gives the lamp a warm and timeless aesthetic. Perfect as an accent lamp on a console table, bedside table, or sideboard, it brings an authentic, handcrafted touch to any interior. Features Period: 1960s Origin: France Material: Glazed ceramic Color: Variegated green with a speckled effect Shade: Light fabric (likely replaced or original) Use: Table lamp / Accent lamp Condition: Good vintage condition with slight signs of age Style Vintage Mid-century French ceramic 1960s design Keywords vintage ceramic lamp green glazed lamp mid-century table lamp 1960s lighting french ceramic lamp vintage lighting decor green pottery lamp mid-century modern lamp vintage green ceramic lamp...
Ceramic
$19,400 / set
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Rare Pair of Table Lamps
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, pair of table lamps, model '12398', enameled aluminum, brass, Italy, circa 1952 Arredoluce captures it perfectly: “One of Lelii's many inventions that p...
Aluminum, Brass
Spanish Designer, Table Lamp, Alabaster, Spain, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster table lamp likely designed and produced in Spain, c. 1980s. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12.35"H x 6.4"D Bulb Specifications: B22 (B...
Alabaster
Table Lamp Toucan By H.T.Huang
By H.T. Huang
Located in Čelinac, BA
Toucan Table Lamp By H.T.Huang for Brilum
Plastic
Small 'Medusa' Mouthblown Glass Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Established & Sons
By Established & Sons, Carlo Nason
Located in Glendale, CA
Small 'Medusa' Mouth-blown Opaline Glass Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Established & Sons Originally designed in the 1960s by Carlo Nason of Italy, the Medusa has been brought b...
Metal
1960s Sculptural Brass and Wood Table Lamp Attributed to J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Sculptural Brass and Wood Table Lamp Attributed to J.T. Kalmar An elegant statement lamp for desks or cozy ready corners. Executed in brass with a plastic hand-painted shade. ...
Brass
Carlo Nason 'Gelato' Portable Table Lamp in Rose Glass for Established & Sons
By Carlo Nason, Established & Sons
Located in Glendale, CA
Carlo Nason 'Gelato' Portable Table Lamp in Rose Glass for Established & Sons Originally designed in the 1960s by Murano-based Carlo Nason, 'Gelato' has been re-engineered into a pl...
Blown Glass
'Stemlite' Opal Glass Table Lamp in Black Red by Bill Curry for GUBI
By Bill Curry, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Opal Glass Table Lamp in Black Red by Bill Curry for GUBI Originally conceived in 1962 by designer Bill Curry, the award-winning 'Stemlite' line became known as a 'total ...
Aluminum, Steel
Ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pink ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — Atelier des Cyclades, France, circa 1970 - Era Ruelland Elegant ceramic table lamp by French ceramist Roland Zobel, from the Atelier des C...
Ceramic
Pair of Cenedese Murano Glass Mushroom Table Lamps, Green with Silver Inclusion
Located in Villaverla, IT
Pair of Cenedese Murano glass mushroom table lamps in green with silver inclusions. These Italian Mid-century Modern lamps feature a shimmering, hand-blown finish. This striking pai...
Silver, Silver Leaf
'Submerged' Glass Table Lamp Rare Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d'Arte 60's mod.14092
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
An exquisite and rare Murano glass table lamp, designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for the prestigious Seguso Vetri d'Arte furnace, circa late 1960s - early 1970s. Technical and Ae...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Expertly Restored - Tony Paul Walnut & Brass Table Lamp by Westwood Industries
By Tony Paul, Westwood Industries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 31.50in H x 8in Wx 8inD Lamp Shade: 10in H x 15.25in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing hi...
Brass
Mid-century tripod wooden table lamp with plastic shade by Regina Leuchtvase
Located in München, BY
Beautiful large Mid-Century Modern table lamp with a tripod base made of walnut wood. Lampshade made of pressed, grooved plastic. The lampshade resembles Rotaflex lamps. The lamp was...
Plastic, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Lilia Table Lamp Haico Nitzsche Søholm
By Soholm Pottery, Haico Nitzsche
Located in Hamburg, DE
Pottery table lamp from the Lilia series by Danish manufacturer Søholm, designed by Haico Nitzsche. The ceramic base is a simple cylinder. It features a floral decoration around its...
Pottery
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Table Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Roller Lamp Co Manufacturer Roller Lamp Co Dimensions 34.50in H x 7in W x 7in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 17in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece...
Brass
Ceramic Table Lamp, Palm Leave Motif, White Glaze, Manises, Spain 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exquisite table lamp, designed by Bondia for Nordiska Kompaniet, hails from Valencia, Spain. Its intricate white ceramic base, adorned with detailed foliage motifs, stands on a ...
Brass
Pair of Barovier "Bell" Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and unique pair of table lamps in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These romantic table lamps were designed and produced by Barovier in Murano, Italy during...
Brass
1st Edition Accademia Table Lamp by Cini Boeri for Artemide, Italy, 1978
By Cini Boeri, Artemide
Located in Milano, IT
Conceived in 1978 by Italian architect and designer Cini Boeri for Artemide, the Accademia table lamp represents a striking synthesis of architectural rigor and minimalist sensibilit...
Metal
Mid Century Green 2 Step Herbert Terry Anglepoise 1227 Desk Table Lamp
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Original Anglepoise Lamp 1227 Model By Herbert Terry & Sons – G An original Anglepoise lamp by Herbert Terry and Sons, Model 1227, a design class...
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage Jorge Pensi Halogen Polished Aluminum B-Lux Regina Table Desk Lamp 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage Jorge Pensi for B-Lux "Regina" halogen table or desk lamp in polished aluminum finish. Made in Spain. Circa 1980's. Shade moves up and down the poles for different lighting e...
Aluminum
Willy Rizzo Vintage Table Lamp "Love", Stainless Steel & Brass, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Willy Rizzo table lamp "Love" from 1970's. Table lamp in square stainless steel, copper color interior, brass bottom with rheostat to adjust the light intensity. Bulb holders...
Brass, Chrome, Stainless Steel
Italian Vintage Rattan Bamboo Table Lamps, 1970s, Set of 2
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Vintage Rattan Bamboo Table Lamps, 1970s, Set of 2 Very nice pair of table lamps made of rattan - bamboo with internal metal base. The spherical lamps are in very good vinta...
Metal
P. Schneider Valentine Geode Lamp, Custom Made Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful Large ceramic floor/table lamp, 1970s. This lamp base brings refined elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful details, it offers a unique prese...
Ceramic
Murano Glass Table Lamp Mushroom, Italy 1970s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Classic of Italian design — Mushroom table lamp. Made of Murano glass with blue color in the 1970s. Original vintage handcrafted light from Italy. The lamp is in very good vintage c...
Murano Glass
Pair of Seguso "Bullicante" Murano Glass Floral Table Lamps, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and unique pair of floral table lamps entirely made of mouth-blown Murano glass and brass. These incredibly elegant lamps were crafted by Murano master Archimede Seguso i...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Ceramic Table Lamp attributed to Roland Zobel — France, 1970s, era Ruelland
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French Ceramic Table Lamp Attributed to Roland Zobel, 1950s - Era Ruelland Elegant French ceramic table lamp attributed to Roland Zobel, dating from the 1950s. The lamp features a ...
Ceramic
Orange Ceramic Table Lamp, Custom Made Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful Large ceramic table lamp, 1970s. This lamp base brings refined elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a unique presence. T...
Ceramic
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Table Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Roller Lamp Co Manufacturer Roller Lamp Co Dimensions 36in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade 10in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D This mid-century modern sculpted table lamp b...
Wood, Walnut, Oak
Gerben van Hes Ceramic Table Lamp, Twentsch Ros, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gerben van Hes and made in his own studio 'Twentsch Ros’ in the Netherlands in the 1960s. The base is signed/inscribed with Hes on the underside....
Ceramic, Fabric
Brass Table Lamp, Desk Lamp, Egon Hillebrand-Model 7613, Germany, 1960s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Wonderful Bauhaus-style lamp from the 1960s: Large brass table lamp by the company Egon Hillebrand from West Germany, model 7613. The very solid lamp impresses with its large domed shade made entirely of brass. With a height of 41 cm and a shade diameter of 37 cm, it is not only a striking piece but also a practical lighting element, equipped with two bulbs. The desk lamp provides bright, pleasant, glare-free light thanks to the large shade. It has a heavy base with a smooth, dark brown finish and a curved brass lamp...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury French rattan wicker mushroom table lamp, 1960s
Located in Zaandam, NL
One of the loveliest wicker lamps we've encountered in along time. French, midcentury and in great vintage condition with only some minor imperfections due to its age. The lamp has b...
Wicker, Rattan
B. Rooke Ceramic Lamp with New Custom Made Lampshade by René Houben, 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare ceramic table lamp by Bernard Rooke, England, 1960s. Sculptural piece, made of handmade ceramic elements in natural tones of terracotta and stone. With an exceptional custom m...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury French Ceramic Lamp by Marcel Giraud, Vallauris, 1960s Pottery
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Midcentury French ceramic lamp by Marcel Giraud - Vallauris - 1960s. It is a beautiful handcrafted table lamp both raw and elegant that can blend either in a country chic atmosphere...
Enamel
Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern 1950s Tripod Table Lamp in Walnut & Brass
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very nice early example of this lamp in brass, walnut & off white enameled shades. Very hard to find lamp. Fully working in very good condition.
Brass, Steel
$633Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Murano Amber Glass Mushroom Table Lamp Honey Caramel Swirl, Italy 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
Stunning vintage Murano glass mushroom lamp in a rare honey caramel brown hue, crafted using the signature swirl technique. The warm gradient effect gives the glass an ombré-like dep...
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Table Lamps
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Spanish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Table Lamps with Hand-Woven Wicker Shades, Mid-20th Century A striking pair of hand-forged wrought iron table lamps, handcrafted in Spain ci...
