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.
beautiful Cute Brass Monkey Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking brass metal sculpture was most likely produced in Italy during the 1980s. Crafted from blackened brass, the piece reflects the clean lines and sculptural presence assoc...
Brass
Large MCM Orange Lucite Grape Cluster
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in varying shades of orange. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic lea...
Plastic, Lucite, Wood
Large bronze statue of a stylized African Ndebele Ndebele woman, atr. Hagenauer
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A fantastic life-size bronze sculpture from the early 1950s. The design is attributed to Karl Hagenauer. Approx. 30 kg. This life-size sculpture of an exotic African Ndebele woman, ...
Bronze
Pair Foo Dog Bronze Figure Statues Paperweight, Asia Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of Vintage Foo Dog Sculptures in Brass or Bronze This elegant pair of vintage Foo Dog sculptures was acquired from an estate sale in Bologna, Italy. Handcrafted in brass or bro...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of brass small Decorative brass birds figurines, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of small, finely crafted decorative brass birds, dating from the 1950s and of French origin. Each bird features a stylized body covered in a design punctuated with colorful cabo...
Brass
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant. The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius, an island east of Madagascar in the ...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Original Vintage Margaret Hudson Earth Art Pottery Owl
Located in Fairfield, CA
An original vintage sculpted earth art pottery owl by Margaret Lorraine Hudson of Fresno, CA. Signed on the base. Measures 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 5.25"H
Pottery
Italian Ceramic Monumental Cheetah Big Cat Statue 1970s
By Capodimonte
Located in Den Haag, NL
A life sized Italian ceramic wildlife cheetah sculpture. Realistically painted under glaze. A friendly looking example . Good condition .
Ceramic
$344Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Original Travertine Elephant Sculpture by F.lli Mannelli
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original big travertine elephant sculpture by F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 5,51 w x 1,18 D x 3,93 H inches L 14 cm x P 3 cm x c...
Travertine
Murano Uranium Glass Rabbit Sculpture by Ferro & Lazzarini, Italy 1960s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Exceptional Murano glass rabbit sculpture by Ferro & Lazzarini, dating to the 1960s and made in Italy. This charming sculptural piece is crafted from vibrant uranium glass, also know...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Uranium Glass
Collection of 12 Art Glass Wrapped Candies by Murano Glass with Foil Label / Box
By Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice collection of twelve art glass wrapped candies by Murano Glass in original boxes, circa 1970s. The pieces are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measur...
Art Glass
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Figure Sculpture Brazil art
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Abraham Palatnik (Brazilian, 1928–2020) Lucite Owl Sculpture, c. 1960s–70s Cast acrylic (Lucite) with embedded optical pattern Brazil Height: 4 5/8” This refined owl sculpture repre...
Acrylic, Lucite
Antique German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue with Wheelbarrow, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - attributed to Griebel in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in German...
Earthenware, Wood
2 Mid Century Porcelain Horses by Metzler & Ortloff, East Germany (GDR), Foals
Located in Andernach, DE
Beautifully designed foals by Ilmenau Porzellan, one of East Germany's famous makers of mid-century figurative art. Designed and made around 1950-1959. Delicately modelled, playful y...
Porcelain
Organic Abstract Ceramic Sculpture by Lorraine Goldberg 1980's Steel Base
Located in Troy, MI
Unique ceramic sculpture by Michigan artist Lorraine Goldberg Circa 1980's Organic elements glazed in earthen tones, clustered and stacked in an asymmetrical totemic form Mounted to...
Steel
A pair of antique metal flamingo sculptures, circa 1950
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of pink hand-painted metal flamingo sculptures, mid 20th century. A Palm Springs fever dream come to life, this pair will add flair to any indoor or outdoor setting. The bodic...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Modern Bitossi Ceramic Blue Horse Pottery by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and chic horse sculpture circa 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi. This piece features all glazed ceramic construction in a beautiful blue / green color. Signed Italy
Ceramic
Jens Jakob Bregnø “Hercules” Green-Glazed Stoneware Sculpture for Saxbo
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jens Jakob Bregnø (Danish, 1877–1946) A figure depicting “Hercules” in a relaxed yet powerful pose, executed in stoneware with a beautiful glaze ranging from deep turquoise to light...
Stoneware
GIFT IDEA - 1970s Italian Glazed Ceramic Spaniel Figurine – Hand-Painted Details
Located in Bochum, NRW
🎁 Holiday Highlight: A thoughtful gift for dog lovers, vintage collectors, or anyone who appreciates European craftsmanship. A soulful 1970s Italian ceramic spaniel figurine, crafte...
