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Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Returnable Items Only
Pair of Brass Andirons in the Style of Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This interesting pair of design andirons is made of brass and wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of famous designer Raymond. Subes. Circa 1970
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of hammered wrought iron andirons. French Work. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of hammered wrought iron. This is a French Work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

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 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Restored Large Pale Woven Wicker "Cobra" Lounge Throne Chair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Woven white painted wicker "Cobra" lounge chair with large oversize backrest and decorative backrest featuring a decorative spindle base. Measures: Chair: H 58 in. x W 43 in. x D 2...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wicker

francois carre eden green garden chairs
Located in Athens, GA
recently sandblasted, primed and painted. satin hue of eden green, circa 1940’s Gorgeous Spring Green color, specialty outdoor paint… perfect for porch and patio… indoors or outsid...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cut Steel, Iron

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Dining Table Pedestal
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage MCM outdoor dining table. Made by the iconic Russell Woodard. Unmarked. Part of the coveted spun fiberglass collection. Lightweight, durable and won’t ever rust. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Vintage Regency Swag Plaster Pedestal
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Regency pedestal. Beautiful draped swag design on a bright white plaster column. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons in the style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of hammered wrought iron. This is a fine French Work in the style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1920
Category

1920s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a very fine French work by famous designer and iron maker Raymond Subes. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons in the Style of Jacques Adnet
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 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron and Glass Garden Patio Poolside Serving Bar Cart, c 1950- 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Nice oversize serving, bar cart of wrought iron, metal mesh and glass. The cart has two shelves ( 29.5 H x 9 H in. ) it is in wheels, and is in very good, clean, original condition. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Steel and Wrought Iron Clovers Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual design pair of andirons is made of steel and wrought iron ornated with clovers on top. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Fred Meyer Andirons Often Attributed to Donald Deskey, USA, 1950's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Fred Meyer Andirons Often Attributed to Donald Deskey, USA, 1950's.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Antique & Brutalist Hollowed Out Tree Trunk Wooden Planter, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful French antique hollowed out tree trunk wooden planter in a brutalist and wabi sabi style. Good and charmy condition with some old repairs. Dimensions: H: 56 cm /...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

Modernist Steel and Brass Fireplace Tools on Stand in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare modernist fireplace tools on stand is made of steel and brass. This is a French work in the Style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

Set of Six Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Outdoor Dining Chairs in Chestnut
Located in Hamburg, PA
A functional and stylish set of six modern outdoor dining chairs designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. These vintage dining chairs have a chestnut aluminum frame with mesh and leath...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Modernist Steel and Wrought Iron Andirons
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 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Steel

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice, fine and elegant pair of andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work by Raymond Subes. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons in the style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of andirons is made of wrought iron and brass. The quality of these andirons is very good and the design very stylished. This is a French work in the style of Ja...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of modernist andirons is made of hammered wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Midcentury Swedish Fireplace Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna
Located in Stockholm, SE
Midcentury Swedish fireplace screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna. Note. This screen is wall-mounted, unlike the freestanding ones. A cast ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Belt Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of "Belt" andiron is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Important Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This important pair of modernist andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. These firedogs are particularly tall. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a nice work with design flames on top. this is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirosn is made of wrought iron and brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Ate van Apeldoorn Style Dark Toned Pine Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Ate van Apeldoorn style rectangular, heavy pine planter with age appropriate wear and time-earned, attractive patina. Heels added by previous owner but in otherwise overa...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Vintage Mid-Century Salterini Curve Back Outdoor Cantilever/Springer Arm Chair
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Mid-Century Salterini Curve Back Outdoor Cantilever/Springer Arm Chair Offered is a Vintage Mid-Century Salterini Curve Back Outdoor Cantilever/Springer Arm Chair in the styl...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Kurna Rounded Marble Sink
Located in Honaz, TR
Designed by Yaman Pamukcu, Kurna was inspired by traditional bathroom products used in the past with the harmony of marble and metal and adapted to the present day with aesthetic tou...
Category

2010s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Woodard Outdoor Iron Loveseat/Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench Offered is a Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench. This bench has been repainted Black. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Vintage Wrought Iron Garden Poolside Patio Table by Tempestini for Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Mid Century vintage side, or end table, having a wrought iron base and frame, with metal mesh top. Designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini, circa 1950's. The tabl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Tempestini for Salterini Cantilever Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Located in Athens, GA
beautiful set, circa 1950 made in italy… mid century modern must have… recently painted no maker’s mark 29.5ʺW × 26.5ʺD
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair Of European Cast Stone / Pottery Planters on Plinths
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of European cast stone / pottery saucer planters on plinths - Similar in style to Willy Guhl. Wonderful old patina.
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

