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.
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Large set of 12 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Charlotte Perriand, Charles Dudouyt, Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with Rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have 12 chairs ...
Rush, Oak
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Ward Bennett Landmark Style Dining Chairs in Wood and Cane set of 6
By Ward Bennett
Located in Den Haag, NL
A super stylish and incredibly well made set of chairs from Italy in the 1970s. These consist of solid oak black glossy frames with brand new Linen upholstery seats and Wicker backs...
Wicker
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti, Solid Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Made in the USA. Customer provides Fabric. Price is per chair. Shipping in the US will be $250 for t...
Walnut
Fritz Hansen A/S Set 8 Dining Chairs of Mahogany with Blue Leather Seats 1940s
By Kaare Klint, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Koch, Ole Wanscher
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A stunning set of 8 Art Deco dining chairs. Handcrafted and designed by Fritz Hansen A/S in Denmark in the 1940s. Stamped FH for Fritz Hansen A/S These chairs are made of solid mah...
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Brutalist French Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, these organically formed chairs embrace both the inherent qualities of...
Elm
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi Set of Four 'Sapporo' Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, set of four dining chairs model ‘Sapporo’, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s A stunning set of dining chairs designed by Mario Marenco in the 1970s, craft...
Leather, Walnut
Set of Eight Nest Dining Chairs by Vintola Studio, Yellow Velvet Dedar, 2026
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable set of eight dining seats. A contemporary chairs inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. Wit...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Set of 7 Model 62 Dining Chairs, Alvar Aalto for Artek / Hedemora, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of seven iconic Model 62 dining chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek at the Hedemora factory in Sweden during the 1950s. These rare examples showcase Aalto’s pion...
Birch, Fabric, Textile, Velvet
Guillerme & Chambron Set of Six 'Thibault' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, set of six 'Thibault' dining chairs, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s Set of six elegant dining chairs in solid oak by Guillerme and Chambron...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. This set consits of 6 pcs. chairs with amrests. The chairs are with new black color velour upholster...
Chrome
Gebrüder Thonet for Stendig Model 209 Bentwood Chairs with Rare Cowhide Seats
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Stendig Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The design for the Model 209 was originally conceived by Gebrüder Thonet in the 1920s, under communist direction and in nationalized factories. 30 years later, Charles Stendig got a ...
Cowhide, Wood, Bentwood
George Nakashima Set of Four 'Conoid' Chairs in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, set of four 'Conoid' chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1962 This stunning set of four Conoid dining chairs are designed by woodwork mast...
Hickory, Walnut
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern M154 "Dog Biscuit" Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Bradenton, FL
A set of four birchwood M154 "Dog Biscuit" dining chairs designed by Heywood Wakefield, circa 1950. One of their most iconic designs, the sculptural frames feature the famous Dog Bis...
Birch, Maple
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Stackable 'S83' Dining Chairs
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, dining chairs, model 'S83, moulded plywood, lacquered wood, aluminum, Italy, design and production 1962 Dining chairs model S83, designed by Eugenio Gerli ...
Aluminum
Sistina dining chairs by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, Italy 1980s Set of 4
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Set of 4 dining chairs Sistina Saddle by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi. Made in Italy in the 1980s. Tito Agnoli originally comes from the Peruvian capital Lima, but studied at the Po...
Leather
Italian Mid Century Set of 10 Dining Chairs 1950's Mahogany & Velvet
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice set of 10 dining chairs sold in AS/IS condition solid and sturdy these set is in a velvet green upholstery , one chair has a hole on the fabric as shown , the wood finish shows ...
Velvet, Mahogany
$158,000 / set
Exceptionally Rare Set of Eight George Nakashima 'Grass-seated Chairs' in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, set of eight 'Grass-seated Chairs', American black walnut, sea grass cord, United States, early 1960s Through its pure form, thoughtful use of materials, and exqui...
Seagrass, Walnut
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico ...
Leather, Beech
George Nakashima 'New' Armchair in Walnut and Hickory
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘New’ armchair, walnut, hickory, United States, 1976 With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined joinery, this custo...
Hickory, Walnut
Early Pierre Chapo 'S11' Dining Chairs in Solid Elm and Cognac Leather
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining chairs, model 'S11', elm, leather, rope, brass, France, ca. 1966 This design is an early edition by Pierre Chapo. Crafted from solid elmwood, the chairs exhibit...
Metal
Set of 6 Chairs Designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 6 chairs Mod. 693, Designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina. Solid walnut, chairs have been recently recovered in a charcoal grey cotton velvet. Ready for a new home.
Faux Leather, Walnut
Tito Agnoli for Molteni Set of Four 'Fiorenza' Dining Chairs in Leather & Walnut
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Molteni, set of four 'Fiorenza' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1968 These chairs are an excellent example of Italian Mid-Century design. The back is slightly...
Leather, Walnut
Giotto Stoppino Style Mid Century Chrome Dining Chairs - Set of 8
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Giotto Stoppino Style Mid Century Chrome Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 23.75 wide x 22 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair clearan...
Chrome
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni Pair of 'Monk' Dining Chairs in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, pair of 'Monk' dining chairs, walnut, patinated leather, Italy, 1974. Pair of 'Monk' chairs by Italian designers Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The cognac lea...
Leather, Walnut
Thonet Bentwood Cafe Chairs with Carved Floral Seats, Set of Four
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Thonet bentwood cafe chairs exemplify the revolutionary steam-bending process pioneered by Michael Thonet in the 1850s. Each cha...
Beech, Bentwood
French Rustic Dining Chairs in Solid Wood with Seats in Patterned Multicolor Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, fabric, France, 1960s Crafted in France in the 1960s, this lovely and cheerful set of rustic chairs is a fresh add to an interior. The frame is made from solid...
Fabric, Beech
George Nakashima Set of Six 'New' Dining Chairs in Walnut and Hickory
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, set of six ‘New’ dining chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1976 and 1977 With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and re...
Hickory, Walnut
Set of Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Shell DSS Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Original set of 5 DSS molded fiberglass shell chairs on stacking base, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Very nice glossy fiberglass shells on steel stacking base...
Steel
Pierre Chapo 'S34A' Sculptural Chair in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, chair, model 'S34A', solid elm, France, circa 1973 This early edition chair model 'S34A' is designed by Pierre Chapo circa 1973. This asymmetrical chair executed in e...
Elm
Augusto Savini for Pozzi Set of Four 'Pamplona' Dining Chairs in Red Lacquer
By Poggi, Augusto Savini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Savini for Pozzi, set of four 'Pamplona' dining chairs, lacquered wood, fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1960s 'Pamplona' armchairs in red lacquered wood and red textured upholster...
Aluminum
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina '121' Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather and Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, dining chairs, model ‘121’, walnut, cognac leather, Italy, 1965 Pair of stunning dining chairs by the Italian designer couple Tobia and Afra Scarpa....
Leather, Walnut
Set of 8 Dutch Mid-Century Stacking Chairs with Single Shell Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome, Mid-Century reddish teak toned dining chairs with blue enameled metal frames. Metal legs and side hooks for creating a single row of chairs. Very comfy single pressed wood ...
Metal
Large Set of Modernist Dining Chairs in Wood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, coated steel, Europe, 1980s The design of these 1980s chairs avoid sharp edges or overly angular forms, leaning instead into cylindrical legs and rounded corne...
Steel
Set of 4 Dining Chairs Wood Curved Leather Beige Mid-Century Modern Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Four Midcentury Modern wooden chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship give them an iconic and refined look. The chairs fea...
Leather, Wood
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina Pair of '330' Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina, pair of '330' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s Stunning organic looking dining pair of chairs by Italian designer Silvio Coppola. Th...
Leather, Walnut
Danish Henning Kjærnulf Set of 4 Dining Chairs of Solid Oak by E G Møbler 1970s
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a stunning set of 4 Danish vintage dinning room chairs in great country style designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by the Danish company EG Furniture/Nyrup Møbelfab...
Wool, Oak
Set of Six Shell Dining Chairs, Linen Schwarzwald by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Set of 4 Dark Brown Stained Thonet "N. 218" Inspired Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Thonet "N. 218" style dark stained bent wood bistro chairs with cane seats. In original condition with visible wear consistent with their age and use. Wear includes scratchi...
Cane, Bentwood
Sculptural Dining Arm Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Dining Chairs in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Arm height is 25.25”. Available seat height is 17.5" - 19”. Made in the U...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
Mid Century Upholstered English Klismos Dining Chairs with Black Frames - Set 12
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this set of 12 dining chairs date from approximately 1950. Frames have painted black satin finish and have a klismos shaped style with cantered legs. Currently uph...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Gijs van der Sluis Style Beech Wood and Metal Stacking Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Gijs van der Sluis style stacking armchair exemplifies Dutch Mid-Century Modern design with its blend of natural materials and industrial functionality. The pressed beech wood s...
Metal
Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Marcel Breuer Cesca Chairs by Cidue
By Marcel Breuer, Cidue
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pieces Cesca chairs designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928's. Production circa 1980's. These chairs are created in tubular chrome and woven cane rattan seat and back. With Cidue ...
Chrome
Set of 8 Danish Modern Dining Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A charming set of eight Danish Mid Century Modern dining chairs crafted in oak, featuring a simple and timeless design characteristic of Scandinavian furniture from the 1960s. The ch...
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
$650 / item
Modernist Dining Chairs in Wood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, coated steel, Europe, 1980s The design of these 1980s chairs avoid sharp edges or overly angular forms, leaning instead into cylindrical legs and rounded corne...
Steel
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Brutalist Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19 wide x 23 deep x 46.5 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each ...
Upholstery, Resin
Early Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchair in Steel
By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 'Locus Solus' armchair, chromed tubular steel, blue leatherette, Italy, 1964 This Locus Solus armchair, designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Zanotta, is ...
Steel
6 Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Razorblade Dining Chairs, H. Kjærnulf style 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Henning Kjærnulf's iconic "Razorblade" dining chairs, produced by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in 1960s-70s Denmark. This set of six represents the definitive original—a captivating fusion of b...
Fabric, Oak