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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 celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
High backrest Bamboo Bench with leather ligatures in Style of Edizioni Molto
Located in Miami, FL
Bench with high backrest in style of Edizioni Molto with leather bindings
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Galvanized Steel Watering Can by Schneiderkanne
Located in San Diego, CA
A charming vintage galvanized steel watering can by Schneiderkanne of Germany, circa 1940s. The can is in good vintage condition and measures 31" D ...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Large Italian Romeo Rega Flower Planters from 1970's
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of large vintage Italian Romeo Rega planters in chrome and brass from the 1970s. Solid and heavy planters are on wheels that works perfectly and makes easy to change position wi...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Hammered watering can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Hammered watering can vienna around 1960s Polished and stove enameled Bamboo original condition
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Copper

Indoor / Garden Folding Wegner Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern folding lounge chair in the iconic style of Hans Wegner. Strong walnut frame with woven rope seating. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category

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

Materials

Rope, Walnut

Midcentury Solid Silver Brass Italian Towel Floor Holder Rack, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury floor towel holder in a silver brass structure made in Italy, circa 1950. The towel handles are embellished with twirls. This unique pie...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Art Deco Bauhaus Watering Can in Massive Brass, 1930s / 1940s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Art Deco Bauhaus Watering Can in Massive Brass, 1930s / 1940s Germany with beautiful patina. We have a second handmade watering can on offer, s...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Donald Deskey Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern brass and iron 3 piece fireplace tools with brass and iron tripod stand designed by Donald Deskey, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina d...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Iron and Brass Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-piece set of American Modernist fireplace tools featuring an iron caddy and brush, poker, and shovel, all with brass wrapped handles (ca. 1960s). The brass is newly polished. O...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

20th Century Italian Metal Plant Stand - Flower Holder in the Style of Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white, vintage Italian plant stand with five plant holders, made of hand crafted forged metal in the Style of Gio Ponti, in good condition. The patinated stand is set on a scrolled...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Majolica Wall fountain with basin, decorative wall element and bronze lion spout
Located in München, Bavaria
This is a handcrafted and hand painted wall fountain in Nymphenburg Majolica. The fountain consists of the basin, decorative wall element and bronze lion head spicket. We are happy t...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Majolica

Vintage Russell Woodard Polished Aluminum Side Table w/ Glass Top
Located in North Miami, FL
Aluminum strap base designed by Russell Woodard, clean original condition which is still polished nicely and has original beveled glass top. Normal appropriate wear.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Italian Tito Agnoli Rattan Chair
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this rattan armchair was designed by Tito Agnoli in 1950. Curvy and comfortable, this single chair can be used with or without a cushion. At the time of this posting,...
Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Mid Century Wrought Iron Log Holder
Located in New York, NY
Well crafted wrought iron mid century log holder with unusual steel tray base. Nice medium scale dimensions make this log holder perfect for either indoor or outdoor use.
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Rope "Waikiki" Bronze Patio Chaise Lounge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bronze rocking lounge chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The design, referred to as the “Waikiki” chair, has a boat-like shape in tubular bronze with a ...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Round Metal Mesh Top Garden Table
Located in New York, NY
Metal dining height garden table. Mesh top on tubular structure frame, suitable for indoor/ outdoor use.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Short Round Midcentury Matte Green Planter or Vase by Floraline for McCoy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Short round green planter by McCoy for their Floraline line. A wide circular body sits upon a smaller green base. All glazed in a matte green hue. Althou...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Woodard Sculptura Sofa & Chair, Professionally Restored
Located in Kansas City, MO
Often attributed to Russell Woodard, the Sculptura line was designed by John Woodard. This is the full size sofa and high back chair. Professionally sand blasted and powder coated. N...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron, Wire

