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.
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition. Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Brass
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Brass, Steel
Erté, Alcazar de Paris, Original Signed and Numbered Lithograph 12/120, 1970
By Erté
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare and Original 1970 lithograph by Erté, the professional name of Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990), created for the celebrated Alcazar de Paris cabaret. The composition is highly cha...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. The sconce features a robust design with materials including lacquered black metal and brass, complemented...
Metal, Brass
1960s Stunning Large Green and Yellow 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
Italian Mid-Century Dining Table in Bright Purple Plexiglass, Aluminum and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Round dining table, aluminum, plexiglass, mahogany, Italy, 1960s This Italian dining table from the 1960s brings together many materials in a fresh and fun design. It has a dark mah...
Aluminum
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso Art Deco Bar Cabinet Cherry Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso, cabinet, cherry, mirrored glass, brass, glass, Seveso, Milan, Italy, 1940s This extremely elegant Italian bar cabinet features decorative woode...
Brass
Charming Italian Pink & Ice Clear Murano Glass Ceiling Fixture, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount, made in Italy during the 1970s–1980s. This charming fixture features a gorgeous textured glass shade accented by a delicate pink-colored glass r...
Metal
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa w/ Slate Stone Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing, Original Black Slate Stone ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid...
Stone
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
German Mid-Century Flower "Cocoon" Chandelier by Linus Boop, 1970s
By Linus Bopp
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Flower German "Cocoon" Chandelier by Boop Leuchten. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Adjustable height up to 125 cm. Origi...
Metal
Carmel Sofa by Bloom Home Inc - 100% Belgian Linen, Slipcovered
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Carmel Sofa Slip Covered in 100% Belgian Linen 85″ L x 36″ d x 34″ H / 29″ h at the corner Arm Height 25″ Seat Height 19″ / Seat Depth 27″ / Seat Width 74″ Leg Height 2″ / Removable...
Linen
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Spice Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Spice Color, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in a rich, earthy spice-toned linen, its tailored slipcover ...
Linen
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light designed by French designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials m...
Glass, Oak
1950s Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Iridescent Murano Glass Wall Sconce, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Italian Iridescent Murano glass Wall Sconce. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy. This Sconce is equipped with two light sockets ...
Metal
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Blue Velvet Jacquard by Casamance, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to ...
Metal, Brass
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Stilnovo, Nikolay Diulgheroff
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Italian Mid-Century Modern Highboard with Illustrated Fabric Panels in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Highboard, chestnut, illustrated fabric, Italy, 1940s/1950s This remarkable Italian highboard is characterized by its warm chestnut construction and richly decorated front. Six pane...
Fabric, Chestnut
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
An Impressive French Leather Club Sofa, Circa 1950’s This beautiful, stylish, rare and all-original leather club sofa has been wonderfully preserved by it’s previous owners in a Fre...
Leather
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
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
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Biscuit Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s wall mirror in the style of legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti boasts a captivating "biscuit" (biscotto) silhouette. Defined by its organic, gently flare...
Brass
Mid Century Large Yellow Lucite Grape Cluster, 1960s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in shades of yellow. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic leaves tuck...
Lucite, Wood
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home, Terracotta Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
Rosewood Sideboard with sliding doors Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This compact storage piece features smooth sliding doors and sleek tapered legs. The refined silhouette highlights the rich grain patterns typical of mid-century design. Crafted from...
Rosewood
Signed Oball Murano Pink and Black Art Glass Fish Figurine Paperweight
By Atelier Oball, Luigi Onesto
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A charming sculptural fish by Vetreria Oball, Murano, combining a luminous raspberry-pink body with bold black glass details. The rounded central form is encased in thick, clear glas...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, featuring a round brass wall plate, gently curved brass arms, black lacquered metal elements, and white opaline glass shades. The design is light ...
Brass
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak & Cognac Leather Lounge Chair for Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full Grain-Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bri...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
Danish Oval Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
By Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Henning Kjærnulf style oval extendable dining table with turned and carved legs. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s most likely by EG Møbler The table is made of so...
