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.
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Tiffany. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Tiffany! ...
Sterling Silver
1990s Barovier Style Art Deco Grey Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A grey Murano glass picture frame designed and manufactured in Venice in the style of Barovier, it's in lovely condition. The vintage photo frame is a beautiful and elegant piece of ...
Brass
Dior Round Photo Frame in Golden Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Italy, 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning round picture frame made of golden brass and Lucite, enriched inside with Vienna straw. This incredibly stylish photo frame is attributed to a Dior Home design and was produ...
Brass
Vintage Murano Glass Dressing Table/Vanity Mirror, Italy, Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Murano glass - dressing table/vanity mirror - all original fittings with silver leaf backed mirror - finished and hinged wood easel back (can be wall mounted) - unsigned - ...
Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood
Midcentury Rounded Picture Frame Made in Silver Plate and Teak, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer an elegant circular picture frame, almost certainly made in Italy between 1960 and 1970. This vintage round frame is crafted in silver plate with a mahogany-v...
Silver Plate
Midcentury Brass and Lucite Swivel Picture Frame Paul Lobel Style, Italy 1950s
By Paul Lobel
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing swivel double picture frame in brass and lucite in the style of Paul Lobel. The double frame swivels and is double-sided. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Team Guzzini Italy Modernist Lucite and Wicker Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Guzzini, Team Guzzini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Team Guzzini, Italy, designed this stunning modernist picture frame, which was crafted circa 1970. The rare photo frame boasts a reverse "V" shape with a large, rounded picture view....
Rattan, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Wicker
$4,697Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Large Pair Murano / Venini Torchon Picture Frames, c.1950
By Venini
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and very large pair of vintage Italian Venini photograph frames, extremely heavy and in beautiful condition. The twisted glass is flecked with gold with gilded brass fittings....
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Murano Blown Glass and Brass Photo Frame by Tommaso Barbi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Italian Murano blown glass and brass photo frame by Tommaso Barbi from 1970's. The glass is handmade, blown, transparent with brass frame and leg. Signed Tommaso Barbi made i...
Brass
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Nickel
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Dior Picture Frame in Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful picture frame made of golden brass and clear lucite, enriched with Vienna straw. This lovely folding frame is attributed to Dior Home and was produced in Italy in the earl...
Metal, Brass
$411Sale Price|30% Off
Photo frame in decorated crystal and Brass Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Photo frame in decorated crystal and brass Italian Design 1970s.
Crystal, Brass
Midcentury Steel Picture Frame by Felice Antonio Botta, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangulare picture frame in steel, wood and glass with eight photo by Felice Antonio Botta. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attac...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Vintage French Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive French gilt gold art frame with liner found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and wou...
Gold
Midcentury Picture Frame in Curved Leather and Glass, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful picture frame in curved brown leather, glass and details in brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Gold Gilt Wood Art Frame w Liner
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fabulous wooden rectangular decorative frame with fantastic gilt.. This ornate frame has its original brown velvet liner which will accommodate artwork 10 to 10.5 inches wide by 8 in...
Wood, Velvet
Umberto Mascagni Shiny Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this stunning picture frame. The piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The piece boasts shiny gilded aluminum with a bronze-c...
Metal, Aluminum
1970s Mid-Century Modern Silver plated and Cork Picture Frame by F. A. Botta
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a striking 1970s Mid-Century Modern picture frame designed by Felice Antonio Botta. It features a distinctive combination of materials and geometric composition that captures...
Silver Plate
Mid Century Montagnani Italy Metal and Walnut Wood Picture Frame
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame circa 1970. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with burl walnut wood geometric veneer complem...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
1960s Italian Square Chrome Photo Frame
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A gorgeous small 1960s Italian photo frame made in chrome. The frame itself is square but the aperture for displaying a photo is a circle. An iconic 1960s design in good condition.
Chrome
Midcentury Rattan, Wicker and Glass Rectangular Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular picture frame in rattan, wicker and glass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home.
Wicker, Rattan, Glass, Wood, Bamboo
Italian Florentine Black Gold Gilded Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Florentine black and gold gilded frame with intricate detail throughout. Sturdy and beautiful, this frame is ready for a picture and certainly captures that European vibe...
Wood, Giltwood
1960s MCM MOD OP-Art Chrome Base & Lucite Spinning Photo Prism Cube Sculpture
By Victor Vasarely, Alessio Tasca
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage 1960s Mod OP Art Lucite & chrome base Photo Prism kinetic sculpture designed by Bob Cornell Creations. The photo frame brochure (not included), says its a fine precision ...
Chrome
Midcentury Brass and Glass Picture Frame Paul Lobel Style, Italy 1950s
By Paul Lobel
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing large rectangular picture frame in brass and glass in the style of Paul Lobel. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Italian Picture Frame in Lucite and Rattan, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist Lucite and rattan picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. This exceptional, rare piece boasts an "L" shape with an extra-thick, Lucite sl...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Wicker, Rattan
Italian Lucite, Rattan and Gilded Aluminum Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative picture photo frame is perfect for a living space or vanity. The frame features a rounded shape with clear Lucite and rattan or wicker cane work. The rattan ...
Metal, Aluminum
1960s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Smoked Glass Luxury Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This sophisticated Italian picture frame is a prime example of 1970s luxury design, blending the structural elegance of the Mid-Century Modern movement with the bold materiality of t...
Brass
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Max Ingrand brass and glass picture frame for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte, Model 1371. Italy 1960s
Brass
Umberto Mascagni Geometric Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni, based in Bologna, designed this exquisite picture frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts gilded aluminum with a frosted geometric pattern. The back a...
