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Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

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 characterised 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 realised 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 moulded plywood, eagerly embraced fibreglass 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 legendary 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.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the lounge, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Russian Roller Printed Pillow Covers, Mid 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Russian Roller printed textiles had been exported to Central asian countries starting from the 19th C. and up to mid 20th C. These textiles use...
Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Pair of Custom Chinoiserie Printed Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of custom pillows made with a printed chinoiserie cotton front and a coordinating green back and self welt detail. Down inserts, sewn shut.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Down

''Uccle'' Woven Block Geometric Merino Wool Throw, Indigo/Colbalt Blue/Greys
Located in Chelmsford, GB
Drawing inspiration from the colour and pattern found in stain glass work, the Uccle block throw takes its name from an area of Brussels renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Woven in blocks of grey and pearl grey melange with a deep border of cobalt blue, denim and rich indigo. This limited edition luxury throw works well at the end of the bed or draped over a sofa. Designed and sampled on a dobby handloom in our studio using soft merino lambswool and a traditional extra weft weaving technique. Each throw is then woven in very small batches at a local micro mill in Bristol in the UK. Designed to compliment our collection of handwoven cushions...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

''Uccle'' Block Geometric Woven Merino Wool Throw, Piccalilli Yellow/Greys
Located in Chelmsford, GB
Drawing inspiration from the colour and pattern found in stain glass work, the Uccle block throw takes its name from an area of Brussels renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Woven in blocks of grey and pearl grey melange with a deep border of piccalilli yellow, caramel and coal grey. This limited edition luxury throw works well at the end of the bed or draped over a sofa. Designed and sampled on a dobby handloom in our studio using soft merino lambswool and a traditional extra weft weaving technique. Each throw is then woven in very small batches at a local micro mill in Bristol in the UK. Designed to compliment our collection of handwoven cushions...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century Modern Decorative Grey Throw Pillow
Located in Norwalk, CT
This new accent pillow of East-meets-West design aesthetic showcases a floral design with predominant Vintage grey colour. Hand-made, using either...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Pair of Pillows Italian Embroidered Silk and Velvet Back
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Refined pair of embroidered silk cushions, brown silk velvet back, and upholstered. They were made in 1982 by an old Mastercraftsman from Prato (Italy) who handmade the two pillows with care and precision using two scraps of fabric that we had entrusted to him; they were two precious and valuable French silk fabrics...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Blue Green Geometric Kilim Cushion Cover Handwoven Oriental Scatter Cushion
Located in Hampshire, GB
This new traditional kilim cushion cover is a handwoven piece constructed in the early 21st century. The design has been delicately woven by hand and features a symmetrical geometric...
Category

Early 2000s Afghan Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fibre, Organic Material

Farnsworth Hand Embroidered Black Velvet Pillow Cover
Located in Middelburg, NL
Based in the Netherlands and India''s Uttar Pradesh, Jupe by Jackie is an internationally renowned fashion brand born out of a desire to shine light on the art of hand embroidery: a ...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Velvet

Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Grey Mushroom Velvet Vintage Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Grey Mushroom Velvet Vintage Fabric
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric, Down

Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Neutral Camel Vintage Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow Neutral - Caramel. Down Fill.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric, Down

Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Blue Multi Tweed Vintage Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Blue Multi Tweed Vintage Fabric. Down Fill.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric, Down

Frameworks by Brendan Bass Pillow in Neutral Green Multi Vintage Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Frameworks by Brendan Bass pillow in Neutral Green Multi Vintage Fabric. Down Fill.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric, Down

Modern Kilim Cushion Cover Blue Handmade Geometric Wool Pillow Case
Located in Hampshire, GB
This new traditional Kilim cushion cover is a handwoven piece constructed in the early 21st century. The design has been delicately woven by hand and features a symmetrical geometric...
Category

Early 2000s Afghan Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fibre, Organic Material

Animal Print le Tiger Lumbar Pillow with Down Fill Custom Variations Available
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Animal motif Tiger Print lumbar pillow. Multiple available. Front features gorgeous thick velvet animalia print. Back features a crisp cream. Down filled. Knife edge with zip. In the...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet, Down

Geometric Patterned Blue & White Fortuny Lavender Sachet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A custom lavender sachet made with vintage geometric blue & white Fortuny cotton front & back. It would make a great host gift, or you can tie together a set of three!
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Pair of Vintage Fortuny Manzianno Fortuny Pattern Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of custom pillows made with aqua blue & white Manzianno Fortuny fronts and aqua blue velvet backs. Self cording, down inserts, zip closures.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Handmade Swedish Midcentury Geometric Inspired Needlepoint Pillow.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Handmade fabulous midcentury geometric inspired needlepoint pillow with linen back. Tones with green, orange, red and brown. From Sweden with love.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Linen