Oak
Brass Swing-Arm Floor Lamp with Pleated Shade Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant floor lamp features an adjustable swing arm and a classic pleated shade that casts a warm ambient glow. Crafted with refined lines, it embodies the timeless sophisticati...
Brass
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Set of Six Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous, stunnin and unique Set of Six Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 li...
Metal, Brass
Patinated Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Greece
By Frederic Weinberg, Pepe Mendoza
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking bronze sculpture, originally found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria, is inspired by the elegant forms and symbolic motifs of ancient Etruscan art. Crafted in Greece...
Metal
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s
Located in Gloucester, GB
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s - Pine with steel handles - Glass sliding doors - Original key and lock - German ~ 1940s Dimensions Whole cabinet - Width 292cm x height 196cm ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Jack Cartwright / Founders Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet Chest
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century modern Jack Cartwright for Founders walnut pagoda form dry bar cabinet or gentleman’s chest. Jack Cartwright was taking Scandinavian minimalism and incorporatin...
Walnut
Oak Storage Cabinet with Doors Swedish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This versatile storage cabinet combines crisp geometric detailing with warm Scandinavian craftsmanship. Built in Sweden, it features an upper drawer above a dual-door cabinet with ad...
Oak
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this...
Travertine
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
Mid-Century Brass and Enamel Barware Cocktail Picks, Spanish Swords, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming and highly decorative set of eight cocktail picks from Toledo, Spain, circa 1950, each meticulously shaped as a miniature Spanish sword. The e...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Teak Tallboy Dresser with 6 Drawers Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This tall dresser features six spacious drawers and clean architectural lines. Elevated on slender tapered legs, it offers a refined silhouette embodying classic Scandinavian style. ...
Teak
Sarah Ellison Muse Modular Sofa in Cognac Velvet, Mid-Century Modern
Located in San Carlos, CA
A four-piece modular sofa from Sarah Ellison's celebrated "Muse" collection for Ellison Studios, upholstered in a warm cognac velvet. The set comprises two armless seat modules and t...
Velvet, Hardwood
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-01-C Large Filing Cabinet, Chandigarh, c. 1960
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare and authentic Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-01-C large filing cabinet, designed for the Chandigarh Project and dating to circa 1960. Handcrafted in solid teak, this substantial cabin...
Teak
Large Adjustable Brass Keos Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz
By Adolf Loos, Florian Schulz, Wiener Werkstätte, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
A beautiful brass pendant lamp from the 1970s. The lamp produces a truly beautiful lighting effect. Its design and exquisite details create a sophisticated and pleasant light. The la...
Metal
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Murano glass bowl designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Exemplifying the pinnacle of mid-century Venetian glassmaking, this piece showcases Poli’s sign...
Murano Glass
Joe Colombo 'Elda' Swivel Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Comfort Design Furniture, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of Italian designer Joe Colombo’s best-known designs. This particular b...
Leather, Fiberglass
Metal Floor Lamp with Dual Textured Shades Mid-Century Modern 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking floor lamp features a slender dark metal stem branching into dual adjustable arms with textured cone shades. It delivers warm directional light while showcasing a disti...
Steel
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic beige tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
Czechoslovak Mid-century Set of Eight Wall Sconces by OSVETLOVACI SKLO, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and stunning Czechoslovakia Set of Eight White glass Wall Sconces or Flush Mounts from 1970s by OSVETLOVACI SKLO. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 19309s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattered s...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Twelve Elegant Rustic Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Oak and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, oak, rush, Europe, 1950s/1960s This large set of twelve dining chairs combines a rustic character with a clean, modern design. The oak frames feature ge...
Rush, Oak
Czechoslovakia Mid-century Set of Eight Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Czechoslovakia Set of Eight glass Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Czechoslovakia. These Flush Mounts or Wall Sc...
Metal
Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet for Glenn of CA
By Milo Baughman, 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
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's These stylish chapeau de gendarme models are beautiful. The rich, chestnut brown colour is very love...
Leather