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.
Round Glass Ashtray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Elegant French glass ashtray dating from the 1970s, featuring a minimalist circular design with a softly hammered texture that beautifully catches and reflects the light. Crafted in ...
Glass, Art Glass
MCM Ceramic Black Panther
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century black panther sculpture. Made of ceramic and finished in a glossy black glaze. A great sculptural statement piece. Measures 13.5"L x 3.5"D x 2.5"H
Ceramic
Millefiori Glass Paperweight by Perthshire, Crieff Scotland, circa 1970's
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handmade Millefiori collectors Paperweight, made by the Scottish maker, Perthshire of Crieff, Circa 1970's. This paperweight is handmade with a mixed Millefiori...
Glass
Four 1970s 26 cm Porcelain Wall Plates Temi e Variazioni by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An exquisite and rare set of four vintage Tema e Variazioni black and white porcelain wall plates designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1960s to 1970s. Each plate measures 26 cm in...
Porcelain
Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl Green, Organic Modern, Circa Mid-20th Century
By Angelo Seguso, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural Italian Murano art glass bowl in a saturated green hue, executed with a controlled bubble interior and an Organic Modern silhouette, circa mid‑20th century, Italy. The f...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Handmade Ceramic 'Paris' Pitcher by Keto Keramik Circa 1950s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Handmade Ceramic 'Paris' Pitcher by Keto Keramik Circa 1950s - Black pitcher with external images - Handmade ceramic - Includes handle and spout - Green glaze inside - Made by Ke...
Ceramic
Battery-operated Mid-Century wall clock by Mauthe with a glazed ceramic case
Located in München, DE
A very rare and beautiful battery-operated Mid-Century Modern wall clock featuring an additional mechanical timer. Manufactured by Junghans; made in Germany. The casing is made of gl...
Metal
1970s Astonishing Emerald Green "Fazzoletto" Vase By Michielotto in Murano Glass
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Green Murano vase by Michielotto, this piece features an exceptionally vibrant emerald green hue with rich translucent depth. The signature draped folds create a dramatic, orga...
Murano Glass
Vintage Californian Modern "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Californian Modern "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture by Curtis Jere Materials: Polished & Burnished Chrome Metal Disks
Metal, Chrome
Italian 1960s Fish Mosaic Trinket Box in Ceramic and brass
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Mid-Century Modern brass box with vibrant fish mosaic ceramic tiles top, Italy 1960s. This stunning vintage rectangular box is crafted from brass with a striking hand-crafted tile to...
Brass
$448Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Luxury Handcrafted Vase in Murano Glass by Maestro del Vetro. Made in Ital
Located in Milano, IT
1970s luxury handcrafted vase, masterfully executed in Murano glass by an Italian Maestro del Vetro (Master of Glass). Crafted using traditional mouth-blown techniques, the glass sho...
Murano Glass
Wooden Box, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...
Wood
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1980s. Silver plated box depicting a shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will decorate your inte...
Metal, Silver Plate
Italian Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-20th Century, Italy
Located in New York, NY
An Italian brown/light‑brown leather box with gold detail, Mid‑Century Modern design, circa mid‑20th century, Italy. A cognac brown leather box with hand-applied gold gilt tooling em...
Leather
Hermes, Paris - Novelty Horse Head Vide Poche / Dish c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful vintage vide poche (empty pocket) in silver plate comprising two parts, the dish itself and the removable horse head on a stand. The dish is fully signed by the iconic F...
Silver Plate
Two large Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two larger decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive ag...
Metal, Brass
Vintage ALVA Museum Replica Statuette of Sleeping Cat Sculpture Jane Poupelet
By Fernando Botero, Alva Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
A study in quiet elegance, this vintage ALVA Museum Replica sculpture faithfully reproduces Jane Poupelet's celebrated Sleeping Cat, capturing the graceful simplicity and timeless serenity of the original work. Resting peacefully atop a rectangular plinth, the cat's softly rounded silhouette and understated modeling embody the refined sculptural language that made Poupelet's animal studies so admired. Cast with a rich dark bronze-toned finish, the sculpture possesses a beautiful aged patina that enhances its warmth and character. The minimalist composition allows the gentle curves and tranquil posture of the sleeping feline to become the focal point, creating an object that is both calming and sculptural. Whether displayed atop a stack of art books, on a bookshelf, console, or desk, this piece offers a sophisticated accent that complements Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, Contemporary, and traditional interiors alike. Produced by ALVA Studios, renowned for their exceptional museum-quality reproductions of important sculptures, this collectible piece reflects both artistic heritage and enduring craftsmanship. It is equally appealing to collectors of animalier sculpture, museum replicas, and thoughtfully curated decorative objects. A timeless decorative sculpture that celebrates the quiet beauty of everyday subjects, this sleeping cat brings an effortless sense of refinement, warmth, and sculptural presence to any interior. Jane Poupelet, ALVA Museum Replica, Sleeping Cat Sculpture...
