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.
Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By J.T. Kalmar, Helena Tynell, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Rupert Nikoll, Glashütte Limburg
Located in München, DE
An exceptionally large and beautiful "Bubble" wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and high-quality craftsmanship. The lamp impresses with its imposing size and spec...
Metal
Mid-Century gilt Sunburst wrought iron flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Curtis Jeré, Marc Weinstein, Hans Kögl, Ferro Art, Maison Jansen
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century Modern and French Riviera style flush mount light by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1950s. Handmade wrought...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Gorgeous 1960s Glass and Brass Pendant Chandelier by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning Scandinavian ceiling pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, combining timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. The fixture features a soli...
Metal, Brass
Golden Italian Hollywood Regency Chandelier by Hans Kögl
By Tommaso Barbi, Willy Daro, Massive Lighting, Charles Maison, Hans Kögl
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally decorative floral lamp from the 1970s. Great design and high-quality craftsmanship. The leaves create a wonderful lighting effect. Design: Hans Kögl Condition: Very ...
Metal
Spanish Foliage Sunburst Light Fixture in Pink and Green Iron, 8 Lights, 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outsanding XL Spanish Foliage Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Pink, Green and Yellow Iron, Ferro Art, 1950s-1960s. Extra large size ( 100 cm / 39,37 in diameter). 8 Lights. This st...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1980s Staff Leuchten German Wall or Ceiling Lamp with Custom Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Staff Leuchten produced this wall and ceiling fixture in Germany during the 1980s. The lamp features a cylindrical perforated metal shade finished in white enamel, originally designe...
Metal, Enamel
Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Round Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table lamp in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass and brass, completed with an off-white lampshade. This delightful and charming table lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier ...
Brass
Semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White / semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920 Aluminium glass holder with porcelain bulb holder Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...
Aluminum
Brutalist Sunburst Flush Mount Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1950 Sculptural brutalist ceiling light fixture with sunburst design, gilt iron, gold leaf. _____________________...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s Large Flush Mount, ORNO, Finland
By Stockmann-Orno, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Large flush mount plafondier by the renown designer LIsa Johansson-Pape for ORNO, Finland. The light is Designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape in the 1950s, this large flush mount light by ...
Metal
$1,191 / item
Square Mid-Century Flush Mounts, 1960s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A refined pair of square Mid-Century flush mounts, produced in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps feature a clean geometric form with dark metal frames and softly textured acrylic gla...
Metal, Brass
Large Mid-Century and Farmhouse style flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Ferro Art, Willy Daro, Maison Charles, Hans Kögl, Maison Jansen
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Hollywood Regency and Mid-Century Modern style leaves flush mount by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1950s. The structure is composed of...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
$6,861Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Spanish Sunburst Foliage Pendant Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Monumental Sunburst Chandelier / Ceiling Pendant Light, Gilt Iron, Frosted Glass Hand-crafted in Spain, 1950-1960 Large size. This outstanding chandelier features a sunburst shaped c...
Iron, Metal, Bronze
Rare Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass - pink glasses
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic and fabulous of vintage Murano Italy art glass ceiling light. The rare lamp is made of 24 mouth-blown hand-formed leaf-form pink glass panels plus a huge glass as a bottom....
Art Glass
Large Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large table lamp in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass and brass, completed by either an off-white or a sandy pink cotton lampshade. This incredibly charming table lamp wa...
Brass
$3,500 / item
Sakura Flush Mount / Sconce by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass globes mounted on solid brass frame. Designed by Fabio Bergomi / Made in Italy. 7 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40 W each. Measures: diameter: ...
Brass
Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass - golden powder
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic and fabulous of vintage style Barovier and Toso Murano Italy art glass ceiling light. The rare lamp is made of 24 mouth-blown hand-formed leaf-form golden powder glass pane...
Art Glass
Large Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large table lamp in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass and brass, completed by an ivory cotton lampshade. This incredibly charming table lamp was designed by Ercole Barovi...
Brass
1 of 6 Limburg Vintage Mid-Century Iron Brass & Bubble Glass Wall Lights Sconces
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of a set of six Limburg minimal, geometric and simply shaped flushmount wall lights or sconces. These elegant midcentury vintage lights feature a handmade, mouth blown shade of b...
Brass
Beautiful, large gilded wall lamp, "Water Lily" Italy, 1960s
Located in München, DE
Rare, elegant 1960s "Water Lily" wall or ceiling lamp. Made in Italy. Exquisite Italian design crafted from gold-plated metal. Very good vintage condition. No damage to the lamp; no ...
Metal, Gold
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco sconces in mouth-blown Murano glass and brass. These incredibly elegant sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s and are attributed to the mast...
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
Large Modernist ART DECO metal plafoniere Ceiling Flushmount Light, FRANCE 1920s
By Gio Ponti, Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
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
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 Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco Murano sconces by Barovier. These gorgeous bellflower-shaped sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s. Six pieces available, all in fabulous c...
Brass
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of flower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown “bullicante” crystal glass and solid brass. These marvelous lights were designed by Barovier and produc...
Brass
Capiz Shell Wall or Flush Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Ingo Maurer, Emil Stejnar, Verner Panton
Located in München, DE
Beautiful floral shell wall or ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and high-quality workmanship. The design creates a fantastic play of light. Condition: Very good vint...
