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Mid Century Modern Bar Stool with Red Vinyl Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Bar Stool with Red Vinyl Upholstery

Mid Century Modern Bar Stool with Red Vinyl Upholstery

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern bar stool came from the famous Vic’s Italian Restaurant in Bradley Beach on

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Vinyl Stool (single)
Mid-Century Vinyl Stool (single)

Mid-Century Vinyl Stool (single)

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Single bar stool in black vinyl leather on a strong metal frame. Seats swivel with a bucket style

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Black Vinyl Bar Stools
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Black Vinyl Bar Stools

Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Black Vinyl Bar Stools

By Admiral Chrome Corporation

Located in Freehold, NJ

This set of four mid century modern bar stools feature original black vinyl upholstery, swivel seat

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Mid-Century Style Chrome and Vinyl Bar Stools
Pair of Mid-Century Style Chrome and Vinyl Bar Stools

Pair of Mid-Century Style Chrome and Vinyl Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of unique vintage bar stools features a truly unique modern style with comfortable

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Bentwood Bar Stool in Ivory Lacquer with Ivory Vinyl Seat
Mid-Century Bentwood Bar Stool in Ivory Lacquer with Ivory Vinyl Seat

Mid-Century Bentwood Bar Stool in Ivory Lacquer with Ivory Vinyl Seat

Located in Chicago, IL

These mid-century barstools belonged to a wealthy family that entertained often. They were placed

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Black Vinyl Upholstery Bamboo Bar Stools Mid Century Modern MINT
Set of 3 Black Vinyl Upholstery Bamboo Bar Stools Mid Century Modern MINT

Set of 3 Black Vinyl Upholstery Bamboo Bar Stools Mid Century Modern MINT

By Ficks Reed, Franco Albini, McGuire

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Set of 3 Black Vinyl Upholstery Bamboo Bar Stools Mid Century Modern MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan

Pair of Vintage Bar Stools in Lucite and Vinyl
Pair of Vintage Bar Stools in Lucite and Vinyl

Pair of Vintage Bar Stools in Lucite and Vinyl

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning pair of mid-century bar stools combine lucite frames and backs with white vinyl seats

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This sleek pair of mid-century modern bar stools strike the quintessential retro modern silhouette

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Vintage Swivel Bar Stools 1970s
Mid-Century Vintage Swivel Bar Stools 1970s

Mid-Century Vintage Swivel Bar Stools 1970s

Located in Baltimore, MD

A beautiful set of four mid-century modern bar stools circa 1970s. Each with a high back, padded

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery

Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning set of four vintage modern bar stools feature a backless seat and a chrome base with

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools
Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools

Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools

$1,680Sale Price / set|30% Off

Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools

Located in Sheffield, MA

Set of 3 stylish deco style bamboo and caned vintage bar stools with vinyl padded seat cushions

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Hollywood Regency Stools

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Swivel Bar Stools, Circa 1970s
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Swivel Bar Stools, Circa 1970s

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Swivel Bar Stools, Circa 1970s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A stunning pair of vintage mid-century modern bar stools, likely by designers such as John Yellen

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Walnut Swivel Bar Stools, c1960s
Mid Century Modern Walnut Swivel Bar Stools, c1960s

Mid Century Modern Walnut Swivel Bar Stools, c1960s

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Add timeless sophistication to your space with this pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern bar stools

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Bar Stools
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Bar Stools

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful pair of Danish modern bar stools feature a teak frame with sled legs. Unique design

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Pink Bar Stool By Daystrom And Knoll
Mid-Century Modern Pink Bar Stool By Daystrom And Knoll

Mid-Century Modern Pink Bar Stool By Daystrom And Knoll

By Daystrom Furniture, Knoll

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-Century Modern bar stools by Daystrom. Newly powder-coated in pink and simi-orange vintage MCM

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Set of Three Mid Century Swivel Bar Stools by Tropi- Cal
Set of Three Mid Century Swivel Bar Stools by Tropi- Cal

Set of Three Mid Century Swivel Bar Stools by Tropi- Cal

By Tropi-cal

Located in New York, NY

Set of three mid century swivel bar stools, made by Tropi-Cal. The stools feature angular woven

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 3 Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Red Vinyl Upholstered "Caribe" Bar Stools
Set of 3 Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Red Vinyl Upholstered "Caribe" Bar Stools

Set of 3 Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Red Vinyl Upholstered "Caribe" Bar Stools

By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 3 Mid-Century (1950/60s) finished metal and burgundy vinyl upholstered "Caribe" bar stools

