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.
Knud Kyhn Horse Sculpture for Royal Copenhagen, Ceramic Pottery, 1960s
By Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Berlin, BE
A finely modeled ceramic horse by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, showcasing the sculptor’s celebrated ability to capture the physical presence and temperament of animals. The horse ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-Century Italian Modern Bitossi Ceramic Blue Horse Pottery by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and chic horse sculpture circa 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi. This piece features all glazed ceramic construction in a beautiful blue / green color. Signed Italy
Ceramic
Spanish Terracotta Erotic Pitcher
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Terracotta Erotic Pitcher Man Phallic Design, Spain, 1960s. Handcrafted glazed terracotta ceramic phallic pitcher features a jug form as a m...
Earthenware, Majolica, Terracotta
Tapio Wirkkalla for Rosenthal Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Black 'Pollo' Vase
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful sculptural Midcentury Modern vintage matt black 'Pollo' vase designed by Finish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Germany as part of their 'studioline' in the early 196...
Porcelain
Majolica Ceramic Radish Wall Salt Container, Vase & Pink Onion Salt Shaker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of glazed ceramic radish salt wall container, vase & pink onion salt shaker Beautiful set of Majolica ceramic radishes wall salt container and vase ...
Ceramic, Majolica
Pablo Picasso Madoura "Tête de Chevreuil de Profil" Ceramic Plate, 1950-1952
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic and rare ceramic plate by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) for Madoura Pottery, titled "Tête de Chevreuil de Profil" (Goat's Head in Profile). Conceived in 1952, this Empreinte Origi...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Red West German Vase by Fohr Pottery 1970s
By Fohr, Walter Grau
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Small vintage midcentury modern vase by Walter Grau for Fohr Pottery, Germany, circa 1970. The Company Fohr started producing decorative pottery in the 1950s under Wilhelm Fohr, alth...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Jean Lurcat 'Owl' Unique Hand Painted Plate
By Jean Lurçat
Located in Sharon, CT
Signed with initials, a most likely unique painted glaze plate of an Owl by Jean Lurcat. Burnt Umber and Yellow Oxide.
Ceramic
Laura Andreson Large Scale California Studio Carved Stoneware Bowl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large scale carved, stoneware bowl created by Laura Andreson of Los Angeles California. Andreson was a graduate of UCLA, where she was also the head of the ceramics department for...
Stoneware
Pol Chambost 1950s French Pottery Bowl
By Pol Chambost
Located in New York, NY
An original 1960s pale pink and black striped glossy glazed bowl by famed French ceramicist, Pol Chambost. Signed. The inner bowl is a mottled pale pink. The top shape is either a he...
Ceramic
Vide Poche by Robert and Jean Cloutier, Glazed Ceramic, French Design
By Robert and Jean Cloutier, Cloutier Freres
Located in London, England
Empty pocket designed by the Cloutier brothers in enameled ceramic, kept in perfect condition. The glaze has a great shine, without any defects or shine. Their creations are very po...
Enamel
Antonia Campi Conchiglia Pottery, Italian 1950s Lamp
By Lavenia, Antonia Campi
Located in New York, NY
An original 1950s Conchiglia glazed ceramic lamp in the form of a conch shell. Societa Ceramica Italiana di Laveno. Signed.
Porcelain
Bill Creitz Studio Pottery Cloche
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio pottery cloche by ceramicist Bill Creitz of Oregon (born 1907). Earth tone glazes with an abstract hand painted accent on one side. Lovely...
Pottery
MCM Stoneware Studio Pottery Bowl on Pedestal by Amy Donaldson
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM stoneware studio pottery bowl on pedestal by listed artist, Amy Donaldson, circa 1967. This gorgeous hand finished piece has a wonderful design, texture and color. The bowl is in very good condition with no chips or cracks (some monor crazing) and measures 9.25"D x 7.75"H; it is signed on the underside. #3039 Amy Donaldson was born in San Francisco, CA in 1893. While at the University of Denver, Donaldson began studying art at the Reed Art...
