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Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Curtis Jeré
Curtis Jeré, Tree Sculpture Candleholder or Sconce Made of Brass and Steel
Located in St. Louis, MO
C. Jeré wall candleholder sconce sculpture in the form of a tree or sheaf of wheat, made of brass and steel. I have three of these, so you can use as a pair or singles. Two of the th...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Large Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A quite large and very cool piece of wall art by the famous American artists Curtis Jere. Signed and dated, and in very good original condition.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Curtis Jere Brutalist Parrot on Swing Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1970's Brutalist parrot by American brand Curtis Jere. The silver plate parrots stands inside a brass ring. Curtis Jere is a company of metalworks, ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Decorative Mid Century Modern Sculpture Sea Urchin or Sunburst by Curtis Jere
Located in Munich, DE
Exceptional and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern sculpture or decorative object »Asteroid«, »Sea Urchin« or »Sunburst«. Designed by Jerry Fels & Curtis Freiler for Curtis Jere, U...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Pop Art Curtis Jere Corkscrew Bottle Opener Sculpture
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage bottle opener wall art sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House signed 1979. This piece is made of heavy steel with a decorative hanging corkscrew. Original mounting hardwa...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Curtis Jeré Abstract Chrome & Brass Ribbon Sculpture with Ball on Marble Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1980s abstract Curtis Jeré chrome & brass free form ribbon sculpture with ball on round black marble base, retains Artisan House - C-Jere decal. Chrome has minor patina, marble...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Abstract Floating Tree Sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage modernist abstract tree sculpture designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House c. 1960's. Features a dramatic focal point to any space adding texture and dimension. This stateme...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

Innovative Illuminated Acrylic Benches with White Tops and Clear Side Supports
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An interesting Kinetic sculpture with a sinuous brass arm and attached long metal wires with balls on the ends. The entire piece turns on a brass plate mounted on a circular marble p...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Modernist Steel and Marble Abstract Table Sculpture by C.Jere c.1980
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist stainless steel and marble abstract table sculpture by C.Jere c.1980 Looks amazing from any angle, Signed and dated.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

Original Vintage Curtis Jere Ship Boat Wall Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Signed original Curtis Jere large wall sculpture. Incredible piece full of detail. In classic Jere style, this art piece encapsulates...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Curtis Jere Brass Abstract Sculpture on Marble
Located in Baltimore, MD
A mid-century brass sculpture by Curtis Jeré circa 1978. Stunning organic form. Features a stylized flare of brass rods in a radiating abstract design mounted on a marble base. A fan...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Curtis Jere Mid Century Pom Urchin Sculpture
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere Mid Century Pom Urchin sculpture Sculpture measures: 18 wide x 18 deep x 35 high This sculpture is in great vintage condition.  
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Curtis Jere Freeform Brass Sculpture
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a beautifully unique, original signed Curtis Jerè sculpture. The piece is made with a removable brass top and marble or onyx base. It is in good condition, showing minor a...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Abstract Welded Bird Sculpture by Curtis Jere, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Abstract welded bird sculpture by Curtis Jere, circa 1970 small chips on the onyx base. not signed, not dated
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Metal

C. Jere Mid-Century Modern Bird in Flight on Stone, circa 1960s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid- Century Modern Curtis Jere' metal bird in flight with applied patina, circa 1960s on stone base.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal

Mid Century Boy and Balloons Figurative Bronze Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage "Boy and Balloon" sculpture signed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, circa 1968. This figurative piece depicts a boy holding strings of colored balloons. The boy is made of p...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Curtis Jeré Brass-Colored Metal Clipper Ship Sculpture, Signed
Located in San Francisco, CA
A monumental free-standing metal ship sculpture with brass-colored finish by Curtis Jeré, signed. Crafted out of shaped and welded steel rods, it...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jeré Big Sculptural Signed Sailing Boat 1976
Located in Weesp, NL
Gorgeous signed sculptural Big brass sailing boat in perfect condition by Curtis Jeré made in California in 1976. This beauty can be hung on the wal...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Curtis Jere Heron Wall Sculpture with Lily Pads and Flowers, Signed
Located in London, GB
A Curtis Jere heron wall sculpture with metal heron standing amongst lily pads and flowers, signed on the base "C Jere 1988".
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Brutalist Hammered Metal Tree Sculpture with Uplight, Curtis Jere, 1960s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern metal tree sculpture by Curtis Jere. This tall dimensional botanic floor tree features torched gold brass metal leaves on natural wood st...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal

Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere Brutalist Metal Tree Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern metal tree sculpture by Curtis Jere. This Brutalist art sculpture features brass painted leaves with wire spray bursts and is mounted on a black wood base. Signed ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Minimal Curtis Jeré "Birds in Flight" Bronze Floor Sculpture Signed and Dated
Located in Dallas, TX
Monumental freestanding bronze sculpture title "three birds in flight" by Curtis Jeré, signed and dated 1976, USA. Three birds in flight on pyramidal base. Top is removable from base...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Mid-Century Modern Flower Cart Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century Modern flower cart sculpture made by Curtis Jere in copper and brass on a wooden platform during the 1960s-1970s. Intricate detailing with fl...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

"the Piano" Wall-Mounted Piece by Curtis Jere
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen wall-mounted music themed piece by Curtis Jere. Made of brass. Painted steel. Signed c jere 1994.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Cat Tail and Duck Sculpture on Onyx Base by C. Jere
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool sculpture of a duck floating on a pond with cat tails in the background on a solid block of white onyx by C. Jere, circa 1970s. The piece is signed "C. Jere" on the duck ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Bronze

Curtis Jere Owl Sculpture on Stone Base
Located in New York, NY
Signed Curtis Jere 1969 owl sculpture on stone base. Sculpture is removable from base.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal

Signed Curtis Jere Brass Flower Leaf Wall Sculpture 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Signed Curtis Jere brass flower leaf flower wall sculpture 1970s, 1980s Lovely Vintage C Jere flower leaf sculpture signed in one of the corners. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pair of Bird and Grass Bronze Sculpture on Rocks by C. Jere
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of bronze sculpture on rocks by Curtis Jere for Artisan House dated 1969. Patinated bronze depicts egrets and grasses perched on natural rocks, in...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal, Bronze

1986 Curtis Jere Karl Benz Mercedes Brass Bicycle Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Located in Dayton, OH
Curtis Jere wall sculpture portraying Karl Benz (Mercedes Benz) first Motorwagen that was built in 1886. Signed along the wheel, 1986. Made from brass with wood grain accents.    
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Midcentury Pom Urchin Lighted Floor Sculpture
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere midcentury pom urchin lighted floor sculpture. Floor light measures: 10 wide x 10 deep x 58.75 high We take our photos in a controlled l...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Large Polished Brass Sail Boat Sculpture by Curtis Jere, Signed, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
Curtis Jere boat or ship sculpture, signed, circa 1970. Newly professionally re-plated in brass. Original C. Jere label still attached. This sculpture...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal

Magnificent C. Jere Raindrop Series Tree Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
C. Jere raindrop series tree sculpture, 1970s, brass disks on a trunk of natural wood tree branches with gold finish. This piece is the holy grail of Curtis Jere pieces standing alon...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Anchor Sculpture Faux Bronze on Stone Quartz Base, Signed
Located in St. Louis, MO
Signed Jere anchor and stone sculpture with seagulls by Curtis Jere, signed on the anchor and dated 1971. Some loss to green paint, one seagull leg loose from foot. Nautical marine s...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Bronze, Iron

"Owl on Branch, " Early sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small but sweet table top sculpture by C. Jere circa 1967. Made of brass with enamel eyes and installed on a natural onyx rock. table top sculpture. Signed and dated 67.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Brass, Enamel

Mid Century Modern Abstract Curtis Jere Free-Form Brass Sculpture
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a beautifully unique, original signed Curtis Jerè sculpture. The piece is made with a removable brass top and marble/onyx base. It is in good condition, showing minor age...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Curtis Jere Tall Gazelle Horns Sculpture on Half Sphere Shape Marble Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern sculpture of gazelle horns by Curtis Jere.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

1978 Curtis Jere Freeform Brass Top Metal Sculpture
Located in Wallkill, NY
Sits on top of a marble onyx base. Stunning spray from Curtis Jere.  
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Gilded Steel and Onyx Tabletop Sculpture by Curtis Jeré
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A original 1970s brass sculpture on a solid onyx base by Curtis Jeré. Dimension: 33.25" high 31" wide 15" deep. The onyx base is 6" high 5" ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Steel

