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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
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist wrought iron andirons have pure lines and are very elegant. Very nice quality with rivets. French work, circa 1940.
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Flat Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This planter is designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit of Switzerland. It is flat and slightly oblong and has a beautiful patina throughout. 1960s. Three available, listed separately.
Category

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

Materials

Cement

Vladimir Kagan Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair "Capricorn" with Original Pads
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare to find with the original pads, this lounge chair is in original excellent vintage condition. Pads are in amazingly great condition also. Comfy lounge chair...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Signed Deruta Pottery Hand Painted Ceramic Pedestal Sculpture Stand Column Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Italian handcrafted and hand painted Deruta Ceramic Floor Vase, Pedestal with a beige, yellow flower motif. The outside and inside is glazed. Signed by Artist at the Base. A-566-335
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Afra & Tobia Scarpa style Fire tool set - 3 pces & stand
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa style Fire tool set - 3 pces & stand Fireplace set - Vintage Measures : 46x18cm H:74cm Materials: Metal - Brass
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Glass and Welded Bent Wrought Iron Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful bent and welded metal modern industrial design coffee table in a green powder coat, with a clear glass top . Circa 1950s. Some call it a butterfly table, comparing to the i...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian mid-century modern wooden staircase by Fabbrica Scale Alberti, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wooden staircase by Fabbrica Scale Alberti, 1960s Opening staircase entirely in beech wood. The steps have rounded edges and green painted wooden interiors...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

French Carved Stone Putti Sculpture with Grapes from the Mid 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This delightful French stone statue from the mid 20th century, features a small putto figure leaning against a trunk holding a vase and grapes. Perhaps one of the followers of the go...
Category

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

Materials

Stone

Fireplace tool set belle époque style XX
Located in Cantù, IT
Fireplace tool set belle époque style XX
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Russel Woodard Primrose Wrought Iron Family patio
Located in Omaha, NE
Vintage Charm for Your Modern Home! Discover the elegance of the Vintage Russell Woodard Primrose Wrought Iron Family Patio Set. Craftsmanship: Handcrafted with the detailed Primros...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early Richard Schultz Leisure Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Richard Schultz leisure dining table, painted aluminum base with inset brown enamel top. This height works well with vintage chairs.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

American Mid-Century Modern Chrome Fire Tools
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Modern chrome set of 4 fire tools on a matching stand.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Arthur Umanoff Modernist Wooden Fireplace Tools in Wooden Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous midcentury sculptural fireplace tool set with warm patinated maple wood, brass, and clean black accents. A complement to any fireplace, perfect for cozy warm minimalist home...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

Materials

Iron

Wall Decoration Elements 'Claustra', France, circa 1960
Located in Paris, FR
Wall decoration elements (claustra), in white lacquered fiberglass, France, circa 1960. Four pieces available.
Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass, Lacquer

Early 20th Century French Brass Water or Ironing Can with Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very unique piece acquired in Paris France. The brass ribbed can with a handle is actually a can to sprinkle clothing when ironing, however it makes a great garden watering can, or...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Venini handles in Murano glass Torcello and Brass 1940s Gold
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of Venini handles in Murano glass Torcello and brass 1940s Gold
Category

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

Materials

Brass

California Modern Barbecue or Brazier by Stan Hawk for Hawk House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three-legged iron barbecue or fire pit by Stan Hawk for his company Hawk House. A Case Study Program-approved design, the fire barbecue gave modernist form...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron

Large Lagardo Tackett Architectural Pottery planter pot in bisque finish
Located in Ferndale, MI
To me Architectural Pottery is California modern . Fun large planter pots by a crew of multi talented designers . Produced from the early 1950s to mid 1960s . This wide cone shaped ...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery

Original Mid-Century Flower Stand, Beech, Czech, 1950s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This Mid-Century flower stand from the mid-20th century was made in Czechoslovakia. Crafted from beech wood, it has undergone a surface restoration, including revitalized polish and ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Beech, Lacquer, Paint

