Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
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Tommi Parzinger Style Silver Plate Serving Piece Mid-Century Modern Barware
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This chic newly polished vintage Mid-Century Modern silver plate two-tiered serving piece has the
Category
1950s American Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Six Joe's Bar & Grill by Cera Mid-Century Barware Whiskey Lowball Glasses
By Cera
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 6 Joe's bar & grill theme by Cera, tables for Ladies, Mid-Century Modern Barware whiskey
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Set of Eight Barware Tom Collins Glasses with Snowflake Motif
Located in South Charleston, WV
True Mid-Century Modern barware set of eight glasses. Features gold rims and snowflakes in green
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Extra Tall Barware Ice Bucket Avocado PVC Leather, 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Mid-Century Modern barware accessory double-decker ice bucket is made of luminous
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Plastic, PVC
Wicker Basket Wine Bottle Holder Server, vintage Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Mid-Century Modern barware wicker basket bottle holder, Germany, 1960s. An all original
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Wicker
Brass Wire Wine Bottle Holder Style of Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Mid-Century Modern barware brass bottle holder in the style of Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s. An
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Vintage Midcentury Barware Ice Bucket 1960s Gold Presidential Coins
By Culver Ltd., The Couroc Company, Cera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by Cera
All in vintage condition with all 22-karat gold
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Vintage Midcentury Barware Glasses 1960s Gold Presidential Coins
By Culver Ltd., The Couroc Company, Cera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
black and 22-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by Cera
All in vintage condition with all 22
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Vintage Midcentury Barware Rocks Glasses 1960s Gold Presidential Coins
By Culver Ltd., The Couroc Company, Cera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
" in black and 22-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by Cera
All in vintage condition with
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
1960 Nissen Denmark Eames Era Scandinavian Modern Round Teak Lidded Ice Bucket
By Nissen
Located in Miami, FL
for a long time.
Branded with the Nissen Trademark.
Mid-Century Modern barware from the Eames Era
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Plastic, Teak
1960s Gold Printed Presidential Coins Highball Glasses Barware Set of 6
By Culver Ltd., Cera, Bob Wallack
Located in North Hollywood, CA
" in black and 22-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by Cera.
This collectible barware is so
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Gold Plated Barware Set of Glasses & Mixer by Culver c. 1965
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large and complete 22k gold plated Mid-Century Modern barware set by Culver that's in great
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Swedish Glassware 1960s Set 5
By Orrefors, Sven Palmquist
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Swedish glassware 1960s Set 5
Mid-century modern barware. A stylish and colorful addition
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Vintage Barware Cocktail Set Pitcher and 4 Glasses Frosted and Silver Rim
By Culver Ltd., Libbey Glass Co., Blendo Glass 1
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern barware cocktail set pitcher and four tumbler glasses.
Art Deco
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
1960s Gold Printed Presidential Coins Highball Glasses Barware Set of 7 by Cera
By Culver Ltd., Cera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
design.
The glasses feature "US Coins" in black and 22-karat gold Mid-Century Modern barware glasses by
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Leather Case Tantalus with Two Green Glass Decanters, 1960s
By Atelier Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Mid-Century-Modern barware accessory, tantalus, or "cave a liqueur," was crafted in
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
H 15.75 in W 9.44 in D 5.13 in
Vintage BOC Silver Soda Syphon, England, 1960
Located in North Hollywood, CA
cocktails.
Vintage mid century modern barware decor soda siphon gorgeous piece, ideal for bar display
Category
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
Willy Rizzo Tortoise Lucite and Brass Barware Serving Butler Tray, Italy 1970s
By Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Mid-Century Modern barware serving tray was crafted in Italy in the 1970s. Its design
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 2.57 in W 19.32 in D 13.75 in
MCM Extensive Set of 22-Karat Gold and Black Coin Barware and Glasses by Cera
By Bob Wallack, Cera
Located in Topeka, KS
Very large extensive set of coin Mid-Century Modern barware and glasses by Cera. The set consisting
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Whiskey / Drinks Barware Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid-Century Modern beautiful whiskey and drinks barware / tableware service for 11 people. Each
Category
Mid-20th Century European Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Crystal Barware / Tableware Serving Pitcher
By Movado
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Experience the allure of Mid-Century Modern elegance with this exceptional Crystal Barware
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Crystal
Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray
Located in Greenport, NY
Blenko Mid Century Modern Amberina Glass Ashtray
Mid 20th century Blenko amberina large textured
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Vintage Metallic Red Soda Syphon, England, 1960
Located in North Hollywood, CA
cocktails.
