Skip to main content

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.

to
360
1,962
985
2,813
147
31
Height
to
Width
to
2,155
1,538
1,308
978
836
805
804
509
487
478
317
284
245
147
139
126
103
3
5
2,805
178
29
2,116
477
3
1
5
13
78
525
534
338
38
9
1,932
814
455
397
366
1,375
1,365
1,285
372
369
2,991
2,878
2,918
191
114
101
67
65
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Ancient Planter in Lacquered Metal and Wood, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ancient planter in lacquered metal and wood, circa 1950.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

David Cressey Pro/Artisan Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection. This planter has a soft olive green speckle glazed exterior and interior. The top of the planter has slig...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of sea horses andirons France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
Nice pair of wrought iron French andirons circa 1950 with sea horse shape In the front Heavy high quality of iron
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Large Cast Iron Arts and Crafts Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of oversized cast iron andirons. This large pair of andirons feature a patinated Arts & Crafts style front design with a curved detailing seen at both the front and back of the ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Large Wicker Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful diamond wove coffee table with glass top. Great for indoor and outdoor use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Category

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

Materials

Wicker, Glass

Large Wicker Coffee Table
Large Wicker Coffee Table
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Brutalist planter, Willy Guhl for Eternit. Switzerland, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular planter produced by the company "Eternit" in the 1960s, made of fiber cement, perfect for outdoor designs. Good original condition, with patina and marks that only the pa...
Category

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

Materials

Cement

North european mid-century modern black red yellow iron flower holder, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
North european mid-century modern black blue red white iron flower holder, 1960s Flower holder with square base made of iron rod. The structure is given by four arms that start from ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Log Holder in Bamboo, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Log holder in bamboo circa 1960.
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Large Ceramic Vintage Set of 3 Outdoor Pedestal Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of 3 outstanding large pieces of outdoor art. Bought them in Malibu,Ca in an amazing home with gorgeous views. Great design and style. Has signs of out...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

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

Hand Thrown Speckle Glazed Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand thrown stoneware planter. This planter features a golden brown and yellow speckle glaze both on the exterior and interior. The planter tapers towar...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Robert Maxwell Sunburst Studio Chalice
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand thrown studio pottery planter by California ceramicist Robert Maxwell, c.2004. The chalice shape is incised with Maxwell's signature sunburst design. The interior of the planter...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Bowl Planters in Bisque by Lagardo Tackett for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bowl Planters in Bisque by Lagardo Tackett for Architectural Pottery, Midcentury, USA H 9" x D 16.5" FDV11374 *Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Unique 1950s Springbok Garden Table and Chairs Set by Ernest Race
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A unique 1950s table with four accompanying "Springbok" chairs by Ernest Race for Race Furniture. Made for the 1951 Festival of Britain, the chairs are of original vintage. The chairs bear remnants of the Race Furniture label. The bespoke Springbok table was made by Ernest Race in the 50s to accompany the chairs and is as rare as it gets. This set is documented in the Antique Trade Gazette: Ernest Race, who died at the early age of 51 in 1964, established his eponymous company in 1945 and is best known for his 'Antelope' and 'Springbok' chairs that were unveiled at the Festival of Britain and used steel rod frames with plywood and spring seats. Pictured here is a set of four 'Springbok' chairs as shown at the festival accompanied by a unique custom-made table. Both use Race’s characteristic steel rod frames and ball feet. The set has had some conservation work, including the addition of transparent tubing to protect areas where the plastic webbing has split. It remains in very useful condition and would make the ultimate MCM garden...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Planter in silver-plater and gold brass
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Surprising planter in gold and silver brass, with 4 aluminum 'cache-pots', 3 outside and 1 inside 1950s design Height 140cm diameter 60cm Free shipping to Paris, to your place or ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1940s Modernist Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons - Jacques Adnet Style - France
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
1940s Modernist Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons - Jacques Adnet Style - France Very elegant pair of andirons made of wrought iron and brass. Typical design of the French Modernist ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron

Vintage Set of Fireplace Wall Hanging Tools
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage set of fireplace wall hanging tools. Attributed to Arthur Umanoff. In the manner of Jens Quistgaard and Paul McCobb.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Modernist French Brass Andirons and Fire Tools by Jean Paul Creations
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist French Andirons and fire tools, by Jean Paul Creations, France, circa 1970s. They are priced at $1500 each or $2500 for both. They retain their warm original patina. The fi...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender Rimmed Sunburst Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand thrown stoneware planter, circa 1970s, USA, is a result of the collaboration between David Cressey & Robert Maxwell to create the line Earthgender. This hand thrown planter...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware

Architectural Pottery "Jet" Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful black glaze tulip planter by Architectural Pottery. This AP-3100 planter has a drum shape with a rounded lip that curves in at the top of the...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Architectural Pottery Medium Black Tulip Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful black glaze tulip planter by Architectural Pottery. This AP-3203 planter has a drum shape with a rounded lip that curves in at the top of the piece. Architectural Pottery...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Patrick Reyntiens 'B.1925' Contemporary Leaded Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A contemporary leaded glass window from the studio of Patrick Reyntiens (1925-2021). Attributed to the artist, this stained glass panel depicts a vibrant design detailed with circles in red and blue between colourful vertical panels to either side. It is one of various stained glass panels we are selling from the studio of the artist; please enquire for more details. Born in 1925, Patrick Reyntiens was one of the leading stained glass artists in Britain of the 20th century. Studying at the Edinburgh College of Art, Reyntiens career flourished following the second world war where he found himself part of something of a stained glass renaissance. Together with artist John Piper, Reyntiens created some of his finest works including the monumental baptistery window in Coventry Cathedral...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Stained Glass

