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.
$285 / set
Blown Glass Fruit Card Holders
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming Blown Glass Fruit Card Holders from Mid Century period. Each paper thin hand blown fruit has a single or double prongs to hold a card. Fruits include pineapple, pear, apple,...
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Snail Butter Dish, Silver-Plated, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful Italian silver-plated snail butter dish, 1970s. Featuring a whimsical snail-shaped body with textured shell lid in polished silver-plate, opening to reveal a clear insert b...
Silver Plate
Carl Aubock II „The Bombs“ Salt Pepper Shakers, Walnut & Horn, Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely pair of minimalist, almost sculptural Mid-Century Modern salt and pepper shakers from the 1950s. Model no. 4290, designed by Carl Auböck II in 1950 and made by Werkstätte Ca...
Wood
1960s Stunning Grey Ashtray/Bowl/Catchall By Flavio Poli for S
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous grey ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in italy. This piece exemplifies the iconic sommerso (submerged) glass technique. Fe...
Murano Glass
Small round alpaca astray around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Small round alpaca astray around 1950s Only polished
Alpaca
Italian Set of 4 Verdigris Brass Ashtrays with Stand, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four brass ashtrays with matching stand. This highly decorative smoking set was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in amazing conditi...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Red Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Artimeta (Holland), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal, seem to be repainted many years ago. In good original c...
Metal
1960s Vintage Acrylic Cocktail Glass Markers Set with Monkey Figures
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Vintage set of 24 acrylic cocktail glass markers, featuring small monkey figures in three different colors. Each piece hangs from the rim of a glass and serves as a decorative identi...
Acrylic
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
David Marshall Brutalist Ashtray, Bronze & Aluminium, Spain 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautifuk ashtray or brutalist vide-poches designed and produced by the artist david marshall in the 70s in spain. Structure in bronze and aluminum. Rare design object that will deco...
Aluminum, Bronze
Set of 6 Ruby Red Cocktail or Dessert Bowls by Luminarc of Arques, 1970s
By Luminarc
Located in Andernach, DE
A very beautiful set of 6 vintage dessert or cocktail glasses from the 1970s France by Luminarc. Fantastic minimalistic design in a truly glossy shimmering ruby red and colourless st...
Glass
Midcentury Ice Bucket in Red Goatskin and Brass by Aldo Tura, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful ice bucket in red goatskin and brass with handle by Aldo Tura. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Metal, Brass
Set of Eight Limoges Pumpkin Luncheon Plates
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Set of Eight Limoges Porcelain Pumpkin Luncheon Plates. Hand painted French porcelain plates with pumpkins, mushrooms, acorns and gourds with scallo...
Porcelain
1910s Handmade Depression-Era Art Glass Dove Vessel from Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous handmade Depression-era art glass piece featuring an elegant dove-shaped open vessel, suitable for use as a salt cellar, pepper pot, or sweetener dish. Beautifully crafted...
Art Glass
Pair of William Spratling Mexican Sterling Silver Nautilus Three-Footed Bowls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine associated pair of Taxco silver bowls. By William Spratling. In sterling silver. From the Nautilus series of bowls with a rolled rim and shaped bowl supported by 3 everted ...
Sterling Silver
Large Pink Murano Bubble Glass Bowl Element Shell Ashtray Murano, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli, Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original glass shell bowl was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Italy. An elegant purple ...
Murano Glass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Italian Onyx Smoking Set with Table Lighter & Ashtray
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern smoking set, meticulously crafted in Italy during the 1960s. The two-piece collection showcases the organic beauty of genuine onyx stone, celebrated for its striki...
Onyx
Mid-20th Century French Silver Plate Lido Cabaret Champagne Bucket, Ice Bucket
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally from the Lido cabaret in Paris, this mid twentieth century French silver plate champagne bucket features scrolling acanthus leaf handles on each side and a footed base. Th...
Silver Plate
Round Glass Ashtray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Elegant French glass ashtray dating from the 1970s, featuring a minimalist circular design with a softly hammered texture that beautifully catches and reflects the light. Crafted in ...
