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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
Outdoor Hinterland Coffee Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hinterland Coffee Table features a powder coated iron tube base and choice of 3 different tops; teak slat, stone, or a cast tempered glass with a corduroy pattern. The Lawson-F...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Travertine

Woodard Sculptura Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of original Woodard Sculptura armchairs. A versatile option for outdoor entertaining, this set is dining chair height so can be used with a pati...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Set of Eight Tall Iron and Cord Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight tall iron and cord chairs, probably American, circa 1950s. They have a very California Modern vibe and could be manufactured by Van Keppel and Green or Alan Gould...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Outdoor Hinterland Side Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hinterland Side Table features a powder coated iron tube base and choice of 3 different tops; teak slat, stone, or a cast tempered glass with a corduroy pattern. The Lawson-Fe...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

English Stlyle Marble And Bronze Stand
Located in Pasadena, CA
English Style Marble And Bronze Stand with wonderful bronze corner accents. The base has brass feet, just above the base there is brass accent leading t...
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze

David Cressey Cylindrical Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a slim cylindrical body, a simple shape re...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Meadow Craft Floral and Leaf Coil Spring Chairs
Located in Omaha, NE
Vintage Meadow Craft Floral and leaf Wrought Iron Barrel Chairs – Timeless Elegance and Comfort Elevate your outdoor or indoor space with the classic charm of Meadow Craft’s flower ...
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Architectural Push Pull Door Handles and Letterbox with Crater Relief
Located in London, GB
Two square cast bronze door handle and letter box with strong relief like craters in a landscape seen from above. There is a third The handle brackets are attached to the main pla...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Bamboo Armchairs & Coffee Table, 1960s, Set of 5
Located in Montelabbate, PU
1960s bamboo set 4 armchairs with coffee table, 2 free fabric and metal vase baskets. Armchairs 76hx54x73p seat 33 coffee table 56hx82x56. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard bo...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Whimsical Carved Stone Garden Lawn Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Interesting fun whimsical carved stone garden sculpture. Base measures: 12 x 9 at 6" tall.
Category

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

Materials

Stone

High Style Art Deco Modernist Copper and Iron Firedogs / Andirons , Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1930's custom made "S" shaped Art Deco copper Andiron pair featuring a decorative coppers pillars with long iron stands. Perfect for the Modernist fireplace matching with bo...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

French 1950s Painted Metal Table, Comes Apart
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Fabulous French Mid-Century square table, with great colours. Comes apart entirely. The square folded iron top has a grid system beneath, into which the four legs slot into place and...
Category

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

David Cressey and Robert Maxwell Large Ombre Glazed Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large ceramic bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell for Earthgender. The planter has an ombre glazed interior and exterior ranging in colors of purple, pink and blue w...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Outdoor Hinterland Coffee Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hinterland Coffee Table features a powder coated iron tube base and choice of 3 different tops; teak slat, stone, or a cast tempered glass with a corduroy pattern. The Lawson-F...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Matte White Planter Pot Attributed to Architectural Pottery California
Located in Ferndale, MI
Marked only with USA on the underside. I am attributing this matte white planter pot to Architectural pottery. Possibly Gainey as well. Measures 7.75...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bamboo High Back Armchair, 1960s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
This mid century modern vintage bamboo high back armchair Italy, 1960s is very comfortable. The condition is very good with very minor signs of age an...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Outdoor Hinterland Side Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hinterland Side Table features a powder coated iron tube base and choice of 3 different tops; teak slat, stone, or a cast tempered glass with a corduroy pattern. The Lawson-Fe...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Vintage Ceramic Tile Depicting a Hand Painted Floral Design.
Located in Seattle, WA
Hand Painted floral design on a vintage ceramic tile. Some minor chips, Vintage condition as pictured. Listing is only for described item. Dimensions. 6”W ; 6”D ; 2 1/2” H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Minimalist Brazilian Armchair " Valentina" in Solid Wood by Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Valentina Armchair by Samuel Lamas, 2022 This minimalist outdoor/indoor armchair, crafted from solid wood and straps, is designed with an architectural and geometric approach. With ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Four Piece Mel Bogart Wall Mounted Fireplace Tools
Located in Ferndale, MI
Rare four piece set of Mel Bogart wall mounted fire place tools. Square stock wrought iron tools with brass disc accent. Tools mount into ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Reclaimed Modernist Designer Garden Planter
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed modernist designer garden planter. Resembling stylised trees, with the legs as trunks and canopy forming the bowl, this unusual item would certainly make a statement piec...
Category

