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.
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side legs and feet with thr...
Wood
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Tubular Glass Top Side Table
Located in San Carlos, CA
This vintage 1970s side table is a striking example of Mid-Century Modern design, built around a sculptural chrome tubular steel frame in the style of Milo Baughman. The continuous c...
Chrome
Mid-Century Chestnut Wood Stools Attributed to Charles Dudouyt, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Très Chic Pair of Mid-Century Wooden Stools / Accent Tables Attributed to Charles Dudouyt A refined and sculptural pair of Mid-Century stools or side tables attributed to French des...
Wood, Chestnut
Newly Refinished -Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Rhythm” Walnut Side Tables by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Expertly Restored - Italian Mid Century Sculpted Wood & Travertine Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Wood, Original Travertine Stone ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back ...
Stone, Travertine
Italian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brass and glass side table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches to ...
Brass
Pair of Small Side and Bedside Tables of Solid Pine with Drawers, Denmark 1970s
By Kurt Østervig, Rainer Daumiller, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of small Danish side and bedside tables of solid pine mounted with brass screws and leather core stripes as handles. The tables are quite rare although the style is typical des...
Brass
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Side Table/ Bar Cart in High-Gloss Cream White for Verpan
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'Barboy' side table and storage cabinet in high-gloss cream white for Verpan Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers....
Chrome
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Glass Tops ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we tak...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Teak Abstract Mosaic Tile Top Nesting Tables Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of three nesting tables features clean lines and geometric tile tops. Each table nests neatly to save space while providing versatile surface options. It captures the distin...
Teak
Mid-Century Bamboo and Rattan Two-Tier Side Table, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Small Mid-Century side table in bamboo and rattan, dating from the 1950s-1960s, featuring a light and elegant two-tier construction. Its compact proportions, natural materials, and g...
Bamboo, Rattan, Synthetic
Mactan stone side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte
Located in London, GB
Mactan stone side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte A highly sought-after postmodern coffee or side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte. Featuring a sculptural Mactan stone base with thre...
Stone
Sculptural Charles Dudouyt Small Side Table / Stool in Oak, France, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This charming, rare side table was designed by Charles Dudouyt and produced in France in the 1950s. The piece is crafted in solid oak, built around a turned central column of repeat...
Oak
Italian Designer, End Table, Brass, Acrylic, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black acrylic end table or side table on castors, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. In fair vintage condition, showing significant wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Franco Albini, Serving Cart, Wood, Italy, 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and metal serving cart or bar trolley, model CR-20 designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent w...
Wood
Pair of Pierre Chapo T38 Bedside Tables in oak by Chapo Creations
By Pierre Chapo, Chapo Creation
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Pierre Chapo T38 Bedside Tables in oak by Chapo Creations, Excellent Condition and ready to go.
Oak
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Side Table/ Bar Cart in High-Gloss Blue for Verpan
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'Barboy' side table and storage cabinet in high-gloss blue for Verpan Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His in...
Chrome
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Dassi, Melchiorre Bega, Gio Ponti
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables with simple and elegant wooden squared structure, double front door, carved legs and completed by the ...
Brass
Pierre Chapo Special Black Wood Edition T23 Side Table
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Side table designed by Pierre Chapo in 1960s. Manufactured in France by Chapo Creations in 2021. Stamped by the manufacturer. Special black edition. In good original condition, with...
Wood
Spanish Castilian Baroque Revival Side Table or Nightstand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Valencia, VC
Spanish Castilian Baroque Revival Side Table or Nightstand, Mid-20th Century Produced in Spain during the mid-20th century, this side table is an example of the Castilian Baroque Re...
Wood
Oak Side Table with Single Drawer Turned Legs Accent Vintage 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This side table features turned legs, an apron, and a single pull-out drawer. The overall silhouette offers a timeless accent for traditional or rustic interiors. Vintage 1970s. Craf...
Oak
Japanese Modern Brass & Murano Mosaic Tile Top Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Japanese Modern Brass & Murano Mosaic Tile Top Side Table Materials: Patinated Brass, Original Mosaic Tile Top
Brass
Borsani Tecno Gueridon Side Table Italian Mid Century 1960's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Osvaldo Borsani/Tecno gueridon or a side table. Original black iron tripod base, top replaced.
Metal
Willy Rizzo Large Coffee Table in Brass, Burl, Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large rectangular coffee table in a beautiful combination of brass and walnut burl, completed with two thick smoked glass tops. This stylish table is attributed ...
Brass
Sergio Asti for Poltronova 'Zelda' Coffee Table in Walnut
By Sergio Asti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 'Zelda' coffee table, walnut plywood, Italy, 1962. Geometric side table designed by Sergio Asti. Crafted from walnut, the table showcases striking cubist...
Walnut, Plywood
Beautiful Gilded Floral Mid-Century Side Table with Solid Glass Top by Hans Kögl
By Hans Kögl
Located in München, BY
Beautiful 1960s gilt Florentine Regency side table or nightstand. A true classic among floral-themed tables. Designed and produced by Hans Kögl. The frame features three curved legs ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Large Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Table by Vivai del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare midcentury elephant-shaped side table with removable tray fully made in hand-woven wicker. This stylish organic piece was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Oak Round Tier Side Table by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Style Flute Rattan Side Table with Hidden Storage - Oak Finish
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Flute Bedside Table features beautifully woven rattan in a wavy pattern, reflecting the timeless design of our signature shell collection. Ins...