Vintage mid century modern barware decor soda siphon gorgeous piece, ideal for bar display
Category
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
Anchor Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Anchor Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 5.13 in W 2.13 in D 0.25 in
Anchor Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Italian Brass Modernist Serving Tray with Mirror Barware Mid-Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
all been professionally polished. It is Mid-Century Modern and the applications for this serving tray
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 1.5 in W 20.5 in D 13.5 in
Dolphin Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 4.75 in W 1.63 in D 0.13 in
"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. We think it is made of metal and co...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
H 8.38 in W 2.63 in D 0.13 in
"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
H 7 in W 2.63 in D 0.13 in
Vintage Metal Girl Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 4.25 in W 1.5 in D 0.75 in
Vintage Brass Lobster Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 4.13 in W 1.88 in D 0.25 in
"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
H 7.25 in W 2.75 in D 0.13 in
Sea Horse Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
H 3.13 in W 1.63 in D 0.25 in
Vintage Bronze Lobster Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
H 3.75 in W 1.88 in D 0.25 in
Vintage Sea Horse Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Germany.
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Nickel
H 5.63 in W 2.13 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stacked Lucite Ice Bucket Attached Swing Lid Barware
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern finely detailed ice bucket in Lucite.
The tight fitted lid swings open and is
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Lucite
H 9.25 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in
Brass and Bakelite Finger Food Nut Bowl Stand Mid-Century Modern 1950s Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s German minimalist barware. Nice addition to your room. These small decoration
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 2 in W 5.38 in D 3.25 in
Vintage Fred Press Barware Glasses set Mid-Century Decanters
By Fred Press
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 8 Fred Press original bar glasses.
Set of 8 with Blenko style decanter design in gorgeous colors.
This set looks barely ever used.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modernist Geometric Lucite Bowl Barware Server, 1970s
By General Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sophisticated Mid-Century modernist Lucite or acrylic barware bowl, tray, or serving dish was
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
Vintage Mid Century Pitcher Barware Jug C1950 France FREE SHIPPING
Located in Trensacq, FR
Vintage French pitcher mid century barware jug C1950
Rare mid-century vintage barware water jug
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Ceramic
Free Shipping
H 5.91 in W 8.86 in D 3.94 in
Modern Vintage Barware Decanter Carafe Four Glass Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern Smoke Decanter and Four Glass Set
Glass 4.5 h x 1.75
Decanter 10 h x 3.25
Preowned
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Art Glass
Dorothy Thorpe Style Mid-Century Silver Fade Barware Shot Glasses
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
includes 6 shot glasses.
1960s Mid-Century Modern cocktail barware set.
Silver fade.
Measurements:
Hot
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid Century Libbey Barware Cocktail Set Glass Highball Juice Wire Carrier MCM
By Libbey Glass Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of vintage glassware, highball or water shaped, decorated in frosted glass and different shaped leaves, 8 glasses in the wire caddy/carrier with 4 small juice glasses in the same...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
H 8 in W 8.5 in D 13 in
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Silver Cocktail Barware Glasses and Pitcher
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
piece.
Set of 5 Mid-Century Modern Dorothy Thorpe clear with silver overlay band "Tom Collins" / high
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate, Silver Leaf
Mid-Century Barware Cocktail Glass Pitcher with Leather Handle, Italy 1960s
By Design Editions Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
barware use and serving lemonade or water. A polished pontil mark is visible on the bottom. There is no
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Leather, Glass, Blown Glass
H 12.63 in W 6.88 in D 5.5 in
Dorothy Thorpe Mid-Century Silver Fade Cocktail Barware Glasses and Ice Bucket
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
piece.