Mid-Century Leather Patchwork Turtle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute and curious turtle made from patchwork leather with plastic eyes and zip on the belly. Can be decoration, throw pillow or small pouffe. In original condition with visible wear ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Leather

Abe Check Blue Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
Abe is inspired by the geometric forms found in mid-century modern architecture, something that’s reflected through the blocked design. The cushion is crafted in Britain and printed ...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Velvet, Cotton

Leopard Print Velvet Cushion in Cotton with Double Tinsel Trim and Linen Back
Located in Madrid, ES
Leopard print velvet cushion in high quality cotton with double black tinsel trim and linen back with invisible zip.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen, Velvet, Cotton

Skye Geometric Multicolour Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
The Skye cushion is inspired by the traditions of Japanese origami. Playing with block sequence patterns and colours the result is a vibrant printed velvet cushion. The rich, bold co...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Leather Bolster Pillow, Braided, in Black — Talabartero Collection
Located in New York, NY
The leather pouffes and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Leather

Red White and Cobalt Blue Cotton Floral Print Mid Century Modern
Located in Denver, CO
Welcome to Studio M where your yearn for luxury meets your need for sustainability. Every year we convert thousands of pounds of scrap designer textiles from the interior design indu...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Elmer Abstract Geometric Linen Cushion
Located in London, GB
The Elmer cushion draws its inspiration from Cubist paintings, with geometric forms mimicking a soft and muted movement. The design was hand-painted then printed onto a linen base, c...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Dorsey Geometric Stripe Pink Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
The Dorsey cushion was designed after a trip to Palm Springs, seeing the cities streamlined mid-century architecture set within the desert. The inspiration for the striped geometric ...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Pair of Blue and Yellow Woven Throw Pillows in Pierre Gonalons Fiori Textile
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of custom made throw pillows in La Maison Pierre Frey's Fiori textile, a vintage pattern first made famous in the 1970's and designed by Pierre G...
Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Textile, Chenille

Grover Linen Piped Cushion
Located in London, GB
Grover has been created through an exploration of collage, playing with colour and shape. Printed onto linen the earthy tones reflect nature, finished with an orange and white braide...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Ada Geometric Ochre Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
The Ada cushion is inspired by the steel-framed houses built by architect Donald Wexler in Palm Springs in the 1960s. The iconic ‘butterfly’ roof creates a beautiful V-shape that sits proudly on top of its modular homes...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Agnes Geometric Pink Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
Agnes is inspired by an exploration into mid-century architectural rendering, reflecting on the multitudes of angles, lines and colours captured within a single drawing. The focus wa...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Agnes Geometric Ochre Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
Agnes is inspired by an exploration into mid-century architectural rendering, reflecting on the multitudes of angles, lines and colours captured within a single drawing. The focus wa...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Ada Geometric Pink Velvet Cushion
Located in London, GB
The Ada cushion is inspired by the steel-framed houses built by architect Donald Wexler in Palm Springs in the 1960s. The iconic ‘butterfly’ roof creates a beautiful V-shape that sits proudly on top of its modular homes...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Vintage Needle Point Canvas Pillow Designs by Lou Gartner
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming vintage needle point canvas designs by Louis J. Gartner Jr. He was well known in the design world as a Sothebys consultant, artist and designe...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

Persian Soumac Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a vintage Persian Soumac rug. 15'' x 17''
Category

20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Pink, Sage, and Blue Tweed Pillow - single
Located in Munster, IN
Playfully pink, bring some Mid-Century Modern-inspired colour into your living spaces with this adorable accent pillow. We love her tweedy texture and mixture of colours: pink, sage,...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen, Polyester, Down, Feathers

Casa Cubista Grey & White Cotton Handmade Geometric Tapestry Blanket
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand made artisanal throw is made by hand in Southern Portugal. The striking grey geometric pattern is the perfect graphic addition to any lounge. A bold statement while also being timeless. This home decoration blanket goes great with solid colour throw pillows to add some dimension and visual interest to your modern couch or boho bed...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Large Hook Rug Owl Pillow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Owl Hook Rug Large Pillow. In very nice original condition! Back fabric is not the most amazing fabric, but it is from it's original construction. Colours are vibrant and bright w...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Custom Made Orb Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the photos we used a fresh white with minimal texture to the fabric. These are completely custom made in your choice of fabric and or dimensions. They are heavy set and serve as g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric

Lisa Larson ''Mikey'' Cat Fabric Cushions
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Cushions with zip on covers, fronts in ''Mikey'' fabric designed by Lisa Larson, in typical Lisa Larson style, very reminiscent of her comical animal figures for Gustavsberg.
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Textile Fabric Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Double sided pillow made with a plaid pattern Turkish textile.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Apron Pillow (Maekake Japanese aprons) — "Maru Soy Sauce"
Located in New York, NY
"Maru Soy Sauce" throw pillow, made of vintage Japanese Maekake canvas work apron, 12 oz. indigo cotton duck canvas, zip closure and muslin liner. Apron Pillows repurpose the tradit...
Category

