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.
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1980s. Silver plated box depicting a shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will decorate your inte...
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
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
Decorative Black & White Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Black & White Jewelry Box / Decorative Box Fabric Interior. In vintage as found condition. Artist and Date of Manufacturer Unknown
Metal
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 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
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
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Jewelry Box with Coastal Marquetry, Italy
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Mid-Century Modern hinged wooden box with intricate coastal scene marquetry, Italy 1950s. This elegant vintage rectangular box is crafted from wood, featuring a stunning hand-inlaid ...
Wood
$258Sale 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
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
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
Vintage Italian Smoker's Box Jewelry Box Onyx Natural Stone
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage cigarette case or jewelry box made of natural onyx stone, decorated with gold-colored (copper-plated) metal fittings, Italian in origin, marked G.S.E. Ottone Garantito, circa...
Onyx, Metal, 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
Solid Wood American Studio Craft Jewelry Box in the style of Sam Maloof, 1970's
By George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick, Wendell Castle, 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
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
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
Lalique France 20th Century Epis Wheat Glass Box
By Lalique
Located in Milan, IT
Lalique France 20th Century Epis Wheat Glass Box Molded glass with two heads of wheat in relief, partially frosted to contrast with the transparent glass. Signed Lalique France
Nickel
Turtle-Shaped Brass Jewelry Box , Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful turtle-shaped jewelry box designed and produced in Italy in the 1970's. Great brass work. More than a box, this object is a sculpture on its own. Playful design object that...
Brass
Mexican Silver-Plated Hippopotamus Jewelry Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
This charming Mexican jewelry box transforms an everyday object into a playful sculptural work. Designed in the form of a stylized hippopotamus with soft, rounded contours and expres...
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Jewelry Case with Gold Velvet-like Interior and Exterior.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage jewelry case features a striking patterned exterior in warm tones of brown, black, and gold, paired with a contrasting golden velvet-like material interior. The hinged l...
Velvet
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
Brutalist Italian Jewelry Box, Wood and Resin, 1980 Circa
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist box designed and manufactured in italy in the early 1980s. Great work of resin and wood. Rare object that will elevate your interior. We specialize in vintage de...
Wood, Resin
Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box, Made in Italy, 1960s Design
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous Box in Onyx. Made in Italy. This box is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,31 x 3,74 x 1,96 H inches 13,5 x 9,5 x 5 H cm
Onyx
Wood with Brass Inlay Jewelry Box in the style of P.L. Powell & P. Evan , 1970's
By Phillip Lloyd Powell, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wood with Brass Inlay Jewelry Box - circa 1970's in the style of Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell for Designers Inc. USA Velvet Lined - Two Types of Wood with Brass Inlays " the...
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
Orange sommerso jewelry box , Murano glass, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful orange sommerso box designed and manufactured in murano, 1970s. Glass craftsmanship according to the sommerso technique (superposition of layers of molten glass) with hand...
Murano Glass
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
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
1970s Mid-Century Modern Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite Luxury Box Dior Home Style
Capturing the opulent essence of 1970s high-society design, this exquisite decorative box is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern luxury. Crafted from heavy, high-quality lucite with ...
Brass
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
$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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Fred & Marilyn Buss Trinket Puzzle Box, 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Fred & Marilyn Buss Trinket Puzzle Box, 1970s Made of black walnut and maple , comes with original paperwork .
Maple, Walnut
Mid-Century Patchwork Cityscape Brass/Chrome Gentlemen's Jewelry Box
By Paul Evans
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Circa 1960's patchwork brass and chrome metal gentlemen's jewelry box. In the style of designer Paul Evans showing fine craftsmanship and detail. Felt lined as well as bottom. Small ...
Brass, Chrome
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
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
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
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Gold Washed Jewel Box, Hand-Crafted, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Italian 22kt gold washed jewel/document box featuring hand applied passementerie and hand painted details.
Gold Leaf
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
Murano Glass Sommerso Jewelry Box by Mandruzzato, Italy, Circa 1970
By Mandruzzato, Murano Glass Sommerso, Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Round Top, TX
A stunning decorative, collectible Murano box for an aficionado of luxury and rarity. This large vintage silver leaf and black Murano glass sommerso box, made in Italy by Alessandr...
Metal
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Jewelry Box by Mandruzzato, 1990s
Located in Venezia, IT
Medium Octagonal Murano Glass Box – Space and Beauty in a Single Object Elegant and spacious, this large octagonal Murano glass box is the perfect choice for those looking for a styl...
Murano Glass
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
Heart-shaped alabaster jewelry box with flower decorations 1960s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Heart-shaped alabaster jewelry box with flower decorations 1960s
Alabaster
Mid-century Italian Desig Green Onyx Jewelry Box 1950s Scrigno
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Green Onyx jewelry box casket with metal legs.
Onyx
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
Extra-Large Murano Glass Jewelry Box by Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Venezia, IT
Extra-Large Rectangular Murano Glass Box – Space and Beauty in a Single Object Elegant and spacious, this large rectangular Murano glass box is the perfect choice for those looking f...
Murano Glass
Vintage Jewelry Box with Abalone and Alpaca, 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...
Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Murano Glass Jewelry Box by Alessandro Mandruzzato, 1990s Modern
Located in Venezia, IT
Medium Rectangular Murano Glass Box – Space and Beauty in a Single Object Elegant and spacious, this large rectangular Murano glass box is the perfect choice for those looking for a ...
Murano Glass
Tessellated Horn Jewelry Box with Adventurine Green Stone Border
Located in New York, NY
Tessellated horn box with green stone border on top. Mahogany lined interior and felt bottom. Maitland Smith, 1980s.
Stone
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
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
Lucite & Rattan chromed vanity Box, Christian Dior Style, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite 1970s Italian lucite and rattan chromed jewelry box, attributed to Gabriella Crespi for Dior Home. This elegant piece combines timeless craftsmanship sophisticated design, ...
Rattan, Lucite
Richard Rothbard Mid Century Modern Burl Wood Live Edge Puzzle Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Richard Rothbard Mid Century Modern Burl Wood Live Edge Puzzle Jewelry Box. Item features felt lined interior, unique cut puzzle form, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved det...
Wood, Burl
Vintage Live Edge Trinket Jewelry Box by Michael Elkan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Live Edge Trinket jewelry box by Michael Elkan.
Wood, Burl
$152Sale Price|20% Off
Small Vintage Red Leather Jewelry Box Fleur-De-Lis, Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Mid-Century Italian hand crafted box in red leather and gold embossed with fleur-de-lis decoration. This box can be used to store your favorite pieces of jewelry as well a s...
Gold Leaf