Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Art Glass Bowl / Basket by Frantisek Zemek, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Gorgeous mid-century coloured art glass bowl or basket designed by Frantisek Zemek and produced by Mstisov Glassworks in the 1950's. The piece is from the Rhapsody collection.
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Flat Reed Bamboo Rattan Basket
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beauty in its simplicity. Flat reed rattan basket with unique twisting rattan frame and handle. Eye meanders up and around the handle in a reverse directional manner. Simply chic.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Set of 2 Storage Baskets by Dirk Van Sliedregt for Rohé, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 2 storage baskets by Dirk van Sliedregt for Rohé, Netherlands, 1960s.
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Five Mid-Century storage baskets 'Rohé', Netherlands 1960s
Located in CASTENRAY, NL
These five rattan and steel baskets with a lid are attributed to Dutch designer, Dirk van Sliedregt, and were manufactured by 'Rohé' Noordwolde, Netherlands in the 1960s.
This Rohé ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Steel
Metal Basket, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Metal paper bin made by welded wire completed by a solid ring. Unknown manufacturer, France, circa 1940 Materials: Metal In original condition, with minor wear consistent o...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Striped Glass Bowl by Gullaskruf, Sweden
By Gullaskruf
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
This bowl is a handmade studio work from Gullaskruf glass manufacturer in Sweden. It has a swivel pattern in two tones and is signed Gullaskruf at the base. It has a small production...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Chrome Magazine Rack in the style of Willi Glaeser for TMP
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimal and linear chrome magazine rack in the style of Willi Glaeser. This piece is chic and minimalist, ideal for your office or chic work space. This piece will hold your newspape...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Chrome
Crystal Decorative Basket, Poland, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Big clear crystal decorative basket - a bowl
For sweets or fruits.
Very good condition, very heavy.
No damage.
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Crystal
Brass box, 1960s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Brass box, Made in Italy, 1960s.
Unique piece of sturdy brass holder, shaped like a typical fruit box. Its special feature is that it can be used as a fruit holder, chocolates holde...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Raffia Sisal Brown Orange Basket Austria 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern organic vintage basket or paper basket from raffia or sisal in brown and orange colors manufactured Austria 1950s.
The basket shows beautiful woven network in smo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Raffia
Midcentury Knitting Basket, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Midcentury wicker knitting basked resting on a metal string stand painted in black. Made with a handle so it is possible to carry.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Iron
1960s Bronze Murano Blown Glass Italian Bowl with Copper and Gold Flecks
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Bronze and White Murano Glass with Copper and Gold Flecks Italian Bowl, 1960s.
Amazing midcentury Murano glass bowl with copper bronze gold flecks.
This piece is an astonishi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Decorative 20th century teak bucket with rope handle
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Decorative 20th century teak bucket with rope handle circa 1950.
Ideal for use as a waste paper basket or a kindling bin beside the fire. Teak bucket with removable copper dish.
M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Danish Grey Glass Bowl
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Grey glass bowl. Blown glass with an elongated shape and high curved edges. The glass is thick and transparent, with a greyish, almost ‘smoky’ hue that gives it a modern and elegant ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Glass
Portuguese Wicker Basket
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Wicker basket. Worked in dark wicker with a varnished finish, revealing a warm tone between brown and black. The structure has a decorative interlacing in the shape of lozenges, obta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wicker
Dark Brown Leather Handbag with Flip clasp by R. Cochet
By Robert Cochet
Located in Catania, IT
Brown leather handbag with metal top frame and single top handle; interior zippered side pocket with two open pocket beneath . Metal flip clasp closure by Robert Cochet.
fully lined ...
Category
1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Leather
Vintage Handmade Woven Basket.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Handmade woven basket tray. Bread serving Basket. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Online purchase only. Bo...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Rattan
Vintage Boho Glass Mosaic Tile Wastepaper Basket
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a vibrant splash of character to any room with this vintage boho glass mosaic wastepaper basket. Handcrafted with an eye-catching arrangement of amber, black, cream, and honey-hu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Glass, Wood
Crystal Decorative Basket, Poland, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Big clear crystal decorative basket - a bowl.