Donald Deskey Style Andirons, Brass Buckles
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey style andirons, brass buckles and wrought iron. Handsome pair of modernist andirons with square brass buckle fronts, semicircle bases and wr...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

1980s stainless steel and glass toothbrush holder with box
Located in Premariacco, IT
1980s French toothbrush holder with stainless steel frame and glass tumbler. Complete with original box.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons. French Work. Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist 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

Yellow and White Garden Patio Chairs, a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of white iron patio chairs with round yellow vinyl seat cushions. This pair will be perfect in a garden setting. Each chair features a rounded ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair of Steel End Tables by Mario Papperzini for Amalfi Furniture, USA 1980's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of patio side or end tables designed by Mario Papperzini and manufactured in the United States in the 1980's or earlier by Amalfi furniture. The tables where original...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Bentwood Bamboo Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
A wonderful stylish pair of painted bamboo side chairs. Seat cushions covered in cotton zebra fabric. Paint has been mostly worn off leaving wonderful patina combining the rustic and...
Category

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

Materials

Cotton, Bamboo

Pair of Exceptional Decorative Andirons in Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and exceptional decorative andirons in polished brass, American, 1970s. These are very high quality.     
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Donald Deskey Style Andirons, Geometric, Brass Buckles
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey style andirons, geometric, brass buckles. Handsome pair of andirons with square brass buckle decorative fronts and wrought iron shanks.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Set of 9 Faux Bamboo Planters and Small Tables with Glass Top, France, 1970's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Large set of faux bamboo planters, side tables and oyster trays. Actually it's my own little collection because I love kitch, especially surrounded by g...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Glass

Large Art Deco Push Pull Door Handle in Brass
Located in London, GB
A set of two large lateral push-pull door handles of tubular brass. English, art deco style, 20th century. A striking set - each piece made to span the full width of a door - the h...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Beech Bentwood Standing Planter, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

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

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Ron Seff Shagreen Bone Inlaid Dice Shaped Table
Located in Westport, CT
Ron Seff Shagreen and bone inlaid dice shaped table, brass recessed trim base, in original very fine condition. Special detail and workmanship.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Scale 1960s Custom Walnut and Gold Anodized Aluminum Architectural Screen
Located in Dallas, TX
This one of a kind Mid-Century Modern screen was custom made in the 1960s for a commercial structure in East Texas. It was part of the architect's original design for the interior. It was mounted floor to ceiling in the entry space as a decorative element. It is in excellent original condition and would be an amazing in the right environment. The solid walnut bowties and the anodized gold frame are an absolutely stunning example of Classic Mid-Century Modernism. It could be hung horizontally as well or perhaps even suspended from the ceiling. It would perhaps make an interesting oversized...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

American Modern Steel Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern Steel Andirons
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Armchairs Julius Jirasek for Hagenauer, 1955
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage metal armchairs, which were made of tabular iron and beechwood. A gorgeous set of 6 garden arm chairs garden furnitur...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

5 pcs Mid Century Modern Glider Chair Sofa Loveseat & Two Side End Tables Iron
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 5 pcs Mid Century Modern Glider Chair Sofa Loveseat & Two Side End Tables Wrought Iron. Settee: 24x51×33, seat: 18 Triple Chair: 24×74×33, seat: 1...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Majestic Bronze Horse Statue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Massive Bronze Horse Statue measuring 9 feet tall. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Restored Mid-Century Divider, by Ludvik Volak, Revived Polish, Czech, 1960s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored MidCentury Divider. Designer: Architect Ludvík Volák Maker: Dřevopodnik Holešov Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1960-1969 Material: Maple Revived polish. Designed...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Marble-Inspired Handled Vintage Brown Urn Vase (Signed)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This marble-inspired handled vintage brown urn vase features a mottled earth tone glaze, exuding elegance and rustic charm. With its classic design and rich ...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Donald Deskey Nickel Blade Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modernist andirons in blackened iron with a polished nickel blades. Designed by Donald Deskey for Bennett. Mint restored. On display at 200 Lexington...
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Nickel