Rattan
Shell Fluted Rattan Basket Hamper and Side Table - Oak Finish
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Shell Bedside Table doubles up as a storage or laundry basket. Ideal for storing spare cushions or blankets next to the bed or sofa. The unique wavy scalloped design brings a nat...
Rattan
Rare Pair of Side Tables attributed to Jacques Adnet, France
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of side tables, attributed to Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s. Iron structure wrapped in black hand-stitched leather and brass details with bamboo effect. Fast shipping w...
Brass, Iron
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Marble, Wrought Iron
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of Mid-Century nightstands in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. These lovely organic modern bedside tables were produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fully original...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Brass Side Table / Plant Stand, Maison Jansen, France
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful, high-quality brass side table featuring a mirrored smoked glass top, created in the style of Maison Jansen (France, 1960s). Expertly crafted from premium materials, thi...
Brass
Mid Century Tile Top Wrought Iron Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century tile top table, having a stylized wrought iron base with a geometric tile top. The square top features repeating aqua, turquoise glazed square tiles. This example is in ...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Wim Rietveld Nightstands for Auping, Grey & Red, Pair
By Wim Rietveld, Auping
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matched pair of nightstands attributed to Wim Rietveld for Auping showcase the clean geometry and functional approach of Dutch Mid-Century design. Red wood frames encase the body wit...
Metal, Enamel
Sculptural Curved Display or Side Table in Cerused Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large side or coffee table, cerused oak, Europe, 1960s This eccentric large display table or coffee table is made in a precise manner, implementing geometrical shapes and straight l...
Oak
A Spanish 1950s gilt wrought iron martini table with three shaped legs
Located in London, GB
A Spanish 1950s gilt wrought iron martini table with three shaped legs with splayed feet.
Wrought Iron
VSM Rectangular Side Tables Set of 2 Solid Teak Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These rectangular side tables feature a clean silhouette with gently rounded corners and sturdy legs. The versatile set embodies the functional elegance of classic Scandinavian desig...
Teak
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides and door...
Brass
Floris Fiedeldij for Artimeta 1950's Glass Mosaic Top and Iron Nesting Tables
Located in New York, NY
Floris Fiedeldij for Artimeta glass mosaic tile top iron nesting side tables, made in the Netherlands c. 1950's. Table top has a wonderful modernist Mondrian style design. Large t...
Art Glass
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular Mid-Century side table / bench from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Pair of Mid Century Teak & Smoked Glass Side Coffee Tables / Nightstands
By Myers
Located in Leicester, GB
A Pair of Mid century coffee tables made in solid teak with beautiful smoked glass table tops. These tables are manufactured in UK by Myers during 1970's. The table have an elegant d...
Glass, Teak
Pair of Spanish Rattan Stools or Small Benches with Woven Cane Seats
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching handcrafted bamboo and woven wicker cane stools / side tables These stunning Mid-Century Modernist bamboo and woven rattan / wicker rectangular stools or small benches we...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
French Designer, Side Table, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table or pedestal designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Wood presents with some staining and natural cracking. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Wood
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands or Side Tables in Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of mid-century rectangular nightstands or side tables in bamboo, wicker, and hand-woven rattan. These stylish organic bedside tables were produced in Italy during the 1...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Nelson Pedestal Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Nelson Pedestal Table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Designed by George Nelson in 1954 and produced by Herman Miller, this side table is from 2005. The table has a bl...
Aluminum
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Step Side Tables - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Add authentic 1960s style to your space with this handsome pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut step side tables. Featuring the era’s distinctive two-tier “step” design, each table comb...
Wood, Walnut
ExpertlyRestored - Peter Pepper Products Tripod Resin Side Table w/ Peace Symbol
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Resin Tops, Walnut Wood, Enameled Metal Dimensions: 18 - 30in H x 16in W x 16in D _____________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitu...
Metal
Folding Campaign Tray Table Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern folding campaign tray table, designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel from their "Declaration" collection in the 1960s....
Walnut, Cork
Original set Eero Saarinen Marble Side Tables
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in South Charleston, WV
16" diameter x 20.5" high. Price is for the pair. Purchased circa 1962 together by the singular owner as a pair with specified Cremo Marble (characterized as a Calcutta with distinct...
Marble, Steel
Roger Capron - Gueridon Design - Baby Side Table with a Solid Red Tile
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
These side tables feature new painted steel frames and a vintage lava tile from Roger Capron. Made in 1970s, these tiles vary in color and texture, resulting from the hand glazed pro...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Teak, Beech, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, beech and brass side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.9"H x 21.0"W x 21.0"D All items shi...
Brass
Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Elegant and organic, the Pétale side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are true icons of 1960s Brazilian design. Inspired by nature, their petal-shaped tops and light bases embody the perfec...
Palisander, Rosewood, Plywood
Midcentury Pair of Bed Side Tables Nightstands in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful pair of bed side tables or nightstands in bamboo and rattan with drawer and bottom shelf . Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Danish Designer, Side Tables, Teak, Chrome, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of chrome and teak side tables likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scra...
Chrome
Chrome Glass Side Drinks Table, Circa Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular chrome and glass side drinks table, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Chrome frame with glass inset top, splayed legs joined by a stretcher, and ...
Chrome
Jean Royere Style Pair of Black Iron with Mirror Top Side Tables / Night Stands
By Jean Royère
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Jean Royere Style Pair of Black Iron with Mirror Top Side Tables / Night Stands. These side tables embody Jean Royère’s playful yet refined aesthetic, translated into a compact, fun...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Mid-Century Spindle Side Table With Magazine Shelf
By Washington Woodcraft, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut