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.
Isamu Noguchi Mid-Century Modern Hawkeye Measured Time Clock & Timer, circa 1932
Located in Studio City, CA
A fabulous Midcentury original Hawkeye Measured Time clock/timer created by famed Japanese American designer Isamu Noguchi. This clock was the first Noguchi's designs to go into mas...
Metal
Mid-Century Krups Wall Clock 1970s Orange Chron-Color 605, Domed, Germany
By Krups
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely fantastic colours & design by the star of German mid- and late century design, KRUPS. Made in the late 60s, early 70s. Here a juicy bright orange wall clock, with white (y...
Plastic
Cartier Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Mid-Century Modern, Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7503 07516. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...
Metal
Arthur Umanoff Swing Timer Modernist Black and White Clock Howard Miller 1970s
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Troy, MI
Mid Century modern "Swing Timer" wall clock designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller USA circa 1970s Model 622-569 with large roman numeral markers and orange hands White inject...
Plastic, Acrylic
Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Swiss, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7507 10267. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
German 1960s Junghans Pendulum + Weights + Gong Wall Clock
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wall clock Design & produced by Junghans in 1960s. Brass metal and Teak wood. Mechanical movement and gong is in good working condition. Very nice gong but if you don't like it is po...
Brass
Vintage Black Silver and Green Rolex Display Wall Clock
By Rolex
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super cool eye catching vintage Rolex display wall clock having second and date indicators, automatic time quartz movement, and night illumina...
Metal
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Excellent original condition Brass with a brown faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has two jewels. Measures: Open: Height 8cm x wide 8cm x deep 8 c...
Metal, Brass
Junghans Striped Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock & Timer, Germany, 1960s
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely oval mid-century modern wall clock and timer, crafted by Junghans in Germany during the 1960s. Designed in the characteristic style of the era, it features elegant chrome-pl...
Ceramic, Pottery, Glass
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Romane Alarm Clock Pendulette. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Romane alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's in gold plated 18K. White enamel dial. Clock case numbered 66021 . With case, ...
Gold Plate
Howard Miller George Nelson Grandfather Clock Model 677
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A newer sophisticated take on the grandfather clock with the case in smoked Lucite defining the outline of the clock. The face has a brushed aluminum face with mod hands in red and w...
Chrome
1990s Gorgeous Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette. Made in France.
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette with white dial in perfect condition, steel hands, roman hour markers on gold-plated frame. Made in France. Quartz movement. Clock case...
Gold Plate
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Excellent original condition Brass with a brown faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has two jewels. Measures: Open: Height 8cm x wide 8cm x deep 8 c...
Brass
Travel clock - ST Dupont - Gold plated, Blue Lacquer Paris France
By Dupond
Located in Den Haag, NL
Small travel alarm clock with alarm bell, signed ST Dupont. Blue Chinese lacquer. In excellent condition overall, already used and working perfectly. Dimensions closed: 63 x 37 x 12...
Gold Plate
Mid-Century Swiss Gilt Brass & Lapis Lazuli Swiza 8 Day Alarm Clock, 1960s
By Swiza
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Mid-Century Swiza with 8-day movement and original 1960s alarm clock in a stunning combination of gilt brass and real lapis lazuli. This amazing piece was designed in Switze...
Lapis Lazuli, Metal, Gold Plate
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s Excellent original condition Brass with a red faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has...
Metal, Brass
Large battery-operated brass world clock Heinrich Möller for Kienzle from 1978
Located in München, DE
Rare large heavy brass world time clock by Kienzle Chronoquartz. Designed by Heinrich Johannes Möller. Made in Germany. Kienzle is the oldest clock company in Germany. It was founded...
Brass
United Brass Spindles Sunburst Atomic Clock, 1960s
By United Clock Corp
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The vintage starburst wall clock features radii of brass rods, radiating outwards from the round central face and ending with alternating walnut tips and brass rings. It's equipped ...
Brass, Enamel
Travel Alarm Clock from "Deluxe", Germany, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock from "Deluxe", Germany, circa 1960s Excellent original condition Brass and painted hart cover Still working It is marked Germany on the front of the clock. Tw...
Brass
Vintage Hans Christian Andersen Pendulum Wall Clock from the 1960s
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Lund and Clausen of Copenhagen Han’s Christian Andersen pendulum wall clock from the 1960s. With the title “once upon a time” 12 of his most famous fairy tales one for each h...
Brass
Howard Miller Iconic Clock by George Nelson
Located in Riverdale, NY
Iconic and classic Howard Miller ball clock from the 1950's by George Nelson. Wonderful Atomic style with a central clock motif with 50's styl...
Metal
$709Sale Price|34% Off
1960s Omega 8-Day Solid Brass Gold Gilt Desk Clock Ref. 5550
By Omega
Located in Krefeld, DE
Beautiful solid brass gold gilt desk clock by Omega from the 1960's. The clock comes with the original and good working 8-day movement, the dial is signed with Omega. Backside the Re...
Brass
Howard Miller Oak Grandfather Clock with Kieninger Triple Chime Movement
Located in Omaha, NE
This substantial American floor clock was produced by Howard Miller and represents the company’s higher-grade traditional production of the late twentieth century. The clock bears se...
Metal, Brass
Round Silver Jaz Quartz Clock Wall Hanging, 1969
By Jaz
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Jaz Quartz is a round wall clock. The clock has a silver case made of brushed aluminium, a metal blue index. The aluminum dials give this clock a lovely chic and stylish design t...
Aluminum
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos "Embassy", Swiss Vintage Clock, manufactured 1969
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos VII "Embassy" Switzerland Gold-plated and lacquered brass Year of manufacture 1969 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 17 x 11 cm Description: Rare Atmos VII "Emb...
Brass
Vintage German Kienzle Clock, circa 1960's
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage German Kienzle automatic table clock designed by Heinrich Möller in 1960s. The clock is made of brass structure, glass front. It is battery-operated and spring winding by an...
Brass
Kienzle GMT World Clock Brass Table or Desk Clock, Art Deco Vibe, 1960s, Germany
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Kienzle Clocks
Located in Andernach, DE
A world time clock by the famous German watch- and clock maker Kienzle. This table or desk clock has a slick, ''timeless'' approach, a masterpiece of mid-century design really. Attributed to the master of mid-century design Heinrich Müller, who did most designs for Kienzle clocks. Made in the 60s, this table clock comes in an a brushed gold matte shimmering finish. The clock stands slanted and the glass is domed. Chrono quartz...
Brass
Vintage Travel Alarm Clock Seiko, 1970s, Brass with Faux Leather Cover
By Seiko
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Seiko Travel Alarm Clock, Japan, 1970s A compact marvel of mid-century Japanese design, this 1970s Seiko travel alarm clock combines precision engineering with sculptural ele...
Metal
1960s Gorgeous Cartier Desk Travel Alarm Clock Pendulette. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock from the 1960s (1964). Made in Switzerland. It is made of lapis lazuli and gold-plated metal, and is manually wound. It features the original walnut case...
Lapis Lazuli
Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France
By Bodet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Timeless Bodet black and white flip-flap station clock designed by the company that has been equipping French and Belgium stations for their big clocks for several decades. They inform travelers of the time that is running! This pretty specimen from the 1970s and 80s will ensure your punctuality while offering a beautiful Industrial and modern look to your interior decor. The flip-flap clock...
Plastic, Lucite
Midcentury Wall Clock in the Form of a Wristwatch in Leather and Brass, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Midcentury wall clock in the form of a wristwatch in leather and brass, Germany Made in Germany by Meister Anker. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Vintage Stationmaster 611 Oak Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller. The model 611 Stationmaster has a round solid oak case, white face wit...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Iron and Copper Wall Clock by Mauthe Electric, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & copper. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. We have tested it and it works. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Metal
Atomic Mid Century Teak Danish Modern European Westclox Pedestal Mantel Clock
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage 1950s Mid Century Teak Danish Modern European Westclox Pedestal Battery Operated Desk Mantle Clock Scotland Stunning, Very Rare, Vintage 50s, Pedestaled, Hand-Moulded bent w...
Metal
Beautiful large original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large, original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT. Very beautiful, elaborate mid-century design. Battery-operated with a new clock mechanism. Dial with R...
Brass
Brutalist Wall / Table Clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Italy, 60
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Enamelled brutalist copper clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Laurana Rame D'Arte in Pesaro, Italy 1960s. Handcrafted on a copper base, enameled on fire with striking colors. The clock is working and in very good vintage condition. The back has a double hook to hang it on the wall or become a table clock...
Copper, Enamel
Junghans Large Pink Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Max Bill
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely round mid-century wall clock, crafted by Junghans in Germany during the 1950s. Designed in the characteristic style of the era, it features elegant brass hands, a brass fram...
Brass
George Nelson for Howard Miller Lucite Wall Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson for Howard Miller Brass and Lucite Wall Clock, hanging pendulum, label to transparent clock face. 40" H x 15" W x 5.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Brass
Travel alarm clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
2-day travel alarm clock by famous Swiss watch factory Jaeger-LeCoultre made in Swiss in the 1950s. Swiss manual winding movement. The lid folds down, allowing the alarm clock to be...
