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.
Erté, Alcazar de Paris, Original Signed and Numbered Lithograph 12/120, 1970
By Erté
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare and Original 1970 lithograph by Erté, the professional name of Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990), created for the celebrated Alcazar de Paris cabaret. The composition is highly cha...
Glass, Wood
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Brass, Steel
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
Heavy Candle holder vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Heavy Candle holder vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. The sconce features a robust design with materials including lacquered black metal and brass, complemented...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to ...
Metal, Brass
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition. Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Brass
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Blue Velvet Jacquard by Casamance, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Italian Amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. This Wall Sconce is equipped wit...
Metal
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s This beautiful, stylish, rare and all-original leather club sofa has been wonderfully preserved by it’s previous owners in a Fre...
Leather
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Biscuit Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s wall mirror in the style of legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti boasts a captivating "biscuit" (biscotto) silhouette. Defined by its organic, gently flare...
Brass
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Nikolay Diulgheroff, Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Danish Oval Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Kurt Østervig
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Henning Kjærnulf style oval extendable dining table with turned and carved legs. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s most likely by EG Møbler The table is made of so...
Oak
Signed Oball Murano Pink and Black Art Glass Fish Figurine Paperweight
By Luigi Onesto, Atelier Oball
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A charming sculptural fish by Vetreria Oball, Murano, combining a luminous raspberry-pink body with bold black glass details. The rounded central form is encased in thick, clear glas...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Mid-Century Set of Six Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous, stunnin and unique Set of Six Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 li...
Metal, Brass
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak & Cognac Leather Lounge Chair for Mogens Kold
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full Grain-Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bri...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
Italian Mid-Century Modern Highboard with Illustrated Fabric Panels in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Highboard, chestnut, illustrated fabric, Italy, 1940s/1950s This remarkable Italian highboard is characterized by its warm chestnut construction and richly decorated front. Six pane...
Fabric, Chestnut
Czechoslovakia Mid-century Set of Eight Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Czechoslovakia Set of Eight glass Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Czechoslovakia. These Flush Mounts or Wall Sc...
Metal
Ashtray with fish motiv vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Ashtray with fish motiv vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Patinated Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Greece
By Frederic Weinberg, Pepe Mendoza
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking bronze sculpture, originally found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria, is inspired by the elegant forms and symbolic motifs of ancient Etruscan art. Crafted in Greece...
Metal
Opal Glass and Solid Wood Pair of Sconces, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Opal Glass and Solid Wood Pair of Sconces, 1960s, Germany This lamp works with E14 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use 110-220V in all countries. Please do not hesitate to ask u...
Glass, Wood
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this...
Travertine
Sarah Ellison Muse Modular Sofa in Cognac Velvet, Mid-Century Modern
Located in San Carlos, CA
A four-piece modular sofa from Sarah Ellison's celebrated "Muse" collection for Ellison Studios, upholstered in a warm cognac velvet. The set comprises two armless seat modules and t...
Velvet, Hardwood
Mid-Century Brass and Enamel Barware Cocktail Picks, Spanish Swords, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming and highly decorative set of eight cocktail picks from Toledo, Spain, circa 1950, each meticulously shaped as a miniature Spanish sword. The e...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Brass Swing-Arm Floor Lamp with Pleated Shade Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant floor lamp features an adjustable swing arm and a classic pleated shade that casts a warm ambient glow. Crafted with refined lines, it embodies the timeless sophisticati...
Brass
Rosewood Sideboard with sliding doors Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This compact storage piece features smooth sliding doors and sleek tapered legs. The refined silhouette highlights the rich grain patterns typical of mid-century design. Crafted from...
Rosewood
Mid Century Large Yellow Lucite Grape Cluster, 1960s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in shades of yellow. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic leaves tuck...
Lucite, Wood
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Spice Color, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in a rich, earthy spice-toned linen, its tailored slipcover ...
Linen
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Fritte Chamotte Ceramic Table Lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Valencia, VC
Rare Mid-Century Modern table lamp from the Fritte series by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, produced in Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy, during the 1960s. The lamp is formed as a compact archi...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Glass
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's These stylish chapeau de gendarme models are beautiful. The rich, chestnut brown colour is very love...
Leather
Oak Storage Cabinet with Doors Swedish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This versatile storage cabinet combines crisp geometric detailing with warm Scandinavian craftsmanship. Built in Sweden, it features an upper drawer above a dual-door cabinet with ad...
Oak
Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet for Glenn of CA
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
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
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic beige tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
Joe Colombo 'Elda' Swivel Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort Design Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of Italian designer Joe Colombo’s best-known designs. This particular b...
Leather, Fiberglass
1970s Coral Marbleized Glass Rondelle Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wide saucer-shaped ceiling fixture from the 1970s with a marbleized glass shade in coral pink, carrying bold cream and rose veining that evokes the look of colored stone. Chrome hard...
Glass
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light designed by French designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials m...
Glass, Oak
Czechoslovak Mid-century Set of Eight Wall Sconces by OSVETLOVACI SKLO, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and stunning Czechoslovakia Set of Eight White glass Wall Sconces or Flush Mounts from 1970s by OSVETLOVACI SKLO. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal
1960s Napako Czech Printed Glass Rondelle Pendant, Floral Motif
By Napako
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Czech pendant light by Napako, featuring a broad frosted glass rondelle shade printed with a fine-lined blue botanical motif. Stylized leaf forms radiate outward from a v...
Glass
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 19309s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattered s...
Fabric, Wood
Metal Floor Lamp with Dual Textured Shades Mid-Century Modern 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking floor lamp features a slender dark metal stem branching into dual adjustable arms with textured cone shades. It delivers warm directional light while showcasing a disti...
Steel
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 3x5 Green And Blue Zig Zag Striped Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Reversible Area Rug, Forest Green, Cream And Blue Zig Zag Striped Rug Dhurrie - 3'x5' (90x150cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 1...
Cotton
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side legs and feet with thr...
Wood
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret 6-hole File Rack PJ-R-27-A, Chandigarh
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An authentic double-sided low cupboard, also known as the “File Rack,” designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the administrative buildings of Chandigarh, circa 1957–1958. Created as part ...
Teak
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Maple
Oak Tile End Table with Blue and White Delft Tiles Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This charming accent table features a striking inset of hand-painted blue and white Delft tiles atop a sturdy wooden frame. It blends classic folk art charm with practical everyday u...
Oak
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 8x10 Blue And Pink Geometric Indian Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Reversible Sky Blue And Pink Geometric Patterned Indian Rug Size- 8'x10' (240x300cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 100% cotton ...
Cotton
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Blue Glass and Brass Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian mid-century table lamps featuring rounded light blue glass bodies, circular brass bases and matching brass details. Their soft spherical form and pale blue color give...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Pair of 1950s Italian Opaline Glass and Brass Bedside Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian table lamps from the 1950s, featuring solid brass bases and tall rectangular shades in white opaline glass. The softly rounded corners of the glass contrast with the ...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Chandelier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning floral chandelier entirely crafted from mouth-blown Murano glass and solid brass. This exceptionally elegant and distinctive piece was produced by the mastery of Barovier in...
Brass
Vintage Hand-Knotted Indigo & Ochre Wool Hallway Runner Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your space with this exquisite vintage hand-knotted wool runner rug, showcasing a sophisticated balance of deep indigo blue, rich warm ochre, and soft neutral accents. Featur...
Wool
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, combining brass, black lacquered metal and white opaline glass in a refined mid-century composition. Each fixture features a large...
Brass