Mid-Century American Collection
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Collection (UNITED STATES, ca. 1933–65)
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the pieces on 1stDibs demonstrate, the mid-century modern American period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Recognized Seller Listings
Floral Print Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa of English inspiration, retaining the original dark olive, coral, brown and beige mock-Asian floral print linen upholstery, on straight dark walnut legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Floating Back Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully long, low and deep upholstered sofa having a floating back and an organic sculptural walnut sled base with a floating frontal stretcher. Reupholstery is recommended.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Sofa by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery
Tulip Armchair by Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern dining chair designed by Eero Saarinen. This chair features an upholstered seat on a white enameled cast iron pedestal base. Upholstery varies. Manufactured by K...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Acrylic, Upholstery
Storage Bench by Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A powder blue bench with hinged seat cushion in original stripped upholstery. Interior storage. Includes matching petite pillow.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
X-Chair by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An "X" base slat chair with upholstered leather seat and back pillow.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller.
This is the only clock and was never produced.
Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood
Square Raffia Mirror by Edward Womley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square mahogany wall mirror with a woven raffia boarder.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany, Glass, Raffia
Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dining chair with an upholstered seat and white enameled cast iron pedestal base.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Iron
A Walnut Sideboard by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut server with central compartment having a removable glass-bottom serving tray & one adjustable shelf, flanked by two banks of four drawers over one long drawer all with brass...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
James Mont Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oriental Carved bamboo two door cabinet with a light up top.
Original silver leaf on the bamboo,original open grain ceruse finish over oak.
With Four adjustable shelves
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood
Oceana Series Bowl by Russel Wright
By Russel Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A long rare hand-carved wood bowl with an indented rim, from the "Oceana" series.
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Maple
George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Marshmallow sofa, model 5670
Manufactured by Herman Miller
A great example of an iconic form.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel
Warren Platner Custom Wall Sconce
By Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren Platner Associates architects: Wall sconce. Custom for important commission. Features lift-up. Mirrored polished brass shield with four steel louvers.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass, Steel
Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Wishbone' Armchair
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wood armchair w/original leather webbing, signed
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood, Leather
Drop-Leaf Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany drop-leaf table with ebonized gate-leg base. Measures: Console table depth of 16.5" deep when closed.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A drop-leaf console table opens to seat, six (6) for dining. Set complete with two banquette chairs and four side chairs.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Ash Aniline Red DCM by Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare aniline dyed red ash DCM chair with satin chrome frame. By Herman Miller with original foil tag.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Tambour Door Console by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
A-Frame Armchair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Swivel Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An upholstered swiveling lounge chair in leather with a tilt mechanism on a metal disc base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Headboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Rare Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare woven front credenza with walnut strips interlacing unique rectangular rods. Four (4) drawers with brass pulls over four sliding doors with interior drawers and shelves.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare low Dunbar "Parson's" end table with the original yellow-orange lacquered frame and a black epoxy top with a constellation of random walnut doy inlays.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with a lower shelf and singe drawer on cylindrical dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Magazine Box Low Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with magazine boxes on the ends.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Richard Filipowski Metal Sculpture, "Cube"
By Richard Filipowski
Located in New York, NY
Freestanding cast and hand-collaged sculpture of sulphur bronze and silver by Boston-area artist Richard Filipowski. A densely textured, naturalistic form in the shape of a footed cu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Coffee Table with Faceted Olive Burl Pedestal Base by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table No. 6302G with faceted olive burl pedestal base and thick glass top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1963 (Dunbar metal tag on base).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Glass, Burl
Mr. Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swivelling lounge chair and ottoman for Plycraft having molded walnut shells and bases form fitted with seamless upholstery that is devoid of tufting.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Side Board
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb side board for Calvin-The Irwin collection walnut case, finished on back, walnut body and travertine marble top, accordion folding d...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Travertine
Paul Laszlo Cocktail Table
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Paul Laszlo custom table of dark stained mahogany. Shaped elements joined to form and abstract "H" shape. Thick, curved glass top insets into the structure. Paul Laszlo met...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Open Armchair by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Dark stained mahogany frame with modernist lines and open arms. Cut-out, plunging neckline to upholstered seat back. Up to four of these armchairs are available.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Paul Laszlo Cocktail Table
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Architectural cocktail table by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Dark stained mahogany top floating on two rectangular side supports. Recently refinished and signed on underside.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Paul Laszlo Chair
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Custom designed pull-up chair by Paul Laszlo. Dark stained mahogany frame, with recessed grip detail on the back. Upholstered with wide ribbed teal fabric on seat and back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
William Katavolos Lounge T-Chair for Laverne, 1952
By Laverne International
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare lounge version "T-chair" designed by William Katavolos in 1952. The chair is in great condition with new brown leather sling.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Metal
Donald Deskey Fireplace Set
By Donald Deskey, Bennett Co.
Located in New York, NY
Seven piece fireplace set by Donald Deskey for Bennett. Black iron and polished brass set. Includes fire screen, andirons, fire tools and stand. Andir...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Early Jens Risom Side Chair for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed for Knoll by Jens Risom in 1943. Basket-woven parachute straps.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Birch, Canvas
American Post War Chrome Abstract Lamp
Located in New York, NY
American Post-War Design "Atomic" table lamp with a swirl chrome design supporting 4 sphere shaped lights and resting on a square ebonized cube base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Chrome
Mahogany and Brass Table by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Inlaid brass edged coffee and end table model no. 7012 in mahogany with three drawers by Paul McCobb, American, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Elegant Coffee Coffee Table in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 1940s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Square two-tier coffee table in walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, 1940s (label on bottom). This beautiful clean line coffee table would add to any interior.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503.
Features five drawers one for files.
Modesty panel shows st...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Metal
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503.
Features five drawers one for files.
Modesty panel shows steel reveal details.
(Ten mor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Metal
Pair of Wardrobes in Mahogany and Leather by Harvey Probber 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully outfitted wardrobes/chests of drawers in mahogany, doors with inset leather and brass bands, by Harvey Probber, American 1950s (label in drawer reads "designed by Harvey ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
Table and Stool by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Taliesin Cabinet by Frank Lloyd Wright
By Henredon, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately mahogany "Taliesin" cabinet of rectilinear form resting on a cruciform base having two doors with recessed pulls and expressive encircling Greek key embellishment.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood
End Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An expressive end table in rich walnut having raised and curved tapered side rails connected directly to the legs that support a floating top.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer cabinet in ebonized mahogany, having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Ash Lounge Chair by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid ash lounge chair with adjustable recline and original channeled upholstery
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Ash, Upholstery
Walnut Low Table
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut low table having a long rectangular top with raised end rails resting on a six-legged base with turned legs and stretchers. The legs attach ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Bar Stool by Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed stool having an architectural blackened steel base with a floating chrome footrest supporting a sculptural walnut seat upholstered with thick patinated wove...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Adjustable Wall Lamps by Gilbert Watrous for Heifetz
By Gilbert Watrous, Heifetz
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative, uncommon and spare pair of wall lamps having chromed arms with adjustable lacquered conical shades. The arms are attached to circular patinated steel mounting plates b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