Metal
c.1960s Guillerme et Chambron Longcase Clock With Glazed Ceramic Face
Located in London, GB
This Longcase Clock by Guillerme et Chambron dates from the 1960s and is part of the Edition Votre Maison series. The clock features a sturdy oak case and a unique hand-glazed cerami...
Ceramic, Oak
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
Mid Century Modern Spartus Atomic Wall Clock! Hyper-Rare NOS Unused & Mint!
By Spartus Clocks
Located in Peoria, AZ
Time Warp! 1959 Sputnik Styled Spartus Wall Clock New Old Stock! Mint Vintage Condition! This is a spectacular find! An unused Sputnik style mid century modern Spartus wall clo...
Metal
Beautiful large original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large, original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT. Very beautiful, elaborate mid-century design. Battery-operated with a new clock mechanism. Dial with R...
Brass
Travel Alarm Clock from "Emes", Germany, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock from "Emes", Germany, circa 1960s Original condition.
Metal, Brass
Vintage Railway Chronometer - Brass Jumbo Pocket Watch or Wall Clock
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Midcentury novelty Jumbo Pocket Watch or small Wall Clock. It is called Railway Chronometer. The case, crown and ring/crown guard is fashioned from b...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Wall Clock Model 557, Walnut & Aluminum, 1970s
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A sculptural marvel from the Meridian line, this Howard Miller Model 557 wall clock was designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1970s. Its form—coffin-shaped and hand-crafted in warm walnu...
Walnut
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Kienzle Clocks, Wilhelm Kienzle
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative Mid-Century Modernist solid brass Kienzle desk or table clock with a world map clocks face and world time zones. Executed in the 1960s by Kienzle in Wester...
Brass
Junghans Pastel Yellow Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Max Bill
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely rectangular mid-century wall clock in landscape format, crafted by Junghans in Germany during the 1950s. Designed in the characteristic style of the era, it features elegant...
Brass
Elegant JOSKA Hollywood Regency wall clock made of lead crystal, 1970s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Elegant JOSKA Hollywood Regency wall clock made of lead crystal, 1970s Germany Powered by a standard AA battery. The clock is fully working. An eye catcher par excellence made in ...
Metal, Brass
Large Bakelite Industrial, Train Station Wall Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Bakelite industrial wall clock from about 1940's, 1950's. Diameter 49 cm and a depth of 10,5 cm. The clock is in perfect condition, no major scr...
Bakelite, Glass
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency brass walnut Table Clock by Kienzle, Germany
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Table clock Origin: Germany Producer: Kienzle, Germany Age: 1960s This original vintage table clock was produced in the 1960s by the prem...
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Table Clock Jaeger LeCoultre
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Deco Table Clock Jaeger LeCoultre Origin: Switzerland Materials: Gilt bronze and acrylic 8-day winding (mechanism) Excellent condition – Working Mid-Century Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 18 cm Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most prestigious and renowned Swiss watch manufacturers in the world, founded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland. Renowned for its technical innovation and craftsmanship, the brand has developed more than 1,200 calibers and boasts inventions such as the atmospheric clock and the famous Reverso model. Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco...
Bronze
Imbroglio Perpetual Wall Calendar by Jean-Pierre Vitrac, France 1970s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This rare Imbroglio perpetual wall calendar was designed by Jean-Pierre Vitrac and produced in France between the late 1960s and early 1970s. It exemplifies the abstract and conceptu...
Metal
Mid-Century Space Age German Alarm Clock from Europa, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Space Age German Alarm Clock from Europa, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Add...
Plastic
Vintage Brass Pocket Watch / Paperweight Attributed to Carl Aubock, 1950's
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Brass Pocket Watch Paperweight, Carl Aubock attr. 1950's Vintage paperweight attributed to Carl Aubock, 1950's. Modernist form of a...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Zebrawood and Chrome Wall Clock by Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Pendulum Wall Clock manufactured by Howard Miller, circa 1970's. This stand out piece features stunning zebra wood grains and a polished chrome pendulum. Keeps time with an 8...
Aluminum, Chrome
1990s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette "Colisee". Made in France
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette "Colisee". Made in France It's in gold plated 24K. White enamel dial. Quartz movement. Clock case numbered 0559867. With original case, ...
Gold Plate
Atlanta Midcentury Atomic Age Sunburst Brass Table Desk Clock, Western Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
An amazing midcentury triangular design starburst table or desk clock from the 1950s. Executed by Atlanta, Western Germany. Made of brass with a beautiful base, brass rays and a love...
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century German Ship's Clock By Schatz
By Schatz
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century ship's clock by Schatz, Germany. handsome brass, mahogany & ebony in the form of a ship's wheel. Bevelled glass set in locking bezel. Double bell strike. Runs 8 days...
Brass