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.
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Metal, Brass, Marble, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted black-lacquered metal, brass and marble console table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. Paint residue present Wear consistent with age and use. Overall D...
Marble, Metal, Brass
$8,311Sale Price / item|20% Off
Decorative Console Table, Sideboard Made of Solid Walnut Wood, Narrow Console
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Console made of solid walnut wood stained with a water-based dye and finished with matt polyurethane. —— NONO is a Mexican design brand with more than 10 years of experience dedicat...
Wood, Walnut
Roque Reymundo E Hijos, Console Table, Brass, Marble Argentina, 1971
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted brass and marble console table produced by Roque Reymundo e Hijos, Rosario, Argentina, dated 1971. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 36....
Marble, Brass
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, black glass and brass console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Scratches to glass top Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.0"H x...
Brass
$14,212Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bench Table Sereno No61, White Oak Piece by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Bench Table Sereno No61, Minimalist Wooden Piece by Joel Escalona — Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Sereno Colle...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Pierluigi Colli, Console Table, Metal, Marble, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A gold-painted metal and marble console table designed by Pierluigi Colli and produced by Colli, Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29....
Marble, Metal
Rosewood Entry Table with Two Drawers Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This minimalist hallway console table features a long rectilinear top flanked by slightly raised side lip borders. Two smooth pull-out storage drawers extend horizontally across the ...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 84 cm Width: 67 cm Depth: 29 cm
Marble, Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Marble Italian Console Table
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s Mid-Century Modern console table is a masterclass in Italian-inspired elegance and slender proportions. The piece features a beautifully figured marble top with ...
Marble
Packard Bell "Space Age Stereo" Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stereo Console
By Packard Bell
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A striking Mid-Century Modern Packard Bell stereo console, beautifully restored while preserving its original character and period components. The walnut cabinet has been carefully ...
Walnut, Jute, Elm
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Wood Italian Console
By Gio Ponti
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1950s Italian console table perfectly embodies the sophisticated, sculptural elegance of the Mid-Century Modern era, heavily drawing inspiration from the iconic styl...
Brass
$27,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Walnut and Marble Console Table, Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House, 1950's
Located in Culver City, CA
Own a piece of design history with this breathtaking, exceedingly rare mid-century modern console table. Designed by the legendary Vladimir Kagan for the prestigious Grosfeld House i...
Marble
Brass Wall-Mounted Console Table with Pink Glass Top, Italy, 1940s
Located in Naples, IT
An elegant Italian wall-mounted console table from the 1940s, crafted from solid brass with a pink glass top, embodying the unique and luxurious style characteristic of Italian desig...
Brass
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Note: There's a tiny missing piece in the bottom right corner of the ...
Marble, Brass
Mid Century Modern Willy Rizzo Style Chrome and Glass Console Table, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern glass and polished chrome console table in the style of Willy Rizzo. This sleek modern console features geometric fretwork design with a removable clear inset gla...
Chrome
1950s Italian Ebonised Wood & Slate Console attrib. Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
An elegant and striking 1950s Italian ebonised wood and slate wall mounted console. The demi-lune top with crisply carved frieze, inset with slate, supported by distinctive lyre-for...
Slate
Moveis Teperman, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass console table produced by Moveis Teperman, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 38.0"H...
Brass
Hekman Burl Wood, Faux Bamboo Console With Nesting Stools & Brass Accents
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage Hekman Furniture console table with a burl wood top, faux bamboo look and brass hardware. Includes two nesting seats on wheels. The space from the underside of the table to ...
Wood
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass console table designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 59.0"W x 20....
Glass, Wood
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted gilded wood and marble console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 35.5"W x 15.0"...
Marble
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Metal, Marble, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A gold-painted metal and marble console table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.5"H x 37.3"W x 6.3"D ...
Marble, Metal
Vintage Danish Modern Oak Media Console / Low TV Stand with Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalist vintage Danish modern media console or low cabinet crafted in oak with clean Scandinavian lines and tapered legs. The piece features two spacious drawers with open upper s...
Oak
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted black-lacquered wood console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Minor imperfections from normal use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.0"H x 55.25"W x 14....
Wood
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood and black-colored glass console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. A few chips to the laquer on front edge, glass to...
Glass, Wood
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 49 cm Width: 55 cm Depth: 27 cm
Marble, Brass
Wall Mounted Console attributed to Fontana Arte, 1955
By Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
A wall-mounted console attributed to Fontana Arte. The curved glass shelf and painted wooden shelf supported by a sculptural brass bracket. Fontana Arte’s post-war designs often e...
Brass
French Riviera Étagère or Console Table in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style etagere or console table entirely made of bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was designed by Vivai del Sud ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Console Table, High Gloss Laminate & Brass Details, Burgundy - M
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Julieta Collection. Console Table with High Gloss Top, Brass Tape Framed, Black Powder Coating Conical Legs with Brass End Introducing the stunning console table with black powder...
Brass
Englander & Bonta, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted wood and brass console table with gilt details produced by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. From an interior commissioned by Englander & Bonta, Buenos ...
Brass
1950s Midcentury Italian Inlay Wood Brass Wall Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern and Neoclassical design console table highlighted by the great workmanship of the veneer inlay wooden part and the four eleg...
Marble, Brass
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Metal, Brass, Marble, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and bronze-colored metal, brass and marble console table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 37.8"H...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Late 20th-C. Organic Modern Exotic Kingwood Console Table - Pair Available
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking organic modern exotic kingwood console table with clean lines. There are two available. It has a nicely carved cross stretcher and sloping legs. They are unmarked ...
Kingwood
Mid-Century Italian Wood Inlay Glass Top Wall Console Desk Vanity Dressing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian Mid-Century Modern design console side table ideal as small desk as well as vanity dressing table coupled with a mirror. Standing on six typically sh...
Brass
Mid-Century wodden Console in Paolo Buffa Style, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
This elegant demilune console is a refined example of mid-century design, gracefully blending luxurious materials and sleek lines. The semicircular top is crafted from Verde Alpi mar...
Brass
$13,412Sale Price / item|20% Off
Display Console Sereno No59, Contemporary Wooden Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Display Console Sereno No59, Contemporary Wooden Design by Joel Escalona — Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Seren...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$3,970Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Handcrafted Rattan Console Table with Brass Accents
Located in Oxford, GB
Handcrafted Organic Rattan Console Table with Intricate Leaf Motifs & Patinated Brass Accents Elevate your space with this exquisite, one-of-a-kind wall-mounted console table. M...
Brass
Charlotte Perriand Wood Forme Libre Console Doron Table by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A functional and, at the same time, architectural object in true Charlotte Perriand style. A design console envisioned to fit in different areas of the home: from the entrance and ha...
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Console Table, Rosewood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood console table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 34.75"H x 47.25"W x 12.25"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Brass
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Brass, Marble, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted black-lacquered brass and marble console table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.5"H x ...
Marble, Brass
Charlotte Perriand Wood Forme Libre Table Basse by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soft, enveloping shapes characterise the design low table authored by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. A low version of the ‘en forme libre’ dining table...
Wood
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Pair of Console Tables in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, console tables, copper, stained beech, Italy, 1960s This magnificent pair of console tables was created by Italian designer and sculptor Lorenzo Burchiellaro (...
Copper
Midcentury Rattan & Bamboo Wall Shelf or Console Att. Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular wall shelf or console in rattan and bamboo attributed to Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$2,340Sale Price|51% Off
Brass and Glass Console Table Romeo Rega, Italy, 1970
By Romeo Rega
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass and chrome console table with a glass top, Italy mid-century Very well preserved console table with inwards turned bundle pillar feet. Very good overall condition, no chips ...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Regency Italian Demi Lune Wood Veneer Burl Wall Console Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian Mid-Century Modern design demi lune console side table. Standing on four typically shaped wooden legs with the top decorated by the wooden vein venee...
Wood
$3,682Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Console Black Wood and Marble by Ico Parisi, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern console table from the 1950s, attributed to Ico Parisi, crafted in black ebonized wood with a marble top. The piece features a refined architectura...
Marble, Brass
Midcentury Rattan & Bamboo Wall Shelf or Console Att. Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular wall shelf or console in rattan and bamboo attributed to Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Large & Stylish Minimalist Coffee Table w. Stunning Black Slate Top & Iron Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Great looking. sleek design, long and practical, rectangular coffee table. This beautiful quality and lengthy coffee table is made of natural materials only and you could not wish f...
Slate, Wrought Iron
Italian Midcentury Mahogany Wood and Glass Console Table by Carlo de Carli 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
A splendid example of linear style typical of Italian design in the 1950s and 1960s. Mahogany console in excellent condition, suitable for any environment; essential and elegant in ...
Brass
1950s Vintage Italian Brass and Marble Console Table
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall-mounted console table with a gilded and ornate brass frame and a marble top, Italian design, 1950s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: He...
Marble, Brass
Modern Menir Travertine, Oak Console Table, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Menir stone Console Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Menir stone console table draws inspiration from the standing stones o...
Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble
Italian Designer, Small Console Table, Wood, Laminate, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small wall-mounted wood and red laminate console table or shelf designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wood presents with dramatic wear, including natural wood cracking. Loss o...
Laminate, Wood
French Designer, Console Table, Iron, Marble, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted wrought iron and marble console table designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Dramatic patina to metal frame. Chip to marble edge as illustrated. Wear consisten...
Marble, Iron
$1,140Sale Price|40% Off
John Vesey Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Chrome & Glass Console Table, 1970s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern mixed metal brass and chromed steel console sofa table in the style of John Vesey and Maison Jansen. Removable clear beveled glass top. Coordinating coffee table a...
Brass, Chrome
$13,412Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Furniture by NONO, Sereno No36 Sculptural Console
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Furniture by NONO, Sereno No36 Sculptural Console Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Sereno Collecti...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Utö Library Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Rare and authentic Utö library table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. Wear consistent with age and use, including surface scratches, m...
Pine
Mid Century Rattan Modern Faux Split Reed & Bamboo Console Table or Sofa Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An usual vintage console table from the 1970's. Geometric design in split bamboo clad. In the style of Danny Ho Fong.
Wood, Laminate
Superstudio Console Table Wood and Glass Zanotta, Italy, circa 1980
By Superstudio, Zanotta
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Superstudio console table wood and glass Zanotta, Italy, circa 1980. Dimensions are 17.71" x 57.02" x 32.67" (H). Minimalistic and large 57" console table made from wood and ...
Steel
$2,975 / item
Indoor / Outdoor Montrose Console by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Montrose Console Table features a powder coated steel base with a minimal stone top. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade ...
Marble, Steel