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.
Junghans 1950s Green‑White Ceramic Kitchen Clock with 8‑Day Movement & Timer
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Bochum, NRW
Junghans 1950s Ceramic Kitchen Clock with 60‑Minute Timer - Fully Serviced, Exceptional Condition Condition: Excellent, fully serviced, movements like new Dimensions (W × H × D): 26 ...
Brass
Max Bill White Wall Clock & Timer Mid-Century Modern, Junghans Germany, 1950s
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Max Bill
Located in Vienna, AT
An iconic minimalist Bauhaus-inspired wall clock and timer from the 1950s, designed by Max Bill and manufactured by Junghans, Germany. This beautiful and charming wall clock features an oval white ceramic case and the characteristically Max Bill clock...
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Birch & Brass Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Birch & Brass wall clock for Howard Miller. Materials: Birch Wood, Brass
Brass
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
Small mechanical original Mid Century Atlanta wall clock with 10-day movement
Located in München, DE
Small mechanical wall clock by Atlanta, original Mid-Century Modern. Made in Germany. Beautiful design in a compact size. With a 10-day movement. Fully functional and keeps precise t...
Brass
Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Vintage Wall mounted clock designed in the seventies by the Manufacture Junghaus, Germany, model Electora. The clock is in original...
Brass
French Ceramic Clock No. 01 by Jacques Poussine, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s ceramic wall clock by Jacques Poussine, produced at the Sant-Vicens workshop in Perpignan, France. The piece is formed in terracotta as a vertical panel in relief, structure...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Rare 1970s Vintage Howard Miller MCM Floating Lucite Wall Clock - Roman Numerals
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
This exceptionally rare vintage wall clock by the celebrated Howard Miller Clock Company is a phenomenal example of high-end Postmodern design. The clock features a unique, minimalist frame composed of a heavy-gauge clear Lucite (acrylic) C-shaped band. This outer ring is intentionally separated at the top and bottom, creating a striking architectural gap that frames the piece. Suspended inside the clear casing by small pins is an elegant, translucent inner dial fashioned from premium peach/copper-tinted acrylic. Rather than sitting on a surface, the clock is engineered to hang directly from its central black quartz movement housing, allowing the open Lucite frame to float weightlessly against the wall. In a bold design twist, the dial is printed with oversized, crisp white Roman numerals that appear to float mid-air, paired with sleek white hour and minute hands and a vibrant red sweeping second hand. Driven by a precision battery-operated quartz movement, this sculptural timekeeper beautifully bridges the gap between Space Age materials and 1980s Postmodern aesthetics. Can't find another example out there. Manufacturer: Howard Miller Clock Company (Zeeland, Michigan, USA) Designer Attribution: While many collectors automatically look for George Nelson when they see vintage Howard Miller lucite...
Metal
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Richter Quarz in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence....
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Wall Clock by Meister Anker in Brass, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, batt...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Junghans Ceramic Wall Clock, Germany 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional vintage wall clock by the renowned German manufacturer Junghans is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern "Rockabilly" era design. Crafted in Germany during ...
Brass
Swatch Wall Clock Maxi 1980s
By Swatch
Located in Čelinac, BA
Swatch wall clock maxi 1980s
Plastic
Junghans Germany Wall Clock, 1950
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, oval ceramic wall clock, attributed to Max Bill for Junghans Germany, 1950, with a Dual tone ceramic housing, powered by mechanical manual-winding clockwork, in fine working co...
Brass
$450Sale Price|30% Off
MCM Illuminated "Golden Guernsey Milk Products" Advertising Wall Clock c.1950
By Pam Clock Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original illuminated "Golden Guernsey Milk Products" advertising wall clock with a metal topper "Susquehanna Co-Op". The clock has a gray metal body, dome glass front and v...
Metal
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Metal
Organic Scandinavian Modern Mid-Century Wall Clock, Teak & Brass, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian-style wall clock from the 1950s. The clock impresses with its clean, organic design featuring elegantly curved and gently domed lines. The...
