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.
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir Vintage Broyhill Lenoir Modular Sectional Sofa characterized by its distinctive exposed solid wood frame st...
Upholstery, Walnut
Giorgio Montani for Souplina Sectional Sofa in Stainless Steel and Plum Suede
By Souplina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giorgio Montani for Souplina, sectional sofa, reupholstered suede, stainless steel, France, 1970s A very rare design by Giorgio Montani for Souplina. This sofa, designed in the 1970...
Stainless Steel
Luciano Frigerio 'Can Can' Sectional Sofa with Side Tables in Dark Wood
By Frigerio Di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio, 'Can Can' sectional sofa with side tables, beech, fabric, glass, Italy, 1960s This large living room set known as 'Can Can' is designed by Lu...
Fabric, Glass, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Mid-century Grand Sectional Sofa in Moss Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1960s This grand modular sofa, crafted in Italy in the 1960s, is a stunning example of both form and function. Designed for excellent comfort, its...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Georg Thams L-Shaped Sectional Sofa, Brown Leather, Wenge Base
By Georg Thams, Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
L-shaped sectional sofa designed by Georg Thams for Vejen Polstermobelfabrik embodies the refined sensibility of 1970s Danish Modern design. Drawing inspiration from the luxurious ae...
Leather, Wood, Wenge
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 3
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of three Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of th...
Velvet, Foam
1970s De Sede Style Green Tufted Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly fun and inviting 1970s De Sede style green tufted leather modular sectional sofa. This versatile piece offers exceptional flexibility in arranging a lounge space, composed of...
Leather
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, Sectional sofa model ‘Snake’ DS-600, leather, Switzerland, 1972. An amazing design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerla...
Leather
New Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. MADE IN ITALY UPHOLSTERED in St Germain Fabric by Metaphores, Color: Fondant M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Har...
Velvet
Selig Large 7-Piece Sectional or Modular Parsons Sofa Set, Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this 7-piece sectional sofa was produced by Selig in the early days of the company. Typically Selig is known today for importing Danish furniture and de...
Fabric
Vintage 3-Piece Modular Seating Group with Coffee Table by Haralson–Seidel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a rare complete set from Haralson–Seidel’s iconic Hide Park Collection: two modular sofas and a dual-function coffee table that together create a living space defined by vin...
Leather, Smoked Glass, Walnut
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, Kvadrat Harald 3 - 0952, wood, Italy, 1970s. This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. This alignment consists of s...
Fabric, Wood
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Sectional Sofa for Craft, 1970s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa for Craft. This sectional sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations, as shown in the images...
Upholstery
Set of Vintage Italian Velvet Five Modular Armchairs and Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful modular velvet sofa, composed of 5 armchairs and a coffee table. The coffee table has a smoked mirror as a top. The Italian sofa is in dark orang...
Velvet, Beech
Fully re-upholstered Modular Voyage Immobile sofa by Roche Bobois, France 1990s.
By Roche Bobois
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptional modular “Voyage Immobile” sofa by Roche Bobois, designed by Studio Roche Bobois in the 1990s and manufactured in France. This striking composition consists of five indivi...
Linen
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa 40 Elements in Full-grain Nappa Leather
By De Sede, Ueli Berger
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 40 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Sna...
Leather, Wood
Stendig De Sede DS 600 "Nonstop" Sectional Sofa
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, Stendig Co.
Located in Astoria, NY
Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for Stendig De Sede, DS 600 "Nonstop" Sectional Sofa, 1970s, in 14 sections with light green leather upholstery, "Stendig" label t...
Leather
$14,240Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
$12,375 / item
L-Shaped Mesa Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sectional is fully upholstered and features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as a Sectional with Chaise or a Sofa. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and ...
Fabric, Walnut
Milo Baughman Large Pit Sectional with 11 Pieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa is very versatile and can be arranged in numerous configurations. The listing measurements are for the sofa as configured in lead photo. Each corner piece measures 33" W x ...
Upholstery, Wood
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Sea...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa - Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias ...
Leather, Wood
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman for Saporiti Italia 1970s
By Saporiti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Skokie, IL
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman in newly upholstered in soft mohair for Saporiti Italia, 1970s. You can easily remove one section from the middle of the sofa if you ...
Steel
1970s Modular Sofa With Chaise by Weiman/Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s Sofa with Chaise Lounge by Weiman/Preview. Original upholstery. Measures 30” tall 86” long 66” deep a chaise, seat height 16” seat depth 21.5” seat depth chaise 53”
Upholstery
Luciano Frigerio, Sectional Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A sectional dark-stained wood and off-white fabric sofa produced by Luciano Frigerio, Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 107.88"W x 85.25"D Seat Height (inches)...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s 9-Piece Curved Modular Sofa Sectional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Remarkably well preserved nine‑piece modular sofa sectional from the late 1960s–1970s. The set includes seven standard modular chairs and two wedge‑shaped corner modules, offering a ...
Velvet
De Sede Sectional Sofa ‘DS-76’ in Dark Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa model ‘DS-76’, leather, Switzerland, 1970s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains one corner element and two normal eleme...
Leather
Danish Designer, Sectional Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and white fabric sectional sofa likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.5"H x 117.0"W x 91.5"D Seat Height (inches): 16.0" Arm He...
Fabric, Pine
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
Vintage Walnut Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a masterpiece of 1960s American design with this stunning Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa, crafted for Craft Associates. This is more than seating, it’s a statement piece tha...
Fabric, Formica, Walnut, Lacquer
1970s 'Camaleonda' C&B Italia Seven Piece Beige Velvet Sofa Set by Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1970-1972 production 7 Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (which become B&B Italia in 1973) in beige velvet. Comes with three black step side table pieces....
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips 5-piece modular sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex, Italy, 1970s An iconic modular design by Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Ove...
Velvet
Gorgeous 1970s De Sede DS600 "Non-Stop" Sectional Sofa, Burnt Orange Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An truly iconic De Sede DS600 "Non-Stop" or "Snake" sectional sofa, conceived by the visionary design team of Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich. This magnificent e...
Leather
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in Orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line Multichair is a convertible system consisting of two individual elements that can easily turn into a conversation/r...
Fabric
Cy Mann Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa
By Cy Mann
Located in Redding, CT
Cy Mann Designers collection Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa. Classic Mid Century style. In a blue/ purple chenille. Comes with 5 sections plus the ottoman. Structurally sound ...
Metal
Large Custom Mid-Century Modern 2 Piece Sectional Attributed to Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
A fabulous mid-century modern sectional attributed to Harvey Probber likely from the Nuclear Sert series. It is a pioneering example of modular furniture. This unit is in 2 pieces....
Upholstery, Wood
Sulptural Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa by M Fillmore Harty, Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, two piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original Rose colored...
Fabric
Minotti Hamilton Sectional Sofa on Chrome Base.
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Hamilton sectional by Minotti, custom-ordered in the 2010s. Composed of three modular elements, the design rests on a smoked chrome base with a chaise that can be positioned to eit...
Chrome
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sofa 14 Elements in Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 14 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Snake' is arguably the most famous sofa in the world. The non-stop system makes this sofa endless and it currently has the record 'longest sofa in the world'. This listing is for a DS 600 with 14 elements - creating a visually pleasing and very comfortable colorful seating...
Leather, Wood
Michel Ducaroy 'Togo' Sectional Sofa Set in Oxblood Red Leather for Ligne Roset
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Tilburg, NL
Michel Ducaroy 'Togo' Set in Oxblood Red Leather for Ligne Roset, France, Early 21st Century. Wonderful and high quality 'Togo' set of sectional sofa's by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne R...
Leather
Mid-Century De Sede Style Seven Piece Moss Green Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century De Sede style green leather 7 piece modular sectional sofa with three corner pieces. Has bottom clips to attach sections together. Corner pieces measure 33" x 33", single...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
Ligne Roset Togo Sectional Sofa with Ottoman in Ultrasuede by Michel Ducaroy
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Ligne Roset Togo sectional sofa with ottoman in ultrasuede, designed by Michel Ducaroy, France. Original 1973 design known for its low profile, all foam construction, and p...
Fabric, Ultrasuede, Foam
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Mario Bellini, Stilwood, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
Mid Century Modern Boxy Modular Parsons Style L Shaped Sofa with Chaise Lounge
By Parsons, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage five piece modular sofa in need of recovering. Design lines for days. Measurements below. Single chair W33 D35.5 Corner piece W 34 D35.5 Ottoman W33 D35
Fabric
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Large Sectional Sofa with Rosewood Base
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
Introduced by Thayer Coggin in the 1970s as part of the Environment Collection designed by Milo Baughman. This design classic will take center stage in any room. We have one ready for fabric of your choice as pictured. Additional photos include two sofas we recently fully restored: the camel and light green sectionals...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Style Four Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century Modern style four piece sectional sofa with 2 contoured end units and 2 curved center units that offers ample seating. The sectional with button tufted backs, foam fill...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa Sectional consist of 6 pieces plus two ottomans. Multiple sections of sofa retain Craft Assoc. labels. Each ottoman measures- 3...
Upholstery
Beppe Vida's Modular Sofa "Mister Luna" For Le Coquelicot Bologna 1970s
By Beppe Vida
Located in Taranto, IT
Modular sofa composed of 5 modules designed by Beppe Vida aka "Mister Luna" for Le Coquelicot - Bologna , Model - Project 21 , Made in the 1970s. All-wood frame covered with sponge,...
Fabric, Plastic, Wood
$20,200Sale Price|20% Off
Lara modular sofa designed by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood 1968
By Noti Massari, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare modular sofa model Lara designed by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari in 1968 for Stilwood. Polyurethane rubber frame, cotton bouclé fabric, restored, excellent condit...
Cotton, Rubber
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Munster, NRW
This Togo living landscape consisting of 3seater sofa, a lounge chair and a ottman was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1974. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, stunning beautif...
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Leather and Fiberglass Sectional Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Mid Century Leather and Fiberglass Sectional Sofa This sofa measures: 124 wide (31 inches per section) x 32 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat...
Leather, Fiberglass
Adrian Pearsall Semi-Circle Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking sectional sofa by Adrian Pearsall. Very comfortable. Ready for your choice of fabric. Arm can be added on other end if desired.
Upholstery