2010s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

Apron Bolster Pillow (Maekake Japanese aprons) — "Agriculture Co-Op"
Located in New York, NY
"Agriculture Co-Op — Let's Grow Together" bolster pillow, made of vintage Japanese Maekake canvas work apron, 12 oz. indigo cotton duck canvas, zip closure and muslin liner. Pillow c...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

Fabric by The Garden Liberty of London Silk Moire Stripes and Circle
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Fabric by The Garden: Liberty of London silk Moire stripes and circle. In shades of green, natural, gold, orange, red and aqua. Ideal for pillows, shades or upholstery. Size: 58" ...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Apron Pillow (Maekake Japanese aprons) — "Vegetable Wholesale"
Located in New York, NY
"Vegetable Wholesale Marukan Marronaka Co." floor and meditation pillow, made of vintage Japanese Maekake canvas work apron, 12 oz. indigo cotton duck canvas, zip closure and muslin ...
Category

2010s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

Apron Floor/Meditation Pillow (Maekake Japanese aprons) — "Tempura & Pickles"
Located in New York, NY
"Tempura, Surimi & Pickles Wholesale Co. Higahida Co., Hokkaido" floor and meditation pillow, made of vintage Japanese Maekake canvas work apron, 12 oz. indigo cotton duck canvas, zi...
Category

2010s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

Apron Floor/Meditation Pillow (Maekake Japanese aprons) — "Modern Footwear"
Located in New York, NY
"High Class Modern Footwear Hattori Naoji Store" floor and meditation pillow, made of vintage Japanese Maekake canvas work apron, 12 oz. indigo cotton duck canvas, zip closure and mu...
Category

2010s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Canvas

French Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow Rare Purple Blue
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Vintage Hermes Equestrian Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow Purple Blue Gold Description: The ‘crème de la crème’ of s...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Textile

"Lido IIII" Wool & Linen Pillow by Le Lampade
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Lido IIlI" is a variation of the popular "Lido" pillow, featuring a white linen background with hand-tufted and hand-channelled black wool as contrast .Comes with a feather/down ins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Linen

Knoll Oyster Velvet Pillow
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our down-filled throw pillows. Fashioned in black velvet and delicately trimmed with oyster velvet detailing, they're the perfect statement fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Velvet, Down

Vintage Italian Pucci Scarf Pink Red Irish Linen Pillow Scatter Cushion
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Linen

Vintage Moroccan Pouffe Kilim Floor Pillow Cushion
Located in National City, CA
Moroccan floor cushion Pouffe Pillow Kilim Fabric bold colour geometric design 21 x 21 x 7 h Original vintage condition. Refer to images.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric, Textile

1960s Pure Welsh Wool Tapestry Blanket in a Red Black and Yellow Colourway
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A superb 1960s welsh wool tapestry blanket in a lovely dark colourway with red, yellow and black tones. A thick, warm, double sided blanket with a stitched edge. In excellent condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Welsh Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Pair of Leopard Fur Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of leopard cowhide printed pillows with a satin back and zip. The pair are very nice and work well in many spaces. a compliment to ethnic or Ra...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cowhide, Hide, Satin

Filikli Angora Rug from Central Anatolia, Turkey Mid 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Filikli ( Filik being the name of baby goat ) are probably the most basic rustic rugs from Anatolia of Turkey. These were the basic utilitarian rugs of daily life used as covers, mat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Angora

Boris Kroll Pillow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Boris Kroll Fabric sample made into a 16" square pillow with Black mohair Backing. Pillow comes with its Boris Kroll Fabric Label. Pillow Fabric dates to the late 1950's or early 6...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric

"Lido IIIl" Wool & Linen Pillow by Le Lampade
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Lido IIlI" is a variation of the popular "Lido" pillow, featuring a white linen background with hand-tufted and hand-channelled black wool as contrast .Comes with a feather/down in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Linen

''Wellbeing'' Heavy Kilim Cushion by Ilse Crawford for Nanimarquina
Located in Glendale, CA
''Wellbeing'' Heavy Kilim cushion by Ilse Crawford for Nanimarquina. Executed in 100% hand-spun Afghan wool and filled with 100% cork, this cushion adds warmth, softness and comfo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Yellow Velvet Cushion in Cotton with Double Tinsel Trim and Linen Back
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Yellow velvet cushion in high quality cotton with double black tinsel trim and linen back.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Velvet

Unique Pair of Cushions with Floral Cotton Velvet Fabric, Spain
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of unique cushions with floral cotton velvet fabric, Spain.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

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