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.
beautiful Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant 1970s Murano glass flush mount handcrafted in Italy. The fixture features beautifully textured, hand-blown Murano glass resting on a white lacquered metal base, creating a...
Metal
Scalloped Flower Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scalloped Flower Shaped Flush Mount Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1930s-1940s. Sculptural ceiling light fixture with scalloped dome spherical plate, gilt iron, gold leaf. __________________________________________________________________________ This exquisite flower or shell style handmade flush mount light was crafted from iron. This stunning ceiling flush mount was nicely constructed featuring a shell like gilt iron semi-sphere finished in gold leaf. The central sphere is heavily hand-hammered with stripes and it shows its original gold leaf gilding with a dramatic aged patina. This piece was entirely made by hand and shows a nice hand-crafted metalwork. The central panel is heavily adorned by the hammer marks. Its design combines Art Deco inspiration and Hollywood Regency accents. It can be placed as a flush mount or as a pendant hanging from a chain at the desired height. Designed to blend timeless elegance with artisanal craftsmanship. The shell or flower like design reflects soft ambient light beautifully, making it perfect for living room, dining room, hallways or bedrooms. It will be a nice addition wherever you install it. Newly wired. Overall Measures: 31 cm diameter x 8 cm H Shell Dome Light Fixture...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
1 of 2 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier designed by Venini for Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and...
Brass
Amber Espadín Glass Semi Flush Mount Light, Large, Agave Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
This collection draws inspiration from the agave and its piña, the dense heart from which mezcal is made. Each piece is handblown in Oaxaca, where the centuries-old making of mezcal ...
Blown Glass
Set of six opaline glass sphere flush mount lamps, Itsu 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of this set of six opaline glass sphere flush mount lamps from the 1950s, perfectly crafted with a nickel-plated simple base. Designed for versatility,...
Nickel
Italian Gold-Plated Brass Chandelier with 6 Glass Globes in Style Angelo Brotto
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Very decorative and beautiful chandelier made of brass, fitted with five E14 sockets with glass ball shades. Made by Hans Agne Jakobsseon in the 1960s. The fixture requires five Euro...
Metal, Brass
French Sunburst Light Fixture / Flush Mount in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Foliage Flush Mount Light Fixture, Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1950 Sculptural sunburst ceiling light fixture with leaves frame surrounding a central spherical plate, gilt iro...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Orrefors, Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic light fixture model Tulipan by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip s...
Metal, Brass
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rew...
Metal
Fontana Arte Ceiling Light, Vintage Italian Flush Mount in glass and chrome
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount ceiling light. Made in Italy in 1960s. Two kinds of glass. Takes 3 halogen G9 bulbs. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. FREE US rewiring upon request. F...
Metal, Chrome
Model 5560/Z200 Flush Mounts (4) by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno
Located in Vienna, AT
Model 5560/Z200 Flush Mounts by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno 4 pieces available, priced individually Well preserved flushmount lights by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, Finland, circa...
Brass
Italian Designer, Flush Mount, Glass, Italy, 1990s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink-colored Murano glass flush mount designed and produced in Italy, c. 1990s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4.5"H x 11.75"D Bulb Specification...
Glass
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light, Brass & Frosted Glass Starry Sky, Idman Oy, 1951
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Vienna, AT
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount "Starry Sky" 9068 for Idman Oy, 1950-1960 3 pieces available, priced individually Starry-sky ceiling light by Paavo Tynell for Idman. Brass, painted & perfor...
Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Flush Mount Friedel Wauer Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Mid-Century cocoon ceiling lamp by German manufacturer Goldkant, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s. The lamp is mounted directly to the ceiling or wall. In the...
Metal
$3,466Sale Price|20% Off
French Sunburst Starburst Pendant Light Fixture in Gilt Metal & Milk Glass, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Leafed Pendant Ceiling Light with In Gilt Iron with Milk Glass Globe France, 1950s Outstanding French sunburst pendant in gilt metal and opaline glass This sunburst starburs...
Metal, Iron
Green Espadín Glass Semi Flush Mount Light, Large, Agave Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
This collection draws inspiration from the agave and its piña, the dense heart from which mezcal is made. Each piece is handblown in Oaxaca, where the centuries-old making of mezcal ...
Blown Glass
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconce, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Art Deco Murano sconce by Ercole Barovier. This bellflower-shaped sconce was produced in Italy during the late 1940s. In fabulous condition, with no chips or cracks. This ...
