Mid-Century Modern Andirons
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Modernist Twisted Bronze Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of bronze modernist andirons. The andirons feature a ribbon like twisted front with curved footed detail. A beautiful detail to compliment to your fireplace.
Dimensions
9.6" w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Bronze
Pair of modernist wrought iron andirons, France, 1950's, mid century
Located in BELFORT, FR
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, wrought iron andirons in the style of Jean Royère.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Vintage Ornamental Andirons Made from Brass Iron
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice pair of andirons from France, circa 1950s, made from iron and brass with handmade embossed ornaments. The condition is good with patina to the brass.
Measurements are 14.96"/4....
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Brass
Brutalist “trident” Andirons, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Solid Wrought iron andirons with a clover detail.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of 1940 Anchor-Shaped Andirons in Polished Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of anchor-shaped andirons in polished brass with black iron stand. Made in USA, circa 1940.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pr, Donald Deskey for Bennett Textured Bronze and Brass Andirons C. 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of andirons, designed by the iconic modernist Donald Deskey for Bennett, exemplifies mid-century American design at its most refined. Produced in the 1950s, these andirons ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Pair of French 1970s Flame-Shaped Solid Bronze Andirons
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of modernist 1970s French solid bronze andirons in the shape of flames.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Anchor Andirons in Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Anchor Andirons in Polished Brass originates from the United States, Circa 1970. Features a sculptural rendering of anchors supported by a...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Cast Iron Fireplace Insert Grate
Located in New York, NY
Larger than most, this impressive fireplace insert grate is solid and sturdy - the surface shows obvious signs of age and use, normal and consis...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron
1980s Virginia Metalcrafters Polished Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
We are offering from a Richmond, Virginia estate a very fine pair of Virginia Metalcrafters (Harvin) brass andirons in the "Binney" design. These are not ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
1950's Donald Deskey Art-Deco Style Andirons
Located in New York, NY
1950's Donald Deskey designed for Bennet brass and irons andirons, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons, French
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of wrought iron andirons are very elegant and made of a very good quality. It is a french work, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Graphical Andirons from Iron and Brass Chrome, France, circa 1940
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant French late Art Deco, early midcentury andirons made from forged iron, brass and nickel details.
Very reduced, graphical andirons in good condition with signs of rust...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Flame Brass Andirons, circa 1960, France.
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Brussels, BE
Very nice pair of stylised flame andirons, circa 1960, France.
Polished brass, wrought iron.
Dimensions: 43 cm D, 38 cm H, 18 cm W.
All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Roccoco Style Decorative Ormolu Fireplace Chenets Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of early 20th century highly decorative bronze ormolu (gilt metal) chenets in the Rococo style.
These Chenets or fire dogs are in the typical Rococo design of scrolling fol...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Brass
Donald Deskey Andirons for Bennett, Nickel Chrome, Wrought Iron, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey andirons for Bennett, nickel chrome and wrought iron, signed. Nickel-plated brass tapered blades with newly restored matte black wrought iron shanks. Deskey's design wa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron, Nickel
Pair Donald Deskey Brass & Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of fireplace andirons designed by Donald Deskey circa 1950 for Bennett.
Sculpturally cut and formed forged blackened iron J swoops (al...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Pair of modernist wrought iron andirons, French, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Donald Deskey Black Cast Iron & Brass Puck Andirons, Circa 1960
By English Bellows, Donald Deskey
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modernist Donald Deskey Pair Brass & Black Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons. Featuring a heavy balanced cast iron framework, curved J shape desi...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Arts & Crafts Modern Chrome Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
A very modern take on a pair of hand forged Andirons that are chrome over iron. Tall sleek and elegant. Signed Cahill?
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Selection of Modern Fire Tools
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Modern Fire Tools, circa 1950s-1960s. From left to right as seen in the first photo, they are:
1) Italian hand-hammered iron fire tools, Italy, circa 1950s. They measure 38" H x 10" W x 9" D and are priced at $1600 for the set.
2) Sculptural Firestarter, designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller, American, circa 1950s. It measures 12" H x 6.5" W and is priced at $850.
3) Chrome and Lucite fire tool...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Metal
Donald Deskey Style Mid Century Brass Andirons
Located in Countryside, IL
Donald Deskey Style Mid Century Brass Andirons
Each andiron measures: 9.5 wide x 22.5 deep x 18 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detai...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass
Pair of Modernist Brushed Steel, Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of brushed steel, brass and iron. This is a very nice model, large and made of very good quality. This is a French work. circa 1970
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Donald Deskey Iron, Brass Blade Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of blackened iron andirons with a polished brass streamlined blade. Designed by Donald Deskey.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Mid Century Fireplace Tool Set by Bennett Attributed to Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Great midcentury fireplace tool set signed Bennett, design attributed to Donald Deskey. This set is in exceptional clean, ready to use o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Modernist Chromed Steel and Iron Andirons, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful pair of modernist andirons are made of chromed steel and Iron. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Steel
Fire Place Tools, Midcentury Lucite, Italy, C 1960, Lucite and Polished Chrome
Located in New York, NY
Decorative mid-century fire place tools, circa 1960. Made of polished chrome and lucite. Made in Italy.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Chrome
Art Deco, Modernist Flat Bar Helix Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury andirons with twisted flat bar polished nickel elements resting on black iron backs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Nickel
Pair of Chinese Style Andirons in Hammered Brass 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese style Modernist andirons in hammered brass, American 1950's. These andirons are very chic. Dimensions are for each.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist wrought iron andirons have pure lines and are very elegant. Very nice quality with rivets. French work, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Donald Deskey Iron and Brass Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Modernist andirons in blackened iron with a polished brass blades. Designed by Donald Deskey for Bennett. Mint restored.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
American Modern Steel Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern Steel Andirons
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Steel
Donald Deskey Style Andirons, Brass Buckles
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey style andirons, brass buckles and wrought iron. Handsome pair of modernist andirons with square brass buckle fronts, semicircle bases and wr...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Steel
Donald Deskey Style Andirons, Geometric, Brass Buckles
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey style andirons, geometric, brass buckles. Handsome pair of andirons with square brass buckle decorative fronts and wrought iron shanks.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
A Pair of Wrought Iron Cresset Fireplace Andirons
Located in London, GB
A pair of large hand-crafted blacksmith wrought-iron cresset fireplace andirons, with riveted basket finials and ring detail to front of standards supported on tall arched supports. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
1950s Vintage Andirons Brass Breasts + Nipple Minimalist Modernist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Good weight, quality construction.
W 9.25 x D 25.25 x H 22 in.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Donald Deskey Nickel Blade Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modernist andirons in blackened iron with a polished nickel blades. Designed by Donald Deskey for Bennett. Mint restored. On display at 200 Lexington...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Pair of Artisan Andirons in Polished Brass and Wrought-Iron 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and exceptional andirons in polished brass and wrought-iron, American 1970's. These andirons are beautifully made and would add a touch of elegance to any fireplace. ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair Of Chic Flower Andirons in Brass 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of loop andirons, brass with stylized flowers, American 1950's. These andirons would lend a touch of elegance to any fireplace. Dimensions are for each.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Andirons with Hammered Texture and Cannonball Crown
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Handsome pair of mid-20th Century hammered texture andirons. The andirons are in traditional form with the hourglass body balanced on elegantly curved legs. A round cannonball shape ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Torqued Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome
Located in New York, NY
This bold and elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Torqued Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome originate from the United States, Circa 1970. Features a dynamic minimal composition ren...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Chrome
Rare Pair of Horse-Shaped Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Unusual pair of wrought iron fire dogs with stylized horses.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Donald Deskey Andirons in Brass and Iron
Located in Kansas City, MO
Donald Deskey Andirons. Heavy iron with Brass fronts. Very good condition and may have been restored at some point in time. Few if any signs of use.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Brass Art Deco Modern torqued Andirons and Fire Tools Set, Deskey Style
Located in St. Louis, MO
Unique designed solid brass in the Art Deco style andirons and fire tool set. in the style of Donald Deskey. The andirons and tools are in a brushed satin brass finish. These tools a...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of French 1950s Modernist Cast Iron Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modernist cast iron andirons.
France, 1950s.
Dimensions: 10 W x 16 H x 17 D.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Donald Deskey Brass Blade Andirons by Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning pair of modernist andirons by legendary designer Donald Deskey. They were made by Bennett in the United States, circa 1950. The andirons are polished brass with an amorphi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Modernist Donald Deskey Andirons and Tools
Located in Water Mill, NY
Iron and brass andirons and tools by Donald Deskey for Bennett.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Iron
Polished Brass Twisted Arrow Style Andirons, Vintage Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
These simple and yet classic designed andirons in a polished brass with twisted neck and spade finial.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron, Brass
Pair of Heavy Brass or Bronze Andirons
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of very nice scroll details heavy brass or bronze andirons. Measures: 27" Tall.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Spectacular Pair of Danny Alessandro Fireplace Andirons Chrome Brass Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular pair of Danny Alessandro andirons in chrome and brass.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair Of Large Andirons In Wrought Iron with Brass Orbs 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large andirons in wrought iron with brass orbs on top by Stover, American 1970's (signed “STOVER MFG. CO.” on base of andiron). Thes...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Elegant Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of flame andirons in polished chrome, American 1960's. These andirons are very chic. The flames of a fire would reflect beautifully off the gently curving surfaces of the andir...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Chrome, Wrought Iron
Chrome Flame Form Andirons
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chrome and steel flame form andirons. Stylish combination of form with a function, in very good original condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Pair of sea horses andirons France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
Nice pair of wrought iron French andirons circa 1950 with sea horse shape
In the front
Heavy high quality of iron
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Wrought Iron
Chrome Andirons
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Chrome andirons.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Pair of Large Cast Iron Arts and Crafts Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of oversized cast iron andirons. This large pair of andirons feature a patinated Arts & Crafts style front design with a curved detailing seen at both the front and back of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron
Andirons by Donald Deskey for Bennett, 1950s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of sculptural patinated bronze andirons having simple diagonally cropped tapered blades projecting vertically from footed cast iron bases.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Pair of Post-War Brass Cylinder Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Post-War Design brass andirons with a center tall cylinder surrounded by 2 smaller cylinders. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern andirons for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern andirons 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 andirons created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern andirons made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original andirons, popular names associated with this style include Donald Deskey, Bennett Co., Virginia Metalcrafters, and Afra & Tobia Scarpa. 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 andirons differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $395 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $2,728.