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Mid-Century Modern Benches

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern 1960’s Thinline Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century bench manufactured by Thinline, it has no label on it. This bench is in good condition, it has being newly reupholstered and powder coated in ivory. The bench ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Bench, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet fabric bench designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Seat height 15.5"
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Oak

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

BM0700 Asserbo Backless Bench in Dark Oil Stained Eucalyptus Wood *Quickship*
Located in Burlington, NJ
A sterling example of people-first design, Børge Mogensen’s Asserbo Bench demonstrates the Danish designer’s approach to function and form. Perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Italian Bench in Chenille, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Italian Bench, an exquisite piece hailing from the 1950s, meticulously restored by Stamford Modern. Reimagined in sumptuous navy blue chenille upholstery, the bench exude...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Bench, Coffee Table, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Planner Group Maple 1546 Bench, Coffee Table. Featuring a five foot rectangular form in natural solid staved Maple with reinforced and splayed s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Custom Low Bench in Walnut, 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Bench in Walnut Black walnut, tung oil finish 84" length, 12" height, 12" width Made in Los Angeles, CA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt MR. JONES ottoman is a piece with classical influence with sleek design and details. It fits perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Black Vinyl Upholstered Oiled Walnut Bench by Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid-century modern bench by Jens Risom
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Gio Bench in White Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Sculptural Bench, Walnut and Boucle
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural bench, solid Walnut legs and new Boucle fabric. Two benches available. Ready for a new home. Made in the USA.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mies van der Rohe Style Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Barcelona Bench was designed by German-American architect and designer, Mies van der Rohe, in 1930. This copy is perfect for your home or office, with tufted cushion on a sturdy ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury italian wooden bench, Italy 1960
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Beautiful Mid-Century solid wood slatted bench, elegant carved wood legs. Perfect vintage condition, Italy 1960
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Carved Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful single slab of teak wood taken from my finest collection is hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench. The Mid-Century Couture Collection, feature...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak

Swedish Bench in Pine by Roland Wilhelmsson, Signed by Designer
Located in Karlstad, SE
Roland Wilhelmsson is the most famous Swedish designer of the robust pine furniture era that started in the late 1960s and grew popular in the 1970s. With a great feeling for details...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

George Nelson, Platform Bench, for Herman Miller, late 1940s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nelson, Platform Bench, for Herman Miller, late 1940s Black painted birch frame, the slatted top on three curved supports, 235cm wide, 47cm deep, 36cm high This is an origin...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, Paint

Italian Designer, Bench, Beech, Mohair, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beech and red mohair bench designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. Seat height: 16”
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mohair, Beech

Sofa ‘Utö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa ‘Utö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Stained pine. Provenance: From a private Swedish collection. Original cushion. From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Small rustic French benches 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Dating from around 1850 in France, these beautiful low benches are rustic and have a beautiful patina on the wood. Their low height of just 11 cm and their length of 198 cm make the...
Category

1850s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Beautiful Mid-Century Navy Leather Bench Chrome Frame Style of Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern navy blue leather bench chrome frame style of Florence Knoll. Very clean 1960s bench. Made in USA. Very High Quality co...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Paul Laszlo, Bench, Mahogany, Rattan, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and rattan bench designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s seat height: 13.5”
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Stool M. 1730, Walnut, Brass, Canvas, Widdicomb, C. 1950
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, brass and canvas stool, model 1730, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, United Kingdom/USA, c. 1950.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Modern Corner Dining Banquette in Plaid Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modern Corner Dining Banquette in Plaid Fabric The Vintage Modern Corner Dining Banquette in Plaid Fabric is a chic and versatile piece of furn...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Whimsical Solid Maple Bench or Stool
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Whimsical solid maple bench or stool. Great form from the legs to the stretcher and the top. Warm solid maple. CONDITION NOTES: In overall good condition with some light m...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple

Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt MR. JONES ottoman is a piece with classical influence with sleek design and details. It fits perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Early Finn Juhl Bench for Bovirke, Denmark, circa 1953
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Early Finn Juhl Bench for Bovirke, Denmark, circa 1953. New Expertly Upholstered Cushion in Kravet Couture Green Wool Fabric. Makers Mark to the Bott...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vtg Mid Century Modern Brown Tortoiseshell Lacquer Parsons Style 54" Bench Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Brown Tortoiseshell Lacquer Parsons Style Bench / Coffee Table. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H (wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Florence Knoll Bench
Located in Miami, FL
Very long Florence Knoll bench designed for Knoll, brown upholstery and chrome base, 8 legs, unusual size.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Antonín Šuman for TON Benches in Bentwood and Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Antonín Šuman for TON, benches, bentwood, fabric upholstery, Czech Republic, 1977 Admirable benches designed by Antonín Šuman and manufactured by TON in the 1970s. The bench feature...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Bench in Dedar Dalie Papaveri Tulipani by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bouclé

Monumental wooden bench by Bruno Nanni, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Wooden bench by Bruno Nanni, Italy, 1970s A monumental and sculptural work, the bench represents one of the very rare testimonies of Bruno Nanni's activity in the world of design. T...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Piano Bench or Vanity Stool
Located in Trenton, NJ
Elevate your home with the exquisite charm of this Mid-Century Modern Vanity Stool, a piece that reverberates with the style and grace of a bygone era. Inspired by the sleek designs ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Bench in Plywood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, plywood, metal, Italy, 1960s This bent plywood bench represents characteristic Italian design elements such as the playful lines of the bent...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bench Cocktail Table Style of George Nelson Solid Beech 1950s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-century slatted bench, cocktail table from the mid-1950s. Faintly stamped Yugoslavia on the underside - too faint to be photographed. Created out of a hardwood, beech, this piece...
Category

1950s Macedonian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Model 656 Bench by John Behringer in Faux Leather for Fabry Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent 4-seater bench (model 656) by John Behringer for Fabry Associates. These iconic benches were used in the TWA terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen. This design is also pa...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful single slab of teak wood taken from my finest collection is hand carved to produce this impressive bench. We added two minimalist tapered legs with a recess at the bottom...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Convex Bench Series 72 in Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Crafted from solid oak or walnut, it exudes sophistication, complementing any interior. The upholstered cushion offers a cozy seating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut Series 72 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century P, Buffa Style Curved Wooden and Fabric Ottoman Bench, Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant bench (or ottoman) in curved wood, with seat upholstered in light green fabric. Italian production in the style of Paolo Buffa, 60s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Ebonized Wood Spindle Back Bench, France 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage French benche constructed with ebonized wood. This elegant bench features a spindle back and upholstered seat in original olive faux leather. It stands on angled legs with ...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Torbjörn Afdal: Krobo Low Table/Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Torbjörn Afdal: Krobo Low Table/Bench
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Curved Woven Cane Bench by Baker
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern antique curved woven cane bench by Baker. Beautiful design shows signs of use very sturdy. Labeled on bottom. Located in Brooklyn NYC.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Maple

Onda Bench by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
"Onda" is a moulded anatomic 3 seats and curved rosewood bench, the date of creation is 959. The aluminum feet contrasts with grain and veneers. This version is a newspaper holder fr...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Lucite Waterfall Bench: A Fusion of Mid-Century Elegance & Modern Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern flair with our lucite bench, a piece that beautifully bridges mid-century design with contemporary style. This bench has be...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

A Classic Hugh Acton Slat Bench With Solid Brass Legs ca' 1950's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Hugh Acton slat bench ca' 1950's. Solid brass Y shaped legs and slats make this a design favorite.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Midcentury Style Hairpin Benches Quick Ship
Located in New York, NY
Circa 21st century pair of Mid-Century Modern style newly made upholstered benches with satin black powder coated hairpin shaped legs and new upholstered seats with six buttons each,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Rare Italian pancha Designer Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Rovereta, SM
Rare Italian pancha by Giuseppe Rivadossi from the 1970s. The bench is made entirely of wood. Its construction is a perfect interlocking of noble wood inserts. Great mastery in woodw...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Rare Strap Midcentury Bench in Style of Pierre Jeanneret
Located in East Hampton, NY
Rare vintage modern bench circa 1950s in the style of Pierre Jeanneret, loose pillow upholstered in an off-white padded natural fabric restin...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Italian Designer, Mid-Century Modern, Bench, Sheepskin, Walnut, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern bench, footstool or seat in the manner of Gio Ponti in a new luxurious neutral genuine Italian sheepskin with boomerang walnut leg...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Walnut

Vintage Carlo Di Carli Bench
Located in Austin, TX
A dynamic bench in the style of Carlo di Carli. It features a black lacquered steel base with gilt brass feet. It has been newly upholstered in a white boucle fabric.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Tessellated stone scroll arm bench
Located in New York, NY
Tessellated stone scroll arm bench with upholstered seat and arms.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stone

Original Bench from Helsinki House of Culture by Alvar Aalto, 1952-1958
Located in Espoo, FI
Transform your space with the soul of Helsinki's cultural history embodied in an original 3-seat bench from The House of Culture Helsinki, designed by Alvar Aalto between 1952-1958. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Midcentury wooden bench Italy 1960
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Beautiful Mid-Century solid wood slatted bench, with brass details and black leather cushion. Perfect vintage condition, Italy 1960
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Prices vary dependent on the material. Assembly, consists of...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak, Rattan, Wood, Oak

Midcentury French Gilt Metal Benches with Cabriole Legs and Upholstery, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French gilt metal benches from the Midcentury period, with cabriole legs, pad feet and new custom linen upholstery. Immerse your home in the elegance and sophistication of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Knoll Style Mid Century Chrome Upholstered Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
Knoll Style mid century chrome upholstered bench The bench measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 19 high, with a seat height of 19 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Charlotte Perriand. Edited by Steph Simon. Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania (Africa). In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Stamford Modern, Carlos Solano-Granda, Lawson-Fenning, and Montage. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

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