Purple Mid Century Glass

Purple Blown Glass Vase

Italian Ceramics White

Poland Silver

Midcentury Modern Gray Glass Vase

White And Purple Glass Murano

Makora Krosno

Purple Plates

Vintage 1960s Ceramics

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass Italy 1960s

$589

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass Italy 1960s

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Palermo, PA

. Crafted in thick, heavy glass, it reflects the high-quality craftsmanship that Murano is celebrated for

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Set of 6 Rock Glasses Purple and Gold by Libbey Glass Co

$395 / set

Mid-Century Set of 6 Rock Glasses Purple and Gold by Libbey Glass Co

By Libbey Glass Co.

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Mid-century set of 6 rock glasses purple and gold by Libbey. Glass Co. Nice size for that late

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Cocktail Pitchers One White One Lavender West Virginia Glass

$325 / set

Mid-Century Cocktail Pitchers One White One Lavender West Virginia Glass

By West Virginian Glass Company, Blendo Glass 1

Located in Topeka, KS

! Here is a pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern Blendo cocktail pitchers with incredible “cat tail

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Italy Venezia Mid-Century Set 6 Murano Blown Glass Purple Glasses

$737Sale Price / set|20% Off

Italy Venezia Mid-Century Set 6 Murano Blown Glass Purple Glasses

Located in Brescia, IT

This set of Murano purple blown glass glasses, was hand made in Murano, Venice in Mid-Century, 1960

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid Century Light Purple Glass Bowl Ashtray Element, Italy, 1970s

$651

Mid Century Light Purple Glass Bowl Ashtray Element, Italy, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This original vintage glass ash tray bowl element was designed and produced in the 1970s in

Category

Mid-20th Century Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Denby-Milnor Purple Mirage Champagne Coupes, S/6

$845 / set

Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Denby-Milnor Purple Mirage Champagne Coupes, S/6

By Swedish art glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From the Swedish Glass maker Denby-Milnor, a set of six Mid-Century Modern Coupes, in the Purple

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

$106

Mid Century Vintage Purple Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in amazing shape. Highly decorative piece. The sugar bowl looks very good on every

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Vintage Purple Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

$106

Mid Century Vintage Purple Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in amazing shape. Highly decorative piece. The sugar bowl looks very good on every

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$71

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Slim Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$106

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Slim Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Swedish mid-century glasswork. Standing approximately 20 cm tall, it features the studio’s signature

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Purple Enamel and 22k Gold Gregory Duncan Ice Bowl

$425

Mid-Century Modern Purple Enamel and 22k Gold Gregory Duncan Ice Bowl

By West Virginian Glass Company

Located in Nantucket, MA

gold over translucent purple enamel creating a raised design on the glass, the gold is applied over the

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Purple Enamel and 22k Gold Gregory Duncan Beverage Pitcher

$750

Mid-Century Modern Purple Enamel and 22k Gold Gregory Duncan Beverage Pitcher

By West Virginian Glass Company

Located in Nantucket, MA

" pattern with 22 karat gold over translucent purple enamel creating a raised design on the glass, the gold

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Wonderful Mid Century BLENKO Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl

$875

Wonderful Mid Century BLENKO Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl

By Blenko Glass

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful Mid Century Modern "BLENKO" Purple / Amethyst Crackle Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Artistic Glass Vase, Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

$105

Mid Century Vintage Purple Artistic Glass Vase, Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

: 2nd half 20th century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Wonderful Mid Century Modern Murano Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece

$1,250

Wonderful Mid Century Modern Murano Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful Mid Century Modern Blown Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Murano Centerpiece In The

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass, Italy 1960s

$450

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass, Italy 1960s

By Alfredo Barbini

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a gorgeous Mid Century Modern Purple Murano glass ashtray, done in

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Art Glass Apple and Pear, Hand Blown, Blue, Purple, Excellent Condition

$785 / set

Murano Art Glass Apple and Pear, Hand Blown, Blue, Purple, Excellent Condition

By Murano Glass Sommerso, Alfredo Barbini

Located in Kansas City, MO

Murano art glass apple and pear Sommerso blue and purple designed by Alfredo Barbini. Both have two

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Purple Glass Mini Bottle with Stopper, Italy, 1960s

$82

Mid Century Purple Glass Mini Bottle with Stopper, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

A nice purple decanter with geometric design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers in Italy

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Large Mid Century Modern Archimede Seguso Murano Centerpiece Bowl

