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Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Table Lamp
Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Table Lamp

Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Table Lamp

Located in Brussels, BE

Fat lava brown ceramic table lamp.

Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase

By Ü Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Beautiful fat lava vase by Ubelacker Keramik with a sort of geometric pattern.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Oversize West German "Fat Lava" Vase
Oversize West German "Fat Lava" Vase

Oversize West German "Fat Lava" Vase

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Highland, IN

Fantastic large West German vase with vivid textural "Fat Lava" glaze by Scheurich. 17.5"h X 8.5"d

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scheurich Fat Lava Extra Large Vase
Scheurich Fat Lava Extra Large Vase

Scheurich Fat Lava Extra Large Vase

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Extra large beautifully decorated fat lava blue and grey vase from the 1970s marked 281-39 W

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

By Dümler & Breiden

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Stunning fat lava hole vase - vibrant orange with crusty thick fat lava glaze in bronze/brown

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

By Dümler & Breiden

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Stunning fat lava hole vase - vibrant orange with crusty thick fat lava glaze in bronze/brown

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Fat Lava Vase

By Dümler & Breiden

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Stunning fat lava vase - dark and light blue with brown, blue and white fat lava glaze According to

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Ubelacker Fat Lava Vase

By Ü Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Beautiful fat lava vase by Ubelacker Keramik with a sort of geometric pattern. Marked with number

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Glazed Chandelier, Germany
Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Glazed Chandelier, Germany

Fat Lava Brown Ceramic Glazed Chandelier, Germany

By OTHR

Located in Rijssen, NL

Mid-century "Fat lava" style chandelier, made in West-Germany around 1960's. The light is made of

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

20th Century French Fat Lava Ceramic Vase
20th Century French Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

20th Century French Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th Century French fat lava ceramic vase features a bold, sculptural form and a richly

Category

20th Century French Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Vase / Pitcher in Fat Lava from Vallauris
Vase / Pitcher in Fat Lava from Vallauris

Vase / Pitcher in Fat Lava from Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Beaune, FR

Lovely pitcher-shaped vase in Fat Lava from Vallauris. Stunning yellow and orange colors. Vase in

Category

20th Century French Vases

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Jug
20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Jug

20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Jug

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th-century German Fat Lava ceramic jug embodies the bold, expressive aesthetic that defined

Category

20th Century Belgian Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Huge Fat Lava West Germany Ceramic Vase 1960s
Huge Fat Lava West Germany Ceramic Vase 1960s

Huge Fat Lava West Germany Ceramic Vase 1960s

Located in Čelinac, BA

Fat Lava Ceramic Vase West Germany 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Nicely colored Fat Lava vase from the Seventies.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Orange and Brown Ceramic Table Lamp
Fat Lava Orange and Brown Ceramic Table Lamp

Fat Lava Orange and Brown Ceramic Table Lamp

Located in Brussels, BE

Fat lava orange and brown ceramic table lamp.

Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Large Fat Lava Vase
Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Large Fat Lava Vase

Mid-Century Dümler & Breiden Large Fat Lava Vase

By Dümler & Breiden

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Stunning fat lava hole vase - vibrant orange with crusty thick fat lava glaze in bronze/brown

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

Seventies Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Nicely colored in orange, brown and black Fat Lava vase from the Seventies.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Vibrant Colored Vases by Scheurich
Fat Lava Vibrant Colored Vases by Scheurich

Fat Lava Vibrant Colored Vases by Scheurich

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Two stunning colored vases from the seventies. Made of ceramic pottery in fat lava optic with

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century European Fat Lava Ceramic Vase
20th Century European Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

20th Century European Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th Century European fat lava ceramic vase features a refined, tapered silhouette paired with

Category

20th Century Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik
Midcentury Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik

Midcentury Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

A vibrant blue with zebra stripes Fat Lava vase by Scheurich Keramik. The stunning vase is hugh and

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Vase
20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

20th Century German Fat Lava Ceramic Vase

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th Century German fat lava ceramic vase embodies the bold color and dramatic texture that

Category

20th Century German Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik
Mid-Century Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik

Mid-Century Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

A vibrant blue and grey Fat Lava vase by Scheurich Keramik. The lava on this vase is quite thick.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Crusty German Fat Lava Pitcher Vase, 1960s
Crusty German Fat Lava Pitcher Vase, 1960s

Crusty German Fat Lava Pitcher Vase, 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Foamy cream and brown German Fat Lava Pitcher, 1960s Made by Scheurich, West Germany. Base is

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic

Carstens Vase Fat Lava, West Germany, circa 1962
Carstens Vase Fat Lava, West Germany, circa 1962

Carstens Vase Fat Lava, West Germany, circa 1962

By Carsten Atelier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Carstens Vase Fat Lava. Glaze in different tones of off whites, copper and brown. Made in West

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern West German Jopeko "Fat Lava" Vase, Pottery
Mid-century Modern West German Jopeko "Fat Lava" Vase, Pottery

