Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Walnut Console Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in North York, ON
This rare Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection walnut console table exemplifies the refined
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Games Table and Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection games table and four matching side chairs. Classic Mid-Century
Brass
$2,895
H 18.5 in W 32 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb Midcentury Cocktail Table End Table Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection for H. Sacks and Sons, Brookline mass. Three-drawer cocktail
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Mahogany & Brass Side Table
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection for H. Sacks & Sons Mahogany End Table. Featuring a sturdy
Brass
$8,995
H 29.13 in W 91.5 in D 40.5 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered and Brass Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for H
Brass
$3,995 / set
H 20 in W 24 in D 26 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstands or Side Tables
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern wedge shaped nightstands or side tables By Paul
Brass
Connoisseur Collection Coffee Table by Paul McCobb, C. 1950s
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
An Exceptional Vintage Connoisseur Collection Coffee Table by Paul McCobb, crafted in the 1950s
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, circa 1950's. This
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining table
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dr table - fine brass trim extension dining table/drop leaf table
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Console
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection console table for H. Sacks. Fully restored in walnut finish
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table - Seats 12+
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, circa 1950's. It
Brass
Desk by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning desk by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, fully restored.
Brass
Paul McCobb Console Table, Connoisseur Collection
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning double tier mid century modern console by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, Connoisseur
Brass
Paul McCobb Mahogany Desk, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Rare desk designed by Paul McCobb. Item features newly polished brass trim, stretcher and hardware
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Chess Table and Chairs, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A rarely seen chess set designed by the Iconic Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. What makes the find
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Wedge Table Mod.7014, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare table designed by Paul McCobb for Directional designs, circa 1950s, mahogany stained in
Brass
Sold
H 29.25 in W 62.25 in D 42.25 in
Fine Mahogany Dining Table by Paul McCobb-Connoisseur Collection
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Danville, CA
Fantastic Mahogany Dining Table with Brass Trim by Paul McCobb from his Connoisseur Collection for
Brass
Paul McCobb Desk Connoisseur Collection for H Sacks
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mid Century Desk, designed by Paul McCobb for The Connoisseur Collection by H. Sacks
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Wedge Table Mod.7014, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare table designed by Paul McCobb for Directional designs, circa 1950s, mahogany stained in
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
African Mahogany, brass, pulls, Connoisseur collection, Sacks and Sons, 1955. A stunning Paul
Midcentury Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Single Drawer Wedge Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful rare single midcentury Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection single drawer wedge table end
Steel
Sold
H 28 in W 36 in L 28 in
MCM Game / Card Table "The Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection" Fully Refinished
By Paul McCobb
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine Mid-Century Modern card game table "The Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection" fully French
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Oval Extension Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, Mid-Century Modern, oval, mahogany, extension dining table by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Dining Table with Brass Edging
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An oblong dining table from the Connoisseur line, designed by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons
Brass
Vintage Mahogany "Connoisseur Collection" Side Tables by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in North Hollywood, CA
McCobb and expertly produced by H Sacks & Son. These stunning side tables, part of the Connoisseur
Brass
Sold
H 35.75 in W 22.75 in D 22.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany Dining Set - 9 Pieces
By Paul McCobb
Located in Monrovia, CA
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" designed by Paul McCobb. "Connoisseur collection" mahogany
Brass
Sold
H 29.13 in W 91.25 in D 40.5 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for H
Brass
Sold
H 22.75 in Dm 22.75 in
Extremely Rare Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Occasional Table, Model 70008
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rarely seen Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection side table by Directional, USA, 1953. In excellent
Birch
Sold
H 29.25 in W 117.25 in L 29.25 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks
Brass
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in D 26 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Wedge Side Table, Restored
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern wedge side table By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons
Brass
Sold
H 18.25 in W 32 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Cocktail Table, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern three-drawer cocktail table or occasional side table By Paul
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 128 in D 41.25 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, 1950s
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons
Brass
Sold
H 29.13 in W 84.25 in D 41 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons
Brass
Sold
H 29.13 in W 91.75 in D 40.5 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, 1950s
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for H
Brass
Paul McCobb Game Table- Connoisseur Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ebonized mahogany Paul McCobb Game table with brass stretcher, hardware and edging. One drawer to
Brass
Sold
H 16.13 in W 54 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1950s
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern coffee table By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining table
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dr table - fine brass trim extension dining table/drop leaf table
Sold
H 29.13 in W 68.5 in D 34.25 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Flip Top Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension dining table or game table By Paul
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 24 in D 41.5 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Drop-Leaf Dining Table for H. Sacks & Sons
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection dining table for H. Sacks & Sons. Beautiful Table with Brass
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Console
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection console table for H. Sacks. Fully restored in espresso finish
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Console
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection console table for H. Sacks. Fully restored in espresso finish
Brass
Paul Mccobb Connoisseur Collection Console
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Gorgeous Ebonized Console Table by Paul Mccobb for Directional however this one has been relabeled
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 56 in D 25 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Desk, Refinished
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern desk By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur
Brass
Pair Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany End Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of Paul McCobb side tables look as though they came out a time capsule. Excellent
Sold
H 29.5 in W 53.75 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb Brass & Mahogany Desk for the Connoisseur Collection H. Sacks & Sons
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisitely crafted desk was designed by Paul McCobb with a Minimalist aesthetic for his
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur trapezoid side glass brass tiers table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great table by Paul McCobb
Brass
Paul McCobb side table with brass cross bars Connoisseur
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice and classic side table designed by Paul McCobb.
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Extention Dining Table by Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stripped Mahogony oval extention table with six leaves trimmed in solid brass with brass stretchers
Sold
H 31 in Dm 42 in L 31 in
Paul McCobb Round Coffee Table, Travertine, Walnut, and Brass Cross Stretchers
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Paul McCobb coffee table from the Connoisseur collection for Calvin. This example is all original
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 29.25 in W 91.5 in D 39 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Cherry Wood Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
Paul McCobb's "Connoisseur Collection" dining table for H. Sacks and Sons.
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 78 in D 39 in
John Widdicomb Black Lacquer and Brass Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
. Similar in style to Paul McCobb's "Connoisseur Collection" dining table for H. Sacks and Sons.
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Console Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb console table designed for his Connoisseur collection for H.Sack & Son Brookline, MA
Brass
Paul McCobb Games Table, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Games table designed by Paul McCobb featuring brass trim on top as well as brass stretcher. Top
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist "Connoisseur collection" group dining table, designed by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks and Son
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Group Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist "Connoisseur" group dining table, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, circa 1950s. It has
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Ebonized Wood Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
stretchers and trim is designed by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons "Connoisseur Collection". A rare and
Brass
Paul McCobb Travertine Top Coffee Table, Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Toledo, OH
Paul McCobb travertine top coffee table. The base is walnut with brass trim. Part of the
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin's Connoisseur Collection Extension Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Thanksgiving sized dining table in walnut that compacts to an apartment sized dining table. This
Brass
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur" Dining Table and Chairs Set
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing high quality Paul McCobb designed "Connoisseur" dining table and matching chairs, circa
Paul McCobb Dining Table 6 Leaves Connoisseur Collection, 1960
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Dining table 6 leaves. Connoisseur Collection, 1960. Table is labeled Connoisseur
Brass
Sold
H 18.5 in W 32.25 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb Three-Drawer Occasional Table from The Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique three-drawer table from the Connoisseur collection of Paul McCobb. Drawers have chrome pulls
Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 34.75 in D 34.75 in
1950s Paul McCobb Rare Table Connoisseur Collection Brookline Calvin Era
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration Paul McCobb diamond side table Connoisseur Collection for H Sacks & Sons of
Brass
1960s Paul McCobb Connoisseur Walnut and Brass Extendable Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a fantastic and rare dining table designed by Paul McCobb for the
Hardwood
Sold
H 29.13 in W 91.5 in D 40.63 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Dining Table, Restored
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional mahogany and brass extension dining table designed by Paul McCobb for his
Brass
Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
The Sasco is a versatile custom-made solid brass and glass globe light fixture, which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. Shown here in our factory brass, an uneven unfinished br...