Stoneware
Large Modernist Bright Red West German Floor Vase by Fohr Pottery, circa 1970
By Fohr, Walter Grau
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large floor vase by Fohr Pottery, Germany, circa 1970. The company Fohr started producing decorative pottery in the 1950s under Wilhelm Fohr, although they were originally founded in...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Strawberry Shaped Majolica Ceramic Tureen by Bordalo Pinheiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Majolica ceramic white and green strawberry shaped tureen. Manufactured by Bordalo Pinheiro, Portugal, 1960s. This cute tureen has a very realistic design with leaves on the top. A leaf shaped serving plate and a small serving spoon complete the set. This highly decorative serving piece will be a nice addition to any kitchen or dining table. It will be a cool choice used as sauce tureen. Excellent condition. On sale as a set of three pieces, strawberry tureen...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Midcentury Turquoise Italian Ceramic Vase by Fratelli Fanciullacci, circa 1960
By Bitossi, Fratelli Fanciullacci, Aldo Londi
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautifully detailed vase in vibrant turquoise (green / blue) with textured sgraffito shoulder and neck by Fratelli Fanciullacci, Italy, circa 1960s. Wonderful whimsical embossed ani...
Ceramic, Clay
Set of Six MCM Stoneware Drip Glaze Mugs by Rodolfo Padilla
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of six MCM stoneware drip glaze mugs by Rodolfo Padilla, circa 1970s. The mugs are in good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measure 4....
Stoneware
Roger Picault Vaulluris Hand-Painted Cups and Saucers
Located in Sharon, CT
Four 'bistro' cups and saucers. Cup diameter 4 3/4". By Roger Picault, one of the most celebrated pottery masters from the golden age of Vallauris as the center of modern French pottery...
Ceramic
Rare and Beautiful Wilhelm Kage Farsta Bowl
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Excellent hand thrown Kage Farsta stoneware bowl with interesting and nicely drippy matte finish yellow/ochre glaze. Hand signed and stamped, as shown. The world renown Wilhelm Kage ...
Stoneware
1970s Lisa Larson Gustavsberg Sweden Zoo Figure Camel Scandinavian Pottery
By Gustavsberg
Located in Brescia, IT
Stoneware animals Perfect condition. Camel: H 18 x 19 cm.
Stoneware
Large Mid-Century Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Rimini blue bowl. Very rare in this size with a diameter of 27.5 cm. This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility ...
Ceramic
Studio Pottery Speckled Weed Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-thrown stoneware weed pot with squat shouldered form, speckled cream glaze with iron-oxide spotting, unglazed brown rim and foot, signed on base.
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Astrolabe Plate, Number 5
By Fornasetti
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate depicts an astrolabe, it is number five of twelve in series. This is a very rare edition with the special mark on the back side "La Production I...
Ceramic
Vintage Pottery Cookie Jar Safekeeping in Mice Mouse Shape
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage pottery cookie jar / safekeeping in mice or mouse shape. One of a kind, not mass produced. Great quality. Unmarked. Dimensions: 7.5" H x 7.25" D x...
Earthenware, Pottery
Saint-Clement Huge Mid-Century Stoneware Vase, 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large Saint-Clément Stoneware Vase, France, 1950s. This impressive and rare stoneware vase from Saint-Clément, France dates to the 1950s and is distinguished by its exceptional size ...
Stoneware
Tall Mid-Century Chinese Yixing-Style Glazed Earthenware Vase or Planter
Located in Miami, FL
A striking tall mid-century earthenware vase or planter in the Yixing-style, characterized by its hand-applied floral decoration and subdued glaze palette of brown and green tones. T...
Ceramic
Large early 1940s Betty Feves for Design Technics Incised Figural Charger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A large and important, early 1940s incised pottery charger by Betty (Whiteman) Feves for Lee Rosen's Design-Technics. The charger features a large, figural motif which echoes the wor...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Katharina Eichler Signed German Art Studio Stoneware Nerikomi Pottery Vase #3
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
We are very proud to be able to present and offer this exceptional, stunning and large sculpture vase by German artist Katharina Eichler (b.1971). This piece of European Art sculptuu...
Stoneware, Clay, Pottery
Midcentury Finnish Tea Set Model Ruska, by Ulla Procope for Arabia
By Arabia, Ulla Procope
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed by Ulla Procape in the 1960s for Arabia in Finland. This stoneware tea set, this tea set is part of the series "RUSKA", consist of: 9 x teacups with saucer 8 x 5 cm. 10 x...
Ceramic
Sculptural Mid-Century Set of 10 Bertoncello Roberto Rigon Vases, Italy 1960s
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Stunning set of 10 sculptural ceramic Bertoncello vases from Italy, dating back to the 1960s. The vases embody the characteristic features of Mid-Cent...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Vase Pottestuen Keramik Frederikshavn
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Vase from Pottestuen Keramik Frederikshavn, 1960s
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern AK Kaiser Textured White Bisque Ceramic Vase
By AK Kaiser
Located in New York, NY
Stunning AK Kaiser bisque vase with varied abstract pattern . In great condition, no marks or cracks. Pairs beautifully with our Royal Haeger abstra...
Ceramic, Pottery
Peter Voulkos Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Plate Charger
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, freeform, large, heavy plate/ charger by American master potter Peter Voulkos who is known for his abstract expressionist ceramic pottery pieces and sculptures. Very unique and scarce work with rare use of color. Very hard to come by. One of our personal favorites along with the Chawan tea bowl. Signed on base and dated (1961) by Voulkos. This was made during one of his most magical and experimental phases. From of Private Collection, New York. Voulkos is widely considered to be the most important and impactful ceramist of the modern era. He won the Rodin Museum Prize at the first Paris Biennale in 1959 and was the winner of a Guggenheim fellowship in 1984. Voulkos received the College Art Association’s Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1997. He was made an honorary member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 2001. He also received six honorary doctorate degrees as well as three National Endowment for the Arts awards. His work can be found in many prominent collections and museums including: Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Nagoya, Japan Albany Mall, Albany, New York American Museum of Ceramic Art...
Stoneware
Unique Studio Pottery Gender Fluid Themed Vessel "Unicorn Eruption" C. 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
A fascinating piece of American stoneware by a skilled but anonymous maker, ca. 1970s. Discovered recently in a New Hampshire barn, the slab built vessel is fashioned to resemble an ...
Pottery
Peter Voulkos Signed Modern Anagama Fired California Studio Pottery Wall Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, beautifully designed, heavy Anagama wood-fired wall plate/charger by American master potter/artist Peter Voulkos who is universally known for his abstract expressionist ...
Pottery, Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Studio Pottery Vase, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Studio Pottery Vase, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Style: Mid-Century Modern Period:...
Ceramic
Large Abstract Studio Art Pottery Charger
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Abstract Studio Art Pottery charger, unmarked, attributed to Poole Pottery U.K. Decorated in attractive an abstract spiral pattern i...
Pottery
Gouda Pottery Vintage Dutch Plate
By Gouda Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Gouda Pottery Vintage Dutch Plate This stunning "Plazuid" earthenware wall plate is a real collector's item! Made by the renowned Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland in Gouda, around 1950, ...
Ceramic
Silver-plated set of bowls designed by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni, 1950s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set of four silver-plated alpaca serving bowls designed by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni, Milan, Italy, circa 1950. Characterized by their elegant rounded forms, integrated loop h...
Silver Plate
David Gil Trigger Mugs Set of 10 by Bennington Potters, 1980s USA
By David Gil, Bennington Potters
Located in Round Top, TX
We love a large vintage collection of pretty much any collectible, and these vintage Bennington Potters handcrafted “trigger” mugs, designed...
Pottery
Midcentury Charles and Alice Smith California Pottery Tea Cups, Set of 3
By Chalice of California
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 3 mid century studio teacups from the 1940s-50s by husband and wife ceramicists, Charles and Alice Smith of California. Great abstract...
Pottery
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic vessel signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This exampl...
Ceramic
Unusual Ceramic Vessel by Raymor, Italy
By Gamboni Studios
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual two-handed vessel by Raymor, Italy, circa 1950s.
Ceramic
Vintage Holkham Pottery Vase, Handmade Birds Design, Norfolk, 1950s
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely early 50’s Holkham Pottery Studio, wide mouth vase having a glazed circular design of blues and blacks stylized birds over an unglazed base. Studio Mark on the bottom. A ver...
Pottery
Vintage Spanish Ceramic Porrón, Hand-Painted Rooster, 1960s
By Pablo Picasso, Bitossi, Fratelli Fanciullacci
Located in Valencia, VC
Spanish Mid-Century Ceramic Porrón with Hand-Painted Rooster A very charming Spanish ceramic porrón featuring a beautiful interplay of textures—white glossy spots over a matte cream...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid century modern aesthetic. This example ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Danish Pottery Minimalist Bowl by Pottestuen Keramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Pottestuen Keramik Frederikshavn, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution ma...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Pesce Fish Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Pesce Fish Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is c...
Ceramic
Italian 1960's Giovanni DeSimone Decorative Pottery Dish
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1960's hand painted colorful ceramic dish by Giovanni DeSimone, hand crafted in Italy. Signed on underside, DeSimone, Italy 60.
Pottery
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example ...
Ceramic
1960-1972 American Ben Owen Master Potter Stamped Lidded Pitcher
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1960-1972 Ben Owen Master Potter stamped lidded pitcher. Frogskin glazed in a traditional English style. Fine shaped handle & knop for the lid. 7.5" w., 7.5" h., 6.25" dia. We are a...
Pottery
Vintage Diminutive Hand-Painted Delft Pitcher
Located in New Orleans, LA
Bring a touch of Dutch elegance and tradition into your home with this refined vintage Delft jug , an authentic work of art in hand-painted ceramic in classic white and cobalt blue ....
Pottery
Mid-Century Modern USA Ceramic Planter, 44\" Diameter, Excellent
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful USA ceramic planter with no chips and a stunning glacier and very strong shape.
Pottery
Monumental David Cressey Phoenix-1 for Architectural Pottery Planter
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Chicago, IL
Monumental David Cressey Phoenix-1 for Architectural Pottery Planter in unglazed stoneware Unglazed with clean factory drill hole (pitchered)
Ceramic
Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders
By Aldo Londi
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown Importer: Raymore Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Pottery These mid century Italian pottery candle hold...
Pottery
Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a timeless classic - the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard. Crafted with utmost craftsmanship and attention to detail, this iconic salad bowl exemplifies the epitome of mid-century modern design. Its exquisite teak staved construction showcases the natural beauty of the wood, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements any table setting. Jens Quistgaard's ingenious design marries form and function seamlessly, with the bowl's unique staved structure providing both durability and visual appeal. The elegantly curved silhouette and smooth finish offer a comfortable grip and elevate the dining experience to new heights. As a part of the iconic Dansk Viking line, this salad bowl has become a design classic cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and timeless design have stood the test of time, making it a coveted piece for any mid-century design aficionado. Whether you use it as a stunning salad centerpiece or a display of artistic craftsmanship, the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl is sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished addition to your home. Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Jens Quistgaard creation and celebrate the legacy of mid-century design. Pictured with iPhone 13...
Teak
SET of midcentury Italy Grottaglie Drink Set Jug + 5 cups art pottery
Located in Landshut, BY
beautiful elegant artful Italian midcentury Drinks Set includes 5 cups Famous art pottery from Grottaglie / Puglia Italy by Ciro Farina Design Period 1956 to 1964 Production Per...
Pottery
1970s McCoy Art Pottery Canyon Mesa Glazed Tea Pot
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s McCoy Art Pottery Canyon Mesa Drip Glazed Tea Pot Vintage personal Tea Pot Art Pottery signed McCoy Speckled Earth tones. 5.5 h x 9 d x 5 Pre...
Pottery
Mid-Century Pfaltzgraff Pottery Lidded Onion Soup Au Gratin Casseroles, Set/6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six Mid-Century earthenware Onion Soup au Gratins, The Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company, circa 1950-1960. Six oven proof individual casseroles with s...
Stoneware