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.
Carl Aubock 6 Forks with Leather Holder, Corn Cob Skewers #3679, Vienna, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small forks with a leather holster, model no. 3679, designed by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Originally conceived in the 1930s, this model...
Brass, Nickel
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
1970s Brass Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin: Lighter & Ashtray
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. This exceptional two-piece desk smoking set is an authentic testament to the 1970s avant-garde industrial design era o...
Metal, Brass
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Star Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown multi-color Millefiori flower and star mosaic Italian art glass pitcher / vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The pitcher ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
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
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condit...
Murano Glass
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
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Opal Pink Alabastro Glass Bowl, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Design Attributed to Archimede Seguso for the Seguso Factory. Italy, 1950s. This ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
1960s Mid-century Blue Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s This blue ashtray/catchall is a stunning example of Mid-Century Modern Italian glassmaking, sculptural bowl/ashtray was designed by the legendary Flavio Poli . This piece featu...
Murano Glass
Vintage English-Made Mercedes-Benz Decanter
By Classic Stable
Located in Portland, OR
A stainless decanter in the form of a classic Mercedes’ front grill- complete with hood ornament topper! A fun collector’s piece to add to your bar lineup. Made by Classic Stable LTD...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950.
Ceramic
Vintage Rosewood and Brass Flatware - 43 piece
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A chic rosewood and brass flatware set! The design and palette feel architectural and high-style! A handsome serving set that makes you want to entertain! The dinner set could be pai...
Brass
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
Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Flavio Poli, Mid-Century Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. Handcrafted in Italy using the iconic Murano sommerso glass technique, it features a d...
Murano Glass
set of Six Lobster Plates Porcelain, Seltman Vohenstrauss, Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Retro and Unusual Set of Six German Vohenstrauß Johann Seltmann Porcelain Plates, Circa 1960s A striking and uncommon set of six porcelain plates produced by Johann Seltmann in Vo...
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Lidded Jar - Jean Gerbino - Vallauris - Mosaic Ceramic
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Mid-20th century lidded ceramic jar by Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France. Executed in his characteristic mosaic technique with intricately assembled clay segments in soft tones of blue...
Ceramic
Sommerso pink and purple Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful purple and pink sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso techniqu...
Murano Glass
Majolica Oyster Plate Sarreguemines Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines, circa 1950.
Ceramic, Faience
FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray
By Fornasetti, Piero 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
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
Vintage Porcelain Nautical Tray Made in France
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage porcelain tray brings a playful yet polished sensibility to any setting, effortlessly balancing charm and sophistication. Crafted with a smooth, high-gloss finish, the p...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Vallauris Majolica Oyster Plate, Volcanic Glaze, Circa 1960
By Vallauris
Located in COLMAR, FR
Vallauris oyster plates are among the most covetable objects to emerge from the golden age of French Riviera studio ceramics, and this example represents the form at its most dramati...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Space Age Danish Orange Plastic Nutcracker Dana Plast 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Space Age Danish Orange Plastic Nutcracker from Dana Plast, 1960s
Plastic
Mid-Century Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Ice Bucket with Brass Details
By Jonathan Adler, Fendi Casa, Armani Casa, Aldo Tura, Gucci
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking example of Italian mid-century luxury, this vintage ice bucket by Aldo Tura embodies the designer’s unmistakable blend of craftsmanship and glamour. Expertly clad in lacqu...
Brass
MCM LaGardo Tackett Green Striped Faceted Tumblers - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 mid century porcelain tumblers. Designed by LaGardo Tackett for Schmid International Porcelain as part of the "Everyone Loves Ice Cream and Candy" tableware collection. Fi...
Porcelain
Dior Rectangular Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century serving tray fully made of vibrant tortoiseshell Lucite with a chrome frame. This incredibly elegant piece was designed by Dior Home and produced in Italy durin...
Chrome
Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Green, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and visually arresting three-piece smoking set designed by the renowned Italian sculptor Romano Bianchi during the 1960s. This set is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern Itali...
Alabaster
Dior Rectangular Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular midcentury serving tray in an incredibly charming tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This incredibly stylish piece was designed by Dior Home and produced in Italy dur...
Brass
Italian Butter Dish Michael Graves for ALESSI
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage butter dish designed by Michael Graves for Alessi. Made in Italy. Marked on the base “Alessi INOX 18/10 Italy”.
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Set of 3 French Ceramic plates by Naumovitch Era Vallauris Capron
By Le Grand Chêne 1, Ljuba Naumovitch
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Set of 3 French Ceramic plates by Naumovitch Era Vallauris Capron Exceptional set of three plates decorated with women's faces. Emblematic creations of Ljuba Naumovitch in the Atelier Grand Chêne...
Enamel
$1,205Sale Price|20% Off
Mandruzzato Murano Pink Yellow Sommerso Faceted Art Glass Vase, Italy 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Sommerso Murano faceted vase in Pink yellow and clear glass attributed to Mandruzzato. Italy, 1960s. Pink and yellow glass double cased into clear glass using the Somme...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$837Sale Price|20% Off
Archimede Seguso Murano Blue Sommerso Glass Bowl
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in blue color with a cased rim in dark blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly de...
