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.
Tall Abstract Wood Totem by NONO Furniture Still Stand No116
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
$13,764Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No125 Sculptural Carved Wood Totem with Organic Curves
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
$13,764Sale Price / item|20% Off
Organic Carved Wood Sculpture by Joel Escalona Still Stand No108
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
Tall Mid-Century Modern Abstract Table Sculpture in Acrylic Lucite
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky lucite table sculpture circa 1970's. It features a tall skyscraper form in solid clear acrylic. Free continental USA shipping.
Lucite
Modern Wooden Sculpture Lull No97 by NONO – Ideal for Luxury Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Wooden Sculpture Lull No97 by NONO – Ideal for Luxury Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and...
Hardwood
Modern Wooden Totem Lull No69 by NONO – Ideal for Interior Design Projects
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Wooden Totem Lull No69 by NONO – Ideal for Interior Design Projects ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded for...
Hardwood
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria Original condition
Brass
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No10: Sculptural Wood Elegance, Tall 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
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No54: Biomorphic Abstract Oak Totem 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
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
Pierre Giraudon Resin Exploded Clock Globe Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic exploded clock sculpture in resin. This incredibly rare piece was designed by Pierre Giraudon in France during the 1970s. This item is amazing as it is an exploded clock ...
Metal
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 to the power of the material...
Hardwood
$19,118 / item
Modern Art Burn Wood Unseen Force No43 Abstract by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Art Burn Wood Unseen Force No43 Abstract by NONO ——— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craftsmanship...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Exquisite Wooden Standing Totem Still Stand No35 by NONO, Joel Escalona Art
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
Handcrafted Abstract Art Lull No52 – Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Handcrafted Abstract Art Lull No52 – Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms a...
Hardwood
Still Stand No56: Abstract Wooden Grace by NONO, Modern Escalona Sculpture
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
$15,286Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No30: Sculptural Harmony, Tall Oak Totem 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
Mid-Century Modern Large Abstract Floor Sculpture in Grey by Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large abstract floor sculpture made by Cutis Jere in 1984. A great post modern design in grey cut steel. Artist signed and dated.
Steel
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Abstract Wooden Elegance Still Stand No65: Carved Totem by NONO, 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
$13,518 / item
Salvador Dali Double Rinocerontico Knob for BD
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Double Knob Rinocerontico designed by Salvador Dali produced by BD design. Three polished lacquered cast bronze pieces joined together. Double (for both sides of the door): 13 x 35...
Bronze
$15,286Sale Price / item|20% Off
Tall Wooden Serenity Totem Still Stand No27: Sculpted by NONO’s 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
Lull No9 Modern Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Statement Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No9 Modern Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Statement Piece ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded fo...
Hardwood
Murano submerged glass centerpiece attributed to Archimede Seguso, 1970
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Murano submerged glass centerpiece attributed to Archimede Seguso, Italy, 1970s. This Murano glass centerpiece, 1970 Original in the shape of a shell, was made in Murano in the 1970...
Murano Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Wall Relief Captain Alte Seebär, Masculinity, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This heavy hand-colored wall relief in cast plaster uzzes masculinity . It depicts a dutch seaman/captain called Dorus Rijkers who rescued over 500 people lost at sea between 1870-18...
Plaster
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
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
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No93 – Handcrafted by NONO for Artistic Inter
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No93 – Handcrafted by NONO for Artistic Interiors ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, ...
Hardwood
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
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carved Wooden Elegance Still Stand No44: 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
Still Stand No71: Modern Organic Sculpture by NONO, Escalona Designed
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
Interior Design Wooden Sculpture Lull No54 – Crafted by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Interior Design Wooden Sculpture Lull No54 – Crafted by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and...
Hardwood
Serene Standing Wood Totem Still Stand No33 by NONO, A Joel Escalona Creation
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
Elegant Oak Standing Totem Still Stand No17 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
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
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
$287Sale Price|50% Off
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Sculpture Of Canadian Goose On Rock Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Chromed Sculpture Of Canadian Goose On Rock Stand Large Mid-Century Modern sculpture of a bird The sculpture is based on an adjustable stone base.
Stone, Chrome
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
Still Stand No23: Tall Oak Sculpture by NONO, A Joel Escalona Masterpiece
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
Escalona’s Elegance Still Stand No29: Tall Wooden 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
Standing Serenity Wood Totem Still Stand No11 by NONO, A 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
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Cartwheel Brass Key Hanger, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
A wall-mounted Mid-Century key holder / key board, designed in the shape of a cartwheel or wagon wheel. This piece was designed by Walter Bosse and crafted b...
Brass
Still Stand No10: Sculptural Wood Elegance, Tall 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
Salvador Dalí Double Rinocerontico Knob, Bronze, Mid-Century Modern
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Double Knob Rinocerontico designed by Salvador Dali produced by BD design. Three polished lacquered cast bronze pieces joined together. Double (for both sides of the door): 13 x 35...
Bronze
Lull No64 Wooden Sculpture for Artistic Interiors by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No64 Wooden Sculpture for Artistic Interiors by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and ...
Hardwood
Abstract Form Sculpture Lull No35 – NONO’s Decorative Art Piece for Modern Inter
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Form Sculpture Lull No35 – NONO’s Decorative Art Piece for Modern Interiors ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, r...
Hardwood
1960’s Ron Schmidt Brutalist Sunburst/ Pinwheel Nail Sculpture, Signed
By Ron Schmidt
Located in Charleston, SC
1960’s Ron Schmidt Brutalist starburst/sunburst/ pinwheel nail wall sculpture. Signature visible on the back!
Metal
Philippe Jean Bronze Bird Sculpture Signed and Numbered 85/300 France circa 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
A cast bronze bird sculpture by Philippe Jean, French artist, designer and sculptor. Mounted on a black wood cube base. Signed and numbered. PhJean 8...
Bronze
$354Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Sea God and Mermaid, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a sea god and a mermaid. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition with nice patina. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Brass
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No84 Wooden Totem for Modern Spaces – Designed by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No84 Wooden Totem for Modern Spaces – Designed by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and...
Hardwood
Handcrafted Wooden Elegance Still Stand No31: 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
Still Stand No52: Modern Abstract Wooden 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
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
Dark Wood Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Unseen Force No36 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dark Wood Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Unseen Force No36 by NONO —— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in ...
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
Still Stand No20: Serene Wooden Standing Sculpture by NONO, Escalona Designed
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
Lull No24 Sculptural Accent in Wood – Designed by Joel Escalona for Contemporary
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No24 Sculptural Accent in Wood – Designed by Joel Escalona for Contemporary Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth,...
Hardwood
Max Neufeldt Blue Bird Heart College 1985
By Max Neufeldt
Located in Chicago, IL
Max Neufeldt “Blue Bird Heart” Assemblage Collage, 1985 An original mixed-media relief by California artist Max Neufeldt, this 1985 “Blue Bird Heart” piece marries a hand-crafted bi...
Metal
Interior Design Art Piece Lull No43 – NONO’s Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Interior Design Art Piece Lull No43 – NONO’s Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
Salvador Dalí Rinocerontico Knob, Bronze, Mid-Century Modern, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Knob Rinocerontico designed by Salvador Dali produced by BD design. Three polished lacquered cast bronze pieces joined together. Measures: 13 x 19 x 24 H cm During the 1930s in P...
Bronze
$620Sale Price|82% Off
Midcentury Solid Bronze Sculpture Of A US Army Helmet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Midcentury solid bronze sculpture of a US army helmet. The helmet is heavy and sits of a black painted metal stand. This is one of 3-5 other helmets made...
Bronze