20th Century Swiss Vintage Single Diablo Eternit Spindle Planter by Willy Guhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage Swiss Diablo Eternit spindle garden planter made of light weight cement, designed by Willy Guhl, in good condition. The detailed tall planter is reinforced with...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Midcentury Patio Sofa Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White painted rattan patio sofa set with cushions. Attractive scallop shaped backs with beach style pillows. Great for covered patio or backyard. sofa: 28h, ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Flower basin Made In Rosewood With A Metal basin From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Accentuate your interior style with this elegant rosewood flower basin, fitted with a metal basin and created around the 1960s. This mid-century piece of ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1950s Vintage Andirons Brass Breasts + Nipple Minimalist Modernist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Good weight, quality construction. W 9.25 x D 25.25 x H 22 in.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

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

Materials

Concrete

Pair of Artisan Andirons in Polished Brass and Wrought-Iron 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and exceptional andirons in polished brass and wrought-iron, American 1970's. These andirons are beautifully made and would add a touch of elegance to any fireplace. ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair Of Chic Flower Andirons in Brass 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of loop andirons, brass with stylized flowers, American 1950's. These andirons would lend a touch of elegance to any fireplace. Dimensions are for each.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Italian Mid-Century Brass Planter
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant brass planter designed in the 1950s and produced by fine Italian manufacture. The base is composed of 4 legs paired two by two; both are thin gilded brass beautifully maintained, the front two going to fold over the back ones, creating a beautiful effect. Going up we see the actual structure of the planter, all made by sinuous brass workmanship. Centrally there is a heart made again with this technique. Inside is a metal basin...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Fontana Arte Brass and Glass Fireplace Set, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant mid-century modern fireplace tool set by Fontana Arte, circa 1970’s. Set includes shovel, poker and broom. Original brass bristles on broom. The set is executed in brass, wit...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Patrick Reyntiens 'B.1925' Figurative Leaded Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A figurative stained glass window from the studio of Patrick Reyntiens (1925-2021). Attributed to the artist, this stained glass panel depicts an abs...
Category

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

Materials

Lead

Faux bamboo giltwood French decorative firescreen 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Highly decorative, this decorative firescreen adds a touch of glam and femininity to a contemporary study, living room, or bedroom. The giltwood structure, carved as bamboo with the ...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

A Pair of Wrought Iron Cresset Fireplace Andirons
Located in London, GB
A pair of large hand-crafted blacksmith wrought-iron cresset fireplace andirons, with riveted basket finials and ring detail to front of standards supported on tall arched supports. ...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Heart Floral Accent Magazine Stand
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Midcentury era magazine wrought iron stand with twist accents, decorative heart center, and floral pattern throughout, circa 1950.
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron

Pro/Artisan Off White Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic cylindrical planter for the Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The stoneware planter has an off-white / soft gray glaze, with a removable water catch. Dimensi...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Russell Woodard Cantilever Horseshoe Tables
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a rare pair of Russell Woodard Horseshoe outdoor tables. They are sculptural in the mid century style. The have the original wavy glass inserts. Constructed of aluminum, they...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Willy Guhl Urn 16.5"
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage willy guhl white urn with distinct weathered patina. Willy guhl (1915-2004) was a swiss industrial designer renowned for his groundbreaking con...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Aluminum Paper Mixing Blade Sculpture Model II
Located in Oakville, CT
Aluminum Paper Mixing Blade Sculpture Model II. Complete set of three available. Aluminum on steel base. Measures: 52" in height, 19" in width, 14" in depth. Base is 14" x 14".
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Maurizo Tempestini For John Salterini Wrought Iron Curved Ribbon Patio Sofa 2 Pc
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Maurizio Tempestini For John Salterini, 2 Piece Curved Wrought Iron Ribbon Sofa Frames. 2 Curved Wrought Iron Sofa Frames Has The Iconic Ribbon Desi...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

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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