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Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Sculptural Candle Holders in Burnished Metal, Set of 3, Italy, 1980s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Enhance your interior decor with these incredible sculptural candle holders, a set of three exquisite pieces from Italy, crafted in the 1980s. These candle holders are a stunning exa...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Brass standing candle stick 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Mid Century modern standing candle stick . Ten candle holders For Tea Lights or others . Hand forged Steel upright ,comes with cone shaped Copper candle holders . So decor...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Iron Wall Mounted Triangular Candlestick Holder with Square Plates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century iron candlestick holder with square plates. This versatile piece holds up to six candles and can be wall mounted or placed on the ground providing a calm and warming ligh...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Iron

French Candle Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
These lacquered metal candle holders draw inspiration from the sculptural vocabulary of influential French designers of the mid-20th century. Known for their playful, organic forms a...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Black Enameled Standing Candle Holder with Wire Tripod Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black enameled standing candle holder with wire tripod base. Fits 1 inch candle. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal

19th Century Pair of Ecclesiastic Brass Candleholder, 1890s
Located in Prato, IT
19th century pair of Italian ecclesiastic altar brass candleholders in good vintage condition.
Category

1890s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Spanish 'Hachero' Traditional Ancient Wood Candel Holder circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish 'Hachero' Traditional Ancient Wood Candel Holder circa 1930 Origin: Spain, circa 1930 Style: Spanish 'Hachero' Traditional Material: Wood Experience the rich he...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Monumental Maitland-Smith Bronze Altar Candles - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your space with this stunning pair of vintage Boho Maitland Smith bronze altar candles. Monumental in design, these statement pieces boast intricate craftsmanship and timeles...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Bronze

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Large Scandinavian Mid-Century Candle Holder
By Odel
Located in Oslo, NO
Charming candle holder in brass and colored glass. Designed and manufactured in Norway by Odel, circa 1960 second half. In excellent vintage condition.
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1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Brass

Pair of French 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of quality brass candlesticks from the 1800’s have a rich, smooth patina. You’ll find etched patterns and hatching at the top and base of each candlestick. View all the detail...
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19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Pair of French 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Pair of French 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
$525 / set
H 10.63 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in
Mid-Century Modernist Japanese Iron Candle Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful mid-century modernist Japanese iron candle holder, circa 1950s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 4.75"D x 1.5"H. Very cool piece! ...
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Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Pair of 19th Century Copper Candleholders
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of firm 19th century copper candleholders. Originates Nothern France, dating circa 1850.
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19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Copper

Pair of 19th Century Copper Candleholders
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$713 Sale Price / set
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H 20.87 in Dm 7.09 in
Crocodile Candle Holder
Located in Paris, FR
Candle Holder Crocodile with metal structure in brass vintage finish, for 1 candle, candle not included.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal, Brass

Crocodile Candle Holder
Crocodile Candle Holder
$226 / item
H 7.49 in W 4.73 in D 5.52 in
1950s Mid Century Amber Crystal Baccarat France Candle Holder/ Candle Lamp
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning 1950's Mid Century Crystal Amber Tone Candle Holder by Baccarat France. Nice piece for the collection.
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1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Crystal

Italian Late 19th Century Pair of Antique Brass Candleholders
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian late 19th century pair of antique brass candleholders. This pair of antique brass candleholders was handcrafted by Italian artisan....
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Late 19th Century Pair of Antique Brass Candleholders
Italian Late 19th Century Pair of Antique Brass Candleholders
$951 Sale Price / set
42% Off
H 16.15 in Dm 6.7 in
Pierre Forssell, Candle Sconces, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three candle sconces designed by Pierre Forssell and produced by Skultuna, Sweden, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions: 19.25” H x 1.5” W x 3.25” D Dimensions of back plate: 13.6...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Pierre Forssell, Candle Sconces, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Pierre Forssell, Candle Sconces, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
$1,450 / set
H 19.25 in W 1.5 in D 3.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Ystad Brass Candlestick Holders
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This set of Classic, Mid-Century Modern candleholders in brass was designed by Ivar Alenius Bjork and made by Ystad Metal in Sweden during the 1950s. Both candlesticks are stamped w...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Decorative piece for on a dining table. Made of red deer antlers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Antler

Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
Antler Candlestick Holder with Bowl
$921 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 19.69 in
Pair of 1960s French Brass Cobra Candle Holders
Located in London, GB
Pair of 1960s French cobra sconces. Superb pair of solid brass candleholders. Beautiful Egyptian Revival style sconces sourced from a large Parisian apartment. In excellent conditio...
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1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1960s French Brass Cobra Candle Holders
Pair of 1960s French Brass Cobra Candle Holders
$2,540 / set
H 24.81 in W 3.55 in D 5.91 in
Archimede Seguso Glass Candle Stick with Dolphin, circa 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great Murano candle stick with dolphin sculpture. executed by Archimede Seguso, circa 1960s. clear ribbed glass with gold foil inclusions. Compan...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Art Glass

Previously Available Items
Spanish 'Hachero' Traditional Ancient Wood Candel Holder, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish 'Hachero' traditional ancient wood candel holder. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1890. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Wood

Gambone Candle Holder
Located in Chicago, IL
Gambone Candle Holder, a continuation of different tribal patterns with drip tray. Original retail stickers underside with Gambone Donkey mark. Dimensio...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Ceramic

Gambone Candle Holder
Gambone Candle Holder
H 3.25 in Dm 4 in
Mid-Century Pierre Forsell Style Bronze Wall Mount Candlestick Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Pierre Forsell style, bronze wall mount candlestick holder. Subtle minimalist attitude with a versatile look. Inspired by a tradi...
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1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Brass

4 solid brass candelholders Skultuna sweden 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
A wonderfull set of solid brass candelholders by Skultuna Sweden circa 1970 Stamped Skultuna number 58
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1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Brass

Set of Modernist Sculptural Brass Candleholder
Located in Toronto, ON
Stunning modernist style brass vintage candle holder as a set of three. Minimalistic yet elegant in design. They are made out of brass. Each piece features a triangular rounded shape...
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1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

R. Rohac Mid-Century Modern Brass Candleholder, Candelabra, 1960s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful midcentury two arms candelabra designed and made by famous Austrian designer Richard Rohac, 1960s, Austria. Handmade polished massive brass. Very good original condition w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

R. Rohac Mid-Century Modern Brass Candleholder, Candelabra, 1960s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful midcentury two arms candelabra designed and made by famous Austrian designer Richard Rohac, 1960s, Austria. Handmade polished massive brass. Very good original condition w...
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Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

1970s Japanese Carved Brass Floor Candle Holders, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of extra large brass candle stands. Amazing details. For home or places of worship. Anti-corrosion treated. Maintenance-free. Measures: 32"tall, 9 " diameter. 12 lbs each. Ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Skyscraper Style Gunmetal & Brass Torchères by Lorin Marsh
Located in New York, NY
This bold and sophisticated pair of Mid-Century Modern torchères were realized by Lorin Marsh, in the United States, circa 1985. They feature skyscraper style circular bases offering...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Midcentury Modern Bronze and Black Cast Iron Candlesticks, 1960s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair of beautiful Mid-Century Modern candlesticks made of massive bronze and heavy cast iron from 1960s, France. Will perfectly fit to rustical furniture by designers like Charlotte ...
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Torchères

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Vintage Danish Brass Oil Lamp Designed by Ilse Ammonsen
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage brass oil lamp handmade in Denmark and designed by Ilse Ammonsen Adjustable height and a self leveling gyro function Engraved on the b...
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1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Brass

Stone Pillar Candleholder Pair, Chestnut Granite, Neoclassical 1960s Mid-century
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury stone pillar candleholder pair, chestnut granite, neoclassical 1960s set of two. Rich color, substantial weight.
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Torchères

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Stone

Mid-century Modern torchères for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern torchères for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage torchères created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with brass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern torchères made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Hungary pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 torchères differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $360 and tops out at $3,254 while the average work can sell for $1,318.

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