Mid-century Modern West German Jopeko "Fat Lava" Vase, Pottery

By Jopeko Keramik

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-century Modern West German Jopeko "Fat Lava" Vase. Pottery Offered for sale is a vintage

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany

Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

A sought after Fat Lava vase by Scheurich Keramik.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany

Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

A sought after Fat Lava vase by Scheurich Keramik.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Fat Lava Vases by Scheurich Keramik
Pair of Fat Lava Vases by Scheurich Keramik

Pair of Fat Lava Vases by Scheurich Keramik

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of small, West German, fat lava vases by Scheurich Keramik feature striking, red and black

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Seventies Large Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Seventies Large Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

Seventies Large Fat Lava Vase by Scheurich Keramik Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Nicely colored in blue and brown drip Fat Lava vase from the Seventies.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Three Mis-Matching Fat Lava Vases, West Germany 1960s
Three Mis-Matching Fat Lava Vases, West Germany 1960s

Three Mis-Matching Fat Lava Vases, West Germany 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Barcelona, ES

Three mis-matching fat lava vases fabricated in West Germany in the 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Vallauris Multicolor Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl or Ashtray
Vallauris Multicolor Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl or Ashtray

Vallauris Multicolor Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl or Ashtray

By Vallauris

Located in Barcelona, ES

Large Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in multicolor glazed ceramic. Beautiful fat lava glazed

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Fat Lava Vase With Handles From Fontaine De Vaucluse France
Fat Lava Vase With Handles From Fontaine De Vaucluse France

Fat Lava Vase With Handles From Fontaine De Vaucluse France

Located in Miami, FL

A good quality French Fat Lava style handled vase. This stunning French Fat Lava style design and

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Charming Large West Germany Flowered Fat Lava Vase
Charming Large West Germany Flowered Fat Lava Vase

Charming Large West Germany Flowered Fat Lava Vase

By West German Pottery

Located in Voorburg, NL

Unique West Germany Fat Lava Vase, hand painted. The vase and the glaze are in perfect condition

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Seventies Fat Lava Vase decor Costa by Ruscha Germany
Seventies Fat Lava Vase decor Costa by Ruscha Germany

Seventies Fat Lava Vase decor Costa by Ruscha Germany

By Ruscha

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

Stunning 70’s vase in blue/green glaze with thick black fat lava stripes by Ruscha Keramik Germany.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Ceramic Vase Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1960s
Fat Lava Ceramic Vase Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1960s

Fat Lava Ceramic Vase Carstens Tönnieshof, Germany, 1960s

By Carstens Tönnieshof

Located in Antwerp, BE

An orange, brown fat lava ceramic vase designed and manufactured in Germany by Carstens in perfect

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

German Fat Lava Vase in Brown Hues, West Germany, 1960s
German Fat Lava Vase in Brown Hues, West Germany, 1960s

German Fat Lava Vase in Brown Hues, West Germany, 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Fat lava vase made in West Germany in 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern Scheurich Keramik Fat Lava Vase, West Germany
Mid-century Modern Scheurich Keramik Fat Lava Vase, West Germany

Mid-century Modern Scheurich Keramik Fat Lava Vase, West Germany

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-century Modern Scheurich Keramik Fat Lava Vase, West Germany Offered for sale is a 1960s bold

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Two 1970s Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ceramic German Jugs
Two 1970s Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ceramic German Jugs

Two 1970s Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ceramic German Jugs

By Roth Keramik, Scheurich Keramik

Located in Aci Castello, IT

Two fat lava ceramic jug hand-crafted in Germany in the seventies. They are in lovely conditions

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vallauris Unglazed Fat Lava Ceramic Flower Shaped Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
Vallauris Unglazed Fat Lava Ceramic Flower Shaped Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s

Vallauris Unglazed Fat Lava Ceramic Flower Shaped Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s

By Vallauris

Located in Barcelona, ES

French Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in unglazed fat lava ceramic. Beautiful fat lava

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Tall Scheurich Keramik Cream & Cocoa Fat Lava Vase, 1970's
Tall Scheurich Keramik Cream & Cocoa Fat Lava Vase, 1970's

Tall Scheurich Keramik Cream & Cocoa Fat Lava Vase, 1970's

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Bainbridge, NY

West German Scheurich Keramik Terraceous Glazed Fat Lava Vase, 1970s. Featuring a hand crafted

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969

Category

20th Century Brutalist Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

German Fat Lava Vase By Dümler & Breiden Polar Collection
German Fat Lava Vase By Dümler & Breiden Polar Collection

German Fat Lava Vase By Dümler & Breiden Polar Collection

By Dümler & Breiden

Located in Brooklyn, NY

German, Fat Lava, art pottery vase by Dümler & Breiden, Polar Collection features an unusual gourd

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Brown and Red Ceramic Wall Light, West-Germany
Fat Lava Brown and Red Ceramic Wall Light, West-Germany

