Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

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

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.

to
10
78
78
145
12
Height
to
Width
to
63
54
33
31
20
17
13
12
11
7
7
7
4
3
2
2
1
1
144
12
1
101
20
1
1
29
39
12
3
1
84
44
39
34
34
99
38
36
24
17
157
148
152
23
14
8
6
4
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Neoclassical Octagonal Stone Bird Bath for the Garden
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant stone birdbath with octagonal bowl, lovely copper colored round baluster, and square base, all made from concrete. Lovely weathered patina! Will add elegance and interest to ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Colossal Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Gorgeous speckled patina and e...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excelle...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Terracotta Asian Inspired Garden Stool Table or Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Garden Stool of terracotta -also works well as a side table, martini or cigar table or as a stand... vibrant colors makes this a compliment to many settings outdoor or inside. An Asi...
Category

20th Century Asian Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Terracotta

Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl in a beautiful brick red color. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage condition. Manufactur...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Organic or Tribal Influence Bronze Garden Sculpture by Noted Sculptor Tim Doyle
Located in St. Louis, MO
Organic form bronze garden or yard sculpture by California Sculptor Tim Doyle. Influenced by Alberto Giacometti, with use of African tribal motifs and brutal...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Bronze

1960s Mid-Century Desert Garden Wind Chime Clay+Copper by Paolo Soleri Arcosanti
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Clay chime with incised abstract designs, with clay clapper and copper fin. Designed by Paolo Soleri and hand-crafted at Arcosanti, c.1960. No discernible cracks, hairlines, or chips...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Clay

Large Modular Cast Aluminum Orange Yard Art Indoor Outdoor Playground Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modular in that this is three pieces of cast aluminum. Each has been sand blasted and powder coated. Measures 75" tall assembled.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Three American Midcentury Painted Concrete Mushroom Garden Ornaments
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three American Midcentury painted concrete mushroom garden ornaments with red and black tops and nicely weathered appearance. Envelop your garden in a veil of enchantment with this set of three American Midcentury painted concrete mushroom garden ornaments. Conjuring up images of fairytale...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Monumental Modernist Mixed Metal Kinetic Floor Sculpture by Irving Lehman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Titled Galaxy 79, which I believe to be the year? Amazing mixed metal sculpture, consisting of copper, brass, aluminum steel and wood. Aluminum frame consisting of five moving abstra...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper, Cut Steel, Aluminum

A set of 5 Studio Stonehouse Cotswold Planters This is a good large set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A set of 5 Studio Stonehouse Cotswold Planters This is a good large set, 5 in all, the planters are round and they have drainage hole at the centre,...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Cast Stone

Sergio Bustamante Flamingo Standing Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Sergio Bustamante Large standing handmade Flamingo Sculpture
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Metal

Majolica Garden Figure Exotic Parrot Bird Figure
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand-painted majolika parrot was designed by Josef Wackerle for the Porcelain Manufactory Nymphenburg in the early 20th century. It is one of the most loved fig...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

Pair of Wrought Iron Climbing Vine Wall Planters, Possibly by Woodard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of wrought iron climbing vine wall planters attributed to Woodard. Nicely restored in forest green powder coat.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Steel

Italian mid century modern white iron round garden table with flower decor, 1960
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid century modern white iron round garden table with flower decor, 1960. Dining table in white painted iron with a perforated round top, under which there is a second smalle...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Large Swiss Concrete Dog House by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete dog house designed by renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The structure features a simple elongated base topped by a raised semicircular arch that peaks at a de...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and copper Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced in Denmark by Illums Bolighus Dim...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

French Painted Concrete Woman Statuette Classical Style circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
French concrete little statue white painted. This woman statuette has been patinated by years in a garden. The attitude and dress of the woman depicted are typical of the Roman era. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Monumental Modernist "Butterfly Chair" Iron Sculpture, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful standing Modernist sculpture made of Classic "Hardoy" iron chair frames, cut and welded, indoor /outdoor, purchased from high end Mid-Century estate, artist unknown.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

