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 Porcelain Nautical Tray Made in France
By Jonathan Adler, Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage porcelain tray brings a playful yet polished sensibility to any setting, effortlessly balancing charm and sophistication. Crafted in fine ceramic with a smooth, high-glo...
Porcelain
French Ceramic Plate by Etienne Daniel, Vallauris, France - 1950s - Era Picault
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French Ceramic Plate By Etienne Daniel. Signed. Vallauris, France - 1950s Large dish enamelled in white, green and brown tones adorned with stylized t...
Enamel
Barovier Mirror-Engraved Small Serving Tray in Murano Glass w/ Gold, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning small rectangular serving tray crafted in an elegant mix of mouth-blown Murano glass enriched with 24k gold inclusions, acid-etched mirrored glass, and refined gilt metal ha...
Gold Plate, Brass
Willy Rizzo Large Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mid-century tray in tortoiseshell lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to Willy R...
Brass
AMBOSS Flatware by Carl Aubock Mid Century Modern Austria
By Amboss Austria, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a flatware set by AMBOSS designed by Carl Aubock .Mid Century Modern Austria. Dimensions: Knive 8.38 , Spoon 7.75, Fork 7.75, Small spoon 5.88, Small f...
Stainless Steel
Willy Rizzo Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Italian Serving Tray, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century tray in a single piece of curved tortoiseshell-effect lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its desig...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Bowl, Gubi, Mid-Century Modern, France
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal bowl designed by Mathieu Matégot, circa 1953. Reedition by Gubi. Mathieu Matégot designed his contemporary Matégot bowl in 1953. The characteristic appearance of th...
Metal
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950.
Ceramic
Large Stainless Steel Serving Tray With 24 Carat Gold Decoration Italy 1990s
By MGM Studios
Located in Palermo, IT
Serving tray in 18/10 stainless steel with 24-karat gold decoration. Gold mother-of-pearl handles. Made in Italy in the 90s. Has a Freddi Benito Giuseppe brandv. Please watch the vid...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Dior Large Serving Tray in Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Burl, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large serving tray made in a charming combination of tortoiseshell-effect lucite and burl wood. This incredibly stylish and rare piece was produced in Italy during the 1970...
Lucite, Plexiglass, Burl
Mid-Century Wooden Tray, Brown Wood, Sweden, Modern Design, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Wooden Tray, Sweden, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern Country of Or...
Wood
Dior Silver Plated and Tortoiseshell Lucite Serving Serving Tray, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous midcentury serving tray in silver plated metal and tortoiseshell effect lucite. This stunning and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its design is attr...
Silver Plate
Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration
By Vallauris, Gil Vargas Segovia, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Waechtersbach Ceramics, Shorter & Son Ltd 1
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Midcentury multi color fish Plates and Platters as Wall Decoration A funny collection of eleven european glazed ceramic, porcelain and...
Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain, Terracotta
Vintage Orange Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood orange plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in good vintage condition. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every interior!...
Wood, Giltwood
1950s Vallauris Majolica Ceramic Large Leaf Platter / Centerpiece
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching large leaf flower glazed ceramic platter, serving tray or centerpiece manufactured by Vallauris. France, 1950-1960s. Interesting to be used as decorative centerpiece, fr...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Large Italian Florentine Gilt Wood Gold Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Stunning large wood Florentine trays from Italy. These highly collectable pieces are both form and function. These look wonderful sitting alone or in groupings on a coffee table. Fun...
Wood, Giltwood
Ceramic Fish Shaped Snack Cocktail Serving Tray / Wall Decoration, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large glazed ceramic amber and black fish platter / wall plate, Spain, 1950s. The perfect serving piece for entertainment or party with four compartments. It can be hung on the wall ...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Set of 6 Mid-Century Red Majolica Leaf Dish Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 Mid-Century Red Majolica Leaf Dish Vallauris. 4.8 by 4.8 inches
Ceramic
French Vallauris Majolica Ceramic Cheese Serving Tray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cool round shaped woven motif ceramic platter for cheese of desserts, France, 1950s. This beautiful platter features a circular base with woven pattern. A handle at the central part ...
Bamboo, Ceramic, Pottery, Majolica
Midcentury Vintage Red Black and Gold Decorative Metal Plate, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative metal plate from Poland. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original metal. Beautiful piec...
Metal
Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Art Composition, Mid-Century Modern Period
By Secla, Beswick, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Gil Vargas Segovia, Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of midcentury multi color fish Plates and Platters as Wall Decoration A funny collection of twelve european glazed ceramic, porcelain and...
Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain, Terracotta
Vintage Blue Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks in the frame. Original wood...
Metal
Extra Long French Porcelain Seafood Serving Platter. French Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
An extra long vintage French porcelain seafood platter. fish serving platter, deep sided, so that the fish can be served with sauces and dressings, without risk of spillage. The moti...
Porcelain
Dior Round Serving Tray in Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Glamorous round serving tray in vibrant tortoiseshell-effect lucite and gilt brass. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its design is attributed to Dior. F...
Metal, Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese tray is executed in patinated and p...
Brass
Japanese Teak Wood Tray Modern Minimalist
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Japanese teak serving tray, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Japan. Tray is a warm brown teak, strategically arched design around, sleek 'h...
Teak, Wood
Large MCM Gold Aluminum Tray by Woodmet Limited, England
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century anodized gold aluminum tray, made in England by Woodmet Limited. Nice large rectangular size with rounded corners and handles on each side. Marked by the manufact...
Aluminum
Robert Picault Ceramic Vallauris France Ceramic Platter Mid Century
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) French ceramist in Vallauris Robert Picault has contributed to the revival of culinary ceramics by updating traditional local forms decorated with lines and geometric designs. His identity style has been a great success and continues to decorate the table today. His personal pieces are sought after by art collectors. A former student of the School of Applied Arts in Paris, Robert Picault arrived in Vallauris in 1946. He created with his school friends Roger Capron (1922-2006) and Jean Derval (1925-2010), the Callis workshop. In this village of a hundred potters, they met the neighboring ceramists André Baud, the 4 potters and among others the Madoura workshop, where he frequented the famous painter Picasso from 1949 to 1955. He also became friends with Jean Cocteau, Fernand Léger, Louis Aragon...
Ceramic
Robert Picault Ceramic Vallauris France Ceramic Platter Mid Century
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) French ceramist in Vallauris Robert Picault has contributed to the revival of culinary ceramics by updating traditional local forms decorated with li...
Ceramic
Kensington Moire Gold Plate Two Tier Center Handled Etched Snack Serving Stand
By Lurelle Guild, Kensington Ware
Located in Miami, FL
Charming Gold Plate 2 tier Center Handled snack, pastry, cake treats stand or serving tray designed by Lurelle Guild. The textured free-form biomorphic relief design looks very Mid-...
Gold Plate, Aluminum
French Faience Peonies Fish Platter Gien Circa 1950
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Peonies Fish Platter Gien Circa 1950. 26.2 inches by 10.3 inches.
Ceramic
Large Mid-Century Enamel-on-Copper Charger
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an impressive 18" diameter Enamel-on-Copper charger that was designed and created by the well-known Mesick Studios. The stunning intense turquoi...
Copper, Enamel
Small Mini Vintage Decorative Porcelain Plate, Greece, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative plate from Greece. Produced in 1970s. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautiful piece for every i...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass
Majolica Ceramic Blue Fish Plates and Platter Serving Set, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching set of 6 small fish plates and a large fish tray in blue and grey glazed ceramic, Spain, 1960s. This Midcentury ceramics serving set can be used to serve desserts, salad...
Ceramic, Majolica
Georges Briard Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Enamel Cheese Board with Knife
Located in East Quogue, NY
A striking mid-century modern cheese serving board by celebrated designer Georges Briard, featuring his signature bold, graphic style. This piece combines a rich, solid walnut fram...
Wood, Walnut
Roger Capron - Set of 6 Colorful Ceramic Plates with Mask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
A set of six plates made by Roger Capron in Vallauris, France in 1960s. Same design presented in six different colors. The 6 plates come with their original packaging. We have 4 set...
Porcelain
Mid Century Inlaid Lacquer Shell and Mother of Pearl Tray, Couroc
Located in Riverdale, NY
Mid Century Inlaid Lacquer Shell and Mother of Pearl Tray made by Couroc. Made with lacquered finish inlaid with shells and mother of pearl design...
Shell, Lacquer, Resin
Christian Dior Midcentury Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Italian Serving Tray 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury serving tray in a beautiful tortoiseshell effect lucite with burl wood handles. Produced in Italy during the 1970s for a Dior Home production with a design attri...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Burl
Vintage Green Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks in the frame. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every inter...
Metal
1960s Majolica Glazed Ceramic Cabbage Serving Set, Platter and Six Bowls
Located in Barcelona, ES
Salad or Fruit serving set cabbage design. Portugal, 1960s. One of a kind set of 6 Majolica ceramic cabbage leaf dishes and a large cabbage centerpiece bowl. Very realistic design in...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Dior Style Octagonal Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century octagonal serving tray entirely crafted from a single piece of tortoiseshell-effect lucite. This elegant and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s ...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Set of Six Cobalt Blue Murano Glass Round Dinner Plates, Italy 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic set of six midcentury glass plates in an incredibly vibrant cobalt blue color. These gorgeous plates were hand-made in Italy by Duna in the 1980s. This incredibly elegant ...
