Mid-Century Couroc Cheese Board Wood Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern Era cheese board tray by Couroc of Monterey, California (1948-1998) – circa 1960s.
Plastic, Wood
Charming Couroc of Monterey Quail glasses
By The Couroc Company
Located in Evanston, IL
Charming set of Quail glasses for a barcart or any MCM enthusiast. Perfect Father's Day Gift
Glass
Couroc of Monterey Heritage Classic Golf Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Charleston, SC
They also make great tray for rolling your medicinal smoke. Couroc History Whimsical and intricately designed, Couroc trays and barware were produced for more than 40 years by h...
Brass
Circular Black Tray Platter Couroc of Monterey California, 1960s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Midcentury Couroc of Monterey Inlaid Brass and Wood Cardinal Circular Tray.
Bakelite
$350
H 0.5 in W 9.5 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Fish Motif Cheeseboard by Couroc of Monterey, California
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Fish Motif Cheeseboard by Couroc of Monterey, California, circa 1970s. This exceptional vintage cheeseboard is a signature creation from the celebrated Couroc Co. ...
Resin, Wood
$275
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
1960s Vintage Couroc of Monterey Black Tray Featuring the Wells Fargo Stagecoach
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1960s Vintage Couroc of Monterey Black Resin Bakelite Like Tray Featuring the Wells Fargo Stagecoach.
Resin, Wood
Vintage Couroc Seahorse Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
This tray was used as a wall art and was not used for actual serving. Couroc of Monterey Sea Horse Tray with Abalone, Coral and Sea Weed 18” x 12.5” Couroc Trays were made in Montere...
Shell, Resin
Vintage Couroc Kachina Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
This tray was used as a wall art and was not used for actual serving. Couroc Trays were made in Monterey California from 1948 to 1990’s, by skilled artisans.
Shell, Resin
Vintage Couroc Serving Tray with Brightly Colored Mosaic Sailboats
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage nautical serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made of black phenolic resin with a group of four sailboats with brightly colored sails created using inlaid brass and a mosaic o...
Brass
$495 / item
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Vintage Couroc Floral Serving Tray, Bakelite, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Modern serving tray by Couroc of Monterey California floral design barware.
Bakelite
$495
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Couroc Roadrunner Bird Design Barware Vintage Serving Tray Circa 1960
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey California roadrunner bird design barware serving tray.
Bakelite
Large Vintage Couroc Inlayed Brass and Stone Tray with swan
By The Couroc Company
Located in Charleston, SC
Large Vintage Couroc Inlayed Brass and Stone Tray Swan Boats of Boston for Shreve Crump and Low MidCentury Couroc of Monterey large serving tray featuring the iconic Boston Swan Boa...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Couroc Serving Tray with Bird Design, USA, 1960
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey California cat design barware serving tray.
Bakelite
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Native American Tray
By Jonathan Adler, The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and colorful materials depicting a Southwestern Vase and a piece of wheat.
Shell, Resin
$275
H 0.75 in W 15.25 in D 10.25 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Inlaid Stone & Metal Masks
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
$350
H 9.5 in W 12 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Stained Wood and Brass Inlaid Macaws
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made of phenolic resin inlaid with brass and stained wood depicting a pair of brightly colored macaws on a branch.
Brass
$425
H 12 in W 18 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray w/ Wood and Brass Inlaid Macaws
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made of phenolic resin inlaid with brass and stained wood depicting a pair of brightly colored macaws on a branch.
Brass
$1,195 / set
H 5.5 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair Couroc Trays & Orange Vintage Plastic Salad Serving Set
By The Couroc Company, Culver Ltd.
Located in Topeka, KS
Culver Glass Company created lavish and opulent cocktail ware from 1939 when founded by Irving Rothenberg through 1996 when they were sold to Moderne Glass Company, Inc; but it is th...
Gold
$300
H 0.75 in W 12.5 in D 18 in
Large Mid-Century Black Resin Tray with Inlaid Sailboats and Lighthouse Motif
By The Couroc Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, rectangular tray by Couroc of Monterey, California with an inlaid sailboat and lighthouse design (circa 1960s).
Brass
Couroc Roadrunner Drinks and Charcuterie Snack Set
By The Couroc Company
Located in Bastrop, TX
An eighteen piece "Roadrunner" set , by Couroc. Monterey, Ca 1960s. Each centering roadrunners of brass and painted details on various inlaid woods within a satin black plastic mater...
Brass
Lidded Box with Bull Detail by Couroc of Monterey
By The Couroc Company
Located in Sacramento, CA
Vintage lidded box with inlaid bull detail manufactured by Couroc of Monterey, California.
Resin
Couroc Inlaid Buddha Hinged Jewelry Trinket Box
By The Couroc Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Signed Couroc of Monterey California inlaid Buddha hinged trinket jewelry box.
Unavailable
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid-20th Century Large Black Lacquer Presidential Coin Inlay Tray by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Signed on the underside, Couroc of Monterey California.
Brass
Various Trays from Couroc Company of Monterey CA, c.1960
Located in New York, NY
Each rectangular tray with various inclusions, depicting a variety of scenes and subjects with a black lacquered finish. Each sold individually. Please email for images of available...
Resin
Tray with Frogs, Couroc, Monterey, California 1960s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tray with frogs. Resin, Couroc, Monterey, California 1960s. Charming whimsical oval tray decorated with frogs.
Resin
Sold
H 0.5 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Tennis-Couroc Resin Midcentury Tray with Tennis-Subject, Love, Set and Match
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Marks: A gold foil label with: Couroc Unique by Couroc, Monterey, California."
Resin, Wood
Couroc of Monterey California Wells Fargo & Co. Utility Dish / Bowl, 1970's
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Couroc of Monterey California Wells Fargo & Co. Utility Dish / Bowl, 1970's.
Resin
Large Couroc Quail and Poppies Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage rectangular resin tray made by Couroc of Monterey, California. Decorated in the center with a quail and California poppies that are outlined by inlaid brass.
Brass
Group of Coin Inlaid Trays by Couroc Great Wall Sculpture
By The Couroc Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of coin inlaid trays, made by Couroc of Monterey California, American, circa 1950s.
Metal
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Inlaid Nautical Motifs
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Inlaid Nautical Motifs
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Bull and Bear
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 9.5 in D 12.5 in
Midcentury Couroc Dancing Frogs Wood and Brass Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A midcentury serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, (1848-1998), The Dancing Frogs pattern, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Finely Crafted and Hand-Inlaid American Midcentury Black Resin Tray by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
A finely crafted and hand-inlaid American midcentury black resin tray by Couroc of Monterey; this charming tray centering inlaid sailboats flanked by a compass and compass rose; all ...
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Finely Crafted and Hand-Inlaid American Midcentury Black Resin Tray by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
A finely crafted and hand-inlaid American midcentury black resin tray by Couroc of Monterey; this charming tray depicting a farmyard without-buildings, a fenced-in field and a hay st...
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Finely Crafted and Hand-Inlaid American Midcentury Black Resin Tray by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
A finely crafted and hand-inlaid American midcentury black resin tray by Couroc of Monterey; this charming tray depicting a wise old owl and chirping bird; all hand-inlaid by master ...
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Wood and Metal Pelican
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Inlaid Stone & Metal Fish
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray with Inlaid Wood and Brass Whale
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid 20th century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from Phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting a whale with a bird perched on its back and the sun in the sky.
Brass
Mid -Century Rocks Glasses with "Mosaic" Fish in Gold and Blue by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of six rocks glasses by Couroc of Monterey - each with a fish in translucent blue enamels with 22k gold detail creating a mosaic effect.
Glass
Sold
H 0.75 in W 12.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Couroc Swimming Fish Image Wood and Brass Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, (1948-1998) – A Fish theme, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 8.5 in D 8.5 in
Mid-Century Couroc Tennis Love Sport Wood and Brass Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern Era serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, (1948-1998) – A Tennis sporting theme, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 12.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Couroc Golf Sport Wood and Brass Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern Era serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, (1948-1998) – A Golf Sporting theme, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Serving Tray, W/ Red, Orange & Yellow Resin and Brass Inlaid Sun
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made of phenolic resin inlaid with red, orange & yellow resin as well as brass, depicting a radiant sun with a face.
Brass
Sold
H 1 in W 15.5 in D 11 in
Whimsical Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Bar Tray with Inlaid Butterflies
By Jonathan Adler, The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting colorful butterflies rare and beautiful tray .
Shell, Resin
Whimsical Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Bar Tray with Inlaid Sea Shells
By Jonathan Adler, The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting colorful sea shells rare and beautiful tray .
Shell, Resin
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray with Inlaid Wood and Seals
By The Couroc Company, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting seals with a bird perched on its head and the sun .
Shell, Resin
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Bar Tray with Inlaid Hot Air Ballons
By Jonathan Adler, The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting hot air ballons rare and beautiful tray .
Shell, Resin
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray with Inlaid Wood Fish Wharf Docks
By Jonathan Adler, The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical mid century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting fish wharf bait tackle docks .
Shell, Resin
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray with Inlaid Wood and Brass Whale
By The Couroc Company, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid 20th century serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, made from phenolic resin and inlaid with wood and brass depicting a whale with a bird perched on its back and the sun in the sky.
Shell, Resin
Midcentury Couroc Tray of Cats, Couroc of Monterey, 1960s-1970s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Midcentury Couroc tray of cats, Couroc of Monterey, 1960s-1970s.
Resin
Couroc Tray with Eagles and American Flag, 1970s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Dimensions: 10 1/2 inch diameter Mark: Moulded "Couroc/ Monterey, California"
Resin
Vintage Couroc of Monterey Money Tree Tray
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern money tree tray by Couroc Monterey California. These serving pieces are handmade by Master Crossman‘s, made from Shell, coins, wood and metals fused into a satin b...
Metal
Sold
H 1 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Tennis Anyone Couroc Tray with Tennis-Subject, Love, Set and Match, circa 1960s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wash with mild soap and water. By Couroc, Monterey, California.".
