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.
Vintage Sea Urchin Lamp
Located in Fairfield, CA
A small vintage handmade lamp made with a sea urchin shell as the lamp shade. The base is made of wood. Beautiful coloring when the light is shown through the shell. Please note, the...
Shell, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...
Brass
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
1950’s French black metal and parchment table lamp
By Louis Sognot
Located in London, GB
A very good French 1950’s black metal and parchment paper table lamp. Bespoke shade replacement. Minor rust marks. Rewired & Pat tested.
Metal
set Jacques Adnet Red Stich Leather Table lamps 1960s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beathiful set of Table lamps . Red stich Leather base ,Brass column uprights . attributed to Jacques Adnet . 1960s France . so stylish . the shades, ''not in the best condition''...
Leather
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
Mid Century Table Lamp Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier 1950/60's
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century table lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, circa 1950/60's. The lamp features an oblong walnut body with brass spacer tubes, mounted on a black disk f...
Metal
1970s Rare Reggiani Magnetic Eyeball Table Lamp , Italy
By Goffredo Reggiani, Reggiani
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare magnetic head table lamp from Reggiani Lampadari , 1970s , Italy . Eyeball shade pivot in any direction on a strong magnet located in cylinder that slide up and down on pole...
Metal, Chrome
Midcentury Modern Design French Brass Glass Table Lamps 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
French set of two table lamps with brass and brushed metal structure and frosted glass diffusers, made in France in the 1950s Please note that the lamps are original of the period an...
Metal, Brass
Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and very rare Murano glass table lamp entirely crafted in rostrato mouth-blown Murano glass. This incredibly elegant piece was designed by Barovier and produced in Murano...
Brass
Cocoon resin. Art Nouveau style gold chrome metal table lamp, Italy, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer, Estiluz Lighting, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Art Nouveau and Classic style table or desk lamp, Italy, 1970s. Composed of a brass and gold chrome metal structure with a Cocoon resin diffuser. Th...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Dolphin Style Brass Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, New Shade, New Brass Harp & Socket Dimensions: 21”H x 7”W x 3”D Shade: 10”H x 15”W x 15”D
Brass
Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green glass table lamp designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. One corner of base chipped. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 14.85"H x 5....
Brass
Elongated Ovoid Lime Green Ceramic Table Floor Lamp with Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality ceramic floor lamp or XXL table Lamp, 1970s. This lamp base brings refined elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a uni...
Ceramic
Large Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large table lamp in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass and brass, completed by an ivory cotton lampshade. This incredibly charming table lamp was designed by Ercole Barovi...
Brass
Large Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large table lamp in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass and brass, completed by either an off-white or a sandy pink cotton lampshade. This incredibly charming table lamp wa...
Brass
Pair of Accademia Wall Lamp by Cini Boeri for Artemide 1978
By Cini Boeri, Artemide
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Accademia lamp, designed by Cini Boeri in 1978, is a lamp version of the popular table lamp created for Artemide. This lamp is an impressive example of Boeri's minimalist approac...
Iron
$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
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Ruby Red Glass Table Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking mid-century modern table lamp designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, circa 1960s. This sculptural piece features a vivid ruby red glass core encased in thick, clea...
Art Glass
Mid-century table lamp Cocoon, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage table lamp made in Italy in the 1960s. The frame is metal covered in Cocoon spray-on plastic. In the United States, after World War II, a new type of fiberglass-rei...
Plastic
Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp 1X
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional table lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 1X. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, ...
Steel
Stilnovo Adjustable Table Lamp in Red Metal, Brass and Green Glass, Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Striking and unique mid-century adjustable table lamp in a refined combination of solid brass, nile green crystal, and red enameled metal. This wonderful lamp was designed by Stilnov...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
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 Materials: Walnut Wood, Brass, New Custom Linen Lamp Shade ________________________________________ Transforming...
Brass
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
1 of 2 Ceramic Table Lamps for Backhausen With New Embroidery Lampshade, Denmark
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 beautiful ceramic table lamps by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a beautiful custom embroidery lampshade. The green and brown ceramics with the...
Ceramic
$4,200 / set
Pair of Large Vintage Mercury Glass Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of vintage large Mercury glass lamps. The lamps have been Newly rewired with adjustable polished brass double clusters that take standard size bulbs and silk rayon cor...
Brass
Colette Houtmann Pink Ceramic Table Lamp, Ruelland Style - France c.1980
By Colette Houtmann
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
A signed French studio ceramic table lamp by potter Colette Houtmann, circa 1980. It features a rounded globular shape with a beautiful glossy mottled red and pink glaze. This charm...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1 of the 2 Bitossi Gold Glazed Ceramic Lamps, Custom Lampshade by R. Houben
By Bitossi
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality large ceramic table floor/table lamp by Bitossi, 1970s. This lamp base brings rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a unique presence...
Ceramic
1 of the 2 Large Soholm Lamp with New Blue Silk Custom Made Lampshade Houben, 19
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Ceramic large table lamps by Soholm, Denmark, 1960s. This high-end sculptural piece is handmade ceramic in blue or grey tones, with a combination of dry and glazed finishe...
Metal
Mid-century Ceramic Lamp by Gehel, 1950's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-century ceramic lamp by Georges Gehel, 50's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo A beautiful lamp by Georges Gehel, made of ceramic and decorated with black and white lines. A t...
Ceramic
Pair of Longchamp Paris Gilt-Metal Leather Equestrian Themed Table Lamps
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century French Longchamp Paris stirrup lamps, circa 1950s. An exceptionally chic and increasingly collectible pair of equestrian-inspired table lamps...
Metal
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
Mid Century Kemp And Lauritzen Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Kemp & Lauritzen Table Lamp, 1965 A true icon of Danish 1960s design. This original Kemp & Lauritzen table lamp pairs space-age styling with warm, functional light. Desi...
Chrome
Travertine Table Lamp Attributed to Fratelli Mannelli, Italian Design c.1970
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
A minimalist Italian mid-century modern table lamp, circa 1970. The piece features a brutalist architectural base crafted from porous raw travertine stone with vertical fluting, topp...
Travertine
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
Extremely Rare Raymond Loewy Table Lamp for Stiffel, 1957.
By Raymond Loewy, Stiffel
Located in Kansas City, MO
This rare vintage table lamp by Raymond Loewy for Stiffel Lamp Company, Model #9659. The large 30-inch saucer-shaped shade has been professionally restored with silk using the origin...
Brass, Enamel
Original John Saladino Modern Blown Glass Cylindrical Table Lamps, Pair
By John Saladino, Pyrex
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of original Model #999 table lamps designed by John Saladino, circa 1970's. These iconic lamps are constructed of heavy-walled, industrial-grade clear Pyrex glass. One lamp ha...
Chrome
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
Large French midcentury rattan wicker flower tulip table lamp, 1960s
Located in Zaandam, NL
A sculptural table lamp in the form of a stylized tulip, entirely hand-woven in rattan and wicker over a wire armature. The flower-head shade rises on a slender wrapped stem flanked ...
Wicker, Rattan
'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
Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of table lamps in Murano mouth-blown rostrato glass and brass. These incredibly elegant and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy du...
Brass
Pair Sculptural Hand-Carved Ceramic Table Lamps by Casual Lamps of California
By Jonathan Adler, Casual Lamps of California, Frederick Cooper, David Cressey
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking pair of studio-made ceramic table lamps by Casual Lamps of California, each built around a generous, drum-round body that reads as much like sculpture as it does lighting. T...
Ceramic
Barovier Murano Ribbed Glass & Brass Table Lamp with Pink Lampshade, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table lamp in Murano blown glass and brass, completed by a light pink cotton lampshade. This elegant lamp was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1950s. In amazing co...
Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
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
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
FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with cameos on red background (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...
Metal
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Table Lamps with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This pair of Italian table lamps from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. Each lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder risin...
Brass
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
Bitossi Aqua Black Blue Ceramic Table Lamp, Blue Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
By Bitossi
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality ceramic table floor lamp by Bittosi, 1960s. This lamp base brings refined elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a unique...
Ceramic
Ceramic Table Lamp signed — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve, Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Stonewar Table Lamp signed — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve, Zobel Elegant french stoneware table lamp signed. Mauve, brown, and beige tones.” Dimensions Total height wit...
Ceramic
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
Barovier Large Lamp in Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass & Pink Shade, Italy, 1940
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and unique large table lamp in mouth-blown “rostrato” Murano glass and brass and completed by a light pink cotton lampshade. This gorgeous lamp was designed by Ercole Bar...
Brass
Small marble sphere lamp
Located in London, GB
Small French carved marble lamp. Sold rewired with small linen shade.
Marble
$929Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid Century Desk Lamp by Helo Leuchten Germany, 1950s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Large Helo table lamp with a very large shade and brass sections – a timeless classic from the 1950s, designed by Henry and Lothar Gerhard. Stylistically, the lamp's design is inspir...
Metal, Copper, Brass
French Gunmetal Glazed Ceramic Lamp, Attributed to Jouve
Located in Portland, OR
Intriguing hand-thrown organic modern ceramic lamp with a lustrous gunmetal glaze. Unsigned, but bears characteristics and materials of a Jouve work. Dates to the 1950s, wired for US use. Brass hardware shows nice age appropriate patina. This is a sexy lamp...
Brass
Unique pair of Large Scheurich Ceramic Lamps with New Custom Lampshades
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare pair of 2 ceramic table lamps by Scheurich Ceramics, Germany 1970s. Sculptural piece, made of handmade ceramic with a new custom made matching lamp shade by René Houben. The ...
Metal, Brass
Argentine Designer, Table Lamp, Chrome, Fabric, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A chrome-plated metal and beige fabric table lamp or wall light likely designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on metal consistent with age and use. Dimension...
Chrome
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
$2,950 / set
Pair of Mid Century Green Blenko Glass Lamps
By Blenko Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Gorgeous pair of Blenko Glass Lamps in a beautiful emerald green color. Lamps have been updated with clear lucite bases. They are newly wired with 3...
Blown Glass, Acrylic
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