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.
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970s, characterized by a richly veined veneer, likely burl, offering a particularly expressive natural design. Its surface displays a warm palette of...
Wood
White alabaster vanity box by Romano Bianchi, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb white and black alabaster box designed and produced by romano bianchi in italy in the 1970s. Handcrafted alabaster box with chromed metal structure. Decorative object that wil...
Alabaster
Yellow-green onyx box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular box in yellow-green onyx, made in France around 1970. This piece showcases the natural beauty of the stone, with its translucent hues ranging from pale green to honey, tr...
Onyx
Astonishing Onyx Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, Made in Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,31 x 3,93 x 1,93 H inches 13,5 x 10 x 5 H cm
Onyx
1960s Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box, Made in Italy, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,51 x 3,93 x 1,57 H inches 14 x 10 x 4 H cm
Onyx
American Studio Craft Sculptural Hinged Box in Walnut, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegantly sculpted solid walnut box in a teardrop or comma form with a hinged lid. Highly tactile and alluring object with an even patina, clearly inspired by the work of Wendell ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Wood and Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the esteemed J. Capo Esmaltes and crafted in Spain circa 1960, this exquisite Mid-Century Modern lidded box is a true fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. Its refined re...
Metal, Copper, Enamel
Vintage Maitland-Smith Tessellated Stone and Brass Table Box
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Maitland-Smith Tessellated Stone and Brass Table Box Offered for sale is an early 1970s mid-century modern hinged and lidded decorative tessellated stone box with inset bras...
Stone, Brass
FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and metal case, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Length: 5.5 inches / Width: 4 in...
Metal
$1,800
FORNASETTI Butterfly Box
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 12 inc...
Wood
Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw Decorative Oval Box, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century decorative jewelry box made from a beautiful combination of lucite enriched with Vienna straw, brass, and tortoiseshell-effect lucite. This incredibly stylish pi...
Brass
Handcrafted Cherry Wood Lidded Box, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Handcrafted Cherry Wood Lidded Jewelry Box, 20th Century.
Cherry
Rare Hermès, Paris Equestrian / Horse Box c.1970
Located in Bath, GB
A very rare example of a French mid-century modern silver plate and gold plate box by the iconic French fashion house, Hermès of Paris. A stunning design in silverplate with a gilde...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Glass Display Case with Mounted Butterflies, Green and Brown
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning display case featuring various ethically sourced butterfly species. The specimens are delicately mounted on staggered brass rods of varying heights, creating a dynamic, mu...
Steel
Decorative metal box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A French decorative box from the 1970s, made of metal, both functional and ornamental. Its balanced and well-proportioned shape reflects the elegant, utilitarian design characteristic of decorative objects from this period. The metal surface has a natural patina, with slight signs of age that enhance its authenticity and vintage charm. Depending on the lighting, the metal reveals subtle reflections, adding depth and character to the object. Versatile, this box can be used as a catch-all, storage box, or purely decorative object. It integrates perfectly into a vintage, industrial, or contemporary interior, adding a graphic and timeless touch. Key features: Decorative metal box Made in France 1970s Functional and minimalist design Original patina Decorative and storage item Keywords: vintage metal box...
Metal
1970s Mid-Century Modern fake Tortoiseshell Lucite Italian Jewelry Box
By Guzzini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian jewelry box is a beautiful example of the era's design sensibilities, combining elegance, functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's ...
Lucite
Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern
By Line Vautrin
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A heavy beautiful modernist round brass box
Brass
“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box, France
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box. “Finely chiseled gilt bronze box, the lid depicting a central plant whose leaves, veins, and roots radiate sym...
Bronze
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan and Bakelite Box by Cesare Di Cesare, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box in bamboo, rattan and red bakelite by Cesare Di Cesare. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached as shown ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Bakelite
$1,200
FORNASETTI Butterfly Box
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 9.5 in...
Wood
Christian Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite, Vienna Straw Decorative Box, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century decorative box in brass, clear lucite and Vienna straw. This incredibly elegant jewelry box was designed in Italy during 1970s and is attributed to a Christian ...
Brass
Aldo Londi Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi Box, Ceramic, Blue, Gold, Geometric, Signed. Small scale lidded box with gold glazed geometric zig-zag pattern over a Rimini blue glaze. Signed on the underside 854.
Ceramic
A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Square ceramic lid box, model " Jupiter" by Mithé Espelt Embossed and glazed earthenware in green and crackle gold. Black painted wood box, Green felt lining. Including 23 patche...
