Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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146
141
129
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Set of Four Wrought Iron Garden Patio Chairs by Salterini
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of four dining height arm chairs, by noted American metalworker John Salterini. The chairs feature decorative foliate backs, curlicue arms, metal mesh seats, and the signatu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Large Willy Guhl "Diablo" Hourglass Shaped Planters Sold as Pair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Wichita, KS
Gorgeous pair of 38" tall 'Diablo' concrete spindel planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. These sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Russell Woodard Round Black Wrought Iron & Mesh Patio Side Table or Drinks Stand
Located in St. Louis, MO
Russell Woodard designed round side or drinks table often see along side his Sculptura line chairs and settees. This table has been blasted, dipped in rust inhibitor and repainted sa...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Modernist Fire Screen from Iron, France, circa 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-century modernist fire screen, France.
Modernist fire screen with an iron frame and iron mesh. Good original vintage condition with very little wear overall and no damages.
M...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Pair of Solid Bronze Doors
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Pair of late 1940s early 1950s spectacular solid bronze minimalist design composed with square geometric elements sliding doors.
Provenance: Chicago Illinois
Please note: Each ...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Arne Jacobsen Brass Door Handle Sets in Solid Brass
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Arne Jacobsen - Scandinavian Modern
Original, solid brass door handles. Beautiful organic shape. An iconic design for both modern and classic interiors.
Designed for the SAS H...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
3 Pc. Cantilevered Wrought Iron Garden Patio Lounge Chairs Att. to Woodard
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and metal mesh cantilevered lounge chairs in very good original condition, clean and ready to use.
We have three of these available, they are priced and offered individ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early Irving Harper for George Nelson Associates "Cape Cod" Fire Starter
Located in Providence, RI
Early Cape Cod firelighter, Model H611, designed by Irving Harper for George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller USA, 1950-1955. The vessel itself would be filled with Kerosene, to s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Large Scale Rare Frederick Weinberg Wrought Iron Giraffe Wall Sculptures
By Weinberg
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully flowing simple lines of flat band steel form these Giraffe wall sculptures. Backed by square wire grid steel. Designed by Frederick Weinberg of Philadelphia in the mid 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Bamboo Rattan Stool Seat Side Table Foot Stool Plant Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-century bamboo and rattan stool or stand featuring square form with a slatted top, scalloped edge skirt and flared feet. Measures: 18".
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
2x Scissor Chair & Table for Kids, Pine Wood 1970, style of Charlotte Perriand
Located in Munster, NRW
extremely charming set consisting of 2 folding chairs and a folding table, made of pine wood with fine brass details.
the chairs are based in design on the scissor chairs by charlot...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pine
Pair of Brutalist Push and Pull Bronze Door Handles and Letterbox in Aluminum
Located in London, GB
Pair of Brutalist rectangular push and pull door handles and letterbox with relief of angled squares and rectangles. Cast in aluminum with a polished texture to the top surface and n...
Category
1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
1960s French Concrete Planter
Located in High Point, NC
A concrete planter from 1960s France. A wide basin with fluted edges mimics the openness and symmetry of a waterlily. The dappled surface of the weathered concrete creates a color pa...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Modernist Travertine and Metal Display Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
A modernist architectural V shaped display pedestal; the square top surface in travertine. An aesthetically interesting piece to have on its own or display plants or sculpture; perfe...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Travertine, Metal
Mid 20th Century Tall Chrome Wrap Cylinder Planter
Located in Miami, FL
Mid 20th century tall chrome wrap cylinder planter with plastic removable top for soil and plants. Made from HDPE material and cardboard with a chrome foil wrap.
Dimensions:
4' ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Chrome, Foil
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs
By John Woodard
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic orange outdoor metal curved back chairs
Offered is a pair of Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back chairs, circa 196...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Two Giant Enameled Door Handles by Hagenauer Workshop Austria, circa 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of two giant enamel door handles, by Hagenauer Workshop [Werkstätte] Austria, circa 1960s.
This original Hagenauer giant and heavy enameled door handles were used as sales s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Enamel
Mid-Century Modernist Coal Scuttle Bucket
Located in San Mateo, CA
An exceptionally well designed steel coal scuttle. The designer of this is unknown to us. This appears to be original paint. There are some small scratches and scuffs.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Art Deco Firedog, Wrought Iron by Raymond Subes
Located in Brussels, BE
Art Deco Firedog, Wrought Iron by Raymond Subes.
Category
1910s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Salterini Garden Patio Armchair
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Nice Salterini garden, patio, poolside chair having a wrought iron frame with zig zag metalwork pattern, and metal mesh seat and back. The chair is in very good, original condition, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Mid-Century Three-Tiered Side Tables, Pr.
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini mid-century three-tiered side tables, Pr.
Offered for sale is a pair of Maurizio Tempestini Mid-Century Modern three-tiered outdoor garden tables...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Steel Geometric Garden Sculpture with Found Objects After David Smith
By David Smith
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A garden sculpture by noted multidisciplinary artist Norma B. Flanagan. A tall piece, originally painted, now worn bare to a charming rust patina. With an openwork box at the top fil...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Vintage Modern Garden End Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sturdy pair of Mid-Century Modern stacking end tables. These wrought iron side tables work perfectly on a patio, pool deck, or balcony.
Please confirm item location NY or NJ with...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Small Square Tile Top Metal Side or End Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern square tile top side table. The iron legs and frame have been freshly powder coated in bold and bright chartreuse. The melding of the blue tile and the chartreuse ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Belgian Tile Faced Entry Door Pull Handle, 1960s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Vintage Belgian architectural aluminium and glazed ceramic door pull from the 1960s
Abstract mid century design
In the style of Belgian ceramic tile artist Juliette Belarti
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Bust Vintage Medical Didactic Anatomic by Paravia Torino
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-century Italian anatomical torso produced in the 1960s by Produzione Scientifica Paravia, known for its accurate anatomy models.
This anatomical model was created by improving u...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Acrylic, Plaster, Wood
Bronze Door Handle with Textured Wave Design, 20th Century, European
Located in London, GB
Heavy bronze push or pull door handle with textured wave design, mid-late 20th century, European.
The metal has a dark patina, with brighter highlights where raised parts have bee...
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Large Mid-Century Modern Push & Pull Bronze Door Handles, Germany, 1950s
Located in Munich, DE
Large and heavy Mid-Century Modern push and pull bronze door handles.
Designed & manufactured probably in Germany, 1950s. Executed in massive bronze.
Dimensions:
Diameter 11.82 in...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Large bowl planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
Large bowl planters by Swiss designer, Willy Guhl for Eternit, with model numbers impressed. Both with bases in worn green paint.
In vintage condition, these planters all feature ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Orange Pod Chairs, Pair
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "pod" chairs designed by Willy Guhl and realized by Eternit, circa 1950s in Switzerland.
Orange in color. Handled for ease of movement. Handmade with cast fiber cement and ...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cement
Watering Can in Copper and Brass Execution Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can in copper and brass execution around 1950s
Polished and stove enamelled.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Copper
Black and White Outdoor Sun Circle Chaise by Tropitone
By Tropitone
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous large outdoor ‘Sun Circle’ chaise, design by Tropitone in the 1960s.
Constructed of black powder coated aluminum frame and new white vinyl straps.
Dimensions: 72” diamete...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Brass Tubular Steel Étagère / Flower Stand, 1950s/60s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern brass tubular steel étagère / flower stand, 1950s/60s.
Very good condition, light wear of usage.
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Folding Wicker Side Table by Danny Ho Fong California, Ca. 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Chic diminutive folding side table by noted California mid-century designer Danny Ho Fong. The table features a round woven wicker top, on folding metal legs, it is in very good, ori...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Baroeul, FR
This pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Two Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Door or Cabinet Handles
Located in New York, NY
Available are two pair of Italian 1950s ceramic door or cabinet handles. Each handle set is comprised of a front piece glazed in chocolate brown with cafe' au lait accent for the geo...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Jansen Brass Swan Magazine Rack
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Jansen brass magazine rack in the graceful form of a swan. The sturdy and functional magazine holder is a beautiful addition to any room or decor. Large enough to ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
1960s-1970s Black Enamelled and Chrome Cubic Planters, Manner of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in London, GB
Mid-century black Enamelled metal planters with chrome rim and stainless steel base and lining, in the manner of Willy Rizzo.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Modern Wire Loveseat in White by Bend Goods
By Bend Goods
Located in Ontario, CA
With room for two, this wire lounge chair is a perfect option for outdoor seating in commercial spaces. The modern wire design and comfortable backrest also make the loveseat a cozy ...
