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.
Vintage Alabaster Snail, Stone Animal Figurine or Paperweight, Organic Modern
Located in Fairfield, CA
Vintage Alabaster Snail - Stone Animal Figurine or Paperweight - Organic ModernA vintage alabaster stone snail figurine. Lovely natural veining to the stone in an ochre color. Made i...
Alabaster
Wooden Sculpture of a Crouching Woman, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Striking French wooden sculpture dating from the 1970s, depicting a stylized crouching female figure holding a dark vessel. The sculpture is characterized by its flowing, highly sim...
Wood
Patinated Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Greece
By Pepe Mendoza, Frederic Weinberg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking bronze sculpture, originally found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria, is inspired by the elegant forms and symbolic motifs of ancient Etruscan art. Crafted in Greece...
Metal
A 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Plater Bust of a Man
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This striking 1950s Mid-Century Modern plaster display bust captures refined Italian elegance with distinct Art Deco influences. Crafted as a mannequin head for a haberdashery or hat...
Plaster
Early Paolo Soleri Hanging Bronze Bell 1950s Wall Mounted
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri with a wall mount bracket. This a hard to find early casting with protrusions that are not found on later designs. The chamber has the Cos...
Bronze
Vintage Californian Modern "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Californian Modern "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture by Curtis Jere Materials: Polished & Burnished Chrome Metal Disks
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Cast Iron "Stock Farm" Barn and Animals
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Cast Iron "Stock Farm" Barn & Animals, American, mid-20th century. Animals: horse, cow, pig, ram & rooster. Very good overall condition & great quality. All animals & barn with a "t"...
Cast Iron
1957 Handmade Hamburg Tugboat Petra Maritime Ship Model, Germany
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally detailed handcrafted maritime model of the Hamburg tugboat “Petra”, dated 1957. Measuring only 25 cm \(9\.84 in\.\) in length, this remarkable miniature demonstrate...
Metal
Kinetic Ball Sculpture Model Orbit Swinging Mobile Vintage Denmark
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming vintage kinetic mobile composed of delicately balanced spheres, dating to the 1960s and manufactured in Denmark by Laurids Lønborg. Arranged in a graceful, sculptural comp...
Composition, Metal
Surrealist Paper Mache Armadillo Sculpture Sergio Bustamante
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a surrealist paper mache armadillo sculpture by the renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Sergio Bustamante is an inte...
Paper composite
Vintage Mary Frances Kinetic Multicolor Film Mobile Unused in Original Packaging
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful vintage large (28" wide) kinetic film mobile by Mary Frances, preserved unused in its original packaging and accompanied by the artist's original signed instruction sheet. ...
Metal
Two large Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two larger decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive ag...
Metal, Brass
1960s ceramic horse from the Rimini Blue collection by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
Located in München, DE
A beautiful, large, decorative ceramic horse from the 1960s, part of the Rimini Blu collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Produced by Bitos...
Ceramic
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Large Travertine Giraffe Sculpture by Enzo Mari, Italy
By Enzo Mari
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original large travertine giraffe sculpture by Enzo mari for F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 2,75 w x 1,18 D x 7,87 H inches L 7 ...
Travertine
Set of Two Antique Hand-Painted Wooden Duck Figures, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two hand-painted antique figures of two ducks made of wood. Made by unknown manufacturer in Barcelona, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consiste...
Wood
Patinated Etruscan Horse Bronze Sculpture Statue on Wooden Base 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Etruscan horse figure is a bronze Italian museum replica made in the 1970s - 1980s. The piece is a reproduction of a classic Italian style, showcasing the historical and...
Metal
$385Sale Price|30% Off
ROYAL DOULTON - HN1037 - Bone China Cocker Spaniel Figurine - UK - Circa 1931-68
By Royal Doulton, Thomas Frederick Daws
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL DOULTON (Manufacturer) - FREDERICK THOMAS DAWS (British Designer / Artist 1878-1956) - HN1037 (Model Number) - Vintage bone china figure of a cocker spaniel designed by the wel...
Ceramic
White Glazed Ceramic Dog Sculpture, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Charming French ceramic sculpture dating from the 1970s, depicting a seated dog with an attentive and expressive posture. Finished in a glossy white glaze, the figure is enhanced by ...
Ceramic
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
Surrealist Hand-Foot Occasional Table in Mahogany by Pedro Friedeberg
By Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a hand-foot occasional table designed by the famous Mexican surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg. Designed originally around the 1960s and 1970s, this iconic st...