Vintage Mid Century Porcelain Enamel Salmon Pink Bathroom Pedestal Sink
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Porcelain Enamel Salmon Pink Bathroom Pedestal Sink. Item features very unique architectural salvage, rare original color and Belved...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Rattan, Black Lacquered Metal and Leather Logs Holder. French. Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual logs holder is made of rattan, black lacquered metal and leather . This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Tadao Inouye For Brown Jordan Kantan Patio Set
Located in Denton, TX
Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan Kantan Patio Set. The glass tabletop can be disassembled into four quadrants, and the chair straps are in excellent condition. While the entire set is f...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Early 20th Century Compact Garden Table and Chairs
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A complete early 20th century garden dining table and four chairs made from teak taken from reclaimed war ships, attributed to Heals of London. This functional teak garden dining set...
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Teak

Wrought Iron and Metal Mesh Garden Patio Sculptura Dining Table by Woodard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wrought iron and metal mesh dining table from the Sculptura series, by The Woodard Furniture Company, with custom made glass ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Willy Guhl 1960's Marmite Planter
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Willy Guhl Marmite Planter produced for Eternit AG, circa 1960's is a true masterpiece for discerning collectors and enthusiasts of tim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Midcentury Swedish Fireplace Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna
Located in Stockholm, SE
Midcentury Swedish fireplace screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna. Note. This screen is wall-mounted, unlike the freestanding ones. A cast...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Patio Poolside Folding Chaise Lounge by Telescope Chair Company
Located in New York, NY
Voguish Mid Century patio, poolside, garden chaise lounge, by the Telescopce Chair Company. The chaise is constructed of an anodized gold tone aluminum frame, with solid wood arms, t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Set of three Iron Planters France - 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three Iron Planters, France - 1950s. The measurements given apply to the two large vases. The small one measures 18cm in diameter and 12cm height.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Rattan Logs Holder
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice logs holder is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rattan

Fireplace Screen Made of 3 Greenish Glass Panels Surrounded by a Brass Frame
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual fireplace screen is made of 3 greenish tempered glass panels, each panel surrounded by a brass Frame. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of wrought iron andirons with Snakes in the style of Edgar Brandt
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of very nice and ineteresting andirons are made of wrought iron. This is the "Snakes" model. This is a French Work in the style of Edgar Brandt. Circa 1920
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

2 Pairs Mid Century Modern Radar Lounge Chairs Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous mid century modern design mid fifties by Maurizio Tempestini, his radar chairs are immediately recognized and highly sought after. Sets of 2, two pair available, priced and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Polished Brass & Enamel Buckle Form Andirons by Donal Deskey
Located in New York, NY
This dynamic yet reserved Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Buckle Form Andirons in Polished Brass & Black Enamel are by the esteemed designer Donald Deskey, originating from the United ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pr. Vintage Garden Patio Poolside Dining Chairs att. to Woodard c 1950/1970's
Located in New York, NY
Voguish pair of vintage architectural garden, patio, poolside dining chairs, attributed to the Woodard Furniture Company, unsigned. The chairs are in very good, original, clean and ready to use use condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Currently in later, but not new, black paint finish. Priced and offered as a pair, specific dimensions as follows: Total H 30.5 x Arm H 28 x Seat H 17 x D 21 x W 25.5 inches. Please view the companion dining table, and our entire collection of antique and vintage garden furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Modernist Brass and Gilt Grilling Fireplace Screen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This modernist 3 panels fireplace screen is made of brass and gilt grilling. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

French Coffee Table with Glazed Ceramics in the st of Roger Capron, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Coffee table with glazed faience and terracotta tiles top in the style of Roger Capron. The contrast between the glossy, shiny appearance of the tiles and the sobriety of the terraco...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Bamboo and Rattan Cribs - Tito Agnoli for Bonacina - Italy - 60's
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo bed by Tito Agnoli for Bonacina - Italy - 50's The simple but at the same time refined formal configuration of this bed enhances the warm naturalness of the bamboo and the m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Modernist Brass Fireplace Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice modernist fireplace tools is made of brass . This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bronze Push-Pull Handle with Abstract Design European 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A square push-pull door handle made of cast bronze featuring a raised abstract design. 20th century design, found in Germany. The piece is in good vintage condition with a dark brow...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa. We currently also have a matched pair of chairs, matched pair of end tables and a coffee Table. All in nice solid shape...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Walking stick limited edition mice X
Located in Cantù, IT
Walking stick limited edition mice X
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Rattan Logs Holder
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and decorative logs holder is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rattan

Mid-century Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Russell Woodard, Eternit, and Woodard Furniture Co.. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $55 and tops out at $1,078,195 while the average work can sell for $1,887.

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