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Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: Late 20th Century
Vintage Decorative Italian Picture Frame 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Decorative Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s is a charming and ornate piece that captures the essence of Italian design. With intricate detailing and craftsmanship, th...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s is a charming and ornate photo frame originating from Italy. Crafted with intricate detailing and a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Green Marble Picture Frame, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Green marble with white veining photo frame circa 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Picture Frame Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian modern picture frame in tessellated stone with wood backing circa 1970s. Viewable photo size: W6-1/2” H8-1/2”
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Italian brass horn marquetry picture frame 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Mid-Century picture frame made in Italy in the late 1970s. This frame is covered by horn marquetry, with brass feet, and burlwood veneer on the back. The mix of brass and h...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s, featuring brass corners, is a charming and stylish photo frame hailing from Italy. Adorned with brass corners that add a touch of so...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s captures the essence of Italian elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s is a classic and elegant display piece that embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of Italian desi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

1970s Italian Wooden Picture Frame
Located in Roma, IT
A very striking large 1970s striped wooden Italian picture frame. This style of frame was prevalent in the 60s and 70s and is an iconic Italian design piece. The dark and light diago...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s captures the essence of Italian elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Decorative Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Decorative Picture Frame 1980s: A captivating and nostalgic picture frame from 1980s Italy, exuding classic Italian design and craftsmanship. This charming piece show...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fully brass Italian square picture frame made in Italy 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful decorative Italian Picture frame made in Italy 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury M. Rega Lucite and Brass Rectangular Photo Frame Italy, 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant rectangular photo frame in Lucite and brass. The texture of the polymeric material recalls the turtle. Base support in brass. Attributable to Romeo Rega, Italia 1970. Wear co...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

1970s Gorgeous Silver Plated Photo Frame by IB, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous silver plated photo frame by IB. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition . Photo size is 7,08 x 9,44 inches (18 x 24 H cm) Dimensions: 10.62" x 7.08" x 12...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

Wooden Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Midcentury wooden picture frame. Traditionally manufactured circa 1970. In original condition with minor wear consistently of age and use, preservin...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Pair of Picture Frames in Lucite Ice Effect Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1980s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of rectangular picture frames in lucite ice effect and glass in the style of Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy in the 1980s.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Photo frame in decorated crystal and Brass Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Photo frame in decorated crystal and brass Italian Design 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Tommaso Barbi Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
Located in Greding, DE
Segmental picture frame with turned rim of white ceramic and stand of brass. Inscribed Tommaso Barbi on the back.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Set of 4 Harris G Strong Framed Ceramic Hand Finished Tiles, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful tiles by American ceramic artist Harris G Strong. Harris G Strong stands for his iconic work in earthenware hand painted tiles. This set of 4...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid-Century Cenedese & Albarelli Murano Glass Picture Frames Italy, 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant Picture Frames with double rectangular transparent glass, which slides on chromed metal guides fixed on two irregular cylinders in full turquoise Murano glass. In scratch, at...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior Brushed Steel Picture Frame, 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful mid-century picture frame designed by Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior and made in Italy in the late 1970. Made entirely with brushed steel, the frame looks solid, moder...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Steel

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 experience. Since the 50s, she has dedicated herself to the creation and worldwide circulation of furniture and other objects that balance design and sculptural abstraction. Thanks to her always original conception and ideas, to the articulated forms that meet the needs of contemporary design, and to the amazing ability to transform objects by adding openings, closings, and changes in function, Gabriella Crespi has conquered the international scene in a short time. Her creative journey still incisively inspires the expressive creativity of the current generation of artists. Here we have a round photo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Brass Fossil Stone Picture Frame 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Mid-Century picture frame made in Italy in the late 1970s. This brass frame is covered by fossil stone and brass marquetry, with brown velvet on the back. The mix of brass ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Romeo Rega Picture Frames Italian Midcentury Form the Seventies
Located in bari, IT
Very elegant rectangular photo holder in the 70s Romeo Rega style. N.B. space for photography 12 × 17.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Gabriella Crespi Rare Large Signed Bamboo and Brass Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare large round picture frame from the iconic Rising Sun series in bamboo and brass, Italy, 1970s. This elegant bamboo frame is a striking example of Crespi’s deft...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Organic Bronze Swivel Dual Table Mirror and Picture Frame
Located in London, GB
Organic table mirror pivots into a picture frame by touch. The bronze has been cast into a relief of natural lines inspired by Art Nouveau depicting a landscape and sunset. The frame...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Bronze

Italian Modern Chromed Steel and Glass Photo Frame, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed steel and glass photo frame, 1990s. Chromed photo frame with rubber structure, chromed steel profiles and two glass plates from which to insert the photo from...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

Fontana Arte Pair of Italian Glass Picture Frames Large and Small
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Fontana Arte Italian glass picture frames, one large and one small. The smaller one with the Made in Italy label. Perfect condition almost never used. No chips to the glass. ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

Christian Dior Style Lucite, Vienna Straw and Silver Italian Picture Frame 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcetury lucite and Vienna straw picture frame enriched with a silver frame. This astonishing item was made in Italy during the 1970s following the style of Christian Dior....
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Silver

Chrome and Brass Picture Frame, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This picture frame is made of chrome and brass. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

1970s Midcentury Interchangeable Plexiglass Artwork Paperweight Sculpture Toy
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unknown craftsman or artist, unsigned. In the style of Ron Fritts, similar period artist. Double-side tabletop self-standing framed artwork or toy. The ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Plexiglass

