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.
Vintage Amber Wine Goblets - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 gorgeous wine goblets in amber glass. Lovely simple modern shape with glass that thickens towards the base of the glass. Each measures 2.5"Dia x 4.5"H
Glass
Cigarette Dispenser vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Cigarette Dispenser vienna around 1960s Open: 26cm hight Closed: 16cm hight Original condition
Brass
Articulated Abalone shell and Brass Fish Bottle Opener, Mexico, 1980's, 17 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb articulated fish designed and produced in Mexico during the 1980's. This artisanal bottle opener, crafted with abalone mother-of-pearl, is a true work of art. A beautiful item...
Brass
$540Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Murano Red White Champagne Coupes Glasses by Carlo Moretti, Mid-20th C
Located in New York, NY
A chic set of five (5) vintage red and white Italian Murano Champagne coupes or cocktail glasses, by designer Carlo Moretti, Midcentury Modern Design period, Italy, circa mid-20th century. These Carlo Moretti Champagne...
Murano Glass
FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian oval enameled metal tray depicting orange puffer fish / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti label on the base Measures: width 20.5 inches, depth 13.5...
Metal
MCM Yellow Milk Glass Coupes by Federal Glass - Set of 5
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 yellow milk glass coupes by Federal Glass. Vibrant yellow exteriors with white interiors. Perfect for cocktails, champagne, or as dessert bowls. Each measures 3.75"Dia x 3...
Milk Glass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Amber Ball Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a stacked ball stem design in a dark muted amber color. An etched d...
Glass
$47Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Mid Century Ice Bucket, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Every good party needs cold ice and this is just the bucket to keep it that way! This beauty fits in with any decor. Mid Century sleek. Perfect for your next soiree or party of one! ...
Metal
"Noodle" Dachshund Dog Bottle Opener Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s, Midcentury
By Ludwig Bemelmans
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to be designed by Ludwig Bemelmans showing "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection o...
Brass
MCM Chrome "Penguin" Ice Bucket by West Bend Manufacturing
By West Bend
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM chrome "Penguin" ice bucket by West Bend Manufacturing, circa 1960s. The design features three walnut handles and an embossed penguin motif on the side of the bucket....
Chrome
Vintage Hermes Horse Bit Bottle Opener c.1970
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning example of a vintage equestrian bottle opener dating to c.1970. The handle is gold plated bronze fashioned in the form of a horse bit and the bottle opener itself made fr...
Gold Plate
$90 / set
Green Coupe Glasses - Set of 6
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage coupe glasses with a cubist design in green glass. Made in the Whitehall pattern by Indiana Glass. Perfect for wine or champagne. Smooth interiors.
Glass
$136Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Italian Pink Glass Decanter with Green Stopper
Located in Toronto, CA
A beautiful mid-century Italian glass decanter featuring a soft pink body paired with a contrasting green stopper. The form is clean and geometric, with subtle faceting that catches ...
Glass
Piero Fornasetti Set of Coasters of Opera Characters-Melodrama!
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Operatic Gold": Boxed Set of 8 Piero Fornasetti "Melodramma" Coasters, 1960s A spectacular complete set of eight Piero Fornasetti ceramic coasters from the "Melodramma" (Melodrama)...
Ceramic
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Corkscrew, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural mid-century cork screw bottle opener in the form of a fish. Crafted from brass with a combination of polished and black-patinated surfaces. This charming and humorous de...
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Italian Cocktail Shaker and Ice Bucket Set
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous Cocktail Shaker With Ice Bucket. This set is an exemple of the Elegande of mid-century barware. Made in Italy The items are in excellent condition. _Cocktail Shaker ...
Stainless Steel
Large Collection of 75+ Vintage Figural & Advertising Cocktail Swizzle Sticks
Located in San Diego, CA
A vibrant and highly collectible assortment of over 75 vintage cocktail swizzle sticks, dating primarily from the mid-20th century. Thi...
Plastic, Acrylic
Provincial Green Coupe Glasses by Imperial Glass - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 gorgeous coupe glasses in green glass. Made in the "Provincial" pattern by Imperial Glass of Ohio between 1966 - 1979. 2 sets of 4 are available for purchase separately.