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

3 MCM Samsonite Black Vinyl Faux Leather & Chrome Bar Counter Stools Adjustable
3 MCM Samsonite Black Vinyl Faux Leather & Chrome Bar Counter Stools Adjustable

3 MCM Samsonite Black Vinyl Faux Leather & Chrome Bar Counter Stools Adjustable

By Samsonite

Located in Topeka, KS

Lovely vintage mid-century modern Samsonite black vinyl faux leather & chrome bar or counter stools

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Gothic Style Swivel Bar Stools - Set of 3
Mid-Century Modern Gothic Style Swivel Bar Stools - Set of 3

Mid-Century Modern Gothic Style Swivel Bar Stools - Set of 3

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

Striking set of three 1970s gothic style swivel bar stools featuring sculptural black vinyl seats

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Stamford, CT

A set of four mid-century Mayan sun face back iron bar stools by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Wrought Iron, 1960
Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Wrought Iron, 1960

Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Wrought Iron, 1960

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Stamford, CT

The swinging 1960s! Two 1960s wrought iron stools by Arthur Umanoff, Rye and Gin with orange vinyl

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Riazór, Counter Stools, Metal, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s
Riazór, Counter Stools, Metal, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s

Riazór, Counter Stools, Metal, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A set of three black-lacquered metal and off-white vinyl counter stools or bar stools produced by

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Vintage C1950 Tall High Back Bar Stools Original Naughahyde
Mid Century Vintage C1950 Tall High Back Bar Stools Original Naughahyde

Mid Century Vintage C1950 Tall High Back Bar Stools Original Naughahyde

Located in Port Jervis, NY

All original vintage vinyl material in overall excellent condition with a couple of minor blemishes

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Steel

Danish Modern Bar Stools in the style of Hans Wegner Mid Century Pair
Danish Modern Bar Stools in the style of Hans Wegner Mid Century Pair

Danish Modern Bar Stools in the style of Hans Wegner Mid Century Pair

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Curvaceous Danish Modern Bar Stools, Denmark, circa 1960s. They are constructed of teak

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rush, Wood, Teak

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Counter or Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff C1965
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Counter or Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff C1965

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Counter or Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff C1965

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Beautiful pair of bar and or counter stools by Arthur Umanoff. And they Swivel! We have the

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Vinyl Swivel Barstools
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Vinyl Swivel Barstools

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Vinyl Swivel Barstools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

. Textured designs in vinyl add to the Mid-Century style of the set, while flared leg bases with metal

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Iron Bar Stools by Clifford Pascoe
Vintage Iron Bar Stools by Clifford Pascoe

Vintage Iron Bar Stools by Clifford Pascoe

By Clifford Pascoe, Modernmasters Inc., Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Take home a wonderful example of authentic American Mid-Century Modern design with these endlessly

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Postmodern Lucite Bar Stools set of Four
Postmodern Lucite Bar Stools set of Four

Postmodern Lucite Bar Stools set of Four

$4,797Sale Price / set|40% Off

Postmodern Lucite Bar Stools set of Four

Located in Van Nuys, CA

vinyl seat pad. Elevate your home bar or kitchen with our set of 4 Lucite bar stools. These sleek and

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair
Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair

Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

rattan bar stools. Expertly handcrafted, these stools feature intricately woven wicker backrests and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Retro Modern Swivel Bar Stools- Set of Six
Retro Modern Swivel Bar Stools- Set of Six

Retro Modern Swivel Bar Stools- Set of Six

Located in Trenton, NJ

mid-century energy into their home, this set of six stools is an unbeatable combination of function

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

MCM Stool with Round Colorful Vinyl Seat & Brass Plated Steel Asymmetric Base
MCM Stool with Round Colorful Vinyl Seat & Brass Plated Steel Asymmetric Base

MCM Stool with Round Colorful Vinyl Seat & Brass Plated Steel Asymmetric Base

Located in Topeka, KS

Wonderful vintage mid-century modern stool with its original colorful round vinyl or faux leather

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage John Behringer Stendig Chrome Modern Prometheus Bar Stools - Set of 3
Vintage John Behringer Stendig Chrome Modern Prometheus Bar Stools - Set of 3

Vintage John Behringer Stendig Chrome Modern Prometheus Bar Stools - Set of 3

By Stendig Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage John Behringer for Stendig Chrome Modern Prometheus Bar Stools - Set of 3. Item features (3

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair

Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Bar Stools - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

and even eclectic Mid-Century Modern. Seize the opportunity to introduce a touch of iconic '70s style

Category

Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Set of Five Contemporary Modern Industrial Style Bar Stools
Set of Five Contemporary Modern Industrial Style Bar Stools

