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Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

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
Wash Drawing by Artist Evelyne Luez on Paper, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wash drawing by artist Evelyne Luez on paper, 20th century. Drawing by the artist Evelyne Luez on paper in wash, representing a meeting of men with hats, 20th century. H: 42cm, W: 5...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Drawing on Paper, Preparatory Drawing, Young Woman, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper, preparatory drawing, young woman, 20th century. Drawing of a young nude woman at her desk, preparatory drawing, 20th century. H: 50cm, W: 48cm, D: 0.3cm
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Original Watercolor Painting "Navy Pier - Chicago" by Benjamin Kelman
Located in San Diego, CA
An original watercolor painting entitled "Navy Pier - Chicago" by listed artist Benjamin Kelman, circa 1950's. The painting is in very good vintage condition and presented in a gold ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Aluminum

French Majolica Oyster Marcel Guillot, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica oyster signed Marcel Guillot, circa 1950. 10.5 diameter.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Takanori Kinoshita (1894-1973) Japanese Mid Century Portrait Painting
Located in Sarasota, FL
Portrait of a musician girl by Takanori Kinoshita
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Larry Connatser (1938-1996) Signed Savannah Artist Oil Painting
Located in Sarasota, FL
Original painting by Savannah GA artist Larry Connatser.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

"January 18 to February 12" Exhibition Poster of Jester on Horse by Ben Shahn
Located in San Diego, CA
"January 18 to February 12" exhibition poster of jester on horse by Ben Shahn, circa 1960s. The poster is in good vintage condition and measures 20" x 28"; it is presented in a vint...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Vintage Curtis Jere Aquarium Fish Wall Sculpture, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Curtis Jere Aquarium Fish Wall Sculpture, Signed Offered for sale is an uncommon vintage Curtis Jere aquarium or fish wall sculpture. The sculpture is made of brass and pai...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass

Matisse Framed Colorful Print by Moderna Museet, circa 1990
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Matisse Framed Colorful Print by Moderna Museet, circa 1990 With a high quality wood frame In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Category

1990s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Aqua Majolica Oyster Plate Gien, circa 1950
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate signed Gien, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Aqua Majolica Oyster Plate Gien, circa 1950
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate signed Gien, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 1967 Poster of Mendelowitz Exhibition at Stanford University.
Located in Seattle, WA
Print is titled “ Willow Thicket “ Circa 1964. Poster was made for Stanford Art Gallery in 1967. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 17 W ; 22 H
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

1970's Original Abstract Oil on Canvas by Elgin Mid Century
Located in San Diego, CA
1970s Original Abstract Modernist oil on canvas by Elgin, original wood frame , beautiful colors nice original condition. Great for any Mid century , Danish modern home decor. Gorgeo...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Dora Maar Black And White Framed Photography Edited by Centre Pompidou
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dora Maar Black And White Framed Photography Edited by Centre Pompidou Framed in Balck Lacquered Wood Edited in 2019. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and ...
Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Bernard Leach 'Black Pot' Lithograph 63/100
Located in Newark, GB
A wonderful framed lithograph on paper, this fabulous illustration of one of Bernard Leach's iconic pots was printed at the Curwen Studio in 1974. Signed in pencil by Leach, it is fr...
Category

Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Mid Century Scandinavian Teak Wall Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
A Mid-Century Scandinavian style sculpted teak wall shelf, made in Denmark. This interesting sail boat shaped wall shelf is great for a decorative item. Place your favorite vase,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Island Water Marine Watercolor Painting
Located in Mckinney, TX
Step into the vibrant world of mid-century modern art with this captivating painting adorned in bold and electrifying colors in impressionistic watercolor brushstrokes. A rustic beac...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

1960s Italian Signed Abstract Painting
Located in Roma, IT
Nino Caffè, painting on paper, mixed media. “Vestizione di un pretino” (Vestments of a Young Priest) Signed bottom center: Caffè. Young priests in 1950s Rome were one of Nino Caff...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Brutalist Cityscape Modernist Fiberglass Wall Relief 3D Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare fiberglass resin wall art cityscape, in a gold and black finish , very rare and unique piece.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Resin

