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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
Umberto Mascagni Shiny Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this lovely picture photo frame. The piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The piece boasts shiny gilded aluminum with a bron...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Italian 1960s Silver and Wood Picture Frame.
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s Wood and Silver picture frame Silver Hallmarks on Silver
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver

Murano Dark Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 2 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

Vintage Solid Brass Display Easel/Book Holder
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Beautiful detailed vintage solid brass easel, could be use to hold a small painting, a book, a religious piece or music piece, can oleo be used to hold a family picture it’s a very ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury and Handwoven, Stylishly Organic Eye-Like Cane on Bamboo Wall Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and organically beautiful, eye and eye lashes design wall mirror. This rare and all-handcrafted mirror is another one of our wonderful recent finds. We rate it for many reasons...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Mirror

Pair of Lucite & Rattan Squared Picture Frame Christian Dior Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of squared picture frames in lucite and rattan in the style of Christian Dior. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The circular lucite photo holder has a ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Cane, Plexiglass, Lucite, Rattan

Fontana Arte Ground Glass Photo Frame, Italy 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
A beautiful cut glass photoframe design by Fontana Arte from the 1950s with an indented polished green edge. The front piece is neatly secured with two nickel plated round button scr...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

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

Marble, Travertine

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

1970s Exquisite Solid Rosewood Picture Frame
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Frame made of solid Rosewood 36.25 h x 26.75 x 1 thick No Glass Preowned vintage ready to go. Refer to images
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Rosewood

Italian Mid-Century Picture Frame in Lucite / Acrylic Glass and Chrome, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Splendid Picture Frame of large dimensions (31cm x 31cm) and strong thickness (4.5cm), made of faceted lucite and chromed metal. An elegant, solid and well-made object. The workmansh...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

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

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

Italy Brass and Plexiglass Frame Midcentury Design Style, Contemporary Product
Located in Brescia, IT
This item is the example how the design can create a beautiful ordinary object. It is fully handmade in Italy with heavy thick plexiglass and brass p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Oversize Picture Frame in Gilded Brass by Paul Mer, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
A vintage table frame almost certainly made in Italy, although the name engraved on the brass label, positioned on the back, winks at France with ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Gabriella Crespi Designed Modernist Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A Gabriella Crespi designed Modernist Picture Frame. A square form in silvered bronze with inset panels of shagreen in alternating concentric s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Bronze

EXQUISITE MID CENTURY MODERN CiRCA 1970 ROMEO REGA CHROME & BRASS PICTURE FRAME
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable Mid Century Modern Romeo Rega Brass & Chrome picture frame in the Art De...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Glass Photo Frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Glass Photo Frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s This Glass Photo Frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, from the 1940s, is an elegant...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

1950s Perforated Gold Metal Mirror Frame Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Italian vintage perforated gold metal mirror picture frame Italy 1950s In the style of Mathieu Mategot and Cesare Lacca Measures: 14.63 x 12 W x 1.5...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Pink Leather Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink ostrich leather and nickel-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 10.5 inches, width 8.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in Los ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Bob Cornell op art era photo cubes on rotating chrome base
Located in Ferndale, MI
Vintage 1960s Mod OP art Lucite photo prism sculpture on rotating chrome base . Designed by Bob Cornell creations in very good condition. The photo frame advert brochure, describes...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

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

Whimsical Silver Photo or Picture Frame with a Ruched Fabric and Bow Motif 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Picture or photo frame rendered in silver with a whimsical bow and ruched fabric motif. 1970s Fits a 4 x 6 photo.
Category

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

Materials

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

Black Leather Frame with Brass Inset Rim
Located in New York, NY
Black leather frame with brass inset rim. Large vintage English bow-topped black textured leather frame with inset brass trim and black linen backed easel ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather

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

Large Nickel-Plated, Brass & Glass Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames, Set of 2
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 picture frames. They are made in ground glass with and internal decorative nickel-plated & brass frame. Very good vintage condition: oxidati...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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

