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.
Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s
By Italora
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Art Deco–style table clock by Italora, crafted in a refined combination of clear lucite and brass. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original ...
Brass
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Vintage Round Brass “Floating” Desk Clock by Seiko
By Seiko
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined example of late 20th-century modern design, this elegant desk clock by Seiko features a sculptural round form in warm polished brass that appears to “float” above its curve...
Quartz, Brass
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
Cartier Pendulette Alarm Clock, Gold-Plated Frame
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
Hawkeye Measured Time clock by Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
The Hawkeye “Measured Time” clock by Isamu Noguchi is a rare and highly collectible early work, notable as Noguchi’s first industrial design. Produced by Stevenson Mfg. Co. in La Por...
Metal
Cartier Romane Alarm Clock Pendulette, Gold Plated, Swiss, 1980s
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
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
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
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock with Black Dial in Original Box
Located in Greven, DE
Atmos clock by Jaeger LeCoultre with black Dial and original Box Switzerland Brass Year of manufacture 1962/63 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm Description: Atmos V calibr...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Nathan George Horwitt Brass Museum Clock for Howard Miller
By Nathan Horwitt, Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Howard Miller museum clock originally designed by Nathan George Horwitt. This piece has a brass finish with a glass faceplate. Opera...
Brass
Cartier Pendulette Colisee Alarm Clock, Gold Plated, 1990s
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 0545316. With original case, ...
Gold Plate
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Kienzle Clocks
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
Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
By Venini, Seguso, Cenedese, Barovier&Toso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An optical blown art glass hourglass with a ribbed surface by unknown artist.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Santos Alarm Clock Pendulette. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
This stunning 1980s Cartier Santos Pendulette alarm clock represents a sophisticated blend of functional design and timeless luxury. Manufactured in Switzerland, this piece features ...
Gold Plate
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
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Kienzle Clocks
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative Mid-Century Modernist solid brass Kienzle Chronoquartz desk or table clock with a domed glass and a 7“ diameter world map clocks face and world time zones....
Brass
Swiza 8 Day Rare Gilt Sphere Clock with Smoked Lucite Base, Box and Guarantee
By Swiza
Located in Roma, IT
In 1975, the prestigious Swiss watch company Swiza chose this watch as the solitary protagonist of its magazine advertising campaign. You can see why. Modern and very unique, it features a nicely weighty gilt ball clock, an 8 day power with an alarm, that sits cradled on a very modern lucite base. The clock can stand without the lucite base, although you probably won't want to separate this duo. The sphere clock...
Metal, Gold Plate
Cartier Desk Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold-Plated, Swiss, 1964
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
French Handstitched Brown Leather Clock, Jacques Adnet Attributed, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
French handstitched brown leather clock, Jacques Adnet attributed, 1950s.
Brass
Early 20th Century Luxor Swiss Bronze Desk / Table Clock with 8-Day Movement
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional early 20th century gilt-bronze desk or table clock by Luxor of Switzerland, showcasing both horological precision and decorative artistry. The rectangular case is fine...
Metal, Bronze, Copper
Large Kundo GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Kieninger & Obergfell, 1960s
By Kundo, Kieninger & Obergfell
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and large Mid-Century Modernist brass desk or table clock with a 9“ diameter world map clocks face and world time zones. Executed in the 1960s by Kieninger & Obergfell ...
Brass
Pink & Clear Hourglass Murano Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
By Seguso, Barovier&Toso, Venini, Cenedese
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A hand blown art glass hourglass made of pink and clear glass in style of Paolo Venini.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
rare 1961 ultra tropical 5512 rolex submariner
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
eye catching and rare rolex 5512 . purchased at christie´s nyc a few years ago and now searching for a new owner. will be shipped by ups capital pro,worldwi...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Table Clock by Diehl Electro, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Table clock Origin: Germany Producer: Diehl Electro, Germany Age: 1960s This original vintage table clock...
Metal
Mid-Century Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Measured Time Clock and Timer
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Noguchi's first mass-produced design, completed circa 1932, predating his design for the "Radio Nurse" baby monitor by about five years. Produced...
Metal
Ernst Watch Art Deco Brass Table Clock, Switzerland, 1930s-1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and unique Art Deco table clock featuring a sculptural clear celluloid frame with a solid brass base and accents. This refined piece was produced in Switzerland during the 19...
Brass
Jaeger Lecoultre, Atmos Clock from 1967 with Original Box
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos clock Switzerland Brass gold plated Year of manufacture 1967 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 17 x 11 cm Description: Atmos VII in gold-plated brass case with black lacquered sides and matt gold brushed dial. Instead of numbers, we see two double lines for 3, 6, 9 and 12 and single lines for the remaining hours. There is a raised logo below the 12, and the words "JAEGER LECOULTRE" and "ATMOS" above and below the hands. A stamped "Swiss Made" logo is located above the dragonfly. Serial number: 252201, year of manufacture 1967. This clock is based on the calibre 528/1 movement and was listed by Jaeger LeCoultre under ref. number 5900. The model was only built from 1967-1970 and is rare to find in the trade today due to its small number of pieces. The original transport box, the so-called "tabernacle", makes this clock doubly interesting. Instead of the usually used levelling screws, which are operated from inside the case, the Atmos VII has a wheel each on the left and right outside of the base for levelling. Condition: The movement runs absolutely reliable and accurate. The condition of the case is also very nice. The gilding is well preserved. There are minimal traces of cleaning on the dial, barely visible to the naked eye. There are also some rusted screws on the underside of the clock, which is not visible in use. The photos are not "embellished", the case condition is as shown in the photos. Points to know: Although Leonardo da Vinci was already able to prove that the production of a perpetual motion machine is physically impossible, it has been tried again...
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
Brutalist clock by Art3, brass and aluminum, Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist clock designed and manufactured by the art3 brand in Spain in the 1980s. Remarkable work of brass and aluminum. More than a clock, this object is a sculpture in i...
Aluminum, Brass
Jaeger-LeCoultre Mid Century Brass and Lucite Inline Skeleton Clock No. 420
Located in London, GB
A stunning lucite and brass Jaeger LeCoultre Inline Skeleton Clock, with a clean minimalistic design which would look stylish in any setting. The beauty of these skeleton clocks is that you can see the 16 jewel Swiss movement working and watch the balance staff turn. This delightful Mid Century...
Brass
$703Sale 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
1960s Lucite and Gilt Brass Sphere/Ball Paperweight Clock by Swiss Arthur Imhof
By Arthur Imhof
Located in North Miami, FL
1960s Mid-Century Modern lucite and gilt brass sphere/ball paperweight clock with 15 jewel wind-up movement by swiss clockmaker Arthur Imhof By: Arthur Imhof Material: brass, copper...
Multi-gemstone, Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Rosewood Square Desk Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Troy, MI
Arthur Umanoff model 645 alarm clock for Howard Miller circa late 1960s Rosewood case with aluminum dial on a black background Plug in electric movement with black hour and minute ha...
Aluminum
Brutalist clock "Puzzle" by Art3, brass and aluminum, Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful brutalist clock designed and manufactured by the art3 brand in Spain in the 1980s. Remarkable work of brass and aluminum. More than a clock, this object is a sculpture...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Solid Walnut and Oak Studio Craft Table Clock
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern studio craft clock made of solid walnut and oak circa 1960's. This piece displays unique craftsmanship and keeps time with one AA battery. The perfect accessory to...
Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency Solid Brass Table Clock Dugena, Switzerland
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Very heavy solid brass table clock Origin: Switzerland and Germany Producer: Dugena Electric Age: 1960s This original vintage table clock was produced in the...
Metal, Brass
$1,430Sale Price|24% Off
Vintage Tiffany and Co. Square Brass Desk Clock, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome 8 day, Swiss jeweled Tiffany and Co. square desk clock in patinated brass with stepped dial frame and two-tiered base. Face pivots between f...
Brass
Vintage Teak Weather Station by Barigo, Germany, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish and sleek wall or table weather station with thermometer, barometer and hygrometer. Designed and made in Germany during the 1960'erne by Barigo. Measurements: W: 17.5 cm,...
Acrylic, Teak
Travel leather Alarm Clock by Junghans, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock by Junghans, circa 1960s Original condition Brass with braun leather cover Still working Measures: Open height 7,5cm, wide 9cm, deep 8cm Closed height 2,5cm, wide ...
