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.
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
Ceramic abstract birds sculpture by Sousa, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking vintage ceramic sculpture depicts a pair of abstract birds, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s and signed by Sousa. The terracotta form features a textured, earthy bronze...
Ceramic
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
Pair of Oversized Hand-Carved Wooden Dice Sculptures, Mid-Century Folk Art Decor
Located in San Diego, CA
A charming pair of oversized hand-carved wooden dice sculptures featuring richly patinated wood and deeply recessed pips with contrasting dark interiors. These substantial decorative...
Wood
Patinated Etruscan Horse Bronze Sculpture Statue Weinberg Style 1970s
By Pepe Mendoza
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage 1981 Pop Art Lucite Sculpture Paperweight with US One Dollar Bill $1
Located in St. Louis, MO
This is a classic piece of vintage 1980s Pop Art corporate/desk Americana—a crisp, uncirculated Federal Reserve Note flawlessly embedded in a solid block of clear Lucite (acrylic res...
Lucite, Paper
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Ceramic Sculpture, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Sculpture, 20th Century.
Ceramic
$401Sale Price|35% Off
Cabinet of Curiosities Cabinet Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures and pieces in a wooden cabinet. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the productio...
Wood
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Bull 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
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
Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Nude Sculpture signed Giancarlo Signoretto
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite hand-blown Murano glass sculpture by Giancarlo Signoretto captures the human form with a strikingly modernist sensibility, rendered in a luminous citrine gradient that...
Murano Glass
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
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Bird 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
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
Large Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Wind Bell Arcosanti 1970s
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Large Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Wind Bell Arcosanti 1970s
Bronze
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
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Bird 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 Expressionist Metal Sculpture on Travertine Base Brutalist Style
Located in Troy, MI
Abstract expressionist sculpture by Robert Stoetzer USA 1964 Two hand formed metal figures, the upper a winged angelic form in ascent and the lower figure caught between release and...
Travertine, Copper
Mid Century Bronze Etruscan Horse Sculpture on Slate Base Attr Frederic Weinberg
Located in Peoria, AZ
Monumental! Hand-Gilded Horse Sculpture Here is a beautiful Etruscan bronze sculpture of a horse. The sculpture is enameled bronze and has a turquoise polychromed finish to the b...
Slate, Bronze
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
Set of three Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of three decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive aged pa...
Metal, Brass
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
Lisa Larson “Malin” Sculpture for Gustavsberg Sweden
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Charming ceramic sculpture by Lisa Larson. The figure is signed on both feet of the sculpture. Made in Sweden. Lisa Larson (1931-2024) was a Swedish artist. Graduated from the Art...
Ceramic
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
Large Paolo Soleri Hanging Bronze Bell 1960s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Large vintage bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. The chamber has the Cosanti mark. Fantastic patina and a great sound. Paolo Soleri (1919-2013), the founder of Cosanti and Arcosan...
Bronze
Vintage Hand-Carved Wooden Shorebird Figurine Heritage Myrtlewood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage hand-carved wooden shorebird figurine, likely a snipe or wading bird, often designed in a Danish Modern style with simple forms and wire legs. Car...
Wood
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
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
Richard Rohac Austrian Bronze Dachshund Dog Sculpture
Located in Sarasota, FL
Fantastic signed Richard Rohac bronze dachshund sculpture. Elegant piece with long exaggerated tail. Signed to the bottom with RR signature. In fine c...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA - Vintage Jema Holland Model 321 Long-Neck Dachshund Figurine
By Jema
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Jema Holland Model 321 Long-Neck Dachshund Figurine - Midcentury Dutch Ceramic, Lustre Glaze A sculptural ode to whimsy and elegance, this vintage ceramic dachshund figurine ...
Ceramic
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
$112Sale Price|25% Off
1940s Art Nouveau Borzoi / Russian Wolfhound Figurine, Don Manning, marked USA
Located in Warrenton, OR
CLEARANCE SALE ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing end May and items will not be available thereafter.*** 1940s Art Nouveau Borzoi / Russian Wolfhound Figurine, Don Manning...
Plastic, Bakelite
Murano Glass Grape Cluster Sculpture, Pink and White, Mid-20th Century
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Mid-Century Murano art glass sculpture depicting a stylized grape cluster, handcrafted in Italy using traditional glassblowing techniques. The organic composition features individual...
Murano Glass
Murano Livio Seguso Sommerso Uranium Apple Gray Bird Italian Art Glass Sculpture
By Livio Seguso, Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, large vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso glowing Uranium glass Italian art sculpture, depicting a gray bird on a green apple. The piece is documented to designer Livio Seg...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Uranium Glass
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
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
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
Murano Glass Fish Sculpture, Blue/ Green Tones , Mid Century - Italy ca. 1970
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary designed, beautifully colored Murano glass fish sculpture from the period around 1970. Another highly decorative piece in our fine Murano glass selection. This fantasti...
Murano Glass
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
Life-Size Italian Bulldog Terracotta Pug Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of charm to your home with this exquisite ceramic Terracotta Pug or French Bulldog sculpture. This piece captures the playful spirit of the beloved breed with intricate d...
Majolica, Terracotta
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
Transparent Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Life-size glass head in a unique transparent color. Found at an Estate sale in Vienna Austria. Perfect condition. A perfect addition to the interior, photo prop, display or...
Glass
$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
Ermanno Nason for Cenedese Monumental Murano Glass Rooster Sculpture
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Exceptional Murano glass rooster sculpture designed by the celebrated Italian glass artist Ermanno Nason for Cenedese. This monumental and highly detailed work is executed in lumino...
Murano Glass
Vintage 1:1 Sculpture of a Human Skull in Green Verdigris Bronze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1:1 cast model of a human skull in green verdigris bronze (artificial patina). It's made from a cast of a real human skull, probably female, and is complete with teeth, lower- and upper jaw. This particular example has a spooky and authentic feel to it. The skull as a symbol serves as a reminder of human mortality - memento mori. It was made in Europe...
Bronze
David Marshall Abstract Metal Sculpture, circa 1970, Spain.
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and beautiful little David Marshall mid-century abstract sculpture, circa 1970, Spain. Stamped on the base. Cast bronze and aluminum. Dimensions: 16 cm H, 10 cm W, 3 cm D. We sh...
Aluminum, Bronze
Murano Seguso Opalescent White Caramel Italian Art Glass Bunny Rabbit Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and very cute, vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white over a caramel color Italian art glass bunny rabbit sculpture / figurine. The piece is documented to designer Arch...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Majestic Salviati Murano Bullicante Sommerso Uranium Apple Glass Sculpture
By Salviati
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare striking Murano Uranium glass apple sculpture beautiful piece of art glows no chips or cracks.
Blown Glass
$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
Murano Barbini Sky Blue Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pheasant Bird Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown sky blue and gold flecks Italian art glass pheasant bird sculpture. The piece is documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950-60s. The bird ...
Gold Leaf