Ceramic, Felt, Glass, Wood
Hand Painted Ceramic Decorative Oval Lidded Trinket Box by Hedwig Bollhagen
Located in Troy, MI
A decorative hand painted box by Hedwig Bollhagen Oval form in black glaze with hand painted blue modernist decoration to the inset lid Signed to underside 3 inch width 2 inch dept...
Ceramic
Wood Handcarved Decorative Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, After Noll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wood handcarved box after Alexandre Noll Signed Tony to the underside. Late 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a be...
Wood
Vintage Industrial Enameled Metal Utility Bins with Hinged Lids
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium-sized enameled metal utility bins showcase sturdy industrial construction with hinged lids and stackable design. Originally manufactured by Tolesco...
Metal
Sic Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Large Lidded Vessel / Box Bitossi Aldo Londi Style
By SIC Ceramiche Artistiche, Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu) round lidded box , Manufactured by S.I.C Ceramiche Italy, 1950-1960s. It has reminiscences in those Rimini blue designs from Aldo Londi and Bitossi...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Signed Alessandro Mandruzzato for Design Guild Murano Sommerso Faceted Glass Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Signed Alessandro Mandruzzato for Design Guild Murano Sommerso Faceted Glass Box, 1970s A striking sculptural Murano glass box signed “Mandruzzato for Design Guild,” showcasing the celebrated faceted-block technique perfected by the Mandruzzato family in the 1960s–80s. The heavy, optic-clear crystal form contains a dramatic sommerso core, rendered in deep black glass infused with shimmering micro-granulated 24k gold. The internal composition appears to float within the thick, architectural walls, magnified by the sharply cut and hand-polished geometric facets. The hinged lid opens to reveal a molded black-glass interior well, its glossy surface contrasting with the jewel-like radiance of the glass block. The original brass piano hinge and frame remain intact. This design was produced as a special commission for Design Guild, a luxury American importer, and is far scarcer than the unsigned Mandruzzato vases and blocks commonly encountered. A powerful example of Murano Brutalist...
Brass
Large Oak Sewing Box, 1950s, Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Solid Oak wood sewing box ,on wheels . opened with two hinged doors on the top, while the accordion style (with layered shelves that used external hinges to store more stuff in...
Oak
Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dresser or Table Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver table box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: It is ...
Sterling Silver
$416Sale Price|32% Off
Small Rectangular Cut Glass Candis or Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small rectangular cut glass candis or jewelry box with hardware in brass.
Brass
Mexican Sterling Silver and Abalone Shell Pill Box by Villalobos, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant handcrafted pill box made in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1970s. Created by Villalobos, this petite sterling silver box features a domed lid inlaid with iridescent abalone shell arra...
Sterling Silver
Music Play Box, Around 1960s, Made in Switzerland
Located in Wien, AT
Music play box, around 1960s, made in Switzerland. Wood inlays. Plays " Love story " Music Hight when open: 19cm.
Wood
Vintage Lane Cedar Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This iconic miniature cedar chest by Lane is a timeless piece of American craftsmanship, originally designed as a "hope chest" salesman sample or a graduation gift. Constructed from ...
Metal
Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box
By Herta Baller
Located in New York, NY
Walter Bosse for Herta Baller polished cast brass square box with patinated stripe lid, Austria, circa 1950's.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Green Onyx Jewelry Box with Gilded Lion Feet
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A handmade trinket or jewelry box, crafted with utmost care from exquisite onyx. Details in guilded metal such as the lion feet. This versatile box will work for your treasures, whil...
Onyx
Gabriella Crespi brushed and polished brass box signed 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare cylindrical box in brushed and polished brass, designed and signed by Gabriella Crespi in the 1970s. Likely intended as a cigarette case, its clean and perfectly proportioned fo...
Brass
1950's Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Speciman Wood Box by Norman Brumm
Located in Red Lion, PA
1950s Decorative Brutalist MCM Inlaid Burl Specimen Wood Box by Norman Brumm This small but striking 1950s decorative box by Norman Brumm showcases the artist’s signature Brutalist ...
Brass
1950s by Piero Fornasetti Midcentury Italian Design Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Brescia, IT
Serigraphy on metal, wood box Excellent condition.
Metal
Burl Wood Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully grained burl wood box, likely designed originally to house playing cards, now elevated as a refined decorative object in its own right. The richly figured burl displays...
Maple, Burl
Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a later, wood-lined interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Cent...
Sterling Silver
Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970
Located in London, GB
A rare and beautiful quality mid century decorative box made of translucent Siberian green nephrite jade stone, made in Russia (Soviet Union at the time), c. 1970. The green of the ...
