Mid-Century Modern Barware
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 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
Creator: Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' brass bottle opener. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bottle opener is executed in polished brass.
Price is per item. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener "Shoe", Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Shoe shaped bottle opener, Austria, 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Silvered Bottle Holder by Auböck Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Silvered Bottle Holder by Auböck Around 1950s
The bottle is not included, it is only for the photoshooting.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Rare Carl Auböck Martini Newspaper Glass Pitcher, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful glass pitcher from the 1950s, designed and executed by Carl Auböck, Austria. Usually these pitchers have a leather belt, but this one has a lovely newspaper decor on its ...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Signed Carl Auböck Nutcracker in Brass, Austria 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Signed Carl Auböck Nutcracker in Brass, Austria 1950s
Original patina
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Aubock Rare Barware Decanter
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Auböck Rare Barewear Decanter, cork top, mahogany wood with leather embossed clock face image.
Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Austria, c. 1950
glass, embossed leather with gilding, cork...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Cork
Auböck White Wine Bottle Holder, Midcentury, Brass and Leather, 1950s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Minimalistic Auböck white or rosé wine bottle holder in solid brass with leather handle, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. This pourer was designe...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Large Carl Aubock Brass Key Corkscrew Bottle Opener Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful sculptural Mid-Century cork screw bottle opener in the shape of a big key. This is a rare and not common model, designed by Carl Aubock, executed by the Carl Aubock works...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Rare Werkstätte Carl Auböck Bronze, Cane and Art Glass Wine Decanter
Located in Las Vegas, NV
early 1950's Werkstätte Carl Auböck bronze, cane and glass wine decanter.
Marked "11" on stand end.
Prototype, circa 1950's. Excellent condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Bronze
Carl Auböck Fondue Forks
Located in San Diego, CA
Carl Auböck fondue forks for Amboss. With original box. Made in Austria. Stamped on the forks,
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Carl Aubock Made in Austria Hand Bottle Opener Bar Tool Desk Accessory Vintage
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage, mid century figural hand bottle opener designed by Carl Aubock and stamped Made In Austria. In vintage condition with a beautiful patina with the requisite nicks and marks...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Nut Teak Bowls
Located in Munich, DE
Original 1950s bowl element made of solid teak wood and and two solid brass handles on the sides. This fantastic piece was designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s, and handcrafted in hi...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Aubock Made Austria Rattan Wrapped Brass Pipe Rest Desk Accessory Vintage
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage, mid century rattan wrapped solid brass pipe rest designed by Carl Aubock and stamped Made In Austria. In vintage condition with a beautiful patina with the requisite nicks...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Bottle Holder by Auböck Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle Holder by Auböck Around, 1950s
(The bottle is only for the photoshooting and it is not included.)
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Aubock "Wrist" Hand Cork Stopper #4220
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock "Wrist" hand Cork stopper #4220. This beautifully crafted cork stopper by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage of form and funct...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck II Brass Bottle Opener, Maria Theresia Coin, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful solid brass bottle opener, designed and executed by Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. Marked: Made in Austria. In good condition with nice patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Brass Key Corc Screw or Bottle Opener by Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Midcentury corkscrew and bottle opener combination from the 1950s. In the shape of a large key, designed by Carl Aubock, executed b...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Neptune Fish Bottle Opener, Leather & Steel by Amboss Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful fish-shaped mid-century bottle opener, made of stainless steel, covered with dark-brown tan leather. Model #4687, designed in 1995 by Carl Auböck, Vienna. Executed by Amb...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Auböck Bottle Stopper Historical Coin Motive
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle stopper with a historical coin motive. It was crafted from brass and cork and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It represen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Silver Plated Brass Coin Bottle Opener by Carl Aubock, circa 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Silver plated brass coin bottle opener, incorporating a 2 florin coin, by Carl Auböck, circa 1950.
The front shows a Facsimile coin, dated 1881, with a po...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck II Drinking Glass Carrying Rack, Leather & Brass, Austria 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalistic and beautiful midcentury modern long tray drinks carrier / drinking glass caddy with 6 clear glasses from the 1950s. Designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in Vienna....
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Original Midcentury Auböck Corkscrew Key Shape
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle opener and cork screw in key shape. It was crafted from brass and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. The item represents the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Midcentury Auböck Bottle Stopper Historical Coin Motive
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle stopper with a historical coin motive. It was crafted from brass and cork and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It represen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Carl Auböck Bottle Stopper Made from Horn
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique piece of Mid-Century Modern design. The bottle stopper was carefully hand carved out of horn. They were produced in the renowned Austrian workshops of Bauhaus-in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Horn, Cork
Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Brass Bottle Opener in the Shape of a Key
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle opener in key shape. It was crafted from brass and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. The item represents the typical reduce...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Vintage Carl Auböck Nutcracker Teak and Brass, Vienna Austria Modern Design 1950
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Original vintage nutcracker by Carl Auböck, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria. Made ca. 1950s.
