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 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
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
22 Sets Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery, 1960s
By Amboss Austria, Alder Design, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to 22 sets of this beautiful vintage modernist flatware from Austria, model 2070, designed by Helmut Alder in 1959 and produced by Neuzeughammer Ambosswerk in the 1960s. Each set...
Stainless Steel
Carl Aubock Culinar Flatware for Collini (Thirteen Pieces)
By Collini 1, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in New York, NY
Culinar series flatware of stainless steel designed by Carl Aubock III (1924-1993) and manufactured by Collini, Austria in 1979. Thirteen pieces in total, consisting of the followin...
Stainless Steel
Pink Cabbage Glazed Ceramic Small Tureen or Bowl, Portugal, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A lovely hand painted Majolica ceramic pink cabbage small tureen, sugar bowl or sauceboat with lid. Manufactured by Bordallo Pinheiro. Portugal, 1960s This eye-catching small cabbage tureen...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Carl Auböck 2060 Flatware, 42 pcs., Complete For 6 Persons, Amboss Austria, 1950
By Amboss Austria, Neuzeughammer, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A comprehensive set of midcentury flatware from the 1950s, the award-winning model 2060, designed by Carl Aubock and executed by Amboss Neuzeug Au...
Stainless Steel
Rosewood & Brass Desert Demitasse Spoons Set of 6
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a wonderful set of 6 brass demitasse spoons with rosewood handles that will brighten your afternoon coffee or your desert table for holiday celebrations. They measure 4 inche...
Brass
Large MCM German Woven Circular Tray
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large circular mid century tray. Features a woven rim and handles made of beige and red plastic. The center is made of composite wood type material with a slight texture. Marked on...
Composition
Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s
By Alder Design, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful vintage modernist flatware from Austria, model 2070, designed by Helmut Alder in 1959 and produced by Neuzeughammer Ambosswerk in the 1960s. The manufacturer also produced ...
Stainless Steel
Sterling Silver Decorative Minimalistic Pepper and Salt shakers, 1970's
By De Stijl, Bauhaus, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Den Haag, NL
Sterling Silver Decorative Minimalistic Pepper and Salt shakers, The Netherlands 1970's
Sterling Silver
Coin Tray by Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Coin tray by Carl Auböck Original condition.
Brass
Pink Majolica Ceramic Dessert / Breakfast Service Set for Four
By Secla
Located in Barcelona, ES
A lovely Majolica pink glazed ceramic set of 12 pieces: four large plates, four small plates and four serving bowls. The set has a lovely pale pink color with details in white and ...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Punch Bowl Set - Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Porcelain
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful porcelain punch bowl set, made by the German brand Rosenthal. This is a design by the Danish designer Björn Wiinblad, who has had many collaborations with Rosenthal. The ...
Porcelain
Extensive 159 Piece Richard Ginori Contessa Porcelain Dinner and Tea Service
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Contessa Brown by RICHARD GINORI 1735 An exceptional and comprehensive porcelain dinner and tea service by Richard Ginori 1735, in the elegant and now-discontinued “Contessa Brown”...
Gold
75 Pc. Georg Jensen Caravel Sterling Silver Flatware Dinner Service for 12
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 75-piece Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set. Designed by Henning Koppel. In the Caravel pattern. Set comprises: 12 Dinner Forks (7 3/8") 12 Salad Forks (6 1/2") 12 Tea Spoons (5 15/16") 12 Place Spoons...
Sterling Silver
$174Sale Price|46% Off
Fruit Knives with Bakelite Stand by Otto Hammesfahr
Located in Wien, Au
Fruit knives with stand by Otto Hammesfahr. Original condition. Six pieces of knives one stand.
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen 12 Place settings AJ Flatware Set 75pcs. A. Michelsen Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Twelve six piece place setting set of AJ stainless steel flatware totaling 75 pieces including 12 large forks , 12 small forks , 12 soup spoons, 12 large spoons and 12 small spoons ....
Stainless Steel
Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richard Ginori extensive dinnerware service Contessa rust red pattern dinnerware service . Pattern having a burnt orange and double gilt gold and black trim decorated design on white...
Gold
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt / Pepper Mill Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural teak wood salt and pepper mill designed by the iconic Danish Mid Century artist designer Jens Quistgaard. A unique and beautiful...
Teak
Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Rörstrand KOKA Porcelain Set by Hertha Bengtsson, 77 Pieces, 1960s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Bengtsson, Hertha Bengtson, Herta Bengtson
Located in Round Top, TX
Rare, mint condition, twelve place settings of KOKA porcelain designed by Hertha Bengtsson. Hertha Bengtson designed "Koka Blå” (Cook Blue) in 1953 during the golden age of Swedish...
Porcelain
Set of 6 Natural Capiz Shell and Cork Round Placemat Chargers With Brass Rims
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 natural capiz shell round placemat chargers with brass rims and natural cork bottoms. Made by hand in the Phillipine islands.
Shell
Mid-Century Modern 91 Piece Rosewood & Bronze Flatware Set by Jean Claude w Case
By Jean Claude Aujame
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and never used rosewood & bronze 91 pcs, service for eight with serving pcs. Great teak storage box with brass & rosewood handle. Truly a qua...
Brass, Bronze
Set of 4 Blue Wicker Ceramic Dinner Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspire...
Ceramic
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Austria "Composition S" by Rostfrei Satin 40 Piece
By Rostfrei Solinger, Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tapio Wirkkala Rostfrei Solingen "Composition S" for Rosenthal made in Austria 40 Piece Satin Stainless Steel Flatware Set. Service for 8 plus a storage box. Presents like it was n...
Stainless Steel
Decorative Bulldog Glazed Ceramic and Leather Sculpture Cookie Jar, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Decorative bulldog glazed ceramic and leather sculpture cookie jar, 1960s The head is Ceramic glazed the body ceramic and leather with paint. It can also function as Cookie Jar o...
Leather, Ceramic
Set of 4 Colorful Napkin Rings in Painted Wood 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 4 Colorful Napkin Rings in Painted Wood, 1970s. This is a fun set of 4 colorful napkin rings in painted wood. Great bright colors and in a wonderful condition, these napkin r...
Wood
Pablo Picasso "Face" Bowls and Plate Great Wall Mounted Modern Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Five Ceramic Pieces, after Pablo Picasso's art of the 1960s, these are from an authorized collection put out by Picasso's family in the 1990s. They would look great mounted on...
Ceramic
$96Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Teak Triangle Napkin Holders – Set of 4, 1960s
Located in Toronto, CA
A charming set of four Mid-Century Modern napkin holders crafted from solid teak wood, each in a clean, minimalist triangular form. With a warm grain and timeless design, these piece...
Teak
“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s
By Gense, Folke Arstrom
Located in Knivsta, SE
“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s A rare and iconic 63-piece “Focus de Luxe” flatware set, designed in 1956 by celebrated Swedish designer Folk...
Stainless Steel
Set of Four Mid-Century Modernist Salt Cellars Signed Steuben
Located in New York, NY
This set of four Mid-Century Modernist salt cellars, designed circa 1960 and signed by Steuben, exemplifies the refined simplicity and impeccable quality that defined the Mid-Century...
Glass
Boxed Helmut Alder Amboss 2050 Flatware Cutlery for Six, 30 pcs., Austria, 1950s
By Amboss Austria, Helmut Alder
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Mid-century flatware, 2050 series, designed by Helmut Alder, executed by Amboss Austria in the 1950s. High-quality flatware, made of solid, brushed and polished stainless steel. Comes in its original award-winning handmade wooden box...
Stainless Steel
$76Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Midcentury Salt and Pepper Shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in Teak
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage midcentury salt and pepper shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in teak. It was the late 1950s, and in Ehrenreich’s small workshop, there was no shortage of imagination. No two things were ever alike. Small silver fish were inlaid in hand-turned bowls...
Teak
Block Spain Flatware "Chromatics" 42 piece, Service for 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Block Spain "Chromatics" Service for 8 plus 2 large Serving pieces. Set still has their original boxes and appear mostly unused. Nice feel and weight! Block did several nice stainless flatware sets and ceramic dish sets...
Stainless Steel
$56Sale Price|20% Off
1960s 15 Piece Dinnerware in by Ingrid, Chicago
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 15 vintage plastic dinnerware consisting of 7 dinner plates, 7 salad plates, and 5 bowls. Made of ABS. Some signs of age and use, light scra...
Plastic
Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury shaker set from the 1950s, displaying a cute monkey holding salt and pepper shakers. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller i...
Glass
Tjorn by Dansk Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 50 Pieces Mid-Century Mod
By Dansk
Located in Big Bend, WI
The innovative and highly desirable flatware pattern "Tjorn" by Dansk was designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959. It features striking Scandinavian modern des...
Sterling Silver
Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware 1970s
By Ulla Procope, Arabia
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware, Finland, 1970s. This is a very large set of iconic Arabia Ruska tableware, designed by Ulla Procopé in the 19...
Stoneware
Boxed Amboss Mid-Century 6 Knives And 6 Forks, Flatware Cutlery, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small modernist forks and knives in their original boxes. Executed in the 1950s by Amboss Austria. Made of stainless steel with beautiful teak wooden handles. Originally produced as fruit knives and forks...
Stainless Steel
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage 144 pc. Set of Thai Nickel Bronze Flatware in Teak case
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is nice set of flatware from Thailand .The set is made of nickel bronze. It's 144 pieces and is service for 12. The flatware was made in the mid century period. The flatware ser...
Bronze, Nickel
Classic Vintage Dansk Design Cutting Board from the 1960s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Based on form and function, this cutting board has the knife in the handle. The blade is 18/10 stainless steel and is tappered from the spine to the cutting edge. The block is constructed in parquet style including the knife handle.
Wood
Orange Oversized Magnum French Peugeot Salt Pepper Mill Vintage
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive tall wooden salt or pepper mill in an orange color we like to call Hermes orange. This pepper mill has recently been professionally custom painted to make one of a kind fo...
Wood
Murano bowl italy around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
Murano bowl italy around 1970s Original condition
Murano Glass
$256Sale Price|37% Off
Toothpick Holder with African Boy by Richard Rohac
Located in Wien, Au
Toothpick holder with African boy by Richard Rohac Original condition.
Brass
45 Piece Laufer Rosewood Handle Stainless Steel Flatware Service for Eight
By Lauffer
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine large set of Lauffer Japan stainless steel flatware. Rosewood handles also in fine condition. Included are large spoon with larg...
Stainless Steel
$2,320Sale Price / set|50% Off
Quinta Nova 43-Piece Floral Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Portugal, 1960s
By Vista Alegre
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous porcelain tableware from the Portuguese firm Quinta Nova, renowned for its fine porcelain. Its meticulously painted floral design combines warm tones of orange and green on a pearly white background, evoking a romantic yet contemporary touch. The edges of the pieces feature a wavy shape with a fine gold trim, enhancing their decorative character. The floral ornamentation, with intertwined branches and flowers in full bloom, recalls 19th-century botanical motifs, inspired by Rococo art and Victorian design. The balance between the gold details and the softness of the floral brushstrokes make this tableware ideal for a more classic decor style or a more modern setting. Stamped on the base of each piece. Quinta Nova Porcelain, now Vista Alegre Quinta Nova Porcelain was a Portuguese brand...
Porcelain
Gold-Plated Demitasse Spoons Set of Six, Hand-Crafted, Japan, 1960s
Located in Round Top, TX
A delightful set of six new, unused demitasse spoons from Japan, each exquisitely crafted and adorned with delicate, impressed palm tree motifs. These charming spoons bring an air of...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Crystal Mix Set of 6 Nachtmann Stem Glasses with Colored Overlay Cut to Clear
By Nachtmann
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage mix set of 6 cut to clear crystal stem glasses. Mix crystal (Bleikristall 24% Mundgeblasen Handgeschliffen) glasses Clear crystal glass. Side facetted and toothed stem. Th...
Crystal
Botanica Hand-Painted Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 6, Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring the beauty of nature to your table with our Botanical Plate Set, featuring a variety of unique designs. Each plate showcases a hand-painted border and a central botanical motif...
Ceramic
Carl Aubock II Rare Salt and Pepper Shakers, Walnut & Horn, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful and rare pair of Midcentury modern minimalism salt and pepper shakers from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Werkstatte Carl Aubock Vienna. The drop shaped shakers ...
Wood
Crystal Set of Six Lausitzer Stem Glasses with Colored Overlay Cut to Clear
By Lausitzer
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage set of six cuts to clear crystal stem glasses. Clear demi crystal glass. Six sides facetted and toothed stem. The bowl with colored ...
Crystal
LaGardo Tackett California Modernist Design Terracotta Tall Pitcher Rockingham
By Rockingham Pottery Company, Lagardo Tackett
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare tall water pitcher by Lagardo Tackett for Rockingham. circa 1950's excellent condition no chips or cracks , beautiful glozy brown finish on terracotta .
Terracotta
Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Set of 4 Blue Wicker Ceramic Dessert Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspired design, these ceramic plates effortlessly combine rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship, perfect for adding warmth and sophistication to any dining occasion. Ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings, these versatile plates bring a delightful artisanal touch to your tabletop, creating an inviting atmosphere. The durable ceramic construction ensures lasting quality, while the unique handpainted patterns provide each plate with its own distinctive character. Celebrate traditional Italian craftsmanship with these timeless ceramic wicker plates, a delightful addition to any home. Please note: Each plate is handcrafted and hand-painted; subtle variations and slight imperfections highlight their artisanal charm and uniqueness. Made in Italy Ø 21cm 100% Ceramic Set of 4 Blue Dessert Plates
Ceramic
Mid Century 20 Piece Dinnerware Set of California Ivy Poppy Trail by Metlox
By Metlox Manufacturing Company
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A 20-piece ceramic dinnerware set by Metlox. This twenty-piece set includes seven dinner plates, eight small plates, two serving bowls, and three tea cups. Each piece is glazed in a ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Blue Bird Design Wood Napkin Holder Paavo Asikainen Finland
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Blue Bird Design Wood Napkin Holder from Paavo Asikainen, Finland, 1960s
Wood
Brass Coaster vienna around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
Brass Coaster vienna around 1970s Only polished
Brass
Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
This pattern was designed by internationally renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and introduced by Reed & Barton in the year 1958. It has a wonderful Mid-Century Modern Design. This is our best selling Mid Century Modern flatware...
Sterling Silver
Gio Ponti Italian Stainless Diamond Flatware Set Three Long Ice Tea Spoons 1958
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Gio Ponti Italian stainless diamond flatware set of three long ice tea spoons, 1958. Measures: 7 1/2" L x 1 1/8" W x 1/2" H Maker stamped. Italian Gio Ponti designer...
Stainless Steel
Mancioli Italian Modernist Op Art China Set 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian Modernist china set by Mancioli, Italy, circa 1960s. 40 pieces total, comprising of (8) coffee cups measuring 3"H x 5"W. (10) saucers measuring 6.5" diameter. (10) small plat...
Ceramic