For sweets or fruits.
Very good condition, very heavy.
No damage.
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Crystal
Art Glass Bowl by Frantisek Zemek for Sklarna Mstisov, 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage bowl in a shape of a basket. Produced in moulded art glass in shades of transparent clear, purple and blue glass. Designed by Frantisek Zemek for Mstisov Glass Fact...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Paper basket In Teak Designed By Servex, Made in Sweden From 1960s
By Servex 1
Located in Lejre, DK
The teak waste bin of Swedish design from Servex, produced around the 1960s, represents a beautiful union of functionality and style within Scandinavian...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Teak
Fantoni Metal Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
Small tray is 4.25 W x 4.75 D x 1.25 H.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Longwy, France, Equinoxe Basket in Glazed Ceramics, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Longwy, France. Equinoxe basket in glazed ceramics. Abstract polychrome decoration on black background.
Mid-20th century.
Measures: 24 x 23 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Ceramic
Carl Auböck Brush, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Brush, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wood
Roger Capron Bowl
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron Bowl, Glazed Earthenware Made in France, c. 1960
Glazed earthenware, signature to underside ‘Capron Vallauris M82’.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Earthenware
Handmade stitched Fabric Basket
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Vintage. Patina and character present. Handmade Fabric Basket. Vintage condition as pictured. Box H6
Dimensions. 6” W ; 6” D ; 2.25” H
Category
Early 1700s Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Raffia Brass Paper Basket, 1950s, Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage brown raffia and brass paper basket, or basket, which was designed and hand made, 1950s, Vienna, Austria.
The natural ra...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Raffia
Art Glass Basket by O. Lipa and L. Metelak, Moser, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Lipa
Located in Praha, CZ
Basket made of clear metallurgical glass with sealed colored decor. metallurgical glass of organic shapes from glass artists - Luboš Metelák and Oldrich Lípa, made by the glassworks MOSER Karlovy Vary...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Brass Table Bottle Holder with Laces and Bow for Boat Yacht 1970 Gold Wine
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Brass table bottle holder with laces and bow for boat yacht 1970 gold wine.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brass
Paper basket In Teakwood, Designed By Servex, Made in Sweden From 1960s
By Servex 1
Located in Lejre, DK
The teak waste bin of Swedish design from Servex, produced around the 1960s, represents a beautiful union of functionality and style within Scandinavian...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Black Iron Wire Organizers
By Andree Ferris and Reta Shacknove, Sol Bloom
Located in Hanover, MA
Grouping of Mid-Century Modern black wire organizers, catch-alls, racks and baskets. These evoke the highly appreciated post-war style of clean structural modern handcrafted decorative accessories by designers such as Tony Paul, Archie Kaplan...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wire
Set of 2 Art Glass Bowls by Josef Hospodka for Chribska Glassworks, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia.
Made of art glass.
Good original condition.
Dimensions of the second bowl - height 11 cm, length 36 cm, depth 35 cm.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Southwest Pueblo mid Century Modern style planter Basket
Located in Seattle, WA
This Pueblo MCM basket would make an excellent planter. It is adorned with animal pictures (donkies?) and has a small cut on one edge. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vinta...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wicker
Vintage Decorative Natural Fiber Basket
Located in Seattle, WA
possibly 1970s era.Vintage decorative natural fiber basket. Vintage condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Box H5
Dimensions: 5" wide ; 2.25" high
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Textile
Vintage Woven Coil Basket.
Located in Seattle, WA
Believed to be Navajo native in origin but not confirmed. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Box H3
Dimens...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Bamboo
Pot With Lid and Basket With Handle
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This charming set of Portuguese Alcobaça pottery consists of a lidded pot and a small basket with a decorative handle, both showcasing the region’s characteristic vibrant polychrome ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Pottery
Louis Vuitton Bag
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
This Louis Vuitton Vintage Marine Bag is a timeless piece that showcases the iconic craftsmanship and durability of Louis Vuitton. Made from coated canvas and featuring a large lock,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Brass Metal Vintage Newspaper Magazine Rack 1970s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
This round shaped magazine rack was made of hammered brass. Inside are four compartments and also at the top it features a handle.
The magazine rack shows a sign "Zeitungen".
The car...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Glass Green Decorative Basket, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Glass green decorative basket - a dish for sweets or small items
The product comes from the Czech Republic from the 1960s
Very good condition, n...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Magazine Holder in plexiglass. Italy 80s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magazine Holder in plexiglass. Italy 80s
This is a magazine holder made from high-quality plexiglass in a striking tortoiseshell-like design with a glossy, marbled finish. It featur...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Plexiglass
Set Of 3 Vintage Plastic Baskets, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
Great vintage kitchen baskets, or serving baskets. Produced in the best of the plastic era of 1960s. The typical mid-century vibe just oozes through these great baskets. They are in ...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Plastic
Mid-Century Danish Blue Glass Bowl
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Blue glass bowl. With an unusual shape, the base is small and round, and three elongated, round tips rise from the centre. The sides descend in a gentle curve, like open wings. It is...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Glass
Italian Glass Bowl by Vetri Di Empoli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian green glass bowl by Vetri Di Empoli 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Art Glass
Woven Basket Decor Round Storage Container.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece is possibly vintage hat box, it would make excellent woven baskets decor and/or a great round storage container. It is adorned with weaved...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Rattan
Italian Oval Brass Tray with mirror, Italy 70s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Oval Brass Tray with mirror, Italy 70s
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brass
Shell and Silvered Brass Duck Shaped Trinket-Bowl, Italy, circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Shell and Silvered Brass Duck Shaped Trinket-Bowl, crafted in Italy circa 1970, is a charming and whimsical piece of art. Its unique design features a delicate shell serving as t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Silver
Sèvres Crystal Cup, 1950S
Located in PARIS, FR
Sèvres Crystal Bowl, 1950S. One Side Is Heat-Curved. The Crystal Is Tinted In The Mass Of A Beautiful Light Parma With Slightly Bluish Reflections. Signed: “Sevres” Underlined And “F...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Glass
Aldo Tura Bowls and Thermos Bottle Italian Made for Cusano
By Aldo Tura
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Aldo Tura bowl and thermos bottle
Bowl dimensions: 16 H cm 20 D cm
Bottle dimension : 32 H cm 16 D cm.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Aluminum
Italian Rush and Rattan Midcentury Work Basket
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Decorative work basket made of rush and Vienna straw has an elegant and slender shape and a refined workmanship. It can also be used as a magazine rack, towel rack, or other object h...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Straw, Rush
Decorative Italian Murano Glass Bowl, Basket
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Decorative handmade Italian Murano Glass bowl-basket beautiful as centrepiece.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid Century Italian Decorative Journal Rack 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm of our Mid-Century Italian Decorative Journal Rack, a true gem from the 1980s. Crafted in Italy, this stylish rack features a dis...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Italian Journal Rack 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mid Century Italian Journal Rack from the 1970s is a functional yet stylish storage solution. Reflecting the design sensibilities of the era, this rack combines form and function...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Aldo Tura Bowl Italian Made 1950s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Aldo Tura hand crafted bowl.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wood
Italian Murano Glass Bowl by Archimede Saguso
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid-Century Modern Murano glass bowl by Archimede Saguso.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Wastebasket, circa 1960
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Brass Wastebasket, circa 1960
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern decorative baskets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative baskets 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 decorative baskets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, natural fiber and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative baskets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative baskets, popular names associated with this style include Mathieu Matégot, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vallauris, and Aldo Tura. 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 decorative baskets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $73 and tops out at $17,521 while the average work can sell for $750.