Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Mid-Century Modern Amber Resin Bird Sculpture by Dorothy Thorpe 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is an Amber resin bird sculpture, specifically doves, by Dorothy Thorpe made circa the 1970s. The sculpture is perfectly translucent which makes the birds glow in the light!
Resin
Vintage Decorative Egyptian Pharaoh Statue on Marble Base, Grand Tour Souvenir
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted statue of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, I believe it is Ramses the 2nd however I am not completely sure. The statue appears to be made of copper or white metal. ...
Marble, Metal
Vintage Decorative Nefertiti Egyptian Queen Bust Statue on Marble Base
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative bust statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal on a Marble base. Very decorative and nice to display in your library or any room.
Marble, Metal
“Máscara de Niño” Brass Head Sculpture by Joaquin Tinta
Located in Southampton, NJ
Spanish name: Mascara de Niño, Translation: Child's Head Handmade polished brass sculpture based off of Oswaldo Guayasamín's "Niño" sculpture created for the artists museum in Quito, Ecuador. Stamped with makers mark, Taller Tinta...
Brass
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
Terracotta Sculpture Representing a Woman's Face
By Austin Prod
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice sculpture representing a woman's face is made of terracotta on a square blackened wood base (slight shine on the chin and hair). Work signed by Austin Prod. 1980
Terracotta
Antique Decorative Nefertiti Egyptian Queen Metal Bust Statue France 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic antique decorative Bust statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal and a wooden base. Very decorative and nice to display in your library or a...
Metal
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Kwan Yin Buddha Rimini Blu, Italy, 1970s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Kwan Yin Buddha Rimini Blu, Italy, 1970s Gorgeous female Buddha made of shiny glazed ceramic pottery in a vibrant Rimini blue color. According to one legend, ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Beautiful Lady "Marina" Head Bust Wall Mask Decoration Vintage, Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage terracotta wall mask depicting a lady made by an unknown maker in Austria. It is marked on the back with a number. It would make a lovely decoration on any wall. ...
Terracotta
Capodimonte Pharaoh Tutankhamon in Porcelain
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Great sculpture representing Pharaoh TutanKhamon in Capodimonte Italia porcelain decorated and designed by Mario Pegorami is one of the most important artists representing the ancien...
Porcelain, Wood
Ladies Head Bust Wall Mask Decoration Gmundner Keramik Vintage, Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage terracotta wall mask depicting a lady made by Gmundner Keramik in Austria. It is marked on the back. It would make a lovely decoration on any wall. Made in the 19...
Terracotta
Beautiful Mid Century Boy Head Bust Plaster on Wooden Base German Vintage, 1959
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful mid century modern white plaster boys head bust. Bust with lots of patina. Plaster on a wooden base. A nice addition in every living room. Found at an estate sale in Nuremb...
Plaster, Wood
French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage French bust sculpture of a woman Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty...
Wood
Vintage Japanese Cast Metal Meditating Buddha on Red Lacquered Stand, Circa 1960
Located in San Diego, CA
A serene vintage Japanese cast bronze Buddha depicted in the traditional meditation pose with hands arranged in the Dhyana Mudra, symbolizing inner peace and contemplation. The figur...
Bronze
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Mid Century Blue Buddha Bust
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Mid Century Blue Buddha Bust This bust measures: 5.5 wide x 6.75 deep x 11.25 inches high This price includes getting this piece/set in what we call Restored...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Visage Repousse or Empreinte
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic sculpture - Face Relief. Signed by Capron at Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was an influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurr...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Kwan Yin, Ceramic, Blue Buddha Bust
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi Kwan Yin, Ceramic, Buddha Bust, Blue. Beautiful and calming female Buddha glazed in a vibrant dark blue. It is believed that to have a picture or statue of Kwan Yi...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Bust of Nefertiti by Rosenthal Germany, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern bust of Nefertiti with a tall, textured crown and smooth , fine detailed facial features. Produced by Rosenthal Germany. White glazed porcelai...
Porcelain
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Kwan Yin Buddha, Coin Bank, Ceramic, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Kwan Yin Buddha, Coin Bank, Ceramic, Italy, 1960s. A beautiful and calming female Buddha glazed in a royal blue, with a hint of...
