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.
Shell jewelry box, silver plated, Italy, circa 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite 1970s Italian lucite, rattan and brass jewelry box, attributed to Gabriella Crespi for Dior Home. This elegant piece combines timeless craftsmanship sophisticated design, a...
Metal, Silver Plate
1960's Italian Rosa Pink Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved and polished pink Italian marble jewelery box, with lid, made in Italy, c. 1960's. May be used in many ways, as cigarette box, trinket box and as many uses that one needs...
Marble
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
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
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
Solid Wood American Studio Craft Jewelry Box in the style of Sam Maloof, 1970's
By Wharton Esherick, Wendell Castle, George Nakashima, Sam Maloof
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solid Wood American Studio Craft Jewelry Box, 1970's unsigned, Artist Unknown In the style of: Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, Wendell Castle, Wharton Esherick. Solid Oak with Solid ...
Oak, Walnut
Louis Vuitton Monogram Jewelry Case
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Louis Vuitton LV Monogram jewellery case of elongated rectangular form, brass mounted and dating to the second half of the twentieth century, circa 1970. ...
Canvas
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
Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster Jewelry Box with Brass Mounts, Green Veined Stone
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster Jewelry Box with Brass Mounts, Green Veined Stone A finely crafted Italian alabaster trinket or jewelry box, showcasing the natural beauty of richly ve...
Alabaster, Brass
Italian Leather Triple Hump Jewelry Box
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well-crafted handmade leather jewelry box with sculptural triple hump top, wavy sides and rare scalloped bottom design. In a darker saddle brown rubbed finish and lined in red...
Leather
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca and wood, Mexico, 1970s
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
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
Vintage Italian Shell Encrusted Grotto Jewelry Box Re-Lined Interior c. 1950
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This finely crafted Italian shell-encrusted jewelry box exudes a charming Grotto style, typical of mid-century decorative art from the 1950s. Its...
Shell
Gucci, Italy - Fine Italian Equestrian Jewellery / Table Box - Silver Plate
By Gucci
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual example of a mid-century modern multi-functional box by the iconic fashion house, Gucci. Made from silver plate the box itself has a brushed satin finish with the lid...
Silver Plate
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
Yellow Alabaster & Brass Jewelry Box - Mineral Stone Box - Italy 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Yellow Alabaster & Brass Jewelry Box - Mineral Stone Box - Italy 1970s Very elegant jewelry or decorative trinket box. Entirely constructed with alabaster stone and a brass hin...
Stone, Alabaster, Marble, Brass
Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt — Lunel, France, 1950s. A stunning mid-century ceramic jewelry box crafted by renowned French artist Mithé Espelt in Lunel, France, d...
Ceramic, Wood
Round " Perou" ceramic lead box by Mithé Espelt circa 1950.
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Round ceramic-lid jewel box, model " Pérou" by Mithé Espelt. Embossed and crackled gold glazed earthenware with 21 crystallized glass inclusions in shades of amber, yellow and white...
Earthenware, Felt, Glass, Fruitwood
Onyx Marble Rectangular Jewelry Box Italy 1950s Brass Foot
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Solid onyx marble jewelry box with gilded brass foot Italy 1950s
Onyx
French Beveled Glass Underglaze Painting Box, circa 1950
Located in Labrit, Landes
Jewelry box completely covered with beveled glass. A rose adorns the lid of the box. Good condition with marks of time and three small losses (please see photos) Shipping L20 /P ...
Fabric, Glass
Dior Midcentury Gilt Brass and Chrome Decorative Jewelry Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Description Spectacular Mid-Century decorative box in a striking combination of gilt brass and chromed metal. This incredibly elegant jewelry box was produced in Italy during the 19...
Brass
1960s Original Mid Century Murano Glass Sommerso Box, Bucella Cristalli, Italy
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous authentic and original emerald green and gold sommerso Murano glass casket, made in Italy c. 1960 and retaining its original label for Bucella Cristalli of Murano, Venice....
Art Glass
Green Onyx Marble and Brass Jewelry Box 1950s Italy
Located in Palermo, Sicily
onyx green marble 1950s jewelry box with Brass foot.
Onyx
Turquoise Glass Mosaic Trinket Box with Aztec Calendar Medallion, Mexico, 1950's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Trinket Box / Jewelry Box, Mexico, 1950's Brass Box with Turquoise Glass Mosaic and Aztec Calendar Medallion on Lid, " A treasure box for your treasures" " In very good as...
Brass
Onyx Marble Jewelry Box Italy 1960 with flowers
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Onyx jewelry box Italy 1960 with flower decorations
Onyx
Regency Walnut jewelry box, aluminum, Italy, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful walnut-shaped jewelry box designed and made in italy in the 1980s vintage. Beautiful decorative object perfect for storing your earrings, small necklaces or even your ...
Aluminum
Tessellated Faux tortoiseshell & Brass Jewelry box, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry box designed and produced in Italy during the 1970's. This artisanal set with tessellated faux tortoiseshell and brass, is a true work of art. A beautiful item to dis...
Brass
Dior Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass Decorative Octagonal Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century jewelry or decorative octagonal box in a beautiful tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This stylish object was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attribute...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Mid-century Italian Desig Green Onyx Jewelry Box 1950s Scrigno
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Green Onyx jewelry box casket with metal legs.
Onyx
$1,298Sale Price|20% Off
Malachite Mineral Stone Jewelry or Trinket Box, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Mid-Century Modern round lidded box in Malachite stone, Spain, 1950s. This exquisite vintage 1950s ball shaped box is all constructed with malachite stone mineral and fea...
Stone, Malachite, Brass
Heart-shaped alabaster jewelry box with flower decorations 1960s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Heart-shaped alabaster jewelry box with flower decorations 1960s
Alabaster
Christian Dior Midcentury Lucite Tortoiseshell Effect and Brass Jewelry Box 1970
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century square shaped decorative jewelry box in an elegant tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This fantastic piece was designed in France during the 1970s for Christ...
Brass
Christian Dior Midcentury Large Jewelry Box Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass, 1970
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning large Mid-Century square jewelry or decorative box in a charming combination of tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This stylish object was made in Italy during the 1970s...
Brass
$295Sale Price|26% Off
Antique Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box or Lidded Candy Dish
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Limoges porcelain hand crafted and hand painted gold trimmed trinket, jewelry box or lidded candy dish, circa 1930. Marked, see photos. ...
Porcelain
$132Sale Price|20% Off
Park Sherman Art Deco Bakelite Tambour-Top Jewelry Cigarette Box
By Park Sherman
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic vintage art deco cigarette box called the “Rollette” designed by Park Sherman. The tambour door rolls back to show a two tone striped chrome finish inside. Highly collectable...
Metal
Hollywood regency bamboo jewelry box, RCM Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Hollywood regency grissinato bamboo jewelry box RCM Italy 1970 marked H 6 cm - 26 × 15.5 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Bamboo
Italian Tiger Eye Semi-Precious Stone Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic Rectangular Tiger Eye Box featuring a black stone interior. Both form and function best describe this piece. We see this decorative box holding f...
Multi-gemstone
Rare Solid Patinated Brass Jewerly Box By Ben Siebel American Mid Century
By Jenfred Ware
Located in San Diego, CA
Lovely brass cigarette box designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware. . Cork lined. nice patinated finish very rare and hard to find piece circa 1950's.
Brass
Mid-Century Jade Green Onyx Marble Brass Decorative Box ITALY, c.1960s
By Gucci
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful green stone box in brass hinged framing. Small chip to one top corner, very small, right at the brass framing. 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Agate, Onyx
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Faceted Glass Box, Italy 1950
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Sommerso faceted Murano lidded box in grey and clear glass. Attributed to Flavio Poli, Italy, 1950s. Rectangular faceted box in grey gla...