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
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
1960s Blue and Turquoise Heavy Murano Glass Huge Centerpiece by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite centerpiece is a definitive example of 1960s Murano glassmaking, attributed to the renowned designer Flavio Poli. The work utilizes the iconic sommerso technique, whic...
Murano Glass
Blue vase in Italian glass, 1970, Italy
By Biot
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant Italian blown glass vase dating from the 1970s. It is distinguished by its generous shape with organic lines and its superb marbled decoration, blending deep shades of blu...
Art Glass
Set of Six Handcrafted Murano Glass Hexagonal Tumblers by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini
Located in Vienna, AT
This exquisite set of six vibrant tumblers, meticulously handcrafted on the island of Murano demonstrates the exceptional techniques of masterful glassblowing artistry. Inspired by ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Flavio Poli Large Centerpiece in Murano Emerald and Amber Glass, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century Murano large centerpiece in mouth-blown sommerso Murano glass in a stunning light emeral and amber color. This elegant and highly sculptural piece was designed...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
1960s Gorgeous Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano Glass. Made in Italy The item is in prestine excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 1,96 H ...
Murano Glass
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
Set of 6 Caviar Spoons - ELA Denmark - Sterling Silver & Guilloché Enamel
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined and elegant set of six Danish caviar spoons by ELA Denmark, crafted in sterling silver and adorned with delicate guilloché enamel in soft pastel shades. Each spoon features...
Sterling Silver
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
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Grey, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,11 diameter x 3,14 H inches cm 13 x...
Murano Glass
$80 / 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
$75 / item
Large Wood Cactus Toothpick Holder
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage mid century wood toothpick holder in the shape of a cactus. Toothpicks can be placed in the small holes along the cactus to create thorns. Beautiful grain to the wood. A gr...
Wood
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
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Russell Wright Steubenville Serving Dish
Located in East Quogue, NY
Vintage mid-century modern Russell Wright Steubenville oval ceramic serving dish. Modern design with soft cures and simple glazing. Size: 10 wide x 7.5 deep x 2.5 inches tall The m...
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-Century Glass Sculpture - Alfredo Barbini - Murano Glass - Aquarium
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful mid-century Murano glass sculpture attributed to Alfredo Barbini, showcasing a vibrant underwater scene. This solid glass block encapsulates a stylized fish swimming amon...
Art Glass
French Mid-Century Vallauris Ceramic Fish Dinner Set, 27 Pieces, 1960s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Striking French mid-century ceramic dinner set from the 1960s, crafted in Vallauris and featuring a distinctive fish motif. This vibrant and sculptural ensemble reflects the playful ...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Mid-century Modern Brass Metal Nutcracker in the Shape of a Woman's Legs, 70s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s nutcracker in the playful form of elegant lady legs, a whimsical piece of vintage barware that blends humor, design, and function. Crafted with a sculptural silho...
Brass, Bronze
Madoura Pottery Glazed Earthenware Têtes Pitcher signed Pablo Picasso
Located in New York, NY
This Madoura Pottery glazed earthenware Têtes pitcher, signed by Pablo Picasso and created in France circa 1953, encapsulates the artist’s playful yet radical reimagining of everyday...
Earthenware
Mid Century Franciscan Starburst 68 pc. Dining Set by George James
By George James
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptional set of 68 pieces or eight full place settings including serving pieces from the Starburst collection known as the best china pattern of the Mid-Century period. Called ...
Pottery
Fontana Arte Thick Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and incredibly rare photo frame in thick hand-sculpted Nile green crystal and solid brass. This stunning piece was designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte ...
Crystal, Brass
Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Bowl Mid Century Modern
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual mid century sterling bowl by Reed & Barton. Marked "sterling X271. Weighs approx. 268 grams.
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Set of Six Oyster Plates - St Clement - French Ceramic
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant set of six French oyster plates was produced by St Clément in France and dates from the mid-20th century. Each plate is richly glazed in nuanced green tones and features...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti “Il Minestrone” Plate, Specialità Milanesi, Italy Mid Century
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic vintage porcelain plate designed by Piero Fornasetti as part of the celebrated "Specialità Milanesi" series. This plate features the whimsical and highly detailed black-and-wh...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pablo Picasso Ceramic 'Pichet Espagnol' 'A.R. 244' Madoura Edition 177/300
Located in New York, NY
Pablo Picasso Ceramic 'Pichet Espagnol' (Spanish Pitcher) 'A.R. 244'. Stamped Edition Picasso 177/300, Madoura. 'A.R.' stands for Alain Ramie, who documented Picasso pieces in the...
Ceramic
Mid-Century French Trivet by Guillerme et Chambron, Oak & Ceramic
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Mid-Century Trivet by Guillerme & Chambron, Paris France, 1950s Crafted in blond oak, this exquisite French Mid-Century trivet features a stunning ceramic tile by Bolesl...
Ceramic, Oak
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.