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.
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock manufactured in 1979, Roman Numerals
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger-LeCoultre – Atmos clock with Roman numerals Switzerland Brass, glass Year of manufacture: 1979 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm Description: Atmos V Calibre 526 in ...
Brass
Fornasetti Glass Wall Clock, Italian Design, 1990s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous wall clock in glass by Fornasetti it's signed on the bottom. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition and it works perfectly with an AA battery (quartz mechanism by ...
Glass
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
1980s Cartier "Romane" 18K Gold Plated Alarm Clock with Original Box and Papers
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Romane pendulette (desk/alarm clock). A true testament to Swiss horological precision and French luxury design, this rare timepiece perfectly embodies the timeless soph...
Gold Plate
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
Travel leather Alarm Clock by Junghans, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
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
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
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
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
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
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 Chronoquartz desk or table clock with a domed glass and a 7“ diameter world map clocks face and world time zones....
Brass
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
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
Very beautiful small 1960s mechanical brass alarm clock table clock from Europa
Located in München, DE
Rare, beautiful, small, original 1960s mechanical brass table clock by Europa. It features a built-in 7-day mechanical movement with an alarm function. The clock runs very accurately...
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
Modernist Swiss Table Clock, Onyx & Brass - Paperweight Clock, Switzerland 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Swiss Table Clock, Onyx & Brass - Paperweight Clock, Switzerland 1970s Sculptural and elegant table clock made of onyx with a diamond-shaped design. Beautiful layers ...
Stone, Onyx, Brass
French Handstitched Brown Leather Clock, Jacques Adnet Attributed, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
French handstitched brown leather clock, Jacques Adnet attributed, 1950s.
Brass
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
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
French Mantel Clock In Bronze Decorated With Female Figure In Empire Style
Located in Lejre, DK
French bronze mantel clock from the 1820s. Empire style with female figure, radiant crown and book. Elegant and well-preserved clock from Paris. — Origin: France, Paris — Period: 18...
Bronze
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos III Mid Century Swiss Clock Caliber 526
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
This is a remarkable Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos III clock from the 1960s, a true icon of Swiss horology. Powered by the famous caliber 526, this mid-century piece carries an approximate ...
Metal
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
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
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
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
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette Lapis Lazuli. Made in Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Paris pendulette alarm clock. Clock case numbered 9819 02638. Masterfully crafted in Switzerland, this exquisite timepiece perfectly captures the era's luxury, featuri...
Lapis Lazuli
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
very rare universal geneve "big eye" uni compax.
Located in Munich, DE
very rare universal big eye ref. 84100/01. the rarest universal chronograph around. made for 4 years and not more than 200 pieces with black and white dial. a true icon.....
Steel
$326Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Mid Century Modern Freestanding Clock By Prim, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By PRIM Clocks
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautiful and rare freestanding table clock, produced in Czechoslovakia by the renowned Prim company during the 1960s. This exceptional example of Mid-Century Modern design feature...
Aluminum
1960s Atlanta Brass Zodiak Table Clock – Vintage Astrological Design
By Atlanta Clock Co., Atlanta Electric
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
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Rosewood Square Desk Clock for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
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
$157Sale Price|30% Off
CYMA WATCH COMPANY - Vintage Alarm Clock - 11 Jewels - Swiss Made - Circa 1950's
By CYMA Watch Co.
Located in Chatham, ON
CYMA WATCH COMPANY - Brass alarm clock - Swiss made - circa 1950's. Features include - manual wind - alarm stop on top and back - 11 jewels - separ...
Brass
$1,540Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Imhof for Saks Fifth Avenue Circular Brass Desk Clock Switzerland, 1960s
By Arthur Imhof, Saks Fifth Avenue
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
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 American Modernist Staved Walnut Square Wall Clock with Date Window
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern square wall clock in staved walnut with modernist white plastic and brass hour and minute hands (ca. 1970s, USA). Simple, modernist form lacking numeral markers bu...
Brass
Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
By Cenedese, Seguso, Barovier&Toso, Venini
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
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
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
1970s Handcrafted Laminated Wood Desk Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning example of 1970s studio craft, this handmade desk clock showcases the era's celebration of natural materials and artisan techniques. Crafted from alternating strips of lig...
Teak, Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 desk clock
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jaeger LeCoultre desk clock 1952 model (very rare) 8-day winding Mid-century style Swiss origin circa 1950 Perfectly working Some wear on the patina due to use Jaeger-LeCoultre is a ...
Metal
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Clock "Embassy" - Flamed Red - Manufactured in 1977
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger-LeCoultre – Atmos clock - red flamed Switzerland Gold-plated brass Year of manufacture: 1977 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 17 x 11 cm Description: A rare Atmos VII ‘Embassy’ ...
Brass
Pink & Clear Hourglass Murano Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
By Cenedese, Barovier&Toso, Seguso, Venini
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
Mid-Century Brass Zodiac Wall, Table or Mantel Clock, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful heavy Mid-Century Modern brass desk clock with a brass clocks face. Executed in the 1960s by an german manufacturer. we think Movement was...
Metal, Brass
Howard Miller Desk Clock by Design Office of George Nelson
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for The Design Office of George Nelson for Howard Miller Rosewood Desk or Table Clock. In great shape and running flawlessly! Been in use for about 6 months on my de...
Chrome
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
Handmade Murano Clear Studio Art Glass Hourglass in the Style of Venini
By Venini, Seguso, Cenedese, Barovier&Toso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite handmade hourglass showcases the timeless elegance of Murano studio art glass, crafted with crystal-clear precision. The sleek, minimalist design features two perfectl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Jaeger-LeCoultre Marina Timepiece.
Located in Amersham, GB
A rare inline skeleton timepiece by Jaeger-LeCoultre, with a gilded 16 jewel ‘baguette’ eight day movement. The case is made of Lucite a crystal clear type of acrylic that has been h...
Brass
$429Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Decorative Clock, Czechoslovakia, 1960's.
Located in Praha, CZ
A beautiful Brass wind-up clock with Roman numerals Made of glass, plastic, brass, metal Fully functional Beautiful decoration Good condition with aging patina
Metal, Brass
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
1980 Particular Italian Clock Thick Glass Remember Ettore Sottsass Red Color
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Particular Italian clock in very thick glass remember Ettore Sottsass red color, quartz machinery.
Art Glass
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