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
Antique Vintage English Sterling Silver Candlestick Candelabra Corinthian Column
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stylish Single of early Mid-Century English Traditional Corinthian Column Pillar heavy gauge Sterling Silver Single Table Candlesticks of nice tall and generous proportions. Mark...
Sterling Silver
Crystal 'Medusa Lumière' Candleholder by Versace for Rosenthal 1990s
Located in Milano, MI
Crystal candle holder, "Medusa Lumière" collection designed by Versace for Rosenthal in the 1990s Ø cm 10 h cm 27 The Versace for Rosenthal collaboration, launched in 1992 under th...
Crystal
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala “Trumpetti” 830 Silver Candlesticks for Kultakeskus
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
An elegant pair of “Trumpetti” candlesticks designed by celebrated Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. These sculptural candleholders embody the flowing lines and res...
Silver
Modernist Japanese Iron Nesting Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron candle holders from Japan. Stamped. Great patina. 1950s.
Metal
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
$1,200 / set
Oggetti Murano Large Murano Glass Candle Holders
By Oggetti
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of large 1980's Oggetti Italy Murano glass cnadle holders, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use. Smaller candle holder height 2...
Murano Glass
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Ribbed Candlesticks, 24-Karat Gold Dust, 1970s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Pair of Italian Murano glass baluster candlesticks crafted during the nineteen seventies showcases graceful Venetian Baroque revival design. Handcrafted in Italy, each matching lumin...
Gold, Gold Leaf
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
Mastodon Candlestick in Oiled Walnut and Brass by Noah Norton for Wooda
By Wooda, Noah Norton
Located in Omro, WI
The Mastodon by Noah Norton for Wooda powerfully lifts and holds two tapers. Inspired by the natural world and crafted in beautiful walnut, ash, and oak, Mastodon is designed to brighten a room and encourage conversation. About the designer: Noah Norton is a designer, who strives for balance and harmony in the work he creates, believing that the simplest solution is often the best. His work includes furniture, lighting and a variety of products for the consumer and Industrial markets. Additionally, Norton is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he can be found teaching studio courses and leading international collaborative projects. The Mastodon candlestick is also offered in a set of two candlesticks...
Brass
Ceramic mermaid statuette / candle holder, Italy
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Magnificent ceramic mermaid statuette / candle holder, Italian production from the 2nd half of the 20th century. The mermaid's tail forms the handle of the candle holder. In the styl...
Ceramic
Pair Of Mid 20th Century Silver Plated Horn Candlesticks
Located in Stamford, CT
Great looking pair of silver plated horn candlesticks with black lacquered wood bases. The horns, possibly water buffalo, have a wonderful color and patina. Mounted on silver plated ...
Silver Plate
Twisted Faux Horn Candleholder Gabriella Crespi style, resin and brass Italy, 19
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful faux horn candleholder designed and produced in Italy, 1970's. This candleholder is a striking and distinctive piece that embodies the innovative spirit of the era. Made of...
Brass
Set of 14 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Candlesticks, Sweden, 1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern set of fourteen finely worked candlesticks in a variety of shapes in brass, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1950, Sweden and D...
Metal, Brass
Hand-forged metal design tree of life wall sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand-forged metal design tree of life wall sculpture candle holder, 1960s A beautifully perfectly shaped tree of life made of iron. Artful craftsmanship. We have a matching candle...
Metal, Iron
$140Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Rune Strand for Nybro Swedish Art Glass Votive Candle Holder
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Swedish Art Glass Votive Volcano Candle Holder 1960s Rune Strand for Nybro Swedish Art Glass Votive Candle Holder Nybro Glasbruk Sweden. Heavyweight Sculpt...
Art Glass
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
Tommi Parzinger Brass Double-Light Hurricane Candelabra, 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare two-light candelabra attributed to Tommi Parzinger, executed in solid brass and dating to the 1960s. The design centers on a tall faceted brass stem crowned with a sculptural ...
Brass
Vintage Barovier Attributed Murano / Venetian Art Glass Pedestal Candlestick
By Barovier, Gio Ponti, Venini, Fratelli Toso, Salviati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Italian art glass candlestick. Attributed to Barovier. In clear glass with gold foil with a flower-shaped candle cup supported by a pedestal with two tessuto black &...
Art Glass
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Studio Line Vase by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Floral motif Studio Line vase by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, circa 1970s. The vase is signed by Danish artist-cum-designer Bjorn Wiinbla...
Porcelain
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
24 Modern Chrome Candleholders + Ashtray Bowl, Werner Stoff Nagel Germany 1960s
By Bmf Nagel, Stoff Nagel, Nagel AG, Caesar Stoffi
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
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
Brutalist candle holder by Horst Dalbeck , 1970s , Germany
Located in Delft, NL
Brutalist candle holder by Horst Dalbeck , 1970s , Germany
Bronze
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
Pair of Silver Plate Coil Snake Candle Holders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Silver Plate
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bird Candleholder from Søholm, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bird Candleholder from Søholm, 1960s
Ceramic
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
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, 1970's
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...
Brass
Circle candlestick by matthew hilton, solid aluminium, Circa 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Circle candlestick designed and produced by matthew hilton in england in the 1980s. Brutalist-style aluminum candle holder. Beautiful decorative object that will bring a real design ...
Aluminum
$2,950
Ostrich Egg Candlestick
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty mid century candlestick with a found object composition having an ostrich egg candle cup over three metal leaves and a pedestal in a classical...
Ostrich Eggshell
Mid-Century Modern Silver-Plated Waterlily Candlestick, France, 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elegant waterlily-shaped candlestick, expertly designed and crafted in France during the 1960s. This captivating silver-plated Art Deco piece brings a refined sophistication to your ...
Silver Plate
Set of Two Mid Century Yellow Glass Candlesticks, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Set of two midcentury Polish modern glass candlesticks, circa 1960. Very good condition. No damages. Beautiful yellow glass.
Glass
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ann Wolff Snowball Glass Crystal Candle Holder for Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1980s
By Kosta Boda
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Ann Wolff Snowball Glass Crystal Candle Holder for Kosta Boda, Sweden, circa 1980s.
Crystal
Circle candlestick by matthew hilton, solid aluminium, england, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Circle candlestick designed and produced by matthew hilton in england in the 1980s. Brutalist-style aluminum candle holder. Beautiful decorative object that will bring a real design ...
Aluminum
$79Sale Price|20% Off
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
Pair of scandinavian candleholder in Wood, Denmark, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elevate your interior with these pair of 1980s Scandinavian candle holders. Crafted with sleek, tapered designs, they feature a polished finish in rich dark brown and golden-brown wo...
Wood
XL knotted candlestick in Solid aluminum, Italy, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite large 'Knot' candlestick, masterfully designed and crafted in Italy during the 1980s. This stunning piece showcases exceptional metalwork, artfully shaped into an elegant k...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Bitossi Rimini Blu Candle Holder by Aldo Londi, Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Mid-Century Modern candle holder was designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche as part of the iconic "Rimini Blu" series. Crafted in Italy during the 1960s, this handmade ceramic chamberstick features a vibrant blue glaze with characteristic embossed geometric decorations around the body. The piece has a central candle socket with a surrounding dish to catch wax drips and a raised handle, reminiscent of antique chambersticks...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Klostermalm Brass Menorah, Seven-Branch Candelabrum, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking seven-branch brass menorah produced by Klostermalm, a Swedish maker known for its high-quality cast metal decorative objects during the twentieth century. This elegant pie...
Brass
Tall Swedish Glass Block Candleholder by Goran Warff for Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
Tall 1980s Swedish glass block candleholder by Goran Warff. Votive candle appears to float within the crystal block, creating a beautiful ambiance. Signed and numbered with engraved...
Art Glass
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Candle Holder Bowl, 1950s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed round candle holder or candlestick. Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceram...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Bertoncello Pair Of White Glazed Ceramic Candlesticks Design By Roberto Rigon
By Giovanni Bertoncello, Roberto Rigon
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to help verify the authenticity and value of our pieces. An original a...
Ceramic
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 Sculptural Wrought Iron Candleholders, 1950s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Pair of wrought iron candleholders made in Europe around 1950, featuring a sculptural design with clean lines and totemic presence. Each piece has two candle arms at different height...
Wrought Iron
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
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 Metal Candle Holder Gunnar Cyren Dansk Designs Denmark
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Metal Candleholder by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk Designs Denmark, 1960s
Metal
$1,008 / set
Pair of zigzag candlesticks, England, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of zig zag candlesticks designed and produced in england in the 1980s. Set of two aluminum candlesticks in brutalist style. Magnificent decorative objects that will br...
Aluminum
Fiesta Rose Tripod Candlestick Holders by Homer Laughlin, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of American made “tripod” candlestick holders from the Fiesta Rose collection, by Homer Laughlin China Company. Three layered sculptural columns sit above rounded stepped base...
Ceramic
Diminutive Italian Modern Ceramic "King" Candle Holder by Giovannni De Simone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small hand-painted ceramic candle holder by Sicilian aristocrat turned artist, Giovanni De Simone. Unique, king figural form in De Simone's signature vibrant colors of yellow, red, o...
Ceramic
Matthew Hilton Zig Zag & Swan aluminium candleholders
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Matthew Hilton Zig Zag & Swan aluminium candleholders Zig Zag dimensions: 30cm Height , 11cm Width, 5,5cm Depth Swan dimensions: 34cm Height , 13cm Width, 8cm Depth
Aluminum
Pair of Large 21.5" Vintage Mid-Century Solid Cast Brass Candlestick Holders
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Monumental 21.7" (inch) tall Mid-Century Modern Japanese made pair of oversized, large-scale table or fireplace mantle candlestick holders or Candelabras in the style of Maison Janse...
Brass
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box 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 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
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
$1,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Crystal Candlesticks by Schneider France
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of mid-century modern candlesticks by Schneider, France. These modern crystal candlesticks or candle holders are absolutely beautiful and in very good condition. They embody ...
Crystal
$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
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 Luciano Vistosi Candle Sticks Murano Glass Vistosi Orange 1960s 1970s
Located in Basel, BS
Rare pair of tall Luciano Vistosi candle holders, model S 169 in Murano glass, with an opaline underlayer, made by Vistosi glass factory in Murano in the 1960s. Both remain the orig...
Murano Glass
$2,807 / set
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe
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...
Metal