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.
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-century Abert Nicrosil Cutlery and Stand, Italy c.1970
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original mid-century cutlery set and stand by Abert, Italy. Stainless steel with ABS plastic handles and stainless steel stand with black ABS plastic hooks. The set consist...
Stainless Steel
“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
Carl Auböck 2060 Flatware, 42 pcs., Complete For 6 Persons, Amboss Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Neuzeughammer, Amboss Austria
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
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
Lazy Susan Danish Modern Teak Serving Tray or Platter by Digsmed ca. 1965
Located in Andernach, DE
Lazy Susan designed by Flemming Digsmed in the 1960s, Danish modern teak swivel/rotating tray, complete with 6 original smokey glass bowls by KH Denmark. A beautiful teak Lazy Susan...
Teak, Glass
Max Meder, Hand Carved Wooden Squirrel Brush & Pan, France, 1950s
By Max Meder
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large mid-century wooden squirrel brush & pan by Max MEDER (Paris), France, 1950s. Squirrel eating a nut. Noble woods. Measures: Squirrel - Height: 6.7" (17cm), Width : 7.9"(20cm), D...
Wood
Set of 12 Knife Rests - Resin with Embedded Sea Shells - France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Set of 12 Knife Rests - Resin with Embedded Sea Shells - France 1970s Elegant set of French mid-century knife rests in resin with embedded shells of different species and colors. N...
Other
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
Dior Set of Six Charger Plates in Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous set of six octagonal charger plates in vibrant tortoiseshell effect lucite. This incredibly stylish and unique set is attributed to a Dior Home production and was produced ...
Lucite, Plexiglass
Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware 1970s
By Arabia, Ulla Procope
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
Large Murrine Plate Serpente by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1940s
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Murrine Plate Serpente by Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano ca. 1940s A large murrine bowl of the Serpente series designed by Carlo Scarpa ca. 1940. Manufactured by Venini Murano...
Art Glass
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
Brass & Rosewood Flatware Set for 6 Knives Forks Spoons 24 Pcs Silverware
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is an elegant set of 24 pieces, a service for 6 - knives, forks and spoons, made of beautiful brass and rose wood handles. It will make a festive table decor and is perfect for ...
Brass
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
Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s
By Kurt Mayer, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
A meticulously curated set of silver-plated cutlery, the "4100 Stockholm Laurel" series, was designed in 1955 by Kurt Mayer for WMF Germany, Württembergische Metallwaren Fabrik. This...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass, Europe, Mid 20th Century. This is a wonderful set of 6 coasters in solid brass, made in the middle of the 20th century and featuring a very nic...
Brass
5-in-1 Drinking Glass Set by Joe Colombo, Mouth-Blown Crystal, Italy
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
5-in-1 Drinking Glass set by Joe Colombo, 1970 Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo pursued a career in painting and sculpture before he transiti...
Crystal
Gijs Bakker Rare Candle Holder in Patinated Silver and Enamel for Keltum 1963
By Gijs Bakker
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gijs Bakker rare candle holder in patinated silver and enamel for Keltum. The Netherlands, 1963. Wonderful and very rare candle holder by Gijs B...
Silver
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
Cutlery Set by Helmut Alder for Amboss Model 2070, 32 Pieces, 1960s
By Amboss Austria, Helmut Alder
Located in Vienna, AT
This cutlery (model 2070) consist of 32 pieces. Designed by Helmut Alder, produced by "Amboss Neuzeughammer Steyr" Austria in the 1960s. High quality stainless steel cutlery. He...
Stainless Steel
Crystal Mix Set of 6 Cobalt Stem Glasses with Overlay Cut to Clear
By Nachtmann
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage set of 6 cut to clear crystal stem glasses. Mix crystal (Bleikristall 24% Mundgeblasen Handgeschliffen) glasses Clear demi crystal glass. Side facetted and toothed stem. Th...
Crystal
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
Fish Shaped Silver Plate Pepper Mill / Grinder by Tre Spade, Italy, c. 1960
Located in London, GB
A magnificent mid century whimsical silver plate and wood figural koi carp shaped pepper mill, made in Italy c. 1960. Made by Tre Spade in Italy in the 1960s, this design is known ...
Silver Plate
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
Pair of Fornasetti “Greca” Cups and Saucers, Italy, ca. 1955
Located in Stockholm, SE
An early pair of porcelain cups with saucers, designed by Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988) in Milan, circa 1955. The model “Greca” is decorated with a black and gilt neoclassical key mot...
Porcelain
Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
Brass
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
Year Plate by Eduardo Paolozzi for Rosenthal, 1978
By Rosenthal, Eduardo Paolozzi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing bisque porcelain year plate, designed by Eduardo Paolozzi for Rosenthal, 1978, number 1620 from a limited series of 3000, complete with certificate and original box.
Porcelain
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
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver 925s Small Oval Candy Bowl Made After 1945
By Georg Jensen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Candy bowl/centerpiece from Georg Jensen Silver Copenhagen. Small oval bowl made of sterling silver 925s with stamp from the period after 1945 Very nice vintage condition. ...
Sterling Silver
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
Amboss Austria 2050 Flatware Cutlery for Six by Helmut Alder, 34 pcs., 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful modernist flatware from Austria, model 2050, designed by Helmut Alder, executed by Amboss Austria in the 1950s. High-quality flatware, made of brushed and polished stainless steel. For six persons, consists of six big spoons...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Set of Eight Silver on Copper Goblets or Stemware with Parrots
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century set of eight goblets handcrafted in silver plate on hammered copper featuring stone clad parrots or birds perched on the stems, designed with a touch of whimsy. Stamped E...
Stone, Silver Plate, Copper
$1,680 / set
Amboss 1050 "Bacon Cutlery"
Located in Vienna, AT
This rustic cutlery consist of 18 pieces and was made in rosewood and stainless steel and was the most expensive model of the company Amboss. Neuzeug from the 1950s Diamention kn...
Stainless Steel
Brass watering can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Brass watering can vienna around 1960s Brass polished
Brass
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Cypres by Tias Eckhoff Cutlery Set for 8 Persons
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Georg Jensen silver Denmark Cypres cutlery set for 8 persons in sterling silver designed by Tias Eckhoff in 1952. The set includes: 8 dining knives, length 22.3 cm 8 dining fork...
Sterling Silver
Bright Pink Square Floral Midcentury Dinner Napkins - Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four bright pink floral dinner napkins. Dimensions: 16.5" Square
Fabric
Pierre Cardin Bottle Opener, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pierre Cardin bottle opener, 1970s. Pierre Cardin bottle opener in chrome/silver metal. The price of shipping is for the Italian territory, for the islands and for shipping abroad ...
Metal
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
Set of 12 Noritake Morimura Gilt Dinner or Service Plates, Ex-Seidenberg
By Noritake
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 Noritake porcelain dinner plates. With transfer painted polychrome flowers to the center & rim, green Rococo style decoration, and raised gold highlights. (Labeled to the reverse with an old Seidenberg sticker pricing the set at $2250.) Simply a wonderful set of dinner service plates! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: They are in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition Details: There is some noticeable rubbing to the inner gold ring in the centers of most plates. There is some minor rubbing and losses to gilding high points in the raised gold decoration and one small noticeable (a little bit deeper) half-inch scratch to one plate. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Noritake Morimura Brothers...
Porcelain
$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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 8 MC Square Clear Lucite Napkin Holders and Salt Pepper Shakers
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 8 piece set of Mid-Century Modern lucite napkin holders. These novelty vintage pieces also perform as individual salt and pepper shakers...
Lucite
Set of six Fornasetti 'Specialita Romane' recipe plates c1950
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Wonderful set of six original Fornasetti Roman recipe plates. Italy c1950 Each plate with a typical Roman cuisine recipe along with a depiction of an historical Roman building.
Porcelain
$240 / item
Vintage Ashtray vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Vintage Ashtray vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Italian Red Goatskin Parchment Pepper Mill by Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Fabulous 1970’s large red goatskin parchment pepper mill by Italian designer Aldo Tura. Constructed of wood covered with red dye goatskin and clear lacquer to protect it. In beaut...
Brass
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp Cutlery Set "Bear Line"
By Gio Ponti, Art.Krupp Berndorf
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Stainless Steel
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
Aldo Tura Goatskin Parchment & Brass Butler Crumber Crumb 3-Piece Set Italian
By Aldo Tura
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an unusual crumber set by Aldo Tura of Italy. Typical of his use of materials, the three components are a mix of goatskin and brass. The goatskin on the covered handles and b...
Brass
Beautiful Carl Aubock Mid-Century Horn Pepper Or Salt Mill, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist pepper- or salt mill, made of cow horn, designed and executed by Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In very good condition, marginal...
Metal
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
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Austria, circa 1963. This is a large set containing 91 pieces total. They are constructed of dishwas...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Swedish Koka Blue, Blau, Bla Series Coffee Pot, 1950s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Koka Blue, Blau, Bla Series Coffee Pot by Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand, 1950s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 This piece has an attribution mark....
Ceramic
$3,822Sale Price / set|20% 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
Set 12 Blown Bubble Glass Mid-Century Modern Drinking Glasses Glassware, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 12 Mid-Century Modern heavy blown bubble glass drinking glasses, glassware, stemware made in Italy. In excellent condition. A-976-335
Blown Glass
French Mid-Century Brass Rope Trivet
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant and lovely French brass trivet features a beautifully sculpted rope motif, intertwined in a fluid, symmetrical design. The piece is cast in solid brass with a warm, aged...
Brass
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
Set of 6 Knife Rests - Resin Embedded Flowers, Ferns, and Seeds - France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Set of 6 Knife Rests - Resin Embedded Flowers, Ferns, and Seeds - France 1970s Charming set of French mid-century knife rests in resin with embedded fern and seeds. Nice organic pi...
Other
Da Vinci by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set 50 Pcs Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
Da Vinci by Reed & Barton, circa 1967, sterling silver flatware set - 50 pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 9 1/8" 12 Forks, 7 1/2" 12 Salad Forks, 7" 12 Teaspoons, 6 1/8" 1 Se...
Sterling Silver
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