Vintage Australian National Art Gallery Jack Wanuwun 1988. Exhibition Poster.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Print is of a 1987 artwork titled “ Barnumbirr the Morning Star.” eclectic tribal style of Art. Red and yellow primary tones. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. ...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Mid Century Helmut Schaffenacker, Germany Pottery Wall Plaque Horses, c1960s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time and infuse your living space with the allure of mid-century modern design with this exquisite vintage wall plaque by the renowned German ceramist, Helmut Schaffenac...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

1950's Carvanite Set of Twelve Unused Candy Green and Ivory Bakelite Handles
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century Green & Ivory Bakelite Pull Knobs Set of Twelve by Carvanite, these Candle Green Bakelite drawer pull with ivory trim, pulls/nobs perfect for living up a mid-century kitc...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Bakelite

1950's Unused Butterscotch Orange & Double Lined Red Bakelite Drawer Pulls
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century by Carvanite, these unused Butterscotch Orange & Double Lined Red Bakelite Bridge Drawer Pulls nobs perfect for living up a mid-century kitchen or cabinet. Bakelite hard...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Bakelite

Mid Century Unused Burnt Orange & Double Lined Ivory Bakelite Drawer Pulls
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century Orange & Ivory Bakelite Pull Knobs Set of Six, By Carvanite, these Burnt Orange Bakelite drawer pull nobs are perfect for living up a mid-century kitchen or cabinet. Bak...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Bakelite

Piet Mondrian Late 20th Centry Framed Print
Located in Barcelona, ES
Piet Mondrian Late 20th Centry Framed Print In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use.
Category

1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Glazed Ceramic Delft Wall Pocket
Located in Long Island City, NY
Blue and White Glazed Ceramic Delft Wall Pocket, depicting a floral mask on the top half and another on the bottom half.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Oil Painting by Ysbrant Van Wijngaarden (1937 - 2021)
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Oil Painting by Ysbrant Van Wyngaarden (1937 - 2021) born in The Hague, The Netherlands. Painting measures 68.25" wide, 1.5" deep and 60.5" high. Frame is all original. Note: we h...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

French Majolica Oyster Marcel Guillot, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica oyster signed Marcel Guillot, circa 1950. 10.5 diameter.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Large Ceramic Wall Panel Giovanni De Simone 1960 Sicilian Art Picasso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Large ceramic wall panel Giovanni De Simone 1960 Sicilian Art Picasso Horse Rider. In his hometown he founded his own workshop "Maioliche d'Arte De Simo...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Three Original Watercolor Paintings "Century of Progress" by Benjamin Kelman
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful set of three original watercolor painting "Century of Progress" by listed artist Benjamin Kelman, circa 1950's. Each painting is in very good vintage condition and presen...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Aluminum

Organic wood Carved Mobile Sculpture By Casey Johnson
Located in Houston, TX
Organic Wood Carved Mobile Sculpture by Casey Johnson. A beautiful curvy mixed media piece reminiscent of Noguchi's freeform style. The wood is ebonized and polished smooth, you can'...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Horses Wall Decoration Panel Embossed Copper c1950
Located in Mimizan, FR
Mid century horses wall decoration panel embossed copper c1950-70 Good vintage condition with good patina.   
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Copper

Rare Midcentury Brass Wall Sculpture Lovers, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare - original piece
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Litho - Bartholomeos Papadantonakis - 1978
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful original mid century modern lithograph, a work of art by the Greek artist Bartholomeos Papadantonakis. The work was published in an edition of 50 pieces, this is number 2...
Category

1970s Greek Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Paper

Signed Dutch 1952 Mid Century Nautical Oil on Canvas Sailboat in the Sound
Located in Mckinney, TX
Step into the past with this enchanting 1952 Dutch oil painting capturing the serenity of a sailboat with its attached dingy gracefully navigating through a tranquil sound, framed by...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid Century Cattail Wall Hangings - Set of 2
Located in Vallejo, CA
A wonderful set of 2 Mid Century cattail wall hangings. The tops of the cattails are made of wood and the stems are made out of arched black metal. Varying sizes, measurements are: 2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

1950s Ruth M. Fulton WPA Abstract Impressionist Painting of Sailors on a Boat
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Ruth Fulton WPA Abstract Impressionist Painting of Sailors on a Boat Offered for sale is a 1950s Ruth McConnell Fulton (1905-2003) WPA School Impressionist painting depictin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Mixed Metals Welded Wall Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
2 be Square Mixed Metals, drilled, and worked areas with Patina. Can Easily hang vertically or Horizontal. Signed and dated backside.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Copper

