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.
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic brown tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design c...
Ceramic, Beech
Walnut Vinyl Storage Stereo Console
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This vinyl storage console was designed and built by hand by Pete Deeble Furniture in Long Beach, CA. It's 62" wide, 15" deep, and 38" tall. It's built from beautiful walnut and is...
Black Walnut
Early and Unique Giuseppe Rivadossi Sideboard in Carved Oak and Blue Glass
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, sideboard, oak, blue glass, Italy, 1960s This exceptional sideboard by Giuseppe Rivadossi features an unusual angled form and a deeply carved oak facade. A conti...
Glass, Oak
$285 / set
Blown Glass Fruit Card Holders
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming Blown Glass Fruit Card Holders from Mid Century period. Each paper thin hand blown fruit has a single or double prongs to hold a card. Fruits include pineapple, pear, apple,...
Blown Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
12 lights Spanish Gilt Iron Sunburst Flush Mount, 100 cm, Ferro Art, c. 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in La xara, VC
Outstanding extra-large foliage sunburst ceiling light in gilt wrought iron, Spain (Barcelona), 1950s, from Ferro Art. This spectacular flush mount features dozens of long, graceful...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Dutch White Reeded Opaline and Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Dutch opaline glass pendant Brass top 2 meter black wire Weight : 1.85 kg / 4.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for inca...
Brass
Nest Dining Chair, Art Deco Inspired Jacquard, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable dining seating. A contemporary chair inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. With its integr...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vintage Italian Snail Butter Dish, Silver-Plated, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful Italian silver-plated snail butter dish, 1970s. Featuring a whimsical snail-shaped body with textured shell lid in polished silver-plate, opening to reveal a clear insert b...
Silver Plate
1950s Italian Mid-Century Wall Sconces with Opaline Glass Globes
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by geometric arms in black lacquered brass, round brass wall plates and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each opal...
Brass
Mid-Century Rustic Stool in Beech and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rustic stool, beech, straw, Europe, 1950s This charming stool features a rounded seat with beautifully woven straw, forming a geometric pattern around the centre. Four exposed secti...
Straw, Beech
1950s Italian Brass Wall Lamps with Green Details and Opaline Globes
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring curved brass arms, round brass wall plates and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each globe is topped by a green lacque...
Brass
Mid-Century Green Large Flush Mount or Ceiling Lamp by Erco, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Green Large Flush Mount or Ceiling Lamp by Erco, 1950s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitabl...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
Italian amber and clear Murano glass wall sconce from the 1970s, designed and manufactured in Italy. The sconce is fitted with two E14 light sockets, and a professional electrician h...
Metal, Brass
Iron Metal Spider with Murano Glass, Sconce Wall Light Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Italian “Spider” Wall Lamp with opaline Murano Glass, 1970s Striking and sculptural, this mid-century Italian wall sconce—often referred to as a “spider” lamp—features a...
Metal
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Five Flying Goose Birds Wood Carved Wall Decoration Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming set of five vintage carved wooden wall decorations featuring birds in flight, dating to the 1950s–1960s. These sculptural pieces capture the spirit of mid-century design, combining natural materials with elegant silhouettes and a timeless decorative appeal. The flying bird motif brings a sense of movement and lightness to any interior. Displayed together as a group or arranged individually throughout the home, these wooden ornaments make a distinctive statement in a living room, hallway, bedroom, or entryway. Their understated vintage character complements Scandinavian-inspired interiors, mid-century modern spaces, and eclectic collections. Each decoration is crafted from wood and designed for easy wall display, making it simple to create an attractive arrangement. Dimensions (each): Width: approximately 8 1/2" Height: approximately 2 3/4" Depth: approximately 0.38" A lovely set for collectors of vintage wooden objects...
Wood
Percival Lafer Earth Lounge Chair Ottoman Leather Suede Mid Century Modern 1970
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Authentic Signed Percival Lafer "Earth" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed and manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil. A celebrated example of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design, the set...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Pair of Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each Wall Sconce is co...
Metal, Brass
Carl Aubock II „The Bombs“ Salt Pepper Shakers, Walnut & Horn, Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely pair of minimalist, almost sculptural Mid-Century Modern salt and pepper shakers from the 1950s. Model no. 4290, designed by Carl Auböck II in 1950 and made by Werkstätte Ca...
Wood
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso Art Deco Bar Cabinet Cherry Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso, cabinet, cherry, mirrored glass, brass, glass, Seveso, Milan, Italy, 1940s This extremely elegant Italian bar cabinet features decorative woode...
Brass
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, wood wrapped in leather, United...
Bronze
Large Mid-Century Italian Curved Six Seat Sofa in Rust Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved six seat sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, circa 1950 This beautiful Italian sofa follows a generous sweeping curve, creating an intimate seating arrangement with room for six. Its...
Fabric, Beech
Italian Mid-Century Modern Modular Coffee Table in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, beech, Italy, 1960s This Italian coffee table combines a clean, architectural shape with an inventive, adaptable design. Its square beech frame is divided into four co...
Beech
Gae Aulenti Bicycle Tour Coffee Table.
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gae Aulenti Bicycle Tour Coffee Table
Chrome
Italian Midcentury Pair of Amber Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian amber Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Each wal...
Metal
A Lovely French Leather Club Chair, Havana Lounge Model Circa 1940’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A Lovely French Leather Club Chair, Havana Lounge Model Circa 1940’s This is a very handsome and rare French leather club chair. Its buttoned inside back gives this stylish chair a ...
Leather
Genuine Italian Brass Chandelier, 12 arms, Sunburst Design, Oscar Torlasco 1950s
By Oscar Torlasco, Lumi
Located in Bochum, NRW
Genuine Italian Brass Chandelier with 12 arms in sunburst design attributed to Oscar Torlasco. Dimensions: Diameter: 100 cm Height: 40 cm E14 bulb bases (we can recommend E14 bulbs f...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands w/ Metal Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Metal Brass Finish Accents ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life...
Metal, Brass
Stunning vintage extendable globe-style cigarette dispenser, earth smoking 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Particularly beautiful cigarette dispenser – designed to look like a real globe in its stand; extendable, crafted in the 1950s–1960s. A typical vintage piece with character. When cl...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Marble, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Long Bench in Oak and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, straw, oak, Europe, 1950s An impressive and comfortable large bench, measuring an exceptional 3.5 meters in width, combining simplicity with striking presence. Crafted from ...
Straw, Oak
$24,950 / set
De Sede DS600 Non-Stop 13-Piece Multicolor Sectional
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Thirteen-piece De Sede DS600 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa, designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich. Each segment has been newly upholstered in a curated mix of ...
Fabric, Felt, Velvet
Newly Refinished-Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser, Milling Road/Baker Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Wood
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Table Lamp by Jack Haywood for Modeline
By J & G Haywood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking table lamp by Modeline exemplifies mid-century modern artistry with its sculpted korina wood base and elegant, elongated form. The fluid curves and open design create a...
Brass
Very Large Mid-Century Glass Globe Chandelier in Brass 212cm/83in
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, clear and textured glass, Europe, 1960s. This elaborate, generously sized chandelier measures 212 cm (83.5 inches) in width and 160 cm (63 inches) in height. Nume...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Design Walnut Dining Table with Curved Legs
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title: Mid-Century Modern Design Walnut Dining Table with Curved Legs Description: A handsome Mid-Century Modern design walnut dining table dating to approximately the 1990s. The ta...
Walnut
1960s Stunning Grey Ashtray/Bowl/Catchall By Flavio Poli for S
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous grey ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in italy. This piece exemplifies the iconic sommerso (submerged) glass technique. Fe...
Murano Glass
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Oak Armchair, attributed to Henning Kjærnulf 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A example of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. Constructed from richly toned danish oak, the frame features gently tapered legs, sculptural armrests, and finely turned spindle ...
Fabric, Oak
Set Of Four Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Italy 1980s.
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set Of Four Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Italy 1980s.
Chrome
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition. Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Brass
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Brass, Steel
Italian Sideboard in Walnut with Open Side Compartments
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small chest of drawers or sideboard, walnut, Italy, 1960s/early 1970s This walnut sideboard has a charming, slightly quirky design. Six drawers with round wooden knobs are arranged ...
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of Twelve Elegant Rustic Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Oak and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, oak, rush, Europe, 1950s/1960s This large set of twelve dining chairs combines a rustic character with a clean, modern design. The oak frames feature ge...
Rush, Oak
French Mid-Century Modern Leather Wastepaper Basket, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A sculptural French wastepaper basket from the 1950s, distinguished by its clean, softly rounded silhouette and black leather-clad exterior. A wide leather strap encircles the body, ...
Brass
Mid Century Chandelier, Germany - Brass, Opaline - 1950s
Located in Schwerin, MV
5-arm chandelier from the 1950s with conical glass shades. The chandelier has a solid frame made of polished brass with arched arms. All glass shades are well preserved with slight s...
Metal, Brass
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s This beautiful, stylish, rare and all-original leather club sofa has been wonderfully preserved by it’s previous owners in a Fre...
Leather
Expertly Restored - Gerald Thurston Sculpted Tripod Table Lamp for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Polished Brass, New Linen Shade, Enameled Metal ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringin...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Albano Poli Green murano glass table lamp for Poliarte, Italy, 1960's
By Albano Poli, Poliarte
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful midcentury table lamp by Albano Poli for Poliarte, Italy 1960s. Featuring handblown green Murano glass with undulating wavy patterns in translucent emerald tones, encased i...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern German Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder Aachener Giesserei
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern German Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder from Aachener Giesserei, 1960s
Cast Iron
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, featuring a round brass wall plate, gently curved brass arms, black lacquered metal elements, and white opaline glass shades. The design is light ...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass & Opaline Glass Bedside Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian table lamps dating from the 1950s, characterized by a clean and balanced composition combining brass and opaline glass. Each lamp features a round brass base with a c...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Christian Dior Tortoiseshell Lucite Magazine Holder Rack, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed for the prestigious Christian Dior Interior Collection and crafted in France circa 1970, this rare, exceptional magazine rack embodies timeless luxury and impeccable mastery...
Resin, Acrylic, Lucite
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern “Vega” Walnut Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Floating Style Walnut Credenza
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...
Wood, Walnut
Handmade Fly Agaric Wool Mushroom Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern Style Pouf
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric to resemble a fly agaric mushroom. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfo...
Wool
Sculptural Rope Chandelier by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minnet, 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A sculptural chandelier by Audoux-Minet, France, dating to the 1950s. Its organic silhouette evokes a stylized tree, with sinuous branching arms meticulously wrapped in natural rope....
Rope
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' Three-Seat Sofa for Montis in Mahogany Velvet
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerard van den Berg's 'Oslo' three-seat sofa, produced by Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an organically shaped upholstered body with a spare, rectilinear oak frame. Th...
Velvet, Oak
Newly Refinished - Kipp Stewart Walnut Declaration Credenza for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass