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 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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Fat Lava Vase (decor Lora) by Scheurich Keramik Germany
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A sought after Fat Lava vase by Scheurich Keramik.
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Sculpture in Bronze Art Nuragica Sardinia 1960 Wood Base
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sculpture in bronze art Nuragica Sardinia 1960 wood base, represents hero 4 eyes and 4 arm.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$858 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Purple Sommerso Scandinavian Glass Vase
By Orrefors
Located in Bochum, NRW
Beautiful purple glass vase made by Orrefors Sweden, realized in Sommerso technique, original manufacturer label to the front, signed and numbered to the bottom. Excellent condition....
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
$524 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Bronze Buddha
Located in San Diego, CA
Decorative mid-century bronze Buddha circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures: 7"W x 5.5" D x 9.5" H. Great patina and look...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$400 Sale Price
20% Off
Danish Hjerte Stage Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Paro 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Danish Hjerte Stage Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Paro 1960s
Original condition
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Lalique Caviar Bowl "Igor"
By Lalique
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Lalique caviar covered bowl "Igor"
Made of clear and frosted crystal.
Signed in script "Lalique France"
Measures: Height 9.85", diameter 7.85".
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
$2,100 / item
Pair of Large Hollywood Regency Brass Asian Crane Bird Sculptures 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pair of crane or heron bird figurines is made of brass with sculptural, highly detailed bodies. The birds are sculpted in slightly different poses, offering an additional vi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
1970s Stunning Photo Frame in Silver Plated with Glass. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning photo frame in silver plated with glass. Made in Italy
The item is in excellent condition .
Photo size is 5,11 x 7,08 inches - cm 13 x cm 18 H cm
Dimension:
8,66 x 5,1...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Piero Fornasetti Tema e Variazioni Porcelain Plate #1
Located in Miami, FL
The face of the opera singer Lina Cavalieri, Piero Fornasetti's muse, embellishes this decorative porcelain wall plate. This is the first decoration of what went on to become the ico...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Venini, Mid-Century Latticino Handkerchief Vase, Unsigned, Italy, C.1950
By Venini
Located in Chatham, ON
VENINI - mid-century studio glass latticino 'handkerchief' vase - striking pink ribbons with copper aventurine edges - unsigned - Italy (Venice) - circa 1950.
Excellent vintage co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Tall Brass Seagull Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Fairfield, CA
A tall vintage brass sculpture of stacked seagulls mounted to a circular marble base.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Brass
Beatrice Wood Signed Pink Lava Glaze Midcentury California Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
Famed California Mid-Century Modern artist Beatrice Wood signed bowl featuring a unique pink lava glaze and piercing blue crackle glass in the cente...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Mid Century Modern Rotating Cube Cork and Chrome Desk Organizer
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern cube shaped desk organizer or desk accessory in cork and chrome. Has two compartments; one seemingly for pens and pencils, the other for a small notepad. H...
Category
1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
$89 Sale Price
31% Off
exceptional large 1950s 60s mid century wall CANDLE HOLDER hammered copper
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very decorative wall candlestick from the 1950s/60s. Made of hammered copper. For a round or straight candle. On the back marked Wall Handcrafted Made in Germany.
Dimensions in cm:...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Italian Ceramic Elephant Sculpture by Bruno Gambone, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Ceramic Indian motif white elephant by Bruno Gambone (circa 1970s). This is an absolutely charming ceramic white elephant with an Indian-style blanket and headdress, large whimsical ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$3,084 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Kinetic Balancing Man Sculpture by Strauss, 1970’s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere style Brutalist tabletop or book shelf counter balance sculpture constructed of welded metal and nails. This kinetic t...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Italian Copper Vase with Double Spouts and a Single Handle, Tuscany, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing Tuscan Mezzina vase in copper, 48 cm height. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy during the 1930s.
This great vase is amazing as it has two spouts and a single handle. Amazing production from the first half of the 20th century.
In ancient times this fantastic piece was used to draw water from the well and transport it to homes, today will be a premium element to decorate a corner in a neoclassical living room.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Scandinavian Modern for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
The beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto glass vase, aka as the 'Savoy' vase, created by designer Alvar Aalto, 1937, Finland. This clear vase, with original design by...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #81
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the smoking face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri, no.81 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960
Original ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
$472 Sale Price
25% Off
Vintage Balsa Wood and Tin Lined Tea Box Workshop Prop Decor Storage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage balsa wood, and tin lined lidded tea box, retaining partial labels.
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paper
$236 Sale Price
20% Off
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vases "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These two wonderful vases was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden.
Good vintage condition.
Measure: H 31 cm and 26.5cm
Signed R SWE...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Danish Modern Soholm Ceramic Vase, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large ceramic vase from Danish Søholm Stentøj, produced on the island of Bornholm in the 1960s. Rich glazing and decorative striped ornamentation. W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Italian Murano Glass Bowl, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Italian "Sommerso bullicante" decorative glass bowl or ashtray attributed to Galliano Ferro. Blown glass with organic biomorphic shape and all over bullicante pat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
One Of A Kind Natural Clamshell Mounted on a Natural Coral Base .