Glass
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
Noritake Spotlight Blue Coupe Glasses - Set of 4
By Noritake
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage coupe glasses in beautiful dark blue glass. Lovely textured ornate pattern to the exterior with smooth interiors. Made in the "Spotlight Blue" pattern by Noritake ...
Glass
Mid-Century Large French MÖET CHANDON Wine Champagne Bucket Cooler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large vintage champagne and wine cooler bucket from the 1960’s featuring the French iconic MOET & CHANDON Champagne logo. The bucket is painted black with gold lettering with a class...
Metal, Aluminum
Two Pairs of French Pernod Glasses, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
2 Pairs of French Pernod glasses with blue striping for measuring. One pair with red label and one pair with blue label. Pernod Fils was the most popular brand of absinthe throughout...
Glass
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Tipsy Jigger' Liquor Measure with Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver handled liquor measure. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In a hemispherical form with measuring lines, a handle, and a finial. Marked to the ...
Sterling Silver
1960s Luxury Handcrafted Set of Six Colored Glasses by Napoleon in Crystal. Made
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Luxury handcrafted set of six colored glasses by Napoleon in crystal. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension diameter 3,14 x 4,72 inches diameter cm 8 x...
Crystal
An HallMarked Gucci 1980s Silver Plated Barware Rabbit Head Stirrup Cup
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This hallmarked Gucci stirrup cup from the 1980s is a luxurious piece of silver-plated barware that combines functionality with equestrian-themed el...
Silver Plate
Mid Century Modern Ceramic Barware Spirit Bottle by Raymor, circa 1950, a Trio
By Raymor
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Set of Three Italian Modernist Raymor Ceramic Spirit Bottles, circa 1950 A captivating trio of Mid-Century Modern artistry, this exceptional set of ceramic spirit bottles by Ray...
Ceramic
Key shaped Corkscrew by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass corkscrew shaped like a large key, with an oval loop handle and a cylindrical shaft ending in a bottle-opener cut-out. The worm twists out from the body; surface shows light we...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Sterling Silver Bourbon Whiskey Decanter / Liquor Label
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage silver Bourbon whiskey decanter or liquor label. In sterling silver. The silver label hangs on a chain and reads: BOURBON Marked to the reverse. Simply a great vin...
Sterling Silver
$1,284Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Apple Ice Bucket in Faux Carey and Metal, Mauro Manetti Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
Apple Ice bucket, brass, Lucite, Spain, 1960s A highly decorative faux tortoiseshell, metal plated and aluminum ice bucket or wine cooler in the manner of Mauro Manetti. Use it in a ...
Metal, Brass
Luigi Bormioli 1970s Mid-Century Modern Colored Glass Decanter
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning decanter or decorative bottle colored in crystal by Luigi Bormioli with an awesome geometric motif and amazing colors. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition. Di...
Crystal
Willy Rizzo Set of 6 Coasters in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Chrome, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of six coasters in a beautiful combination of tortoiseshell-effect lucite and chrome. This incredibly stylish set was produced in Italy during the 1970s and ...
Chrome
Christofle, Paris, Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler, Folio
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fine and very smart champagne bucket / wine cooler made by the top-notch French silversmith, Christofle of Paris. The design is "Folio" made in the 1980s, a modernist design with a nod to the Art Deco era a design that is most fashionable today. Excellent condition and looking like it has rarely been used. Spanning 10" handle to handle x 8" x 8 1/8" tall. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Beginning in 1830, when Charles Christofle...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Hammered Silvered Metal & Brass Champagne Bucket, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century champagne or wine bucket, handcrafted in hammered silver-plated metal with solid brass handles. This charming and unique piece was produced in Italy during the ...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Gilded Metal Corkscrew by Aldo Colombo "Pierre the Sommelier" - Italy 1980s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Vintage "Pierre the Sommelier" Corkscrew by Aldo Colombo, Italy 1980s Add a touch of charm and character to your barware collection with this vintage "Pierre the Sommelier" corkscre...