Metal, Aluminum
Signed Christofle Tortoiseshell Plexiglass and Brass Photo Frame, France, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare photo frame made of beautiful tortoiseshell-effect lucite and polished brass. This stunning decorative piece was produced in France during the 1970s by Christofle ...
Brass
Romeo Rega Chrome and Brass Rectangular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century picture frame in chrome-plated metal and brass. This stylish piece was designed by Romeo Rega and produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fully original and in amaz...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Green Leather Photo Frame France
Located in Munich, DE
This elegant desktop green leather photo frame was created in France in the middle of the 20th century. The convex curved green leather front is highlighted by white ornamental stitc...
Leather
French Space Age Green Glass Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French Space Age green glass picture frame features a round domed design with a kinetic effect. The piece was crafted circa 1970. The easel and the back are covered wit...
Glass, Art Glass
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass Wooden Picture Frame for Il Sestante, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Il Sestante
Located in Turin, Turin
Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...
Glass, Wood
Small Italian Round Painted Florentine Gilt Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Italian blue painted wood art frame. Very detailed and charming art frame to add to a collection. Marked on the back, Made in Italy.
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Photo frame Decorative Object Silver Plated Brass Mid-Century Modern Italy 1960
Located in Palermo, IT
Rectangular photo frame made with a silver-plated brass frame and embossed decorations. Made in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s. The back is also elegant, covered in smooth velvet. Plea...
Brass
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...
Brass
Mid Century Montagnani Walnut Wood and Metal Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. The photo frame Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut wood geom...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
$187Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Elegant Silver Plate Vintage Picture Frame Rectangular
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern elegant silver plate vintage picture frame Rectangular shape. New glass. Black velvet finish on the ...
Silver Plate
20th Century, Gabriella Crespi Round Photo Frame in Brass, 70s
Located in Turin, Turin
Born in 1922, Gabriella Crespi studies architecture at the Politecnico in Milan, where her work is permeated by her perspective on Le Corbusier’s and Frank Lloyd Wright’s design expe...
Brass
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Sterling Silver
Dunhill Vintage Mid-Century Boxed Leather Easel-Back Picture Frame
By Dunhill
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine vintage mid-century style leather easel-back picture frame by Dunhill and dating from the 20th century. The frame is of square form with rounded corners and is leather fronted...
Leather, Glass, Wood
Large tabletop picture frame with a back stand and a wide metal border featuring
Located in New York, NY
Large tabletop picture frame with a back stand and a wide metal border featuring a slightly convex surface. A decorative piece that beautifully highlights photographs or small artworks.
Metal
Italian Florentine Venetian Gold Gilt Wood Art Frame Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
In our travels we come across a lot of amazing gilt frames. When we saw this particular one, we were in awe!! This Florentine gold gilded frame, featuring its intricate carvings, is ...
Wood, Giltwood
Vintage Italian Faux Turtle Shell Lucite Mirror/Photo Frame, 1970's.
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large vintage Italian frame created in curved faux turtle shell imitation lucite, from 1970's. Central part is with mirror in chrome frame. Mirror can be easily changed for the use ...
Chrome
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Mid-century Modern Mirror and Glass Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian Mirror and Glass Picture Frame Add a touch of 1970s Italian glamour to your home with this striking and unique vintage picture frame. This piece embo...
Glass, Mirror
Italian Florentine Venetian Gold Gilt Wood Art Frame Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
In our travels we come across a lot of amazing gilt frames. When we saw this particular one, we were in awe!! This Florentine gold gilded frame, featuring its intricate carvings, is ...
Wood, Giltwood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Glass Picture Frame by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A perfectly preserved mirrored glass rectangular picture frame designed and manufactured by Fontana Arte, one of the leading manufacturers of Mid-Century Modern design in Italy. The ...
Cut Glass, Mirror
Christian Dior Paris Tortoiseshell Lucite Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior picture frame is a true masterpiece from the esteemed Christian Dior Interior Collection, circa 1970. Designed with sophistication in mind, this rare fr...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Double Twisted Lanyard Tabletop Picture Frame in style of Murano Venini Vintage
Mid-Century Italian Smoked Pink Lucite Photo Frame, Dior Home, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large photo frame made from a single curved piece of smoked pink lucite and completed with a thick clear lucite front. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy d...
Lucite
Large Photo Frame in Chrome, Lucite and Vienna Straw, Willy Rizzo, Italy 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century rectangular picture frame made of clear lucite, Vienna straw, and chrome-plated metal. This incredibly stylish photo frame was produced in Italy during the 1970...
Chrome
Petite Vintage Brass Pig Picture Frame, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous petite picture frame showing a pink pig. No restoration has been carried out on this charming little piece, which remains in nice functioning condition, wear is consistent...
Metal
$901Sale Price|55% Off
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant Gabriella Crespi Circular Photo Frame, Italy, 1970s Renowned for her elegant and sculptural designs, Gabriella Crespi has excelled yet again with this sophisticated piece....
Nickel
Mid-Century Modernist Enamel and Metal Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This outstanding Mid-Century picture frame was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The stunning easel-type table photo holder features enamel on copper in a green color and chromed metal fr...
Metal, Chrome, Copper, Enamel
Vintage Mirror Glass Photograph Frame. English 1950's
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Stylish mirror glass photograph frame Decorative bevelled detail to the edges Slight silver loss top right corner. No chips to the glass Good clean back Free UK shipping
Glass, Mirror
Christian Dior Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century photo frame in curved lucite with a beautiful tortoiseshell effect and brass. This charming piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to a Chris...
Brass
Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous photo frame in lucite with a stunning tortoiseshell effect. This elegant piece was produced in Italy in the 1970s. This stunning piece is perfect to enhance a modern studio...
Lucite, Plexiglass