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.
Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory, 1960
By Hermès, Jean Cocteau
Located in Vienna, AT
Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory This vintage Hermès "Eye of Cleopatra" (Œil de Cléopâtre) magnifying glass is an e...
Silver Plate, Brass
Sculptural Bronze Paperweight by Monique Gerber, France, Circa 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined sculptural bronze paperweight or ashtray by French artist Monique Gerber, dating from circa 1970. The piece is elegantly shaped as a single daisy petal, with its recessed c...
Bronze
Mid-Century Italian Brass "Question Mark" Magnifying Glass
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid-Century Italian brass "Question Mark" magnifying glass.
Brass
Christian Dior Signed 1960s Italian Silver Plated Fish Paper Clip / Photo Holder
Located in London, GB
A luxurious, very rare and excellent quality silver plated mid century modern paper clip or letter holder in the form of a fish, designed and made in Milan, Italy for Christian Dior ...
Silver Plate
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
English Pencil Holder, Tin Desk Accessory Mid Century, Hunting Scene by L. Clare
Located in Andernach, DE
Luxuriously designed English pencil holder or waste paper bin in a dark chocolate brown finished metal, decorated with a print of an antique country hunting scene. Both rims of the h...
Sheet Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Teak Color: Brown Style: Mid-Ce...
Metal
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
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
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
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Vintage 1980's TeleConcepts Acrylic Lucite & Chrome Telephone Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Great 1980's acrylic lucite and chrome telephone made by TeleConcepts. The phone works great and has a wonderful design and form. This is a push button version. Read to plug in and u...
Chrome
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...
Brass
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
Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Gutemberg" in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. The motif of this phone is aweso...
Plastic
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
Adorable, Pedigree French Poodle, Toffee Glaze Ceramic Figurine, Vallauris 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Sporting a 'Dutch Cut' to his coat, this adorable ceramic poodle stands tall and proud Collar and feet are gilded, the glaze is a delicious toffee caramel colour and the eyes are pin...
Ceramic
1983 Think Big NYC Giant Plaster Life Saver Sculpture Film Prop Provenance
Located in St. Louis, MO
An iconic piece of 1980s Pop Art Americana, this oversized plaster Life Saver candy sculpture was produced in 1983 by the famous New York City novelty firm Think Big! NYC. Founded by Phyllis Prinz and Bob Eisemann, Think Big! specialized in scaling up everyday household items into whimsical, oversized Pop Art sculptures. Coming soon , also have a ruler and note pad by them too. Cast in solid white plaster, the piece replicates the classic ring candy with crisp embossed lettering reading "LIFE SAVERS" across the concave top face. It features its original copyright imprint along the outer edge reading © 1983 THINK BIG! NYC. Adding remarkable historical provenance, the underside retains its original felt lining bearing labels for David Berman Films / Houston (2431 Bartlett, Houston, TX), indicating its past life as a film production studio prop or decorative desk accessory. Diameter: 6.75" Height: 2" Details: Maker: Think Big! NYC Period: Dated 1983 Style: Pop Art / Novelty Sculpture / Desktop Object Materials: Cast Plaster, Felt Base Provenance: David Berman Films / Houston (Original studio labels intact) Markings: Stamped © 1983 THINK BIG! NYC on edge; labeled on verso Very good vintage condition. Plaster body remains solid with clean, raised lettering. Exhibits minor age-appropriate surface wear, light scuffs, and small fleabites/nicks consistent with vintage plaster desk objects. Bottom felt and production studio provenance labels are well-preserved. Pricing & Market Context for 1stdibs Think Big! NYC objects have a strong cult following among Pop Art collectors and interior designers looking for playful desk and bookshelf accents. Smaller desktop plaster pieces from the firm command solid prices, particularly with film provenance attached. Keywords: Think Big NYC Life Saver, 1983 Think Big plaster, giant Life Saver sculpture, Pop Art desk sculpture, oversized Life Saver candy, vintage film prop...
Plaster
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
Wooden Letter Holder, France, 1940s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant wooden desk letter holder, crafted from veneer with contrasting grain patterns that highlight the material's rich character. Its three-tiered design allows for the easy or...
Wood
$114Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.
Brass
Mid Century Large Bent Plywood Multi Level Letter Paper Desk Tray
By Abel Sorenson, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
Multi-level bent ply desk tray. Walnut with brass supporting rods. A well made and designed statement piece for your desk Unsigned. 1950s
Walnut
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Brass
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
By Florence Knoll, Annemarie Davidson
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
Enamel
Vintage Olivetti Red Typewriter & Case Model "Valentine" by Ettore Sottsass
By Perry King, Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very collectible Mid-Century Modern “Valentine” portable typewriter, with durable plastic storage case both in red. The Olivetti Valentine portable typewriter was designed by Perry K...
Metal
$269Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small
Located in London, GB
Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...
Ceramic
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
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
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
Original Vintage 'Giglio' Letter Opener by Enzo Mari. Danese Milano. Italy, 1985
By Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Malmö, SE
Original 'Giglio' Letter Opener in Stainless Steel. Designed by Enzo Mari and produced by Danese Milano 1985. Great original condition. Stamped with makers mark. Artist-designer ...
Stainless Steel
$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
1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A fake tortoise lucite italian smoking set composed by an ashtray, a cigarette box and a lighter not tested. Box side dimension is 12 cm, ashtray side ...
Metal
$293Sale Price|20% Off
Tesla T65S Rotary Telephone from Czechoslovakia 1966
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
A distinctive Tesla T65S rotary telephone, model 3FP 120 43, dating from November 1966 and produced in former Czechoslovakia. The telephone features an elegant ivory-colored plastic ...
Metal, Chrome
Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone 1st model in production called Candy. It's in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true p...
Plastic
$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
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
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Brass, Nickel
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
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
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
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
$275 / set
Pair of Vintage Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of geode bookends with vibrant puple and white coloring, circa 1990s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 8"W 3.5"D 4.5"H. #4122
Rock Crystal
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 Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
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
MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural mid-century modern modular desk organizer by Karl Deyhle, produced in Germany circa the 1960s. Executed in vibrant red molded plastic, the set comprises multiple cylindric...
Metal
Brutalist lighter by Art3, Brass and aluminum, 1970, Spain
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and rare brutalist lighter designed and made by art3 in spain in the 1970s. Handcrafted structure in brass and aluminum. Beautiful designer object that will decorate your inte...
Aluminum, Brass
Machine Age Art Deco Streamline Electro-Pointer Bakelite Pencil Sharpener
By Edward C. Hoffmann, Stile Craft Manufacturers 1
Located in St. Louis, MO
An iconic piece of American Machine Age industrial design, the Electro-Pointer electric pencil sharpener was designed by Edward C. Hoffmann (circa 1941–1943) for Triple E Products Co...
Metal
$961Sale Price|20% Off
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 Black Clear Duck Sculpture Art Glass Paperweight with Silver Flecks
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Murano glass duck figure / paperweight / sculpture. Manufactured by Formia Murano, Italy, 1960s. Black glass and clear glass richly decorated by silver flecks thorough. ...
Silver Leaf
Porcelain Jewelry Dish Rosenthal Studio-Line by Designer Raymond Peynet
Located in New York, NY
A German white porcelain jewelry dish with whimsical design by designer Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Midcentury Modern period, circa mid-20th century, Germany. Dish show...
Porcelain
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass, Nickel
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Pulegoso Green Gold Italian Art Glass Perfume Bottle
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown green and gold flecks Italian art glass perfume scent bottle. Documented to the Seguso Vetri d'Arte company, circa 1930-40s. Unsure of t...
Gold Leaf
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
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
Fontana Arte Soliflore Vase Model 2393, Crystal & Brass, Circa 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
FontanaArte is an Italian company founded in Milan (as Fontana Arte) in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti and specializing in glass processing and the production of furnishing accessories. It is known for working with curved crystal and producing lighting fixtures, becoming a prominent name in Italian design over the years. Here we have a vertical "Soliflore" vase model 2393 in thick crystal and nickel-plated brass by Fontana Arte designed in 50s. This decorative object is a perfect idea for a gift (wedding, graduation, new born...
Brass
Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Lens
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera With a Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Fixed Lens With Original Grey Leather Case Comes additionally with the original flash and flash cas...
Metal
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass