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.
Fratelli Toso Murano Glass Paperweight, Bullicante and Silver, 1960s
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Fratelli Toso Murano glass paperweight, dating from the 1960s, combines bullicante decoration with red and green glass and silver inclusions. Of tall cylindrical form, the pape...
Silver Leaf
Millefiori Glass Paperweight by Perthshire, Crieff Scotland, circa 1970's
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handmade Millefiori collectors Paperweight, made by the Scottish maker, Perthshire of Crieff, Circa 1970's. This paperweight is handmade with a mixed Millefiori...
Glass
Georgous Big Dolphin and Fish Sea Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some blue dolphins and fishes with a Coral Reef inside, floating on controlle...
Murano Glass
Italian Alabaster Marble Sphere
Located in New York, NY
An Italian moss green and black alabaster marble decorative object sphere, Italian Midcentury Modern to '70 Modern design periods, circa mid to late 20th century, 1960s, 1970s, Italy...
Alabaster, Marble
Brass Four Leaf Clover Paperweight with Inscription
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage brass four leaf clover paperweight with inscription, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x .25"H. A very cool and unique piec...
Brass
Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.
Metal
$659Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Aquarium Art Glass Paperweight with Fish, Italy 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Exceptional Murano art glass paperweight featuring an aquarium-style underwater scene with suspended tropical fish and richly colored abstract marine décor. Handblown in Italy during...
Art Glass
Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.
Art Glass, Murrine
Murano Glass Paperweight With Swirl Tornado Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....
Murano Glass
Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Horse Head Magnifying Glass c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and grand vintage desk-top magnifying glass / loupe made with it's beautifully cast Hermes Horse head handle, lovely quality to be expected from this most famous of lux...
Silver Plate
$104Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian yellow marble mushroom, 1960s
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage Italian marble mushroom in buttercup yellow with charcoal veining, 1960s. Fab as paperweight or objet d’art. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 3.25”...
Alabaster
Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic spherical shaped paperweight made mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the ...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Murano Art Glass Swimming Fish Aquarium Italian Vintage Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso swimming fish aquarium Italian art glass paperweight / sculpture. The piece is created in the manner of designer Riccardo Licata and the ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Oversized Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage oversized diamond solitaire engagement ring paperweight, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4"W x 3.25"D x 2.25"H. A very cool and unique p...
Brass
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Purple Flowers Glass Italian Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown royal blue and white mini spots, with purple and white millefiori flower murrines Italian art glass paperweight. Documented to the Fratelli Toso c...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Murano Art Glass Multi Color Spiral Paperweight Sculpture, Italy 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful abstract Murano blown glass sculpture. Artist unknown. Italy, 1960s This art glass paperweight sculpture has an eye-catching design with spiral shape standing on a clear gl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Murano Italian Art Glass Parrots Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Huge red and yellow hand blown pulled Murano glass sculpture of two parrots perched on glass branches. Italy, 1960s. The sculpture is well executed with the Sommerso and Murrine gla...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A handmade paperweight in the shape of a sleigh bell, model #5039, originally designed by Carl Aubock III back in the 1960s. A very charming piece, reissued by Werkstätte Auböck...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Brass
Crystal Ball Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A substantial 4.5-inch crystal paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating a mesmerizing sense of depth and movement within the glass. The clarity and weight of the...
Art Glass
Murano glass aquarium bloc by Alfredo Barbini for Cenedese, 1950s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Splendid Murano glass aquarium by Alfredo Barbini for Cenedese. Production of the 1950s. Excellent conditions. Intact in all parts.
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Millefiori Paperweight, Italy, 1970's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Murano Glass Millefiori Paperweight, Italy, 1970's paper label on the underside "hold down those boring papers with a little excitement" In very good vintage as found condition. (s...
Art Glass
Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960
Located in Palermo, PA
This stunning paperweight features a beautiful design with air bubbles suspended within the glass. The inside bottom of the piece is made of rich blue glass, where the bubbles are ca...
Murano Glass
Seguso Murano Italian Art Glass Sommerso Green Bunny Rabbit Figurine Sculpture
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Summers emerald tree and golden honey color Italian art glass bunny rabbit figurine sculpture. The piece is attributed to designer Archimede Segus...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Pop Art "Coca Cola"/ Coke Bottle in Lucite Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A really fun pop art "Coca Cola" / Coke bottle in lucite sculpture / paperweight, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in good vintage condition with minor markings and crazing due to age;...
Lucite
Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4751 'Paperclip' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkst...
Brass
$742Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Ysart Millefiori Paperweight, Dark Glass with PY cane, Handmade in Scotland
By Paul Ysart
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handmade concentric Millefiori, PY cane, Dark Glass Paperweight made by Paul Ysart in Scotland, during his early period, Circa 1930s. ...
Glass
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Brass
Big Murano Glass Paperweight Bubbles inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano Hand-Blown Italian Art Glass Paperweight A stunning example of traditional Murano craftsmanship, this hand-blown Italian art glass paperweight showcases the timeles...
Murano Glass
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Salviati Murano Sommerso Blue Green Italian Art Glass Snail Figure Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso emerald green with bubbles, and sapphire blue Italian art glass snail sculpture. The piece is documented to the Salviati comp...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Uranium Glass
Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstät...
Brass
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Red Marble Apple Paperweight with Brass Stem
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid red marble with brass accent stem apple paperweight or sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and ...
Marble
Fornasetti Porcelain Paperweight with Butterflies, Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1950s Astonishing rare porcelain paperweight designed by Piero Fornasetti with butterflies. Handmade.Made in Italy. Heavy ceramic construction for use as beautiful desk accessories. ...
Ceramic
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight Executed in nickel-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is han...
Iron, Nickel
Brass Desk Paperweight in original wooden Box, byWerkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass desk paperweight by Werkstätten Carl Auböck, preserved in its original wooden presentation box printed “la plume de ma tante.” The object is formed as a long, faceted shaft w...
Brass
Large Murano Glass Paperweight with Internal Bubbles and Swirls
Located in Rochester, NY
Vintage colorful Italian glass paperweight.
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Glass Paperweight, Fratelli Toso Bullicante Murrine Sphere, Italy, 1960s
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Murano glass paperweight by Fratelli Toso, produced in Italy during the 1960s, features a spherical form combining bullicante bubbles, ribbon canes, aventurine detailing, and a ...
Murano Glass, Murrine
Modern Resin Sculpture and Paperweight, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French decorative sculpture and paperweight dating from the 1970s, crafted from translucent resin in a striking cubic form. The piece features layered horizontal bands in shades of y...
Resin
Vintage Scorpion in Lucite Dome Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking vintage lucite paperweight featuring a genuine preserved scorpion dramatically suspended within a polished black dome. The dark background creates a museum-like presentati...
Lucite
Blue Crystal Glass Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful blue glass paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating depth, movement, and a captivating play of light within th...
Art Glass
Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Flower inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Paperweight by A. Seguso, Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
This fantastic spherical paperweight is made of hand-blown Murano glass and features air bubbles trapped within. A rare piece, it was designed for a special occasion in Italy during ...
Murano Glass
Mid Century Dandelion Flower Lucite Paperweight by Gumps USA 1960s
By Gumps
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a vintage mid-century dandelion flower encased in lucite paperweight made by Gumps USA in the 1960s. It is a perfect decorative piece of art for a desk or mid-century inspire...
Lucite
Vintage 1960s Murano Glass 'Tutti Frutti' Paperweight by AVEM
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. This paperweight is made in Murano glass. It is a "Tutti frutti" model. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be con...
Murano Glass
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5072 'Chain' polished brass paperweight. Executed in brass-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is...
Brass, Iron
Set of 9 Signed Vasa Mihich Lucite Laminated Op-Art Cube Sculptures Dated 1989
By Shlomi Haziza, Vasa Velizar Mihich
Located in St. Louis, MO
Faceted colorful & playful set of nine Lucite Vasa Mihich cube sculptures, one is signed Vasa and dated '89. 2" square blocks of colors, change at angles of play of light into differ...
Lucite
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Floating Pennies in Lucite Cube Paperweight in the Style of William Rolfe
Located in San Diego, CA
Floating pennies in lucite cube paperweight in the style of William Rolfe, circa 1980s. The pice is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.5"W...
Lucite
Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Base Collectible Art Glass
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Collectible Art Glass. Beautiful heavy large glass paperweight featuring yellow ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960
Located in Palermo, PA
This elegant Murano glass paperweight features a clear, transparent design with a delicate light blue flower inside. Small, subtle air bubbles are suspended within the glass, adding ...
Murano Glass
Andy Warhol Paperweight by Rosenthal Germany
By Andy Warhol
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Very nice paperweight by Rosenthal Germany
Glass
Glass Paper Weight with Infused Floating Bubbles in the Style of Murano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful large round glass paperweight infused with multiple suspended bubbles, creating captivating depth and movement within the sphere. The bubbles catch and refract light beau...
Blown Glass
Daum France Cobalt Blue Pate de Verre Cactus Flower Paperweight Sculpture, 1970s
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pate de verre frosted crystal flower paperweight or decorative sculpture is by Daum, France, and was hand-made circa 1970. The sculpture features a lovely cactus flower...
Crystal
Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Paperweight
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic mid-century Italian marble paperweight with yellow glass eyes. Carved beautifully. Measures 3” x 3”. Circa 1960’s
Marble
One Mid-Century Modern Faceted Glass Diamond Shaped Figurine Paperweight Desk
By Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Venini
Located in Miami, FL
One Mid-Century Modern faceted glass diamond shaped magnifying paperweight, Figurine, Sculpture or Desk accessory. In good condition no chips, light scratches to the faceted glass. ...
Art Glass
1960 Lino Sabattini Christofle Design Silver Metal Paperweight
Located in Brescia, IT
Paperweight Lino Sabattini for Christofle France 1960 Silver Metal Mark manufacture impressed Very good condiction
Metal
Dice Aluminum Metal Sculpture or Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A german vintage aluminum paperweight or sculpture featuring a dice balanced on one corner. Art Deco style, inspired by the 1930s designs of Edgar Brandt. A minimalist dice sculpture...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Dice Steel Metal Sculpture or Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage German Steel Dice Paperweight (Art Deco Style, c. Mid-20th Century) A striking minimalist sculpture and paperweight, this German steel cube features a single dice form balan...
Metal, Steel
Vintage Italian Onyx & Alabaster Pencil Stand Paperweight, 1960s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
A masterclass in understated Italian Modernism, this vintage onyx and alabaster pencil stand from the 1960s transforms an everyday desk accessory into a sculptural design object. Exp...
Onyx
1960s Murano Sommerso Art Glass Apple Pear Bookends Italy
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Alfredo Barbini
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Murano Art Glass Apple and Pear Bookends or Paperweights set of two glass artist Alfredo Barbini Murano Sommerso Italy Pear 7 h x 4 diameter Apple ...
Art Glass