Ceramic
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Susana Espinosa Cabeza Mujer Bronze Sculpture Puerto Rico Isla del Sol Artist PR
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and Rare version of the Cabeza de Mujer series in Bronze. Signed and Number; Espinosa 246/300. Bronze Bust Only (not including base) W: 3 1/8 x D: 2 1/2 x H: 3 3/4 in.
Bronze
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Bust of a Lady in Lost Wax Bronze Sculpture by Giuseppe Motti, 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Bronze female bust made with the lost wax technique, created by Giuseppe Motti (1908 - 1988) in the 1950s Ø 24 cmØ 12 cm h 31 cm
Bronze
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Cleopatra
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage double sided ceramic sculpture of Cleopatra by Roger Capron Signed by Capron at Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tab...
Ceramic
Large Italian Plaster Bust by S. Melani, 1940s–1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Italian Plaster Bust by S. Melani, 1940s–1950s – Art Deco / Mid-Century Sculpture This striking plaster bust was created in Italy during the 1940s–1950s by the renowned sculpt...
Plaster
$1,600Sale Price|36% Off
1960s Robert Berks Sculpture Bust John F Kennedy JFK Miami Beach Mid-Century Art
By Robert Berks
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is a rare 1965 presentation award bust of JFK. A wonderful piece of mid-century historical decor from an important American sculptor, Robert Berks. Hi...
Resin, Wood
Goldscheider Polychrome Porcelain Bust of a Balinese Dancer by Helen Liedloff
By Goldscheider Manufactory of Vienna
Located in Antwerp, BE
A highly Art Deco style decorative pottery bust of a Balinese dancer in striking colors by the designer Helen Liedloff, who named it "Bali Head" for Goldsche...
Porcelain, Pottery
Nefertiti Head Bust Wall Mask Decoration Vintage, Goebel Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage terracotta wall mask depicting Nefertiti made by the famous Goebel Company in Germany. It is marked on the back with the bee mark. It would make a lovely decorati...
Terracotta
$927Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Phrenology Head Ornament, English, Ceramic, Decorative Bust, Circa 1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Phrenology head ornament. An English, ceramic decorative bust, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Appealing decora...
Ceramic
Hand-Carved African Bookends, Figurative, Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Figurative bookends hand carved African West-coast 1960-70's depicting a man and women. They are priced and sold as a set.
Wood
Collection of Six Head Bust Wall Mask Decoration Vintage, Germany Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of 6 vintage terracotta wall mask depicting some girls and boys, made by different makers in Austria and Germany. Some are marked on the back with a number or ...
Terracotta
Carlos Gardel Tango Bronze & Marble Plaque Desk Portrait / Sculpture 1950´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Carlos Gardel Tango Polished Bronze & Marble Plaque Desk Portrait / Sculpture. Carlos Gardel (born Charles Romuald Gardès; 11 December 1890 – 24 June 19...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen Aluminia Ceramic Bust of Woman, Denmark
By Royal Copenhagen, Johannes Hedegaard
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a striking ceramic bust by celebrated Danish sculptor Johannes Hedegaard (1915–1999), produced by Royal Copenhagen / Aluminia, depicting a serene young woman wearing a boldly...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Black Glass Head Sculpture, Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A black glass head dsigned and manufactured in Italy in the Seventies, it's in perfect condition. The black glass gives it a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Glass, with its reflec...
Glass
STELE - ALXENOR OF ORCOMENO - PLASTER COPY OF THE ATHENIAN ORIGINAL 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
STELE - ALXENOR OF ORCOMENO - PLASTER COPY OF THE ATHENIAN ORIGINAL end 20th Century 1:1 plaster reproduction of the Stele of Aristion created by the sculptor Aristotle in Pentelic ...
