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.
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century dome-shaped Cocoon pendant light in beige resin and steel. This gorgeous ceiling light was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960...
Metal, Steel
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Pair of White Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian White Clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Ea...
Metal
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
Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of table lamps in Murano mouth-blown rostrato glass and brass. These incredibly elegant and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy du...
Brass
Achille Castiglioni Large Mid-Century Beige Flower "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large Mid-Century bell-flower shaped cocoon pendant in resin and brass. This gorgeous ceiling lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy duri...
Metal, Steel, Brass
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
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
Italian Midcentury Amber Murano Leaf Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and unique Italian amber Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. This fixture was made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. This wall sconce ...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Murano Clear Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano 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
Cister Wood Hanging Lamp by José Antonio Coderch, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Interior lamp designed by Coderech in 1970. A structure of semi-gloss aluminum covered with screens of treated wood. Assembled using transparent plastic coated magnets. The Cister...
Wood
Barovier Murano Ribbed Glass & Brass Table Lamp with Pink Lampshade, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table lamp in Murano blown glass and brass, completed by a light pink cotton lampshade. This elegant lamp was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1950s. In amazing co...
Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Mario Bellini for Artemide “Area 160” Large Floor Lamp, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent and iconic "Area 160" floor lamp, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Artemide in the 1970s. The lamp is signed on the bottom. Fully original and in amazing condit...
Metal
Large Modernist ART DECO metal plafoniere Ceiling Flushmount Light, FRANCE 1920s
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti, Gio Ponti
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: large ceiling plafoniere element can also be used as wall light Origin: France Age: 1920s, 1930s Original modernist art deco ceiling light made of solid metal....
Metal
FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with cameos on red background (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...
Metal
Pair of Adjustable Sconces in Brass and Green Metal, Stilnovo, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of adjustable wall sconces in brass and soft green enameled metal. These stylish and elegant lights were produced in Italy during the 1950s and are attributed to Stil...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Le Klint Scissor Lamp in Oak from the 1960s
By Le Klint
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic vintage Le Klint scissor lamp down light in oak from the 1960s. The oak has been lightly sanded and waxed without removing the beautiful dark patina to the wood. In great vin...
Oak
Millefiori Flush Mount by Barovier e Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian flush mount with clear and gold hand blown Murano glass flowers / Made in Italy in the 1960s by Barovier e Toso Measures: Diameter 24 inches / height 8 inches 5 light...
Murano Glass
Huge French Midcentury Wrought-Iron, Brass & Art Glass Lantern, 1960s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Huge wrought-Iron, brass & yellow art glass pendant lantern with beautiful details, handmade in the 1960s, France. Original condition with a lovely patina. One E27 Edison standa...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Brown Leather Floor Lamp Falkenbergs Belysning, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This lamp was made in Sweden at Falkenbergs Belysning. Wonderful, assembled brass combination with leather rod. The brass working well together with the brown stitched leather. Good...
Brass
Italian Postmodern Multicolor Murano Style Glass Chandelier by Sylcom Memphis St
By Sylcom
Located in Lisse, NL
Sylcom Italian postmodern multicolor glass chandelier, Memphis-Inspired, circa 1980. This highly expressive Italian chandelier, produced by Sylcom, stands as a sculptural example of...
Metal
Italian Long Midcentury Amber Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long Italian clear amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Maz...
Metal
Louis Poulsen Lp Charisma King Cone Pendant with Plexi Shell & Silver Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Poulsen Charisma King cone pendant showcases the Danish manufacturer's signature minimalist approach to lighting design. The pendant features a plexi shell exterior that diffus...
Metal
Large Leather, Vellum and Rope Italian Chandeliers, Max Ingrand, Italy 1940s
By Max Ingrand
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning chandeliers made from a beautiful mix of parchment and knotted leather details, completed with a rope cord and canopy. These charming and incredibly rare organic chandeliers...