Brass
Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large pair of bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful lights were produced in Italy by Barovier during the 1940s. In...
Brass
$846Sale Price|40% Off
Large Spanish gilt gold crown Flush Mount round curve glass , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and opaline glass ; white ; opaline Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf motifs surrounding a central...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Large Sculptural Murano Glass Wall or Flush Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Paolo Venini, Max Ingrand, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in München, DE
Unique and large Murano glass wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The lamp is very impressive. The texture of the glass and its exceptional tint create a sparkling light. A fantasti...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream-white fabric and pine flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Small scratch on wood cap detail. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Fabric, Pine
Midcentury Golden Brass Prism Crystals Chandelier by Lumica, Barcelona, 1970s
By BD Lumica
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, extraordinary and marvelous midcentury chandelier by Lumica, This chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Barcelona (Spain) for the company “LUMICA". Thi...
Brass
$4,003Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Wrought Iron and Glass, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of kind Sunburst Leafed Light Fixture, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Frosted Glass Mid-Century Modern gilt iron sunburst flush mount with leaves surrounding a central frosted glass di...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Large Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell, Limburg Germany 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell, Limburg Germany 1960s Height adjustable from about 45cm to 75cm. Executed in rattan. The pendant lamp comes with 1 x E27 / ...
Metal
RAAK Ceiling Flushmount Lights, 1960
By RAAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful flushmount lights with solid glass body by RAAK, Netherlands, 1960, three available, wired for US standards, one E27 socket per fixture, max. wattage 60w or LED equivalent,...
Aluminum
Several Flower Wall Lights, Brass and Glass by Sische, 1970s, Germany
By Sische
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 flower wall lights, brass and glass by Sische Lighting, circa 1970s, Germany. Each of these wall lights is composed of a glass flowers shade screwed through round metal ri...
Brass
Model Moni' 1190-1200 Ceiling Lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model Moni' 1190 - 1200 ceiling lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E14 light bulbs. Wired and sui...
Metal, Enamel
Barovier Large Triple Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large table lamp fully made of Murano mouth-blown “rostrato” glass and brass. This incredibly charming table lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier and produced in...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell and produced in the early 60's. Hard to find smaller size here in the States. Very good overall condition. Most likely re-lacquered a...
Brass, Steel
1 of 4 Mid Century Flushmount Smoked Glass by Limburg, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
One of four round glass flush-mount ceiling lights by Limburg, Germany, 1970s. Featuring hand-blown smoked glass with an elegant raindrop texture, mounted on a solid brass base. The...
Brass
Iron Metal Spider with Murano Glass, Sconce Wall Light Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Italian “Spider” Wall Lamp with smoked Murano Glass, 1970s Striking and sculptural, this mid-century Italian wall sconce—often referred to as a “spider” lamp—features an...
Metal
staff chrome plated CEILING LIGHT A248 design rolf krüger 1960s, 6 available
By Rolf Krüger, Staff Leuchten
Located in Mannheim, DE
Chrome-plated ceiling light from the 1960s. Designed by Rolf Krüger for Staff-Leuchten. Model no. A248. For one E27 bulb. Mirrored bulbs are most effective. Bulb not included. Dime...
Chrome
$4,662Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Sunburst Flush Mount Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large French Modern Neoclassical Sunburst Light Fixture with Spikes Detail, France, 1940s This stunning hand-hammered gilt iron sunburst ceiling light was manufactured at the end of ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Huge Foliage Floral Flush Mount Light Fixture in Polychromed Iron, 47 in
Located in Barcelona, ES
Monumental Multicolor Rosebush Tree Ceiling Flush Mount, Polychrome Iron, Italy, 1950s-1960s. One of a kind Extra large size (46,8 in x 47,2 in ) polychromed iron foliage flower bush...
Metal, Iron
$1,600 / item
Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the 1950s first half. The fixture features a brass base and an organically shaped glass shade with surface decoration. The l...
Brass
Petite Clear Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light Massive Leuchten, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful flush mount by Massive Leuchten, Germany. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one European E27 Edison or medium bulb up to 60 wat...
Metal
Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light by Archimede Seguso, 1950s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Murano glass flush mount ceiling light by Seguso. Made in Italy in 1950s. Murano ribbed glass, brass, metal. 4 medium base sockets. Rewired for US. FREE US rewiring upon request. FRE...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Sconces, Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of Mid-Century Italian wall sconces in solid brass and Murano glass. This elegant and unique pair of lights was produced in Italy during the 1950s and is attributed to...