Wrought Iron
Georges Mathias Signed 23-carat Gold-plated Handmade Etched Table Lamp 1970's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant etched brass table lamp by Georges Mathias, Belgium, 1970's. Limited edition, gold plated picture frame design. Original shade, unusual brass finial. original advertising ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Style Table Lamp with Star-Shaped Perfration, Ornatus Finland 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A refined Mid-Century Modern table lamp in the manner of Paavo Tynell, distinguished by its delicately perforated shade and elegant combination of materials. Produced in Finland by O...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Brass Faux Bamboo Table Lamps by Maison Jansen, 1970s
By Galerie Maison et Jardin, Gucci, Maison Jansen, Willy Rizzo
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant pair of 1970s table or bedside lamps attributed to Maison Jansen, crafted in brass with faux bamboo detailing and rope motif decoration. These lamps embody the refined decor...
Brass
Mid-century ceramic lamp by Woops, 60's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-century ceramic lamp by Woops, 60's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo Beautiful lamp by the studio Woops in Var, France. Beige brown glaze. Its original form, with a narrowe...
Ceramic
French Designer, Table Lamp, Sandstone, Metal, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige sandstone and beige-lacquered metal table lamp designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 14.0" Height x 4.5"...
Sandstone, Metal
Italian Amber Murano Glass Table Lamp by Flavio Poli
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Italian amber murano glass table lamp by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte. 1960’s. New wire and shade. The gilded wood base had some touch up. Wired for US it takes two 75w Max ...
Brass
1950s Pair of Italian Table Lamp with Opaline Glass and Brass
Located in Rome, IT
This striking pair of table lamps embodies classic Italian design from the 1950s, featuring elegantly curved brass bases that exhibit a natural patina from age. Each lamp is topped w...
Metal, Brass
Cocoon Table Lamp Gatto by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos Italy 60s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Palermo, IT
A masterpiece of Italian mid-century design, the “Gatto” table lamp was created by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This sculptural lamp features a diffu...
Metal
Extra Large Murano Art Glass Mushroom Lamp in Cream
Located in Toronto, ON
Extra Large cream Murano mushroom lamp made in the swirl technique. Murano Art glass is considered to be one of most expertly crafted art glass in the world and is made with incredib...
Art Glass
Heavy Faceted pair of Table Lamps, Murano Glass Tobacco Color Maestro Collection
By Alberto Donà, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Pair of Massiccio faceted Murano table lamps by Alberto Donà — Maestro Collection Massiccio glass. Several layers of glass are picked from the crucible and afterwards pre shaped on ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Large Uno Kristiansson Table Lamp, Turned Solid Pine, Luxus Sweden, 1960s
By Uno Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large, sculptural, solid pine table lamp designed by Uno Kristiansson around 1966 and made by Luxus. The body of the design is turned pine wood. Although the form of the lamp is ...
Pine
Gae Aulenti, 'Neverrino' murrine-blown glass table lamp , Vetreria Vistosi 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
'Neverrino' series blue murrine-blown glass table lamp designed by Gae Aulenti. Vetreria Vistosi Italy 1970s 25 cm H / 20 cm diam. Conditions: excellent, no defects. In working co...
Metal
Pair of Murano Table Lamps. A. Dona signed. Piattelli curated Maestro collection
By Alberto Donà, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Pair of Deep Pulegoso Murano Table Lamps by Alberto Donà — Maestro Collection A pair of table lamps created and hot-shaped at the Alberto Donà furnace, each composed of three angular...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Adjustable Wood Table Lamps, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Pair of table lamps produced in the 1970s. The structure features a turned wood body with a two-tone finish and a circular base. The central metal stem is telescopic, allowing for va...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Lamp by R & J Manufacturing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer R & J Manufacturing Manufacturer R & J Manufacturing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...
Brass
Pair of Murano Table Lamps. A. Dona signed. Piattelli curated Maestro collection
By Silvio Piattelli, Alberto Donà
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Pair of Green Rigadin Gold Murano Table Lamps by Alberto Donà — Maestro Collection A pair of table lamps conceived and blown at the Alberto Donà furnace, each built around a gourd-sh...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Kähler Tapered Ceramic Lamp, Ochre Custom Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality large ceramic table floor/table lamp from Kähler, 1970s. I one of I kind piece. This lamp base brings rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it ...
Ceramic
Original Murano table or ceiling lamp LS143 Carlo Nason for AV Mazzega, Italy 70
By AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Vintage elegant Murano glass lamp LS143 by Carlo Nason for AVMazzega. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This lamp stands as a truly rare find, acknowledged by connoisseurs as an iconic des...
Murano Glass
Uno Kristiansson Table Lamps, Turned Solid Pine, Luxus Sweden, 1960s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden, Uno Kristiansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of sculptural, solid pine table lamps designed by Uno Kristiansson around 1966 and made by Luxus. The body of the design is turned pine wood. Although the form of the lamps i...
Pine
French Designer, Table Lamp, Ceramic, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10.15"H x 4.15"W x 4.15"D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7.1" Top Diameter x 8.0" Bottom Di...
Ceramic
Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Glass, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A Murano-glass, brass and white fabric table lamp designed and produced in Italy, .c 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 9.25"H x 5.1"D...
Fabric, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Table Lamp. English C.1970
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Stylish chrome table lamp Designer unknown Modern shade included Wired to UK standards. Free UK shipping
Chrome