1980s Handcrafted Vintage Artisan Wind Bell Ceramic and Wood Chime
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Handcrafted Vintage Artisan Wind Bell Ceramic and wood chime 21.75 tall x 19 w x 5.25 Preowned Original vintage condition See all images provided
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Rare, Very Large Architectural Planter by Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare, very large planter / jardinière / architectural element in fiber concrete by Willy Guhl. The piece is a Minimalist sculpture in a sleek, t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Arcosanti Clay Bell by Paolo Soleri
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arcosanti Clay Bell by Paolo Soleri c. 1960 Clay Bell with incised abstract designs. Clay clapper and copper fin. Arcosanti cypher mark. 10" wide 8" deep 15" tall with out chain...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Copper

Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Handkerchief Elephant Ear Planter with Loss to Edge
Located in London, GB
Willy Guhl for Eternit large handkerchief elephant ear concrete planter with loss to edge Loss to one wave of the rim, shown clearly in the images. Will sit snugly against a wall an...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Majolica Garden Figure Exotic Parrot Bird Figure
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand painted majolica parrot is made in the studios of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, Germany. They create handmade figures in majolica techni...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

Watering Can Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering Can Around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Majolica Garden Figure Figure of a boy with jug as a figure or for a fountain
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand painted majolica figure of a boy with a jug is made in the studios of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, Germany. They create handmade figure...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

Majolica Garden Figure Exotic Parrot Bird Figure
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand painted majolica parrot is made in the studios of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, Germany. They create handmade figures in majolica techni...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s Brass and copper polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Majolica Garden Figure Exotic Parrot Bird Figure
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand painted majolica parrot is made in the studios of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, Germany. They create handmade figures in majolica techni...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

Brass watering can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Brass watering can vienna around 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Majolica Garden Figure Exotic Parrot Bird Figure
Located in München, Bavaria
This hand-crafted and hand painted majolica parrot is made in the studios of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich, Germany. They create handmade figures in majolica techni...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Majolica

French Painted Garden House for Gerbils or Small pets circa 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
French pair of two garden houses for little pets. This can be kept in the house or be placed in the garden. It his composed of two little houses from which the fart can access a whe...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Metal

Tall Vintage Italian Tole Topiary, Mid-Century
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Mid-century Italian tole topiary, a tall tree having three foliate balls with flowers.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Metal

Can made of Copper and brass conbination vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Can made of Copper and brass conbination vienna around 1960s Polished and stove enameled
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Watering copper brass can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering copper brass can vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled Original wicker
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

1960s Pacific Stoneware Art Pottery Birdie Wind Chime
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Fabulous Vintage Pacific Stoneware Colorful Bird Red Wind Chime Oregon Patio Outdoor Decor 17.75 h x 5.25 w x 3.5 d Unrestored orig...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Pottery

2 Danish Mid-Century Bonsai Gardening Tools around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
2 Danish Mid-Century Bonsai Gardening Tools around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled Teak wood
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Massive Mid-Century Ceramic Vase by Marcel Giraud - 1960 - Vallauris Era Capron
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Massive Mid-Century Ceramic Vase by Marcel Giraud - 1960s - Vallauris Era Capron A rare and monumental ceramic vase by Marcel Giraud, crafted in France circa 1960. With its sculptur...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Enamel

Rare Brass Watering Can, 1950s Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare Brass Watering Can, 1950s Austria As you can see in the photos, the jug has a small dent.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Willy Guhl for Eternit, 2 Pairs Mid-Century Modern concrete Garden Dish Planters
Located in London, GB
Willy Guhl for Eternit, two matched pairs of Mid-Century Modern concrete garden dish planters in good condition. Measures: Height - 11 inches W - 31.5 inches D n- 31.5 inches. Height...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Concrete

Hagenauer watering can vienna around 1950s ( marked )
Located in Wien, AT
Hagenauer watering can vienna around 1950s ( marked ) Brass polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Very Rare Brass Watering Can with Movable Spider, 1950s, Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very rare brass watering can with a small spider as decoration.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s Brass and copper polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Cast Iron Owl Garden Lantern, Japan, Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A delightful, whimsical and rare cast iron Japanese garden lantern in the shape of an owl, made in Japan c. 1950. With pointed ears, a charming face and a fantastic aged surface, it is the perfect addition to any garden, although it could equally be used indoors. The beautiful red patina gives a dramatic russet glow to the candlelight within, which then shines through the perforated form of the owl to very atmospheric effect. The owl can either stand independently, or can also be hung using the loop above the head. It is very solid with a generous weight to withstand the elements if placed outside. An excellent example of a cast iron owl lantern...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Watering Can , circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can Polished and stove enameled. Copper and brass.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Iron Chain Garden Ornaments
Located in Riverdale, NY
Pair Of Amazing Iron Chain Vine Garden Ornaments, perfect for garden or terraces. Striking scale, would be incredible mounted on bases for indoor use. 1940's USA. Each Circle 39" dia...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Watering can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can vienna around 1950s The wicker is made of plastic Polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Leaf Design Tripod Planters in Gilt Patinated Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of patinated iron leafed planters / jardinières with tripod bases. Manufactured at the Mid-Century Modern period, Spain, 1950-1960. Nice design with three leaves standing up on ...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Tall Mid Century Glazed Art Pottery Vessel Attributed To Robert Turner
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very well crafted Pottery Vessel possibly by the iconic and justly celebrated American Ceramicist Robert Turner (1913-2005), this massive vessel...
Category

Mid-17th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Clay

Copper Watering Can Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Copper Watering Can Around, 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Mid-Century Whirligig Spinning Garden Ornament
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning spinning garden ornament. This piece is huge - 8 feet tall - and is a calming, wise presence in any garden. The smooth spinning of the layered circles is certainly hypnotic ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Metal

Orange Top Ceramic Detailed Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely midcentury modern stool or side table in cream and tangerine. Geometric cutouts make this piece light and breezy. Fun for a desert cactus garden, patio or pool deck...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Ceramic

Watering Can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering Can vienna around 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Copper Watering Can Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Copper Watering Can Around, 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Copper

Japanese Bronze Midcentury Sculpture "Mother and Children” Kiku
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan an attractive large scale bronze sculpture of a caretaking mother with two children and signed a by midcentury sculptor. Classic mother midcentury pose with artist's signature and date on base. Handsome original old verdigris patina from appropriate age. Mother's back gently protects and shelters her new born and her right hand lovingly clutches the hand of her second child in this charming and iconic design. Excellent garden candidate. Photographs were taken indoors and out of doors in natural light for your viewing pleasure. Dimensions: 32 inches high and 11 inches wide Signed on base. Artist name: Kiku (Chrysanthemum) and likely bronze sculptor Kikuchi Kazuo (1908-1985) and dated 1978 Provenance: private Japanese garden collection Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Bronze

Watering Can, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can Vienna, around 1950s. Polished and stove enameled.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Salterini Style Four Tier Cast Iron Half Round Etagere White Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Indoor or Outdoor Salterini Style four tier cast iron half round Etagere white Mid-Century Modern 1970. Space measures in between each tier from the bott...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Rare Willy Guhl for Eternit Stackable Planters Mid-Century
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare stackable planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Each one stamped on the bottom. Three yellow and three grey or concrete available. Planters have ...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Architectural Pottery Bird Spa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural Pottery bird spa in rust color finish.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Ceramic

Watering Can, Vienna, around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can, Vienna, around 1960s Copper and brass Polished and stove enamelled.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Mid-century Modern garden ornaments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern garden ornaments 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 garden ornaments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern garden ornaments made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original garden ornaments, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Eternit, Paolo Soleri, and Stan Bitters. 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 garden ornaments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $129 and tops out at $19,500 while the average work can sell for $1,751.

Recently Viewed

View All