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

Materials

Clay, Fiberglass

Lucite "S" Form Pedestal
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Lucite "S" form pedestal.
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Scrolling Iron Patio/Outdoor Lounge Chair with Pad Seat, Set of Four
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A set of four Scrolling rod iron patio chair with distinct scrolling backrest and Googie style fabric seat. This chair is constructed with solid core ir...
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Steel

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell “Teardrop Sunburst” Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural warm brown stoneware planter, c.1970, USA, is a result of the collaboration between David Cressey & Robert Maxwell to create the line Earthgender. This planter features a rounded lip and an incised all-over "Teardrop Sunburst...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Pair of modernist wrought iron andirons. French work. Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual 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

Pair of Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual pair of andirons is made of a delicate twisted wrought iron work with brass bawls. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Black Metal Frame Plant Stand and White Ceramic Planter in the Style of Pilastro
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Very elegant plant stand in the style of Mathieu Mategot and Pilastro in typical fifties style. The Stand is made of black metal holding a hexagon...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

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 nice and unusual pair of andirons 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

Rare, Very Large Architectural Planter by Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare, very large planter / jardinière / architectural element in fiber concrete by Willy Guhl. The piece is a Minimalist sculpture in a sleek, t...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Modernist Donald Deskey Andirons and Tools
Located in Water Mill, NY
Iron and brass andirons and tools by Donald Deskey for Bennett.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Set of RFH Terrace TableRD6 & 4ChairsRD4- Teak &Black Steel -by Robin Day for &T
Located in Dubai, AE
Constituting part of Robin Day’s Royal Festival Hall collection, the RFH Terrace Table is crafted from black, powder-coated steel, making...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

RFH Terrace Dinning Table - Black Steel - by Robin Day for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Constituting part of Robin Day’s Royal Festival Hall collection, the RFH Terrace Table is crafted from black, powder-coated steel, making...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Spun Fiberglass Loveseat
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage mid century modern Russell Woodard spun fiberglass love seat. Features an off white finish. Loveseat A
Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass

Set of Two (2) Mid Century Modern Iron Wire Swiveling Patio Chairs, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Constructed from steel wire this set of two period patio chairs boast the original plaid outdoor cushions. Use these in a sunroom, patio or in your int...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Couture Oversized Merbau Wood Container
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection. A beautiful century old merbau wood bowl taken from my finest collection, is elevated with midcentury style rounded teak legs. Perfect ...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell Stoneware “Sunburst” Bowl Planter for Earthgender
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unglazed stoneware bowl planter from David Cressey and Robert Maxwell's 1970's collaboration, Earthgender. The planter has a rounded lip with a dark speckle glazed interior, an in...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Sleek Nickel and Iron Fire Tools
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sleek Nickel and Iron Fire Tools, in the manner of Samuel Marx or Mel Bogart, American, circa 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Metal

RFH Terrace Dinning Table RD5 - Black Steel - by Robin Day for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Constituting part of Robin Day’s Royal Festival Hall collection, the RFH Terrace Table is crafted from black, powder-coated steel, making...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Wicker Salterini Radar Style Chairs With Pedestal Side Tables Seating Set
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for all (4) pieces as a group. We procured all four pieces as a set from same owner, so we're certain the maker is the same for both the chairs and tables. These are everything we love about the Salterini Radar chairs...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Architectural Door Handles Alfredo Barbini 1940 Venetian Blown Glass Polar Bear
Located in London, GB
Venetian blown glass push and pull door handles from a hotel in Venice late 1940's, by Alfredo Barbini (1912-2007) for Vitreria Gino Cenedese, Italy. Polar bears climbing on geometric glaciers set in clear and opaque glass block set with brass mounts. One white and gold ice bear...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Carved Wood Angel Mold with X and Circle
Located in Wichita, KS
This Wood Carved Vintage Angel Sculpture has alot of history. The Manhattan Angels were commissioned sometime in the mid-twentieth century for a church restoration in New York City. The sculptor, Bogden Bogkowski, was commissioned to carve these “angels” for the church’s planned restoration. Bogkowski worked on them for a period of time but ultimately the funding never came through and Bogkowski stopped working on them. In the 1980s Bogkowski died and the angels then went to his nephew who lived in New York. They remained in his basement until purchased in 2020 there until we purchased them in 2020. There are four different angels and one tall angel...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Large Purple Egg Planter by Marilyn Kay Austin for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulously large, rounded glazed planter in 'Eggplant' by ceramics artist Marilyn Kay Austin for Architectural Pottery. This example, called the floor vase or egg planter...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Donald Deskey Brass Blade Andirons by Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning pair of modernist andirons by legendary designer Donald Deskey. They were made by Bennett in the United States, circa 1950. The andirons are polished brass with an amorphi...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Concrete Biomorphic Planters, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit large biomorphic or clam shell shaped concrete planters or jardinières, Switzerland, 1960s. These exquisite planters are made from weather-resistan...
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

1930, Column Basin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A monumental column basin from the 30th.
Category

1920s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Wrought Iron Modernist Log Holder in Matte Black Powder Coat Finish
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modern design wrought iron newspaper, magazine or fireplace log holder. Powder coated in matte black finish. Rack does fold up for shipping. Measures 26 wide, 24 deep, 14 tall when o...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Italian mid-century modern deckchair in red scooby and black metal, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern deckchair in red scooby and black metal, 1960s Deckchair with black metal tubular structure. The seat and backrest are made of red scooby plastic threads, ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of terra cotta vases with greek decor Italy 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A highly decorative pair of terra cotta vases on base with greek decor Precise details Italy 1950 or earlier
Category

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

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual 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

Large Bamboo and Rattan flowerpot , circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large Bamboo and Rattan flowerpot , circa 1970 the flowerpot is tinted yellow
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Monumental Four-Piece Studio Pottery Fountain, Manner of Raymor, Italy
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental four-piece studio pottery Fountain, manner of Raymor, Italy. Wonderful scale and proportion. Glazed ceramic, incised geometric designs, Versatile: can be separated and used as two jardiniers...
Category

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

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Pier Alessandro Giusti and Egidio De Rosa Marble Fountain, 80's
Located in bari, IT
"ELENA" fountain in Carrara marble, Ultima Edizione production by Giusti and De Rosa, 1985.
Category

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

Materials

Carrara Marble

Mustard And Burnt Orange Glazed Planter
Located in Berkeley, CA
Designed and manufactured by Oakland artist Justin Kiene, these organic planters and vases are inspired by the shapes of the natural and microscopic world. Each piece is hand thrown...
Category

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

Materials

Clay

Pair of Wrought Iron Belt Andirons, French Work, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of unusual belt 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

Vintage Earthgender Planter by David Cressey & Robert Maxwell
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage planter designed by David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender in the United States, circa 1970s. This planter has a conventional design, highlighting the craft...
Category

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

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Stylized Outdoor Metal Glider Chairs, Art Deco, Modernist
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of stylized outdoor metal glider chairs. Nice quality and construction. Unusual modernist design. Hand delivery avail to New York City or any...
Category

1950s American Vintage 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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