Cast Stone
Swiss Jaeger-Lecoultre Atmos Mantle Clock
Located in Bradenton, FL
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Perpetual Mantel Clock, made in Switzerland, circa 1981. The LeCoultre Company was founded in 1935 and produced some of the most iconic luxury mantle and table...
Brass
Stoneware Pear Sculpture by Per Hammarström - Scandinavian Studio Craft, 18 cm
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stoneware Pear Sculpture by Per Hammarström - Scandinavian Studio Craft, 18 cm Height: 18 cm A refined stoneware pear sculpture by Swedish ceramic artist Per Hammarström, showcasing ...
Stoneware
1960s Mid-Century Modern Flavio Poli for Seguso Sommerso Murano Glass Bowl / Cat
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Murano glass bowl designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte. A masterclass in the mid-century Sommerso (submerged) technique, this exquisite catch-all featu...
Murano Glass
Lisa Larson Ceramic Cat Sculpture Stora Zoo Sweden
Located in San Diego, CA
Lisa Larson ceramic cat sculpture from the Stora Zoo (Large Zoo) collection. The ”Large Zoo” series was designed in 1957, 1959, and 1965. Made of chamotte stoneware with modern sur...
Ceramic
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette Lapis Lazuli. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Paris pendulette alarm clock. Clock case numbered 9819 02638. Masterfully crafted in Switzerland, this exquisite timepiece perfectly captures the era's luxury, featuri...
Lapis Lazuli
A Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Brass-Patinated Zinc "Zoca" Vase by Sonja Katzin
Located in Grythyttan, SE
An elegant and highly artistic Swedish Mid-Century Modern vase from the rare "Zoca" series, designed by the Swedish sculptor and designer Sonja Katzin (1919–2014) for Nilsjohan durin...
Brass, Zinc
Superb Dalmatian Puppy Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, Italy 1960s
By Marioni
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming terracotta Dalmatian sculpture attributed to the renowned Marioni manufactory of Florence, marked made in Italy, celebrated for its distinctive decorative ceramics and art...
Majolica, Terracotta
Surrealist Hand-Foot Occasional Table in Mahogany by Pedro Friedeberg
By Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a hand-foot occasional table designed by the famous Mexican surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg. Designed originally around the 1960s and 1970s, this iconic st...
Mahogany
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Vintage Murano Blown Glass Vase, 1980s, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Murano blown glass vase with speckled patterns in amber, orange, and black; 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition; may show slight signs of wear. DIMENSIONS: Height 25; Diameter 15 c...
Glass
Aurora Clock by Kirsch Hamilton
Iconic 1970’s Aurora Clock by Kirsch Hamilton in original box. Part of the Museum of Modern Art in NY. Was converted to LED some point, shows some minor wear small dent in front an...
Aluminum
Italian Mid-Century Rattan and Leather Magazine or Decorative Basket, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique large decorative basket in curved rattan and brown leatherette. This stylish organic basket was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and with a charming warm natural patina. The basket features a cylindrical body entirely covered in deep cognac-toned soft leatherette, elegantly supported by a handcrafted rattan structure. The arched handle and the open curved rattan base create a light silhouette and showcase the outstanding craftsmanship behind this piece. Both functional and decorative, this piece can be used as a magazine holder, newspaper basket...
Brass
Expertly Restored-John Follis "Floating Pottery" Model-FB Mustard Glazed Planter
By Architectural Pottery, John Follis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Mustard Glazed Ceramic ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take th...
Ceramic
Kinetic Sculpture in Iron and Foam, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Originating from France and created around 1990 by an unknown artist, this captivating kinetic sculpture embodies the essence of motion and creativity. Constructed from a combination...
Metal
1960's Italian Rosa Pink Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved and polished pink Italian marble jewelery box, with lid, made in Italy, c. 1960's. May be used in many ways, as cigarette box, trinket box and as many uses that one needs...
Marble
Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb turtle-shaped jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. More than a box...
Silver
$208Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Italian Green Onyx Marble & Brass Jewelry Box, 1960s
Located in Toronto, CA
A beautifully handcrafted mid-century Italian jewelry box carved from richly banded green onyx and accented with elegant brass trim and decorative brass feet. Dating to the 1960s, th...
Onyx
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock manufactured in 1979, Roman Numerals
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger-LeCoultre – Atmos clock with Roman numerals Switzerland Brass, glass Year of manufacture: 1979 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm Description: Atmos V Calibre 526 in ...
Brass
Maison Longchamp Stitched Cognac Leather Box, France circa 1940
By Longchamp, Maison Longchamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Longchamp, Paris, designed this stunning modernist leather lidded box. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1940. The natural light-cognac fine-grain leather has a t...