Jade, Onyx
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Carrara Marble Small Lidded Canister or Stash Box, Italy, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Carrara marble small lidded canister or stash container. Italy, 1960s.
Carrara Marble
Shirley Rosenthal Enamel & Walnut Box, New York, c.1970
By Shirley Rosenthal, Studio Del Campo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Shirley Rosenthal Enamel & Walnut Box, New York, c.1970. Retains the original label to the bottom.
Enamel
Odette Dijeux Mid-Century Signed Ceramic Box, circa 1950, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice Odette Dijeux mid-century decorative box, circa 1950, Belgium. White and brown enameled ceramic. Signed underneath Odette Dijeux . Each piece of this artist is unique and po...
Ceramic
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca Mexico, 1970's
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
F.B. Rogers Gold Plate Walnut Shaped Trinket Box Keepsake, 1970, America
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage walnut box, trinket box, keepsake made in the USA by F.B. Rogers Silver Company, circa 1970. Made out of gold plate metal and left intentio...
Metal, Gold Plate
Grey and White Stoneware Ceramic Covered Pot or Box by Anne Kjaersgaard La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Anne Kjaersgaard Realised in la Borne circa 1960 Original stoneware ceramic covered pot or box Signed under the base with black pigment Original perfect condition Heig...
Ceramic
2 Blue Nesting Boxes in lacquered wood, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of two nesting lacquered wooden boxes, decorated with stylized motifs in shades of blue, turquoise, and multicolored accents. The finely crafted design evokes a floral or radiating pattern, typical of 1970s decorative aesthetics. These boxes can be nested inside each other for convenient storage or displayed separately as decorative objects. Ideal for storing jewelry, small items, or keepsakes, they combine functionality and elegance. Their glossy finish and graphic details make them true decorative pieces with vintage charm. Features Period: 1970s Origin: France Material: Lacquered wood Colors: Blue, turquoise, black with multicolored details Shape: Rectangular with lid Special feature: Nesting boxes Use: Storage, jewelry box, decoration Condition: Good vintage condition Style Vintage Decorative art 1970s Oriental influence Keywords vintage lacquered wood boxes blue nesting boxes french vintage decor lacquer box set 1970s decorative storage boxes asian style lacquer box vintage jewelry box set blue lacquer boxes...
Wood, Lacquer
Large English Brass Bee Trinket for Jewelry, Salt or Pepper, England
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in London, a large brass bee. The wings of the bee opens upwards that gives access to a small "secret" compartment. This compartment can be used for a variety uses including...
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Cigarette Box Le Porte Di Milano by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A beautiful and rare mid-century modern cigarette box designed by the renowned Italian artist, Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988), in the 1960s. This piece is part of the iconic "Le Porte ...
Metal, Brass
Hermes, Paris - Sterling Silver Pill Box With 1873 Coin Inset
Located in Bath, GB
From the iconic French luxury retailer, this solid / sterling silver box was made by Hermes of Paris, fully signed on the side of the box together with the Minerva head mark (silver)...
Sterling Silver
Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage decorative matches box with enamel metal portraying a hot air balloon and mahogany wood insert / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1960s Length: 4.5 inches /...
Metal
$150Sale Price|46% Off
Handcrafted Jewelry Box by Bay Area Artist Dean Santner c.1970
By Dean Santner
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Original studio, handcrafted wood jewelry box by California woodworker, Dean Santner. Expertly crafted in walnut. Pull out center drawer lined in purple felt. CREATOR Dea...
Felt, Walnut
Pair of Rosewood Dresser Boxes w/Lids, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Rosewood Dresser Boxes w/ lids, 1960’s. Beautiful condition. Large box measures 9.5” long 4” deep 2” tall. Small box measures 4” x 4” 2” tall.
Rosewood
Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box. Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. It is part of the monolithic crystal system and has a silky luster. The malachite for this box w...
Machiche
Small Dome-Shaped Rectangular Wood Metal Trinket Jewelry Box, 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage 1950's Dome-Shaped Jewelry Box. This decorative long rectangular hinged trinket box would be impressive for display or functional for jewelry. The interior features solid woo...
Brass, Pewter
Monique Gerber French Bronze Lidded Sculptural Top Black and Red Lacquer Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber rare bronze sculptural topped decorative box with black and red lacquer base. French designer Monique Gerber designer and owner of Art du Bronze. Signed under the bo...
Bronze
Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Particolare Scatola Decorativa in bambù intrecciato e Ottone design Italiano 1960.
Brass
Brass walnut shaped nut cracker , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Brass walnut shaped nut cracker , 1970’s
Brass