Plaster
Important Italian Glass Artist Ermanno Nason Female Murano Glass Female Bust
Located in St. Louis, MO
Master Italian Glass Artisan Ermanno Nason (1928-2013) created this smoked glass young female bust with ponytail sculpture in 1975. The only other example I found in my research was in his own gallery /museum, now temporary closed. Some minor surface scratches, mainly to bottom. Etched signature E. Nason '75 to base. Ermanno Nason was born in Murano in, from one of the oldest families of glassmakers on the island and appeared at his father Italo’s furnace at the age of ten. Ermanno left elementary school spending his time between the furnace and the school for Apprentices Masters “Abate Zanetti” (managed by Professor Vittorio Zecchin) and made his first experiences in more realities, including Pinzan & Cimarrosti where he was proclaimed Master at age of eighteen. In his youth, Ermanno also worked at the Mazzega I.V.R. collaborating on the great project of Egidio Costantini, which contemplated extraordinary artists of various types brought together: painters, sculptors and master glassmakers, to whom, in 1958, Jacques Cocteau gave the name of “Fucina degli Angeli”. This experience gave him the opportunity to start his personal search and the opportunity to meet with renowned painters and sculptors. Ermanno worked with all the greatest contemporary artists, from Marc Chagall to Oscar Kokoschka, from Pablo Picasso to Renato Guttuso, from Jacques Cocteau to Braque, from Jan Arp to Max Ernst, from Autun Motika to Alexander Calder. From 1953 to 1959 he was at I.V.R. Mazzega , assigned to carry out artists' designs for Egidio Costantini 's Fucina Degli Angeli , including ones by Georges Braque , Marc Chagall , Jean Cocteau , Pablo Picasso , and Gio Ponti. Around 1955 begins to collaborate with the Yugoslavian sculptor and painter Antun Motika, also the Kristal-Samobor glasworks in Maribor. Then he carried out designs by the painter Aldo Bergamini, which are exhibited in Warsaw in 1965. From 1958 collaborates with Fulvio Bianconi . During 1959-61 had his workshop in Murano Campo San Bernardo; continues for Bianconi, Costantini and Motika, as well as for Raoul Goldoni, among others. He has been partner in and designer at the Scarpa & Nason factory for utilitarian glass. From 1964 to 1971 he has been first master glassblower at Gino Cenedese . Makes works based on his own designs and in close collaboration with the leading designer Antonio Da Ros . In 1969 he carries out monumental glass sculptures...
Blown Glass
Albrecht Dürer Praying Hands Wall Decoration Vintage, Goebel Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage terracotta plaque depicting Albrecht Dürer made by the famous Goebel Company in Germany. It is marked on the back. It would make a lovely decoration on any wall. ...
Terracotta
Wood Sculpture, by French Designer 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This sculpture is in solid wood. Hand carved by a french artist in the 1950's It is signed P.Leclerc.
Wood
Sculptured Plaster Female Modelled Head, Italy 50s
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice woman head made in plaster. This piece was made in Italy in the 50s. Found near Florence
Plaster
20th Century, Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture Maschera Cornuta, 1978
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his Craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
$371Sale Price|25% Off
Brass Bust of Two Figures on Marble Base, Modigliani Style, 1980s
By Austin Productions, Amedeo Modigliani, Stig Lindberg, Mario Tozzi, Henry Moore
Located in Round Top, TX
An Amedeo Modigliani-inspired brass bust featuring two Minimalist figures. Wonderful slight oxidation to finish over entire brass surface. Nicely scaled piece that can stand alone, y...
Marble, Brass
Lacquered Paper Mache Mannequin Head by Gemma Taccognam, Mexico, circa 1965
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lacquered Paper Mache Mannequin Head by Gemma Fane Taccogna, Mexico, circa 1965 Signed to underside ‘Gemma Taccogna Mexico’ "in very good vintag...
Paper
Terra Cotta Mask Czech like Goldscheider
By GOLDSCHEIDERSCHE PORZELLAN-MANUFACTUR UND MAJOLICA-FABRIK (1885-1953)
Located in Antwerp, BE
Terra cotta mask of a woman. Measures: Height 32 cm.
Ceramic
1980s French Glazed White Ceramic Bust
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s French glazed white ceramic bust. Highly realistic white glazed ceramic bust of person with a straight haircut.
Ceramic
Christian Dior Advertising Sculpture "Gloved Lady" in Black, France, 1950's
Located in Cork, IE
When Dior’s celebrated 'Corolle line', later to be know as the ‘New Look’, debuted in Paris in 1947, it brought back the style of the pre-war years. And his ensembles, like the iconi...
Plaster
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
Midcentury Southeast Asian Figural Cast Metal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Southeast Asian figural cast metal sculpture on black lacquered cube base.
