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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
California Modern Pro Artisan Stoneware Planter by David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern Pro Artisan Stoneware planter by David Cressey.
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Staffordshire Planter Jardinière on a Column
Located in Antwerp, BE
England, an attractive and large Staffordshire ceramic one of a kind hand thrown and richly glazed pot vessel on a stand decorated with beautiful flo...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Auböck Model #9060-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9060-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Restored Woodard Wrought Iron Cantilever Spring Base Lounge Chairs
Located in Ferndale, MI
Recently powder coated in gloss black with new glides installed to base.
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

French Modern Mixed Metal Fire Place Screen
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern mixed metal fire place screen. Unusual French modernist mixed metal fire place screen. This great French postmodern fire screen has an...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Architectural Door Handle and Key Holder in Bronze Wave Relief and Key Plate
Located in London, GB
Single door handle and key holder with texture that looks to nature or the elements of a wave or a cyclone. Cast bronze relief in perfect condition. The bronze has a strong patina due to the textured surface and its age. The handle can be applied inside or outside on a single door. It can also be used...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard Sculptura Outdoor Mesh Iron Lounge Chair
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Russell woodard sculptura outdoor wrought iron bench Offered is a vintage outdoor bench by Russell Woodard 'Sculptura'. It ha...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of wrought iron.This is a French work. Circa 1940.
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

1970s, Sculptural Organic Coral Shaped Distressed Silver Finish Aluminum Planter
Located in Miami, FL
Inspired by nature this large bowl or outdoor planter in coral shape or twig leaves made out of aluminum and coated in silver paint. The sculptural Design fits to any Mid-Century Mo...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern 6pc. Set Salterini Radar by Maurizio Tempestini C1955
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 6 piece set of "Radar" outdoor patio dining set. Incudes 4 chairs 48" round top table with an umbrella hole and the heavy solid cast iron art deco umbrella holder. In excell...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pair of Flame Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of neoclassical style flame andirons are made of brass with wrought iron parts on the back. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

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

Materials

Brass

2-Strand Pretzel Shape Arm Rattan Lounge Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 2 strand wicker/rattan club chair has rounded arm that comes with green and white wide striped canvas seat and back cushions. The side has pretzel shape x design. This lounge chair offers style and comfort for any porch or patio. The seat cushion has a wood frame at the bottom and metal support and springs, the way they used to make outdoor seat cushions...
Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Pair of Fleurs de Lys Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of Fleurs de Lys andirons are made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Early Pair Richard Schultz Redwood Petal Side Tables for Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Beautifully aged tables designed by Richard Schultz manufactured by knoll,, Retains original finish ,patina, Personally, I Iove the finish,,but can easily be sanded and refinished (r...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Glass Folding Triptych Fire Screen by Jemeppe
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A mid-century fire screen consisting of three panels of glass with brass hinges. It has heat proof security glass, which can withstand the heat of the flames of the fire mantel. Glas...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960s Vintage Wire Mesh and Brass Ornate Fireplace Screen
Located in Germantown, MD
1960s Vintage Wire Mesh and Brass Ornate Fireplace screen. Black wire mesh. Solid brass ornate. Measures 40.5" wide and stands 30.5" tall.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron, Wire

Garden Patio Poolside Table by Hauser Made in USA Ca. 1970's After Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Chic diminutive side table in original aqua paint finish, with original textured glass top. The frame is of tubular aluminum, and retains its original plastic dome feet. This table is part of a large suite of patio, garden, poolside furniture...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Early 20th Century Brass Fireplace Trim
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th century brass fireplace trim. By unknown manufacturer from Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Mastercraft / William Doezema Modern Lacquered Brass Drum-Style Pedestal / Side
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century (1970s) drum-style brass pedestal / side table with a flared top and bottom and two decorative ridges around the post and a lacquered finish. (Mastercraft / Will...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Pair Custom Thonet Style Scissor Chairs, 1920s Table Marked Thonet
Located in Lomita, CA
Scissor lounge chairs become even more irresistible re-imagined in a zebra pattern that is chic and durable. This is the most comfortable chair to while away time, read and relax. Th...
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Animal Skin, Fabric

Small Willy Guhl Amoeba Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic cement amoeba bowl by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Bright red base and grey top. Very unusual design with beautiful patina. Good vintage condition. Wear as shown.
Category

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

Materials

Cement

Vintage Copper Planter by Stockli Nestal, Switzerland, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ornate planter in solid copper. The soft hammering done to the planter mimics lizard skin. It was designed and manufactured by Stockli Nestal in Switzer...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Large Rattan Bamboo Round Planter with Brass Rim, Italy, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern decorative rattan and brass planter or basket. Handcrafted in Italy, 1970s. Round shape with gilded brass rim. Handcrafted ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Round Patio Table with Fiberglass Top after Brown-Jordan
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Round patio table with a unique and durable molded fiberglass top. The top is molded fiberglass in a neutral hue and was designed to look...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Monumental Stan Bitters Stoneware Ceramic Planter for Hans Sumpf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental Stan Bitters stoneware ceramic planter for Hans Sumpf.
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Rattan and Bamboo Flower Stand, Bonaccina Attributed, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Italy Made of Rattan,Bamboo Original condition.
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Pair of Planters by Willy Guhl
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This rare pair of planters was made by the Swiss designer, Willy Ghul in the 1950's in natural fiber cement. It's the edition « Eternit AG/Elo, 1954 »...
Category