Brass
Large Vintage Glass Ceiling or Wall Light Flushmount, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful vintage hand made blown glass flushmount. Germany, 1960s. Lamp sockets: E27 (US E26). .
Glass
Stilnovo Flush Mount Ceiling Lights, Italy circa 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stilnovo flush mount ceiling light Made in Italy in 1960s. Textured glass, enameled metal, brass. Each takes 3 medium base bulbs each. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. Price i...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Flush Mount w/ Gold Flecks & Bronze Fittings
Located in New York, NY
A large Mid-Century Modernist hand-blown Murano glass flush mount chandelier, adorned with gold flecks and bronze fittings, Italy, 20th century. This extraordinary lighting fixture h...
Gold, Bronze
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric with embroidery details flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Minor staining on fabric; wear consistent with vintage age. Overall Dimensions (i...
Fabric
Mazzega Murano Glass Leafs Flush Mount, Italy, 1970
Great Mid-Century Modern flush mount by Mazzega Murano. An Italian design from the 1970s. Mazzega is one of the famous manufacturer of Murano like Venini, Vistosi, Seguso or Carlo Na...
Chrome
$1,900Sale Price / item|50% Off
Golden French 1960s Pendant Flush Light
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1960s French polished solid brass round disc fixture with 16 solid glass orbs. Five-light sources which emit light downward through the glass as well as up toward the ceil...
Brass
Finnish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Brass, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige fabric flush mount designed and produced in Finland, c. 1950s. Patina on brass and fabric consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10.5"H x 27.5"...
Brass
Barovier Large Leaf Sconce in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent large leaf-shaped sconce in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. This stunning and unique light was designed by Barovier and produced in Italy during the ear...
Brass
Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with clear glass. 1960-1970 Weight: 1.50 kg / 3.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international st...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable off-white fabric and wood flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.0"H x 29.25"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Standard) Bulbs ...
Fabric, Wood
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rew...
Metal
Stunning Amber Glass & Wood Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1970s Massive Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful amber glass and wood flush mount ceiling light. Made in Germany by massive lightning. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires two Europ...
Metal
Italian Brass Spider Ceiling or Wall Light in Mid-Century Style
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Inspired by the Italian midcentury designs, this ceiling / wall light will make the focus center of your interior. The arms radiate all around the stem, each ending with a metal shad...
Metal, Brass, Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Floral Ceiling Light by Banci Firenze Design Italy, 1960
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century Italian floral wall light or ceiling lamp, crafted from gilded wrought iron with hand-applied capiz shell petals. It features a stylized flower with layered leaves arrang...
Iron
Large Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of table lamps in Murano “Rostrato” crystal glass. These incredibly charming and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy, during the 19...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A light pink fabric flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.0"H x 16.0"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 ...
Fabric
Honsel German 1970 Flush Ceiling Lamp Space Age Mid Century
By Honsel
Located in New York, NY
A great 1970s space age dark satin brass flush ceiling lamp by a German lighting maker, Honsel. Original label. Excellent condition never used, vintage dead stock. 11 candelabra e12 ...
Brass
Petite Murano Opaline Glass & Brown Stripe Flush Mount Made by Itre Italy 1980s
By ITRE
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Experience the elegance of Italian design with this stunning flush mount ceiling light by ITRE, crafted in Italy during the 1980s. The piece features a sturdy metal base plate paired...
Metal
Stunning Copper & Hand Blowing Smoke Glass Tubes Chandelier, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Stunning Copper & Hand Blowing Smoke Glass Tubes Chandelier, 1960s, Germany Sculptural very elegant rare heavy ceiling lamp. It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas. L...
Copper
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Pine, Metal, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and white-lacquered metal flush mount produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.0"H x 13.15"W x 13.15"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Standard) Bulbs Number...
Metal
Italian Vintage Murano Glass Ceiling Light Flush Mount Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful Murano glass flower flush mount chandelier. Italy, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 6
Brass
Fontana Arte Style Flush Mount Ceiling Light by Veca in chrome, Italy 1970s
By VECA
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte style flush mount ceiling light by Veca. Made in Italy, 1970s Glass, chrome plated metal. Takes 3 candelabra bulbs. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. FREE US rewir...
Metal, Chrome