Leather, Hemp, Rope
Pair of Large Chandeliers Murano Glass and Chrome, Nason for Mazzega, Italy 1970
By Aldo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and rare pair of large chandeliers in mouth-blown “pelugoso” Murano glass and chrome-plated metal. These iconic pieces were designed by Aldo Nason and produced by Mazzega...
Brass
German Mid-Century "Cocoon" Wave Chandelier by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1970s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, hypnotic and unique German "Cocoon" wave Chandelier. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten. Body di...
Metal
1 of 2 c 1950 French Tole Faux Palm Tree 6 Light Chandelier Rare Shape Big Size
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing six lights. Will be newly rewired and ready to hang. We use certified US UL sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Extremely hard to find a matc...
Tôle
Vintage Ifö of Sweden Ceramic Bathroom Lamps with Opaline Shades from the 1960s
By Ifö Electric
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Ifö of Sweden ceramic bathroom lamps from the 1960s in white.. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Opaline glass shades. Ceramic bulb holders for an E14 bulb Lamps can be used...
Ceramic
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Chandelier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular leaf chandelier entirely made of Murano mouth-blown glass and solid brass. This incredibly elegant and unique piece was produced by the mastery of Barovier in Italy durin...
Brass
Vintage Ifö of Sweden Ceramic Bathroom Lamps with Opaline Shades from the 1960s
By Ifö Electric
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Ifö of Sweden ceramic bathroom lamps from the 1960s in yellow and with the original boxes. Model 6035. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Opaline glass shades. Ceramic bulb h...
Ceramic, Opaline Glass
Barovier & Toso Murano Glass and Brass Flower Chandelier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular chandelier in Murano mouth-blown glass and solid brass. This incredibly elegant and unique chandelier was produced by the renowned masters of Murano glass Barovier and To...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Bronze and Marble Table Lamp
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger bronze & marble table lamp. Additional information: Materials: Bronze, marble. Color: Bronze. Brand: Tommi Parzinger. Designer: Tommi Parzinger...
Bronze
Graniglia Shield Sconce, 3 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian wall light with a Murano glass shield hand blown in Graniglia technique to produce granular textured / Made in Italy Measures: Height 12 inches, width 12 inches, depth 5 inch...
Murano Glass
Vintage Ifö of Sweden Ceramic Bathroom Lamps with Opaline Shades from the 1960s
By Ifö Electric
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Ifö of Sweden ceramic bathroom lamps from the 1960s in a light blue color. Model 6035. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Opaline glass shades. Ceramic bulb holders for an E...
Ceramic, Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Modern Palm Leaves Chandelier Murano Glass and Brass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Mouth blown Murano glass chandelier, green Murano glass leaves, brass frame, three light bulbs. The chandelier reproduces the crown of a palm tree. Rewired to European and US standar...
Brass
Graniglia Shield Sconce, 10 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian wall light with a Murano glass shield hand blown in Graniglia technique to produce granular textured effect, mounted on gold plated finish frame / Made in Italy Measures: Hei...
Gold Plate
Vintage Ifö of Sweden Ceramic Bathroom Lamps with Opaline Shades from the 1960s
By Ifö Electric
Located in Søborg, DK
A pair of vintage Ifö of Sweden ceramic bathroom lamps from the 1960s in grey. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Opaline glass shades. Ceramic bulb hold...
Ceramic
Murano Shell Sconce with Pink Curl, 5 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian wall light with satin frosted Murano glass shade in the shape of a shell with pink curl / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: height 9 inches / width 11.5 inches / D...
Murano Glass
Pair of Large Art Deco Style Murano Glass Textured Wall Sconces
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of Smoked Murano Glass Wall Lights, crafted from textured glass and brass. The glass is ribbed and curved in design, creating a stunning decorative impact. Each wall light requi...
Brass
Pair French Mid Century Amber Glass Pendant Lights C1970
Located in Trensacq, FR
A pair of unusual glass pendant lights from mid-century France C1970. Two textured faceted glass shades in subtle pearlised golden amber. Stylish and versatile these pendant lights c...
Brass
FORNASETTI Rare Ceramic Snail Table Lamp
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original white ceramic giant snail lamp / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: length 13.8 inches, width 9.8 inches, height 19.3 inches...
Ceramic
Midcentury Spanish Table Lamp by Willy Rizzo for Lumica, Barcelona, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Charming and unique Midcentury individual Table Lamp from 1970s. This table lamp is Willy Rizzo designed and crafted during the 1970s in Barcelona by “BD Lumica”. Rattan Lampshade in...
Brass, Metal
Stilnovo Red Enamel Metal and Brass Italian 3 Light Chandelier, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning three light chandelier in red enameled metal and brass. This elegant and unique piece was designed by Stilnovo and produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Large Beige Round Cocoon Pendant, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century Pendant with a gorgeous, uniform beige patina. This timeless and incredibly unique piece was made in Italy during the 1960s. In amazing condition, with no tear...
Metal, Steel
Castiglioni Large Viscontea Style Cocoon Italian Pendant Light
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous large "Viscontea" style cocoon pendant in fabulous conditions. This charming chandelier was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced Italy. In pristin...
Metal, Steel
Large Gatto Beige Cocoon Table Lamps by Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent first edition large Gatto cocoon table lamps designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced by Flos in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps are signed inside....
Metal
Barovier Monumental Double-Leaf Murano Glass and Brass Sconce, Italy, 1940s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic and monumental double leaf wall sconce in hand-blown Murano glass and brass. This spectacular piece was designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy, during the 1940s...
Brass
Aldo Nason Large Chandelier in Pelugoso Glass and Chrome, Mazzega, Italy 1970s
By Mazzega, Aldo Nason
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and rare large chandelier in mouth-blown “pelugoso” Murano glass and chrome-plated metal. This iconic piece was designed by Aldo Nason and produced by Mazzega in Italy du...
Brass
Vintage Italian Ceramic Table Lamp by Guido Gambone 'circa 1950s'
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian ceramic table lamp base by Guido Gambone (circa 1950s). The piece is hand painted in vibrant yellow with craquelure in some of the horizontal layers. The other ho...
Ceramic
Tommaso Barbi Mid-Century Cream Ceramic and Brass Italian Table Lamp, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century round table lamp in a gorgeous cream ceramic and brass. This iconic lamp was designed by Tommaso Barbi in Italy during the early 1970s and is signed inside. Th...
Brass
Pair of Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconces by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Pair of Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s by Carlo Nason. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Ven...
Metal
Maria Kipp Handwoven Lampshade with Ivory Plaid Bands over Natural Raffia, 1960s
By Maria Kipp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and striking lampshade designed by German-born, California-based textile artist Maria Kipp, celebrated for her masterful use of handwoven fibers in postwar interiors. This pie...
Raffia
Set of Four Iridescent Murano Wall Sconces by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Set of Four Italian Iridescent Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s by Carlo Nason. These Sconces were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “...
Metal
Vintage Ifö of Sweden Ceramic Bathroom Lamps with Opaline Shades from the 1960s
By Ifö Electric
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Ifö of Sweden ceramic bathroom lamps from the 1960s in grey. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Opaline glass shades. Ceramic bulb holders for an E1...
Ceramic
Holm Sørensen Poppy Pendant Light, Brass, Mid-Century, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish midcentury brutalist brass pendant made of twelve plates of flame cut and acid treated brass in two layers designed and handmade in the 1960s by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen for h...
Metal, Brass
Floor Lamp Brass Wood, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1960
By Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous floor light by Rupert Nikoll, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The light is very similar to the floor lamp model 'Hase' (engl. rabbit) designed by J.T. Kalmar. A white textile lamp...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Pendant Lamp Murano, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Suspension lamp in bronzed Murano glass, with brass details.
Brass