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Cut Glass, Art Glass
1950s Onyx Mineral Stone Jewelry Box / Hinged Box
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern hinged box veneered in fine Onyx stone, Spain, 1950s. This exquisite vintage 1950s rectangular box is all constructed with onyx and features a brass hinge. This tr...
Stone, Onyx, Brass
Unusual Italian Box in Brass and Lapis Lazuli
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant Italian box made of brass and lapis lazuli, ca' 1970's.
Brass
Mexican Box, c. 1960s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this beautiful mid century Mexican box. Made in wood and stone.
Stone
Mid-Century Turquoise Opaline Glass Cylindrical Jewelry Casket w/ Gilt Bronze
Located in New York, NY
French Turquoise Blue/Aqua Blue/Celeste Blue Opaline Glass Cylindrical Jewelry Casket with Gilt Bronze Mounts This French turquoise blue opaline glass casket was created as a refine...
Bronze
1980s Christian Dior Style Modernist Brass and Plexiglass Italian Jewelry Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An elegant brass and plexiglass designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties, it's in lovely condition. the jewelry box is characterized by use of high-quality materials, geome...
Brass
$255Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Italian Jewelry Box Alabaster Gold Lion Paws
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Italian jewelry box, trinket box made of beautiful brown veined alabaster with gold-colored copper-plated paw prints and trim. A beautiful and high-quality object from the se...
Onyx, Alabaster, Metal, Brass
Unusual Ceramic Box By Bitossi Raymor, Italy
By Bitossi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual ceramic box by Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter, Italy, ca' 1960's, signed. Geometric design, beautifully decorated in yellow, brown, black.
Ceramic
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
Handcrafted Post-Modern Solid Rosewood triangle Jewelry Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique post-modern solid rosewood jewelry box handcrafted with incredible presition the lid opens and closes perfectly the grain is beautiful.
Rosewood
Set of Two Charles Kaplan Studio Pieces a Jewelry Box and a Vase
Located in Berlin, DE
One of kind set of two Charles Kaplan woodworker Studio pieces. Absolute high end quality. Vase is marked. The measurements listed is the vase.
Walnut
1960s Wood and Metal Italian Jewelry Box by Galbiati Milano
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A wooden and enameled metal box designed and manufactured in Italy by Galbiati in the Sixties. The red box it's decorated with jewels . It's in good condition overall and marked on t...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Rectangular Blue Marble Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming marble box with gilt brass frame as well as mounted feet. The blue box is a beautiful addition to a vanity or as a desk accessory.
Marble, Brass
Antique Vintage Mid Century Sterling Silver Gilt Enameled Guilloche Card Case
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A superb example of a mid century heavy gauge Guilloche and enameled Sterling Silver Gilt hinged lidded Card Case of outstanding quality and condi...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Handmade Hammered possibly Brass kitchen Utility Box.
Located in Seattle, WA
Beautiful hand Crafted round multi utility box/Storage box/bread box. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is f...
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 Italian Round Marble Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming marble box with gilt brass, marked Made in Italy. The lidded box is perfect for jewelry, trinkets, small collectibles. The box is a beautiful addition to a vanity or as a de...
Marble
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Barbini White Black Spots Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vanity Powder Box
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white, dark purple / black and gold flecks Italian art glass vanity powder or jewelry box. Documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950s. Th...
Gold Leaf
Unique Lined Onyx Jewelry Box with Malachite Hippopotamus, circa 1960's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Unique Lined Onyx Jewelry Box with Malachite Hippopotamus Handle circa 1960's Artist Unknown The interior of the box is lined Box 4" D x 6" W x 2 1...
Malachite, Onyx
Bakelite and Brass Square Jewelry Box Design 1970 Da Silva
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Elegant Da Silva jewelry box in Brass and Bakelite ivory color
Brass
Signed Gabriella Crespi Decorative Jewelry Box in Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century decorative box designed and signed by Gabriella Crespi. Made in a beautiful combination of gilt brass and clear lucite, this stylish box was made in Italy during...
Chrome