$1,200

Large Mid Century Modern Archimede Seguso Murano Centerpiece Bowl

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Soquel, CA

Large Mid Century Modern Archimede Seguso Murano Centerpiece Bowl Dramatic and modern, this 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Slim Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$94

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Slim Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks very good. No jags, defects etc. Only one

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Big Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$414

Mid Century Vintage Purple Big Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Glass Vase Pot, Europe, 1960s

$82

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Glass Vase Pot, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Purple Big Glass Vase, Poland, Europe, 1970s

$377

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Purple Big Glass Vase, Poland, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

: 2nd half 20th century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century White and Purple Small Artistic Glass Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

$82

Mid Century White and Purple Small Artistic Glass Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 16cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Ingrid Glass Vase Rock Crystal, Germany, 1970s

$153

Mid Century Vintage Purple Ingrid Glass Vase Rock Crystal, Germany, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Ingrid Glass, or rather Ingrid Glashutte, is a company based in Germany but with glassworks in

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Ingrid Glass Vase Rock Crystal, Germany, 1970s

$271

Mid Century Vintage Purple Ingrid Glass Vase Rock Crystal, Germany, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Ingrid Glass, or rather Ingrid Glashutte, is a company based in Germany but with glassworks in

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Black and Purple Murano Glass Candle Holders, 1960s

$1,000 / set

Mid-Century Modern Italian Black and Purple Murano Glass Candle Holders, 1960s

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Beautiful set of two thick Murano glass candle holders in black purple reflections colors. Both

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Violet Purple Glass Vase, 20th Century, Italy, 1960s

$118

Violet Purple Glass Vase, 20th Century, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

A stunning purple small vase with geometric design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Pink Purple Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

$142

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Pink Purple Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 12cm round 10cm Good

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Big Vintage Purple Ombre Vase, Italy, 1960s

$378

Mid Century Big Vintage Purple Ombre Vase, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Purple vase in amazing shape. Produced in 1960s in Italy. Glass in perfect condition. The vase

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Modernist Glass Plate by Higgins

$250

Modernist Glass Plate by Higgins

By Higgins Glass

Located in New York, NY

Large glass plate, or charger, by recognized midcentury master Higgins (Michael and Francis). Nice

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Purple Flower Murano Glass Small Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s

$82

Mid Century Purple Flower Murano Glass Small Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This original vintage glass element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Fåglavik Glasbruk. Four salt cellars in purple glass. Sweden, mid-20th C.

$200 / set

Fåglavik Glasbruk. Four salt cellars in purple glass. Sweden, mid-20th C.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Fåglavik Glasbruk (1874-1980), Sweden. Four salt cellars in colored glass. Purple handcrafted glass

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Majolica Purple Oyster Plate Vallauris

$280

Mid-Century Majolica Purple Oyster Plate Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Mid-Century Ceramic Purple Oyster Plate Vallauris circa 1950. 9 colors available. pink,navy blue

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Vintage Purple Vase, Europe, 1960s

$142

Mid Century Vintage Purple Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Porcelain Ceramic Purple Violet Ashtray, Europe, 1970s

$94

Mid Century Porcelain Ceramic Purple Violet Ashtray, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This original vintage porcelain ash tray This item is a wonderful addition to every home. These item remain in a very good vintage condition. Dimensions: 15x2cm Condition: This ite...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain, Glass, Ceramic

1930s Murano Glass wine cooler in Deep Purple with Hand-Painted 925 Silver

$1,892

1930s Murano Glass wine cooler in Deep Purple with Hand-Painted 925 Silver

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Palermo, PA

design. The deep purple glass creates a rich and luxurious aesthetic, while the hand-painted 925 silver

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wine Coolers

Materials

Metal, Silver

Murano Barbini Purple Amethyst Gold Flecks Handle Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase

$500

Murano Barbini Purple Amethyst Gold Flecks Handle Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase

By Alfredo Barbini, Weil Ceramics and Glass

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown amethyst purple and gold flecks Italian art glass pitcher shape

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Gold Leaf

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Vase, Europe, 1960s

$94

Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Pauly & Co Mid-Century Modern Blue & White Murano / Venetian Glass Portland Vase

$1,250

Pauly & Co Mid-Century Modern Blue & White Murano / Venetian Glass Portland Vase

By Pauly & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A blue and white Venetian glass vase with enamel decoration by Pauly and Co. Inspired by the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Purple Wine Glasses - Set of 4

