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.
$16,189
"Gwama" Chair CUBA 1950s
By Gonzalo Cordoba
Located in Forest, BE
Designed around by Gonzalo Córdoba, chief designer of DUJO, this piece is a refined example of Cuban modernism. Crafted in solid Cuban mahogany, it reflects a transition between pre...
Leather, Wood
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern Credenza by Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
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
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Beautiful small 1960s Cocoon pendant lamp in very good vintage condition
Located in München, BY
Beautiful small 1960s Cocoon pendant lamp in very good original vintage condition. Great minimalist design. Creates a very pleasant warm light. The shade is undamaged. No holes or ...
Metal
Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tittina Ammannati and Vitelli Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate, 'Grandangolo' lounge chairs, leather, metal, Italy, design 1969 A wide and seamlessly curved lounge chair designed by...
Metal
Midcentury Pair of Red Wall Lamps by Paul Neuhaus, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking pair of midcentury wall lamps by Paul Neuhaus, dating from the 1960s, captures the bold yet refined aesthetic of the era. Each lamp features a square red frame with sof...
Metal
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Seguso Vetri d’Arte Chandelier in Light Pink Murano Pulegoso Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Seguso Vetri d’Arte, chandelier, Murano pulegoso glass, Murano glass, nickel-plated steel, Italy, 1950s The Seguso lineage stands as one of Murano island's most venerable families, ...
Nickel
Large Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Lights
Located in Rome, IT
Refined pair of Italian wall lights from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural and well-balanced composition. Each sconce features a central vertical brass stem intersected by a ...
Brass
Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the early 1950s. Designed and made in Sweden from cirka 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage co...
Chrome
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp in Copper, Teak and Glass, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp in Copper, Teak and Glass, 1950s By shortening the cable, the lowest height of the lamp can be infinitely adjusted to 35cm, at the momen...
Metal, Copper
Expertly Restored-Svend A. Madsen Floating Teak Desk w/ Bookcase for H.P. Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Teak
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandeliers 220 cm/86 in in Height
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These chandeliers carry the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Their...
Brass
$139,000
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled Wall-Mounted 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, United States, 1968 A very ra...
Bronze
José Zanine Caldas Tête-à-Tête Conversadeira Namoradeira Rocker Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, 'Namoradeira' - 'Conversadeira' - Tête-à-Tête - lounge chair, Vinhatico hardwood, Brazil, ca. 1980 José Zanine Caldas’s sculptural rocker, which goes by several...
Hardwood
Ugo Trevisan Fireplace in Hammered Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ugo Trevisan (Officina d’Arte), fireplace, hammered steel, copper, Italy, 1950s The Turin-based atelier Officina d’Arte was established by the Venetian-born metalworker and designe...
Copper, Steel
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Set with Connecting Table in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coupled lounge chairs with side table, fabric, oak, France, 1960s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high quality solid oak furnit...
Fabric, Oak
Longchamp 20th century design dog ceramic and leather cigarette box 1970
By Longchamp
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Longchamp 20th century design ceramic and leather cigarette box Brown ceramic piece with dog decoration Original vintage good condition Singe...
Ceramic, Leather
Prototype "Royal" Plafonnier Chandelier from Barovier & Toso, 1960s
By Barovier
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Unique piece: This model was handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind prototype and later mass-produced by Barovier&Toso under the name "Royal." It is still in production today, starting at €...
Murano Glass
Gae Aulenti 4x Lounge Chairs by Knoll, Black Steel, Leather Cushions
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Collectors set of 2x two Gae Aulenti for Knoll International lounge chairs-Priced as a pair This set of two times two lounge armchairs is constructed of black lacquered steel frames...
Steel
Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the early 1950s. Designed and made in Sweden from cirka 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage co...
Chrome
Pablo Picasso Signed Mid-Century Etching Print Pour Roby (L’Age de Soleil), 1968
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic original etching by famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso titled "Pour Roby" (from L’Age de Soleil). This minimalistic portrait by Picasso features thin lines that outline a...
Wood, Paper
MCM Green Viking Glass Ashtray
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century glass ashtray by Viking Glass. Made of thick, heavy glass in a vibrant green color. Round shape that tapers into a triangular base. Original manufacturer sticker still ...
Glass
Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti, Walnut Wood, Vintage 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A stunning 1960s original playing cards box designed by the legendary Italian artist Piero Fornasetti, crafted in walnut wood. This exceptional piece showcases Fornasetti's iconic ae...
Wood, Walnut
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Gaetano Sciolari 5-Tier chandelier, brass & crystal, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Magnificent 5-tier Gaetano Sciolari chandelier, Italy, 1970s. This iconic mid-century masterpiece showcases cascading tiers of hand-cut crystal prisms suspended from a polished brass...