Resin
Couroc Tray with Frogs, Monterey, California 1970s
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Couroc tray with frogs. Resin, Monterey, California 1970s.
Resin
Sold
H 2 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Vintage Bakelite Trinket Hinged Box Couroc of Monterey, Scottish Terrier Inlaid
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
By Couroc of Monterey/California. The Couroc Company was a Monterey California company that produced many different types and shapes of trays, boxes, ashtrays and glassware from 194...
Bakelite
Sold
H 2.5 in W 11.75 in D 7.75 in
Vintage "Roadrunner" Lidded Black Box by Couroc of Monterey California, 1960
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
By Couroc of Monterey/California. Fantastic vintage condition with wear reflective of its age and use.
Resin
Sold
H 7 in W 6.25 in D 0.25 in
Set of Four Hopi Hummingbird Kachina Snack Trays by Couroc of Monterey
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of Four Hopi Hummingbird Kachina Hand Inlaid Black Snack Trays by Couroc of Monterey, circa 1960s. A captivating set of four Hopi Hummingbird Kachina hand-inlaid black snack tray...
Resin, Lacquer
Sold
H 2.5 in W 11.63 in D 7.63 in
Couroc of Monterey Hinged Bakelite Dresser Top Accessory Box with Owl Inlay
By The Couroc Company
Located in Ferndale, MI
Couroc of Monterey hinged Bakelite dresser top accessory box with owl inlay.
Bakelite
Sold
H 4.13 in Dm 3.25 in
Six Vintage Double Rocks Glasses with Seashell Motif by Couroc of Monterey, CA
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Six double rocks cocktail glasses by Couroc of Monterey with seashells and seaweed in purple and amber enamels with 22k gold.
Glass
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey Black Trays Cats and Butterfly
By The Couroc Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey black trays. One tray with inlaid cats with gold accents.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey Black Trays with Blue Iris
By The Couroc Company
Located in Topeka, KS
This pair of beauties are from Couroc of Monterey. One tray is rectangular, and one is somewhat of an oval.
Resin
Large Couroc Mushrooms Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage rectangular resin tray made by Couroc of Monterey, California. Decorated with the image of mushrooms made of inlaid wood that are outlined by inlaid brass.
Brass
Midcentury Couroc Fish Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in New York, NY
This Couroc tray is a type of decorative tray made by The Couroc Company, which was founded in 1948 by Guthrie Courvoisier and Moira Wallace in Monterey, California.
Shell, Acrylic
Large Couroc Mushroom Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage circular tray by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of satin black phenolic, decorated in the center with mushroom design made of inlaid wood and brass.
Brass
Couroc Tray of Fisherman's Wharf
By The Couroc Company
Located in Downingtown, PA
Dimensions: 18 inches x 12 1/2 inches x 1 inch high. Mark: Impressed Couroc of Monterey/California.
Resin
Vintage Couroc Bird Design Barware Serving Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey California bird design barware serving tray.
Resin
Vintage Couroc Cat Design Barware Serving Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-Century Modern Couroc of Monterey California cat design barware serving tray.
Resin
Vintage Couroc Roadrunner Design Barware Serving Tray, Circa 1960
By The Couroc Company
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Vintage Couroc Roadrunner Design Barware Serving Tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, circa 1960.
Brass
Sold
H 0.88 in W 17.75 in D 12.38 in
Large Mid-Century Black Resin Fisherman's Wharf "Fish" Tray by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Decorative tray by Couroc of Monterey, California with an inlaid decoration of fish-themed buildings along Fisherman's Wharf (shacks, bait and tackle, etc.).
Brass
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray W/ Wood Inlaid Whale and Bird
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage tray by Couroc of Monterey, made of wood inlaid phenolic resin depicting a whale with a shorebird on its back and with the sun above.
Resin, Wood
Sold
H 0.75 in W 12 in D 18 in
Midcentury Couroc Red Hand Number One Wood & Brass Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A midcentury serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California, (1848-1998) – A bold graphic image of a red hand pointing to a number one, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Couroc Phenolic Resin Tray with Inlaid Wood, Resin and Brass Bartender
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-Century Modern phenolic resin serving tray by Couroc of Monterey with wood, colored resin and brass inlaid bartender with a striped shirt, holding a bottle and with two cocktails...
Brass
Mid 20th Century Couroc Rocks Glasses with the Word Drink in Gold
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Eight vintage rocks glasses by California company Couroc of Monterey. Each with the word "DRINK" in 22k gold using a large modernist font with each letter having names of various spi...
Glass
Sold
H 0.75 in W 10.75 in D 15.5 in
Mid-Century Couroc Poodle and Butterfly Shell & Stone Inlay Phenolic Resin Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern Era serving tray by Couroc of Monterey, California (1948-1998) – A Poodle and Butterfly theme, circa 1960s.
Resin
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18 in D 12.5 in
Mid 20th Century Couroc Phenolic Resin Serving Tray, Inlaid Wood and Metal Owl
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage drinks or serving tray made by Couroc of Monterey, CA. Made of phenolic resin, these trays are resistant to damage by water, alcohol and heat.
Resin
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.
Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?
Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.
Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.
Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.
“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate & Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”
Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.
At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.