Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture 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
Large Cocobolo Rosewood Lidded Box by Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A., Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Cocobolo Rosewood large lidded catchall box by leading 1960s modernist designer Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. is sought after by interior designers and avid collectors...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Rosewood
Gold Tone Basketweave Flatware Set, 50 Pieces
Located in Amherst, NH
Vintage 1980s set of 50 gold tone flatware with a basketweave design. This is a complete service for eight with additional pieces. There is 8 knives, 8 large dinner forks, 8 salad fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Cocktail, Martini or Champagne Coupe Glasses by Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of three (3) rare Midcentury Modern Scandinavian Modern Kosta Boda crystal cocktail, martini or Champagne coupe glasses, circa mid-20th century, Sweden. With maker's ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Knive and Fork by Amboss Austria Design Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent preserved so called "Heurigen-Besteck" designed by Oswald Haerdtl in 1958, executed by Neuzeughammer, Amboss Austria, same date.
It comes in the original, thick leather po...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Stainless Steel
Small Rattan Tray with Brass Handles, Italy 1970s
Located in London, GB
A small rattan tray with brass handles, Italy 1970s
Perfect for coffee and tea or as a vide poche on an entrance console
Measures: L 33 cm
W 23cm
H 3cm.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Vintage Set of 12 Linen Cocktail Napkins by Leacock in a Nautical Flag Pattern
Located in Nantucket, MA
Boxed set of 12 nautical flag linen cocktail napkins by Leacock of New York. Printed on linen in red, white, blue and yellow, an enclosed card identifies the letter, word and meaning...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Linen
Vintage Culver Florentine Pattern Ice Bowl and Cover in Gold-Tone Wirework Caddy
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-Century Modern ice bowl with cover in metal caddy by Culver in the Florentine pattern, decorated in smooth and textured 22k gold depicting apple, pear, pineapple and grapes. The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Channeled Neoclassical Style Silverplate Butter Dish
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern silver plate butter dish was realized in the United States, circa 1950. It offers four claw form feat with stylized lions at their apex; a rectangular...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Silver Plate
Metal and Glass Modernist Citrus Squeezer by Jacques Adnet, France, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Metal and glass Modernist Citrus squeezer by Jacques Adnet, France, 1930s.
Category
1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Wall or Counter Spice Rack
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully crafted small shelf or space rack that can be mounted on a wall or used on a surface. Walnut with a solid brass rail. There are two small screws on the back to attach sma...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Paolo Soleri Style Bronze Cat Form Dinner Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely patinated bell with handle shaped after a feline head.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Glass and Gold Serving Trolley or Bar Cart, 1970's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Gold metal bar cart with glass shelves. The upper handle is extendable.
In good condition.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Set of Six 24kt Gold Plated Roman Themed Coasters Signed by Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of six coasters were designed by the legendary Piero Fornasetti for Saks Fifth Avenue in Milan Italy circa 1960. They feature circular porcelain bodies with raised ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Gold
1980s Set of Three Saltshakers Eggplant Shaped in Silverplate & Brass
Located in National City, CA
Eggplant Saltshakers
Gray and gold set of three (3) saltshakers in the shape of an eggplant.
No label present from the maker.
The material seems to be silver plated finish and polish...
Category
1980s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Apple Shapped Mini-Bar / Container, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage metal apple-shaped container with six small colorful glasses, which are in very good condition.
Measures: The apple is 10 cm (3.94 inch) high, the plate is about 19 cm (7.5 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Faceted Swivel Top Lucite Octagon Ice Bucket by Carole Stupell
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern octagonal ice bucket was realized in the United States by the esteemed designer Carol Stupell, circa 1970. It features a faceted body and top composed...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Lucite
Piero Fornasetti "Mitologia" Coasters in Original Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Piero Fornasetti "Mitologia" coasters in original box, Italy, circa 1950s. Nice to find them in their original box, however tattered. This set originally probably had 8 coasters, onl...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Porcelain
1960s Large Ceramic Mug by Bennington Potters
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A substantial coffee or cocoa mug with golden matte glaze.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Brass Top Hat Ice Bucket
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A cool polished brass Italian ice bucket with an aluminum insert from the 1970s.
Newly replated.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass, Aluminum
Lino Sabattini Made in Italy Decorative Box in Silver Metal, 1960s
Located in Modena, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern design cylindrical container for breadsticks or decorative box in silver metal designed by Lino Sabattini, engraved Sabattini Made in Italy under the base,...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
1950s Centurion Teak Breakfast Bed Tray Table by Paragon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
1950s Centurion teak breakfast bed tray table by Paragon
This superb piece of mid century design Won the Good Housekeeping Design Award 1957.
