Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
67
to
265
1,132
1,098
2,284
1,875
530
513
409
279
39
12
60
46
40
28
28
Sort By
French Ceramist, Two Serving Dishes in Glazed Stoneware, Mid-20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
.
Unique, high-quality ceramics.
Mid-20th century.
Largest measures: 37 x 27 x 5 cm.
In excellent
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Stoneware
Mid Century Modern Three Part Glass Serving Dish
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing mid century modern serving tray. Features a fantastic shape with notable designs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Glass
Trio Of Danish Modern Enameled Sterling Silver Metal Heart Dishes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trio of petite Danish modern, colored enamel, sterling silver, heart-shaped stacking dishes in
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Enamel, Sterling Silver
Italian Mid-Century Modern ceramic Plate
By Fratelli Fanciullacci
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic ceramic atomic style plate with black and gray and pink boomerangs. The square plate has rounded edges. Marked Italy on the bottom. In the style of Fratelli Fanciullacci.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
John Glick Plum Tree Charger Plate Pottery Mid Century Modern
By John Glick
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Discover this captivating Mid Century Modern Plum Tree Charger Plate by the renowned potter John
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden wall unit "Extenso" by Amma, Italy, 1970s.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage Brass Tobacco Leaf Dishes
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of chic vintage American solid cast brass tobacco leaf dishes, perfect for holding
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Black Iron Wire Organizers
By Sol Bloom, Andree Ferris and Reta Shacknove
Located in Hanover, MA
Grouping of Mid-Century Modern black wire organizers, catch-alls, racks and baskets. These evoke
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Wire
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Small Change or Trinket Dish
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A Mid-Century Modern brass trinket dish. This dish is round and features the words "Small Change
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Decorative Metal Tray, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Modern decorative metal tray, by an unknown designer.
Manufactured in Spain, circa 1950
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern Shell Brass Tone Tray
Located in Seattle, WA
Brass Toned Catch-All Tray. Slight Petina on the Top and bottom . Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured.
Dimensions. 8 W ; 7 D ; 2 H
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bronze Ashtray by Jules Wabbes, 1960s
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bronze Ashtray by Jules Wabbes, 1960s
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Bronze
French Ceramist, Two Round Serving Dishes in Glazed Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
. Unique, high-quality ceramics.
Mid-20th century.
Measure: diameter: 31 cm.
In excellent condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Enameled Dish/Tray
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage Israeli brass dish. Features a colorful enameled accent.
Category
1960s Israeli Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vide-Poche by Noe Suro
By Noe Suro
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
the Mid-Century Modern has a unique personality. Designed and hand painted by Mexican ceramist and
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Six Small Fornasetti Dishes
By Fornasetti
Located in Chicago, IL
6 gold leaf ceramic dishes rare design with original box.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Blue Enamel Dish or Vide-Poche, circa 1960s
By Bovano
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial Mid-Century Modern round blue enamel dish, plate, or vide-poche
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Decorative Tray in Pastel Turquoise & Gilt Detailing
Located in New York, NY
would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. It
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
H 1.4 in W 7.75 in D 6.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dish or Bowl by Guido Gambone
By Guido Gambone
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
During the 1960s, a luxury department store "De Bijenkorf" in The Netherlands had a special cooperation with Guido Gambone. From this cooperation this dish dates and is marked on the...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
French ceramist. Two round serving dishes / bowls in glazed stoneware.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
shades. Unique, high-quality ceramics.
Mid-20th century.
Measures: 32.5 x 5.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Stoneware
Polished Handmade Horn Bowl, Catchall, Vessel, Centerpiece Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern natural handmade polished Horn vessel, bowl, catchall or centerpiece from the
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Horn
H 6.25 in W 14 in D 9.25 in
Rare Dick Talbett Centerpiece Plate Bowl, Mid Century Modern Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
and a beautiful example of American Mid Century Modern art studio glass.
The bowl measures 14,7/8" in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Italians Collection of 9 Coppoli Modern Ceramic Plates
By Coppoli
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Italians Collection of 9 Coppoli Modern Ceramic Plates 1950 Some of Them Are Signed
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Fruit Black Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal Plate designed by Mathieu Matégot.
Manufactured by Artimeta (Holland), circa 1950.