Rare Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte picture frame
Located in London, GB
Rare picture frame from Fontana Arte. Early 1950s Exceptional quality curved pink glass frame. Expected signs of age in the glass. No chips or nicks. There is a larger version ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian Vintage Picture Frame in Chrome & Brass, in the style of R. Zevi, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
A table picture frame dating back to the late 70s or early 80s. Most likely made in Italy, this vintage picture frame fully represents the Italian style, specifically Romano, of that...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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

Italian Heart-Shaped Gold Metal Wall Frame, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian heart-shaped gold metal wall frame. Convex glass. Attributed to Cesare Lacca.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

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

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 blends easy with all types of decors.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

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

Vintage Italian Round Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into a world of timeless elegance with our Vintage Italian Round Picture Frame from the 1980s. Meticulously crafted in Italy, this frame is a captivating fusion of wood and moth...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Silvered Aluminum Picture Frame by Umberto Mascagni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni, from Bologna, designed this sophisticated picture frame circa 1970. The piece boasts silvered aluminum with a shiny and frosted brutalist pattern d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Original Torciglione Glass Picture Frame by Barovier & Toso, Murano, c.1935
Located in London, GB
An original 1930s 'Torciglione' clear glass picture frame produced by one of the most prestigious glass manufacturers in Italy, Barovier & T...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

“Bubbles Honey” Original Serigraphy by Alfredo Orozco
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Alfredo Orozco is an artist, painter and woodworker from Mexico City. In the 1970s, he moved to Los Angeles and created a series of geometric serigraphs. The prints were shown in gal...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Paper

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 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

Del Conte Pair of Sterling Silver Triangular Weave Style Picture Frames with Woo
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Del Conte sterling silver picture frames in triangular, weave style pattern with wood backs. Outer dimensions are 10 by 12''; inner dimensions are 9 1/2'' by 7 1/4''. It is i...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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

Mod. 1371/1 Glass Picture Frame by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, c.1960
Located in London, GB
An exquisite Mod. 1371/1 glass picture frame designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by the Milanese company, Fontana Arte, c.1960. A simple brass fitting / back support couples the t...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Vintage Italian Rectangular Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Vintage Italian Rectangular Picture Frame from the 1980s, made with mother of pearl, exudes elegance and unique craftsmanship. The frame is adorned with the lustrous iridescence of...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

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

1950s French Hand-Stitched Red Leather Frame
Located in Chicago, IL
1950s French hand-stitched red leather frame. No glass. Wire attached for vertical orientation.
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Vintage Brutalist Torch Cut Metal Picture Frame
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage hand made brutalist torch cut metal picture from made from heavy gauge steel. Features a metal stand that allows the frame to sit on a tabletop...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Vintage Italian Round Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into a world of timeless elegance with our Vintage Italian Round Picture Frame from the 1980s. Meticulously crafted in Italy, this frame is a captivating fusion of wood and moth...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Vintage Italian Picture Frame by Liwan's 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage Italian picture frame by Liwan's from the 1980s. The frame features a distinctive, geometric design with a combination of silver and gold tones. Its sleek, modernis...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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

Mid 20th Century Modern Picture Frame in Travertine Marble By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Roma, IT
A Table Picture Frame, made in Italy, to be precise in Tuscany, between the 60s and 70s using real Rapolano travertine. The design of this picture frame is by Fratelli Mannelli, as a...
Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Italian Briar Wood Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Italian picture frame from the 1980s is made from exquisite briar wood, known for its rich texture and intricate grain patterns. The frame showcases the high-quality cr...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Chrome And Brass Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Vintage Italian Chrome and Brass Picture Frame from the 1980s typically embodies the design aesthetics of that era. Characterized by a sleek combination of chrome and brass, this p...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Modern picture/mirror frame attrib to Adrien Andoux & Frida Minet.
Located in London, GB
Unusual picture or mirror frame made from twisted rope and limed oak. This quality frame has areas of rope around it. The oak frame has been treated with a lime wash, popular in t...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Vintage Italian Red Wood Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Italian picture frame from the 1980s is crafted from red wood, showcasing a rich and warm hue. The frame's design highlights the natural grain and texture of the wood, r...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Vintage Italian Mother of Pearl Picture Frame 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your cherished memories with our exquisite Vintage Italian Mother of Pearl Picture Frame, a timeless piece from the 1980s. Crafted with...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

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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