Metal
Large White Ceramic Bust Sculpture of a Bald Man
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large hand-sculpted bust of a man. Created from white clay, this piece is life-size and depicts a man who stares off into the distance. Measures: 14.75" tall 8.5" deep 7.5" w...
Ceramic
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Bronze Buddha Head on Wood Base
Located in San Diego, CA
Decorative bronze Buddha headon black wood base, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures: 6" W x 6" D x 14" H; the actual bronze head is 8.5" H. Great l...
Bronze
Large Art Deco Statue by Cia Manna, Torino Italy
By C.I.A. Manna
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very stunning large Art Deco Statue by Cia Manna, Torino, Italy. C.I.A. Manna Torino Lenci Nel Palmeto ceramic sculpture. Semi nude form of young woman. Work...
Ceramic
A Midcentury Crackle Glazed Terracotta French Bondage Bust
Located in London, GB
A midcentury French crackle glazed terracotta female bust circa 1950. In The Bondage French taste of the time, blindfolded and position of figure alluding to hands being tied. Very g...
Terracotta
$1,960Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair Carved Wood Horse Busts--Vintage Equestrian Decor 16.5" High
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a wonderful pair of carved horse busts/heads dating from the mid-century and measuring an impressive 16.5" high and 12" wide. Although the country of origin and wood species ...
Wood
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sicilian Moorish Heads Pair in Polished Lava Stone, Limited Edition
Located in Milano, IT
Fabulous pair of limited-edition, contemporary art Sicilian Moorheads of fine Sicilian workmanship. The Moor heads are made entirely of lava stone: the male head is polished, while ...
Lava
FLAYED MAN BY JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON - PLASTER CAST 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FLAYED MAN BY JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON - PLASTER CAST 29th Century This is a real size reproduction in plaster of the head of Flayed Man by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (Paris...
Plaster
Female Wicker Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Female Wicker Sculpture, Made in Italy, 1970s. Made of natural wicker and painted with white lacquer. He has an elegant charm with this unique pose that gives him something bizarre...
Wicker, Lacquer
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Bust Solid Brass Gold Sculpture Depicting Egyptian Emperor Italian Design, 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bust solid brass gold sculpture depicting Egyptian emperor Italian design, 1950s.
Brass
$677Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Painted Plaster Bust of a Men on a Marble Bust, around 1976
Located in Berlin, DE
This mid-century painted plaster bust, created around 1976 by late German artist Jens Schleede, presents a compelling portrait of a man rendered with expressive realism and sculptura...
Marble
Bronze Resin Sculpture Of A Female Bust By Fritz Kormis
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bronze resin sculpture depicting a Classical type female having long braided hair with her eyes closed. The piece is not signed. Acquired originally in London at the Fieldborne Galle...
Resin
Elegant Mid-Century female bust sculpture by Henri Grailhe , France 1950s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant Mid-Century female bust sculpture by Henri Grailhe. A refined mid-20th-century female bust sculpture by French artist Henri Grailhe, known for his expressive figurative works...
Clay
Exquisite Pair of Decorative Angel Head Busts, Mixed Media, 1930s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Embrace timeless elegance with this stunning pair of angel heads, originating from a majestic Liberty villa of the 1930s. Crafted with meticulous detail and employing a captivating b...
Limestone
5 SMALL PLASTER BUST Philosophers, Poets and Oratories 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
5 SMALL PLASTER BUST Philosophers, Poets and Oratories Height 21 cm Width 10 cm Depth 9 cm Manufacturing Made in Italy Material Plaster cast
Plaster
Ida Fuà 1950s Italian Modern Plaster Sculpture
Located in Roma, IT
1950s Italian Modern Plaster Sculpture “Head of a young boy” by Ida Fuà Very important plaster sculpture depicting a young boy by the great italian artist Ida Fuà The boy, caught...
Plaster
20th Century Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture Hands, 1978
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his Craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
Singularly Intriguing Clay Bust Of A Cloaked Woman
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
A private, calming and quiet piece by an unknown artist Beautifully crafted and subtly finished with dark green matt glaze Circa 1980s Unsigned Height 9.5 inch, Width 5 inch, Depth 4...
Ceramic