Picture Frame, Design Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Picture frame, design Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970. Briar and nickel-plated metal. Signature engraved on the back (TM).
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Squared Picture Frame in Laminate and Bamboo by Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Big squared picture frame in laminate embellished with bamboo squares by the Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Laminate, Glass

Silver Plated Picture Frame, Italy 1970
Located in London, GB
An elegant picture frame in wood adorned with two silver plate stripes on sides. Italy 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

Frame Harvest Grain Caccia Dominioni and Vittorio Introini for Vips Residence
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful vintage chromed steel frame made by Luigi Caccia Dominioni and Vittorio Introini in the 1970s for the Vips Residence. The frame has a square shape and is made entirely of chromed steel. The painting by Luigi Caccia Dominioni depicts a rural landscape, with houses with thatched roofs and an opulent landscape of trees and shrubs and a man observing the silent nature...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Steel

Italian Pictures Frame, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
An elegant rectangular Italian Pictures Frame in wood and chrome, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Italian Picture Frame, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian picture frame made with wood and brass details.  
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Pair of Picture Frame in Faux Bamboo Silvered Copper, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful pair of horizontal and vertical picture frames in faux bamboo silver plated copper. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Copper, Metal

Gucci Horsebit Picture Frame, Nickel, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Horsebit picture frame, nickel, signed. Stirrup form photo frame in polished nickel. The display opening is 5.63 inches in height by 5.75 inches wide. The four circular feet on...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Vintage Black Italian Picture Frame 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian picture frame in black and gold made in Italy 1980s.  
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Pair of Geometric Brass and Chrome Picture Frames, Italy, C. 1970s
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern solid brass pictures frames with geometric design. Hand polished and lacquer coated frames featuring fluted metal in gold with chrome bands, and black velvet backing. The frames are 8.75" H x 6.75" W and hold 5" x 7" photographs. Can be used both vertically or landscape and have small fittings should you choose to hang on a wall. Some minor patina on brass adds to their vintage allure.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic and Brass Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible mid-century frame in white ceramic and brass. This wonderful object was designed by Tommaso Barbi, as you can see his signature on the back, in Italy in the 70s. This piece is unique for the fine artisanal work on the white ceramic in combination with the brass interior decoration. A picture frame in perfect condition that will complete a midcentury-style living room or bedroom. Italian designer Tommaso Barbi is best known for his whimsical furniture...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic and Brass Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible mid-century frame in white ceramic and brass. This wonderful object was designed by Tommaso Barbi, as you can see his signature on the back, in Italy in the 70s. This p...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Claude Victor Boeltz French 1970s Gold Bronze Crystal Amethyst Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A French 1970s sculptural bronze gold dipped frame with three large crystal clusters by the artist, Claude Victor Boeltz. The frame can be arranged horizo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Gold

1970s Minimalist Italian Design Annotated Aluminum Photo Frame
Located in Palermo, Sicily
1970s Minimalist Italian design annotated aluminum photo frame.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, Nude Portrait by Skipper Mize, c1960
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern abstract oil painting on board by Skipper Mize offers impressionist full length nude portrait of figure, artist signed lower right, seated in matting and frame, ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood, Paper

Squared Faux Bamboo Brass Picture Frame Attributed to Tommaso Barbi Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Squared picture frame in faux bamboo brass attributed to the Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Pen and Watercolor Surreal Courting Scene Signed Emil
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern pen and watercolor painting depicts surreal courting scene, signed lower right Emil, framed, circa 1970. Measures: 41" H x 53" W x 1.5" D overall; 28" H x 39" W...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Paint, Wood

Square Picture Frame From the 1970 Brass Steel Italian Romeo Rega
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Square photographs from the 1970s in brass and steel Italian design, Romeo Rega attributed. Elegant and Particular design.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Travertine Double Picture Frame Fratelli Mannelli Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of picture frames in travertine marble in the style of the Italian Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy circa 1970. Dimensions: Bigger one: 24 W x14 H x6 D cm Smallest: 20 x ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Monumental Cork and Brass Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Monumental cork and brass picture frame.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Paolo Traversi Photo Frame Mother of Pearl with Brass Design Gold Italian, 1970
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Paolo Traversi photo frame mother of pearl with brass design gold, Italian, 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Gucci Horsebit Picture Frame, Brass, Nickel, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Horsebit picture frame, brass, nickel, signed. Stirrup form photo frame finished in brass and nickel. The display opening is 5.63 inches in height by 5.75 inches wide. The four...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Tempera on Canvas by 1973 Artist Italian Emanuele Diliberto
By Emanuele Diliberto
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Tempera on canvas by 1973 Artist Italian Emanuele Diliberto, title of work "Frame explosion" 1973.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Paint

MCM Picture Frame, Tessellated Stone
Located in Boca Raton, FL
MCM Pink Tessellated Stone Picture Frame Octagon Shaped Burgundy Velvet Lining Excellent Vintage Condition Measurements: 11" H x 9" W
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Marble

Chrome and Black Leather Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Large 1970s photo frame made of chrome metal and black leather.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

Red Lucite Photo Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
This beautiful 1970s Pop Art lucite photo frame features a thick, neon red lucite sheet with a clear lucite "case" to display and protect the photograph. A lucite easel on the back h...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Plexiglass

Mid-century Modern picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern picture frames for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern picture frames made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original picture frames, popular names associated with this style include Barovier&Toso, Fontana Arte, Gucci, and Tommaso Barbi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $16,687 while the average work can sell for $970.

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