Glass, Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Set by Culver Ltd., Glass & Gold Clover, Circa 1960
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Fairfield, CA
A 5 piece mid century cocktail set by Culver. Each piece is wrapped in a 22 kt gold clover pattern. The set includes 1 tall double spout pitcher and 4 footed cordial glasses. The pit...
Glass
Dodie Thayer Lettuce Ware Tureen, Cover and Stand, Jupiter, Florida, 1987
By Dodie Thayer
Located in Downingtown, PA
Dodie Thayer Lettuce Ware Tureen, Cover and Stand, Jupiter, Florida, 1987 The tureen, cover and conforming stand are naturalistically modeled as a head of lettuce, hand-built in gla...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Los Castillo Taxco Mexican Silver Plate Articulated Fish Bottle Opener
Located in Downingtown, PA
Los Castillo Taxco Mexican Silver Plate Articulated Fish Bottle Opener Circa 1980 Los Castillo of Taxco made this articulated fish bottle opener in silver plate, modeling it as a sw...
Silver Plate
Onyx Ashtray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French onyx ashtray dating from the 1970s. Carved from a solid piece of natural stone, the ashtray features a square geometric form with a circular recessed center. The stone displays striking natural veining in cream, beige, honey and dark grey tones, making each section visually unique. Its substantial construction and polished surface give the piece an elegant, sculptural presence typical of decorative stone accessories from the 1970s. Both functional and decorative, it can also be repurposed as a small catchall or vide-poche for a desk, console or coffee table. Style : Mid-Century Modern Modernist Hollywood Regency Key Features : France, 1970s Natural onyx construction Square geometric form Circular recessed bowl Cream, beige and dark grey veining Polished stone surface Substantial sculptural appearance Functional ashtray or catchall Each natural stone pattern is unique Vintage condition consistent with age Keywords : French onyx ashtray, vintage onyx ashtray, 1970s ashtray, stone ashtray, Mid-Century ashtray, square onyx ashtray, natural stone catchall...
Onyx
Set of 8 Hand-Blown Murano Latticino Blue & Chartreuse Wine Glasses W/ 24K Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of eight hand-blown Murano wine glasses embodies mid-20th century Venetian artistry, crafted in Murano, Italy circa 1950. Utilizing the latticino technique, each gl...
Gold
Vintage Gold Rimmed Wheat Design Tumblers - Set of 4, Circa 1960
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 mid century tumblers with a lovely wheat design on the surface in orange, white, and metallic gold. Perfect for using for cocktails or ...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Solid Brass Horse Head Ashtray - Paperweight
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer this exceptional vintage cast brass ashtray, sculpted in the form of a horse’s head. More than a functional smoking accessory, this striking piece can be appr...
Brass
Set of 12 Mid-Century Modernist Gilt Rimmed Water Glasses By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in New York, NY
This set of 12 Mid-Century Modernist gilt-rimmed water glasses, designed by the iconic American glassware designer Dorothy Thorpe and dating to circa 1940, is a perfect embodiment of...
Gold
1970s Italian Crystal Glass Smoking Set by Antonio Imperatore.
By Cristallerie Antonio Imperatore
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning, ultra-chic vintage smoking set designed by Antonio Imperatore during the 1970s. Expertly crafted in Italy, this two-piece set perfectly captures the bold, geometric, and gl...
Rock Crystal
1960s Mid-Century Modern Italian Onyx Smoking Set with Table Lighter & Ashtray
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern smoking set, masterfully crafted in Italy during the 1960s. Carved from a stunning block of natural green onyx, this two-piece set features vibrant, swirling veins...
Onyx
Flavio Poli, Murano Glass Ashtray, Italy, 1960, Mid-Century Modern
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Palermo, IT
A large vintage Murano glass ashtray made using the "sommerso" technique, attributed to designer Flavio Poli for the Seguso glassworks in the 1960s. It has a faceted geometric shape ...
Murano Glass
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
'Rimini blu' glazed ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi for by Bitossi. Italy, 1960s. This eye-catching vase is made of blue glazed ceramic with engraved patterns surrounding the cen...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
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
Christofle Osiris & Cluny Crystal Glass Service for Six, 24 Pieces, France 2005
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An exceptional and remarkably preserved 24-piece crystal glass service by Christofle Paris, presented in its original Christofle boxes and comprising a complete table setting for six. The service combines two distinguished Christofle crystal collections: the sculptural Osiris stemware and the complementary Cluny Old-Fashioned glasses. Created by designer Bernard Yot, the Osiris collection was introduced by Christofle in 1991, drawing its inspiration from the aquatic and botanical world of ancient Egypt. Its distinctive decoration evokes the forms of lotus flowers and papyrus reeds, translated here into an elegant cut-crystal motif rising from the base of each bowl. The Osiris crystal pattern was produced during the period 1999–2005. The service includes three graduated Osiris stemware forms — water, red wine and white wine — creating a beautifully balanced formal table setting. Each glass retains its original Christofle label, an especially desirable detail for collectors and a clear indication that the service has never been used. Completing the ensemble are six Christofle Cluny...
Crystal
Speckled Hannah Arnup matte green glazed pottery vessel
Located in Ferndale, MI
Speckled matte green glaze stoneware vase with incised whimsical burnt orange design running around the body . Attributed to Hannah Arnup . Ink stamped signature Ballymorris Cratloe ...
Pottery
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 10 dinner/lunch knives, 10 dinner/lunch forks, 10 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Bottle opener around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle opener around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Abalone and Brass Fish Bottle Opener in the Style of Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mexican Mid-Century abalone and brass bottle opener in the style of Los Castillo. All of the abalone is in good condition which is often rare. A true mid century iconic piece that wi...
Brass
Art Deco Cheetah Salt & Pepper Shakers, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Unleash a touch of wild elegance at your table with this charming pair of cheetah salt and pepper shakers designed and produced in ital, 1970. A playful nod to the animalier artistry...
Chrome
Serving Tray Lucite Faux Tortoiseshell & Chrome Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular serving tray or centerpiece in lucite faux tortoiseshell effect and chrome in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. It's ...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Zebra Vases by Lapid, Glazed Ceramic, Israel, 1965
By Lapid
Located in Bochum, NRW
Wonderful mid-century Israel Lapid pottery pieces featuring trademark Lapid markings on the bottom and dark bluish-grey interior glaze. Lapid is the most renowned and collected kibbu...
Ceramic
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
Midcentury Brass and Red Suede Italian Ashtray, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique Mid-Century Italian ashtray in solid brass and deep red-colored suede. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in good vin...
Brass
Wood and Brass Tray, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant rectangular solid wood tray, featuring a surrounding wooden gallery with brass fittings accentuating the corners. Its understated, refined design highlights the wood's natural beauty and the patina it has acquired over time. With its integrated side handles, this tray is as practical as it is decorative. It is perfect for display on a table, sideboard, or console—whether for serving drinks, showcasing decorative objects, or acting as a catch-all tray. A beautiful antique piece blending functionality with elegance, ideal for classic, country-chic, or timeless interiors. Style : Classic Napoleon III French Rustic chic Elegant 19th century Key Features : Solid wood Brass fittings Integrated handles Beautiful original patina French-made 19th century Serving tray Decorative and functional object Sturdy construction Keywords : wood serving tray, antique wooden tray, brass tray, French antique tray, serving tray with handles, wooden butler tray, brass-mounted tray, 19th-century tray, antique home decor, vintage serving tray, antique wood tray...
Brass
1970s Mikasa "Tampa" Dinnerware Set, 12 Place Settings, Avocado Green & Yellow
By Mikasa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete 12-place setting set of vintage Mikasa "Tampa" pattern stoneware, produced in the 1970s. Each setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, cup and saucer, and coordinatin...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate Tema e Variazioni No. 224, Lina Cavalieri
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate, Tema e Variazioni No. 224, Lina Cavalieri 1980s This Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate from the Tema e Variazioni series presents the face of the Italian opera singer Lina Cavalieri fragmented and repeated across the well in a dense field of overlapping crescents, so that only the eyes and brows of each impression remain visible. The lithographic transfer is printed in black and gray on a white ground, and the scale-like repetition reads at a distance as an abstract pattern before resolving into dozens of watching eyes. Numbered 224 in the series, it is among the more unusual and graphically inventive of the Tema e Variazioni designs, and it demonstrates the Surrealist wit and optical play that defined Fornasetti’s approach to the decorative arts. Dimensions Diameter: 10 inches (25.4 cm) Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Marks Printed to the reverse with the Fornasetti eye...
