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.
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Amber Ball Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a stacked ball stem design in a dark muted amber color. An etched d...
Glass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 6
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a classic ribbed green stem. An etched design of grape vines decora...
Glass
Pair of vintage Murano Rondini wall sconces – gold glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano trasparent RONDINI glasses mixed with gold powder , golden plated metal frame, condition like new. The glasses are very...
Art Glass
1990s Gorgeous "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Aquarium" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli The "Aquarium" floor lamp, is a rare collaboration between the legendary Piero Fornasetti and Antonangeli. Produced in th...
Plastic
Very Large Kienzle World Clock by Heinrich Möller, Vintage Brass Design, 1965
By Kienzle Clocks, Heinrich Möller
Located in Andernach, DE
Kienzle world clock, Chronoquartz, by Heinrich Johannes Möller for Kienzle, circa 1965. Polished brass case with brushed finish and domed glass, br...
Brass
1950s Italian Stilnovo Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, crafted in brass with black lacquered brass accents and opaline glass diffusers. The design reflects the refined ...
Metal, Brass
Gerben van Hes Ceramic Table Lamp, Twentsch Ros, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gerben van Hes and made in his own studio 'Twentsch Ros’ in the Netherlands in the 1960s. The base is signed/inscribed with Hes on the underside....
Ceramic, Fabric
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Lounge Chairs, Mohair, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige mohair lounge chair designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, 1950s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use, including minor natural wood cr...
Mohair, Oak
Mid-Century Chinoiserie Black Lacquer TV & Stereo Console with Olympic KC370 TV
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Black Lacquered Wood, Hand Painted Panels Designer: Olympic Manufacturer: Olympic This striking Olympic TV & stereo console is a tr...
Wood
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...
Aluminum, Brass
1970’s Pair of Vintage Italian Murano Wall Lights, 10 Pink Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 10 fantastic Murano pink and transparent glasses ("crostoli") in a metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass
German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and classic ribbed stems in a green color. Each glass measures 3.25"Di...
Glass
Delicious Murano Vintage Chandelier with Pink Glass Flowers & Shades, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This elegant chandelier, crafted in Italy in the 1970s, exemplifies the timeless beauty of handcrafted glass art. The light fixture comprises a bouquet of delicately shaped brass rod...
Metal
Nordisk Solar Brutalist Pendant Lamps by Anton Fogh Holm & Alfred J. Andersen, 1
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A green and a purple pendant light in original patinated, superficially corroded - undisturbed conditions. Have them painted in the colors of your choice your self or use them as is ...
Iron
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Tambour-Door Credenza by Milo Baughman
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
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Californian Tambour-Door Credenza by Barzilay
By Barzilay
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
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier, 78 Glasses, Pink Fuxia Silk
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large pink fuxia silk glass tubes in a star shape. Per...
Blown Glass
Jean Rispal style. Mid-Century Modern pendant lamp, Spain, 1980s
By Jean Rispal, Estiluz Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century Modern style suspension lamp in the style of Jean Rispal's designs. Natural pine wood structure with satin varnish and beige ovoid-shaped lampshade made of pleated cellul...
Rhodoid, Wood, Pine, Acrylic
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
Martz / Marshall Studios Hexagon Table Lamp—Green Copper / Incised Lines Design
Located in Portland, OR
💡 Marshall Studios Martz Incised Tapered Hexagon Lamp A masterwork of texture and form from the legendary Gordon and Jane Martz. This sculptural piece features a sophisticated tape...
Brass
Maison Jansen Brass and Crystal Tiny Round Bar Cart, France, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous compact Mid-Century round bar cart in solid brass and crystal glass. This elegant piece was produced by Maison Jansen in France during the 1950s. In excellent condition, th...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Powder Blue Mohair Velvet Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This pair of swiveling "Nautilus" chairs by Vladimir Kagan, crafted in America circa 1970, is a quintessential example of Kagan’s visionary design. Renowned for his sculptural approa...
Mohair, Velvet
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce – green triedri - Column model
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 green prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The wall lamps can be inst...
