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.
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 80 cm Width: 92 cm Depth: 28 cm
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Floating Floor Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 82 cm Width: 93 cm Depth: 30 cm
Marble, Brass
Murano chandelier multicolor triedri - 107 prism - Mariangela model
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic vintage Murano chandelier made by 107 Murano crystal multicolored prism in a nickel metal frame. The glasses are transparent, blue, smoky, purple, green, yellow and pink. P...
Art Glass
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Night Stands w/ Drop Down Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished : With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Steel
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Kienzle Clock Golden Brass Table or Desk Clock, Art Deco Vibe, 1967, Germany
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Junghans Uhren GmbH, Kienzle Clocks
Located in Andernach, DE
This table or desk clock comes in an elegant art deco style, a beautiful piece, close to the ''Heliomat''. Very special and kept strictly in the art deco style are the housing, dial ...
Brass, Aluminum
$6,800 / set
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
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
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Pair of 'Edouard' Lounge Chairs in Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Edouard' lounge chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1970s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, an...
Fabric, Oak
Italian Mid-Century Rattan and Leather Magazine or Decorative Basket, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique large decorative basket in curved rattan and brown leatherette. This stylish organic basket was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and wit...
Brass
The Port Colbi Dresser/Credenza
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This a hand-crafted, solid wood dresser from Pete Deeble Furniture. Each dresser sold comes with a plate to authenticate its origin and give it's place in the production sequence. ...
Hardwood
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...
Brass
Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...
Aluminum
Brass and Glass Articulating Swivel Coffee Table 1970s In Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Toronto, ON
Articulating swivel four tier brass and glass cocktail side table in the style of Milo Baughman. This gorgeous brass table has four tiers, the top two tiers swivels 360 degrees and c...
Brass
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
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
Whimsical Modernist Beat Era Painting on Silver Leaf By Iris Brody, C. 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
A whimsical painting on silverleaf by the tragically short lived Beat Generation artist Iris Brody (1927-1961). She was a fixture of the Greenwich Village bohemian arts scene during ...
Silver Leaf
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mahogany Brown Leather Executive Swivel Desk Chair, 1970s
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair for Knoll in Brown Leather, 1970s A striking executive desk chair designed by Otto Zapf for Knoll, showcasing the designer’s signature approach to erg...
Leather
1970s Largest Sciolari Glass Rod Chandelier with 8 Lights , Italy
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
5 row of optical grade glass rod chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari . Solid well made structure . The longest rods measure 24 in. high , medium 16 in. and smallest 12 in. Total d...
Metal, Chrome
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces. H / 10 inches. W / 4.5 inches. D / 4 inches.
Wrought Iron
Guillerme & Chambron 'Jose' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak and Beige Wool
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, easy chair, model ‘Jose’, oak, wool, France, 1960s Characteristic Jose armchair by French designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. While the fr...
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Marbled Beige Cocoon Pendant by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and rare mid-century round cocoon pendant with a wonderful warm beige patina and a marbled finish. This stylish piece was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Ita...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by LA Period
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet 'Thierry' in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cabinet, model 'Thierry', oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This model 'Thierry' case piece is designed by Guillerme and Chambron. It features geom...
Ceramic, Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid oak, brass, France, 1960s This outstanding credenza is a design by the French masters Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme,...
Brass
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Spanish Green Onyx Gueridon / Side Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Mid-Century Modern Onyx Stone Gueridon Table Spain, 1950s Eye-catching onyx side table with column pedestal round base holding a round top. It has an amazing color in gre...
Stone, Onyx
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
Greta M. Grossman Bench / Coffee Table w/ Drawers for Glenn of CA
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Italian Amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. This Wall Sconce is equipped wit...
Metal
Handmade Belem Model Ship in Walnut Wood, 1970s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Belem model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history. Dimension: ...
Wood
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and truly unique Mid-Century square coffee table in bamboo and brass, completed by a smoked glass top and a reversible black and white lower tier. This incredibly stylish o...
Brass
Spanish Colonial Green Rectangular Wood Mirror with Gilt Iron Rosettes, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular Spanish Revival Mirror with Gilt Iron Rosettes, Spain, 1950-1960. Outstanding rectangular wood frame with carving details on the corners. It has an inset frame with a dar...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These elegant chandelier embodies the refined glamour of European mid century lighting design. Its sculptural composition of textured glass e...
Brass
Handmade 1970s Cliper Siglo XIX Model Ship in Walnut, England
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Cliper Siglo XIX Model Ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. The name on your model’s plaque, "Cliper Siglo XIX", simply translates from Spanish/Italian ...
Wood
Custom Tambour-Door Teak Credenza by Danish Modern L.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Danish Modern LA Manufacturer Danish Modern LA
Wood, Teak
$982Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish solar Crown Sunburst wall lighting in Gilt Metal , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf motifs surrounding a central frosted glass dif...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
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
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Large White Opaline Glass Globe Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass globe 2 meter black cotton flex Brass top Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incand...
Brass
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Cart in Cherry-Red Goatskin, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in München, BY
Rare 1960s Aldo Tura serving bar cart crafted from wood, clad in cherry-red goatskin and finished with a thick, clear lacquer coating. The high-quality frame is made of brass. A hig...
Brass
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Kisses" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli, Follia Pratica
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this "Kisses" floor lamp was designed by Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in the 1990s. Part of the...
Plastic
Italian Mid-Century Custom-Made Architectural Wall Unit in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, glass, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Exceptional Italian wall unit from the 1950s, crafted from richly grained mahogany wood with elegant glass details. Its architectural compos...
Glass, Mahogany
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
1940s Italian Sideboard in Chestnut with Faceted Front
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, chestnut, Italy, 1940s This refined 1940s sideboard in chestnut reflects the influence of the Paolo Buffa School. Its defining elements are the faceted, diamond-like front ...
Chestnut
Brutalist French Cabinet in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed sideboard embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
German Midcenturry Murano Ice-Glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand, 1970s
By Hillebrand, Egon Hillebrand
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Murano Ice-glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand Leuchten. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Model 8527-211. This Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made from ...
Brass
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces. In the style of Bagues. Blue Crystal Flowers and gold leaves tole. H / 23.5 inches. W / 14.5 inches.
Crystal, Wrought Iron