Set of Five Contemporary Modern Industrial Style Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous set of five Mid-Century Modern style bar stools feature a unique bent rod metal frame

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Set of Three Vintage Modern Swivel Bar Stools
Set of Three Vintage Modern Swivel Bar Stools

Set of Three Vintage Modern Swivel Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish retro set of vintage modern bar stools feature vinyl swivel seats, sturdy metal frames

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Lucite Swivel Bar Stools Attributed to Hill Manufacturing, a Pair
Lucite Swivel Bar Stools Attributed to Hill Manufacturing, a Pair

Lucite Swivel Bar Stools Attributed to Hill Manufacturing, a Pair

By Hill Manufacturing

Located in Miami, FL

Lucite swivel bar stools attributed to Hill Manufacturing, a pair Offered for sale is a pair of

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Italian Bamboo Bar or Counter Stools 29.5" height
Pair of Italian Bamboo Bar or Counter Stools 29.5" height

Pair of Italian Bamboo Bar or Counter Stools 29.5" height

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of sculptural bamboo bar or counter stools, Italy, circa 1960s. They have recently been

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan

Custom Order Lucite Bar or Counter Stool with Upholstered Seats
Custom Order Lucite Bar or Counter Stool with Upholstered Seats

Custom Order Lucite Bar or Counter Stool with Upholstered Seats

By Iconic Design Gallery

Located in Miami, FL

Custom Made Lucite Bar or Counter Stool with Upholstered Seat, Made to Order Offered for sale is a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Lucite

Charles Hollis Jones "Mathis" Swivel Bar Stools in Polished Brass
Charles Hollis Jones "Mathis" Swivel Bar Stools in Polished Brass

Charles Hollis Jones "Mathis" Swivel Bar Stools in Polished Brass

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of four "Mathis" bar stools with a swivel mechanism designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Mid Century Bamboo Swivel Stools  Ashcraft Heywood Wakefield c 1950s
Set of Four Mid Century Bamboo Swivel Stools  Ashcraft Heywood Wakefield c 1950s

Set of Four Mid Century Bamboo Swivel Stools Ashcraft Heywood Wakefield c 1950s

By Heywood-Wakefield Co.

Located in New York, NY

, normal and consistent with age. Difficult to find a set of four mid century vintage stools still intact

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Set of 3 John Salterini Midcentury Italian Faux Bamboo Frame Bar Stools
Set of 3 John Salterini Midcentury Italian Faux Bamboo Frame Bar Stools

Set of 3 John Salterini Midcentury Italian Faux Bamboo Frame Bar Stools

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 3 Mid-Century Italian faux bamboo frame bar stools with yellow vinyl upholstered seats, low

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 6  Frederick Weinberg Wrought Iron "Hairpin" Leg, Swivel Seat Bar Stools
Set of 6  Frederick Weinberg Wrought Iron "Hairpin" Leg, Swivel Seat Bar Stools

Set of 6 Frederick Weinberg Wrought Iron "Hairpin" Leg, Swivel Seat Bar Stools

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 6 Mid-Century American wrought iron "hairpin" leg, swivel seat bar stools with upholstered

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Sculptural Black Wrought Iron and Persimmon Bar Stools
Set of Four Sculptural Black Wrought Iron and Persimmon Bar Stools

Set of Four Sculptural Black Wrought Iron and Persimmon Bar Stools

Located in Chicago, IL

Refinished in a black satin enamel, these unusual iron bar stools consist of skeletal conical

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brandt Ranch Oak Bar Stool Acorn Brown Finish & Black-Brown Faux Leather Seat
Brandt Ranch Oak Bar Stool Acorn Brown Finish & Black-Brown Faux Leather Seat

Brandt Ranch Oak Bar Stool Acorn Brown Finish & Black-Brown Faux Leather Seat

By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture

Located in Topeka, KS

-20th century.     Such an awesome bar stool by A. Brandt!! This stool is comprised of rustic solid

Category

20th Century American Rustic Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Barstool
Mid-Century Modern Barstool

Mid-Century Modern Barstool

By Admiral Chrome Corporation

Located in Trenton, NJ

This vintage swivel stool embodies the minimalist ingenuity of mid-century design. The contoured

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Set of 3 Charles Hollis Jones “Sinatra” Solid Brass Swivel Bar Stools, USA 1960s
Set of 3 Charles Hollis Jones “Sinatra” Solid Brass Swivel Bar Stools, USA 1960s

Set of 3 Charles Hollis Jones “Sinatra” Solid Brass Swivel Bar Stools, USA 1960s

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Angeles glamour, making these stools well suited for Hollywood Regency, mid-century modern, modern, and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Restored Rattan Bar Stools with Hour Glass Seat Back, Set of 6
Restored Rattan Bar Stools with Hour Glass Seat Back, Set of 6

Restored Rattan Bar Stools with Hour Glass Seat Back, Set of 6

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired set of six, single-strand rattan bar stools with

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

1960s Danish Modern Vinyl & Teak Barstool -Set of 4
1960s Danish Modern Vinyl & Teak Barstool -Set of 4

1960s Danish Modern Vinyl & Teak Barstool -Set of 4

Located in North Hollywood, CA

functional form ideal for bar or counter seating Ready to elevate your space with authentic mid-century

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

3-Piece Umanoff Bar and Stool Set
3-Piece Umanoff Bar and Stool Set

3-Piece Umanoff Bar and Stool Set

$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off

3-Piece Umanoff Bar and Stool Set

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in New York, NY

Very chic and stylish bar and stool set comprised of 2 stools and a round bar. The bar has a mesh

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Iron

1970's Chromcraft Standing Bar & Four Stools
1970's Chromcraft Standing Bar & Four Stools

1970's Chromcraft Standing Bar & Four Stools

$1,815Sale Price / set|44% Off

1970's Chromcraft Standing Bar & Four Stools

By Chromcraft

Located in Hanover, MA

Vintage 1970's standing bar and four high chair bar stools by Chromcraft. Bar is chromed steel

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Swivel Barstools Attr. Arthur Umanoff- Set of 4
Mid-Century Swivel Barstools Attr. Arthur Umanoff- Set of 4

Mid-Century Swivel Barstools Attr. Arthur Umanoff- Set of 4

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Trenton, NJ

swivel bar stools attributed to Arthur Umanoff has you covered. These pieces bring a compelling mix of

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Thonet Bauhaus White Vinyl & Chrome Model SS33 Cantilever Barstool Anton Lorenz
Thonet Bauhaus White Vinyl & Chrome Model SS33 Cantilever Barstool Anton Lorenz

Thonet Bauhaus White Vinyl & Chrome Model SS33 Cantilever Barstool Anton Lorenz

By Anton Lorenz, Thonet

Located in Topeka, KS

design! It is the perfect stool for your kitchen, bar, or rec room whether you live in a Bauhaus or mid

Category

20th Century American Bauhaus Stools

Materials

Chrome

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Vinyl Mid Century Bar Stool For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the vinyl mid century bar stool you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A vinyl mid century bar stool — often made from metal, wood and fabric — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the vinyl mid century bar stool you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right vinyl mid century bar stool, those designed in Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made vinyl mid century bar stool over the years, but those crafted by Alston, Johannes Andersen and Artifort are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Vinyl Mid Century Bar Stool?

A vinyl mid century bar stool can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,182, while the lowest priced sells for $275 and the highest can go for as much as $5,850.

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

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.

Finding the Right Stools for You

Stools are versatile and a necessary addition to any living room, kitchen area or elsewhere in your home. A sofa or reliable lounge chair might nab all the credit, comfort-wise, but don’t discount the roles that good antique, new and vintage stools can play.

“Stools are jewels and statements in a space, and they can also be investment pieces,” says New York City designer Amy Lau, who adds that these seats provide an excellent choice for setting an interior’s general tone. 

Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces, even if we’re talking about a stool that is far less sculptural than the gracefully curving molded plywood shells that make up Sōri Yanagi’s provocative Butterfly stool

Fawn Galli, a New York interior designer, uses her stools in the same way you would use a throw pillow. “I normally buy several styles and move them around the home where needed,” she says.

Stools are smaller pieces of seating as compared to armchairs or dining chairs and can add depth as well as functionality to a space that you’ve set aside for entertaining. For a splash of color, consider the Stool 60, a pioneering work of bentwood by Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto. It’s manufactured by Artek and comes in a variety of colored seats and finishes.

Barstools that date back to the 1970s are now more ubiquitous in kitchens. Vintage barstools have seen renewed interest, be they a meld of chrome and leather or transparent plastic, such as the Lucite and stainless-steel counter stool variety from Indiana-born furniture designer Charles Hollis Jones, who is renowned for his acrylic works. A cluster of barstools — perhaps a set of four brushed-aluminum counter stools by Emeco or Tubby Tube stools by Faye Toogood — can encourage merriment in the kitchen. If you’ve got the room for family and friends to congregate and enjoy cocktails where the cooking is done, consider matching your stools with a tall table.

Whether you need counter stools, drafting stools or another kind, explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage stools on 1stDibs.