Lacquered perforated metal with original paint.
We offer free shipping for this...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Artisan Studio Made Bowl / Vessel, Cherry Burl, Signed
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Artisan Studio Made Bowl / Vessel, Cherry Burl
Unique live edge tableware
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Cherry, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Attributed Thick White Glass Catchall Bowl Ashtray
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Blenko attributed thick white and clear glass catchall, bowl, ashtray.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern square Faience plate by Ivan Weiss for Royal Copenhagen
By Ivan Weiss, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Berlin, DE
Mid-Century Modern square Faience plate by Ivan Weiss for Royal Copenhagen
This square plate, model
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
H 1.58 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Enameled Black Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot.
Manufactured by Artimeta (Holland), circa 1950.
Lacquered perforated metal with original paint.
In great original condition with mi...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Black Mid-Century Modern Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Mate´got.
Manufactured by Ateliers Mate´got, circa 1950.
Lacquered perforated metal with original paint.
In good original condition with...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Enameled Metal Plate, Atelier Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot.
Manufactured by Atelier Matégot (France), circa 1950.
Lacquered perforated metal, seem to be repainted many years ago.
In great ori...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal
No Reserve
H 1.38 in Dm 17.52 in
Lead Crystal Mid-Century Modern Vintage Elements Czech Bohemian Votive Bowl 1980
Located in Miami, FL
piece works for Mid-Century Modern decor but also modern and minimalist interior as well.
Makers Foil
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Crystal
H 2.5 in W 3.5 in D 3.25 in
Tommaso Barbi Mid-Century Modern Italian, two Ceramic Tidy or Ashtray, Italy
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Tommaso Barbi Mid-Century Modern Italian, two ceramic tidy or ashtray, Italy, circa 1960.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
Lívia Gorka Hungarian Ceramist Mid-Century Modern Hand Thrown Wall Plate, 1960s
By Livia Gorka
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Decorative Plate by Hungarian artist Gorka Livia (1925-2011). This plate like
Category
1960s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
H 2 in W 11.5 in D 11 in
Mid-Century Sascha Brastoff Signed Enamel Plate
By Sascha Brastoff
Located in Charleston, SC
and measures approx 8.5 in diameter.
Sascha Brastoff was an iconic mid-century designer who had a
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Midcentury Georges Briard Gilt Glass Appetizers Dishes Set of 2
By Georges Briard
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid Century Modern Georges Briard gold leaf glass appetizers plates set of 2.
The
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Art Glass
vintage ceramic pair of bird dishes by Richard Saar
By Richard Saar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
beautiful pair of small ird motif dishes by Richard Saar. signed on the back.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Italian Glazed Ceramic Decorative Plate by Paolo De Poli
By Paolo De Poli
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1960s Italian glazed ceramic decorative centerpiece or wall plate Paolo De Poli designer, signed.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Enamel
Two 1970s Mid-century Modern Brass Round Italian Vide Poche by PAF studio Milano
By PAF Studio
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Mid-century modern design, which emerged roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s, is known for its
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
H 2.76 in Dm 9.85 in
Mid-Century Modern Hand Carved Pink Rock Crystal Catchall Bowl Vide Poche, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern pink and white Mineral Rock ashtray, catchall, vide poche or bowl made in Italy
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Rock Crystal
H 1.5 in W 6 in D 5 in
Mid-Century Modern Decorative Glass Plate with Iron Base by Argentine A. Churba
By Alberto Churba
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century Mid-Century Modern large decorative glass plate with iron base by argentine
Category
1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
Vallauris, France, Three Leaf-Shaped Dishes in Brightly Colored Glazes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vallauris, France, three leaf-shaped dishes in brightly colored glazes in shades of pink, violet
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Egidio Casagrande Mid Century Italian Hammered Scalloped Brass Bowl 6.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful mid century Italian Egidio Casagrande hammered copper bowl or compote featuring his
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
H 2.625 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Seguso Murano Sommerso Green Italian Art Glass Sculptural Seashell Dishes, Salts
By Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
bowls. Mid-century era. Largest piece measures: 4 1/4" long.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
H 1.75 in W 4.25 in D 3.75 in
Cenedese Vintage Pink Pair of Opaline Murano Glass Dishes, Bowls, Ashtrays 1970s
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Cenedese Venetian Mid-Century vintage modern pretty Murano alexandrite pink colored / coloured
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Dishes Signed Cenedese, circa 1970s
By Cenedese
Located in Villaverla, IT
Beautiful pair of Italian Venetian Murano glass dishes in blue with a very particular sophisticate
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Vallauris, France, Three Leaf-Shaped Dishes in Autumn Colours, 1960s-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vallauris, France, three leaf-shaped dishes in autumn colours.