Category
2010s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Thick Glass Sculptural Pedestal Stand Column
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning, heavy Mid-Century Modern period pedestal stand made entirely of thick glass.
The glass thickness at top is three quarter inches. Also note the base and the top are two
di...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Glass
Willy Guhl Handkerchief Planter, Cast Stone Modern Sculptural Jardinière, France
By Willy Guhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Willy Guhl handkerchief planter, cast stone modern sculptural jardinière, France. Monumental sculptural assymmetrical sculptural form with extremely rare original painted finish in R...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
Willy Guhl Handkerchief Planter, Cast Stone Modern Sculptural Jardinière, France
By Willy Guhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Willy Guhl handkerchief planter, cast stone modern sculptural jardinière, France. Monumental sculptural asymmetrical sculptural form with extremely rare original painted finish in Re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Lagardo Tacket for Architectural Pottery T-103 Bisque Double Wok, circa 1955
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Lagardo Tacket for Architectural Pottery T-103 bisque double wok, circa 1955. Original fired bisque (unglazed) finish in good vintage condition with only a slight imperfection on the...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Wrought Iron Armchair after Weinberg
Located in New York, NY
Stylish midcentury wrought iron armchair design after Weinberg, or Umanoff, probably manufactured by Woodard. Measures: seat H 16.5 arm H 25.
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Pai...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron Log Holder/ Magazine Stand
Located in Highland, IN
A brilliant design and a beautiful form, this iron stand with wicker wrapped handles keeps your magazines at hand or wood near the fireplace in sculptural style.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Hand Twined Blond Willow Lounge Chair with White Sheep Wool Pillow
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand twined blond willow lounge chair with white sheep wool pillow.
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Willow
Golden Mirror Illuminated Decorated with Leaves and Roses Spain, 1960s
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Midcentury Spanish mirror with leaves and roses. It is brass type metal, gold color
It has interior lighting and can be placed in horizontal or vertical position.
roses mirror mid 2...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Design Chrome Fire Place Tools on Stand, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Baroeul, FR
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Asian Influenced Planter by Michael Taylor for Baker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian influenced planter, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. This piece is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. The pric...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
S.S. United States Aluminum Grand Stairway Hand Rails
Located in Hudson, NY
These aluminum handrails which once graced the center of the grand staircase of the
S S United States exemplifies the sophisticated sleek aesthetic of Mid-Century American design. W...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Pr. Mid-Century Garden Tables by O'dell After Royere
By Salterini, Jean Royère
Located in New York, NY
Pair architectural mid-century garden, patio, poolside tables in Grey Gardens, allover rust patina, with cast stone tops. Chic and stylish tables, with wonderful aged finish, offered...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone, Wrought Iron
Pair of Custom Mid-Century Modernist Style Polished Brass Rectangular Andirons
Located in New York, NY
This ultra chic pair of custom andirons feature a minimalistic vertical rectangular front panel displayed in polished brass. They are fully customizable in terms of the dimensions an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Vintage Brand New Out-Of-The-Box Lucite Towel/ Robe Hooks, American, Circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
This pair of vintage, pristine lucite robe hooks from C. 1975, never been used, still in the original packaging. With their austere and translucent forms, these hooks would be a perf...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Lucite
Authentic Vintage Tolix A56 Armchairs in Original Paint
By Tolix, Jean Pauchard
Located in Woodbury, CT
Designed by Jean Pauchard in 1956, son of Xavier Pauchard who founded Tolix in 1925, the A56 armchair or “fauteuil” in French has become one of the most influential pieces of 20th Ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Pr. Patio Poolside Garden Footstools, Ottomans, Poufs, in Faux Bamboo Aluminum
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of footstools, having aluminum frames with a faux bamboo motif, and woven plastic webbed tops. Made by note American leisure furniture company, Hauser, in the style of Brow...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Tornado Design Murano Clear Glass Art Pendant Light Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Large size and stunning shape glass shade with a striking, hurricane-like pattern.
This aesthetically pleasing and very rare design Murano glass pendant is in excellent condition....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Chrome
Aluminum Frame Chaise Lounge Patio Garden Chair
Located in New York, NY
Architectural chaise lounge chair having a tubular aluminum frame, canvas sling seat and back, and wood armrests. Perfect chair for backyard, patio or poolside relaxation. The lounge...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
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