Art Glass
Beautiful, Very Rare, Five Midcentury Heavy Brass Table Ashtrays by Carl Auböck
Located in München, DE
Beautiful very rare five midcentury heavy brass table ashtrays. Designed by the world famous Austrian designer Carl Auböck. All solid brass ashtrays are bronzed inside and outside. Great timeless midcentury design. Very good condition with few signs of wear. Have been used very little. No damages. No ash residue. Price is for all five pieces together. Three flat large ashtrays: 11.5 x 9 cm 4.5" x 3.5" Height: 1.5cm 0.6" Two tall ashtrays...
Brass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Cartier in Excellent condition.
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Paper
Expertly Restored-Adrian Pearsall Model 2450TK Coffee Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Premium Rosso Levanto Marble Table With Tapered Solid Base, Customizable Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
ROSSO LEVANTO MARBLE DINING TABLE Type of Marble: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 72" x 36" (Custom sizes available) Leg Model: Rosso Levanto (Custom leg models available) Customization:...
Travertine, Marble
1970s Gorgeous Verner Panton Style "Quadrat" Geometric Space Age Op Art Rug.
Located in Milano, IT
1970s This gorgeous space age "Quadrat" model rug in whool embodies the distinctive style of Verner Panton, featuring a mesmerizing geometric design that commands attention. A true w...
Wool
Wood Dining Table Round by Moscatelli for Meroni Mid-Century Modern Italy 1964s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century dining table by Giulio Moscatelli for the Meroni company. This Italian design piece, dating back to 1964, is crafted from fine wood with visible grain on the circular top...
Metal
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Birdseye Maple
Swedish Opaline Glass & Brass Caged Lantern Pendant, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This mid-century pendant was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. The light features a lantern-style pendant with a white opaline glass shade enclosed within a polished...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Lampshade shows signs of moderate wear consistent with age and use. Dimens...
Brass
French Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and white opaline glass wall lights designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 7.0"H x 3.4"W x 6.85"D...
Brass
$829Sale Price|33% Off
Spanish solar Crown Sunburst fixture with 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, Gold Leaf, Iron
Pair of Large Sculptural Mid Century Pendant Lamps in Opaline Glass 1960
Located in Meer, VAN
Mid Century Pendant Lamp in Opaline Glass, The Netherlands, 1960. A wonderful and large mid century pendant lamp in opaline glass. A sculptural organic modern design arranged in a v...
Glass, Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Bitossi Vase by Aldo Londi with Pineapple Relief Pattern
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking mid-20th-century ceramic vase was designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi and features the iconic pineapple-pattern relief for which Londi’s work is celebrated. Its tall rec...
Ceramic, Pottery
Set of Six Giotto Stoppino Modern Metal Chrome Dining Chairs for Kartell, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Set of 6 curved chairs in faux leather with a chromed tubular frame. These chairs, as shown in the photos, require reupholstery and have some defects. While the frame and chrome plat...
Metal, Chrome
1960 Gerald Thurston 6 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant chandelier from Gerald Thurston for Lightolier , USA. Pierced and slightly folded punched hole in an enameled aluminium shade sitting on a brass stucture . Glass diffuser un...
Aluminum, Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Parchment, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral and butterfly printed beige parchment and fabric pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Minor staining to fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Overa...
Fabric, Parchment Paper
Set of Six Oak and Rush Chairs with Sculptural Legs, Europe 1940s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This exquisite mid-century dining set from the 1940s effortlessly merges historic charm with modern, organic design. Crafted from natural materials using traditional techniques, thes...
Rush, Oak
Pair of brass small Decorative brass birds figurines, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of small, finely crafted decorative brass birds, dating from the 1950s and of French origin. Each bird features a stylized body covered in a design punctuated with colorful cabo...
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Sculptural Round Dining Table in Walnut, Varedo, Italy, 1945
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare dining table was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1945 and produced by his company Arredamenti Borsani in Varedo, Italy. The piece is accompanied by a certificate of aut...
Wood, Walnut
Anella Lotus Flower Hammered Brass Pendant Light
Located in İstiklal, TR
Arel Lighting is a handmade manufacturer of lighting fixtures. ANELLA Embossed Lotus Flower Brass Pendant is an elegant statement piece that blends sculptural artistry with refined ...