Ceramic
Set of five “Pulcini” glass birds by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
Located in Uccle, BE
Set of five “Pulcini” glass birds by Alessandro Pianon. Rare set of five blown glass birds resting on their hammered copper legs. These are th...
Copper
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. Made of solid b...
Brass
Murano Art Glass Mama Bear Baby Sculpture, Gold Flecks, Rare, Mid-Century, Italy
By Alfredo Barbini, Salviati, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown heavy gold leaf over white Italian art glass mama bear with baby sculpture. The figure is nicely sculpted, with many little details on...
Gold Leaf
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell for Arcosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paolo Soleri Bronze Wind Chime Bell for Arcosanti
Bronze
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Birds Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown sky blue, pink, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass love birds sculpture. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso Company....
Gold Leaf
HOLIDAY GIFT - Charming Trio of Midcentury Ceramic Dog Figurines - Hand-Painted
By Kaiser
Located in Bochum, NRW
A delightful set of three midcentury ceramic dog figurines, each hand-painted in warm brown and ivory tones with lifelike expressions and poses. This sculptural trio includes: - A r...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Set of 2 Lalique Signed Frosted Crystal Liberty Eagle Sculptures, France
By Lalique
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, A collector’s item made by Lalique in France. These frosted liberty eagles are made by Lalique. The Lalique liberty eagles are beautiful crystal sculptures of...
Crystal
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Murano Italian Art Glass 7 Piece Pear Cherry Banana Orange Gold Fruit Sculptures
By Alfredo Barbini, Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful set of vintage Murano hand blown Italian art glass fruit figures / sculptures. The set includes 2 pears, a bunch of cherries, a banana, an orange, a tomato, and a mystery y...
Gold Leaf
Murano Art Glass Sculpture 'Jeans' by Simone Cenedese 1990s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Murano Art Glass Sculpture 'Jeans' by Simone Cenedese 1990s A large vintage art glass sculpture, designed and handcrafted by master glassmaker Simone Cenedese in the 1990s. The titl...
Art Glass
Baccarat Signed Crystal Cockatoo Okimono Sculpture, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, A collector’s item made by Baccarat in France. This crystal cockatoo is made by Baccarat. This piece of Baccarat called 'okimono', is sculpted from clear Bacc...
Crystal
Set of 2 Mid-Century Wooden Teak Birds, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Wooden Teak Birds, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wood Style: Mid-Century Modern Color: Brown Item T...
Wood
$344Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Original Travertine Elephant Sculpture by Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original travertine elephant sculpture by Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 4,33 x 1,18 x 3,93 H inches L 11 cm x P...
Travertine
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
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Brass and Hand Painted Paper Mache Owl Sculpture, Sergio Bustamante, 1970's
Located in Culver City, CA
A rare and monumental owl sculpture by Mexican master artist Sergio Bustamante, standing an impressive 31 inches tall. This striking owl beautifully synthesizes everything Bustamante...
Brass
Pair Terracotta Ceramic Foo Dog Garden Home Statues, Sculptures from the 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding pair of two Foo Dog statues in glazed and hand painted Ceramic. Perfectly representations of this majestic being, stern, watchful and obedient at the same time. Elegan...
Ceramic
Gorgeous Murano Italian Art Glass Giant Octopus Paperweight, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass Statue, paper weight or sculpture. Showing a giant octopus. Colors are a blue, white, black and clear. A beautiful nice addition to your...
Murano Glass
Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...
Bronze
Bronze Etruscan Horse with Rider Sculpture on Marble Base, Greece Vintage, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a bronze sculpture, in the style of the antique statues and figures of the Etruscans is a gorgeous interior furnishing item. it is an incredibly stylized Etruscan horse with ...
Metal
Figural Horse Business Card Tray Catchall Brass Bronze, Vienna, Austria, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Austrian business card tray or catchall. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian art nouveau items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, ...
Brass
Vintage Sommerso Aventurine Art Glass Flame Sculpture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage art glass sculpture features a restrained tone-on-tone palette of amber glass with delicate gold leaf, or aventurine, accents. The colored glass is encased in a layer clear ...
Gold
Baccarat Signed Crystal Lion Sculpture, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, A collector’s item made by Baccarat in France. This crystal lion is made by Baccarat. A lion, sculpted from clear Baccarat crystal, sits poised upon its base ...
Crystal
Awesome realistic ceramic Poodle from Italy, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Incredibly beautifully moulded. Every muscle, the spine and ribs are beautifully visible. The proportions, the shaping of the body almost perfect. Rarely seen such a beautiful sp...
Ceramic
Lalique Signed Frosted Crystal Lion Sculpture, France
By Lalique
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, A collector’s item made by Lalique in France. This frosted crystal lion is made by Lalique. The Lalique Simba is a beautiful crystal sculpture of a lion sitti...
Crystal
Industrial Robot Scale Design Model Desk Sculpture, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Industrial Robot Sculpture (1970s) A rare example of early machinist craftsmanship, this miniature industrial robot was produced during the 1970s and discovered at an estate ...
Metal
Large Caderesque Stabile - Mobile in Primary Colors by Verneuil Creations France
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large handmade Caderesque Stabile - Mobile kinetic sculpture with primary colors of reds, blues and yellows on black base, in the style of Verneuil Creations France. This is larger v...
Steel
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
Vintage Mexican Mid Century Pig by Mario Lopez Torres, Rare 1974 Tzumindi
Located in San Diego, CA
Mario Lopez Torres was born in 1952 in Mexico City. From the beginning, Mario’s attention was drawn to artistic hobbies including drawing, modeling with clay and engraving. He was ...
Rattan
William Bowie Mid Century Abstract Nail Wall Sculpture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
William Bowie Mid Century Abstract Nail Wall Sculpture This sculpture measures: 30.5 wide x 3.25 deep x 21 inches high We take our photos in a c...
Metal
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed )
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed ) Original condition
Brass
Large 12-inch Aldo Londi Horse pottery Sculpture
By Aldo Londi
Located in South Charleston, WV
12.5" tall, 12" deep and 5" wide. Large and Impeccable horse sculpture with this example in the prized and sought after deep orange color. No blemishes. Produced in Italy and importe...
Pottery
Mid-Century Ceramic Owl Figurine, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Ceramic Owl Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Style: Mid-Century Modern Country of Origin: Germ...
Ceramic
$597Sale Price|38% Off
1940s, Gorgeous Oriental Decorative Statue, Thai Deity
Located in Milano, IT
1940s, Gorgeous oriental decorative statue in bronze. Thai Deity. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 4, 33" W x 1, 96 D x 7, 87 H inches. L...
Bronze
Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement Manufactured in France by unknown artist, circa 1990. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, pre...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sunburst Wall Sculpture by William Friedle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This striking Brutalist sunburst wall sculpture by William Friedle captures the essence of Mid-Century Modern design with a dynamic arrangement...
Brass
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
Group of Five Mid 20th C. Modern Abstract Wood Sculptures
By Henry Moore
Located in Rochester, NY
Group of five mid 20th century modernist abstract carved wood sculptures. Some are signed w/ artist monogram at lower back side ( see picture 8 ) the sculptures measure as follows - ...
Wood
Royal Copenhagen HUGE Goat Buck Figurine 1/15 by Karl Larsen, Stoneware, 1947
By Karl Larsen 1, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rare stoneware figurine of a huge goat buck model no. 20853 designed by Karl Larsen (1897-1977) in 1947. Made in a serie of 15 numbers. This one is no 1 out of 15 pieces. It 's manuf...
Stoneware
Alfredo Barbini Vulcano Glass Sculpture, Murano, Late 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Vulcano glass sculpture by Alfredo Barbini, Murano, 1957. Sometimes called Volcano. Signed "A.Barbini" on the base (see photo). Measures: Height 17.13"(43.5 cm), width 11.42" (29cm),...
Art Glass
Ralph Lauren Crystal Teddy Bear Sculpture, Polo Bear 1990s
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The Ralph Lauren Teddy Bear tradition started in 1991 as an actual teddy bear (“Preppy Bear”), produced in tandem with Steiff, and continued as an embroidered teddy bear, that eventu...
Crystal
Large Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Owl by Josef Simon for Søholm
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Owl Sculpture by Josef Simon for Søholm, 1960s
Ceramic
$988Sale Price|40% Off
David Marshall table clock large model, spain 1960
Located in La xara, VC
Clock sculpture in bronze and cast aluminum for the base by artist David Marshall. Marshall moved to Spain in the mid-1960s, opening a workshop in Malaga in 1969 where he produced s...
Aluminum, Bronze