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 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
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Henry Dreyfuss Wall Clock
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Highly graphic chrome wall clock with classic 50's details. Sweeping hand movement on this wonderful clock designed by one the greatest industrial designers of this century.
Chrome
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
Junghans Pastel Yellow Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
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
Beautiful elegant heavy Mid Century Kienzle wall clock made of bronze and brass
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, very elegant and heavy 1960s Kienzle wall clock made of bronze and brass. Made in Germany. Very nice, typically minimalist Mid Century Kienzle design. With battery-opera...
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Wall Clock Atlanta Kienzle, Germany 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall clock Origin: Germany Producer: Atlanta Electric, Germany Age: 1950s Description: This original vintage wall clock was produced in the 1950s by the premium clock producer Atlanta Electric in Germany. The clock is original vintage and in a lovely condition with patina. The watch case is made from metal and brass. Minimalist and straightforward design of the 1950s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home. The watch body is its absolute original full working vintage condition, the clock works with a battery clock...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Wall Clock by Klenoty, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Wall clock made by Klenoty in Czechoslovakia in 1960s. Made of glass and brass. Fully functional.
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Sunburst Starburst Wall Clock, Germany, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning 1970s sunburst starburst Junghans wall clock. Made of heavy resin, gilded, with a junghans battery operated clockwork. working condition. Will look great on your wall. Nice ...
Resin
$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
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
Peter Electric wall clock, Germany, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
A ceramic wall clock with 7 rubies, manufactured by the historic brand Peter Electic, in the Mid-Century/Space Age style, featuring a rounded square "television" shape typical of the...
Enamel
Junghans Large Pink Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
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
Wall Clock " Atlanta ", Germany, around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Wall clock " Atlanta " germany, around 1960s Original condition of the case Battery operated, not mechanical.
Brass
Space Age Wall Clock by Diehl Electronic, 1970s, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of acrylic glass. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal
George Nelson Original Vintage Brass and Wood Ball Wall Clock
Located in Oceanside, US
An iconic Original Ball Wall Clock designed in 1947 by George Nelson Associates and produced by the Howard Miller Clock Company in Zeeland, Michigan. This early example features a ra...
Brass
Brutalist clock by David Marshall, bronze and aluminum, 1970, Spain
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and rare brutalist clock designed and made by david marshall in spain in the 1970s. Handcrafted structure in bronze and aluminum. Beautiful design object that will decorate yo...
Aluminum, Bronze
Antique Junghans Wall Clock in Walnut from the 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique wall clock manufactured by Junghans in the 1920s. The clock is made of dark walnut with a classic wooden case and decorative details characteristic of the period. A tradition...
Walnut
Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Electric Wall Clock,, Amazing colors,, wonderful patina,, retains original Howard Miller label,, Tested and...
Metal
Rare 1960s Mid-Century Modern Junghans Emerald Gold Ato-Mat S Desk Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
An exceptional and highly collectible mid-century modern desk clock manufactured by the prestigious German horologist Junghans in Schramberg, Germany, during the 1960s. This rare va...
Brass
Mid-century Brass Frame Wall Clock by Atlanta, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Brass Frame Wall Clock by Atlanta, 1960s, Germany It is working medium battery Measurements : 24 cm x 24 cm x 6 cm Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any que...
Brass
Round Modernist Blue Mosaic Wall Clock "Europa, " Germany, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid-century round wall clock featuring a brass frame, elegant brass hands and indices, and a stylish blue mosaic clock face. Manufactured in the 1950s by Europa, Germany, this cloc...
Stone, Marble, Brass, Metal
1970s Howard Miller Wall Clock designed by Arthur Umanoff Zebra Wood & Chrome
By Arthur Umanoff, Irving Harper, George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Miami, FL
This 1970s mid-century modern wall clock, designed by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller, features a striking Zebra Wood veneer, a polished chrome frame, and original George Nelson-style hands, making it a highly collectible decorative piece. The clock is model 616, created by Arthur Umanoff Associates in the 1970s for Howard Miller. It showcases a Zebra Wood veneer, referred to in the 1975/1976 Howard Miller catalog as "Leriex rosewood veneer," combined with chrome accents including the frame and hour markers. The hands are the original George Nelson-style metal hands, reflecting Umanoff’s mid-century modern aesthetic. This design harmonizes with other Vintage Retro Furniture pieces from the era, such as Peter Protzman desks...
Zebra Wood
Original Midcentury Tischuhr Uhr danish design skandi Teak 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne kleine Vintage Tischuhr aus den 1960er/70er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Korpus ist aus hochwertigem Teakholz gefertigt, während die Beschläge aus Messing ...
Teak
Arthur Umanoff Wall Clock Model 557, Walnut & Aluminum, 1970s
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
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
1970s Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller wall clock
By Herman Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller 1970s wall clock, model #588. Made of a walnut case, original red back, brushed aluminum clock face, brass Roman nu...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 522 Wall Clock, c. 1950s
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Model No. 522 wall clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Howard Miller. In good working condition. While Nelson’s iconic “Ball Clock” (Model 475...
Aluminum
$530 / item
Mid Century Modern Nautical Clock
Located in Nantucket, MA
This mid-century modern black metal and brass nautical clock came off of a decommissioned ship. In fact there were a number of them that would have been located in many parts of the...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brushed Aluminum & Bakelite Telechron Saucer Wall Clock Model 2H101
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and iconic Mid-Century Modernist "Saucer" wall clock, model 2H101, was designed by Telechron, a celebrated leader in American clockmaking. Dating to circa 1950, the clock ...
Aluminum
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
Original 1950s Sunburst wall clock by Atlanta made of brass and battery operated
Located in München, DE
Wonderful original 1950s Sunburst brass wall clock by Atlanta. Made in Germany. Very nice elaborate Mid Century design. Battery operated with Junghans clockwork mechanism. Dial witho...
Brass
Wall Clock Leather Brass, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wall clock made of leather and brass manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. The clock hangs with golden toned cords on a brass knob. A removable key is used for winding the move...
Brass
Antique Junghans Oak Wall Clock from the 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique wall / hanging clock by Junghans, crafted in oak from the 1920s. The clock has a classic appearance with a wooden case and is a decorative example of European clockmaking fro...
Oak
George Nelson for Howard Miller Model No. 622 Wall Clock, c. 1950s
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Model No. 622 wall clock designed by George Nelson & Associates, and manufactured by Howard Miller. In good working condition. While Nelson’s iconic “Ball Clock” (Model 475...
Aluminum
Monumental /Oversized Station / lobby NEON CLOCK mfg. by Electric Time Co.
By Electric Neon Clock Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental /Oversized Station / Lobby NEON CLOCK mfg. by Electric Time Co...Stunning example salvaged from Government Building Lobby.( TEXAS) Measuring nearly 4 feet in diameter,,Sle...
Metal
Original Mid Century Sunburst Atlanta Universe wall clock made of heavy brass
Located in München, DE
Beautiful original 1950s Sunburst Atlanta Univers wall clock made of heavy brass. Made in Germany. It has a mechanical seven-day movement. I have tested it extensively. It keeps tim...
Brass
Midcentury Rare Wall Clock Krups, Space Age Style, Germany, 1970s
By Krups
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - space age style
Plastic
Vintage Brass Barometer by Barigo Germany, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish pocket watch shaped barometer in a solid brass outer case, silver dial, concave glass front and a showcase mechanical movement. Designed in Germany during the 1960'erne. Th...
Brass
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
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
Kienzle Mid Century Space Age Modern Metal Battery Wall Clock Germany 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
This Kienzel wall clock with a Space Modern design was produced in the early 1960s. Its black thin metal body with the hour numbers in gold paint has one of the iconic shapes of t...
Metal
Original Max Bill for Junghans Ceramic Kitchen Clock – 1950s Design Icon
By Max Bill
Located in Vienna, AT
Presenting a rare and iconic piece of Mid-Century Modern design: the Max Bill kitchen clock, designed in 1956 for Junghans. This particular model is a true collector's gem, featuring...
Ceramic