Brass
$2,968Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Fritz Hansen Style Lounge Chair In Green Velvet With Oak Armrests. Denmark
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant mid-century Danish lounge chair from the 1950s, executed in rich green velour upholstery. The design reflects the refined and organic aesthetic associated with the Fritz Hans...
Velvet, Oak, Pine
Vintage 1970s Leather Lounge Chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken
By Elsa and Nordahl Solheim, Rybo Rykken
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A pair of rare sculptural Mid-Century lounge chairs, so called "Ry-Wing", designed by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken & Co., Norway, circa 1970s. These stunning Scandina...
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century Cast Iron Wall Lights with White Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast Iron wall light White opaline glass, brass top. Diameter cast iron wall piece: 10.5 cm / 4 inches 2 holes to secure Weight: 2.80 kg / 6.2 lb Priced per individual item. All ...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Leather Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus , 1960s, Switzerland Measurements : Height: 84 cm Width: 59 cm Depth: 55 cm Seating height: 37 cm Please do not he...
Leather, Wood
Antique Holophane Prismatic Glass Church Kitchen Island Brass Pendant Light
By Holophane
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Holophane Ripple-Lite Church Pendant Light -C A prismatic glass pendant light Manufactured by ‘Holophane’. The light has retained its original coppered brass metal gallery, ...
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Arnold Krog - Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Musselmalet - 4 Dinner Plates 1084
By Arnold Krog, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Stockholm, SE
4 Dinner Plates of model Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted designed by Arnold Krog. The plates are 25.5 cm in diameter and in excellent condition except from a few minor scratches. These ...
Porcelain
Pair of vintage Murano Six-Tier Felci wall sconce - pink glasses
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 10 Murano pink Six-Tier Felci for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The glasses of this chandelier are real works of art. Pe...
Art Glass
Monumental Mid Century Chandelier in Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass 1960
Located in Meer, VAN
Monumental Mid Century Chandelier in Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass, The Netherlands, 1960. A very large (215 cm / 83 inch diameter) and quintessentially mid century chandelier i...
Metal
$514Sale Price / item|30% Off
Mid-20th Century Spanish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Table Lamps
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Spanish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Table Lamps with Hand-Woven Wicker Shades, Mid-20th Century A striking pair of hand-forged wrought iron table lamps, handcrafted in Spain ci...
Wrought Iron
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 6
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a classic ribbed green stem. An etched design of grape vines decora...
Glass
Vico Magistretti Omega Opal Glass Pendant Lamps, Italy, 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Vico Magistretti Pendant Lamps 'Omega' for Artemide, 1960 Large pair of opal glass suspension lights with nickeled brass frames from the sought-after Eptaclinio line from Ma...
Brass, Nickel
George Coslin Serving Bar Cart with Drawers in Rosewood and Chrome, Italy, 1950s
By George Coslin, Bernini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century Italian bar trolley crafted in a refined mix of rosewood, chrome-plated metal, and white laminate. This refined and distinctive piece was designed by George Cos...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Ingmar Relling Siesta Ottoman for Westnofa, Black Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ingmar Relling designed the Siesta ottoman as the companion piece to his renowned Siesta lounge chair, both produced by Norwegian manufacturer Westnofa....
Leather, Bentwood
1940s vintage wooden coffee table Italian design
Located in None, IT
Walnut coffee table with curved legs and decorated top, Italian style, 1940s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 47 cm; diameter 62 cm; M...
Wood
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Fretwork Hanging Trinket Curio Display Shelf 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage mid 20th century Chinese Chippendale style mahogany 2 tier wall hanging shelf - elegant fretwork sides supporting two shelves with scalloped edge trim. Dimensions: 16.75" x ...
Mahogany
Fully Refinished Mid Century Modern Handcrafted Wood Coffee Table. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Fully Refinished Mid Century Modern Handcrafted Wood Pedestal Coffee Table. Circa 1970s Features a rich, natural two-tone wood grain flow across the tabletop and table pedestal base....
Wood
Paul Evans Style Patchwork Metal Brutalist Nightstand Pair by Lane
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Nightstand Pair by Lane. Done in the style of the Cityscape line by Paul Evans. A variation of the prisim line with patchwork metal doors in chrome and b...
Metal, Brass
Expertly Restored-Californian Modernist Dresser by Stanley Young for Glenn of CA
By Stanley Young, 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