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.
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
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
MCM Green Viking Glass Ashtray
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century glass ashtray by Viking Glass. Made of thick, heavy glass in a vibrant green color. Round shape that tapers into a triangular base. Original manufacturer sticker still ...
Glass
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
1960s large Rimini Blu ceramic pig money box by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy
Located in München, DE
A beautiful, large, decorative 1960s ceramic piggy bank from the Rimini Blu collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by Bitossi. ...
Ceramic
Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Vases, Set of 3, Italy, 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural set of three Murano glass vases designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Italy, circa 1950. Exemplifying the mastery of the Sommerso (“submerged”) t...
Murano Glass
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
White alabaster vanity box by Romano Bianchi, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb white and black alabaster box designed and produced by romano bianchi in italy in the 1970s. Handcrafted alabaster box with chromed metal structure. Decorative object that wil...
Alabaster
Mid Century Bronze Etruscan Horse Sculpture on Slate Base Attr Frederic Weinberg
Located in Peoria, AZ
Monumental! Hand-Gilded Horse Sculpture Here is a beautiful Etruscan bronze sculpture of a horse. The sculpture is enameled bronze and has a turquoise polychromed finish to the b...
Slate, Bronze
$536Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Murano Glass Fazzoletto Vase by Dogi, Handcrafted, Sculptural Design
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Exquisite green Murano Glass "Fazzoletto" vase by Dogi handcrafted in Murano, Italy. This piece features the iconic draped-fabric silhouette that made Venetian glass famous w...
Murano Glass
Knot candlesticks, brutalist design, bronze, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist candlestick in the shape of a knot, designed and produced in italy in the 1970s. Bronze candlestick. Magnificent decorative object that will bring a real design t...
Bronze
French Designer, Vase, Ceramic, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Signed "M. Taquet" Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.25"H x 9.15"D All items...
Ceramic
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
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant. The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius, an island east of Madagascar in the ...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Bull Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
Vintage Curtis Jere Mixed-Metal Floral Bouquet Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Mix Metals, Metal Base Designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House in the 1980s, this mixed-metal floral bouquet sculpture transforms ...
Metal
Ceramic abstract birds sculpture by Sousa, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking vintage ceramic sculpture depicts a pair of abstract birds, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s and signed by Sousa. The terracotta form features a textured, earthy bronze...
Ceramic
Murano Pink Cased Glass Vase, Optic Swirl Design, Italy, Circa 1970s
By Venini
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Murano pink cased glass vase, produced in Italy in the 1970s, is a finely executed example of vintage Murano glass and Italian art glass, featuring a pronounced optic swirl patt...
Murano Glass
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
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
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Vase, Sommerso Technique, Green, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s This striking Murano glass vase, designed by the renowned Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian glassmaking. Showcasing Poli's...
Murano Glass
Vintage porcelain vase in the style of "Old Paris", China, Mid-20th Century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage porcelain vase in the style of "Old Paris". Made in China in mid-20th Century. Gilt swan neck handles to the shoulder, with flared neck, and sitting on a round socl...
Porcelain
Vintage Carved Piglet Figure, English, Treen, Ebonised, Farmyard, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage carved piglet figure. An English, ebonised treen in farmyard animal form, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. A charming decorative study, offering rustic c...
Pine
$422Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Murano Glass Bowl by Galliano Ferro, Sommerso & Bullicante
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Murano glass bowl in sommerso and bullicante uranium glass by Galliano Ferro was produced in Italy around the 1960s. Formed as a low circular vessel with a subtle indentation, t...
Uranium Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Pair of brass small Decorative brass birds figurines, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of small, finely crafted decorative brass birds, dating from the 1950s and of French origin. Each bird features a stylized body covered in a design punctuated with colorful cabo...
Brass
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Cat Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
Faux Leather Metal Candle Sconces After Jacques Adnet, A Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Hermès-style wall-mounted candle sconces with faux leather "straps" made of painted metal. These have been created in the style of Jacques Adnet, the iconic French designer of home...
Steel
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell for Arcosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell for Arcosanti
Bronze
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
German Op Art Bisque Porcelain Vase by Lorenz Hutschenreuther
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century bisque porcelain vase, made in Germany by Lorenz Hutschenreuther. Cylindrical shape with an intricate op art relief design to the surface. Matte white glaze to the exte...
Porcelain
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
Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s
By Italora
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Art Deco–style table clock by Italora, crafted in a refined combination of clear lucite and brass. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original ...
Brass
greek vintage VASE by nikos dazelidis, 1960s/70s, signed, space age
Located in Mannheim, DE
Vintage Space Age ceramic vase by the Greek ceramic artist Nikos Dazelidis. 1960s to 1970s. Sculptural form with a hole, matte rough surface. Signed on the bottom. Very good conditi...
Ceramic
Astonishing Onyx Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, Made in Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,31 x 3,93 x 1,93 H inches 13,5 x 10 x 5 H cm
Onyx
1960s Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box, Made in Italy, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,51 x 3,93 x 1,57 H inches 14 x 10 x 4 H cm
Onyx
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Vase, Seguso Design, Italy, 1960s, 3.93\"
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing vase By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano glass. Made in Italy. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: diam 3,93 x 9,44 H inches diam 10 cm x 24 H cm
Murano Glass
Owl ceramic sculpture signed, 1970s, era Anasse Maume
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Owl ceramic sculpture signed, 1970s, era Anasse Maume Handmade glazed ceramic owl with rounded body, dark green mottled glaze and ivory face with expressive eyes. The compact, styli...
Enamel
French Ceramic Plate by Etienne Daniel, Vallauris, France - 1950s - Era Picault
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French Ceramic Plate By Etienne Daniel. Signed. Vallauris, France - 1950s Large dish enamelled in white, green and brown tones adorned with stylized t...
Enamel
Seguso Murano Coral Orange White Opal Italian Art Glass Vanity Perfume Bottle
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white over coral orange Italian art glass vanity footed perfume bottle. The piece is documented to designer Archimede Seguso. It has be...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
American Studio Craft Sculptural Hinged Box in Walnut, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegantly sculpted solid walnut box in a teardrop or comma form with a hinged lid. Highly tactile and alluring object with an even patina, clearly inspired by the work of Wendell ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a refined mid-20th century tabletop frame, an object that combines modern taste with a charming retro appeal. It makes a perfect gift for tennis enth...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Glass Vase by Per Lütken for Holmegaard, 1960s
By Holmegaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Glass Vase by Per Lütken for Holmegaard, 1960s
Glass
Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...
Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti Red Levanto Marble Decorative Bowl, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular round decorative bowl or centerpiece in striking Red Levanto Italian marble. This marvelous decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s and is attributed to t...
Marble
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Grey, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,11 diameter x 3,14 H inches cm 13 x...
Murano Glass
Studio Craft Handcrafted Walnut Wooden Bowl JS Greenwald Mid-Century
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a handcrafted wooden bowl, likely walnut burl, created by artist J.S. Greenwald in October 2014. Hand-turned decorative wooden bowl. Identified as walnut on t...
Walnut
Pablo Picasso Ceramic Dish Editions Picasso Madoura Bird C 1952
Located in Chicago, IL
Pablo Picasso Oiseau dish bird with tuft and pointy beak, editions Picasso Madoura France, circa 1952. 15 hand painted brush strokes under the birds feet referring to food. Impresse...
Ceramic
French Riviera Rattan and Brass Centerpiece or Catchall Tray, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century organic centerpiece or tray entirely made of curved rattan, hand-woven wicker, and brass. This stylish French Riviera–style tray was produced in Italy during th...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Wood and Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the esteemed J. Capo Esmaltes and crafted in Spain circa 1960, this exquisite Mid-Century Modern lidded box is a true fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. Its refined re...
Metal, Copper, Enamel
Porcelain Ashtray by Paloma Picasso for Villeroy & Boch, Italy, 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous ashtray or catch-All in porcelain by Paloma Picasso "Hongkong" for Villeroy & Boch, limited edition. Marked on the bottom. It's excellent condition Dimensions: ...
Porcelain
Murano Butterfly Wild Flower Garden Italian Art Glass Block Sculpture with Label
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown butterfly Italian art glass wild flower garden sculpture. Original "Murano - Made In Italy" label still attached. The sculpture is made like Muran...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
1960s Olive Green Handblown Bubble Glass Vase by Biot, France
By Biot
Located in London, GB
A beautiful tall olive green handblown bubble glass vase with good pontil mark probably Biot.
Blown Glass
VENINI Bolle vase, Green & Pink with yellow details, year 2011, 90° anniversary
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opalino 90th anniversary vase, model 706.24, produced in 2011, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. The Venini Bolle...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Uranium Glass Rabbit Sculpture by Ferro & Lazzarini, Italy 1960s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Exceptional Murano glass rabbit sculpture by Ferro & Lazzarini, dating to the 1960s and made in Italy. This charming sculptural piece is crafted from vibrant uranium glass, also know...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Uranium Glass
Mid-Century French Rare vase by Accolay, Era Capron Innocenti
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Rare 1950s Accolay Potters Two-Handled Vase – Africanist Design, Yellow Dominant Palette A striking and rare two-handled ceramic vase by the famed Potiers d’Accolay, dating from the...
Enamel
Empoli Amber Glass Decanter Set, Wayne Husted, Italy, 1950s
By Wayne Husted, Stelvia, Empoli
Located in Valencia, VC
A collection of five Empoli amber glass pieces produced by the Stelvia Glass Workshop in Italy during the 1950s–1960s. Three of the decanters are attributed to designs by American glass artist Wayne Husted, created for the American market. Two examples retain the “Made in Italy” mark often associated with these exports. The group includes four decanters with stoppers and one apothecary or candy jar. All pieces are handmade using the pressed or molded glass technique characteristic of Empoli production, and feature the warm amber tone typical of Stelvia glass from this period. Condition is very good overall. One stopper has a small hairline crack at the base, which is stable and barely visible unless closely examined. Dimensions (tallest to shortest) Decanter: 18.9 in H (48 cm) Decanter: 17.7 in H (45 cm) Candy / apothecary jar: 11.4 in H (29 cm) “Grapes” decanter...
Glass
Brutalist Crucifix in brass after Dali's painting, Spain, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exceptional reproduction in brass of "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" Salvador Dalí, 1980, Spain. Surrealism. Work in high relief with a lot of depth and beautiful three dimension...
Brass
Verdigris Bronze Vide-Poche Bowl by Maurice Ascalon for Pal Bell Isreal 1950's
Located in Troy, MI
Cast bronze vide-poch bowl designed by Maurice Ascalon Pal-Bell Isreal circa 1950's Solid bronze with ribbed design of alternating polished finish and applied verdigris patina Inte...
Bronze
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Mid-Century Modern, Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7503 07516. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
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