Porcelain
Romano Bianchi Green Alabaster Ashtray, Italy, 1970s, Elegant Design
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite large green alabaster ashtray, designed and handcrafted by Romano Bianchi in Italy during the 1970s. This striking piece, with its rich patina, blends artistry and elegance...
Alabaster
Black Marble Ashtray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative French black marble ashtray dating from the 1970s, characterized by a simple circular form and a substantial, sculptural presence. Carved from solid black marble, the piece displays subtle natural grey and white veining that gives depth and variation to its dark surface. The wide rim features several integrated cigarette rests surrounding a deep circular central receptacle. Its clean geometry, polished stone surface and monochromatic palette give the piece a distinctly Mid-Century Modern character. Both functional and decorative, this ashtray can also be used as a small catchall or displayed as a sculptural stone object on a coffee table, desk or console. Style : Mid-Century Modern Modernist Minimalist Key Features : France, 1970s Solid black marble Circular form Polished stone surface Natural grey and white veining Deep central receptacle Integrated cigarette rests Substantial sculptural construction Minimalist geometric design Decorative and functional object Can also be used as a catchall Authentic 1970s character Keywords : black marble ashtray, French marble ashtray...
Marble
Mid Century Green Coupe Glasses, Set of 4, "Provincial" by Imperial Glass, 1970s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 gorgeous coupe glasses in green glass. Made in the "Provincial" pattern by Imperial Glass of Ohio between 1966 - 1979. 2 sets of 4 are available for purchase separately.
Glass
Mid-Century Brass Lily Flower Sculpture Figurine Ashtray
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful, large mid-century brass lily flower sculpture or figurine—a vintage Hollywood Regency-style ashtray shaped like a flower. It features six detachable petals and was craft...
Brass
1960s Mid-century Red Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano Glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inche...
Murano Glass
Christofle Silver-Plated Sully Champagne & Ice Bucket (Gallia Collection) 1950s
By Christofle
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant mid-century silver-plated champagne or ice bucket by the venerable French silversmith Christofle. Dating to the 1950s, this large and striking piece belongs to the prestigiou...
Silver Plate
Vintage Asprey & Co. Silver-Plated 'Bell' Cocktail Shaker
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Vintage Asprey & Co. Silver-Plated 'Bell' Cocktail Shaker Made in England, circa 1940. Good overall condition, has no damage, please see pictures for a better judgement of the it...
Brass
Set of twelve Dachshund vintage Silver Plate Knife Rests, France 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Great set of twelve vintage Silver Plate Knife Rests in the shape of Dachshund, France 1960s. De Knife Rests are nicely detailed and well-proportioned and very decorative. Very good ...
Silver Plate
Amber Depression Glass Cordial Set, Art Deco Style, 1930s, USA
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautiful amber Depression Glass cordial set dating to the 1930s, composed of a sculptural round pitcher and six matching footed glasses. The set h...
Glass
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
Don Shoemaker for Señal Attributed Mixed Exotic Hardwood Parquetry Serving Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional attributed serving tray designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, crafted circa 1970. This beautifully executed example showcases Shoemaker's celebrated use of rich...
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Mid Century Polished Chrome and Brass Champagne Chiller on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully designed Mid-Century Modern champagne chiller, combining polished chrome and brass in a sophisticated and glamorous presentation. The sculptural brass sphere handles a...
Brass, Chrome
Mussel Shell Caviar Server, Bronze & Shell, Mid-Century Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful mussel shell caviar server designed in Italy in the 1970s. Metallic gold structure depicting a mussel shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity with its spoon in bron...
Bronze
Bottle opener by Richard rohac around 1950s ( marked on Bottom )
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle opener by Richard rohac around 1950s ( marked on Bottom ) Original condition
Brass
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.