$75 / set

Vintage Purple Wine Glasses - Set of 4

Located in Fairfield, CA

A lovely set of 4 vintage wine glasses. Made of moody dark purple glass. Elegant tapered stems.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Vintage Purple Murano Glass Sculpture/Paperweight, Ball with Included Bubbles

$372Sale Price|10% Off

Vintage Purple Murano Glass Sculpture/Paperweight, Ball with Included Bubbles

Located in Milano, IT

a flat bottom to make it stand still. Made in a deep, vibrant hue of purple glass, it has included

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Porcelain Vase, Europe, 1960s

$82

Mid Century Vintage Purple Decorative Porcelain Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Ceramic, Porcelain

Murano Blu Art Glass Sphere, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1980, 10cm

$592

Murano Blu Art Glass Sphere, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1980, 10cm

Located in Roma, Lazio

to create both solid and complex forms. Large masses of incandescent glass are shaped directly with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Violet Purple Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

$413

Violet Purple Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Life-size glass head in a unique purple violet color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Purple Dots Small Murano Vase, Italy, 1960s

$106

Mid Century Vintage Purple Dots Small Murano Vase, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Purple Vase Artistic Bowl Candlestick with Frill, Europe, 1960s

$201

Mid-Century Purple Vase Artistic Bowl Candlestick with Frill, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Purple Bowl in amazing organic shape. Produced in 1960s. Glass in very good original vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Bowl Attributed To Fulvio Bianconi, Italy 1950s

$1,005

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Bowl Attributed To Fulvio Bianconi, Italy 1950s

By Mazzega, Fulvio Bianconi

Located in München, BY

Mid century modern murano glass finger bowl, Italy 1950s. Attributed to Fulvio Bianconi for Mazzega

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Purple & Gold Stardust Salviati Murano Glass Liqueur Goblet, Vintage Italy

$210

Purple & Gold Stardust Salviati Murano Glass Liqueur Goblet, Vintage Italy

By Salviati

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A single beautiful liqueur glass made in Murano Italy. Very good vintage condition, consistent with

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Slim Mid Century Vintage Black Dark Purple Glossy Vase, Europe, 1960s

$82

Slim Mid Century Vintage Black Dark Purple Glossy Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Black or dark purple vase in amazing organic shape. Produced in 1960s. Glass in perfect condition

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Bengt Orup Mid Century Art Glass Tumbler Sweden Johansfors Glasses Strikt Series

$250 / set

Bengt Orup Mid Century Art Glass Tumbler Sweden Johansfors Glasses Strikt Series

By Bengt Orup, Johansfors Glasbruk

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Bengt Orup Mid Century Art Glass Tumbler Sweden Johansfors Art Glass Bengt Orup Artist. Bengt Orup

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Barware

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Mid Century Vintage Blue and White Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

$177

Mid Century Vintage Blue and White Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 15cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Blue and White Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

$201

Mid Century Vintage Blue and White Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 20cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage White and Purple Small Murano Vase, Italy, 1960s

$106

Mid Century Vintage White and Purple Small Murano Vase, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Vintage Purple Glass Vase, Italy

$296Sale Price|21% Off

Vintage Purple Glass Vase, Italy

Located in Munich, DE

Cylindrical glass vase is a wonderful glass decorative object, realized by an Italian manufacture

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Fåglavik Glasbruk, Sweden. Four salt cellars in blue and purple glass.

$200 / set

Fåglavik Glasbruk, Sweden. Four salt cellars in blue and purple glass.

Located in København, Copenhagen

glass. Private Swedish collection. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Largest: Width 8.5 cm x

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Dalmatian White and Violet Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s

$438

Mid Century Vintage Dalmatian White and Violet Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

of Murano since the 13th century. Today Murano is known for its art glass, but it has a long history

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

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Purple Mid Century Glass For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of purple mid century glass you’re looking for. Frequently made of glass, murano glass and art glass, every item from our selection of purple mid century glass was constructed with great care. There are 779 variations of the antique or vintage choice in our collection of purple mid century glass you’re looking for, while we also have 17 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of purple mid century glass, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Alfredo Barbini, Seguso Vetri d'Arte and Venini each produced at least one beautiful option in this array of purple mid century glass that is worth considering.

How Much is a Purple Mid Century Glass?

Prices for a piece of purple mid century glass start at $1 and top out at $46,000 with the average selling for $952.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.