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.
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
Scandinavian modern Wooden Candleholder by Gunnar Kanevad, Sweden, organic shape
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A rather large and unusual and rare Swedish Mid-century modern handmade candleholder, which is also a figurative abstract sculpture. It is made out of one solid piece of wood with in...
Wood, Pine
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
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
24 Modern Chrome Candleholders + Ashtray Bowl, Werner Stoff Nagel Germany 1960s
By Stoff Nagel, Caesar Stoffi, Nagel AG, Bmf Nagel
Located in Miami, FL
A set of 24 S-22 model stackable 3-legged chrome modular candleholders plus an S-44 Ashtray/Bowl by two German artists, Hans Nagel (1926-1978) and Werner St...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
$308Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candle Holders for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's
By Ivar Ålenius Björk, Ystad-Metall
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candle Holders for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's. Makers mark to the bottom of each example.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Metal
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
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
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
Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick Set – Hand-Cut Candle Holders for Home Décor
Located in Glendale, CA
Ambrosià Hand-Cut Crystal Candlestick is an Art Deco-Inspired Candle Holder in Black, Amber & Clear Crystal. It is a sculptural hand-cut crystal candle holder that seamlessly fu...
Crystal
$809Sale 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
7-armed candlestick 1960s 70s mid century brutalist bronze CANDELABRA
Located in Mannheim, DE
Fantastic heavy 1960s 70s candleholder for 7 candles. Made of cast bronze. A perfect addition to any mid century interior. Dimensions in cm: Height 20 cm, width 30 cm, depth 8.7 cm...
Bronze
50s Pair Vintage Pal Bell Abstract Modernist Brass Verdigris CandleHolder Israel
By Oppenheim
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Pair of Vintage, Pal Bell, MCM Abstract, Modernist, Brass, and Verdigris Candle Holders Israel Elegant, cast brass and subtlety abstract pair of shiny brass highlighted verdigris...
Brass
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
Gijs Bakker Rare Candle Holder in Patinated Silver and Enamel for Keltum 1963
By Gijs Bakker
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gijs Bakker rare candle holder in patinated silver and enamel for Keltum. The Netherlands, 1963. Wonderful and very rare candle holder by Gijs B...
Silver
Set of 7 Graduated Scandinavian Modern Brass Candle Holders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of 7 vintage brass candle holders in Scandinavian Modern style features elegant, slender forms with round flared bases and tulip shaped sconces. Warm, golden color, soft sheen, a...
Brass
$653Sale 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
Mid-Century Modernist Japanese Iron Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of wonderful iron candle holders from Japan. Triangular form supported by a tripod base. Great patina. 1950s.
Iron
Set of Three Danish Modern 24 Carat Gold Plated Candlesticks by Hugo Asmussen
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous set of three Danish modern 24 carat gold plated candlesticks by Hugo Asmussen, circa 1960s. The set is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 2.125"D x...
Gold Plate
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 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
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 Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Timo Sarpeneva
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver candlesticks, hallmarked for Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1950s, Timo Sarpeneva, maker. Each candlestick measures 2 1/4 inches high x 2 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
1960s Murano Sommerso Art Glass Votive Candle Holder Green and Amber
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Murano Green and Amber Sommerso Art Glass Votive Candle Holder 1.5 tall x 2.75 diameter Preowned vintage condition. Refer to all images.
Art Glass
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 Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s
By Dominique Pouchain, Jacques 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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Alberto Pair of Candleholders by Oscar Tusquets for Bd Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Oscar Tusquets Blanca
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
David Marshall Brutalist Candlestick, Spain, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Candle Holder by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s. David Marshall Desenos Brutalist three-arm aluminum and brass candlestick. Very good condition. Original...
Brass, Aluminum
Single Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" Twisted Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Dorothy Thorpe twisted Lucite candlestick with nickel plated candle holders. Set does show very few internal age cracks, common with lucite of this age. Excludes candles.
Chrome
Mid Century Dansk Teak and Glass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century glass and teak candle holder by Dansk. Features a glass top that sits within a teak base. The base includes a brass insert for holding a taper candle. Designed by Jens ...
Glass, Teak
Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick Set – Hand-Cut Candle Holders for Home Décor
Located in Glendale, CA
Ambrosià Hand-Cut Crystal Candlestick – Modern Classic Candle Holder in Black, Amber & Clear Crystal The Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick masterfully blends modern design with classic e...
Crystal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Solid Polished Brass Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant beautiful solid polished brass menorah elegant and classic circa 1970's.
Brass
$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
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
$413Sale 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
Large Green Glass Candlestick by Vetri Taddei di Empoli, Italy, 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Large Green Glass Candle Stick by Vetri Taddei di Empoli
Glass
French Ceramic Vide Poche circa 1960s, Vallauris, in the style of Georges Jouve
By Georges Jouve, Francis Crociani
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
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
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
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
Large Brutalist Candle Holder in Solid Oak
Located in Meer, VAN
Brutalist candle holder in solid oak, mid-20th century. Very graphical and sizable candle holder in a distinct brutalist style. Due to the size and shape, this candle holder will ...
Wood, Oak
Small Figurative Ceramic Candle Holder, 1960s
By Höganäs Keramik, Mette Doller, Lizzie Thyssen, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Modernist terracotta candle holder with sculpted face, hair and body. Hand-applied glaze in matte anthracite black on eyes, hair and clothes. Made to fit a slender candle. By ceramic...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery, Terracotta
Mid Century Pair of Iron Centerpiece Candle Holders
By Tony Paul
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair mid century iron candlesticks. Great geometric design. Would make a wonderful centerpiece. United States, 1950. Each measures 7" x 9" x 5.5" h
Iron
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in Delft, NL
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs candle holder, 1960s.
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
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 enam...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Brass Tubular Menorah Candle Holder in the style of Gio Ponti 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural vintage brass menorah candlestick circa 1960s Twelve conjoined tubular elements of various size and elevation, nine of which are candl...
Brass
California Studio Pottery Robin Egg Blue Candlesticks by Catalina Pottery
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of vintage California studio pottery ceramic candlesticks by Catalina Pottery, circa 1950s. Great look and form on this gorgeous robin egg blue set. They are in very...
Pottery
Pair of Carl Auböck #3470 Patinated Brass Candleholders
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck #3470 Patinated Brass Candleholders. Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese candleholder is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werk...
Brass
Finnish Mid-Century Ice Glass Candle Holder, circa 1970
Located in Herentals, BE
Mid-century Finnish ice-glass candle holder, circa 1970. The heavily textured clear glass evokes frozen water and natural erosion, a signature of post-war Scandinavian glass design. ...
Glass
$1,233Sale Price / set|30% 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
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
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Danish Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candelabra Made in France
By Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A Midcentury Modern or Danish/Scandinavian Modern Dansk Designs sterling silver plate twelve (12) candle holder/candelabra, circa mid-20th century, made in France. Piece also makes a...
Metal, Silver Plate
Pair of Large Art Deco Bronze and Brass Candle Holders, France, 1930's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of large Art Deco bronze and brass candle holders, France, 1930's.
Brass, Bronze
Jens Harald Quistgaard Brass midcentury Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 6
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A group of 6 solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed cand...
Brass
Set of Two Pottery Vases Objects by Cari Zalloni for Steuler, Germany, 1970s
By Steuler, Cari Zalloni
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two ceramic vase elements Model: 5103 and 5101 Producer: Steuler, Germany Design: Cari Zalloni Decade: 1970s Description: Thes...
Ceramic
Vintage Swarovski Faceted Crystal Triple Pin Candlesticks Art Deco Style 1970
By Swarovski
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Swarovski Crystal Triple Pin Candlesticks in the Art Deco Style made in Austria in the 1970. Features faceted Crystal Balls with Flower Saucers...
Crystal, Metal