Metal, Brass
Irving Harper and George Nelson Chronopak Howard Miller Desk Clock
By Irving Harper, Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in New Windsor, NY
Irving Harper fand George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company Chronopak desk clock. Solid walnut case, minimalist black metal face and a convex glass on a brass plated steel base....
Metal
Mid-Century Manual Alarm Clock from Jerger, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Manual Alarm Clock from Jerger, Germany, 1960s , in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. This piece has an attribution mark Additional information: Materials: Me...
Metal
Jaeger-LeCoultre Baby Atmos Clock 526-5, Brass & Glass, Circa 1950
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Atmos clock model 526-5 made of brass and glass. Once set, this watch can run for years and years without winding it. Switzerland, CIRCA 1950.
Brass
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Brass Table Clock, 8 Day Movement
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Brass Table Clock, 8 Day Movement Round acrylic and brass table clock from Jaeger-LeCoultre, with a clean, minimalist design that fits into any environment. ...
Bronze
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
$1,540Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Imhof for Saks Fifth Avenue Circular Brass Desk Clock Switzerland, 1960s
By Saks Fifth Avenue, Arthur Imhof
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stately, two-handed, Swiss 15 jewel, 8 day winding desk clock manufactured by Imhof for Saks Fifth Avenue- early 1960s. Polished brass, splayed cir...
Brass
1940s Art Deco Telechron Electric Clock GE
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Electric Clock Telechron General Electric 7H209 Maker label 4.25 h x 4 w x 2.25 d Electric. Non-Working condition. Preowned unrestored. Refer to images
Brass
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
1960s Atlanta Brass Zodiak Table Clock – Vintage Astrological Design
By Atlanta Electric, Atlanta Clock Co.
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This Atlanta brass Zodiak Table Clock from the 1960s is an exquisite piece of mid-century design that combines art and functionality. This clock features a solid brass body with a st...
Brass
Kienzle German Midcentury Table Clock, 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This mid-century German table clock, created by Kienzle in Germany in the 1950s, is a vintage masterpiece. A rare design. Featuring a luxurious combination of brass and bevelled glas...
Brass
$1,155Sale Price|30% Off
Imhof Swiss 1950 Zodiacal Modernist 8 Days Desk Clock in Gilded Bronze and Glass
By Arthur Imhof
Located in Miami, FL
Desk clock designed by Arthur Imhof. Fabulous desk-table clock, created in Switzerland by the clocks makers house of Imhof, back in the 1950. This clock is very rare and has been ...
Crystal, Bronze, Steel
Mid-Century German Space Age Alarm Clock from Mebus, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Space Age Alarm Clock from Mebus, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Pla...
Plastic
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
Large Brass Table World Time Zone Clock by Kundo / Kieninger & Obergfell, 1970s
By Kundo, Kieninger & Obergfell
Located in München, BY
Large modernist brass table world time clock by Kundo / Kieninger & Obergfell, West Germany circa 1970s. Beautiful clock with a large 9-inch round dial in white with a gold world ma...
Brass, Metal
Red Rhythm Alarm Clock, Japan, 1960s Atomic Design
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This alarm clock was produced by Rhythm in Japan during the 1960s and reflects the bold and streamlined aesthetics of the Atomic Age. The sculptural case is finished in glossy red, ...
Plastic
Mid Century Modern Howard MIller Jefferson Tabletop Clock Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern Howard MIller Jefferson tabletop clock. Finished in satin brass. Quartz movement. Tested and currently working without any issues. Includ...
Brass
Omodomo Mid-Century Modern Pendulum Clock in Crystal, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing pendulum clock by Omodomo in crystal. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition and it works perfectly with battery (quartz mechanism) Dimension: 7,87" x 3,14" x 1...
Crystal
1970s Astonishing Table Clock by Omodomo in Crystal. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing table clock by Omodomo in crystal. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition and it works perfectly with battery (quartz mechanism) Dimensions: 6,69 x 2,75 x 2,75 ...
Crystal
Brutalist clock by Art3, brass and aluminum, Spain, circa 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist clock designed and manufactured by the art3 brand in spain in the 1980s. Remarkable work of brass and aluminum. More than a clock, this object is a sculpture in i...
Aluminum, Brass