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.
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Kisses" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli, Follia Pratica
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this "Kisses" floor lamp was designed by Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in the 1990s. Part of the...
Plastic
Mussel Shell Vide-Poches in bronze, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry display sculpture designed in Italy in the 1970s. Bronze structure depicting a mussel shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will d...
Bronze
Vintage White Opaline Glass Double Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass globe 2 meter black cotton flex Brass top and bottom Weight: 2.20 kg / 4.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Custom-Made Architectural Wall Unit in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, glass, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Exceptional Italian wall unit from the 1950s, crafted from richly grained mahogany wood with elegant glass details. Its architectural compos...
Glass, Mahogany
Rare Gio Ponti Custom Corner Sofa in Pierre Frey Rose and Off-White Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti sofa, reupholstered in "Georges" velvet by Pierre Frey fabric, walnut, Italy, 1960s Beautiful sofa by Gio Ponti. This particular sofa breathes the luxurious feel of well-b...
Velvet, Walnut
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
Brutalist French Cabinet in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed sideboard embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
Swedish Mid-Century Three-Arm Chandelier in Brass, Teak and Opaline Glass 1950's
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish mid-century modern chandelier produced in the 1950s, executed in polished brass with sculptural solid teak detailing and three softly tapered opaline glass shades. Th...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces manufactured in the 1950s, featuring slender angular brass arms supporting tapered satin opaline glass shades. The minimalist asymmetric structur...
Brass
Hollywood Regency handmade pink Scallop Shell chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Longobard, Tiffany Studios, Ferro Art
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach Regency style Scallop Shell waterfall chandelier, Italy, 1960s. The whole pendant light is made of pink Scallop Shell leaded with golden brass in the...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO Coffee Table w/ Stingray Glass Top
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chandelier 'Eptaclinio' in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model ‘Eptaclinio’, nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features seven opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix “epta,” Greek for seven. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Expertly Restored - Walnut Dresser by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Steel
Stunning Pair of Pink Glass "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces by Barovier and Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso (Italy, 1950s) – Pair An exceptional pair of mid-century wall sconces crafted in Murano, Italy, and attributed to t...
Metal
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan & Glass Desk Writing Table Dal Vera Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful desk writing table with two drawers in bamboo, rattan, top glass and brass handles in the style of Dal Vera. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, C1940's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, Circa 1940’s This is an extremely good-looking pair of chairs. The chairs themselves are of a good quality an...
Leather
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
1950s Axel Einar Hjorth Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century writing desk in solid oak, designed in the style of Swedish architect and designer Axel Einar Hjorth. The wide rectangular top features softly rounded edges/ On the left,...
Oak
Cast Iron "Naughty Nellie" Woman Boot Jack
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage cast iron "naughty nellie" boot jack in the shape of a reclining woman. Measures 3.75"W x 9"D x 2.25"H
Metal
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca & wood, Mexico, circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. A beautiful item to display i...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Italian Modern Walnut and Leather Sideboard with Undulating Cornice, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare sideboard was produced in Italy during the 1950s by a master cabinetmaker. While the exact designer remains unknown, the piece reflects the refined decorative modernis...
Brass
Thonet, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood settee or bench produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. From a group along with two chairs, one carrying Thonet paper label. Minimal signs of use. Re...
Fabric, Wood
Ceramic abstract birds sculpture by Sousa, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking vintage ceramic sculpture depicts a pair of abstract birds, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s and signed by Sousa. The terracotta form features a textured, earthy bronze...
Ceramic
Fairy Tale and Tudor style wrought iron pendant light by Ferro Art, Spain, 1940s
By Ferro Art, Willy Daro, Hans Kögl, Maison Charles, Maison Jansen
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century and Tudor Revival style wrought iron pendant light by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1940s. Composed of a wrought iron structure with hand-crafted and welded...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Italian Chandelier in Brass with Amber Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s captures the warmth and refinement of mid-century design. Crafted in brass with a beautifully a...
Brass
Seguso Large Pair of Murano Glass, Gold and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of wall sconces in ribbed mouth-blown Murano glass with gold dust inclusions and brass. These refined and unique sconces were designed by Seguso and p...
Brass
Milo Baughman Double-Tambour Door Credenza w/ Lacquered Drawers for Glenn of CA
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Satin-Lacquered Drawers ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Vintage 1960s Fibonacci Pendant in Aluminum By Sofus Frandsen for Fog And Mørup
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic and rare pendant designed by Sophus Frandsen in 1963 for Fog & Mørup. The Fibonacci model is one of the most recognizable designs and is becoming increasingly rare to find...
Aluminum
Expertly Restored- George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Primavera Wood, Satin-Lacquered Painted Wood, Brass Handles ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Brass
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany 2 pair available This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use 110-220V in all countries. Ple...
Wood
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Santos Alarm Clock Pendulette. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
This stunning 1980s Cartier Santos Pendulette alarm clock represents a sophisticated blend of functional design and timeless luxury. Manufactured in Switzerland, this piece features ...
Gold Plate
Barovier & Toso Hand-Blown Murano Glass Lantern with Gold 24k and Brass, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Mid-century pendant lamp manufactured by Barovier & Toso. The piece consists of a main hand-blown Murano glass body featuring 24k gold specks suspended within the glass mass. The...
Gold, Brass
1940s Piet Zwart Cylinder Cabinet with Marble Top for Bruynzeel
By Piet Zwart, Bruynzeel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attributed to Piet Zwart and manufactured by Bruynzeel in the 1940s, this cylinder cabinet presents a strict geometric form in white painted wood. The circular marble top sits above ...
Marble, Metal
Stunning Large Murano Glass Pendant by La Murrina 1970s
By La Murrina
Located in Palermo, PA
This stunning large pendant light in clear and white Murano glass was crafted by La Murrina in the 1970s and is signed by the maker in the glass. The glass is beautifully shaped in...
Metal, Brass
Brass Frame Brown Glass Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass Frame Brown Glass Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 58 cm Width: 58 cm Depth: 23 cm
Brass
Walnut Brionvega RR126 Radiophonograph Record Player by Castiglioni, Italy 1965
By Brionvega, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Brionvega RR126, a.k.a. the “Musical Pet”. This iconic radio phonograph and record player was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced during the early ...
Metal, Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza - Model 1513-L - Grasscloth Doors - 1950s
Located in Decatur, GA
Paul McCobb Planner Group Low Credenza Model 1513-L - Solid Birch - Grasscloth Sliding Doors - Fully Restored An iconic low credenza from the Planner Group collection designed by Pa...
Birch
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tittina Ammannati and Vitelli Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate, 'Grandangolo' lounge chairs, leather, metal, Italy, design 1969 A wide and seamlessly curved lounge chair designed by...
Metal
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme Models Circa 1950’s These are beautiful examples of a pair of iconic mid-century club chairs. The all-original lea...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Wool, Mahogany
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Gold Dust Inclusions
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of Murano glass wall sconces, handcrafted in Italy, featuring elongated, fluted hand-blown glass shades embellished with delicate gold dust. The softly textured surfa...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Rattan and Brass Wall Lights, Austria, 1950s 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
These Mid-Century wall lights were designed and manufactured in Austria in the 1950s to 1960s. The sconces feature a pair of woven rattan shades in a warm natural tone, shaped in wi...
Brass
Beautiful Cocoon pendant lamp in very good original vintage condition from 1960s
Located in München, DE
Beautiful spherical 1960s Cocoon pendant lamp in very good original vintage condition. Features a wonderful minimalist design. Emits a very pleasant, warm light. The shade is free of...
Metal
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Vintage Amber Wine Goblets - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 gorgeous wine goblets in amber glass. Lovely simple modern shape with glass that thickens towards the base of the glass. Each measures 2.5"Dia x 4.5"H
Glass
1950s Italian Chandelier in Brass and Frosted Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s Elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s, crafted from beautifully patinated brass and delicate frosted glass shades. The refined brass struc...
Brass