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.
Vintage Brass New York Brooklyn Bridge Wall Sculpture Curtis Jeré circa 1970s
By Curtis Jeré, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large iconic New York Brooklyn Bridge brutalist wall sculpture, handmade with Brass finish and brown highlights by Curtis Jeré Artisans, circa 1976. Signed in black ink C.Jeré 1976 ...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Abstract Modern Sound Sculpture by Val Bertoia in Copper & Brass
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning sound sculpture made by Val Bertoia. Makes a beautiful chime when played. Comprised of 39 beryllium copper rods silvered to brass base. Stamped and numbered with COA from ...
Brass, Copper, Silver
Biomorphic Carved Serenity Totem Still Stand No67 by NONO, Escalona Crafted
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Luxury Wooden Sculpture Lull No89 – Handcrafted by NONO for Modern Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Luxury Wooden Sculpture Lull No89 – Handcrafted by NONO for Modern Design ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms...
Hardwood
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 17
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 17 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craftsmanship. Hand and digital machine made; the standing sculpture stands...
Hardwood
Luxury Wooden Sculpture Lull No67 by NONO – A Modern Decor Accent
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Luxury Wooden Sculpture Lull No67 by NONO – A Modern Decor Accent ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and sol...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Standing Serene Totem Still Stand No22: Crafted by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Still Stand No13: Tall Wooden Totem Sculpture by NONO, Escalona Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Graceful Wooden Standing Totem Still Stand No24, NONO’s Escalona Collection
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Tranquil Oak Standing Sculpture Still Stand No12: Artistry by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Vintage Mid Century Entomological Didactic Mushroom Teaching Aids. c.1960
Located in London, GB
A scarcely seen trio of mid‑century entomological teaching aids. Czech, c.1960. Cast in resin and mounted on ebonised wooden blocks, each specimen sits within a finely modelled fore...
Resin, Wood
$21,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Graceful Curves Still Stand No14: Wooden Standing Totem by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Modern Abstract Wooden Totem Still Stand No69 by NONO, Joel Escalona Crafted
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Abstract Wood Sculpture in the Flair of Scandinavian Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract wood sculpture in the Flair of Scandinavian Art, Unseen Force by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering examp...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Wood Standing Totem Still Stand No9 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Sculpture in Patinated Bronze and Marble by S. Monachesi
By Sante Monachesi
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sculpture in patinated bronze and marble by Sante Monachesi, an impressive abstract sculpture by this renown Italian artist made of patinated bronze intricately de...
Marble, Bronze
Atelier Oball Mid-Century Modern Two of Murano Glass Bottles Sommerso, 1994s
Located in Murano, Venezia
Pair of Murano blown glass bottles, handmade with Sommersa work, amethyst, blue, pink and crystal color. Works performed by the famous Vetreia Oball Murano...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Los Castillo Wall Sculpture
By Los Castillo
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this handmade mixed metals copper brass stone inlay wall-mounted sculpture in the style of Los Castillo Taxco Mexico.
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern Frederic Weinberg Abstract Bronze Libra Zodiac Wall Sculpture
Located in Troy, MI
A rare Frederic Weinberg zodiac series wall mounted sculpture circa 1950s Cast bronze modernist Libra figure with brutalist texture and subtle holes f...
Bronze
1959 Boeing 707-328B Model - Air France
Located in Bath, GB
A very large model of an Air France Boeing 707 / Château de Chambord dating to c.1959. Very good condition with minor livery wear, commensurate with age and use. The wings span 26...
Aluminum
Midcentury Harry Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury Harry Bertoia Sonambient sculpture featuring seven black monel "cat-tail" tops silvered to beryllium. Copper rods silvered to brass base. In fin...
Brass, Copper
Wall Mounted Decorative Blue Flower Ceramic Tile Hanging
Located in Antwerp, BE
Incredibly beautiful flower arrangement on a ceramic tile with a gloss of glaze in the brightly colors blue, pink and brown. Three separately baked tiles mounted on a wooden frame. This tall ceramic tile plaque...
Ceramic
Still Stand No36: Tall Serenity Totem, Walnut Sculpture by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No32: Graceful Walnut Standing Sculpture, Escalona Crafted
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Hardwood
A set of seventeen mid-20th century hand crafted mushroom scientific/botanical
Located in London, GB
A set of seventeen mid-20th century hand crafted mushroom scientific/botanical specimens Dimensions in inches: H 6” x W 4.5” x D 4.5” Age: Mid-20th century Origin: Unknown Condit...
Plaster, Pine
Artistic Feature Lull No83 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO for Contemporary Interiors
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artistic Feature Lull No83 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO for Contemporary Interiors ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The i...
Hardwood
$580Sale Price|35% Off
Japanese Wooden Kokeshi doll. Signed 1960's
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
Japanese wooden doll. Kokeshi call made in Japan. The Kokeshi are traditional dolls originating from the north of Japan, the kokeshis were created more than 150 years ago. These Japa...
Fruitwood
$1,666
Abstract Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract modern sculpture. Measures: Height 67 cm. Diameter 28 cm.
Metal, Chrome
Curtis Jeré Brass Mid Century Modern Sculptural Signed Sailing Boat
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Weesp, NL
A Rare Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece – Curtis Jeré’s 1976 Brass Sailboat Sculpture. Elevate your collection with this exceptional 1976 mid-century modern brass wire sculpture by C...
Brass, Iron
René Gourdon French Fourteen Bronze Stations of the Cross
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional French bronze set of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross sculpted by René Gourdon (1910-1992) around 1950. René Gourdon was a renowned French Sculptor and artis...
Bronze
Brass or Bronze Sheet Metal Wall Art Sculpture of a Sail Boat
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass sheet metal sculpture of a sail boat in style of Curtis Jere.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Floor Sound Sculpture by Val Bertoia in Copper & Brass
By Val Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning sound sculpture made by Val Bertoia. Makes a beautiful chime when played. Comprised of brass and beryllium copper. Gorgeous patina and comes with COA from the Bertoia Studio.
Brass, Copper
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Abstract Modernist Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 13
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Modernist Free Form Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 13 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, ...
Hardwood
Max Neufeldt Metal Assemblage Sculpture 1990c
By Max Neufeldt
Located in Chicago, IL
Max Neufeldt Metal Assemblage Sculpture 1990c Dimensions: 19"high x 37" wide 7.25" deep Condition: Very good original vintage condition This striking metal collage is an original wo...
Metal
Wall Mounted Goats-Head Brass Bell in the Style of Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in Cork, IE
UK & EUROPE CUSTOMERS: PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A CUSTOMIZED SHIPPING QUOTE! This is a charming and delightful piece of 1950's Alpine design! We cannot get over how endearing this goat's face is! In good condition with small signs of its age and use, and still working after some 70 years of ringing, this wall mounted bell...
Metal, Brass
Oversize Aluminum Novelty Cutlery Wall Sculptures Curtis Jere style, 1960/70s.
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Dublin 8, IE
A striking and playful set of oversized novelty cutlery wall sculptures, comprising a spoon, fork, and knife, each measuring an impressive 120 cm in length. Executed in aluminum meta...
Aluminum
Signed Mid-Century Modern Abstract Mounted Marble Table Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully carved beige marble sculpture from the 1980's. It's stunning at any angle and mounted on a walnut base. Signed & Dated.
Marble
Mid Century Modern Leather Bull Mount by, Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine and extremely rare Mid Century Modern Leather "Bull Mount" by, Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch. The mount is hand crafted and hand stitched in the form of a bull finish...
Brass
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, 29
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 29 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by...
Hardwood
Rusha Handarbeit ceramic wall plate , 1970s Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Delft, NL
Rusha Handarbeit ceramic wall plate , 1970s Germany
Ceramic
C. Jeré metal wall art classic bird design
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Curtis Jeré “Seagulls” metal wall sculpture in white with blue splatter finish. This design is often referred to as “Birds in Flight”. It casts s...
Metal
Biomorphic Serenity: Carved Oak Totem Still Stand No70 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Hardwood
Wall Mounted Glass Sculpture designed by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wall plate by the Danish designer Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal made of metal wall mounted sheet lacquered in black and gilt with glass faceted frosted Art Glass.Limited edition from ...
Art Glass
French Amber Colored Glass & Sting Net Flot Mid-Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French fishing net buoy wall decoration yellowglass and string. Until the first half of the 20th century, sailors used hollow glass balls surrounded by a rope net as floats. This all...
Rope, Glass
Signed Anthony Redmile Sawfish Decorative Objects Mounted on Brass Bases, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of signed Anthony Redmile English sawfish decorative objects from circa 1970 mounted on brass bases. This exquisite pair of decorative objects, created by Anthony Redmile in c...
Brass
Colorful Midcentury Sunshine Metal Room Divider in- or Outdoor, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Was mounted on the wall, there are holes for wall mounting. Could also be mounted on the ceiling. The paint is partly off, here and there rust. But therefore has its absolute vi...
Iron
Il Sestante Bronze Plate by Arnaldo Pomodoro, Bas-Relief, Italy, 1958
By Arnaldo Pomodoro, Gio Pomodoro
Located in Vigevano, PV
Cast bronze plate with bas-relief decoration Made for the unlimited series production of "Il Sestante", Milan
Bronze
Brutalist Crucifix in brass after Dali's painting, Spain, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exceptional reproduction in brass of "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" Salvador Dalí, 1980, Spain. Surrealism. Work in high relief with a lot of depth and beautiful three dimension...
Brass
$318Sale Price|43% Off
Midcentury Desk Sculpture of Dice in Bronze, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small unusual desk sculpture with removable bronze dice. Despite its small size its very heavy. The dice may have been mounted as a hood ornament originally and then made in to a dec...
Bronze
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Wooden Totem Art Unseen Force No34 Produced by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Wooden Totem Art Unseen Force No34 Produced by NONO —— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towerin...
Hardwood
Pierre Forssell Pair of Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Up for sale two lovely sconces from Skultuna, Sweden in brass. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in the 1990s. Very good condition. Delivered whit the original box.
Brass
$8,200 / item
Sculptural Concave Rose Gold Mirror
Located in London, GB
Impressive pink gold concave mirror with brass wall bracket other colors are available. Bronze, blue, green, copper Some colours available im...
Brass
Ruscha Handarbeit ceramic wall plate , 1970s Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Delft, NL
Ruscha Handarbeit ceramic wall plate , 1970s Germany
Ceramic
Designed by Joel Escalona Unseen Force No40 Abstract Wooden Totem
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Designed by Joel Escalona Unseen Force No40 Abstract Wooden Totem—— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craf...
Hardwood
Italian Venetian, Sculpture, Blown Murano Glass, Red Blu, Romano Donà, 1990s
By Romano Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Gorgeous Italian Venetian, Sculpture, Blown Murano Glass, Red Blu and transparent, Signed Romano Donà, 1990s. This fantastic modern sculpture is entirely handcrafted in blow Murano, ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Dorothy Thorpe Style Resin Hand Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dorothy Thorpe style mounted resin casting of a hand. This piece showcases a large hand sculpture in a reaching position. Dimensions 9" width x 4...
Resin
Hollywood Regency 1970s Faux Elephant Tusks, Life-Size Resin with Brass Bases
By Milo Baughman, Maitland Smith
Located in Chattanooga, TN
These monumental 1970s faux ivory elephant tusks are breathtaking in both scale and presence. Standing over six feet tall, the pair is expertly molded from dense resin and finished i...
Brass
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, 27
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 27 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by...
Hardwood
$7,500
Georges Jouve Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
Georges Jouve Crucifix in Black glazed earthenware Inscribed to top 'INRI'. Incised signature and artist's cipher to verso ‘Jouve’.
Earthenware
Pierre Forssell Pair of Vintage Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Forssell (1925-2004) Pierre Forssell was an acclaimed industrial designer who designed cutlery and cookware, for among others Gense, before joining the distinguished brass foundry of Skultuna as creative director in the early 1950s. Forssell was commissioned to renew Skultuna’s product range and created several successful series of modernist interior decorating objects...
Brass