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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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: Herta Baller
Walter Bosse Wiener Dog Brass Figurine with Lantern Thermometer, Baller, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century desk thermometer, consisting of a nice wiener dog / sausage dog figurine made of brass and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Cancer figurine, made of brass, designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. In very good condition.
We offer more Water Bosse brass objec...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Mermaid and Fish Wall Sculpture by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely Mid-Century wall-mounted brass sculpture, displaying a mermaid and a fish on a frame, made of black-finished brass. Designed by Walter Bosse, manufactured in the 1950s by He...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Figural Dog Coat Hook Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Mid Century Modern
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze figural dog coat hook, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Figural Cow / Bull Coat Hook Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Mid Century Modern
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze figural cow or bull coat hook, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Hand Sculpture Figurative Ashtray Pin Dish Vide Poche c. 1950s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful modernist vide poche or ashtray in the shape of a hand designed by Walter Bosse and probably executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury shaker set from the 1950s, displaying a cute monkey holding salt and pepper shakers. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
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 very humorous and charming design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria in the 1950s. Made of br...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
Original condition
The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
Original condition
The candle is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Herta Baller shoehorn circa 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Herta Baller shoehorn circa 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
A very charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer.
A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Aust...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn Shows a cat by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Bosse Baller Cat Letter Opener Bronze Vienna Austria, 1950s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'Marked on Bottom'
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'marked on bottom'
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Golden Brass Dachshund Letter Opener by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Austrian Midcentury golden solid brass letter opener or paper knife has been designed by Walter Bosse and produced by Herta Baller in the 1950s. The dog features a long...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Owl Figurine by Walter Bosse Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Owl figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Seahorse Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Seahorse figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra Zodiac sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Candle Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Candle holder vienna around 1950s.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950
Original condition
Pencil not included
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine Around 1950s, 'Marked'
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter bosse cat figurine around 1950s
Brass, Nickel - plated
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Pencil Holder 'Marked' Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder( marked ) around 1950s
The pencil is not icluded ( it is only for the photoshooting )
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Rare Walter Bosse Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" from the 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Walter Bosse Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" From The 1950s,
can be used as a holder (candle)
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Fox Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small fox figurine by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Rocking horse by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Penguin Figurine Vienna around 1950s ' Marked '
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse penguin figurine vienna around 1950s ( Marked )
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Hertha Baller Candle Vienna Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Hertha Baller candle vienna around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse cat figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian brass cat figurine originally made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. A very hu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for Table Vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for table vienna around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Bear Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse bear figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Brass Table Bell by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid brass blackened, designed by Walter Bosse produced by Hertha Baller in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Walter Bosse Fish Midcentury Brass Ashtray or Bowl, Herta Baller, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist bowl or ashtray in the shape of a fish. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in excellent condi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Small Penguin by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small penguin by Walter bosse, around 1950s
Marked Austria on Bottom
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Candle Holder 'bird' by Walter Bosse, around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Candle holder (bird) by Walter Bosse, around 1950s
Original condition
The candle is only for the photoshoot (not included).
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Salt Pepper Donkey Set, Black Brass Teak Wood, Hertha Baller, 1950
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A salt and pepper shaker donkey set designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s.
The donkey is made of blackened brass. The shakers are made of teak wood.
This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table.
About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller:
Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass monkey figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Austrian brass monkey figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorativ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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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