The handles are pushed downwards and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish cheese slicer. Classic clean and lean Danish tableware, this polished stainless steel cheese slicer is a must for your entertaining needs. In very good cond...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Stainless Steel
1950's English Gold Plated Bar Tool Set by Asprey
Located in Paris, FR
A vintage mid-century English bar tool set by Asprey International Limited crafted in the UK. The set includes a luxurious bottle opener and a champagne cork remover and comes in the...
Category
20th Century British Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Ice Bucket by Per Lütken for Holmegaard Glass Works
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage glass ice bucket by Per Lükten for Holmegaard glass works model 8715.
Per Lütken 1916 - 1998 was the unsurpassed master of Danish glass design and one of Holmegaard's most ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Blown Glass
Midcentury Crystal Black Carafe Decanter
Located in Chorzów, PL
Mid century black ( very dark maroon ) crystal decanter carafe for liquor or vodka.
Produced in Poland in 1960s
Very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Crystal
Vintage, Ten Year Dow-Jones Industrial Average Rocks Glasses by Cera Glassware
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of four Ten Year Dow-Jones Industrial Average rocks glasses for the period 1958-1968 with a black and white enamel graph of the market's activity along with events that effected ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Pair of Silver Plate Salad Servers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
For the chic host or luxury house! A pair of silver plate salad utensils - fork and spoon. The handles are silver plate (they could be sterling, but not marked as such). The handles ...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Silver Plate
Carl Auböck Knife Holder, Wood Wicker Cork Stainless Steel, Austria, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A knife holder set with six knives designed by Carl Auböck, manufactured by Carl Auböck workshop in midcentury, Vienna, circa 1950.
Great to accompany a cheese board or fruit course...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Collection of 26 Assorted Studio Turned Wood Candle Stands
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of 26 Assorted Studio Turned Wood Candle Stands
Tall of 18" low of 4" Diameters vary
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Wood
Vintage Two Part Boxed Glo-Hill Bar Tool Set in Chrome and Bakelite
By Glo Hill
Located in Nantucket, MA
Boxed two piece bar tool set from Barmates by Glo-Hill line, consisting of a corkscrew and jigger in chrome with mottled red Bakelite handles. The 3 ounce measure in the form of a tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Chrome
Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Canoe fruit or salad bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Teak with early Dansk mark, Denmark, 1950s.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Teak
Set of 8 Libbey Vintage Op-Art Rocks Glasses Signed M. Petti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Eight mid-century modern rocks glasses by Libbey with a green and yellow Op-Art design by M. Petti. Large quartered circles with alternating green and yellow fields touch and combine...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Vintage Silver Plate Snail Salt Dish, Spice Dish with Glass Inlay
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage salt or spice dish designed as a snail with a glass tray inside.
Label silver plated on the bottom.
Makes the perfect timeless gift!
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger Brass Box Mid-Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
This Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths is hallmarked on the back. This chic brass box back in the times of the 1950s was s silent butler tray to pick up the ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Art Moderne Aluminum Ice Bucket
Located in New York, NY
American Art Moderne (20th Century) aluminum ice bucket with lid and handle and bakelite base.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Set of 4 Cera Ten Year Dow-Jones Industrial Average Rocks Glasses For 1958-1968
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of four Ten Year Dow-Jones Industrial Average rocks glasses for the period 1958-1968 with a black and white enamel graph of the market's activity along with events that effected ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
1960s Fostoria Platinum Rim Large Wine Stems, Set of 4
Located in Amherst, NH
Vintage 1960s set of 4 Fostoria Glass platinum rim large wine stems. Excellent condition. Marked underneath.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Carl Auböck Large Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Rare Model, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century cork screw and bottle opener in the shape of a key. A rare and large model, made of solid brass. Designed an executed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. In good con...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Antonio Pineda Salt Pepper Shaker & Tray Sterling Silver Turquoise 1950s Mexico
Located in National City, CA
AMBIANIC presents:
Fabulous 1950s Mexico Mexican Modernist Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
Includes serving Tray in Sterling Silver and Turquoise APN.
Selling as a 3-piece set.
Attributed...
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Stone, Silver
8 Georges Briard Golden Celeste Highball Glasses in Green Enamel and 22k Gold
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of eight vintage highball glasses designed by Georges Briard and having a 22 karat gold check pattern over translucent green enamel. Each square contains a classical motif includ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Japanese Salt Spice Shakers
Located in Ferndale, MI
Two Japanese lacquered spice or salt shakers. The smaller measures 3.75" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Boxwood
1960s Iridescent Glass Coupe Stems, Set of 6
Located in Amherst, NH
Vintage 1960s set of six iridescent glass coupe stems. No marks.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Vintage Old Fashion Glasses with Smokey Frosted Interiors and Enameled Horses
Located in Nantucket, MA
Six vintage old fashion glasses with smoke grey frosted interior. The exterior decorated with red enamel and 22k gold, one side with gold horses against red bars and the other with r...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Piero Fornasetti Gilded Plate Falstaff by Guiseppe Verdi, Italy, 1970s
By Fornasetti
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful gilded porcelain plate "Falstaff by Guiseppe Verdi" by Piero Fornasetti, Milano from the 1970s. Diameter 10", stamped on its backside. In very good condition with light w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Porcelain
1940s Italian Hand Carved Pipe by Savinelli
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand carved wood smoking pipe, the handle circled by a silver band with etched decoration. Marked "Estella 316 EX".
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal
Mathieu Mategot White Lacquer Perforated Serving Tray, France, 1950
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mathieu Mategot (1910-2001),white lacquer clover perforated serving tray, France, c. 1950
Metal, (not repainted, excellent condition, rare handle)
H: 1.75 W: 13.75 L: 16.5 (w/ hand...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Don Shoemaker Mexican Modern Rare Bowl Hand-Carved
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and very rare attributed to Mexican Modernist Don Shoemaker. No labels but according to the owner this piece was purchased with a lot of items by Don Shoemaker hand carved ...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Wood, Walnut
1960s White Sushi Saki Tableware Set Salt Pepper Spice Vessels, Japan
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful simple, elegant 5-piece tableware condiment set. The vessel heights are; 5 1/2, 3 1/2, 2 1/2, and 1 1/2 inches. Lidded vessel does not have spoon.
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Set of Six Georges Briard Gold Sun and Tree Highball Glasses
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of 6 vintage Georges Briard highball glasses with various size circles of 22k gold over blue enamel. The circles embossed and pierced with designs of the sun and leaves with only...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
“Name Your Poison” Apothecary Chemist Double Rocks Glasses Set, circa 1980
By Cera, Neiman Marcus
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Delightful vintage set of Cera's "Name Your Poison" Double Rocks Glasses bearing a chemist style label - all with original glass stirrers - exclusively produced for Neiman Marcus cir...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
16 Vintage Georges Briard International Time Zone Glasses, 8 Highball, 8 Rocks
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of 16 Mid-Century Modern Georges Briard glasses in the International Time Zone pattern. Costing of 8 highball and 8 double old fashioned glasses of clear glass with the interiors...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Vintage Midcentury 22-Karat Gold Leaf Ice Bucket by Culver, 1960s
By Culver Ltd.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exquisite vintage midcentury 22-karat gold leaf ice bucket by Culver, 1960s
Valencia Moorish designs.
Highly ornate 22-karat gold textured filigree design with raised green diamond...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Glass
Midcentury Artek Ivory Ceramic and Teak Service Table in Alvar Aalto Style 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful midcentury white ceramic and teak tableware. This fantastic piece was designed by Artek in Alvar Aalto style during the 1970s.
An enchanting set, that includes:
a teak ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Ceramic, Teak
Vera Neumann 1960s Mid-Century Modern Round Pink Rose Linen Placemats Set, S/4
By Vera Neumann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the studio of the prolific and wildly popular midcentury designer and artist, Vera Neumann, a placemat set. Showing the iconic Vera signature used during the early 1960s.
Fou...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Linen
Couroc Roadrunner Drinks and Charcuterie Snack Set
Located in Bastrop, TX
Very rare to have a set with this many pieces. An eighteen piece "Roadrunner" set , by Couroc. Monterey, Ca 1960s. Each centering roadrunners of brass and painted details on various ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Vintage Set of 4 Individual Dial-a-Drink Cocktail Shakers and Mechanical Caddy
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-century silver plate and gilt individual size cocktail shakers with drink indicators on the tops in a silver plate and wood mechanical caddy. The four, single drink shakers with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Brass Serving Trolley / Bar Cart with Smoked Glass
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bar cart with smoked glass top and shelf
In good condition.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Brass and Leather Table Bell by Carl Auböck
By Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Austrian midcentury brass and leather bell by Designer and Architect Carl Auböck.
The leather has been renewed.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Brass
