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.
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Opal Pink Alabastro Glass Bowl, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Design Attributed to Archimede Seguso for the Seguso Factory. Italy, 1950s. This ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condit...
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Flavio Poli, Mid-Century Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. Handcrafted in Italy using the iconic Murano sommerso glass technique, it features a d...
Murano Glass
Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Green, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and visually arresting three-piece smoking set designed by the renowned Italian sculptor Romano Bianchi during the 1960s. This set is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern Itali...
Alabaster
Sommerso pink and purple Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful purple and pink sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso techniqu...
Murano Glass
1970s Brass Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin: Lighter & Ashtray
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. This exceptional two-piece desk smoking set is an authentic testament to the 1970s avant-garde industrial design era o...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Italian Ashtray in Wine-Red Leather and Crystal, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century ashtray in a refined combination of wine-red leather and thick crystal glass. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fully original and in a...
Crystal
Stackable mid-century brass hedgehog ashtrays by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
Located in München, BY
Original mid-century stackable brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful design. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. The hedgehogs are complete wit...
Brass
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
1970s Purple Murano Glass Smoking Set by Antonio Imperatore
By Cristallerie Antonio Imperatore
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning purple smoking set by Antonio Imperatore in Murano glass. Made in Italy The items are in excellent condition. The table lighter works perfectly, This smoking set is go...
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano Blue Sommerso Glass Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in blue color with a cased rim in dark blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly de...
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien Standing Floor Ashtray, Smoking Stand, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Franz Hagenauer
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful handcrafted standing ashtray / smoking stand with a wonderfully elegant and slender silhouette from the 1970s, marked and stamped, designed and produced by the renowned W...
Aluminum, Steel, Iron
Regency Bronze Crab Ashtray, Vintage Sculpture from Spain, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful regency crab ashtray designed and manufactured in Spain in the 1980s. Great work of bronze. More than an ashtray, this object is a sculpture o...
Bronze
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 5,11 x 4,3...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Faceted Glass Bowl / Ashtray, 1950
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Sommerso faceted Murano bowl in grey and clear glass. Attributed to Flavio Poli, Italy, 1950s. Asymmetrical design with multiple faceted faces in grey color submer...
Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Mi...
Metal
Castaways Hotel Miami Beach Glass Ashtray
Located in Bradenton, FL
A hexagonal glass ashtray from The Castaways Hotel of Miami Beach, Florida. The center is printed with their logo and reads “Castaways, Quality Courts, Miami Beach Florida”.
Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Table Lighter, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning blue table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 4,33 x ...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Triangular Art Glass Bowl / Ashtray, Green & Yellow
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Green and Yellow Flavio Poli Seguso Faceted Decorative Bowl or Ashtray in Murano Glass __________________________________________________________________________- Sommerso faceted Mu...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Mid-Century Modern Brass Ashtray, Gold Finish, Vintage Design, 1950s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brass Ashtray, 1950s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959. Additional information: Materials: Brass Color: Gold Styles: Mid-Century Modern Item Type: Vintage,...
Brass
Ceramic Blue and Yellow Ashtray or Vide Poche Circa 1960 Italy
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Ceramic Ashtray or Vide Poche, has a shell Shape. The colors are the Blue and Yellow. It has been made in Italy Circa 1960
Ceramic
Tommaso Barbi Signed Cream Ceramic and Brass Ashtray or Catchall, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful round ashtray or valet tray in gorgeous burgundy ceramic and brass. This rare decorative piece is signed on the bottom and was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in It...
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
Archimede Seguso Murano Purple Sommerso Art Glass Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in purple color with a cased rim in pink/ blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly decorative geode round bowl lovely to be used as rings bowl, jewelry bowl, vide-poche or ashtray. An interesting piece placed with other Murano glass pieces or decorative objects on a mirror tray to use in a vanity table, powder room our courtesy bathroom. It can be used also it as hand soap bowl...
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Romano Bianchi Alabaster Smoking Set, Handmade, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, cigarette box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent c...
Alabaster
Ceramic Ashtrays blue and Pink color from France 1960 Rond Shape
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of Ceramic Ashtrays with Sea Urchin Motif, Pink and Blue, Decorative and Functional This pair of ceramic ashtrays, designed with a striking sea urchin motif, combines artistry ...
Ceramic
Red and Green Sommerso ashtray by Seguso, Murano glass, Italy, 1970's
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful sommerso red and green vide-poches or ashtray designed and manufactured for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso technique (superimposing lay...
Murano Glass
Monumental Vintage Italian Pink and Black Checkered Marble Ashtray Catchall Bowl
Located in Toronto, CA
A rare and monumental Mid-Century Modern Italian marble bowl, circa 1960, showcasing a bold checkerboard design in rose-pink and deep black marble. The striking contrast and polished...
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Blue Clear Glass Geode Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso triangle geode bowl in dark blue and turquoise blue glass . Italy, 1960s. A darker blue in the central part contrasting with the edge in turquoise b...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Blue Faceted Sommerso Bowl by Mandruzzato
By Mandruzzato
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian blue faceted Murano glass bowl blown in Sommerso technique / designed by Mandruzzato, circa 1960s / Made in Italy Measures: Diameter 5 inches, height 3 inches 1 avail...
Murano Glass
XL Sommerso pink ashtray by Seguso, Murano glass, Italy, 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Extra large purple sommerso empty pocket or ashtray designed and manufactured by seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the sommerso technique (superposition of lay...
Murano Glass
Castaways Hotel Miami Beach Glass Ashtrays - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of yellow glass ashtrays from The Castaways Hotel of Miami Beach, Florida. The center is printed with their logo and reads “Castaways, Qual...
Glass
1960s Gorgeous Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano Glass. Made in Italy The item is in prestine excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 1,96 H ...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Purple Blue Multi Faceted Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte multi faceted purple and soft blue Murano glass Sommerso bowl, Italy, 1960s. This hand blown glass bowl is made of purple glass...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Mid Century Clear Crystal Heavy Ashtray 1960's
Located in Toronto, CA
This Mid Century Clear Crystal Ashtray from the 1960s is a striking blend of minimalist design and timeless elegance. Crafted from heavy, high-quality crystal, its clear and versatil...
Crystal
Seguso Murano Red Black Silver Flecks Art Glass Flower Bowl
By Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Colorful flower shaped Murano art glass bowl with silver flecks in red and black glass cased into clear glass. Attributed to Seguso Factory, Italy, 1950s. This heavy hand blown glas...
Silver Leaf
Kosta Boda "Sunflower" Ashtray Art Glass by Goran Warff
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A biomorphic art glass "Sunflower" ashtray by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda made in Sweden, circa the 1980s. The ashtray is in good vintage condition with no chips or cracks.
Art Glass
Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic Italian Ashtrays, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible Mid-Century Modern white ceramic ashtray. This fantastic piece was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced by B. Ceramiche in the late 1960s in Italy. The manufacturer's...
Ceramic
Adnet Style Leather Estate Pipe Stand Holder Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Leather and metal in the style of Jacques Adnet. Great tabletop or pipe smoker object. Great vintage condition. Nice addition to any collection.
Leather
Red Murano Glass Ashtray by Flavio Poli, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Red Ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,36 H inc...
Murano Glass
Pietro Chiesa Hammered Nile Green Crystal Ashtray or Catchall, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful nile green hammered crystal ashtray or catchall. This charming piece is attributed to the mastery of Pietro Chiesa and was produced in Italy during the 1950s. This squar...
Crystal
1960's Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray / Bowl
Located in Bern, CH
1960's blown glass ashtray. Designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. Made in Italy. A unique piece and beautiful shape and colour. Waves of beautiful peridot green. A genuin...
Murano Glass
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s Original condition
Ceramic
Italian Alabaster Marble and Brass Ashtray or Jewelry Dish, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
An Italian green alabaster marble and gilt brass ashtray, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, Italy. A round green alabaster marble ashtray with a matte gilt bra...
Alabaster, Brass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Grey, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,11 diameter x 3,14 H inches cm 13 x...
Murano Glass
Vintage Murano Pink Glass Ashtray – Retro Handmade Italian Glassware, Pastel Pin
Located in Palermo, PA
This vintage Murano ashtray is a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts of Italian glassware. Crafted in thick, heavy glass, it reflects the high-quality craftsmanship that Murano i...
Murano Glass
Toso Midcentury Green "Sommerso" Murano Glass Italian Decorative Bowl, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent heart-shaped green "sommerso" glass Murano glass bowl or ashtray. This amazing item was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This wonderful piece is a perfect blend of ...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Copper Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown pink, white and copper aventurine twisted ribbons Italian art glass decorative bowl. It is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with similar d...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Opal Pink Alabastro Giant Air Bubbles Art Glass Bowl by Archimede Seguso
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Massive hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Manufactured By Archimede Seguso and Seguso Factory, Italy, 1950s. Iridiscent pink gl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
Murano Amber Art Glass Ashtray with Controlled Bubbles, Italy, circa 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Murano art glass ashtray, handcrafted in Italy during the mid-20th century, circa 1960s. This sculptural ashtray is executed in thick amber glass and features an organic free-form de...
Murano Glass
Murano Bowl Shell / Ashtray in Peach -Orange Sommerso Glass Seguso Italy, 1970s
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a stunning Murano glass ashtray with an organic form, attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso and dating from the 1960s–1970s. The elegant, sculptural d...
Murano Glass
Turquoise Crystal Ashtray signed by Moser, Italy, 1970s
By Moser
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional ashtray made of high-quality vibrant aquamarine colored crystal. This marvelous and unique piece was produced by Moser in Italy during the 1970s, and is signed on the bot...
Crystal
1970s Hollywood Regency Lucite and Brass Smoking Set, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning Hollywood Regency smoking set with table lighter, ashtray and box in lucite and brass. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excelle...
Metal
Martini & Rossi French Opalex Ashtray
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Martini & Rossi triangular ashtray. White opalex is branded Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth on each side. Each corner has a beveled cigarette rest. Marked “Made in France...
Opaline Glass
Bronze and Brass Ashtray, Franz & Karl Hagenauer, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Karl Hagenauer, Franz Hagenauer
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Bronze and Brass Ashtray, Franz & Karl Hagenauer, Austria 1950 Sculptural ashtray with an elegant and streamlined modernist style. Crafted in bronze and brass, the piece combines ...
Brass, Bronze
Murano green Glass Sommerso Block Cube Ashtray Element Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass ash tray Origin: Murano, Italy Design: Flavio Poli Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass ash tray bowl element was designed by Flavio Poli and ...
Murano Glass
Anchor Hocking Soreno Textured Amber Glass Ashtray Vintage American
By Hazel-Atlas, Anchor Hocking
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Textured amber glass ashtray was made by Anchor Hocking as a part of Soreno series. Soreno ashtrays, also called Lido, have a pattern of a series of raised lines forming an almost m...
Art Glass
1970s Black Lucite and Metal Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin, France
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous black smoking set by Pierre Cardin in lucite and metal. Made in France The items are in excellent conditionand are signed. The table lighter works perfectly. This smok...
Lucite