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.
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
Still Stand No30: Sculptural Harmony, Tall Red Oak Wood Totem by 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
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
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 Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
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
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
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi, Unseen Force 24
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 24 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by...
Hardwood
$19,900 / item
Lull No55 Solid Wood Sculpture for Modern Spaces by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No55 Solid Wood Sculpture for Modern Spaces by NONO ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and solid, angu...
Hardwood
$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
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
Lull No28 Contemporary Wooden Totem – Handcrafted by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No28 Contemporary Wooden Totem – Handcrafted by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and s...
Hardwood
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No75 by NONO – Decorative Object for Modern
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Wooden Sculpture Lull No75 by NONO – Decorative Object for Modern Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, ...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Carved Wood Sculpture "Caballo de Paso II" signed Jeffrey Brosk
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist mid-century modernist sculpture, entitled "Caballo de Paso II," is a stunning work by acclaimed artist Jeffrey Brosk. Carved in 1997, the piece exemplifies Brosk's ma...
Wood
Organic Wooden Tranquility Still Stand No57: Carved 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
$15,294Sale Price|20% Off
Unseen Force No41 Solid Wood Modern Art Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force No41 Solid Wood Modern Art Sculpture by Joel Escalona ——— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in cr...
Hardwood
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Metals on Quartz Anchor Sculpture by C. Jere for Artisian House
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice mixed metals on quartz base anchor and sea gulls sculpture by C. Jere for Artisian House, circa 1971. The piece is in great vintage condition with a wonderful patina and ...
Quartz, Brass, Bronze, Iron
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi, Unseen Force 26
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 26 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed b...
Hardwood
Handmade Mid-Century Modern Anatomical Cell Division Models
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
A beautiful sculptural handmade and hand painted anatomical cell division models made by Somso, West Germany. This rare set is in perfect vintage condition without any damage. The ...
Plastic
Contemporary Design Sculpture Lull No49 – NONO’s Wooden Totem for Artistic Space
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Design Sculpture Lull No49 – NONO’s Wooden Totem for Artistic Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rou...
Hardwood
Lull No36 Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Homes – Designed by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No36 Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Homes – Designed by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms ...
Hardwood
Lull No46 Geometric Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Homes
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No46 Geometric Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Homes ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
Vintage 1956 Mexican Soda Tin Sign
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare 1956 Mexican soda tin sign.
Sheet Metal
Max Neufeldt “Assembledge” Mixed-Media Assemblage, 1975
By Max Neufeldt
Located in Chicago, IL
Max Neufeldt “Assembledge” Mixed-Media Assemblage, 1975 An original 1975 assemblage by California artist Max Neufeldt, this sculptural collage marries an eclectic array of found mate...
Metal
Artful Decor Lull No27 – NONO’s Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artful Decor Lull No27 – NONO’s Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and s...
Hardwood
Still Stand No76: Biomorphic Carved 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
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
Large Vintage 48" Curtis Jere MCM Corkscrew Bottle Opener Pop Art Wall Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage 48" Curtis Jere Mid Century Modern Corkscrew Bottle Opener Pop Art Wall Sculpture. Item features a large oversized form, original signature and 1979 date, steel metal c...
Steel
Abstract Art Sculpture Lull No14 by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Interior Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Art Sculpture Lull No14 by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Interior Design ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Carved Serenity Totem Still Stand No55 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
Lull No80 Wooden Sculpture – Artistic Installation by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No80 Wooden Sculpture – Artistic Installation by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and ...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 t...
Hardwood
Still Stand No16: Handcrafted Walnut Totem, A Serene Escalona Art Piece
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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 19
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 19 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a tower...
Hardwood
Graceful Curved Wood Totem Still Stand No39 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
Geometric Wooden Sculpture Lull No79 – NONO’s Statement Piece for Contemporary H
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Geometric Wooden Sculpture Lull No79 – NONO’s Statement Piece for Contemporary Homes ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, ...
Hardwood
Biomorphic Serenity: Carved Oak Totem Still Stand No42 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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Cat Tail and Driftwood Witco Style Sculpture
By Witco
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage organic cattail and driftwood sculpture. Wonderfully unique and modern take on a ‘pond scene’. Cattails are composed of solid brass rods, mounted in a twisted & tiered aged p...
Brass
Lull No90 Geometric Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Interior Des
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No90 Geometric Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Interior Design ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, ro...
Hardwood
Lull No53 Modern Wooden Totem Sculpture – Ideal for Artistic Spaces by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No53 Modern Wooden Totem Sculpture – Ideal for Artistic Spaces by NONO ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded for...
Hardwood
Lull No94 Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces – Designed by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No94 Wooden Sculpture for Modern Spaces – Designed by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms...
Hardwood
Lull No86 Abstract Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Ideal for Artistic Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No86 Abstract Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Ideal for Artistic Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
DOOQ! NEW! Mid-Century Modern ceramic Thabit Beetroot Wall Decor
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Thabit, our extraordinary new collection of handcrafted sculptures meticulously fashioned from gres and rafia, in partnership with an esteemed artistic ceramic studio. Inspired by th...
Ceramic, Raffia
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No30 Tall Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Minimalist Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No30 Tall Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Minimalist Design ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No44 Tall Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona for Minimalist Decor
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No44 Tall Wooden Totem Sculpture by Joel Escalona for Minimalist Decor ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded fo...
Hardwood
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lull No50 Minimalist Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Interiors by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No50 Minimalist Wooden Sculpture for Luxury Interiors by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded f...
Hardwood
Lull No18 Contemporary Wooden Totem – Perfect for Sculptural Interiors by Joel E
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No18 Contemporary Wooden Totem – Perfect for Sculptural Interiors by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smoot...
Hardwood
Organic Harmony: Modern Wood Totem Still Stand No49 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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #49: Solid Wood Sculpture, Coffee Table Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #49: Solid Wood Sculpture, Coffee Table Art ——— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escal...
Hardwood
Artistic Installation Lull No37 – NONO’s Contemporary Wooden Sculpture
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artistic Installation Lull No37 – NONO’s Contemporary Wooden Sculpture ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms an...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No48: Biomorphic Carved 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
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Accent for Contemporary Spaces – Lull No4 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Accent for Contemporary Spaces – Lull No4 by NONO ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the...
Hardwood
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Interior Design Wooden Totem Lull No71 – Crafted by NONO for Contemporary Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Interior Design Wooden Totem Lull No71 – Crafted by NONO for Contemporary Spaces ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, round...
Hardwood
Lull No74 Modern Wooden Totem by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Interiors
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No74 Modern Wooden Totem by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Luxury Interiors ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded f...
Hardwood
Lull No22 Minimalist Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Decorative Object
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No22 Minimalist Wooden Sculpture by Joel Escalona – A Decorative Object ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded f...
Hardwood
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Unseen Force #55: Joel Escalona's Table, Sculpture-Inspired Solid Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #55: Joel Escalona's Table, Sculpture-Inspired Solid Wood ——— This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty i...
Hardwood
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi, Unseen Force 25
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 25 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed b...
Hardwood
Handcrafted Wooden Sculpture Lull No77 by NONO – Perfect for Artistic Homes
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Handcrafted Wooden Sculpture Lull No77 by NONO – Perfect for Artistic Homes ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded for...
Hardwood
Lull No70 Wooden Sculpture – Abstract Form by Joel Escalona for Minimalist Homes
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No70 Wooden Sculpture – Abstract Form by Joel Escalona for Minimalist Homes ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, roun...
Hardwood
Minimalist Wooden Sculpture Lull No85 – Handcrafted by NONO for Interior Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Wooden Sculpture Lull No85 – Handcrafted by NONO for Interior Design ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded...
Hardwood
Lull No72 Tall Wooden Sculpture for Modern Decor by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No72 Tall Wooden Sculpture for Modern Decor by Joel Escalona ——— Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and s...
Hardwood