Modular Wall Unit in rosewood by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark 1960s. This rosewood setup has one storage cabinet, two display cabinets, one desk...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Watercolour by Evelyne Luez, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Watercolour by Evelyne Luez, 20th century. Watercolour by Evelyne Luez depicting a beach and two people under a parasol, 20th century. H: 36.5cm, W: 44cm, D: 0.2cm
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Drawing on Paper in Ink, the Battle, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper in ink, the battle, 20th century. Drawing on ink paper depicting a battle in black and white, 20th century, unsigned. H: 44.5cm, W: 64.5cm, D: 0.2cm
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Hand Made Glazed Ceramic Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Made Glazed Ceramic Shelf Offered for sale is a handmade functional glazed ceramic shelf that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. Rexx is a painter and ceramicist. He is the s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Unframed Matted Monoprint Signed J. Hovadik 1965 8/25
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an original, abstract monoprint, signed by J. Hovadik, dated 1969. Matted and in excellent condition. The dimensions are 24" W x 30" H.    
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Original Oil on Paper Painting by Alexander Gore, Dated 2012 and Certified
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning original oil on paper painting by Alexander Gore. The piece is dated 2012, painted in high relief. The artist works of art have been displayed around the world and to this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper, Giltwood

Untitled Monoprint by Beverly Pepper C. 1985.
By Beverly Pepper
Located in Long Island City, NY
Untitled Monoprint by Beverly Pepper C. 1985. Signed and dated to lower right 'Beverly Pepper 1985' Beverly Pepper was an American sculptor known for her monumental works, site spec...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Plexiglass

Signed Rafael Diaz MCM Maritime/Nautical/Coastal Sailboat Harbor Oil Painting
Located in Mckinney, TX
Immerse yourself in this serene maritime scene of boats swaying on the water tied in a calm harbor. Painting is oil on canvas framed in a creamy white narrow frame with a natural lin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Hoi Lebadang 1960s Vietnamese Figural Village Landscape Lithograph Print 40"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century lithograph print by Hoi Ledabang. Shows a country village landscape at the base of a mountain with a pair of figures carrying baskets in the foreground, done in black and...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Little Boy Blue, Vintage Polish Movie Poster by Hanna Bodnar, 1968
Located in London, GB
Here’s one beautiful example of Hanna Bodnar’s style. She created this vintage Polish poster in 1968 for a Mexican film called ‘Jezioro Flamingow’ (Little Blue Boy). Polish A1 size:...
Category

1960s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Hoi Lebadang 1960s Abstract Equestrian Pair of Horses Lithograph Print 33"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century lithograph print by Hoi Ledabang. Shows an abstract pair of horses in an orange and yellow landscape. Pencil signed Hoi (lower right) and numbered 165/375 (lower left). C...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Roger Capron Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - BIRD
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Roger Capron Panel with 3 Ceramic Tiles - SUN
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Frank Stella (1936-2024) “Rabat” Abstract Screenprint Unframed Edition
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Frank Stella (1936-2024) “Rabat” Abstract Screenprint Unframed Edition Frank Stella’s “Rabat” Screenprint (1964) is a mid century abstract geometric composition. Created on wove pa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Roger Capron Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - FISH 2
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Nathan Oliveira Poster From Stanford University Exhibition Print.
Located in Seattle, WA
Monochromatic Print on paper, exhibition was Titled “ drawings and watercolors “ Originally created for the Stanford Art Gallery. Print shows a feminine figure. Vintage Condition Con...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Roger Capron Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - HEN
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Roger Capron Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - FISH
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century French Oil Painting on Canvas of Small Town in Wooden Frame
Located in Houston, TX
This 20th-century French oil painting on canvas offers a nostalgic glimpse into a small town's quaint charm, capturing the essence of everyday life with remarkable detail and warmth....
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Ordinary Darkness, Vintage Polish Poster by Ewa Gargulinska, 1973
By Ewa Gargulinska
Located in London, GB
This is such a beautifully dark and tender poster design by Ewa Gargulinska. She designed this vintage Polish poster in 1973 for the Japanese film ‘Kuro no bonryu’ (Ordinary Darkness...
Category

1970s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Mid-century Modern wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern wall decorations 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 wall decorations created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern wall decorations made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Curtis Jeré, Karl Blossfeldt, Herta Baller, and Josef Albers. 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. Prices for wall decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $16 and tops out at $406,322 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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