Metal, Brass
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Opal Pink Alabastro Glass Bowl, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Design Attributed to Archimede Seguso for the Seguso Factory. Italy, 1950s. This ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramic Vase Raymor Italy 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gorgeous ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi for the retailer Raymor. The hand painted and decorated portion of the pieces have textured glazing while the ins...
Ceramic
Los Castillo Taxco Malachite Silver Plate Lidded Bowl, Mexican Modernist Silver
By Los Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional mid-century Los Castillo lidded bowl, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico during the 1950s, showcasing the workshop's celebrated mastery of sculptural silverwork and stone in...
Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Kundo Brass Electromagnetic Mantel Clock 1950s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
A Kundo brass electromagnetic skeleton mantel clock. The clock is a Kleninger-Obergfell electronic, electromagnetic carriage clock with a brass ...
Brass
Midcentury Ceramic Ikebana Vase Sculpture, Japan 1960
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible modernist Ikebana ceramic vase. Lovely glaze and deep texture. Japan, 1960
Ceramic
Mid Century Montagnani Italy Wood and Metal Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design features a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut geometric veneer, c...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Granite Base, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract bronze sculpture on black granite base by unknown artist, Brazil 1960s.
Granite, Bronze
Patinated Etruscan Horse Bronze Sculpture Statue on Wooden Base 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Etruscan horse figure is a bronze Italian museum replica made in the 1970s - 1980s. The piece is a reproduction of a classic Italian style, showcasing the historical and...
Metal
ROYAL DOULTON - HN1037 - Bone China Cocker Spaniel Figurine - UK - Circa 1931-68
By Royal Doulton, Thomas Frederick Daws
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL DOULTON (Manufacturer) - FREDERICK THOMAS DAWS (British Designer / Artist 1878-1956) - HN1037 (Model Number) - Vintage bone china figure of a cocker spaniel designed by the wel...
Ceramic
Midcentury Box Wood and Glass Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Style, Italy 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box in wood and beveled glass attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Danish Porcelain Baca Bowl Nils Thorsson Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen, Nils Thorsson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Porcelain Baca Series Bowl by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen, 1960s
Porcelain
Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s with place for a picture. Original condition
Metal, Brass
Glass vase by murano italy around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
Glass vase by murano italy around 1970s Original condition
Murano Glass
$525Sale Price|25% Off
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Star Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown multi-color Millefiori flower and star mosaic Italian art glass pitcher / vase. The piece is documented to the Fratell...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Majolica fish platter Vallauris. Large fish in the center, seaweeds, shells. Nautical style. 14' W , 9.8' H
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large bronze statue of a stylized African Ndebele Ndebele woman, atr. Hagenauer
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A fantastic life-size bronze sculpture from the early 1950s. The design is attributed to Karl Hagenauer. Approx. 30 kg. This life-size sculpture of an exotic African Ndebele woman, ...
Bronze
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condit...
Murano Glass
$406Sale Price|35% Off
Cabinet of Curiosities Cabinet Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures and pieces in a wooden cabinet. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the productio...
Wood
Italian Murano Glass Vase, Aquamarine and Gold, Contemporary
Located in Villaverla, IT
Italian Murano glass vase demonstrates striking contemporary Venetian art glass design. Handcrafted in Italy, this heavy sculptural vessel features a cylindrical body in translucent ...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Georges Pelletier Decorative Dish or Vide-Poche with Gold Lustre Details France
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking decorative ceramic vide-poche or catchall dish by renowned French ceramic artist Georges Pelletier. This handcrafted piece showcases Pelletier’s distinctive artistic languag...
Ceramic
1930s Barovier & Toso White Murano Glass Scottish sausage Terrier Dog Figurine
Located in London, GB
1930s Barovier & Toso White Murano Glass Scottish sausage Terrier Dog Figurine Made by Ferro for Barovier and Toso furnace in Murano.
Blown Glass
Rare Archimede Seguso Murano Glass Oriental Figure with Gold Leaf and Corroso, 1950
Located in Palermo, IT
An exceptional and exceedingly rare Mid-Century Modern sculptural figurine depicting an Oriental silhouette, masterfully hand-blown in Murano, Venice, circa 1950. This investment-gra...
Gold, Gold Leaf
White Glazed Ceramic Dog Sculpture, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Charming French ceramic sculpture dating from the 1970s, depicting a seated dog with an attentive and expressive posture. Finished in a glossy white glaze, the figure is enhanced by ...
Ceramic
Sculptural Bronze Paperweight by Monique Gerber, France, Circa 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined and sculptural bronze paperweight or ashtray by the French artist Monique Gerber, dating from circa 1970. Elegantly modeled in the form of a single marguerite (daisy) petal...
Bronze
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