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.
Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl Green, Organic Modern, Circa Mid-20th Century
By Seguso, Angelo Seguso
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural Italian Murano art glass bowl in a saturated green hue, executed with a controlled bubble interior and an Organic Modern silhouette, circa mid‑20th century, Italy. The f...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Barbini Vintage 50s Blue Gold Flecks Bubbles Italian Art Glass Cookie Jar
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and large, vintage Murano hand blown turquoise blue, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass cookie jar / container. The piece is documented to designer Alfred...
Gold Leaf
Glass and silver ice bucket, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant ice bucket made of clear molded glass, enhanced by a silver-plated metal rim. Dating from the 1970s, this piece combines the purity of glass with the refined simplicity of...
Silver
Crystal 'Medusa Lumière' Candleholder by Versace for Rosenthal 1990s
Located in Milano, MI
Crystal candle holder, "Medusa Lumière" collection designed by Versace for Rosenthal in the 1990s Ø cm 10 h cm 27 The Versace for Rosenthal collaboration, launched in 1992 under th...
Crystal
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Vintage Japanese Bronze Bud Vase Textured Greenish-Blue Verdigris Patina Murashi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Japanese bronze bud vase featuring a textured greenish-blue verdigris patina. Typically mid-century modern or minimalist, often used for Ikebana. ...
Iron
Georgous Big Dolphin and Fish Sea Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some blue dolphins and fishes with a Coral Reef inside, floating on controlle...
Murano 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
Swedish Modern - Large pewter vase - Ernst Svedbom, Svenskt Tenn 1960's
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pewter vase designed by Ernst Svedbom for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1960s. This beautifully balanced vessel features a classical amphora form with sweeping sculptural handl...
Pewter
Large Textured Vase by Jason Fox, Stoneware, Mid-Century Modern, Los Angeles
Located in Burbank, CA
Large wheel thrown textured vase by Jason Fox. This textured vase was thrown on the wheel in two parts, scored/slipped, joined and then shaped. After le...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Mid Century Glass Mushroom Canister, Decorative Storage Jar, Circa 1960
Located in Fairfield, CA
A wonderful vintage glass jar in the shape of mushroom. Versatile large size for storing a variety of items. Measures 5.75"Dia x 7.5"H
Glass
Murano Red Heart "Cuore" Art Glass Vase by Maria Christina Hamel for Salviati
By Maria Christina Hamel 1, Salviati
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Murano art glass heart-shaped vase was designed by Maria Christina Hamel in the 1990s and produced by the renowned Venetian glasshouse Salviati. Expertly mouth-blown on...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
$655Sale Price|30% Off
Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement Manufactured in France by unknown artist, circa 1990. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, pre...
Metal
Mid-Century Ceramic Fruit Basket – Hand-Painted Green & White Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Fruit Basket – Hand-Painted Green & White Bowl with Realistic Fruits – French Decorative Centerpiece Description: This is a charming ceramic fruit basket, crafted and painted in France, likely in the mid-20th century. The piece features a green and white glazed bowl, sculpted with decorative cauliflower-style patterns, and filled with a vibrant assortment of realistically rendered ceramic fruits. The fruit composition includes tones of orange, yellow, and brown, giving the impression of fresh produce, full of texture and volume. The naturalism and detail make this object visually rich, while the cauliflower-motif bowl adds a touch of whimsy and vintage flair. Currently back in style, this type of trompe-l'œil ceramic sculpture is both boldly decorative and timeless. Perfect for eclectic, maximalist, or vintage-inspired interiors, this piece brings color, charm, and movement into any space. Key features: Handcrafted ceramic fruit basket Made in France, 20th century Green & white bowl with cauliflower-style detailing Realistic ceramic fruits: orange, yellow, brown tones Full of presence and movement Ideal as a decorative centerpiece In excellent condition with vibrant glazes and patina Keywords: French ceramic fruit...
Ceramic
$177Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century OP-ART Vase Bisque Porcelain White by Heinrich Fuchs, 1960s, Germany
By Lorenz Hutschenreuther, Dr. Heinrich Fuchs
Located in Andernach, DE
An amazing bisque porcelain midcentury studio art pottery vase, op-art at it's peak, made in Germany, by Heinrich Fuchs for Hutschenreuther, circa 1960s. Vase is in very good conditi...
Porcelain
C. Jeré Artisan House metal wall sculpture of circles or raindrops
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Artisan House
Located in Phoenix, AZ
C. Jeré Artisan House metal wall art. This is a newer, 2000 or later production. There is no signature, but the piece was on the Artisan House website. 52” wide x 28” tall x 4” deep....
Metal
Pair of pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and lucite pretzel holder designed by Elaine Bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects that wi...
Brass
Pino Signoretto Attributed Murano Glass Squid Sculpture Panel
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and decorative Murano glass sculpture-panel, attributed to Pino Signoretto, likely dating from around the 1960s. The piece features a rectangular transparent glass slab embell...