Glass, Art Glass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Teak Wood & Metal Fish Serving Platter Cutting Board
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern 36" Large Teak Wood & Cast Metal Fish Serving Platter Cutting Charcuterie Board. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 2.5" H x 36" W x 8" D.
Aluminum
Gustave Reynaud, Le Murier Studio, Mid-Century Ceramic Plate, Vallauris, 1960s
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Gustave Reynaud, Le Murier Studio, Mid-Century Ceramic Plate, Vallauris, 1960s A charming mid-century ceramic tray by Gustave Reynaud for L'...
Ceramic
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
Vintage Decorative Small Black Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful decorative black glass plate/bowl from Italy. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Unique piece for every table and interior! Only ...
Ceramic, Glass
Georges Briard Mid-Century Imperial Malachite China Compote or Cake Stand
Located in St. Louis, MO
Georges Briard Mid-Century Modern designed Imperial Malachite China compote or cake stand. Faux malachite pattern, with 22k gold gilt. In fine condi...
Porcelain
Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The tray is quite functional with three different walled sections and is in very good vintage condition....
Teak
Decorative Ceramic Tray by Charles René Neveux for Cerenne Workshop, c. 1950s
Located in London, GB
Mid-century ceramic hors d'oeuvres tray by Charles René Neveux for Cerenne Workshop (circa 1950s). This rare ceramic with abstract motif is signed by Neveux himself. A tomato-red base is complemented by a yellow repeating pattern at the edges and a dash of turquoise from the abstract in the recess of the tray. An eye-catching piece from the South of France. When it was created, the 1955 film, Et Dieu Créa la Femme...
Ceramic
Three Layer Cake Stand In Brass And Porcelaine, Czechoslovakia, Circa 1950
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful item with lots of style. Typical cake stand designed with three layers of porcelain plates. Plates are made of white porcelaine with colorful ornaments. The stands is in an...
Brass
Vintage Italian Hand Painted Fish Plates - Set of 12
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vibrant set of twelve hand-painted fish plates comes from the esteemed workshops of L’Antica Deruta in Italy, created exclusively for Majilly. Rooted in the rich tradition of It...
Ceramic
Willy Rizzo Large Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large serving tray in gorgeous tortoiseshell-effect lucite with brass handles. This charming rectangular tray is attributed to the mastery of Willy Rizzo and was produced i...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Cast Iron and Wood Fondue Set by Richard Nissen for Bodum
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern Cast Iron and Wood Fondue Set by Richard Nissen for Bodum, Denmark, 1960s A complete and exceptionally well-preserved mid-century modern fondue set, designed by R...
Iron
Ercuis Cutlery Service, Silver Plated, 20th Century.
By Ercuis
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ercuis cutlery service, silver plated, 20th century. Ercuis silver-plated cutlery service in its original box, 20th century. Box 1: H: 4cm, W: 27.5cm, D: 15cm Box 2: H: 7cm, W: 40c...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative platter (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A milky-white glaze graces both the exterior and the hollow centre. The interior has small tracts of green and earthy cl...
Ceramic
Jens Harald Quistgaard Wenge Board
Located in London, GB
A very rare platter - presentation/cutting or cheese board by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Beautifully turned Wenge timber with circular raised centre in squared end grain and concave bas...
Wenge
Stainless Steel Plate or Bowl by Lino Sabattini Italy
By Zani & Zani 1, Lino Sabattini
Located in Miami, FL
Italian stainless-steel plate or bowl by Lino Sabattini for Zani & Zani, 1978. Marked underneath: Zani & Zani, acciai per la casa - Italy 18/10. A...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Vintage Light Purple Decorative Glass Plates, Bowls, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful decorative light purple glass plates/bowls from Italy. Plates are in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Uni...
Ceramic, Glass
100-years Anniversary Porcelain Platter by Danish Bjørn Wiinbladh for Rosenthal
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the large German porcelain platter from Rosenthal, designed 1979 by Bjørn Wiinbladh, Denmark for the company’s 100-years anniversary. It comes in the yellow color scale, hand...
Gold Leaf
Set of Three Majolica Trompe L'oeil Seafood Wall Plates as Wall Decoration
Located in Barcelona, ES
Trompe L'Oeil wall decoration / decorative wall plates, majolica, ceramic, Portugal, 1940s-1950s A colorful wall composition comprised by three Majolica glazed ceramic wall plates wi...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic