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.
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
Large Mid-Century Studio Ceramic Floor Vase Peter & Ines Landesberger Landshut
Located in Landshut, BY
Creator / Workshop: Ceramic Studio Peter & Ines Landesberger (Landshut, Bavaria, Germany) Artist / Decorator: Ines Landesberger (Hand-painted) Signature: Hand-painted monogram ligatu...
Pottery
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
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
1960s Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Wall Clock by Cà dei Vetrai
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Mid-Century Modern wall clock, meticulously handcrafted in Italy by the prestigious Murano glassmakers Cà dei Vetrai. This stunning wall clock features a captivating and vibran...
Murano Glass
Vintage ALVA Museum Replica Statuette of Sleeping Cat Sculpture Jane Poupelet
By Alva Studios, Fernando Botero
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Junghans Clock Pastel, Bauhaus Vibe Ceramic Oval, 1950s, Germany
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Max Bill
Located in Andernach, DE
Beautiful oval vintage wall clock by Junghans, pastel coloured ceramic, in a pure 50s original design by one of Germanys most renowned clock makers. The design is attributed to Max ...
Chrome
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Art Glass Duck
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage art glass mallard duck. Beautiful coloring to the glass that fades from green at the head to an amber-brown color at the body. Measures 5.75"W x 2.5"D x 6.5"H
Art Glass
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
Kinetic Ball Sculpture Model Orbit Swinging Mobile Vintage Denmark
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming vintage kinetic mobile composed of delicately balanced spheres, dating to the 1960s and manufactured in Denmark by Laurids Lønborg. Arranged in a graceful, sculptural comp...
Composition, Metal
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
Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl Green, Organic Modern, Circa Mid-20th Century
By Seguso, Angelo 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
Designed by Le Corbusier for Lumax Glass Desk Tidy, Vide Poche, Catchall
By Lumax, Le Corbusier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Industrial thick molded glass desktop accessory (desk tidy, ashtray, or catchall) manufactured by Lumax, France. Original design by Le Corbusier. The vide-poche is in excellent cond...
Glass
Austin Productions Ceramic Dove Sculpture, 1981 — Incised Stoneware Bird Figure
By Austin Prod
Located in San Carlos, CA
A substantial hand-cast ceramic dove by Austin Productions, dated 1981 and stamped to the underside. The form is boldly volumetric — a rounded, gravity-centered body with a flat, fan...
Clay
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
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
Gio Ponti for Venini Italian Morandine Art Glass Decanter & Stopper
By Gio Ponti
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Italian Venini mid-century blue and green Morandine art glass decanter by the father figure of Italian design Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) and designed in 1949. Gio Po...
Blown Glass
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
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
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
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
Murano Art Glass Multi-colored Canework Footed Bowl
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a vintage Murano art glass centerpiece bowl crafted in Italy, showcasing highly intricate Venetian glassmaking techniques. Its styling, material and execution are charact...
Blown Glass
$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
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
Murano Sommerso Uranium Vaseline Glowing Blue Green Italian Art Glass Bird Bowl
By Cenedese, Antonio da Ros, Galliano Ferro
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso glowing Uranium yellow over blue Italian art glass dove bird sculptural bowl. The bird is attributed to the Cenedese company, and attrib...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Uranium Glass
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
Longchamp 20th century design dog ceramic and leather cigarette box 1970
By Longchamp
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Longchamp 20th century design ceramic and leather cigarette box Brown ceramic piece with dog decoration Original vintage good condition Singe...
Ceramic, Leather
Metal Bread Basket, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant woven metal bread basket featuring a clean, timeless design. Its fine wire mesh and delicately twisted rim lend it a refined look while ensuring excellent durability. Per...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Amorphic Crystal & Brass Two Arm Candelabra Signed Schneider
By Schneider
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century amorphic crystal and brass candle holder, signed Schneider, France, circa 1950, is an elegant embodiment of the refined artistry and modern sensibilities that define...
Crystal, Brass
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
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970s, characterized by a richly veined veneer, likely burl, offering a particularly expressive natural design. Its surface displays a warm palette of...
Wood
$436Sale Price|30% 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
Glass vase by murano italy around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
Glass vase by murano italy around 1970s Original condition
Murano Glass
1970s Murano Glass Vase, Space Age Design, Lime Green, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Murano glass vase. Featuring a bold, biomorphic "Space Age" silhouette, this Italian masterpiece showcases a vibrant lime green incamiciato (layered) glass technique. A tall, s...
Murano Glass
Pulcino Glass Bird Sculpture by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Italy 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Pulcino glass bird sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi. Blue and green on a grayish background. Applied murrine eyes. Textured copper legs. One of the two ta...
Metal
California Pottery White Pink Figurative Female Hand Ring Holder
Located in Van Nuys, CA
California Pottery salmon pink figurative female hand business card holder. The sculpture features an open hand with a small lip in the center palm for holding business cards. The ha...
Ceramic
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 Green Murano Scavo Glass Vase or Amphora, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Green Murano Scavo Glass Vase or Amphora, 1970s Gorgeous large green Murano glass vase or amphora, made with the use of the "scavo" technique. Attributed to Seguso Vetri d'A...
Murano Glass
Pair of Oversized Hand-Carved Wooden Dice Sculptures, Mid-Century Folk Art Decor
Located in San Diego, CA
A charming pair of oversized hand-carved wooden dice sculptures featuring richly patinated wood and deeply recessed pips with contrasting dark interiors. These substantial decorative...
Wood
Brutalist candlestick by David Marshall, bronze and aluminum, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist candlestick designed and crafted by the sculptor david marshall in the 70s in spain. Bronze and aluminum handcrafted sculpture. Rare item that will elevate your i...
Bronze, Aluminum
Yellow-green onyx box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular box in yellow-green onyx, made in France around 1970. This piece showcases the natural beauty of the stone, with its translucent hues ranging from pale green to honey, tr...
Onyx
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
Red Wing Pottery Ruffled Square Bowl
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage ceramic bowl by Red Wing Potteries Inc. of Minnesota, USA. Square shape with a unique ruffled edge on 2 sides. Finished in a two toned glaze with a terra cotta exterior and...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Metal Mobile, Kinetic Sculpture by Derick Pobell, Germany
By Derick Pobell
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kinetic Mobile designed and made by Derick Pobell, Germany. Five parts, painted metal in black, arranged with metal bars and wire.Signed. One kinetic sculpture in motion is a feast ...
Metal
Vintage Sculpture of a Whippet / Greyhound Dog, c. 1970's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sculpture of a Whippet / Greyhound Dog, c. 1970's "In nice vintage / original as found condition."
Metal
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