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.
Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a refined mid-20th century tabletop frame, an object that combines modern taste with a charming retro appeal. It makes a perfect gift for tennis enth...
Silver Plate, Pewter
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
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
Fontana Arte Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and incredibly rare photo frame in chiseled Nile green crystal and solid brass, designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1950s. Fully ori...
Crystal, Brass
1960s Signed Fontana Arte Glass Picture Frame
By Fontana Arte
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A wonderful find. This perfectly designed heavy glass picture frame in hand-blown turquoise glass was made by Fontana Arte in the 1960s and was found here in Italy. It is signed on t...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
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
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
Modernist Chrome and Horn Inlaid Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. The photo frame has an exceptional combination of materials that come together to create a sophisticated de...
Metal, Chrome
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
Gucci Italy Cognac Leather and Brushed Aluminum Picture Frame, circa 1980
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
House of Gucci designed this exceptional picture frame in Italy, circa 1980. It is crafted in timeless, elegant golden‑brown cognac calfskin leather with a refined textured pattern. ...
Metal, Aluminum
Photo frame Decorative Object Brass Aluminum Mid-Century Modern Design Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning frame, made in Italy around 1970. The frame has a mid-century modernist design, featuring a rectangular form and a geometric wood veneer complemented by polished gold alum...
Aluminum, Brass
$4,738Sale 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
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
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
Vintage Mid-20th Century Tortoiseshell Picture Photo Frame, Italy 50s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an elegant antique frame dating back to around the 1950s, crafted in tortoiseshell and soft dark rust-colored velvet. In this mid-20th century piece...
Tortoise Shell, Glass
$1,800
Clear Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 13 inches / width: 10 inches / depth: 2 inches For photo siz...
Brass
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
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
Pietro Chiesa per Fontana Arte cornice portafoto n. 1370
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Palermo, IT
Eleganza senza tempo racchiusa in un set di cornici portafoto disegnate da Pietro Chiesa per Fontana arte. mod 1370\1 composto da una fascia in ottone, che nella sua curvatura manti...
Brass
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
Gucci, Italy Leather Picture Frame with Pierced Design, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Gucci Sage Green Calfskin Leather Picture Frame, Italy, circa 1970 — A Collector's Piece of Italian Design Heritage Infuse your exclusive interior with timeless sophistication t...
Leather
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
$250Sale Price|57% 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
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
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in golden color
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in Golden color glitter Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in golden color glitter/transparent color. Suits for 5x7"...
Murano Glass
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Nickel
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
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
Orange Filament Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border and orange filament ribbon / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 10.5 inches / width: 8.3 inches /...
Brass
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
Clear with Gold Flecks Murano Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border infused with gold flecks / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 11 inches / width: 12.5 inches / de...
Brass
Murano Green Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and green Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Silver Photo Frame, Wood Stand, Italy, Circa 1940s
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A 1940s solid silver photo frame with the original sticker 'Argenterie Torino' on the stand. The frame has an indented decoration throughout and solid wood stand and back.
Silver
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
Silverplate Mappin & Webb large ornate photo frame
Located in London, GB
Beautiful and fabulous quality silvered and gilt metal large photo frame.
Silver Plate, Brass
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
Vintage Hawaiian Tiki Copper Relief in Tortoise Bamboo Frame With Woven Rattan
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Fantastic vintage Hawaiian wall art featuring an embossed copper relief scene of a reclining hula girl beneath a palm tree overlooking a trop...
Copper
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
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
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
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
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
1970s Mid-Century Modern High Quality Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This high-quality 1970s Italian picture frame is a masterclass in understated luxury and Mid-Century Modern sophistication. The design features a broad, textured border meticulously ...
Silver Plate
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
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
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
Cartier Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Double Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver double frame. Rectangular surround with divided window for two portrait (vertical) pictures. With glass, silk lining, and wood laminate back and hin...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Silver Photo Frame with Lapis Lazuli Detail
By Cartier
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Cartier Silver Photo Frame with Lapis Lazuli Detail An elegant vintage photo frame from the iconic French house of Cartier, showcasing a refined and timeless design. Crafted...
Lapis Lazuli, Metal
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
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
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
Gallotti & Radice 1960 Rectangular Molato Crystal Photograph Holder
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Gallotti & Radice Molten Crystal photography holder elegant and very refined Italian production circa 1960.
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Silver Photo Frame, Thick Border, Italy, 1940s
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A beautiful 1940s solid silver photo frame found in Torino. The frame has an especially thick border and solid wood stand and back.
Silver
Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and elegant thick glass photo frame produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s The glass, of considerable thickness, features the "Nile Green" color typical of glass produced in the...
Glass
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful large rectangular picture frame in rattan, bamboo and glass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home.
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Wood
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
Christofle Gilded Brass and Lacquer Resin Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your private interior with this rare Christofle Paris picture frame, a stunning creation from the brand's prestigious Interior Collection. Meticulously crafted in France circa ...
Metal, 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
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
Midcentury italian Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant medium Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. Signed in the brass frame The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to cr...
Brass