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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
Period: 19th Century
19th Century Small Wooden/Metal Mortar
Located in Santa Monica, CA
19th century small wooden/metal Mortar This exquisite mortar, dating back to the 19th century and originating from the region along the Yemen-Saudi border, is a captivating blend ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique 19th Century Carved Santos
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embrace the spiritual heritage of America with this Antique 19th Century Carved Santos. Crafted with intricate detail and timeless elegance, this piece reflects the devout faith and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Small 19th Century European Wood Mortar
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Small 19th Century European Wood Mortar Embrace the quaint allure of this smaller European Wood Mortar, radiating warmth through its beautiful wood finish. With dimensions of 16" in...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Turkish Vintage Olive Jar, 19th Century
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large Turkish Vintage Olive Jar, 19th Century This striking large-sized Turkish olive jar, with origins dating back to at least the 17th century ...
Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Medium 19th Century European Wood Mortar
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Medium 19th Century European Wood Mortar Medium solid wood mortar, This solid wood mortar, with its rough shape and organic color, will be perfect in a natural, uncluttered and del...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century European Wood Mortar
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large 19th Century European Wood Mortar Introduce a touch of European flair to your home with this large European Wood Mortar, boasting an impressive stature of 24" in height and a...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Moroccan Vessel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
19th Century Moroccan Vessel Discover the enchanting beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship with this exquisite mid-19th-century vessel. A testament to the rich history and artistry of ...
Category

19th Century Moroccan Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Charcoal French Oil Vessel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large Charcoal French Oil Vessel 19th century This stunning 19th-century French oil vessel is a beautifully crafted piece of history that exudes rustic charm and authenticity. Sta...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

19th c. Shaker Inlay Sewing Box c.1800s (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A 19th century Mahogany veneer Shaker sewing box with Maple inlay on the top and sides. CREATOR Shaker community. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1800s. MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Category

19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

Vicke Lindstrand "Colora" Series for Kosta Blue Bud Glass Vase. Sweden, 1950s
Located in Kansas City, MO
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Blue Bud Art glass vase by Swedish glass artist Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda circa 1950. From the "Colora" series. No chips cracks or repairs. Marked...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Classical Style Marble Bust of Apollo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage marble bust of Apollo designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 19th century. The stunning marble frame showcases the intricate details of Apollo's chiseled features, capt...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Italian Decorative Copper Vase or Decanter with Brass Handle, Italy, Late '800s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing antique "mezzina" Pitcher fully made in solid copper with Brass Handle. This wonderful piece was made in Italy in the late '800s. The way the copper and the brass aged on th...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal, Copper

French Bisque Porcelain Figures of Maidens & Doves
Located in New York, NY
French white bisque porcelain figures of young classically draped maidens with doves, one possibly Hebe with cup and ewer, apparently unmarked, circa 1890. 13" H x 6.5" W x 6" D.
Category

19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century German GDR Amber Art Glass Candlestick 'Grenade' by Albin Schaedel
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely fantastic candlestick by Albin Schaedel, GDR, Lauscha - the war left its mark: in the ''Series'' ''Grenades'', Albin Schaedel has produced different works of art: here is...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Thomas Wills George III Longcase Clock, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
George III Longcase Clock, 19th century, with broken pediment above face inscribed "Thomas Wills / Opex" the signature possibly that of Thomas Wills of St Austell...
Category

19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

John Deacons Scotland Bunch of Flowers Millefiori Magnum Paperweight
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
John Deacons Scotland Bunch of Flowers Millefiori Magnum Paperweight Additional information: Dimensions: 5 W x 5 D x 4 H cm Period of Time: 1900 Country of origin: Scotland Condit...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Cobridge Stoneware. signed by Eric Knowles. Small fish vase
Located in London, GB
Cobridge Stoneware. signed by Eric Knowles. Small fish vase. Cobridge Pottery was the idea of Hugh Edwards, owner of Moorcroft, who was keen to develop the ideas of William Howson Ta...
Category

1890s English Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Primitive Folk Art Large Hand-Woven Palm Bark Basket Planter, USA
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a fascinating primitive, hand-woven palm bark basket full of old-world charm and craftsmanship. Featuring an inner frame constructed from grape...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rope

F. Barbedienne Foundry, French Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, French Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Barbedienne 1858 An exceptional French patinated realistic miniature bronze b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Indian Gilt Bronze Statue of Shiva Nataraja
Located in New York, NY
Antique Indian gilt bronze statue sculpture of Shiva in the form of Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, performing the cosmic dance of creation encircled b...
Category

19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French mid-century ceramic bowl, colorful Cote d’Azur style
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elevate your space with this exquisite French mid-century ceramic bowl, seamlessly blending into the vibrant and colorful Cote d’Azur style. The glossy white glaze of this ceramic ma...
Category

1850s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Saint Louis Art Glass Millefiori Paperweight
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning paperweight dating back to the late 19th Century with roses and flowers that will spark your imagination every time you put your eyes on it. This art piece has faceted e...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Stunning Vintage Bohemian Amethyst Blown Glass Vase with Salamander
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
1890s. Probably made in Bohemia or in a Northern European country. This beautiful blown glass vase is rendered in a lovely amethyst color. It features a modeled glass salamander, app...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Large-Scale Majolica Lobster by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (Portugal, 1846-1905)
Located in Dallas, TX
RARE / LARGE SCALE Portuguese Majolica / Palissy ware lobster on cabbage by artist / ceramist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (Portugal, 1846-1905) large shallow bowl with single lobster ...
Category

19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Salviati Murano Venetian Hand Blown Gold Dolphin Caraffe
Located in Palermo, PA
An exceptional example of Venetian glassblowing mastery, this mini caraffe made by Antonio Salviati is sure to impress! All handblown elements are fused together to create this maste...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Pair of Empire Bronze 5 Light Candle Sticks
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of Empire Bronze 5 Light Candle Sticks. The candle sticks are capped off by a floral designed candle holder. The center design is that of a urn with birds at the sides. The bott...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early 19thc Antique French Bronze Candelabras With Marble Base
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of early 19thc Antique Bronze candelabras with 6 Candles holders on each candelabra. White Rounded Marble Base. measures approx 13 wid...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Cranberry White Stripe Bowl. Swedish Art Glass, 1950s
Located in Kansas City, MO
Swedish Mid-Century Modern cranberry and white striped glass bowl by Swedish glass artist Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda circa 1950. No chips crack...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass

Artglass Vase Sjogras by Goran Stroemgren for Art Glassworks Urshult Sweden
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Artglass Vase Sjogras by Goran Stroemgren for Art Glassworks Urshult Sweden A rare 'Sjogras' (seegras) art glass vase in Graal technique designed by Goran Stromgren for Konstglashyt...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-19th Century Amber Apothecary Glass Bottle with Lid
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-19th century amber apothecary glass bottle with lid. By unknown manufacturer from France. In original condition, with minor wear consistent wi...
Category

1890s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Set of Eight Sculpture Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight sculpture vases. Each vase is hand colored shaped and sized. Vases can use for the flowers. We have 4 more vases like this.
Category

1860s Scandinavian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Amberina Art Blown Crackled Glass in Style of Blenko Glass
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning Art Glass in style of Blenko. I believe it is but do not see the markings or label. Color is vivid and the crackling is so tasteful. Nice weight to this as well.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Model AXZ for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Vivacious blue, green and yellow glaze. Signed underneath. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Stoneware set by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Rare vintage stoneware set Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, c. 1950s. A small bowl and two miniature vessels. Signed underneath. Dimensions: ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Stoneware Pitcher by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Model SYE for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Stoneware Pitcher by Carl-Harry Stålhane with a beautiful blue hare's fur glaze. Signed underneath. Swedish ceramic artist Carl-Harry St...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Mexican Mid Century 5 Candle Holder Katalox Wood Bird
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this Mexican mid century 5 candle holder made in Katalox (tropical wood). This is a great bird shaped adjustable candle holder t...
Category

1860s North American Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Black signed 'Safir' Glass Bowl By Per Lütken For Holmegaard
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare 1950s Scandinavian art piece by Per Lütken for Holmegaard. The bowl is also called ''Fried Egg'' and it is a unique handmade and signed piece made in limited numbers and not ea...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Model ASK for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Vivacious brown and orange glaze. Signed underneath. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most in...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Model Ave for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, model AVE for Rörstrand. In a blue and brown hare´s fur glaze. Signed underneath. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influentia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Light blue glaze. Signed underneath. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicist...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Antique Advertisement Wristwatch of the Swiss Watchmaker "Certina"
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very rare and old advertisement of the Swiss watchmaker "Certina". The large advertisement is designed in the form of a wristwatch and is fully funct...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Val St Lambert Crystal Ashtray Signed
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Val St Lambert octagonal faceted clear crystal ashtray. No chips no crack but some minor scratches on bottom see details pictures.
Category

Early 1800s Belgian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Signed Seguso Vetri d'Arte Tall Art Glass Candlestick Holder Murano Italy
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Fabulous tall candle stick signed "Seguso Vetri d'Arte" on base. Gold fleck in clear glass. Flawless condition. Measure: 25-1/2" tall.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Large 19th Century Murano "Filigrana" Art Glass Plate
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large art glass plate made of clear glass with white filigrana bands. Attributed to Societa Anonima for Azioni Salviati & C., Murano second half of the 19th century. Measures: hei...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

19th Century Pair of Ecclesiastic Brass Candleholder, 1890s
Located in Prato, IT
19th century pair of Italian ecclesiastic altar brass candleholders in good vintage condition.
Category

1890s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Faux-Bamboo Brass Magazine Rack in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice design faux-bamboo style magazine rack is made of brass. This is a French work In the style of Jacques Adnet.Ccirca 1970.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Spanish, 1850s Fair Carousel Wooden Dog
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish, vintage hand painted wooden dog with stuck out tongue, from an old fair ground Carousel.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Sculptural Organic Studio Pottery Vase in Pastel Tones
Located in London, GB
Sculptural Mid Century Modern curvaceous and organic hand formed vase glazed in muted tones of pastel.
Category

1850s European Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French Bronze Sculpture by P.J Mene
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Late 19th century French bronze sculpture by Pierre Jules Mene.
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Murano, Scarlet Candy, Amber and Midnight Blue Palette, Splash Bowl Centrepiece
Located in Frome, GB
This striking and vivid work of handblown, Italian mid-century art glass design brings with it the beauty created by expert Murano art glass techniques. The form is that of a sty...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Buddha Shakyamuni or the Jina Buddha Vairochana Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Buddha Shakyamuni or the Jina Buddha Vairochana sculpture in brass, likely Kashmiri, 19th century or later, depicting the Buddha in contemplation, on...
Category

19th Century Antique 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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