Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bookcase with wooden slatted structure with shelves and storage module, 1960. In good condition, with patina consistent with age and use. Origin: Italy
Metal
Mid-Century Walnut Freestanding Bookcase Storage Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century walnut shelving unit features 5 levels of storage, including 3 levels of shelf space and 2 enclosed storage spaces, one of which has a locking drop door.
Metal
Mid Century Modern storage unit by Amma, Italy.
By Amma
Located in London, GB
Large modulable shelving unit in palisander with white lacquered uprights by Amma, Italy 1962. There is a box to the right hand side which opens upwards and a section below comprisin...
Hardwood
Mid-Century A.R. Cordemeyer Industrial Storage Unit, Gray Enameled Metal
By Gispen, A.R. Cordemeijer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The gray enamel finish and exposed hardware exemplify the honest materiality valued in Mid-Century industrial design. The central cabinet with chrome handle provides concealed storag...
Metal
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
By Milo Baughman, Century Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
Burl
Pine Storage Unit on Plinth
Located in London, GB
This Danish pine modular shelving unit offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution. Crafted from solid pine, and set on a plinth stand, this unit showcases a warm, organic...
Pine
$8,758 / set
Small 1950's ash storage units
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of small ash storage units with perforated and lacquered wooden sliding doors, brass tracks and knobs, and internal shelves. Italian manufacture, ca. 1955.
Ash
Pine Storage Unit with Drawers
Located in London, GB
This Danish pine modular shelving unit offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution. Crafted from solid pine, with additional pull out drawers, this unit showcases a warm, ...
Pine
Luciano Frigerio, Large and Unique Storage Unit
By Luciano Frigerio
Located in Milano, IT
Luciano Frigerio (1928-1999) Large and unique storage unit with three-door front made of solid brass with shaped brass frame. Dark wood structure. Manufactured by Frigerio & circa 19...
Brass
Large Mid 20th Century Luigi Scremin Italian Wall Unit
By Luigi Scremin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous Mid Century, Large wall cabinet by Luigi Scremin bought at auction in Italy. Came from Italian estate in Milan. Designed with lacquered metal, wood and Formica. Grissinato w...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Shelving Unit by Domino Mobler
By Domino Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden shelving system produced by the Danish company Domino Møbler, one of the major manufacturers of Danish modernist furniture, which combines minimalist lines with natural wood. ...
Wood
$3,230 / item
Chapman Credenza Storage Unit Maple Navy
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
$1,890 / item
Chapman Double Unit Storage Cabinet Maple Gold
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Television Cupboard Stand Media Unit / Storage in Walnut
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely stunning inlaid TV storage cupboard in the style of a Georgian figured walnut and boxwood inlaid chest of drawers, nicely antiqued with...
Brass
Mid Century Teak Corner Unit, 1960s
By Greaves and Thomas
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak corner cabinet possibly by Greaves & Thomas, circa 1960's The corner cabinet features a curved front and a shelf to the top and inside This would be a perfect ...
Teak
1940's Light oak storage unit with slatted doors
By Casa e Giardino
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2857 Light oak storage unit with slatted doors and a decorative wave motif. Italian manufacture, circa 1940s.
Walnut
$3,230 / item
Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
$3,230 / item
Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Chapman Double Unit Storage Cabinet Walnut Rose Copper
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Vintage Mid Century Modern Architects shelving unit
By George Nelson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
From well known mid century modern architect's Pittsburgh studio, this minimalist shelving unit features a combination of solid walnut shelves, grooved walnut shelves and walnut slat...
Steel
$19,269 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit cr...
Aluminum
$19,269 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit creat...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
IMid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Wood
Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi 'Comodo' Versatile Storage Unit
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Versatile storage unit designed by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi in 1988. Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could b...
Wood
$21,506 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso storage unit, reissued by Cassina, is a true work of art that reflects the designer's impeccable taste and sense of style. Originally designed in ...
Aluminum
$19,269 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit creat...
Aluminum
Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi 'Comodo' Versatile Storage Unit
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Versatile storage unit designed by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi in 1988. Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could b...
Wood
$19,269 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit cr...
Aluminum
$20,437 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit cr...
Aluminum
$19,269 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit cr...
Aluminum
$1,088 / item
Pine Storage Unit 75 x 75 x 40 cm
Located in London, GB
This set of Danish pine modular shelving units offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution. Crafted from solid pine, these units showcase a warm, organic wood grain with n...
Pine
Pine Storage Unit 70 x 70 x 33 cm
Located in London, GB
This set of Danish pine modular shelving units offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution. Crafted from solid pine, these units showcase a warm, organic wood grain with n...
Pine
Italian Mid-Century Bar Cabinet/ Wall Unit
Located in North Miami, FL
This rich and warm walnut wall cabinet can be used as a bar with interior shelving and shelving space above. Two wonderful enameled metal panels to the front which are original.
Enamel
$2,150 / item
Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A modular wall unit by Stanley featuring walnut veneer cabinets and drawer fronts supported by silver metal frames with adjustable shelves and cabinets. The unit combines an upper ca...
Aluminum
Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Maple Brassy Gold
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Rose Copper
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Storage unit with front in grinded wood
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2463 Storage unit with front in grinded wood and two drop-down shelves with interiors in blond maple and a ground glass top. Two drawers and elegant feet with brass tips. Itali...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern teak highboard wall unit byTurnidge of London
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Mid-Century Modern teak highboard wall unit dating from the 1960s by British manufacturer Turnidge of London.
Teak
Square Kartell Componibili Storage Unit Model 4970 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Square modular storage unit designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell in Italy during the 1960s. The piece belongs to the Componibili system and corresponds to the cubic model 4...
Plastic
Charles & Ray Eames ESU 400 Storage Unit, 1994 USA
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Eames storage unit for Herman Miller made in 1994. Great colors and designs on plywood.
Steel
Kim Moltzer Storage Unit In Lacquered Wood, Brass, Smoked Glass 1970
By Kim Moltzer
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Kim MOLTZER storage unit circa 1970 lacquered wood and brass, opening with 2 doors and three drawers in lacquered wood, brass structure, boxes with smoked glass doors at the top, goo...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Bookcase or Wall Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This impressive Mid-Century Modern wall unit boasts natural wood finish and spacious storage options add to the appeal of this stunning piece.
Wood
French Oak Mid-Century Bobbin Shelving Unit
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This shelving unit was made around the 1970s in France. It is made from oak and oak veneer and features 6 shelves. The unit is adjustable so you can decide which height you prefer. I...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s
Wood
$525Sale Price|50% Off
Danish Modern Teak Shelving Unit with Vertical Record Storage
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish Modern teak shelving unit features pressed wood construction, teak veneer with original finish, two adjustable shelves up top, vertical record storage and opened shelving...
Teak
Four Door Pierre Jeanneret Cabinet / Storage Unit PJ-R-14-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A solid teak storage unit by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project, circa 1958. Model PJ-R-14-A This example is a survivor. Solid wood construction with inset aluminum-backed ...
Teak
Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974
By Alain Richard
Located in Skokie, IL
Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974 Materials: rosewood, aluminum, laminate Dimensions: 27.5" h x 41.5" w x 19.5" d
Aluminum
Mid-Century Adjustable Shelving Unit with Sliding Glass Doors Made in Romania
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stackable shelving unit, built in Romania during the mid-20th century. Each shelf is wall mountable and easily added or removed from the stack. All shelves feature two sliding glass ...
Glass, Wood
Poul Hundevad Rosewood Sideboard Credenza Storage Unit Denmark MCM 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This minimalist low-profile credenza features a streamlined rectangular frame supported by dark tapered legs. The double hinged doors swing open wide to reveal internal storage compa...
Rosewood
Vintage Industrial Ball Joint Pipe Shelving Storage Unit Rack Bookcase
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Industrial steel pipe shelving unit with steel poles and cast iron ball joints.
Metal, Steel, Iron
Italian / Dutch Design Derk Jan De Vries, Samara Storage Unit – 1970s
By Maisa
Located in Renens, CH
The Samara storage unit was designed by Dutch-born Derk Jan de Vries, who relocated to Italy in the 1960s. There, he collaborated with the small Milanese manufacturer Maisa di Seveso...
Glass, Ash
Faux Bamboo Arch Top Mid Century Modern Etagere Shaving Wall Unit Mid Century
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Faux Bamboo Arch Top Mid Century Modern Etagere Shaving Wall Unit Mid Century
Metal
Wooden Storage Unit "Archimede" by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina, 1962
By Dino Gavina
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Modular furniture "Archimede" designed by Hirozi Fukuoh and produced by Gavina in 1962. These are storage units in veneered paniforte with load-bearing structures in solid wood, maxi...
Iron
1970s mid century shelf unit / room divider by Schreiber
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Founded in 1957 by Chaim Schreiber, Schreiber furniture is an interesting British success story. The Company was one of the biggest names in furniture in the 70s, rivalling G Plan ...
Formica, Beech
"Archimede" modular wooden storage unit / sideboard by Hirozi Fukuoh, 1962
By Gavina
Located in Argelato, BO
The Archimede sideboard is an icon of mid-century modern design, designed by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina in the 1960s. Crafted from solid rosewood and veneered with rosewood veneer, it ...
Brass
Hand-Crafted Mid-Century Modern Open Shelving Unit, 1970s
Located in Round Top, TX
A striking example of 1970s studio craftsmanship, this sculptural open shelving unit embodies the era’s reverence for material honesty and architectural form. Executed entirely in ra...
Wood
Center storage unit by G. Malacrida and P. Resmini, modular bookshelf, 1970s
By Malacrida and Co.
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Double-Sided Storage Unit - G. Malacrida & P. Resmini, 1970s This rare modular storage unit, designed by Milanese architects G. Malacrida and P. Resmini in the 1970s, stands...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Desk Corner Storage Unit
Located in Pasadena, CA
Teak corner storage desk Mid-Century Modern unit with curved front, Netherlands, 1960s.
Unavailable
H 16.93 in W 31.5 in D 75.99 in
Bespoke Mid-Century Danish Design Teak Seceretaire Dry Bar Storage Unit
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
It is without doubt that the Danish designers of the Mid-Century period were forward thinking and in some respects ahead of their time with their stunning unique designs with organic...
Teak
Danish Style Compact Sideboard Storage Unit
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
In excellent refinished condition, this unit is the ideal side unit or storage unit with four drawers capable of storing a wide variety of items In excellent refinished condition,...
Teak
G Plan Scandi Compact Sideboard Storage Unit
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
This beautifully designed compact unit with its large storage cupboards concealed behind hinged bifold doors is the perfect space for storing a variety of objects and works well as a...
Teak
Mid Century Large Wall Units.
Located in Auckland, AUK
Total size: 370cm Wide * 214cm High This modular wall system can be easily rearranged, or divided into small parts to put into multi rooms. All the shelves and cabinets are adjust...
Wood
Danish Compact Low Teak Sideboard Storage Unit
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
The Danish designers of the midcentury movement brought clean, simple lines to the masses and introduced the world to the wonders of Teak in it’s many guises, stunning grain and rich...
Teak
Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s Wear consistent with age and use / See Photos
Metal
Portwood Teak Mid-Century Sideboard Media Unit
By Portwood Furniture
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
With a central drop down drinks cabinet area surrounded by a spacious cupboards to the side and bank of four drawers above, this gorgeous sideboard offers ample and versatile storage...
Teak
USM Haller System Shelving and Storage Unit
By Usm Haller, Fritz Haller, Paul Schaerer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Name: USM Haller System Designer: Paul Schaerer en Fritz Haller Manufacturer: USM, Switzerland Design year: 1963 Modular, can be reassembled in an other configuration anthra...
Steel, Chrome
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 91.34 in D 16.93 in
Danish Teak Slidedoor Sideboard Media Unit Storage Vintage Retro
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
In excellent refinished condition, this unit is the ideal storage or media unit for any home.
Mid Century Mahogany Display Cabinet Bookshelf, Shelving Unit
Located in London, GB
A mahogany display cabinet or bookshelf. Fully fronted glass sliding doors and wood shelves. Original label on the back made in London.
Glass, Mahogany
Stunning Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit Attributed to Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning wall unit by Vittorio Dasi. Milan, IT c. 1950's. Italian mid century design at its best. An asymmetrical architectural design in two-tone chevron pattern. Center cabinet...
czech mid-century cabinet - shelves wall unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
beech and ash construction with light shellac finish; white laminate; locking cabinets with shelves
Mid-Century Modern Solid Wood Shelving Unit
By Team 7
Located in San Francisco, CA
The craftsmanship of this solid wood wall shelving unit sets it apart from all other designs. This wall unit makes it possible to create elegant, flowing transitions between kitchen,...
Wood, Walnut
Unavailable
H 26.38 in W 75.2 in D 20.08 in
Solid Mahogany Danish Mid-Century Sideboard Media Unit Credenza
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
In excellent original condition, the sideboard is the perfect addition to any serious design and is a rare chance to own a stunning piece of Mid-Century history. The unit measures: ...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Rosewood wall unit/bookcase from Oman Jr
Located in Hudson, NY
Mid-Century Rosewood wall unit/bookcase from Oman Jr
Wood
Unavailable
H 62.6 in W 49.61 in D 18.12 in
G Plan Fresco Teak and Rattan Highboard Sideboard Storage Unit
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
When G Plan hired V B Wilkins, little did they know that he would create what was to become one of the most iconic designs of the 1960s, something that would become a style icon and ...
Rattan, Teak
The Chap - A Mid Century Modern Media/TV Unit
Located in Durban, ZA
Discover the epitome of simplicity and sophistication with our Mid-Century Modern Walnut TV Unit. Crafted from sensuous walnut wood, this piece exudes a distinguished charm that effo...
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Custom American Mid-Century Mahogany Shelving Unit and Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful mahogany and copper custom made shelving unit and planter. Reminiscent of Gilbert Rhode designs for Herman Miller. Wonderfully well built and in exceptional vintage condi...
Copper
Unavailable
H 38 in W 48 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Slat Bench W/ Storage Display Unit for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original and in great original condition. This unit is 34" long and sits on it's original 48" long x 14" tall slat bench.
Glass, Walnut, Wood
Unavailable
H 78 in W 30 in D 16 in
Gorgeous Mid-Century Oak, Cane & Chrome Wall Unit Featuring Adjustable Shelving
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous mid-century oak, cane & chrome wall unit featuring adjustable shelving.
Chrome
Unavailable
H 38 in W 92 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Modular Sideboard Storage Unit Rare for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Allentown, PA
1950s slat bench, desk chest of drawers, and bookcase. Wood, steel Herman Miller George Nelson An original 1950s Herman Miller set in very nice vintage condition, with a great pat...
Hardwood
Unavailable
H 38 in W 56 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Slat Bench with Storage Unit for Herman Miller with Label
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful all original walnut basic storage unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This unit features four drawers and includes a two-door section with the origina...
Walnut, Wood
Unavailable
H 76 in W 96.25 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Freestanding Three Bay Omni Unit by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Marietta, GA
Mid-Century Modern walnut freestanding three bay Omni unit by George Nelson.
Walnut
G Plan Quadrille Teak Six-Drawer Sideboard Storage Unit
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
1965 could be argued as one of the best years for G Plan design with R Bennett creating the stunning Quadrille range of furniture in luxurious teak with beautiful geometric styled ha...
Teak
Unavailable
H 121.66 in W 85.24 in D 17.72 in
Mid Century Modern Italian Floor to Ceiling teak Wall Unit - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid Century Modern Italian Floor to Ceiling teak Wall Unit - 1960s adjustable height... Wear consistent with age and use : See photos
Metal
Unavailable
H 68.51 in W 29.93 in D 12.21 in
Danish Design Teak Room Divider Shelving Unit Storage G Plan Era Midcentury
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
What better way to display your treasured possessions than on a beautifully crafted Danish designed room divider shelving unit in stunning teak with it’s beautiful lines, rich grain ...
Teak
Unavailable
H 195 in W 35.25 in D 15.5 in
Mid-Century Danish Teak Floating Wall Unit by Hansen Guldborg
By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in San Antonio, TX
This is a handsome example of Hansen & Guldborg s craftsmanship. This particular unit has hinged top along with pair of door fronts, perfect as media unit. Inside there is is shelf o...
Wood, Teak
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.