1960s-1970s.
In great condition
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Personal Ashtray Dishes
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
desk, vanity or side table. Use them as pin, jewelry dishes or ashtrays. Mid-century era. They measure
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 1.75 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Silver Bowl Model TW58, Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy, Mid-20th Century
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Silver wowl model TW58 designed by Tapio Wirkkala, manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy, Mid-20th Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Silver
H 2.37 in W 10.63 in D 7.49 in
Robert Picault, Set of Two Ceramic Dishes, Signed, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Robert Picault
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Robert Picault, set of two ceramic dishes, signed, Vallauris, France 1950s
Two large dishes
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Enamel
H 1.97 in W 12.6 in D 10.04 in
Mid-Century French Majolica Shell Catchall
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century French Majolica shell catchall.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Italian Vintage Red Light Blue Black White Porcelain Trinket Dishes/Trays
Located in New York, NY
Price is per item, rare set of six 1950s Italian Porcelain decorative dishes by a Ceramic Studio in
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Enamel
H 1.25 in W 5 in D 3.5 in
Vallauris, France, Two Leaf-Shaped Dishes in Brightly Colored Glazes, 1960/70s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vallauris, France, two leaf-shaped dishes in brightly colored glazes.
1960/70s.
In excellent
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
H 1.19 in W 7.88 in D 6.3 in
Venini Murano Signed Teal Green Blue Italian Art Glass Teardrop Ring Dishes
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
dishes. Documented to the Venini company, with 1 of them signed underneath. Would make great earring or
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
H 1.25 in W 5 in D 3.75 in
Vallauris, France, Four Dishes with Glaze in Shades of Green, 1960/70s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vallauris, France, four dishes with glaze in shades of green.
1960/70s.
In excellent condition
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
H 1.19 in W 8.67 in D 5.12 in
Set of Four 1960s Brass Trinket Dishes Vide Poche, Acorn, Leaf, Owl, Basket
Located in Haarlem, NL
Decorative collection of four little brass vide-poche trinket dishes from the 1960s to keep or
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Brass
H 1.97 in W 3.55 in D 8.27 in
Mid Century Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtrays
By Edith Heath, Heath Ceramics
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of four ashtrays designed by Edith Heath for her company, Heath Ceramics. A classic design by the vanguard ceramicist. Made in California in the 1950s.
Large: 8.5" x 2.25"
Sm...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-century modern signed coquille bowl made by Paul Kedelv Flygsfors for Flyg
By Paul Kedelv
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-century modern signed "coquille" bowl made by Paul Kedelv Flygsfors for Flyg
Indulge in the
Category
1970s Swedish Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Glass
H 4.34 in W 11.42 in D 8.27 in
Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray . Versatile use
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Bronze
H 1.75 in W 16 in D 9 in
Vintage Mid-Century purple glass valet tray
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century modern collectible glass - purple glass valet tray
A timeless and attractive valet
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Mid-Century Enamel-on-Copper Vide-Poche
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a good mid-century example of an enamel-on-copper vide-poche or catchall. The earth tones
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of retro mid century modern dishes available for sale. The range of distinct retro mid century modern dishes — often made from ceramic, metal and glass — can elevate any home. Retro mid century modern dishes have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Retro mid century modern dishes bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many retro mid century modern dishes are appealing in their simplicity, but Fornasetti, Mathieu Matégot and Piero Fornasetti produced popular retro mid century modern dishes that are worth a look.
How Much are Retro Mid Century Modern Dishes?
Prices for retro mid century modern dishes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, retro mid century modern dishes begin at $26 and can go as high as $26,000, while the average can fetch as much as $600.
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.
Read More
How Noguchi Elevated Ashtrays to Objets d’Art
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
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.