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

Materials

Cement

Large Arched Garden Gate in Wrought Iron
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
With its unusual ironwork, this wrought iron gate is a beautiful design piece for gardens large and small. It pairs classic arched styling with unique details for a fusion of contemp...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Mid-Century Outdoor Chair in Yellow Plastic Scooby Black Metal, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern outdoor chair in yellow plastic scooby and black metal, 1960s Fantastic outdoor chair in black tubular metal. The seat, armrests and backrest are made of ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Ficks Reed Rattan Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
A 1960s natural finish three seat rattan Ficks Reed sofa from a beautiful North Shore of Long Island estate. In excellent original condition. We have two matching Ficks Reed swivel rattan saucer...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

Pair of Cast Iron and Brass Chenets, 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of cast iron and brass Chenets, 1960's design. Measures: H: 29 cm, W: 40 cm, D: 16 cm.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

heavy organic gilt brass or bronze pull handles for doors, drawers, cupboards...
Located in London, GB
Handles - Heavy organic gilt metal (I think brass or bronze) pull handles for doors, drawers, cupboards etc.. Please note that the position of the screw holes at the back of the han...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Metal, Brass

Sensational Early Set Russel Woodard Mesh Patio Table 4 Chairs Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Very rare Russell Woodard 1960’s 5 piece outdoor patio dining set. The heavy mid-century modern armchairs each have 2 large Iron ball top finials on top a...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

John Follis and Rex Goode Planter
Located in Chicago, IL
John Follis and Rex Goode Planter, model F-112 bisque stoneware with wrought iron stand. "Whenever we see a white cylinder planted with a tree or flowers inside or outside an off...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery

Lucite Baluster
Located in Miami, FL
From a Miami beach Mansion this 10 pieces vintage Lucite Baluster Just need some stainless steel wire.  
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Glass and Brass Design Fireplace Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design fireplace tools are made of brass on a glass stand with brass feet. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Brown Jordan Kantan Patio Rocker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brown Jordan High Back Patio Rocker. Comfortable and easy to move around! All original!.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Africa, 2 Decorative Elements in Polychrome Wood, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Africa, 2 decorative elements in polychrome wood around 1950.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Folding Table
Located in Charleston, SC
Large vintage French folding table with iron base and wooden top from 1940'-50'. Very sturdy, well-build great table - easy to store.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Vladimir Kagan Capricorn Series Indoor Outdoor Lounge Chair
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Capricorn series indoor outdoor lounge chair. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your deli...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Italian Concrete "Biancaneve" of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian Concrete "Biancaneve" of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with nicely worn patina. This statue could become a set together with "Cucciolo" and "Brontolo" as...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Black Enamel Buckets, 1950s, Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Unique set of buckets. These set bought in the 1950s was never used. so new old stock. In a stunning Black Enamel color. Grey Enamel inside. There is only some paint lose on the ha...
Category

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

Materials

Enamel

4 Pc. Iron Mesh Patio Set
Located in Sheffield, MA
4 piece Salterini wrought iron and metal mesh garden seating ensemble consisting of a two seat sofa settee or loveseat, one cantilevered spring lounge chair, one arm chair topped off...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair Of Steel And Iron Design Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair od andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a great design, very simple and a French work, Circa 1970
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Belt Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons representing a belt is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950.
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Four French Midcentury Rectangular Iron Garden Plant Pot Shelves or Stands
Located in London, GB
Four individual French midcentury rectangular iron water fall garden, green house or patio plant pot shelves or decorative stands. Can be used inside o...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Five French Iron Half Moon Water Fall Garden or Patio Plant Pot Shelves or Stand
Located in London, GB
Five individual French midcentury iron half moon water fall garden, green house or patio plant pot shelves or decorative stand. Can be used inside or o...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

1950s Italian Brass Cage Lamp Pedestal Stand
Located in Hanover, MA
This is a single 1950s Italian floor or table lamp that can also be used as a pedestal or jardiniere plant Stand. It stands 38 inches high. The floor base is black lacquered wood rai...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Patio Armchairs By Russell Woodard, Sculptura
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four, iconic, Mid-Century Modern, wrought iron mesh and steel, outdoor/patio, armchairs by Russell Woodard, Sculptura.
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Russell Woodard 30" Round Black Wrought Iron & Mesh Patio Coffee of Side Table
Located in St. Louis, MO
Russell Woodard designed round coffee or side often see along side his Sculptura line chairs and settees. Shown in original matte black paint is sold, is now sold . I have one in gre...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Lagardo Tackett Cylindrical Stoneware Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lagardo Tackett unglazed stoneware planter for Architectural Pottery. This cylindrical example is lightly textured with a s...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

1960s "421" Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An early 1960s "421" Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Two are available. Harry Bertoia's striking 421 chair is welded from steel rods and coated in Rilsan p...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Van Keppel & Green Rattan Settee, Circa 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
Rare modernist rattan settee by Hendrik van Keppel and Taylor Green, ca. 1950s. VKG, as their company was known, created their designs for the "indoor-outdoor" market, indicating tha...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Danny Alessandro Chrome and Brass Fireplace Mantel
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage mid-century fireplace mantel of chrome and brass from Danny Alessandro with a sleek chrome design and a brass center plate.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Mid Century Bamboo and Glass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and casual style coffee table, in excellent original condition, clean and ready to use. The table has its original glass top, which rests in place on the bamboo and wicker ba...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Glass

Salterini Rose Leaf Potting Table, Plant Stand or Dry Bar
Located in Kennett Square, PA
Rare Salterini potting table in Rose Leaf pattern, but this piece would be amazing as a bar! Fill the well with bottles and pull up a stool or two - note t...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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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