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.
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Sideboard in Oak and Ceramic with Integrated Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, ceramic, fabric, France, 1960s Distinctive sideboard designed by Guillerme et Chambron, France, in the 1960s. Cra...
Ceramic, Fabric, Oak
Vintage Sea Urchin Lamp
Located in Fairfield, CA
A small vintage handmade lamp made with a sea urchin shell as the lamp shade. The base is made of wood. Beautiful coloring when the light is shown through the shell. Please note, the...
Shell, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...
Fabric, Walnut
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Dining Table in Oak and Ceramic Tiles
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison dining table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s A remarkable example of French mid-century design, this dining table was created by the celebrate...
Ceramic, Oak
Wooden Box, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...
Wood
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
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
Chromatic Fusion: Iron and Foam Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Originating from France and created around 1990 by an unknown artist, this captivating kinetic sculpture embodies the essence of motion and creativity. Constructed from a combination...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Pair of White Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian White Clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Ea...
Metal
$1,044 / set
Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Elegant pair of wall sconces featuring a distinctive Murano glass shade. The sconce has an elongated oval shape, mounted directly on the wall. The glass showcases a highly structured...
Art Glass
Architectural Mid-Century Sideboard in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, mahogany, Italy, 1960s Striking Italian sideboard executed in rich mahogany. The design is characterized by its strong architectural presence, featuring a broad overhangi...
Mahogany
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...
Brass
1980s Gelderland-Style Cognac Leather Four-Piece Sectional Sofa
By Gelderland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four-piece sectional sofa in warm cognac leather, produced in the 1980s in the Gelderland manner of Dutch furniture making. The low-profile frame supports generously deep seat cushio...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, 1 Minor Chip Shown in Pic Materials: Italian Travertine Stone, Original Glass Top, 1 Minor Chip on Glass
Travertine
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 82 cm Width: 93 cm Depth: 30 cm
Marble, Brass
Scuderira Ferrari 1960's F1 Pedal Car by Morellet et Guérineau
By Morellet et Guérineau
Located in Hastings, GB
Scuderira Ferrari 1960's F1 Pedal Car by Morellet et Guérineau This beautiful 1960’s pedal car by Morellet et Guérineau, based on the 156 F1 rac-ing version, has been lovingly resto...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 80 cm Width: 92 cm Depth: 28 cm
Marble, Brass
1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured by Mondileder in the 1970s, this large three-seat sofa features a frame built from thick, dark-lacquered Manou bamboo, bent and stacked into horizontal rails that form t...
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Night Stands w/ Drop Down Bookcase
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 desi...
Steel
French Vintage Garden Table Set of Four Chairs and Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vintage French garden table and four coordinating chairs will make an irresistible spot to linger al fresco in a garden or patio having recently been powder-coated a refreshing ...
Metal
Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...
Aluminum
Kienzle Clock Golden Brass Table or Desk Clock, Art Deco Vibe, 1967, Germany
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Kienzle Clocks, Wilhelm Kienzle
Located in Andernach, DE
This table or desk clock comes in an elegant art deco style, a beautiful piece, close to the ''Heliomat''. Very special and kept strictly in the art deco style are the housing, dial ...
Brass, Aluminum
$6,800 / set
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
The Port Colbi Dresser/Credenza
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This a hand-crafted, solid wood dresser from Pete Deeble Furniture. Each dresser sold comes with a plate to authenticate its origin and give it's place in the production sequence. ...
Hardwood
American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A study in streamlined design and understated elegance, this modern sofa is engineered with a robust solid wood frame construction. The interior features a multi-density polyurethane...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Carl Aubock 6 Forks with Leather Holder, Corn Cob Skewers #3679, Vienna, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small forks with a leather holster, model no. 3679, designed by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Originally conceived in the 1930s, this model...
Brass, Nickel
Vintage Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll 16" Side or End Tables in Calacatta Gold
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of vintage, Eero Saarinen for Knoll, signed marble top side tables. The tops are round, 16" wide. The height is 20". These tables feature the rare Calacatta Gold marble, which h...
Marble, Metal, Iron, Gold
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Arched Floor Lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, Italy, 1960s–1970s, Mid-Century Modern
By Goffredo Reggiani, Reggiani
Located in Palermo, IT
An iconic extendable arched floor lamp designed by the renowned Italian designer Goffredo Reggiani for his company, Reggiani, and produced between the late 1960s and the 1970s. It is...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Guillerme et Chambron Sideboard in Oak with Ceramic
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, sideboard, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Sideboard in oak by French designer due Guillerme & Chambron. This sideboard is equipped with two sliding-doors and...
Ceramic, Oak
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
1950’s French black metal and parchment table lamp
By Louis Sognot
Located in London, GB
A very good French 1950’s black metal and parchment paper table lamp. Bespoke shade replacement. Minor rust marks. Rewired & Pat tested.
Metal
Two large Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two larger decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive ag...
Metal, Brass
Pair Adrian Pearsall Barrel Form Swivel Chairs, Fresh Wool Blend & Tulip Bases
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of sapce-age chairs is one of Adrian Pearsall's most iconic and rare designs, and these are great examples. These chairs are elegant and striking with their circular design...
Aluminum
Italian Mid-Century Rattan and Leather Magazine or Decorative Basket, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique large decorative basket in curved rattan and brown leatherette. This stylish organic basket was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and wit...
Brass
Large Danish 1940s Curved Sofa Model Attr. to Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare sofa from 1940's. Very similar to Model 1668 designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The model was seen in Fritz Hansen's catalog #4202 in...
Wool, 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
Original John Saladino Modern Blown Glass Cylindrical Table Lamps, Pair
By John Saladino, Pyrex
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of original Model #999 table lamps designed by John Saladino, circa 1970's. These iconic lamps are constructed of heavy-walled, industrial-grade clear Pyrex glass. One lamp ha...
Chrome
Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...
Wool, Beech
1970s Largest Sciolari Glass Rod Chandelier with 8 Lights , Italy
By Gaetano Sciolari, Sciolari Lighting
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
5 row of optical grade glass rod chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari . Solid well made structure . The longest rods measure 24 in. high , medium 16 in. and smallest 12 in. Total d...
Metal, Chrome
Newly Refinished - Italian Travertine Top & Walnut Coffee Table by Sligh Lowry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Travertine Tops Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing...
Travertine, Chrome
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Brass and Glass Articulating Swivel Coffee Table 1970s In Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Toronto, ON
Articulating swivel four tier brass and glass cocktail side table in the style of Milo Baughman. This gorgeous brass table has four tiers, the top two tiers swivels 360 degrees and c...
Brass
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Vintage Danish Oak Closet Linen Wardrobe 1940s Cabinet
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Beautifully wardrobe, dresser from the early 20th Century. Crafted entirely from solid oak—inside and out—this cabinet showcases exquisite craftsmanship and naturally aged wood with...
Oak
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Great mid century high quality Danish Scandinavian modern tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square dark wood stained legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick cognac light tan le...
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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 precisi...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Italian Designer, Pendant Light, Resin, Brass, Italy, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white polymer resin pendant light designed and produced in Italy, c. 1980s. Resin has a tear repaired as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensio...
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret Library Table, Panjab Agricultural University, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the Main Sciences Library at Panjab Agricultural University, this library table retains its original institutional stencil, PAU/PB/M.S.LIB/178/III, i...
Teak
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Night Stands w/ Cane Pulls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Cane, Walnut
Handmade Belem Model Ship in Walnut Wood, 1970s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Belem model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history. Dimension: ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome