$375 / item
H 32 in W 17 in D 18 in
1999 Giancarlo Piretti for Krueger International Xylon Chairs in Cherry Beech
By Giancarlo Piretti, Krueger International
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 'Xylon' Chairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Krueger International in 1997. The
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$2,353
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
, Gold Medal IBD); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$2,359
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
, Gold Medal IBD); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$1,946
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
, Gold Medal IBD); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$2,106
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992, two G Mark Awards 1994); and the Torsion seating collection
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Xylon Chair by Giancarlo Piretti
By Giancarlo Piretti, Krueger International
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
This Xylon chair by Giancarlo Piretti for Krueger International features an articulating backrest
Beech, Plywood
1970s Giancarlo Piretti “Alky” Chair
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Pasadena, TX
system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992, two G Mark Awards 1994); and the Torsion Seating Collection (1995-6, G
Chrome
Sold
H 32.19 in W 15.5 in D 15.75 in
Dining Chair, Mid Century Modern, Piretti Xylon Bent Plywood Seat
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Oakville, CT
Original, Mid-Century Modern, Piretti Xylon bent plywood chair with cast aluminum spring back
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 32.19 in W 15.5 in D 15.75 in
Dining Chair, Mid-Century Modern, Piretti Xylon Bent Plywood Seat
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Oakville, CT
Original, Mid-Century Modern, Piretti Xylon bent plywood dining or side chair with cast aluminum
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 30.32 in W 22.05 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Vintage Italian DSC 106 Side Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Castelli
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of two DSC 106 chairs was designed by Giancarla Piretti for the Italian Castelli in 1965
Metal
Sold
H 32.19 in W 15.5 in D 15.75 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Piretti Xylon Bent Plywood Dining Chairs
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Oakville, CT
Original, Mid-Century Modern, Piretti Xylon bent plywood dining or side chair with cast aluminium
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 32.19 in W 15.5 in D 15.75 in
Set of 10 Mid-Century Modern Piretti Xylon Bent Plywood Dining Chairs
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Oakville, CT
Original, Mid-Century Modern, Piretti Xylon bent plywood dining or side chair with cast aluminum
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 18 in D 20 in
Set of Giancarlo Piretti Xylon Dining Stacking Chairs for Krueger International
By Giancarlo Piretti, KI Krueger International
Located in Lafayette, IN
The "Xylon" stacking chair designed by the renowned Giancarlo Piretti for Krueger International
Aluminum, Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992, two G Mark Awards
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
, Gold Medal IBD); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" Blue Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
, Gold Medal IBD); Planto coat rack (1972); the system 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Giancarlo Piretti "Plona" Chairs for Castelli, Italy, 1970
By Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Wilnis, UT
); the System 61 modular sofa system (1973); Xylon Chair (1992, two G Mark Awards 1994); and the Torsion
Chrome, Metal
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
Solid Wood Side Table
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Wooden side table in solid wood with an oiled finish. Designed by Project 213A in 2020 This sculptural side table is hand carved by local artisans in Portugal using solid chestnut...
Chestnut
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s
By Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s. Cm 32,00 x 87,00 x 87,00. Walnut Wood. Good conditions!
Walnut
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$1,274 / item
H 31.11 in W 18.12 in D 22.05 in
Mid-century Cesca chair designed by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-century Cesca chair designed by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, Italy, 1960s This elegant Cesca chair, created by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in the 1960s, is a fine example ...
Steel
Jorge Zalszupin, Side Table, Cavuina, Formica, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A caviuna wood, metal and white formica side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced for Hotel Nacional, 1960s. With a metal plate indicating the commission. Dimensions: 29...
Formica, Wood
$6,450 / set
H 32.88 in W 78.75 in D 63.19 in
Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Set with Table, Bench, Set of Chairs
By Rainer Daumiller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of a dining table, bench, and pair of chairs, solid beech, Scandinavia, 1980s This expansive dining room set is a rare find, distinguished by its exceptio...
Beech
Italian Desk from the 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1960s the desk also features chrome tubular legs. Italian desk from the late 1960s characterize by the sleek and modern aesthetic. Second height 24.7 from the floor ...
Chrome
$1,883 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Set of 4 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 4 original and signed "Plia" pink lucite folding chairs. NOS (new old Stock) This fantastic set was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. PLIA, the symbol of a n...
Steel, Chrome
$4,707 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.48 in
Set of 12 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 12 original and signed "Plia" pink lucite folding chairs. NOS (new old Stock) This fantastic set was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. PLIA, the symbol of a...
Steel, Chrome
Sold|$2,270
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Champignon High Side Table with Travertino Romano Marble Base by Morica Design
By Morica Design
Located in Milan, IT
This exquisite table exudes timeless elegance with its meticulously crafted Travertino Romano marble base, featuring a matte open-pore finish and a genuine Cognac leather buckle. The...
Marble
$7,603 / item
H 39.38 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
Parchment, Brass and Glass Table Lamp by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ventola table lamp by the artist Diego Mardegan exclusively for Glustin Luminaires. Beautiful two ways shade made of a brass structure, parchemin paper and waxed fabric hold by an...
Brass
Custom Round Mohair Velvet Ottoman with Oak Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in a mustar...
Oak, Mohair, Velvet
$1,887 / set
H 21.66 in W 24.02 in D 35.83 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century-Modern Lounge Chairs in Ochre Boucle, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Modules can be used as a modular sofa or modular seating set. Beautiful and unique shape. A 1970 design and p...
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set in Cognac Leatherette
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, leatherette, mirrored glass, plastic, brass, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1968 Outstanding Italian dressing table designe...
Metal, Brass
$3,490 / item
H 16.93 in W 46.46 in D 14.18 in
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Mohair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Velvet, Oak
Giancarlo Piretti was born in Bologna, Italy, in 1940. He attended art schools there and subsequently taught Interior Design. During that time, he was also designing furniture for Anonima Castelli. He has won numerous awards and has items in many museums, including MoMA, New York. He still lives and works in Bologna with his son, designer Alessandro Piretti.
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.