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.
1960s large Rimini Blu ceramic pig money box by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy
Located in München, DE
A beautiful, large, decorative 1960s ceramic piggy bank from the Rimini Blu collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by Bitossi. ...
Ceramic
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
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
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
Vintage Curtis Jere Mixed-Metal Floral Bouquet Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Mix Metals, Metal Base Designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House in the 1980s, this mixed-metal floral bouquet sculpture transforms ...
Metal
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
Large 12-inch Aldo Londi Bitossi Horse pottery Sculpture
By Aldo Londi
Located in South Charleston, WV
12.5" tall, 12" deep and 5" wide. Aldo Londi for Bitossi. A large and Impeccable horse sculpture with this example in the prized and sought after deep orange color. No blemishes. Pro...
Pottery
Owl ceramic sculpture signed, 1970s, era Anasse Maume
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Owl ceramic sculpture signed, 1970s, era Anasse Maume Handmade glazed ceramic owl with rounded body, dark green mottled glaze and ivory face with expressive eyes. The compact, styli...
Enamel
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Bull Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
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
$344Sale Price|20% Off
Enzo Mari Travertine Elephant Sculpture for Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
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
Mesmerizing Kinetics: Iron Sculpture - Painted Motion and Color
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mesmerizing Kinetics: Iron Sculpture - Painted Motion and Color Manufactured in France by unknown artist, circa 1990. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and us...
Metal
$175 / item
Raul Coronel Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
By Raul Coronel
Located in San Diego, CA
Ceramic bowl by Raul Coronel. Signed "Raul" noting it was made by Raul Coronel and not one of his assistants. 1960s Dimensions: 9.5" Diameter X 2.25" High No chips, cracks or repa...
Stoneware
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
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
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
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
Table Lamp by Fabrizio Cocchia & Gianfranco Fini for New Lamp, Italy 1969
By New Lamp
Located in Dronten, NL
A Radical Light Sculpture in Stainless Steel & Solid Methacrylate. In the brief, explosive lifespan of the Roman studio New Lamp (1969–1973), design broke free from the predictable. ...
Chrome, Sheet Metal
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
Set of 9 Signed Vasa Mihich Lucite Laminated Op-Art Cube Sculptures Dated 1989
By Shlomi Haziza, Vasa Velizar Mihich
Located in St. Louis, MO
Faceted colorful & playful set of nine Lucite Vasa Mihich cube sculptures, one is signed Vasa and dated '89. 2" square blocks of colors, change at angles of play of light into differ...
Lucite
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
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
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
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
1960s William Bowie Abstract Brutalist Metal Kinetic Sound Table Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Unusual Kinetic table sounding sculpture by artist William Bowie (1926-1994), Bowie was a New York artist that made metal sculptures in the 1950s and 1960s. 10 rods with arrowhead ty...
Steel
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Pottery Owl Sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, de...
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Cat Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
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
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
Italian Whippet Greyhound Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding Italian Greyhound statue in glazed and hand painted terracotta. Perfectly placed on a pedestal stylized as a cushion, lifelike ...
Majolica, Terracotta
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
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$600Sale Price|25% Off
Signed Loet Vanderveen Bronze Giraffe Sculpture, circa 1970s
Located in Warrenton, OR
Signed Loet Vanderveen Bronze Giraffe Sculpture, circa 1970s. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available the...
Bronze
Glass Sculpture Kjell Engman Atelier for Kosta Boda Sweden Signed and Numbered
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a beautiful Glass Sculpture by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda made in Sweden. The back is signed and numbered. It retains its original Kosta Boda sticker.
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
Murano Gambaro Poggi Purple Scavo Italian Art Glass Rabbit Figurine Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple, blue and green Italian art glass bunny rabbit paperweight / figurine. The piece is documented to the Gambaro & Poggi company. It still...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
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
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
Cast Aluminum Owl Sculpture, France, 1970s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A minimalist and elegant cast aluminum sculpture in the shape of an owl, France, circa 1970s. This stylized paperweight combines pure lines and soft metallic sheen, typical of mid-ce...
Aluminum
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
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 Bronze Sculpture (After Brancusi), Hand-Crafted 1970s
By Constantin Brancusi 2, Sorel Etrog 1, Brancusi, Jean-Jacques Porret, Aldo Casanova
Located in Round Top, TX
One of a kind bronze sculpture on rough wood base. Created in the style of Constantin Brancusi, this extra heavy piece is ultra-striking. Constantin Brancusi (1876–1957) fundamental...
Bronze
$135Sale Price|28% Off
Mid-Century Black Murano Glass Dolphin by V. Nason, Italy, with Original Label
Located in Warrenton, OR
Mid-Century Black Murano Glass Dolphin by V. Nason, Italy, with Original Label. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter.*** This hand...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Konakovo Faience Mid-Century Russian Ceramic Seated Figure of a Dog
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and scarce Russian mid-century hand-painted ceramic figure of a young, seated dog made by the Konakovo Faience Factory between 1952 and 1959. The factory was located cl...
Ceramic
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
Brass Sputnik Sculpture Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A brass sputnik sculpture decorative object. A great piece for a cocktail table, credenza, shelf, display on top of books, etc., many options. Diameter: 9.13". Italian Murano small ...
Brass
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
Mid Century White Big Dalmatian Dog Ceramic Sculpture, Goebel, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Dalmatian dog sculpture was produced in Germany. Only one dog available. Signed cera...
Ceramic
Swiss Art Deco Rabbit Porcelain Figurine by Marcel Edouard Sandoz for Langenthal
By Marcel Eduoard Sandoz, Suisse Langenthal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This rare white porcelain rabbit figurine, with striking red eyes, is a creation of Marcel Édouard Sandoz, designed for the Swiss porcelain manufacturer Langenthal. The figurine is m...
Porcelain
Knightia Fossil Fish From Wyoming - 1970s Mount & Sold by Peter Alan Designs
Located in St. Louis, MO
48 million year old "Knightia" fossil fish from Wyoming. Mounted in the 1970s with chrome channel on top and bottom and sold by Peter Alan Designs Inc, of West Palm Beach Florida. Gi...
Limestone, Chrome
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
$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