Brass
$2,800 / set
H 14.75 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Demi Lune Wall Sconces, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano glass demi lune wall sconces, in stock Black glass sphere and brass fittings. Textured Murano glass, Wired to the American standard Multiple available ...
Brass
$3,969 / item
H 28.35 in W 40.16 in D 34.65 in
"Pietra" Curved Armchair with Leather Arms Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves ...
Bouclé
Mid Century Leather Top Game Table
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern leather top square game table. The gilt-tooled leather top is ready for play, with pivoting hinged drawers on the frieze. All supported on bold square legs and s...
Leather, Wood
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
$860 / item
H 6.7 in W 5.5 in D 3.3 in
Fun Guy Stained Glass Sconce in Brushed Nickel by Frangere Studio
By Frangere Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Amid the machine-polished surfaces of contemporary life, the Fun Guy wall sconce celebrates the mark of the human hand, with a striking level of charm and sophistication. A labor...
Aluminum
LU Louis SM Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The handsome LU Louis SM Sconce is a smaller version of our LU Louis Sconce, an all brass wall sconce in lightly patinated brass with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. M...
Brass
$6,898 / item
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by his fascination with the aesthetic allure of interiors depicted in films and literature, Yaniv Chen endeavors to capture the essence of captivating spaces. Reflecting upo...
Oak, Walnut
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s
By Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s. Cm 32,00 x 87,00 x 87,00. Walnut Wood. Good conditions!
Walnut
Paolo Buffa, Walnut Mid-Century Daybed, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare and very elegant wooden daybed Varnished walnut and fabric Model created circa 1940 H 58 × L 205 × W 95 cm Paolo Buffa was an Italian furniture des...
Velvet, Walnut
$3,780 / set
H 33.86 in W 25.2 in D 32.29 in
Pair of Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs, Oak & Vibrant Flora Fabric, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Such a beautiful and decadent pair of curved Art Deco lounge chairs, with armrests and chunky feets in oak, made in the 1930s by a Danish cabinetmaker. Upholstered in a vibrant flowe...
Walnut, Fabric, Oak
$7,553 / item
H 39.38 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
Parchment, Brass and Glass Table Lamp by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ventola table lamp by the artist Diego Mardegan exclusively for Glustin Luminaires. Beautiful two ways shade made of a brass structure, parchemin paper and waxed fabric hold by an...
Brass
$3,450
H 29 in W 34 in D 34 in
Vintage Game Table With Leather Top by Baker Furniture "Collectors Edition"
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Vintage Game Table With Leather Top by Baker Furniture "Collectors Edition" - a timeless masterpiece that seamlessly combines elegance, functionality, and a touch of ...
Leather, Wood
$14,750 / set
H 28 in W 41 in D 41 in
Craft Lounge Chairs, Lafer Lounge Chairs, Brown Leather and Walnut, Modern
By Percival Lafer, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft lounge chairs, lafer lounge chairs, brown leather and walnut, Modern Designer: Percival Lafer Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern S...
Leather, Walnut
$6,500 / set
H 36 in W 35 in D 31 in
Chalet Lodge, Ranch Large Oak French Pair Lounge Chairs, White Cushions, 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Awesome Rustic chairs, Very Heavy, deep and comfortable. Imported from France. Modern chalet or perfect eclectic mix for any Decor. Beautiful grain on wood. Guillerme and Chambron St...
Cotton, Oak
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.
The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.
Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.
Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.
Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.
The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.
Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.
No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .