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.
Brutalist candlestick by David Marshall, bronze and aluminum, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist candlestick designed and crafted by the sculptor david marshall in the 70s in spain. Bronze and aluminum handcrafted sculpture. Rare item that will elevate your i...
Bronze, Aluminum
Rare Wedgwood Jewelry Box, Round Light Blue Jasperware Lidded Box
By Wedgwood
Located in Bochum, NRW
Light Blue Wedgwood Jasperware Trinket Box - Round Shape with Grape Leaves Dimensions: Measure 10 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. In excellent condition.
Porcelain
Vintage Black Metal and Brass Candle Holder, Bauhaus Style, 1940s
Simplistic black metal and brass wall candle holder for two standard size candles. Slender black mount with brass cone shaped holders. Likely manufactured in the 1940s in the style o...
Metal, Brass
$814Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gunnar Ander, Pair of Candelabra, Brass, Glass, Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Bochum, NRW
This elegant pair of floral candle holders was designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, a Swedish metalworks company renowned for its refined decorative objects during the mid-20th...
Brass
Pair Vintage Mid Century WMF Ikora Silver-Plated Candlesticks
By WMF Ikora
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of vintage mid-century WMF Ikora silver-plated candlesticks. Dimensions: 2.63" H x 4.5" W x 2.5" D, Candle opening 1" diameter. Please visit take a l...
Silver Plate
$650Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Five Freddie Andersen Clear Drops Oil Lamps Brass Candleholder, Denmark
Located in Krefeld, DE
Five beautiful clear drops modernist brass oil lamps designed by Freddie Andersen, made in Western Germany in the 1970s. In good condition. Price for the s...
Brass
Solid Bronze Pair of Candleholders, Mid-Century, Mantle Candlesticks
Located in Bochum, NRW
A beautiful pair of massive bronze candleholders from the 1940s. Marked under the bottom MALM. For candles of 4.8 or 5.8 cm in diameter. Retro, vintage and used with nice patina. D...
Bronze
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, Lucite and Gilt brass, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic pair of 1970s Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" candlesticks. Each features a fluid, twisted clear Lucite base forming an elegant pretzel knot, topped with a polished gilt brass candle...
Brass
$345Sale Price|31% Off
Brutalistic Candle Stand From Brass And Wrought Iron , 1970s. France.
Located in Hannover, DE
This is a candle holder which holds three big candles, this holder is pecifically for big and large candles. This candle holder is of good quality because it is made of wrought iron...
Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron
$695 / set
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Candlesticks
By Kjell Engman
Located in New York, NY
Stunning set of 3 Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda glass candlesticks. The two smaller candlesticks height is 7''.
Art Glass
Alberto Pair of Candleholders by Oscar Tusquets for Bd Barcelona
By Oscar Tusquets Blanca, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Alberto Pair of Candleholders designed by Oscar Tusquets. Manufactured by Bd Barcelona (Spain). Candleholder in cast brass finish. Dimensions: High: D 8 x W 12 x H 28 cm. Low: D ...
Brass
1970s Sweden Kosta Boda Ice Glass Candle Holder Goran Warff
By Kosta Boda
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Sweden Kosta Boda Polar Ice Art Glass Votive Candle Holder by Goran Warff 3.25 h x 4 diameter Preowned original vintage condition See all images provided.
Art Glass
MCM Teak Hurricane Candle Holder by Selandia Designs
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century hurricane candle holder by Selandia Designs. Features a glass top that sits within a teak base. The base includes s sizes of recess...
Glass, Teak
Pair of French Gilded Bronze Candlesticks by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
A fantastic pair of sculptural candlesticks by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, signed by hand. These fire-gilded cast bronze birds in in surreal design with their roughly textured surfa...
Bronze, Gold Plate
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM iron candle holder by Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 6"D x 4.75"H and holds 2.5"D candle. Super nice piece! #3363
Iron
Knot candlesticks, brutalist design, bronze, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist candlestick in the shape of a knot, designed and produced in italy in the 1970s. Bronze candlestick. Magnificent decorative object that will bring a real design t...
Bronze
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Cobalt Blue Murano Glass Candlesticks, Pair
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of cobalt blue Murano glass candlesticks Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Produced by Archimede Seguso Italy, Circa 1970s Measures: 3.25"W x 3.25"D x 4...
Murano Glass
Pair of Brutalist Candlesticks by David Marshall Bronze and Aluminum Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of brutalist candlesticks designed and made by david marshall in the 70s in spain. Bronze and aluminum structure. Design objects that will decorate your interior wonde...
