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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
The Forma Bench in White Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Forma Bench by Stamford Modern—an embodiment of Mid-Century Modern elegance, seamlessly blending visionary designs by Adrian Pearsall and Vladimir Kagan. With a sculp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Bench “Cíntia” by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1964
Located in New York, NY
The Cíntia bench was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench’s beautiful design is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as j...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench This bench measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 16.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brazilian Mid-Century Bench in Hardwood, Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960’s
Located in New York, NY
This bench is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and it has a stunning tone with natural wood grain. In addition, the wood has been refinished and is now in excellent condition. The bench can fit 4 people comfortably and features a low seat with four legs. It has a very clean and sleek design to it, which makes it a perfect addition to any kind of home. This piece is very versatile and can be used as a bench but also as a coffee table, which is displayed in our showroom next to Liceu de Artes e Oficios sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Mid century modern french wood bench
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid Century Modern Rationalist Wood Bench. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mate...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

David Hicks Style Pair of Chic Upholstered Benches/Ottomans 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of finely made fully upholstered benches/ottomans in a beautiful graphic velvet print in the manner of David Hicks, American 1970's. These benches have springs inside which goes...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Gilbert Marklund Inspired 2 Bench Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Mid-Century solid oak benches with trestle bases. Lightly refinished, in otherwise original condition with some visible wear consistent with their age and use.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Dark Wooden Bench or Side Table with Cane Seat, France, 1930's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Dark wooden bench or side table with cane seat, France 1930's Would fit perfectly in your hallway, as a side table in your living room, to put books...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench, California, c.1975
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench for Orange Crate Modern. Santa Monica, California, c.1975 Beautiful wood grain throughout. This piece has been professionally restored.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Walnut and Black Leather Ojai Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai bench features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angel...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Børge Mogensen Style Pine Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Børge Mogensen style trestle base pine benches with wide decorative legs. Each bench is in original condition with similar visible wear consistent with their age and use....
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Upholstered Bench with Spider Legs in the Style of Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Small Bench or Stool in the Style of Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered and Base refinished.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid Century Modern U Shape Gilt Wrought Iron Window Bench NEW Upholstery MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Hollywood regency style newly upholstered window bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

The Forma Bench in Natural Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Forma Bench by Stamford Modern—an embodiment of Mid-Century Modern elegance, seamlessly blending visionary designs by Adrian Pearsall and Vladimir Kagan. With a sculp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

A Vintage Pair of English 1950s G-Plan Ebonized Stools
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with leather saddle seat seeming to float above an ebonized wooden base with turned legs fitted with brass caps and feet; new tan leather upholstery; good vintage condition with...
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Grande panca anni '60
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Grande panca anni '60 con struttura in ferro e piedini in ottone. Il rivestimento è nuovo così come l'imbottitura. Il tessuto del rivestimento è antimacchia e riprende il mood di qu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refinished solid oak benches, circa 1970's. Found with a Lou Hodges dining table. Very versatile pieces that can be used a seating, entryway, or as display/shelving. We have two...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Italian Bench, 1950s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden bench made by an Italian craftsman in the 1950s. Wear due to time and age of the bench.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Low Mahogany & Cane Bench, Coffee Table, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Low Slung Cane, bleached Mahogany Bench -Cocktail Table. Featuring a sturdy rectangular solid bleached Mahogany frame, stretchers to each end, inset w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Cane

Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench with a Drawer, circa 1958
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench with side table and drawer and cushions from Cite Cansado, Mauritania. Designed by Charlotte Perriand in France circa 1958. Mahogany wood...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of small benches - Spain 1960
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of small benches in solid beech with gilded shellac finish. Upholstered with ivory curly fabric (comfort foam refurbished). Manufacturer’s label “Jelm S.L” in Olot – Spain. Spa...
Category

1860s Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Italian Mid-Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian midcentury bench with backrest. Perfect for a small space or the end of a bed. Dark wood legs. Recovered in an off-white bouclé fabri...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Beech Bentwood Standing Planter, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bentwood, Beech

Set of 2 black benches by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Guglielmo Ulrich (1904-1977), architect, designer, interior decorator, and painter, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting figures in the history of modern Italian furniture. Mi...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Textile, Wood

A wooden upholstered bench, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank, contemporary.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wooden upholstered bench, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank, contemporary.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Swedish Modern "Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting an exquisite piece of Swedish design history – the pine "Visingsö" bench by the renowned Carl Malmsten. This iconic bench, named after the serene Swedish island of Visings...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Charles and Ray Eames Fiberglass Shell Bench
Located in Münster, DE
Bench, 4 fiberglass seat shells, color Parchment, design Charles & Ray Eames, metal frame with chrome-plated sled feet. height 80 cm, width 222 cm, depth 55 cm
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

1970s Beech and Umakart Bench, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Augusto Romano Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Romano, bench, beech, braided straw, Italy, circa 1948 A rare side bench designed by Italian designer Augusto Romano around 1948. A well-execut...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Straw, Beech

Early Pierre Chapo 'S38A’ Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, model 'S38A', elm, France, 1960s. This wonderful ‘S38A’ bench is designed by Pierre Chapo in the 1960s. A soft, warm all-over patina is visible on the wood of t...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Vittorio Dassi Italian Modern Walnut and Black Leather Upholstered Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Italian Modern walnut bench in sculptural form features a 3-row frame with rounded edges, rectangular seat cushion upholstered in black leather, standing on 4 short conica...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Upholstery

Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Hardwood Bench in the style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Rare, Elegant and Timeless Midcentury Modern Neoclassical X Form Bench in the style of the French 1930's master, Jean-Michel Frank, The piece reflects the elegance and purity of Fr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Torbjørn Afdal for Mellemstrands Bruksbo Norwegian Teak Krobo Bench
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A Krobo bench designed by the Norwegian designer Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) for Mellamstrands Bruksbo. Made in Norway, the bench is made of teak and features a sleek elongated seat ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Early Pierre Chapo 'S38A’ Benches in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, benches model 'S38A', elm, France, 1960s. This set of benches are early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and a commitment...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Bench metal, brass and bouclette fabric
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bench or bed end, metal, brass and bouclette fabric
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Geraldo de Barros Bench
Located in Washington, DC
Long bench designed by Geraldo De Barros, considered one of the most important artists and designers In Brazilian Modernism.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench , Ico Parisi Style 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench, reminiscent of the iconic style of Ico Parisi, epitomizes the elegance and sophistication of mid-century design. Crafted during the 1960s,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

The Artisanal Bench in Dark Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Giacometti Style Brutalist Iron Bench In Leather
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Giacometti style brutalist iron bench with leather upholstery. The top has been reupholstered in a heavy grade distressed leather. Base shows wear consistent with age. (please refer ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Custom Lucite Vanity Bench or Stool with Thick Lucite Legs and Upholstered Seat
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Lucite Vanity Bench or Stool with Thick Lucite Legs and Upholstered Seat Offered for sale is a new Lucite vanity bench from our own worksho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Lucite

Gio Bench in Dark Walnut 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

Brass, Nickel

Pierre Jeanneret Bench from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh
Located in Soho, London, GB
Bench from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh. The rarity of this piece is further enhanced by the presence of a typical hand-stenciled marking on the rear crossbar that read...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Teak

Curved Benches in Black Upholstery and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved benches, metal, faux leather, Europe, 1970s. This set of three faux leather benches with metal frame together form a type of wave. The construction is geometric, solid and st...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Vintage Lucite, Chrome & Black Leather Bench with Storage Compartment, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Supremely useful and attractive modern piano or storage bench in lucite with chrome hardware upholstered in a full grain black Italian leather—circa 1980, appearing to be a custom fa...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Minimal Solid Oak wood Contemporary SACHI Bench with bolster and brass detail
Located in Hyderabad, TG
The Sachi Bench is a versatile piece of furniture that is perfect for adding a touch of tranquility to your home. It is made in solid American oak with fine upholstery and elegant br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Sculptural ICO Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the ICO Bench, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Named after the celebrated Italian designer Ico Parisi, this bench beautifully sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Gio Piano Bench 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

Brass, Nickel

Angelo Mangiarotti 'Eros' series bench for Skipper in gray marble
Located in Milano, IT
Bench with seat supported by two legs from the 'Eros' series in Mondragone gray marble. 1970s Skipper production, design Angelo Mangiarotti.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Pair of Red Brick X Base Billy Baldwin Mid Century Modern Window Benches MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Red Brick X Base Billy Baldwin Mid Century Modern Window Benches MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Linear Daybed in Dark Walnut Series 84 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Daybed" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Centur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

DIA Slat Chrome Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Design Institute of America Chrome Slat Bench Designed in the 1970s, this slatted chrome bench is simple and classic.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Nara Bench Made in Tzalam Wood and Linen Upholstery by Tana Karei
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
The Nara bench is made out of a Mexican wood called Tzalam. The upholstery comes in linen-many color available. This bench can be a great compliment to a living room or the front ...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen, Hardwood

Iris Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Iris Bench is beautifully constructed with a silhouette that is simple, timeless, and sleek. Topped with a cushion to provide additional texture and softness to the piece. Sta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Oak, Ash, Velvet, Linen, Mohair

Bench by Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson
Located in PARIS, FR
Very decorative this wenge bench by Dutch designers Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson created in 1967. It resembles the better known one created by Martin Visser but differs in particular i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wenge

Low Table from Les Arc 1600, by Charlotte Perriand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Low table used in Les Arcs 1600. This piece was designed for Les Arcs 1600, one of Charlotte Perriand's most important works. The material is made of Swiss pine wood. Can be used ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

The Zen Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Zen Bench" by Carlos Solano, an exquisite new addition to the Stamford Modern collection. Inspired by the tranquility of Asian design aesthetics, this bench exudes a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Brazilian Midcentury Inspired Marcelo Bench, Tropical Parota Wood and Steel
Located in Mexico City, Delegación Cuauhtémoc
This Brazilian midcentury inspired Marcelo bench is a unique creation by Leon Leon Design from Mexico City. It features a p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

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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