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, with some accents of rock Crystal and citrine crystal .
Come in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Coral, Rock Crystal
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Large Vase
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning large vase designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, features a seta design in rare "Lobster" colors.
Measures: 16” tall
5” wide.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Modernist Wood and Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the esteemed J. Capo Esmaltes and crafted in Spain circa 1960, this exquisite Mid-Century Modern lidded box is a true fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. Its refined re...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Copper, Enamel
MCM Drip Glaze Studio Pottery Stoneware Vase by Del Soto
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice MCM drip glaze studio pottery stoneware vase by Del Soto, circa 1971. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 7.5"D x 7"H; it is sign...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Berndt Friberg Gustavsberg Haresfur Flared Bottle Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Berndt Friberg (Swedish, 1899-1981) joined Gustavsberg in 1934 and his work is considered as some of the finest examples of wheel thrown pottery of the 20th Century. Inspired by the ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Sommerso Amber & Clear Murano Art Glass Bowl or Cigar Astray 1970s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Magnificent midcentury Murano Art Glass with astonishing color shades going from amber into clear and light green. This piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s or older.
This wo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Livio Seguso, Heavy Murano Glass Bowl, Rainbow Design and Glass Orb, 80s Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Exceptional historical piece. It has the rainbow patter. A sequence of canes that Livio loved to place in sculptures where the play with the lens effect of the other clear massiccio ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Hattakitkosol Somchai Bronze Bird Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Stunning large bronze bird sculpture with wood base by Hattakitkosol Somchai.
Category
1980s Thai Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Cast Iron Bull Figurine, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Cast Iron Bull Figurine, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979.
Additional information:
Materials: Metal
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1970s
Color: Gray
Item Ty...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Alfredo Barbini Murano Squirrel Figure in Amber and Orange Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind large hand blown Sommerso and Lattimo amber, orange, white and clear glass squirrel sculpture. Attributed to Alfredo Barbini, Italy, 1950s.
This cute Murano glass esqu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Hermes, Paris, Equestrian / Horse Head Letter Opener, c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable letter opener or paper knife made in gilded bronze and dating to c.1960; a scarce-find in the gold colour.
The handle is in the form of a horse head, beautifu...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Stylish Mid Century Carved Wood Abstract Giraffe Sculpture! 50s Carved Art Decor
Located in Peoria, AZ
Stunning!
Mid Century Modern
Abstract Giraffe Sculpture
Hand Carved & Polychromed
20" Tall
Circa 1959
This delightful abstract giraffe sculpture is a very unusual work of art. Vi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Standing Grandfather Tall Clock Étagère Shelving
Located in Wayne, NJ
Modern chrome standing open grandfather fall clock étagère. This modern clock has three shelves, two in glass and the bottom is black. It has an inner do...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Lull No80 Wooden Sculpture – Artistic Installation by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lull No80 Wooden Sculpture – Artistic Installation by Joel Escalona
———
Balance and tension are at the core of these sculptures. The interplay between the smooth, rounded forms and ...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
$12,031 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Superb English Bulldog Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of charm to your home with this exquisite ceramic Terracotta English Bulldog sculpture. This piece captures the playful spirit of the beloved breed with intricate detaili...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Signed Curtis Jere 3-D Brass Copper Flower Cart Sculpture Circa 1960's
By Curtis Jeré
Located in West Chester, PA
Original Curtis Jere 3-D Brass Copper Flower Cart Sculpture Circa 1960's
Signed with brass tag on edge of base as well as original label on bottom.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
Mid Century Glass Horse Sculpture by Bengt Edenfalk for Skruf, Sweden 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a mid century horse figurine, made of full lead crystal, designed by Bengt Edenfalk for the Swedish brand Skruf. Skruf is a Swedish...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Hand Carved Bone Bust of Nefertiti on Wood Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Wonderful Carved Nefertiti Head on Base. The piece is carved bone and finely detailed.
A compliment to many spaces - on a shelf, or as a paper weig...
Category
20th Century Asian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, Wood
Orange Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Life-size glass head in a unique orange color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s. Perfect condition. A perfect addition to the interior, photo prop, display or headphone stand.
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Located in London, GB
For sale is an iconic Mid-Century porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range.
This example...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large Vase in Solid Hand Hammered Brass Italy 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Large Amphora Vase in Hammered Brass Italy 1970
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Aldo Londi Box, Mondrian, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Black, Signed, Rosenthal Netter
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Box, Mondrian, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Signed, Rosenthal Netter. Small scale lidded box glazed in Navy blue and Kelly green and outlined in matte black. The bottom is glazed...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
German Glass Bowl by Karl Wiedmann for WMF Ikora, 1930s Bauhaus Art Deco
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing WMF 'Ikora' crackled art glass bowl, by Karl Wiedmann for WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik), 1930s Bauhaus Art Deco. It is made of glass with crackled details in gr...
Category
1930s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Cenedese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pair of Blue Italian Murano Glass Obelisks
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Cenedese vintage midcentury modern tall and rare pair of Murano solid light blue colored / coloured faceted glass obelisks, made circa 1970. Wonderful Italian glass and perfect as an...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Anzolo Fuga Vase with Vertical Rods 1955-56
By A.VE.M, Anzolo Fuga
Located in New York, NY
Hand-blown vase with vertical rods by Anzolo Fuga for AVEM (Arte Vetraria Muranese), Murano Italy, 1955-6. The colorful rods interspersed among the white rods creates a very strikin...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
A beautiful set of four stoneware miniature vases by the Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, o...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood
Located in Weesp, NL
Interestingly, while nearly all of the designs that came out of George’s studio were attributed to him, many were actually designed by him and his team. Some were even designed solely by someone else working at the studio.
Nelson famously recounted the story of how the Ball Clock came to life in an interview decades after it’s release:
“It was one of the really funny evenings. Noguchi came by, Bucky Fuller came by, and here was Irving, and here was I, and Noguchi - who can’t keep his hands off anything - he saw we were working on clocks and started making doodles. Then Bucky sort of brushed Isamu aside. He said, ‘This is a good way to do a clock’ and made some utterly absurd thing. Everybody was taking a crack at this, pushing each other aside and making scribbles. At some point we left – we were suddenly all tired, and we’d had a little bit too much to drink – and the next morning I came back, and here was this roll of paper, and Irving and I looked at it, and somewhere in this roll, there was a ball clock. I don’t know to this day who cooked it up.”
Nevertheless, whoever it was that came up with George Nelson’s designs, it’s almost certain that they would never have come to fruition if it wasn’t for George’s vision and forward-thinking approach.
Can you tell me more about his clocks?
George’s clocks were one of his most impressive bodies of work. In total, he and his team designed over 130 clocks in just three decades.
While it is widely accepted that Irving Harper was the lead designer for the Howard Miller Clock Company at George Nelson Associates, the collection arose after two insightful observations from George: one, that people no longer used the numbers to tell the time; and two, that since most people now used their wristwatch to tell the time, interior clocks were now free to become more decorative in nature.
The clocks were designed and released in batches of 8 and were initially only given numbers for names. The Sunflower Clock was simply ‘Clock 2261’, the Flock of Butterflies Clock was 'Clock 2226’, and so on.
The Ball was the first clock designed by George and his team and it was followed shortly after by the Star, Sunburst, Spindle, Asterisk, Turbine, Flock of Butterflies, Eye and others. The clocks were purposefully abstract and were designed to complement the modernist furniture emerging at the time.
As well as wall clocks, George’s studio also produced a series of desk clocks during that time, most notably the bubble-shaped Night Desk...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Very Decorative Box in Patinated Cognac Leather and Metal Studs 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Decorative Box in Leather and Metal Studs, Europe, 1950s.
This mid-century decorative box is clad in warm brown leather and features intricate stud detailing. The box has a dom...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Saint Clement Style Crackle Finish Ceramic Vase
Located in Miami, FL
French mid-century ceramic vase in the style of Saint Clement crackle finish pieces.
Good quality craftsmanship.
Unmarked.
Measures: 6 1/8" diameter x 12" high.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Egidio Casagrande Mid Century Italian Hammered Scalloped Brass Bowl 6.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful mid century Italian Egidio Casagrande hammered copper bowl or compote featuring his classic modernist design with scalloped edge in the form of a flower. #47.
Egidio C...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$188 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti, Brazil, circa 1950s
Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter x 1.25" H
A finely crafted mid-century bronze so...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Seguso 1950s Gold Flecks Murano Italian Art Glass Perfume Powder Box Vanity Jar
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown white, gold flecks and green spots Italian art glass powder box / jar. Published and documented to designer Archimede Seguso, circa 1950...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage Classic Soda Siphon Seltzer Glass Bottle with Wire Mesh
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Classic Soda Siphon Seltzer Glass Bottle with Wire Mesh.
This is a fantastic vintage seltzer bottle with a metal wire mesh casing around the glass.
Vintage seltzer bottle made in Germany.
Enjoy the fresh and healthy fizz of sparkling water...
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Large Red Murano Glass Sommerso Vase by Flavio Poli Attributed, Italy 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Murano glass vase
Origin:
Murano, Italy
Design:
Flavio Poli attributed.
Decade:
1970s
This original vintage glass vases was designed by Fla...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Les roseaux à visage humain by Line Vautrin, double-sided silvered bronze box
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
“Les Roseaux à visage humain” (“Reeds with Human Faces”) is a double-sided silvered bronze box by Line Vautrin.
The front side representing reeds (rushes) in motion, with their flowe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
1970 Seguso Vetri D'Arte Vittorio Rigattieri White Black Murano Glass Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Vittorio Rigattieri
Seguso Vetri D'Arte
Murano, Italy
1970
Stunning Large Murano Vase
"Rugiada" White Glass and Black Matt square detail.
Artist signed as shown on the bottom and Se...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Vintage 1960s Souvenir Building Architectural Model Berlin Bear, Metal Statue
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative Berlin bear statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. This item was bought as a souvenir in Ber...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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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Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
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