Metal flag stand for Stjärn Metall, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Flag stand, anonymous, for Stjärn Metall, Sweden, 1930s Stamped. Metal.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

John Follis Hand Thrown Stoneware Bell Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand Thrown stoneware planter by John Follis for Architectural Pottery, C.1960s, USA. The bell shaped planter, features the warm natural clay tones with light speckling. Our favorite...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Large-scale Handle Set of 3, Clear Acrylic, 12”, USA.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Large-scale Handle Set of 3, Clear Acrylic, 12”, USA. Lovely thick sculptural pieces. 1” diameter. Gorgeous gentle curved form. Approx 12” Center to cente...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Large Mid Century Brass Urn or Champagne Bucket
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large mid century brass urn or vase with an oxidised finish circa 1950. This large brass urn makes a striking centrepiece on a plinth or sideboard, as impressive styled alone as it...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Fireplace Surround and Fire Tools by George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual, architectural, well scaled and finely rendered fireplace surround in lacquered brass and iron having discrete slots from which the accompanying fire tools are suspended.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Architectural Pottery "PMC-14" Speckled Stoneware Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical stoneware planter for Architectural Pottery. The "PMC-14" planter has two ribbed details, one near the top of the planter and one near the bottom. The planter has a round...
Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Cement Signed Plaque of 2 Kissing Lovers
Located in Pasadena, CA
Cement Plaque of 2 Kissing Lovers holding each other's faces in embrace. The 2 characters are each siting on a flower holding their love up .Measures app...
Category

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

Materials

Cement

Elegant Pair of Art Deco Hammered Iron Andirons Circa 1930/1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Elegant Pair of Art Deco Hammered Iron Andirons Circa 1930/1950 price is for the pair
Category

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

Materials

Iron

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

Modernist Twisted Bronze Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of bronze modernist andirons. The andirons feature a ribbon like twisted front with curved footed detail. A beautiful detail to compliment to your fireplace. Dimensions 9.6" w...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Stainless Fireplace Tools from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) machined brushed steel fire tools with squared handles. Mid-Century Modern styling.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

French 1950s Painted Iron Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rectangular table of simple, unfussy design, with a perforated sheet metal top rasied on square legs. Original glossy white paint finish.
Category

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

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

2 Small Spindle or Diabolo Planter Designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl
Located in Mouscron, WHT
2 Small spindle or diabolo planter designed by Swiss architect Willy Guhl The price is for one Two are available.
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Fire Guard by Donald Deskey for Bennett
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural fire guard in iron and brass having a flaring tapered form, floating on two angled legs.
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Brass

Sculptural Bronze Andirons from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and expressive pair of midcentury polished bronze andirons fashioned from conjoined flaring and twisting narrow planes of bronze attached to a blackened iron base. Made ...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Petite French 1950s Green Painted Aluminium and Iron Chair
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very lovely folding iron chair with a gorgeous green patina. The seat and backrest are made of perforated aluminium sheet.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Set of Four Cubist Style Stools, France, circa 1960s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Set of four iron stools of unusual design. The tripod base is painted glossy white and the seats are covered in hard-wearing outdoor canvas, orange with white piping.
Category

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

1965, Richard Wolthekker for Faber, Model Faber 2000, Stove in Mat-Chrome Black
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Chrome Flame Form Andirons
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chrome and steel flame form andirons. Stylish combination of form with a function, in very good original condition.
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

American Armchair, 1960
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Armchair We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Chrome Andirons
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Chrome andirons.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome, Iron

Chrome Andirons
Chrome Andirons
$1,800 / set
Multicolored Monkey in Cast Stone, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Multicolored monkey in cast stone, circa 1960.
Category

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

Materials

Stone

Vintage 1950s Flamingo-Themed Wrought Iron Patio Set – Rare Custom Design
Located in Omaha, NE
Transport your outdoor space to a golden era of tropical elegance with this custom-made 1950s wrought iron patio set, a true masterpiece ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid Century Aluminum Outdoor Patio Footstool Ottoman
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage 1970s outdoor patio ottoman features white painted aluminum frame, vintage rubber support straps, and original brown tufted cushion.

Matching pair of loungers, set of 3...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Planter by Hans Günther Reinstein for Vereinigte Möbelfabriken Germania, 1908
Located in Brussels, BE
Planter by Hans Günther Reinstein for Vereinigte Möbelfabriken Germania, Germany, 1908 This item is made out of Cardboard.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Softwood

Carved Redwood Sculpture by Logan
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An evocative and masterfully carved freestanding redwood sculpture depicting a standing figure, signed by the artist.
Category

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

Willy Guhl Planter, 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Concrite planter by swiss architect Willy Guhl 1960s.
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Planter, 1960s
Willy Guhl Planter, 1960s
$2,144 Sale Price
20% Off

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.

Recently Viewed

View All