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Style Stackable Stools, Bent Laminated Birch
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stackable stools in the Alvar Aalto tradition demonstrate Finnish modernist principles through bent laminated birch construction. Four curved legs formed from continuous bentwood emp...
Birch
Bernt Petersen 'Kludestolen' Oak Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1970s — Set of 3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three 'Kludestolen' lounge chairs by Danish designer Bernt Petersen, produced in Denmark in the 1970s. Each chair features a solid oak frame with a natural hand-wax finish and...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Brutalist Design Large 3 Armed Wrought Iron Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brutalist Design Large 3 Armed Wrought Iron Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to ...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Long Benches in Oak and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Benches, straw, oak, Europe, 1950s An impressive set of comfortable long benches, measuring an exceptional 3.5 meters in width, combining simplicity with striking presence. Crafted...
Straw, Oak
ROYAL DOULTON - HN1037 - Bone China Cocker Spaniel Figurine - UK - Circa 1931-68
By Royal Doulton, Thomas Frederick Daws
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL DOULTON (Manufacturer) - FREDERICK THOMAS DAWS (British Designer / Artist 1878-1956) - HN1037 (Model Number) - Vintage bone china figure of a cocker spaniel designed by the wel...
Ceramic
RESERVED: Vintage Palmette Wall Light, Amber Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass applique. 100% HAND MADE IN MURANO. The applique are made by 9 Murano handmade amber palmette glass, for each one, in a Solid metal frame gold painted...
Art Glass
Dior Large Magazine or Bottle Rack in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent large magazine rack in tortoiseshell-effect lucite, enriched by a solid brass rim and handle. This incredibly elegant and unique piece was made in Italy in the 1970s and ...
Brass
1970s Gaetano Sciolari 37 Cube Chrome Chandelier MCM , Italia
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic Gaetano Sciolari 37 cubes chrome chandelier , Italy Prime quality material, solid construction, fine assembly and craftsmanship. Brass cubes covered by a thick chrome coat. ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Phillip Lloyd Powell Long Wall-Mounted Sideboard in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, long wall-mounted sideboard, walnut, Unites States, circa 1970 Crafted in Phillip Lloyd Powell’s New Hope studio, this wall-mounted sideboard pairs understate...
Walnut
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, rosewood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fa...
Fabric, Rosewood
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
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Coffee Table in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper and beech, Italy, 1960s. This coffee table is an absolute eye-catcher. The copper is in beautiful, patinated condition and the vibrant yet...
Copper
Pair of Midcentury Italian Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each Wall Sconce is co...
Brass, Metal
1950s Coen de Vries Style Desk, Birch, Beige Enameled Tubular Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact desk attributed to the style of Coen de Vries combines birch construction with a beige enameled tubular metal frame. Three drawers with turned wooden knobs occupy an asymmetr...
Metal
Expertly Restored - California Modern Floating-Top Tier Coffee Table by Ace-Hi
By ACE-HI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 10.5"H x 8.0"W x 8.5"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): ...
Pine
Mid-Century Italian Chandelier in Brass with Amber Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s captures the warmth and refinement of mid-century design. Crafted in brass with a beautifully a...
Brass
$2,349 / item
Copper Louis Poulsen PH4/5 Wall Lights Circa 1970s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Copper Louis Poulsen PH4/5 Wall Lights Circa 1970s - Solid copper shade and body - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Suitable for use outside - Designed by Poul Henningsen - Made by Louis P...
Copper
Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Green, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and visually arresting three-piece smoking set designed by the renowned Italian sculptor Romano Bianchi during the 1960s. This set is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern Itali...
Alabaster
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tier Night Stands by Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Dimensions 28”H x 20”W x 19”D Table Height: 17.75" This pair of Mid-Century Modern tiered night stands, crafted in the United States during th...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Console Table w/ Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
1950s Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti Style Solid Brass Wall Mirror
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This mirror is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern Italian design, heavily inspired by the work of the legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti. Its notched, scalloped t...
Brass
Large Three-Tier Murano Glass Tube Chandelier, Pink Albaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 48 large glass tubes in a star shape. The alabaster technique create...
Blown Glass
Newly Refinished-Mid-Century Modern Walnut 6-Drawer Dresser by Bassett Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Piero Fornasetti Mid-Century Magazine Stand, Gilded Plywood, Italy
Located in Portland, OR
A fabulous magazine stand created by Piero Fornasetti. Italy 1950s. Gilded and polychromed plywood form, with brass infrastructure and legs. This example has the vibrant green interi...
Brass