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.
Cabinet of Curiosities Sculptural Artwork on a Wooden Cabinet, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures, pieces and collectibles in a wooden and glass vitrine. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a be...
Wood
Still Stand No107 Modern Standing Totem in Light Solid Wood 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
$17,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Vintage 1981 Pop Art Lucite Sculpture Paperweight with US One Dollar Bill $1
Located in St. Louis, MO
This is a classic piece of vintage 1980s Pop Art corporate/desk Americana—a crisp, uncirculated Federal Reserve Note flawlessly embedded in a solid block of clear Lucite (acrylic res...
Lucite, Paper
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Glass Sculpture by Licio Zanetti "Birds in Flight"
Located in New York, NY
Murano Art glass sculpture by Licio Zanetti, "Birds In Flight". Beautifully handmade art glass sculpture by a master. The seagulls are life like in their positions moving freely a...
Brass, Iron
Vintage Brass New York Brooklyn Bridge Wall Sculpture Curtis Jeré circa 1970s
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
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
$1,334Sale Price|20% Off
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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Vintage Carved Alabaster Grapes on Natural Wood Stem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and tactile vintage cluster of hand-carved alabaster grapes, mounted on a naturalistic wood branch stem. Each grape is individually sculpted in softly rounded form, displa...
Alabaster
1970 "Egg" Tommaso Barbi Italian Design Metal stacking
Located in Brescia, IT
"Egg" Sculpture Tommaso Barbi Italy, 1970 Silver Metal Stacking tray Sticker Label "TB made in italy" Excellent condiction
Metal
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No48 Solid Wood Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Sculptural Accent for Modern
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No48 Solid Wood Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Sculptural Accent for Modern Homes ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth...
Hardwood
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
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
$1,855Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual Stylished Bird Sculpture in the Style of Haguenauer. Circa 1960
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This stylished bird is made of nickel-plated and shell (the shell has a small repair). This is a very interesting work in the style of famous designer Franz Haguenauer, Circa 1960 (t...
Aluminum
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No58 – Handcrafted by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No58 – Handcrafted by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms ...
Hardwood
$499Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Walter Bosse Key Hanger Monkeys
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Walter Bosse key hanger monkeys Original condition.
Brass
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
Livio Campanella Mid-Century Modern Murrina Millefiori Murano Glass Vase, 1988s
Located in Murano, Venezia
Exclusive working of Murano glass to produce this fantastic venetian blown glass vase with murrine Millefiori and covered with gold leaf 24 c...
Murano Glass
$17,900 / item
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
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
Set of 9 Mottled Blue & Black Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine mottled blue & black tiles. Dating from the post-war period, this reclaimed set of tiles are of a mid-century style. Made from a light clay, the tiles are mottled blue...
Clay
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No82 Modern Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Sculptural Accent
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No82 Modern Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Sculptural Accent ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms...
Hardwood
Handmade Abstract Art Lull No25 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Handmade Abstract Art Lull No25 – Wooden Sculpture by NONO ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the sm...
Hardwood
$579Sale 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
$1,665
Abstract Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract modern sculpture. Measures: Height 67 cm. Diameter 28 cm.
Metal, Chrome
Still Stand No66: Modern Organic Totem by NONO, Joel 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
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No57 Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Homes by NONO – A Statement Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No57 Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Homes by NONO – A Statement Piece ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms ...
Hardwood
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
Wall Mounted Goats-Head Brass Bell in the Style of Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in Cork, IE
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Utensil Wall Installation, USA, 1950
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Presented as a curated decorative wall installation, this collection brings together 19 vintage kitchen utensils arranged as a cohesive composition defined by polished metal, distinc...
Metal
Seashells on Metal Patinated Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Sea Shell of good size mounted on stand with metal rod... the base is also a very heavy piece of metal with nice detailing. The piece is a nice addition to any side tab...
Metal
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
$8,345 / 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
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
Pair of Vintage Mosaic Glass and Concrete Octagonal Stepping Stones
Located in Seattle, WA
Pair of vintage handmade stepping stones featuring colorful mosaic glass fragments set into solid concrete bases. Each octagonal tile displays a unique arrangement of glass pieces in...
Stone
Large Mid Century Modern French Abstract Clear Glass Table Sculpture or Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Blown glass bowl sculpture. Dramatic large piece in clear glass. Free USA shipping.
Art Glass
Rosa Morada Woo 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
Vintage Italian Hand-Carved Porphyry Marble Obelisks, Circa 1930-1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 20th Century, pair of small vintage Italian obelisks made of hand carved Porphyry marble, in good condition. The detailed décor pieces are resting on a square base. Minor fa...
Marble
C. Jeré metal wall art classic bird design
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré, Artisan House
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
1969 Curtis Jere Bronze Balloon Boy Art Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Stafford, TX
This whimsical and imaginative sculpture is a 1969 piece by Curtis Jere, a design signature used by the artists Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Known for their eclectic and artistic m...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Lull No5 Wooden Sculpture – Abstract Form for Luxury Decor by Joel Escalon
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No5 Wooden Sculpture – Abstract Form for Luxury Decor by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded fo...
Hardwood
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
C. Jeré Artisan House metal wall sculpture of circles or raindrops
By Artisan House, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Phoenix, AZ
C. Jeré Artisan House metal wall art. This is a newer, 2000 or later production. There is no signature, but the piece was on the Artisan House website. 52” wide x 28” tall x 4” deep....
Metal
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Red Murano Glass Sculptural Centerpiece, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
Certainly, Christian. Here is a title and description for the red glass centerpiece, with a focus on Mid-Century Modern: Title: Red Murano Glass Sculptural Centerpiece, Mid-Century...
Murano Glass, Stained Glass
$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
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
Dice Aluminum Metal Sculpture or Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A german vintage aluminum paperweight or sculpture featuring a dice balanced on one corner. Art Deco style, inspired by the 1930s designs of Edgar Brandt. A minimalist dice sculpture...
Metal, Brass, Copper
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
Mid-Century Italian Murano Glass Cornucopia
Located in Queens, NY
Italian 1930/40s Venetian Murano clear swirl design glass cornucopia ornament with multicolored glass fruit and vegetables with 2 blue leave...
Glass
Curtis Jere Brass Sailboat Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four foot tall sailboat sculpture made of brass rods welded together. Mesh sails and polished marble base. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Marble, Brass
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 23
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 23 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towe...
Hardwood
Carved Wooden Elegance Still Stand No72: Abstract Totem 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
Handmade Wooden Sculpture Lull No45 – NONO’s Artful Decor for Contemporary Inter
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Handmade Wooden Sculpture Lull No45 – NONO’s Artful Decor for Contemporary Interiors ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, r...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Wooden Totem Still Stand No21 by NONO, Exquisite 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
Large 1970s Sawfish Rostrum Sculpture Mounted on Brass and Chrome Base
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An extraordinary and large natural history specimen sculpture from the 1970s, featuring an authentic sawfish rostrum (Prionistius / Sawtooth) mounted on a custom modern base. The na...
Brass, Steel
Abstract Modernist Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 12
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Modernist Free Form Wooden Sculpture in the style of Jean Arp, Unseen Force 12 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculptur...
Hardwood
$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