Metal
Bamboo Portable Bar, France, 1960s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Vivai del Sud
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined portable bar crafted in bamboo, produced in France in the 1960s. Both sculptural and functional, this piece reflects the period’s enduring fascination with organic materi...
Bamboo
Rosenthal Fortuna Champagne Coupes by Elsa Fischer-Treyden - Set of 5
By Rosenthal, Elsa Fischer-Treyden
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 mid century coupe glasses made in Germany by Rosenthal. Made in the "Fortuna Smoke" pattern, designed by Elsa Fischer-Treyden and produced betwen 1963 to 1969. Each piece ...
Glass
Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous ice minimalist / modernist silver plated ice bucket, I believe in the Windsor pattern, designed c.1960 by the world famous Lino Sabatinni, the preeminent figure in modern...
Silver Plate
Gotgeous Mid-Century Modern Ice Bucket by Macabo
By Macabo
Located in Milano, IT
1960s A Sculptural Masterpiece of Italian Barware, this stunning ice bucket is a collaborative triumph of Italian design, created by the legendary Macabo Cusano Milanino. A quintesse...
Metal
Exclusive Set of 6 Murano Tumblers, Burnt Orange Zanfirico over White, Cenedese
By Amelio Cenedese, Amelio Cenedese
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Special and exclusive full set of 6 Murano tumblers, Made and Signed by Cenedese. The pattern of these glasses is a special technique used also by Venin...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Bronze Bottle Opener, Woman Body Figure, 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Bronze Bottle Opener, Woman Body Figure, 1970s Nice and original bottle opener, figuring a nude woman or goddess. Perfect to add to any set of kitchen accessories ! Beautiful pati...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Brass and Chrome Italian Tray or Catchall, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular mid-century catchalls or decorative trays in woven brass and chrome-plated metal. This stunning decorative object was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Fornari Roma...
Brass, Chrome
Murano Art Glass Tumblers, Doppio Ritorto Amazing Technique, signed. Unit price.
By Gio Ponti, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This listing is for unit price for customer who needs quantities that are different than the listed set of 6. Proud to offer such a beautiful piece. In this tumbler the traditional t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 6 Murano Glass Tumblers, Blooming Field with Poppies and Lavender, Signed
By Gio Ponti, Silvio Piattelli, Ercole Barovier, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The original name is Campo fiorito con papaveri e lavanda. I designed this at the turn of the millennium for Nancy and Robert Frehling of Oggetti. I was experimenting with the piera ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
French Mid-Century Oak Tray with Rope Handles, Textured Glass, 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Charles Dudouyt
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A beautifully crafted French tray from the 1950s, made in solid oak and featuring two sculptural handles wrapped in natural rope. The rectangular frame encloses a textured, moiré gla...
Rope, Glass
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Waterford Lismore Crystal Wine Glasses, Set of 4
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The set of 4 wine glasses in Lismore pattern is in very good vintage condition. The glasses are standing xx" tall; they are signed in etching on the bottoms, and 2 glasses still hav...
Crystal
71 Pieces Porcelain Dinnerware Coffee Set Winterling Bavaria Pink Roses Gold
By Winterling
Located in London, GB
An almost complete set of 71 porcelain pieces in total of dinnerware and coffee/tea set by the renowned Winterling Marktleuthen Bavaria. It is believed that it has been offered as a...
Gold Leaf
Set of 6 Murano Art Glass Tumblers, Mezzo Ritorto hues of blue and red, Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Set of six Murano glass tumbler glasses made A Canne, in a great combination of hues of blue and a red. The mezzo ritorto pattern is a special feature of this design. The traditiona...
Murano Glass
$292Sale Price|25% Off
Luigi Bormioli Crystal Decanter, Vintage 1970s, Made in Italy, 10.23”
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning decanter or decorative bottle colored in crystal by Luigi Bormioli in excellent condition. Made in Italy Dimension: 5,51 x 2,75 x 10,23 inches cm 14 x cm 7 x cm 26 H
Crystal
Mauro Manetti, Florence, Italy - Silver Swan Ice Bucket c.1970
By Fonderia d'Arte Foundry, Mauro Manetti
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and highly collectable silver plate Swan ice bucket, made in Florence, Italy c.1970. Made by "Fonderia d'Arte it is fully marked on the underside M/M for Mauro Manett...
Silver Plate
Anchor Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Brass
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
Mauro Manetti Artichoke Ice Bucket, Silver Gilt, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Iconic ice bucket in the shape of an artichoke by italian designer Mauro Manetti, Florence Italy in silver guilt metal. Stamped at the bottom. It has the original liner which is in g...
Metal
Spanish Boars Head Glass Decanter Pitcher by Valenti
Located in Northampton, GB
Free Worldwide Shipping Dating to Circa 1960 From our Decanter collection, we are delighted to offer this Mid-Century Modern Spanish Boars Head Pitcher by Valenti. The Pitcher of n...
Silver Plate
Squared Ice Bucket in Tortoise Shell Effect Lucite, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Squared ice bucket in tortoiseshell-effect Lucite with transparent cover made in Italy in the 1970s.
Plastic, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Stig Lindberg Black White Domino Ceramic Plate, Vide-poche, Gustavsberg, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful black and white "Domino" tray / plate / bowl / vide-poche, made of stoneware / ceramic from the 1950s, designed by Stig Lindberg, executed by Gustavsberg Sweden. A lovely...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Articulated Mexican Abalone and Brass Bottle Opener by Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Beautiful vintage Mexican abalone shell and brass bottle opener in the form of fish by Los Castillo. The mouth of the fish are made of brass which has a very nice aged patina. Made i...
Metal
Lancel Paris Vintage Ice Bucket, Metal and Lucite, 1960s Design
By Lancel Paris
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ice bucket in Metak and lucite by Lancel. Made in France. The item is in excellent condition. Signed at the bottom Dimension: diameter 6,69 x 6,29 H inches diameter 17...
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Coasters, Musicalia Pattern, Set of Six
Located in Downingtown, PA
Golden Harmony: Fornasetti's 'Musicalia' Gilded Ceramic Coasters 1960s This elegant and highly desirable set of six ceramic coasters was designed by the celebrated Italian artist Pi...
Ceramic
Vintage Green Glass Tumblers – Set of Five Textured Mid-Century Barware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage green glassware, mid-century barware, textured glass tumblers, and retro drinking glasses lead the search when collectors look for sculptural, statement tabletop pieces — and this striking set of five delivers all of that and more. Crafted in a richly pigmented olive-green hue, these geometric, footed tumblers feature a bold stacked-cube relief pattern that captures and refracts light beautifully, making them standout additions to any curated bar cart or dining tableau. These glasses feel luxuriously substantial in hand, with a pedestal base that elevates them (literally and stylistically). The architectural texture gives them a high-design presence — reminiscent of Italian modernist glass, Mid-Century Scandinavian design, and chic Hollywood Regency barware. Perfect for serving cocktails, iced tea, sparkling water, spritzes, or simply styling on open shelving, these tumblers instantly add a polished, collected, “old-money bar” vibe to any interior. Key Details Dimensions: Approx. 6" Tall x 3.5" Diameter Quantity: Set of 5 Color: Rich olive-green or avocado green Style: Mid-Century Modern / Retro Revival / Hollywood Regency Material: Pressed architectural glass Use: Everyday drinking, barware, open-shelf display, cocktail styling Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age, with a few flea bites to two of the pieces. Why You’ll Love Them: Dramatic geometric texture with an architectural presence Rare colorway that complements both vintage and contemporary interiors Ideal for bar carts, summer entertaining, or styling kitchen shelves Photographs beautifully for content and tablescapes A high-impact way to infuse color into a neutral space Styling Ideas: Pair with brass bar tools and a silver tray for a luxe mid-century bar look Style them alongside clear or amber glass for a tonal, collected shelf. (See our other listings for a set we have in the amber colorway. Serve herb-garnished cocktails to highlight the color and texture Display on a travertine bar, rattan bar cart, or dark wood credenza...
Glass
Collection of Italian Mid-Century Gilt Wood Florentine Trays
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Stunning collection of three wooden Florentine trays from the 1960’s. These highly collectable pieces are both form and function. This set includes 2 round and one oval tray with han...
Wood, Paint