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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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
1980s Christian Dior Style Fake Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1980s picture frame, designed in the style of Christian Dior, exudes vintage luxury with its bold and sophisticated aesthetic. The frame is crafted from faux tortoiseshell Lucit...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

A 1970s High Quality Mid-Century Modern Brass and Lucite Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Italian picture frame exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted during the height of mid-century design, it showcases a perfect blend of luxurious materials and minimalist aes...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Brass Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Vintage Italian Brass Picture Frame from the 1980s features a sleek, elegant design characteristic of the era. Made from high-quality bra...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Rare Goatskin Picture Frame by Aldo Tura
Located in North Miami, FL
This all original large scale picture frame by Aldo Tura, with stand holds a 5x7 photo. It is a creamy aged goatskin and golden metal trim. It retains label to verso. THIS ITEM IS...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Goatskin, Glass

Large Picture Frame in Silver-plate, Italy 1970s
Located in London, GB
Italian Picture Frame in Silver-plate, circa 1970s
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

1950s Fontana Arte Style Mid-Century Modern Verde NIlo Glass Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This high quality Mid-Century Modern picture frame is made of Verde Nilo glass, a distinctive green-tinted glass often associated with high-end Italian glasswork from the mid-20th ce...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

Decorative Ceramic Blu Photo Frame Mid-Century Modern Design Italy 1960.
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant circular photo frame. Made in Italy between the 60s. Front frame in ceramic with ribs glazed blu. The rear part is in plastic with mechanism. Rare in its kind. The style is w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Ceramic, Plastic

Rare Boxed Sterling Silver Rolex Photograph Frame c.1980
Located in Bath, GB
The perfect gift for the Rolex devotee, a rare picture frame made from solid / sterling / 925 silver for Rolex. The simple design is as elegant as a Rolex watch, the frame has it's ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Early Twentieth Century solid Wood Frames, ebanized, 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian early twentieth century solid wood frames ebanized, 1900s Beautiful and very rare carved wooden frames of different sizes from the early twentieth century. This frame are h...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

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 - ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood

Mid-Century Photo Frame
Located in London, GB
A black enamelled iron and brass photo frame. France, 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

1970s Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Italian Rectangular Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Picture Frame is a stylish and distinctive piece of decor that reflects the design trends of its era. The frame is crafted from Lucite, a type of acrylic glass known for i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Large Mid-20th Century Shagreen Photo Frames, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A pair of large mid-20th century shagreen photo frames with silver corners circa 1960. This great pair of shagreen frames in a beautiful muted taupe color the silver corners are unm...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Vintage Italian Picture Frame by Liwan's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Italian picture frame by Liwan's is a sophisticated piece from the 1980s. Crafted with a sleek, modernist design, it features high-quality materials and meticulous craft...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

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

Mid-Century Picture Frame Silver Leaf Wood Postmodern Italian Design 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Triple photo frame in 1000 silver hand-chiseled. Made with a wooden support. The peculiarity is given by the opening and closing movement. Italy 1950s. Please watch the video and pho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver

Hand Blown Murano Glasss Frame by Barovier & Toso
Located in Brussels, BE
Hand Blown Murano Glasss Frame by Barovier & Toso
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Noel BC Chrome and Brass Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful Noel BC chrome and brass picture frame made in Italy circa 1970 is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. The chrome and gilded brass metal geometric desi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

1970s Christian Dior Home Style Modern Wicker and Plexiglass Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1970s Mid-Century Modern rectangular picture frame, designed and manufactured in Italy in the style of Dior Home, seamlessly blends luxury and natural elements. The frame featur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wicker, Plexiglass

20th Century Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Photo Frame in Wood and Ground Glass 40s
Located in Turin, Turin
Photo frame designed in 40s by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. The photo frame is composed of two parts united as a "sandwich", one side is in ground glass, the back is in wood, the support is in brass. This frame is very rare for its dimensions. Perfect idea for wedding, birthday, anniversary or graduation gift...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Wall Plate by Marian Zawadski for Tilgmans Sweden 1968 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic wall plate by Marian Zawadski for Tilgmans Sweden 1968 Unique ceramic tiles and painted by the artist figuring a boat with marine God and animals mounted on metal . This or...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Ceramic

Mickey Mantle / New York Yankees Autographed Photograph by Ray Gallo
Located in San Diego, CA
Seven-time World Series champion Mickey Mantle poses inside the Yankees' visiting dugout in this classic Ray Gallo photograph; one of the best-known images of the Hall of Fame outfie...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Willy Rizzo Picture Frame in Brass and Ice Effect Lucite, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous modernist Lucite and brass picture frame has a design attributed to Willy Rizzo's works. Crafted in Italy circa 1970, the lovely decorative piece boasts an "L" shape wi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Lucite and Wicker Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely modernist picture frame was crafted in Italy in the 1970s. The piece boasts a hexagonal, thick Lucite slab base with two tall holders. The photo frame is made of clear Lu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wicker, Lucite, Plexiglass

Mid-Century Modern Cubist Stylized Painting by Jean Claude Dragomir, 1954
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous colorful and well executed cubist style with a Don Quixote type figure on horseback entering a village. Vibrant reds with Stark outlines. Painting itself without the frame ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Canvas, Hardwood, Paint

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...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Leather

Team Guzzini Italy Lucite and Wicker Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Team Guzzini, Italy, designed this lovely modernist picture frame, which was crafted circa 1970. The photo piece boasts a reverse "V" shape with a large, rounded picture view. The fr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Rattan, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Wicker

Italian Antique Burl Wood Picture Frame
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Antique Burl Wood Picture Frame Gorgeous picture frame made of burl wood in Italy in the 1950s. The antique frame was made by Selli of Flore...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Burl

Early 20th Century Modern Wood Frame, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century modern wood frame. Manufactured in France, circa 1940. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mat...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Gucci Style Italian Steel And Brass Photo Frame
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly ask you to read the entire description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This elegant and uniq...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Chrome and Horn Inlaid Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This luxury picture frame was crafted in Italy in the 1970s. The photo frame has an unexpected combination of materials that come together to create a sophisticated design with moder...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Rectangular Mid-Century Painted Hand-Carved Wood Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand carved wood frame suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on canvas or board paintings. This frame certainly captures that vintage European ...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Umberto Mascagni Gilded Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this mesmerizing picture photo frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts gilded aluminum with a shiny and frosted pattern and rays ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Rede Guzzini Modernist Lucite Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rede Guzzini, Italy, for Stilart Verona, designed this lovely modernist picture photo frame circa 1970. It features a black and red multi-layer Lucite shape with acrylic glass to pro...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass

Murano Picture Frame by Burber
Located in Mérida, YU
Very rare Murano glass picture frame made by Burbe. All original signed with Vetri stamp. Nice warm colors, very elegant, blends easy with all types of decors.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Hand Painted Picture Frame Florentine Gilt & Blue
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Hand painted carved picture frame gold and blue Italian baroque style Florentine gilt design in Tuscan style 8 h x 7 w x 4.88 d original vintage unrestored refer to listed images
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Paint

Mid-Century Modern Glass Frame, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Glass Frame, Italy
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modernist Sterling Silver Picture Frame W/ Beveled Beaded Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist Sterling Silver Picture Frame W/ Beveled Beaded Detailing originates from the United States during the 20th Century. This frame exudes a timeless ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Umberto Mascagni Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this alluring picture frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts silvered aluminum in brushed and frosted patterns, with a wavy desi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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

Midcentury Picture Frame in Steel Attributed to Christian Dior, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval picture frame in steel and Glass attributed to Christian Dior. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Steel

Decorative Snake-Skin-Like Camouflage Pattern Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely decorative picture frame was crafted in France in the 1960s. The frame wooden structure is wrapped around with a decorative pattern paper with a snake-skin texture and ca...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Oval Picture Frame in Smoked Glass Cristal Arte Style , Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval picture frame in graven smoked glass in the style of Cristal Arte. Made in Italy in the 1960s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

MARTA MARZOTTO Photo Frame, Made in Italy, 1980s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
MARTA MARZOTTO photo frame, Made in Italy, 1980s.  Fantastic Picture Frame signed MARTA MARZOTTO. The structure of the object is made of stone and glass. In the center is a piece of ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Stone

Important Large Italian Malachite and 800 Silver Gilt Photograph Frame
Located in Bath, GB
A rare vintage photograph frame and a wonderful large example. Made in Italy c.1950, the vibrant green Malachite stone adds some Hollywood gla...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Malachite, Silver

Cellar Stitched Leather Picture Frame
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant picture frame is made of cellar stitched leather. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Teak Wood Picture Frame 8" x 10", c. 1960's
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern picture frame made of teak wood features a minimalist design with sleek, rounded corners. The picture frame holds an 8" x 10" photo.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass, Teak

Midcentury Decorative Murano Flowers Frame, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful decorative frame with flowers from Italy. The frame is made of glass and plastic. it can be also a mirror. The frame is in good vintage condition. Few yellow flowers is m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

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

Picture Frame Decorative Object Style Fontana Arte Mid-Century 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Double Photo frame style Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte produced in Italy in the 1940s. The multiform photo frame has a wooden structure and decorated and ground glass with metal acc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

1950s Elegant Silver Plate Vintage Picture Frame Rectangular
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Elegant silver plate vintage picture frame Rectangular shape New glass. Black velvet finish on the back. Unmarked Measures: .75 thi...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

Chrome and Gunmetal Picture Frame with Kinetic Design, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish Italian 1970s picture photo frame features a silver and gunmetal chromed metal geometric design with a kinetic effect. The design is reminiscent of the Italian designer ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

A 1970s High Quality Mid-Century Modern Brass and Leather Italian Picture Frame
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Italian picture frame exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted during the height of mid-century design, it showcases a perfect blend of luxurious materials and minimalist aes...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

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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