Mahogany
Vintage Small Bronze Finished Dachshund Dog Sculpture, Mid-20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cast metal small Dachshund dog figurine with a warm bronze finish. Nicely detailed and full of character, this charming piece is perfect for the dog lover and its small scale makes i...
Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Granite Base, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract bronze sculpture on black granite base by unknown artist, Brazil 1960s.
Granite, Bronze
Mid Century Modern Oaxacan Black Clay Pottery Eames House Doorbell Mexico 1950s
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Oaxcan wedding bell attributed to Maria Martinez Mexico circa 1950's Adapted as a doorbell at the Charles and Ray Eames Case Study house Mol...
Clay
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Cat 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
Ceramic Basset Hound Figure by King, vintage Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly decorative life-size Basset Hound sculpture, beautifully capturing the lovable character and unmistakable charm of this beloved breed. A wonderful example of cr...
Ceramic
$2,999 / set
Six Gucci Silver-Plate Stirrup Cups 1970s
By Gucci, Mauro Manetti
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
A stunning set six figural hunting stirrup cups in silver plate, designed by Mauro Manetti and retailed by Gucci. The six cups are in the form of animal heads: Fox, Horse, Stag, Dog,...
Bronze
Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Majolica fish platter Vallauris. Large fish in the center, seaweeds, shells. Nautical style. 14' W , 9.8' H
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
1950s. Hand-Painted Porcelain Oriental Woman Figure by Ronzan
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This elegant Ronzan porcelain figure represents the peak of mid-century Italian ceramic artistry, characterized by its refined "Orientalist" aesthetic and masterful hand-painted exec...
Ceramic
Murano Barbini Label Amethyst Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Swan Figurine
By Weil Ceramics and Glass, Alfredo Barbini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown amethyst purple and gold flecks Italian art glass swan sculpture / bird figurine. The piece is documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950-...
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Figural Sculpture signed Lorenado Rosin
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist hand-blown Murano glass figural sculpture, signed by renowned glass artist Loredano Rosin and crafted in Italy circa 1970, is an exceptional example of Ita...
Murano Glass
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Glass Bird Sculpture for Vistosi Murano Italy 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Pulcino bird sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Italy, circa 1960's Rare form with tail feathers in deep blue hand blown glass with murrine decoration and inset mur...
Copper
Pulcino Glass Bird Sculpture by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Italy 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Pulcino glass bird sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi. Blue and green on a grayish background. Applied murrine eyes. Textured copper legs. One of the two ta...
Metal
Exeptional XXL Baccarat Signed Crystal Stag Head Sculpture, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, A collector’s item made by Baccarat in France. A beautiful stag head, made by Baccarat. With its flowing lines and refined details, this piece showcases Baccar...
Crystal
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
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramic Horse Figurine, Blue Italian Ceramic, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage Bitossi ceramic figurine designed by Aldo Londi (1911-2003). The horse figurine is made of chamotte clay decorated with a incised geometric pattern covered in turquoise-blue ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Metal Mobile, Kinetic Sculpture by Derick Pobell, Germany
By Derick Pobell
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kinetic Mobile designed and made by Derick Pobell, Germany. Five parts, painted metal in black, arranged with metal bars and wire.Signed. One kinetic sculpture in motion is a feast ...
Metal
Brass Sculpture By Lyse Oudoire, France, 1971
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Abstract brass sculpture created by Lyse Oudoire in France during the 1970s. A French artist and sculptor active throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Lyse Oudoire developed a body of wo...
Brass
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
Rare Archimede Seguso Murano Glass Oriental Figure with Gold Leaf and Corroso, 1950
Located in Palermo, IT
An exceptional and exceedingly rare Mid-Century Modern sculptural figurine depicting an Oriental silhouette, masterfully hand-blown in Murano, Venice, circa 1950. This investment-gra...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Licio Zanetti Signed Large Murano Art Glass Duck Sculpture, Italy, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Licio Zanetti Signed Large Murano Art Glass Duck Sculpture, Italy, 20th Century. This piece is hand signed to the bottom.
Glass, Art Glass
Live Size Italian Pug Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
By Marioni
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding statue of an Italian Pug Dog made of glazed and hand-painted terracotta. Perfect, lifelike, and life-size representations of this loving creature, faithful, affectiona...
Majolica, Terracotta
$148Sale Price|24% Off
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic/Porcelain Whippet/Greyhound Puppy Dog Sculpture
Located in Warrenton, OR
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic/Porcelain Whippet/Greyhound Puppy Dog Sculpture. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing end May and items will not be available thereafter.*** This is a lov...
Ceramic, Porcelain
C. Jeré metal wall art classic bird design
By Artisan House, C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
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
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
Folk Art Bird Metal Sculpture - Welded Robin Animal Sculpture - France 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Bird Metal Sculpture - Welded Robin Animal Sculpture - France 1950s Charming mid-century Folk Art welded-metal sculpture depicting a robin, made in France circa 1950. Art...
Metal
Vintage Spanish Hand-Carved Don Quixote Sculpture, Artesanía Spain No. 576
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand-carved Spanish figural sculpture depicting the iconic literary character Don Quixote, rendered in an expressive elongated form with deeply faceted carving and exaggerated propor...
Wood
Set 30 Murano Art Glass Mini Wrapped Candy Pieces in Bowl, Glow in UV, 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful vintage set of 30 multicolored Murano art miniature glass candy pieces feature bright fused glass bodies in different shapes and textured twisted "candy wrapper" parts, emula...
Glass, Art Glass, Uranium Glass
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Ceramic Sculpture, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Sculpture, 20th Century.
Ceramic
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
Vintage ALVA Museum Replica Statuette of Sleeping Cat Sculpture Jane Poupelet
By Fernando Botero, Alva Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
A study in quiet elegance, this vintage ALVA Museum Replica sculpture faithfully reproduces Jane Poupelet's celebrated Sleeping Cat, capturing the graceful simplicity and timeless serenity of the original work. Resting peacefully atop a rectangular plinth, the cat's softly rounded silhouette and understated modeling embody the refined sculptural language that made Poupelet's animal studies so admired. Cast with a rich dark bronze-toned finish, the sculpture possesses a beautiful aged patina that enhances its warmth and character. The minimalist composition allows the gentle curves and tranquil posture of the sleeping feline to become the focal point, creating an object that is both calming and sculptural. Whether displayed atop a stack of art books, on a bookshelf, console, or desk, this piece offers a sophisticated accent that complements Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, Contemporary, and traditional interiors alike. Produced by ALVA Studios, renowned for their exceptional museum-quality reproductions of important sculptures, this collectible piece reflects both artistic heritage and enduring craftsmanship. It is equally appealing to collectors of animalier sculpture, museum replicas, and thoughtfully curated decorative objects. A timeless decorative sculpture that celebrates the quiet beauty of everyday subjects, this sleeping cat brings an effortless sense of refinement, warmth, and sculptural presence to any interior. Jane Poupelet, ALVA Museum Replica, Sleeping Cat Sculpture...
Cast Stone
Mahogany Bird Sculpture by Karl Hagenauer for Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare inlaid mahogany, with bronze legs bird sculpture by Karl Hagenauer for Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien. 1950s Stamped with Werkstätte Hagenauer 'wHw' roundel, 'HAGENAUER, WIEN, MADE ...
Bronze
Vintage Indian Cast Metal Caparisoned Horse Sculpture, Circa 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Decorative vintage cast-metal horse sculpture featuring an elaborately ornamented saddle, breastplate and bridle inspired by traditional Indian ceremonial horse trappings. The figure...
Metal
Murano Glass Parrot Sculpture by Vetreria Fornace Mian, 1990s
By Fornace Mian
Located in Milano, MI
Parrot sculpture made of Murano glass and silver leaf, created by Vetreria Formia Fornace Mian in the 1990s Ø 17 cm Ø 9 cm h 31 cm "Fornace Mian" is a historic artistic glassworks ...
Murano Glass
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 Sculpture See Saw Signed Manuel Felguérez 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
An incredible mid-century modern sculpture by listed Mexican artist Manuel Felguérez depicting two children on a seesaw. The sculpture, depicting a boy and girl on a seesaw, or teete...
Metal
Walter Bosse Brass Bronze Cat Figurine, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Bosse Cat Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse cat figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays Bosse’s...
Bronze
Timeless Elegance: Bronze Sculpture 'Solitario' by Jordi Abad, 20th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Artist: Jordi Abad (Barcelona, 20th Century) Title: Solitario Material: Gilded Bronze on Veined Black Marble Base Dimensions: 32 x 7 x 7 cm (with base) Signed and...
Marble, Bronze
$410Sale Price|40% Off
Crystal glass paper weight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Sweden
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A fantastic rather large handmade vintage glass sculpture or paperweight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden. This piece is showcasing his enormous talent as a glas...
Art Glass, Cut Glass
C. Jeré Artisan House metal wall sculpture of circles or raindrops
By C. Jeré Artisan House, 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
Pino Signoretto Attributed Murano Glass Squid Sculpture Panel
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and decorative Murano glass sculpture-panel, attributed to Pino Signoretto, likely dating from around the 1960s. The piece features a rectangular transparent glass slab embell...
Glass, Murano Glass