Aluminum, Bronze
1930s Pewter Candle Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark- A Pair
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful clover shaped pair of candlestick holders by Just Andersen. These are from Denmark circa 1930s. Great form and nice size.
Pewter
Arne Eskers Pewter Candleholders for Just Andersen, 1950s, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Trumpet Shaped Candlesticks designed by Arne Eskers and made by Just Andensen in Denmark during the 1950s. Both stamped and signed. Design number: 2601. Measurements: H: ...
Pewter
A Pair of Turned Walnut Candlesticks by Rude Osolnik 1970's
By Rude Osolnik
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of turned walnut candlesticks by Rude Osolnik, ca' 1970's. "Osolnik was widely admired as one of the finest wood turners in America and his workshops and seminars were in dema...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Brass Candle Snuffer Wand - India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A long brass candle snuffer, made in India. Created from brass, this long candle snuffer will be a beautiful accent on any side table. With a long twisted handle, it will make snuffi...
Brass
French Ceramic Vide Poche circa 1960s, Vallauris, in the style of Georges Jouve
By Francis Crociani, Georges Jouve
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic white Vide Poche circa 1960s - in the style of Georges Jouve, Ruelland Black ceramic chandelier by Francis Crociani, crafted i...
Enamel
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. They are made in France of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the h...
Metal, Silver Plate
Set of Three Candle Holders by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn-Silversmiths
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of three candle holders with a circular saucer base and side handle. All refinished in antique bronze. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn-S...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder with Handle from Søholm
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder with Handle from Søholm, 1960s
Stoneware
Danish Brass Candlesticks with Rainbow Patina by Hans Bolling, Torben Ørskov
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This pair of candlesticks was designed by Hans Bolling and manufactured by Torben Ørskov in Denmark during the 1960s. They are made from solid brass and feature the manufacturer's ma...
Brass
Pair of bubble glass candle holders, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of French candle holders from the 1970s, made of clear, bubbled glass. Each piece has a beautifully curved and balanced shape, resting on a circular base, giving the set an elegant and stable appearance. The glass is enlivened with micro-bubbles and inclusions, creating a subtle play of light when the candle holders are lit. The material gently captures and diffuses the flame, producing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The slightly amber hues at the base enhance the decorative and authentic character of these objects. Both decorative and functional, these candle holders embody 20th-century glassmaking expertise, perfect for a table, a shelf, or as a decorative accent in a vintage or contemporary interior. Key Features: Pair of bubble glass candle holders...
Art Glass
Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Modular Candleholders by Stoffi & Nagel for BMF, 1960s. Set of 8. Set of eight original vintage metal candle sticks designed by Fritz Nagel and Ceasar Stoffi for BMF Nagel, ...
Metal
$411Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Spider Cast Iron Candle Holder Danish Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
This industrial clamp lamp is an authentic mid-20th-century American work light, originally produced for factory, workshop, and maintenance environments where durability, safety, and...
Iron
1970s Two Sculptural Candle Holders Avon New York
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Modern Candle Holders Avon New York Set of 2 3.5 diameter x 1.75 h/ candle 1 diameter Stainless Steel Stamped by maker Preowned original vintage ...
Stainless Steel
Paul Evans Attributed Welded Steel Brutalist Candlesticks
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of large 1970s welded rusted steel brutalist candlesticks attributed to Paul Evans. With some wear and patina due to age and use.
Steel
Vintage Festivo Candle Sticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Festivo Candle Sticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala A vintage set of eight Festivo candle sticks designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1966. A total of 8 different heigh...
Art Glass
Pair of Wall Candlesticks in Wrought Iron, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Wall Candlesticks in Wrought Iron, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Wrought Iron Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 15....
Wrought Iron
Pair of Large vintage ikea floor candle sticks by Ria Falk ‘Snygg’ , 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Delft, NL
Pair of Large vintage ikea floor candle sticks by Ria Falk ‘Snygg’ , 1990s Dimensions: 95cm Height, 11,5cm Diameter Condition: Good has some small damages on paint see photos Materi...
Metal
$806Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vintage 1960s Wedgwood Jasperware Cream on Blue Ceramic Collection
By Wedgwood
Located in Bochum, NRW
Midcentury small collection of four pieces Wedgwood Jasperware diamond cream on blue. Comprising 2 lidded boxes, a cachepot, an ashtray and a pair of candleholders. Vintage, 1960s. A...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak and Cast Iron Candleholder from Digsmed, 1960s
By Digsmed
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak and Cast Iron Candleholder from Digsmed, 1960s
Iron
Sculptural Danish Modern Brutalist Bronze Candleholder Candlestick, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Danish modern bronze candleholder, 1960s.
Bronze
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe in lucite, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of dorothy thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and lucite pretzel holder designed by elaine bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects that wi...
Lucite
Hans Agne Jakobsson Oil Lamp Markaryd Sweden, 1950s Typ L47
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Krefeld, DE
Very nice Typ L47 Hans-Agne Jakobsson oil lamp in amber colored glass and brass. No dents, no damages with beautiful patina.
Glass
Mid Century Teak Handelholder in form of Elephant, Denmark 60s
Located in Lucija, SI
very nice candelholder in form of Elehant teak Made in Denmark in the 60s
Teak
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Candlesticks Mid-Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver candlesticks in Mid-Century Modern style, with an elegant, geometric design, standing on a stepped octagonal base. They measure 9 2/3'' in heigh...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$250 / set
Brass Poinsettia Candle Holders, a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of brass poinsettia candlestick holders. Perfect for setting a holiday table. Dimensions: 5" Diameter 2" Tall.
Brass
Pair of vintage Orion candlesticks by Nagel & Stoffi for Bmf , Germany 1960s
By Bmf Nagel
Located in Delft, NL
Pair of vintage Orion candlesticks by Nagel & Stoffi for Bmf , Germany 1960s Dimensions: 24cm Height, 14cm Depth, 14cm Depth Conditon: Good Material: Metal
Metal
Don Shoemaker Candlestick for Senal, Mexico
Located in San Francisco, CA
Don Shoemaker design solid rosewood carved candlestick in the shape of a women's arm and hand. Elegant design by Don Shoemaker for his company Senal, Mexico. In very good original co...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Pottery
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s
By Jacques Pouchain, Dominique Pouchain
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s Charming pair of bird-shaped ceramic candlesticks. Japanese 1970s pottery. Each candlestick is hand-cr...
Enamel
Four Mid Century Sterling Silver Double Branch Candlesticks by J. Tostrup Norway
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of four double branch sterling candlesticks were made in the period and style of Mid-Century Modern and are signed by J. Tostrup of Norway. Each candlestick has a black enameled 'bulls eye' style medallion between the two branches. The branches of either side each candlestick are different in height by approximately one half an inch. Each base is clearly hallmarked and signed "NORWAY" "J TOSTRUP...
Sterling Silver
$736Sale Price / set|57% Off
Small Candlesticks Midcentury Italian Design Brass Gold Blu Cobalto Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small candlesticks midcentury Italian design brass gold blu cobalto mirror.
Brass
Mid Century Bronze Totemic Figural Candlestick by Lajos Muharos Hungary 1970s
By Lajos Muharos
Located in Troy, MI
Lajos Muharos bronze candlestick Hungary circa 1970's Textured bronze totemic design featuring a modernist anthropomorphic figure with enamel eyes 4 inch diameter 11.5 inch height
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of circle candlesticks by Matthew Hilton, England, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of circle candlesticks designed and produced by matthew hilton in england in the 1980s. Set of two aluminum candlesticks in brutalist style. Magnificent decorative objects that ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Candleholder from Aarikka, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Candleholder from Aarikka, 1960s
Wood
Brass Lotus Flower Candlestick Holders Feldman
By Feldman Brothers, Feldman Lighting Co.
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of brass lotus flower candlestick holders, circa mid-20th century. Pair is from the mid-20th century around 1965, shown with patina (unpolished), attributed to maker...
Brass
Hans Jensen Danish Modern Calla Lily Silverplate Candlesticks, Pair
By Hans Jensen
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Danish Modern silverplate candlesticks By Hans Jensen Denmark, 1960s Each measures: 2.5"W x 2.5"D x 4.5"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Silver Plate
Pair of Two Travertine Candlesticks by Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Two Travertine Candlesticks by Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
Travertine
1940s Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Pewter Candlesticks
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen mid century candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940 - 1950´s. The candle holders are in good vintage condition and marked with Jus...
Metal, Pewter
1960s Sculptural - Stackable Candle Holders Stoffi & Nagel for BMF Nagel Germany
Located in St. Louis, MO
Iconic set of 13 playful stackable or modular designed candlesticks by César Stoffi & Fritz Nagel for BMF Nagel - W. Germany. Very 1960s mid-century modern in design, little sculptur...
Metal, Nickel
Wrought Iron Wall Candlestick, circa 1950, France.
By Jean Touret
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century decorative wall candlestick, circa 1950, France. Ateliers de Marolles style. Medieval character in blackened wrought iron. Dimensions: 31 cm H, 19 cm W, 13 cm D. All purc...
Wrought Iron
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Holds one 1.0” Diameter candl...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Metal