Fat Lava Brown and Red Ceramic Wall Light, West-Germany

By OTHR

Located in Rijssen, NL

'Fat Lava' style ceramic hexagonal wall light with brown and red glaze. Manufactured in West

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Bowl, 1960s
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Bowl, 1960s

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Bowl, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Wall Plaques by Ruscha Keramik, 1970s
Fat Lava Wall Plaques by Ruscha Keramik, 1970s

Fat Lava Wall Plaques by Ruscha Keramik, 1970s

By Ruscha

Located in Rijssen, NL

brown/white clay, red and brown fat lava ornaments.  Dimensions 1: 13.78" (35 cm) x 13.78" (35 cm) 2

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Brown Red Ceramic Table Lamp, Germany
Fat Lava Brown Red Ceramic Table Lamp, Germany

Fat Lava Brown Red Ceramic Table Lamp, Germany

Located in Rijssen, NL

Red brown ceramic wall lights in Fat Lava style. Manufactured by Hustadt Leuchten Keramik, Germany

Category

Mid-20th Century German Space Age Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Vase with Textured Sand Tones, West Germany, 1960s
Fat Lava Vase with Textured Sand Tones, West Germany, 1960s

Fat Lava Vase with Textured Sand Tones, West Germany, 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Fat lava vase with texture sand tones. Made by Scheurich Keramik, West Germany 1960s. Signature

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Red Ceramic Round Wall Light Fat Lava, Denmark 1970
Red Ceramic Round Wall Light Fat Lava, Denmark 1970

Red Ceramic Round Wall Light Fat Lava, Denmark 1970

By OTHR

Located in Rijssen, NL

Spectacular circular ceramic wall light, with beautiful red fat lava accents. Manufactured in

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Vase with White Textured Finish, West Germany, 1960s
Fat Lava Vase with White Textured Finish, West Germany, 1960s

Fat Lava Vase with White Textured Finish, West Germany, 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Fat lava vase with white textured finish by Scheurich Keramik, West Germany, 1960s. Signature stamp

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Fat Lava Brutalist Vase by Scheurich Keramik
Mid-Century Fat Lava Brutalist Vase by Scheurich Keramik

Mid-Century Fat Lava Brutalist Vase by Scheurich Keramik

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

rough fat lava glaze with soft blue/green, yellow and brown. Bit of a brutalist vase. Unique piece.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Fat Lava Red and Black Ceramic German Vase
1970s Fat Lava Red and Black Ceramic German Vase

1970s Fat Lava Red and Black Ceramic German Vase

By Ceramano, Scheurich & Carstens

Located in Aci Castello, IT

are red and black, reflecting the typical palette of Fat Lava ceramics. The vibrant red and the black

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century German Orange Fat Lava Ceramic Table Lamp
20th Century German Orange Fat Lava Ceramic Table Lamp

20th Century German Orange Fat Lava Ceramic Table Lamp

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th Century German orange fat lava ceramic table lamp is a striking example of mid-century

Category

20th Century German Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase, West Germany, 1960s
Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase, West Germany, 1960s

Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase, West Germany, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase from Ruscha, West Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed

Category

20th Century German Brutalist Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Floor Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Floor Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Floor Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof, 1960s

By Carstens Tönnieshof

Located in Hamburg, DE

XXL Mid-Century Modern West German Pottery WGP Fat Lava Floor Vase from Carstens Tönnieshof, 1960s

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

German Fat Lava Vase in Dry Green Tones, West Germany, 1960s
German Fat Lava Vase in Dry Green Tones, West Germany, 1960s

German Fat Lava Vase in Dry Green Tones, West Germany, 1960s

By Scheurich Keramik

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Fat lava vase in dry green tones by Scheurich Keramik. Signature stamp on bottom.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

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Fat Lava For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the fat lava you’re looking for. A fat lava — often made from ceramic, pottery and metal — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer fat lava, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A fat lava is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Arts and Crafts styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made fat lava over the years, but those crafted by Scheurich Keramik, Bay Keramik and Carstens Tönnieshof are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Fat Lava?

Prices for a fat lava can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $78 and can go as high as $2,950, while the average can fetch as much as $622.

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.

Questions About Fat Lava
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Scheurich pottery is the name of earthenware produced by the German manufacturer Scheurich. Its mid-century pieces featuring thick glaze are especially popular among collectors, but the company has manufactured vases, planters and other decorative objects for more than 90 years. You'll find a range of Scheurich pottery on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A fat lava glaze refers to a specific type of very thick, lava-like glaze that were commonly used by West German potteries from 1949-1990. Fat lava is sometimes used as a synonym for all West German pottery, although only some examples have the true fat lava style. Shop a collection of antique fat lava glazed pottery from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    A fat lava vase is a nickname for West Germany pottery. The vases feature very thick flowing glazes. When eBay first came into popularity, German sellers often mistranslated their descriptions, calling the finish fat instead of thick. Collectors soon adopted the term. Shop a variety of fat lava vases on 1stDibs.