Set includes 8 cocktails glasses. and ice bucket
1960s Mid-Century Modern Dorothy Thorpe
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Vintage Barware Modern Ice Cube Tongs Nickel Plated
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage barware modern ice cube tongs nickel plated
Nickel plated
Measures: 7 length x 2.5 width
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Nickel
Rare Italian Silver Plated Four Wine Bottle Holder, Lino Sabattini c.1970
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent piece of Mid-Century Modern barware, an iconic centrepiece for the finest of cocktail
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Free Shipping
H 11.5 in W 8.75 in D 9.75 in
Rare Italian Lino Sabattini Vodka / Cocktail Set, C.1970
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent piece of mid-century modern barware, an iconic centrepiece for the finest of cocktail
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century 17-Piece Cocktail / Barware Set in 'Tree of Life' Pattern
Located in Nantucket, MA
Seventeen piece vintage barware suite in a "Tree of Life" pattern which appears to be inspired by
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Chrome and Smoked Glass Wine Bottle Barware Coasters Set, in Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely Mid-Century barware coaster set dates from the 1970s and is still in its original
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 1.57 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Mid-Century Geometric Barware Set in Black and White Enamel with 22 Karat Gold
Located in Nantucket, MA
Thirteen piece geometric patterned barware set in a black and white enamel with 22k gold design of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Jigger or Measure
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
sides.
Model no. 22714
Simply a great Tiffany cocktail jigger!
Date:
Mid-20th Century
Overall
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Ice Bucket
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century modern lucite ice bucket, circa 1980s. This piece is in great vintage condition and
Category
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Lucite
Vintage Brass Barware Ice Tongs Silver Plated Mexico Modern, 1950s
By Los Castillo, Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage brass barware ice tongs silver plated Mexico 1950s Modern
Stamped by maker Made in Mexico
Category
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Vintage Metal Fish Corkscrew Bottle Opener MidCentury Modern Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s corkscrew and bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
H 2.38 in W 6.75 in D 0.63 in
Mid Century French Modern Lacquered Barcart
Located in Tulsa, OK
.
*
*
*
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Barcart. Above average vintage condition and structurally sound
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Teak Serving Tray or Cheese Board
By Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern serving tray or cheese board.
In teak wood with a round tray body and a
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Mastercraft Bar Cart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern Mastercraft bar cart. This 2 tiered metal and oak bar cart features a
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal
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Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass Under $1,000
Antique and Vintage Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Mid-Century Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
20th Century Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Metal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass on Sale
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Retro Mid Century Modern Barware For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of retro mid century modern barware you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, glass and brass, every item from our selection of retro mid century modern barware was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect choice in our collection of retro mid century modern barware — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each object in our assortment of retro mid century modern barware bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made option in this array of retro mid century modern barware over the years, but those crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Aldo Tura and Georges Briard are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Retro Mid Century Modern Barware?
The average selling price for a piece of retro mid century modern barware at 1stDibs is $495, while they’re typically $30 on the low end and $16,200 for the highest priced.
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
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 legendary 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.
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.
Finding the Right barware for You
Whether it’s streamlined or sophisticated, a bar area is always a welcoming feature in any home interior. A cheery well-made drink with friends and family has the potential to yield some unforgettable moments alongside those that aren’t easily remembered. And the only way to conjure that exemplary cordial is by putting the proper antique, new or vintage barware to work.
Essential barware equipment ranges from sterling-silver barspoons for mixing your cocktails in tall collins glasses to jiggers, shakers and strainers that allow you to whip up martinis and old-fashioneds.
From a design standpoint, some barware, such as our array of Art Deco glass whiskey sets or mid-century modern silver-banded tumblers crafted by Dorothy Thorpe, can help position your bar as a bold and attractive centerpiece to a room. At the very least, a carefully curated collection of barware can elevate with subtlety the bar’s nearby fixtures, as a handcrafted crystal decanter might do for your vintage 1960s bar cart.
As cocktail hour draws near, find inspiration in our gorgeous gallery of home bars in locales ranging from London to New York to San Francisco, and browse the exquisite selection of antique, new and vintage barware and glassware on 1stDibs.
Read More
How Noguchi Elevated Ashtrays to Objets d’Art
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
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