Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
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 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.
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color: Black
Black and White Lacquered Design Fire Place Tools on Stand, French, Circa 1980
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design fire place tools on stand are made of black and white lacquered metal. This is a French work, circa 1980.
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal
Custom Handmade Steel and Brass Fireplace Screen in any Dimension or Finish
Located in Chicago, IL
Highly decorative painted steel and polished brass fireplace screen handmade by the artisans in our own Old Plank Workshop in Chicago. This beautiful fireplace screen can be customiz...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel
Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Danish Red Enameled Fireplace by Architectural Firm Hoff & Windinge for Tasso
By Tasso
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare red enameled midcentury Danish fireplace designed by architectural firm Hoff & Windinge for Tasso Denmark, circa 1942. This fireplace has the ORIGINAL removable grate with two h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Enamel, Iron
Set of Four Fireplace Iron Tools on Brass Accented Stand, France, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
France, 1970s
A set of four iron fireplace tools
mounted on iron frame with polished brass geometric mounts
Measures: 23 H x 6.5 D x 8 W.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass, Iron
Donbar Faceted Fireplace in Patinated Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Donbar fireplace, iron, Belgium, 1970s
Transport yourself back to the bold and avant-garde spirit of the 1970s with this fireplace by Donbar made in Belgium in the 1970s. Crafted fr...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Pair of wrought iron fire dogs, anonymous, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of fire dogs, anonymous, Sweden, 1970s
Wrought iron.
H: 18 cm
L: 47 cm
W: 26 cm
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mastercraft Brass and Metal Freestanding Fireplace, circa 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A sexy Scandinavian vibe emanates with a warm glow from this vintage Mastercraft faux fireplace, which can conveniently move with you as there is no installation required. Faux logs...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tobia & Afra Scarpa Adjustable Fireplace Screen, circa 1970, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa adjustable fireplace screen for Dimensione Fuoco, circa 1970, Italy.
Black metal folding and adjustable fireplace screen with three sections and brass details.
...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons Showing an Owl
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons showing an owl is made of cast iron and wrought iron This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of iron and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of wrought iron and cast iron. This is a French work by Rfamous designer aymond Subes. Circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Flame Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of neoclassical style flame andirons are made of brass with wrought iron parts on the back. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass
Pair of Boat Anchor Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of boat anchor andirons is made of brass.s This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Lacquered Metal Design Fireplace Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design fireplace tools on stand are made of black lacquered metal. This is a French Work. Circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Pair of Fleurs de Lys Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of Fleurs de Lys andirons are made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Cast Iron and Brass Chenets, 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of cast iron and brass Chenets, 1960's design.
Measures: H: 29 cm, W: 40 cm, D: 16 cm.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass, Iron
Bolection Fireplace in Black Marble
Located in London, GB
An English moulded bolection fireplace in black marble. Based on a period original. An elegant shape. Modern. Please note that whilst the marble is largely pure black in color there ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Marble
Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of wrought iron.This is a French work. Circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair Of Steel And Iron Design Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair od andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a great design, very simple and a French work, Circa 1970
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work by Raymond Subes. Circa 1940
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Belt Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons representing a belt is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron
Lacquered Metal Design Fireplace Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design fireplace tools are made of lacquered metal. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Steel Spherical Fire Place
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern spherical fireplace made out of heavy steel by Dries Kreijkamp , the Netherlands, 1960s. This Mid-Century Modern fireplace can r...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel
Irving Harper Fire Starter by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Irving Harper under George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller c. 1950s, USA. The footed cast iron pot features a coiled-handle and white firing stone that shows minimal ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Custom Made to Order Fireplace Screen Mid-Century Modern Style Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Heavy steel and brass Mid-Century Modern style fireplace screen, that our old plank workshop builds to order in your specific dimensions and finish. We also custom build other Mid-Century Modern fireplace screens...
Category
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel
Modernist Cast Iron Fireback Representing a Stylized Nude Woman Signed Quellier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This modernist cast iron fireback displays a nude woman with a scythe and ears of wheat. This piece is stamped and signed M Quellier? This is a French work, circa 1950.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Brass Fireplace Tools
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Three piece set of Alessandro Abruzzi style chrome and brass fireplace tool set, Italy Circe 1970's.
Shiny and bright, this set of 3 place tools with both warm and cool accents is a...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Modernist Cast Iron Fireback, Signed G Lecoff?, French, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This modernist cast iron fire back is signed G Lecoff. It is a sophisticated French work, circa 1950.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Fireplace Surround in Brass and Steel Style of Danny Alessandro
Located in New York, NY
Fireplace surround in brass and steel style of Danny Alessandro.
The opening measures: 57.25 W x 38.5 H.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel, Brass
Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer.
Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal
Pair of Pyramid Steel and Wrought Iron Andirons, French, Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of pyramid andirons is made of steel and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel, Wrought Iron
Pair of Modernist Steel and Wrought Iron Flame Andirons, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist flame andirons is made of steel and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel, Iron
Pair of Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Flat Key Andirons, French, Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of flat key andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron, Iron
Gilbert Poillerat Style, Important Pair of Wrought Iron and Gilt Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Amazing pair of important wrought iron and gilt iron andirons with twisted bar. These stunning andirons are French, in the style of so famous wrought iron master Gilbert Poillerat. T...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Modernist Steel and Wrought Iron Andirons, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of steel and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel, Wrought Iron
Fireplace Screen Hand-Made in Chicago and Available Any Dimension, Most Finishes
Located in Chicago, IL
New and Made to Order our Old Plank Fireplace screen is hand-made here in Chicago by our master metal fabricator and available in most dimensions and numerous finishes.
Category
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Steel
Stylish Pair of Mid-Century Modern Andirons or Firebogs
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Lovely pair of Mid-Century Modern andirons.
Inspired by an opening flower, these heavy wrought iron andirons open up to reveal a polished hand hammered "floating" shiny ball.
Nice ...
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wrought Iron
Jansen Fireplace Mantel Chrome and Brass, circa 1970
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Fireplace mantel made in France from Jansen in chrome and brass, circa 1970. Square chrome surround with brass inner border and brass center square det...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Stunning Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Style Faux Fireplace, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fireplace by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, USA, 1970s. The triangular base with triangular hood all with textured bronze finish, circa 1970s. Measures: 87" high, 65" wide, 24...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Wood, Epoxy Resin
Design Chrome Fire Place Tools on Stand, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This fire place tools on stand is made of brass and lacquered iron. It has a nice design, very simple. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Flame Four Piece Bronze & Black Enamel Firetool Set
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic Mid-Century Modern four piece fire tool set was realized in the United States, circa 1950. A cantilevered bronze support ascends from an amorphic shield fo...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
Salvatore Meli Fireplace Frame in Faience Maiolica, circa 1965
Located in Milan, IT
This faience and majolica fireplace frame has been created by the Italian ceramist Salvatore Meli in '60s. With his graffiti decoration ranging from ab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Terracotta
1970's Cast Iron Fireback
Located in NANTES, FR
Beautiful cast iron sculpture signed M. Quellier. It represents a young woman holding wheat. Originally made to go in a fireplace, but because it was never used, it could easily be u...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal
Modernist Brass Fireplace Tools on Stand, Italian, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice modernist fireplace tools set on stand is made of brass. This is an Italian work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern fireplaces and mantels for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern fireplaces and mantels 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 fireplaces and mantels created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, mirrors, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern fireplaces and mantels made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original fireplaces and mantels, popular names associated with this style include Maison Jansen, Adrian Pearsall, Raymond Subes, and Stan Hawk. 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 fireplaces and mantels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $55,000 while the average work can sell for $2,582.
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