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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
Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame Attributed to Venini, Italy 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
A beautiful picture frame made of clear "twisted rope" Murano glass and the original wooden backrest, with brass support, attributed to Venini. Made in Italy in the 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass

Murano Green Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 3 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:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Murano Light Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 4 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and light blue Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy. Meas...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 4 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: H...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Murano Smoky Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 4 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and smoky Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Murano Gold Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 4 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border infused with gold / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Me...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Murano Dark Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 3 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and dark blue Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measu...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Antonio Botta Burl Wood and Chromed Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century chromed brass and burl wood photo frame. Felice Antonio Botta designed this item in Florence, Italy, during the 1970s. This ama...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Italian Picture Frames, Circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
An elegant set of three pictures frames in burl veneer in the style of Willy Rizzo. Completely hand made impregnated with the highest quality wax oil. I...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Burl

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

Large Vintage Green Pink Yellow Blue Silk Scarf California America Themes
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Large vintage green pink yellow blue silk scarf California America themes Beautiful and rare vintage silk scarf Very pretty, multicolored, joyou...
Category

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

Materials

Silk

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

Abstract Artwork by Unknown Artist, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique wood frame with red felt interior. By unnknown artist, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Felt, Wood

20th Century Fontana Art Picture Frame entirely in Ground Glass '60s
Located in Turin, Turin
Picture frame designed in the semplicity of the Manufacturer Fontana Arte in 1960s. The picture frame is entirely in ground glass. The picture or the photo could be inserted from the...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Liwan's Rome Italian Picture Frame for Maison Mercier Freres, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing midcentury chromed brass and dark red glass photo frame. This item was designed in Italy during the 1970s by Liwan's of Rome for Maison Mercier Freres...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Large French Table Wall Picture Frame Red Faux Leather Art Deco 1940s MidCentury
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
Rare french red and faint yellow to ivory color table picture frame, in the center with a typical 1950s grey and white pattern, can be dated from Art Deco period 1930s to Midcentury ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Faux Leather, Glass, Wood

Del Conte Tan Zebra-Striped Frame Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Del Conte sterling silver frame (8.25 in. x 6.5 in.) with tan zebra and wood detail. Designer frame with glass insert and sterling silver rim. Del Conte was established in the 19...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Mid-Century Modern Madonna with Child Murano Glass Torchon Frame by Venini, 50s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass torchon frame Venini production, inside Madonna with child in plaster on a xylonite base, dating back to the early 1950s. Patented Model.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass, Plastic, Plaster

1980s Vintage Italian Picture Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian mid size vintage wood picture frame made in Italy 1980s.  
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Prints, Chinoiserie Oriental Geisha Ladies, Bamboo Frames
Located in Barcelona, ES
Four bamboo rectangular frames with Gheisa women prints. Spain, 1960s. Each print has a different design, all them representing japanese Gheisas different landscapes. Highly decorati...
Category

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

Materials

Rattan, Paper, Bamboo

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 Ground Glass & Metal 1950s Picture Frame in the Manner of Fontana Arte
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This beautiful picture frame was produced in Italy, circa 1950. It is made from ground glass and nickel-plated metal and remains in very good condition: few chippings on the base; m...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Nickel

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

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

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

Abstract Artwork by Unknown Artist, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique wood frame with black felt interior. By unnknown artist, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mate...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Felt, Wood

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

Italian Table Mirror Vanity with Brass Photo Frames by Barovier and Toso
Located in Milano, IT
Spectacular pair of 1950's Italian table mirrors made by Barovier and Toso. The pair of mirrors can also serve as vanity mirrors for a makeup desk. The mir...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Fontana Arte Glass and Brass Picture Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Fontana Arte style table top picture frame with spiral brass over glass rods. With a rust colored velvet stand. Beautiful It...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

Ico Parisi Italian Design Object Ashtray for Stildomuselezione
Located in Chicago, IL
A rosewood and walnut posacenere or ashtray model 1402 designed by Ico Parisi for Stildomuselezione, circa 1959. Ashtray 5" diameter x 2.75" height. Pictured in the Ice Parisi book...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Italian Picture Frame in Brass, circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
An elegant pictures frame in brass in the style of Cartier. Italy 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

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

Mid 20th Century Italian Art Glass Picture Frame for Venini by, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine Italian Mid Century Modern glass "Mezza Filigrana" picture frame designed by, Carlo Scarpa for Venini. The mirror frame is internally decorated with pink lattice decoration an...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

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, Glass, Laminate, Wood

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

Tiles Horse under the Moon Mid-Century, France
Located in Labrit, Landes
French decorative ceramic representing a horse under the moon Height Tiles glued on a wood board The faience is hand painted and hand made circa 1970 Good condition   L40 P1,5 ...
Category

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

Materials

Faience, Wood

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

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

Metal, Copper

Italian Picture Frame in Brass, Italy, 1960
Located in London, GB
An elegant Italian picture frame in brass with twisted brass decorations. The picture frame cab be used vertically or horizontally. Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Small Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage small Italian picture frame made in Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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

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

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

Picture Frame Wood Chrome E Glass Felice Antonio Botta Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Picture frame in burl wood, chrome and glass by the Italian designer Felice Antonio Botta. Made in Italy in the 1974.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

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

Wicker, Brass and Glass Rectangular Picture Frame, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Rectangular picture frame in wicker bordered in brass supported by a wooden structure. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame, 1960s.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

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

Vallauris Tiles Guitare Poulbot by R. Leduc Midcentury Studio Pottery, France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Vallauris R. Leduc Poulbot with Guitare on tiles, circa 1970, France The theme of the "poulbot" was frequently declined by Raymonde Leduc with many variants. The name "poulbot" des...
Category

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

Materials

Faience

Rare Large Pair Murano / Venini Torchon Picture Frames, c.1950
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....
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Blown Glass

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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