Mid Century 1970s Russel Woodard Fiberglass Table and Armchairs Patio Dining Set
Located in Miami, FL
Russel Woodard was an American designer renowned for his mid-century modern outdoor furniture. Founder of his eponymous company in 1946, Woodard's iconic designs, characterized by cl...
Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Russel Wright Outdoor/Patio Steel Folding Chair by Schwayder Bros, 5 Available
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1950 Russel Wright designed Steel Patio folding chair with original "Schwayder Bros Russel Wright" tag along the bottom. The chair features a black enameled tubular frame wi...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Willy Guhl for Eternit Rectangular Cement Planters
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of concrete planters by Willy Guhl for the Swiss company, Eternit. Guhl, a neo-functionalist designer and innovative furniture designer, came up with the idea of using concrete ...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Pair of Mid-Century Italian Plexiglass Pedestal/Columns/Base/Legs
By TOP line
Located in Vilnius, LT
Mid-century Italian plexiglass and metal pedestal/columns/base/legs. Can be used as a base for table or console. Heavy and solid. Very good vintage condition.  
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Angelo Mangiarotti Italian White Marble Planter Garden Fratelli Brambilla, 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
White Carrara marble planter designed by Angelo Mangiarotti and produced by Fratelli Brambilla, composed of 2 interlocking elements, production Italy late 60s The planter is suitab...
Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble

Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Lounge Chairs With Ottomans and Side Tables
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage mid century modern Russell Woodard spun fiberglass patio set. Features to lounge chairs with adjustable back rests, one small hourglass side table and a pair of r...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Door Pull Handles in Copper and Steel
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Large scale polished copper and steel door handles, circa 1960s. These examples have wonderfully patterned polished copper fronts and are framed in ...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

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

English Mid Century English Bronze Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique mid century modern English bronze sundial. Suitable for interior and exterior use, this sundial has an impressive sculptural quality with a robust form, elongated gnome a...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Vintage Baughman Style Patchwork Wooden Pedestal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrific vintage patchwork veneer pedestal in the unmistakable style of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. A sturdy 10"x10" masonite top will readily support any vase, sculpture, or t...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Oak, Masonite

Black Lacquered and Brass Design Fireplace Tools on Stand
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice design fireplace tools set is made of black lacquered and brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large Bamboo and Rattan Flowerpot or Planter, France 1970's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Outstanding and large bamboo planter from the 70's. This very decorative flowerpot is fabricated in France. It is handcrafted out of bamboo or/and rattan. It has a very beautiful a...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Vintage Cast Brass Double Golf Club Door Knocker
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful cast brass door knocker in the form of two golf clubs and a golf balls. USA, Mid-20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 1.25"D x 6.5"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Architectural Bronze Push Pull Door Handle Wave Relief
Located in London, GB
Artistic bronze cast door handle with a textural relief like a wave, suitable for push and pull doors.
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Garden Fountain of Dolphins
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Garden fountain featuring a pair of dolphins with spigots on their beaks. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NY)
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Verner Panton 'Pantop Portable' Wireless Table Lamp in 'Matt Black' for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton 'Pantop Portable' table lamp in 'Matt Black' for Verpan. Designed in 1980. New, current production. This is a versatile smaller and wireless version of the 'Pantop' ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Iron and steel Bertoia Style Sculpture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Mid century weathered steel and iron atomic age sculpture. In the style of Bertoia. Can be used indoor or outdoor.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

1950s German Atomic Plant Stand / Fountain
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Germany Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Tile, Laminate Measurements: 29.5" wide x 24" deep x 23.25" tall Condition: In excellent origina...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate

Fantastic Set 4 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Clam Shell Iron Patio Chairs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic set of 4 wrought iron and metal mesh lounge designed by Maurizio Tempestini and manufactured by Salterini. Wrought iron frames with metal mesh seats and backs. All chairs a...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff by the Boyeur Scott Furniture Co. from their Granada Collection
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured by the Boyeur Scott Furniture Co. from their Granada Collection as chair #C102 and table #C110 all circa 1964.This set includes 3 ribbon s...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Nest of 3 Art Deco Mid Century Wrought Iron Patio Garden Tables by Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of three graduated size nesting tables in wrought iron, attributed to Salterini. The tables feature a decorative flowing wave like repeat as vertical supports, which support...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Midcentury Italian Bamboo Cane and Rattan Round Plant Holder, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century curved bamboo and wicker flower or plant stand. This fantastic object was designed in Italy during the 1960s. This magnificent piece has a solid bamboo frame wit...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan

1970s Faux Rattan Chinoiserie Style Aluminum MCM Floral Sofa Chairs, Set 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, aluminum faux rattan patio set you could hope to find. In original and unfinished condition. Outstanding design is exh...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Faux Bamboo Cast Aluminium Garden Chairs
Located in Hastings, GB
Exceptionally rare set of four chairs, Brazilian, circa 1970. Highly unusual sweeping faux Bamboo and Palm Leaf seat design, in Cast Aluminium. Dante Moretti, Sao Paulo. Heig...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Orange Cast Iron Floor Ashtray, Powder-Coated
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern iron ashtray. Feast your eyes on this beautiful floor ashtray. Even if you are not a smoker, this beautiful cast iron floor statue is graced with a dolphin or myth...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Brass and Metal Andirons, Italy, 1950s
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and precious pair of Mid-Century brass and metal andirons made in Italy, 1950s
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Wonderful John Wisner for Ficks Reed Natural Bamboo Sofa Far Horizons Collection
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful John Wisner for Ficks Reed natural bamboo sofa from the Far Horizons Collection. We love the natural finish of the bamboo and do have othe...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan

Willy Guhl Small Handkerchief Planter by Eternit (multiple available)
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautifully shaped handkerchief planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit AG, who produced all of Guhl's designs. (two available, price per piece). Made from fi...
Category

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

Materials

Other

Very Nice 1960s Pop Art Sunburst Design Cast Aluminum Door Handle
Located in München, DE
Beautiful Pop Art Sunburst Design door handle. Great design original from the 1960s Made from solid cast aluminum. Made in Germany. Undamaged condition with very slight signs of w...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Clear Glass Square Double Door Handles Pairs with Gold Metal
Located in London, GB
A pair of double door handles, push and pull, square textured clear cast glass with mat gold anodised aluminum. They are designed for a glass or wooden doors but suitable for any kin...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

McGuire Rattan Target Design Glass-Top Occasional Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine John Elinor McGuire occasional table with a square glass top over a honeyed brown Leather bound rattan frame with X motif sides accented with target designs with concentric gilt...
Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Glass, Leather

Midcentury Hardware Hammered Round Drawer Pulls Knobs
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury Drawer Hardware Hammered Round Pulls Knobs Set of two 2 diameter x .75 tall Original vintage condition. Refer to images please.  
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Donald Deskey Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this mid-century modern set of Donald Deskey fireplace tools, including stand, broom, shovel, and tongs. They are composed of iron and steel with black fini...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Large 70s Solid Brass Mid Century Modern Sculptural Door Knocker
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Large, Focal, Mid Century Modern, Solid Brass, Sculptural Door Knocker Elegant lines. Undulating Wavy Center Knocker. . Clean minimalist piece of door jewelry that would enhance th...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Wide Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wide patio lounge chair by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. The chair has a simple construction in tubular bronze with a patinated finish, with rounded squares serving as runners on e...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Set of SAS Hotel Midcentury Door Handles in Solid Brass by Arne Jacobsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of door handles designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen by MAA. Arne Jacobsen in 1958. Made in Denmark, great condition. 20 sets availa...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Willy Guhl Conical Planter
Located in Allerum, SE
Willy Guhl Conical Planter for Eternit, ca 1960s Switzerland
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Sculptural Organic Midcentury Front Door Art Handle in Bronze
Located in Den Haag, NL
Sculptural organic midcentury front door art handle in bronze.
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Materials

Brass

Brown Jordan "Tamiami" Side Tables
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of Tamiami model side tables from Brown Jordan with fresh Citrus orange powder-coating. The original pebble acrylic top does show some wear.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

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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