Glass, Murano Glass
Beautiful Hand Crafted Cigar Humidor Box Catchall Antique Austria, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cigar or desktop catchall box from Austria in the 1900s, made of patinated brass and wood, sounds like a unique and valuable antique. The fact that this particular box is an antique from the early 1900s adds to its value and collectability. Depending on the condition and other factors such as the brand or maker, it could be worth a significant amount of money to collectors of antique smoking...
Metal
Vintage Bronze Sculpture Ombra della Sera, Italy 1950-70s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This captivating vintage metal sculpture with bronze verdigris patina pays homage to the legendary Etruscan votive statuette Ombra della Sera (“Shadow of the Evening”), an iconic 3...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Bowl by Alvino Bagni Italy
By Alvino Bagni
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
This Bagni bowl dates from the sixties.
Ceramic
Kinetic Ball Sculpture Model Orbit Swinging Mobile Vintage Denmark
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming vintage kinetic mobile composed of delicately balanced spheres, dating to the 1960s and manufactured in Denmark by Laurids Lønborg. Arranged in a graceful, sculptural comp...
Composition, Metal
$770Sale Price|30% Off
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
Vintage Fenton-Attributed Wild Rose Overlay Hobnail Milk Glass Rose Bowl
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A richly sculptural vintage American milk-glass rose bowl, conservatively attributed to Fenton and dating to approximately 1950. The rounded vessel combines an opaque white exterior ...
Milk Glass
$414Sale Price|40% Off
Crystal glass paper weight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Sweden
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A fantastic rather large handmade vintage glass sculpture or paperweight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden. This piece is showcasing his enormous talent as a glas...
Art Glass, Cut Glass
Signed, Mid-Century Modern Bronze Retriever Dog Sculpture
Located in Warrenton, OR
Signed, Mid-Century Modern Bronze Retriever Dog Sculpture. Artist-Signed and Numbered Certificate Attached to the Base's Underside. * **NOTE: Our 1stD...
Bronze
Pair of ceramic vases, Sainte Radegonde, circa 1940
Located in New York, NY
Origin Sainte-Radegonde, France, circa 1940s Materials Glazed ceramic Dimensions 6 in W (approx.) Condition Very good vintage condition, consistent with age A rare pair of sculpt...
Ceramic
$141 / item
Danish Metal Candleholder Spare Glass, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Metal Candleholder Glass, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Metal Styles: Mid-Century Modern Country of Origin:...
Metal
Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Vintage Wall mounted clock designed in the seventies by the Manufacture Junghaus, Germany, model Electora. The clock is in original...
Brass
Murano Sommerso Green & Amber Geode Art Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking Murano Sommerso geode art glass bowl designed by Flavio Poli, featuring his signature color-layering technique that beautifully blends vivid green with warm amber and deep...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Josef Hospodka Sommerso Multi-Color Studio Art Glass Bowl, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Josef Hospodka, Chribska Glassworks
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and stylish elongated Mid-Century glass bowl from the 1960s — solid, heavy, and beautifully crafted. Designed by Josef Michal Hospodka (1923–1989) and produced by Chřibs...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
$668Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century French Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry (circa 1960s)
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative platter (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry (1932-2009). A whitened glaze encircles a deeply engraved sunflower motif (with face) in brown and highlighted by forest ...
Ceramic
Small mechanical original Mid Century Atlanta wall clock with 10-day movement
Located in München, DE
Small mechanical wall clock by Atlanta, original Mid-Century Modern. Made in Germany. Beautiful design in a compact size. With a 10-day movement. Fully functional and keeps precise t...
Brass
Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand Ashtray for Lumax Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
About product: Lumax ashtrey by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand. Manufactured in France, circa 1970. The Lumax Ashtray by Le Corbusier is an iconic design piece. It was designe...
Art Glass
Alfredo Barbini Murano Glass Bowl/Ashtray, Black & Gold, A Pentoni
Located in Warrenton, OR
Alfredo Barbini Murano Glass Bowl/Ashtray, Black & Gold, A Pentoni. RARE. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing soon.*** This rare and significant Mid-Century Modern Murano art g...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Hand-Crafted Wicker Picnic Basket, Mid-Century Modern, 1940s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage traditional woven wicker case in a classic pattern. Made by an unknown manufacturer in France circa 1940 Inside a serving set of 4 plastic dishes, mugs and cutlery, and a ch...
Fabric, Wicker, Plastic
Rare Hertwig Katzhutte Germany Pair Parakeet Porcelain Figurine Ornament
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Ceramic Pair Budgerigars by Hertwig Katzhütte Colorful ceramic pair of budgerigars or parakeets, made by german manufacturer Hertwig Katzhüt...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Søholm, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Søholm, 1960s
Earthenware
Murano Glass Sculpture "Gallo," Made in Italy, 1960s, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning vintage sculpture of a rooster made of multicolored Murano glass, dating from the 1960s. Handmade in Murano, with a polychrome design. Green spiral base, glass body with e...
Murano Glass
$110 / set
Handmade Akacia Wood Bowls, Set of 4
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A very stylish mid-century modern four acacia wood bowls. Designed and handmade in Mozambique. Whether displayed as standalone art pieces or used practically to hold candy, nuts,deco...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Italian Modern Bitossi Ceramic Blue Horse Pottery by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and chic horse sculpture circa 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi. This piece features all glazed ceramic construction in a beautiful blue / green color. Signed Italy
Ceramic
Peter Voulkos Signed Early Mid-Century Modern Pottery Chawan Tea Bowl, 1950s
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic rare early footed stoneware Japanese style California studio pottery Chawan tea bowl (circa early 1950s) by Master Greek-American potter/artist Peter Voulkos featuring ha...
Pottery, Stoneware
MCM Footed Studio Pottery Bowl by Richard Saar, Atomic Motif, Signed
By Richard Saar
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Mid-Century Modern studio pottery bowl attributed to California ceramicist Richard Saar, signed to the underside. Executed circa 1960, the piece features a sculptural trip...
Ceramic
$600Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Glass
Adorable, Pedigree French Poodle, Toffee Glaze Ceramic Figurine, Vallauris 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Sporting a 'Dutch Cut' to his coat, this adorable ceramic poodle stands tall and proud Collar and feet are gilded, the glaze is a delicious toffee caramel colour and the eyes are pin...
Ceramic
Danish Stoneware Candle Sconce by Knabstrup, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Knabstrup, Palshus, Rörstrand, Kähler, Felix Gete
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautifully glazed handmade stoneware candle sconce manufactured by Danish Knabstrup in the 1950s. Raw rectangular ceramic piece with a shiny crackle glaze front in pastel mint, turq...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Terracotta
German 1960s Junghans Pendulum + Weights + Gong Wall Clock
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wall clock Design & produced by Junghans in 1960s. Brass metal and Teak wood. Mechanical movement and gong is in good working condition. Very nice gong but if you don't like it is po...
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bronze Etruscan Ombra della Sera Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bronze Etruscan Ombra della Sera Sculpture, circa 1950s-1960s. An elegant mid-century grand tour reproduction of the famous "Ombra della Sera" (Shadow of t...
Bronze
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s Elegant 7-branch menorah crafted in solid brass, with an elegant and modern design. ...
Metal, Brass
Fulvio Bianconi Murano Pezzato Glass Vase, Signed "Campione"
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative Murano art glass vase by Fulvio Bianconi, likely dating from around the 1950s, characterized by a vibrant, multicolored pezzato-style glass composition and a bold modernis...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$491Sale Price|20% Off
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano Glass Bowl, Pink Sommerso, 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A striking example of late 20th-century Venetian glass, this rectangular Murano glass bowl is attributed to the work of renowned glass maestro Alessandro Mandruzzato and dates to the...
Murano Glass
Mid Century White Big Dalmatian Dog Ceramic Sculpture, Goebel, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Dalmatian dog sculpture was produced in Germany. Only one dog available. Signed cera...
Ceramic
Massive Livio Seguso Smoke Grey Elephant Art Glass Sculpture Murano Gral
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A very large and massive handcrafted elephant sculpture designed by Livio Seguso for Gral Glas. This striking piece captures the grandeur and elegance of an elephant, showcasing intr...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$716Sale Price|30% Off
French Glazed Ceramic Woman with Arms Raised Sculpture by Jacques Pouchain
By Jacques Pouchain and Atelier Dielufit
Located in London, GB
Glazed ceramic woman (circa 1960s) by Jacques Pouchain (1925-2005). This is a delightful, figurative art pottery vase modelled as a woman with her arms upraised and hands clutching t...
Ceramic
Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw Decorative Oval Box, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century decorative jewelry box made from a beautiful combination of lucite enriched with Vienna straw, brass, and tortoiseshell-effect lucite. This incredibly stylish pi...
Brass
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Excellent original condition Brass with a brown faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has two jewels. Measures: Open: Height 8cm x wide 8cm x deep 8 c...
Metal, Brass
Bitossi Italian Ceramic Vase with Geometric Stripes, Signed, Mid-Century
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking Italian ceramic vase by Bitossi, featuring a bold geometric striped decoration in white, black, yellow, and red. The elegant elongated form is articulated by rhythmic horizo...
Ceramic, Pottery
Collection of 3 Ice Block Glass "Solifleur" Vases, German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing collection of German ice block glass Mid-Century Modern "Solifleur" vases, circa 1960s. These are heavy glass items in clear glass, outside like ice glass. There is a smal...
Art Glass
Stunning Rattan Wicker Fish Ceiling Light, France, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A superb and highly unusual 1960s or earlier French wicker fish ceiling light, an exceptionally rare survivor from the mid-century period. Handcrafted in woven wicker, the sculptural...
Wicker
Midcentury Decorative Box in Wood and Steel Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular box in wood and steel in the style of Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Great accessory for any modern interior.
Metal, Steel
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