Curtis Jere American, 1910-2008 Jump Rope, Bronze
Located in Buchanan, MI
Curtis Jere (American, 1910-2008) jump rope. Bronze figure of a girl jumping rope. Signed "C. Jere" along the base Measure: 10.5" x 6" x 4".
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Abstract Chrome Sculpture on Marble base C. Jere signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage table top sculpture of an abstract form on a marble pedestal. Crafted by C.Jere and dated to 1978. Very nice form. The marble base is solid and quite heavy.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Fabulous Curtis Jere Table Sculpture Flying Eagles Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful C.Jere table sculpture of 3 flying eagles on a solid marble base. I love the large scale size of this table top sculpture along with the subjec...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Curtis Jere Brass Spray Sculpture on Marble Base with Pedestal
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A large brass sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House with swooping ribbon forms, ending in a multi-rod spray with chrome beads. The sculpture sits in a cylindrical marble base. I...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Curtis Jere Midcentury Brutalist Welded and Torched Metal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A Curtis Jere 1960s-1970s midcentury Brutalist sculpture made of torched and welded metal on top of a faux cement base. Signed Curtis Jere on the base. Original burnished torched pat...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jeré Sculpture with Marble Base, Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
Curtis Jeré sculpture with marble base. In excellent condition. Dimensions: 22" W x 35" T.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Elegant Curtis Jere Table Art Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Jere table art sculpture Comprised of three metal finishes. Black, brass and mat silver. Marble base. Signed and dated (1993) on the base. Dimension...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Enamel Platter by Curtis Jeré
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Very nice platter, bowl or ashtray made by the American artists duo Curtis Jeré. It has a diameter of 28 centimeters. Signed. The image painted on it is a free interpretation ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Rare Curtis Jere A-Z Bookends Signed Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
CLASSIC CURTIS JERE A-Z IRON BOOKENDS.SIGNED C JERE IN NICE VINTAGE CONDITION. SURPRISINGLY HEAVY AND GILDED GOLD WITH A NICE VINTAGE PATINA.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Modernist Abstract Brass and Enamel Wall Sculpture by C. Jere
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic modernist contemporary wall art sculpture. Brass and black enamel construction. Retains original C Jere hang tag. Stunning.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of C. Jere Brass Globe Sphere Wall Sculptures, circa 1984
Located in St. Louis, MO
Curtis Jere brass globe sphere sculptures signed and dated 1984. Torched cut shapes with textured brass metal to create mountains , applied green paint an...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Rare Large Brass Sculpture by Curtis Jere, for Furniture, Wall, fire place screen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
I have seen allot of sculptures from Curtis Jere, but never this one, it was all handmade with brass, it would look amazing on a credenza or to separate a room, or amazing fire place...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Abstract Bronze Horse on Black Marble by Curtis Jere Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
An elongated abstract bronze horse with nice patina on a black marble cylinder base. Signed C. Jere this piece is large and impressive in person....
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Curtis Jere Kenetic Cyclone Spirited Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Curtis Jere free-form Kenetic sculpture on a marble onyx base brass top metal sculpture, workshop piece large swirling spirited design.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Metal, Brass

Wonderful C Jere Brass Trumpet Vine Tall Floor Sculpture Kinetic Mid-century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful signed Curtis Jere brass and copper metal floor sculpture gives a stylized interpretation of a trumpet vine in bloom. The vines are copper the stylized trumpet blossoms are...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Fabulous Curtis Jere French Chateau Sculptural Wall Hanging
Located in Pemberton, NJ
FABULOUS SIGNED CURTIS JERE FRENCH CHATEAU WALL SCULPTURE. I LOVE THE DETAIL GIVEN TO THIS AMAZING WALL SCULPTURE WITH THE FLOWERS ON THE BALCONY TO THE BIRD SITTING ON THE OPEN DOO...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Fabulous Signed Curtis Jere Eyelash Clock Mirror Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous signed C.Jere eyelash mirror clock. These clocks are very rare and this one is a beauty. It is in perfect working order and take 1 C siz...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror

Rare Mid Century Post Modern Abstract Chrome Tree Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive abstract wall sculpture by Curtis Jere circa 1977. It consists of many chrome elements in a tree or umbrella form. Uncommonly seen...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Curtis Jere Sailboat Wall Sculpture 1971
Located in Westport, CT
Signed Curtis Jere 1971 dated hand wrought Sailboat wall sculpture in cooper brass and metal with verdigris and enameled work intricate work .
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Mid-century Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Scheurich Keramik, Bitossi, and Rörstrand. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $847.

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