It´s made from teak and brass.
It remains in very goo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Steel and Leather Fish Bottle Opener Neptun by Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming fish shaped stainless steel and brown leather bottle opener has been designed by Carl Auböck in the 1960s Modell Nr. 4687, Neptun.
It comes with its original cardboard box.
This one has been produced in Germany as a special company gift.
On the leather you will find impressed Zinkweiss and the steel is marked Solingen Germany...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Auböck Bottle Stopper Historical Coin Motive
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle stopper with a historical coin motive. It was crafted from brass and cork and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It represen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Aubock Big Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Midcentury corkscrew and bottle opener combination from the 1950s. In the shape of a large key, designed by Carl Aubock, executed by...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Glass and Brass Decanter by Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decanter by Austrian industrial designer Carl Auböck, circa 1950. The glass decanter is set in an brass stand with leather wrapped stem. Marked Germany.
Dimensions
17” length x 1...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Auböck Bottle Stopper Vienna Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Auböck bottle stopper vienna around 1950s.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Auböck Brass Key Paperweight & Cork Screw, Corkscrew, Midcentury, 1950s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Carl Auböck "Key" bottle opener, corkscrew & paperweight in solid brass, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s.
The key is in a very good condition.
We ship via DHL...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Auböck Brass Coin Bottle Opener, Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Auböck brass Coin bottle opener, around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Auböck Big Brass Key Paperweight & Cork Screw, Midcentury, 1950s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Carl Auböck "Big Key" bottle opener, corkscrew & paperweight in solid brass, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s.
The key is in a very good condition.
We ship via...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Fish Shaped Bottle Opener, Vienna, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Carl Auböck fish shaped bottle opener, Vienna, 1950s
Bottle opener model no. 4687 Carl Auböck II.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Carl Aubock Polished Brass Hand Bottle Opener #4224
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock polished brass hand bottle opener #4224. This whimsical 1950's hand bottle opener by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Aubock "Palm" Hand Cork Stopper #4220
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock "Palm" hand cork stopper #4220. This beautifully crafted cork stopper by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage of form and functi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Steel and Leather Fish Bottle Opener by Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming fish shaped stainless steel and cognac brown leather bottle opener has been designed by Carl Auböck, Modell Nr. 4687.
Produved by Solingen Germany...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Original Brass Carl Auböck Korkscrew
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful and unique corkscrew is made from stainless steel and features a brass handle with an antique coin replica. Design by Austrian Bauhaus designer Carl Auböck and crafted...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Model #4230 'Skull' Polished Brass Corkscrew
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4230 'Skull' Polished Brass Corkscrew. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese corkscrew is executed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Nutcracker in Brass, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Nutcracker in Brass, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bottle opener, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle holder, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Bottle Holder, Austria 1960s. The leather part measures 10cm in diameter.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bottle opener, Austria, 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Cork Screw, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck cork screw, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Pitcher, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck pitcher, Austria 1960s. The width of the item including the handle is 18 cm.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Leather, Glass
Carl Auböck Bottle Holder, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bottle holder, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Horn and Steel Cork Screw, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck horn and steel cork screw, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Steel
Carl Auböck Set of 2 Cork Screws, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck set of 2 cork screws, Austria 1960s. Please get in touch with us regarding the exact measurements.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Pair of Cork Screws, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck cork screws, Austria, 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Brass and Steel Cork Screw, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Cork Screw, Austria 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Steel, Brass
Carl Auböck Pair of Bottle Openers in Leather and Steel, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck set of two leather and steel bottle openers, Austria, 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Steel
Carl Auböck Elefant Cork Screw, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck cork screw, Austria, 1960s.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Corkscrew #5970-1 "Modern Key", Austria 2022
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Corkscrew #5970-1 "Modern Key", Austria 2022.
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Fish Shaped Bottle Opener, Vienna, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Carl Auböck fish shaped bottle opener, Vienna, 1950s
Wood handle
Bottle opener model no. 4687 Carl Auböck II.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Bottle Opener in Key Design by Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener in key design by Auböck.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Brass
Auböck Brass Coin Bottle Opener, Around 1950s, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Auböck brass coin bottle opener, around 1950s, Austria
Oroginal condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern barware for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern barware 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 barware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern barware made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original barware, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Culver Ltd., Georges Briard, and Aldo Tura. 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 barware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $295,000 while the average work can sell for $495.
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