Metal
Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1960s
By Flos
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon pendant lamp in the style of Achille Castiglioni, designed by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten and manufactured in Germany during the 1960s. With a singl...
Metal
Pair of 1960s Space Age Ivory Enameled Metal Eyeball Globe Wall/Ceiling Lights
By RAAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1960s Space Age globe lights in ivory enameled metal with chrome convex reflector balls at center. Each fixture mounts as either a wall or ceiling light and accepts a standar...
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
Large Vintage Brass Flush Mount or Sconce by Florian Schulz Germany 1970s
Located in München, BY
Large, elegant and minimalist Mid-Century Modern ceiling lamp or sconce. Designed & manufactured by Florian Schulz, Germany, 1970s. Executed in polished solid brass, the fixture has...
Brass
Petite Circle Bubble Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light Honsel Leuchten, Germany
By Honsel
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful vintage flush mount by Honsel Leuchten, Germany, featuring a striking textured clear bubble glass shade mounted to a simple metal fixture. The sculptural glass surface crea...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and brass flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.5"H x 17.0"D Bulb Specificati...
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
Hollywood Regency. Mid-Century Modern gilt bronze flush mount, Spain, 1950s
By Maison Honoré, Willy Daro, Ferro Art, Maison Charles, Maison Jansen
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Mid-Century Modern flush mount, Spain, 1950s. Molded solid bronze structure with a central opaline glass diffuser. The different pieces of molded bronze are att...
Brass, Bronze
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
Elegant beautiful round Mid-Century Modern Capiz ceiling or wall lamp
Located in München, DE
An elegant, stunningly beautiful round ceiling or wall lamp made of Capiz. The shade is crafted by hand from Capiz shells—dating back to the 1970s. Capiz shells come from the *Placun...
Shell
'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
Located in Hagenbach, DE
The iconic “Omega” flush mount, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in Italy around 1960, is a masterful example of Italian modernist lighting. Defined by its sculptural, layer...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 Sunburst Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron and Glass, c. 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching gilt wrought iron sunburst ceiling flush mount with large frosted glass lampshade. Spain, 1950s Rare find. This stunning ceiling light fixture features a sunburst struc...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Hollywood Regency. Gilt leaves flush mount light by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Ferro Art, Maison Jansen, Ferrocolor, Willy Daro
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Mid-Century Modern style gilded leaves flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s. Metal structure composed of several plant branches welded together in the form of...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
glashuette limburg CEILING LIGHT model A475 flower-shaped glass 1970s
Located in Mannheim, DE
1970s ceiling lamp manufactured by Glashuette Limburg, rare Model No. A475 Nr. 3031. The shade is made of textured glass and designed in the shape of a flower. The ceiling mount is m...
Brass
Stunning Flush Mount Mushroom Shape Air Bubble Glass by Limburg, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional and generously scaled ceiling mount fixture by Glashütte Limburg, Germany, dating to the 1970s. The light features a sculptural mushroom-shaped shade in beautifully ti...
Metal, Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Ceiling Flush Mount Light, Germany 1960
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Ceiling Flush Mount Light, Germany 1960 Rare, large and decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon ceiling lamp, flush mount or wall sconce. Desig...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp by Temde Leuchten, Opaline Glass, 1965
Located in Schwerin, MV
Very well preserved table lamp from the 1960s by TEMDE in Scandinavian style with a wooden base and wooden glass holder. The structured opal glass shade gives a beautiful, glare-free...
Copper
Barovier Large Adjustable Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large pair of Art Deco Murano wall sconces by Ercole Barovier. These unique bellflower adjustable sconces were produced in Italy during the 1940s. In fabulous condition wi...
Brass
Flower Design Brass and Glass 3-armed Sputnik Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Flower Design Brass and Glass 3-armed Sputnik Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Germany Sculptural very elegant rare design flush mount. It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas. L...
Metal, Brass
Large Gilt Brass Crystal Chandelier by Palwa, Sciolari Design, Germany, 1970s
By Palwa
Located in Aachen, NRW
Delicate floral chandelier with crystal glass and gilded brass parts made by Palwa, Sciolari Design Germany, 1970s. Featuring a multitude of crystal glasses. Measures: Diameter 21.6"...
Crystal, Brass
Large Pair of Bolla Flush Mount Ceiling or Wall Light by Martinelli, Italy 1960s
By Martinelli Luce, Elio Martinelli
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large pair of mid-century “Bolla” wall or ceiling lights. These stylish and elegant lights were designed by Elio Martinelli and produced by Martinelli Luce in Italy during ...
Metal, Aluminum
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
Vintage German Oval White Opaline Glass Flush Mount Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
German opaline industrial ceiling lamp Metal base with white opaline glass 1x E27 / E26 Weight: 1.80 kg / 4 lb Priced per individual item. All...
Iron
Leather Pendant Light in Camel, Natural Brass, Capa, Saddle Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The lamps in this collection are inspired by Colombia’s equestrian heritage, layered with a jewel-toned color palette that takes inspiration from the works of Colombian artist Fernan...
Brass
large 43cm Florentiner Theatre Ceiling Light by BANCI Firenze , Italy, 1970s
By Gio Ponti, Stilnovo, Banci Firenze
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light flush mount, can also be used as wall light Origin: Italy Age: 1960s This modernist light was produced in Italy in the 1960s by Banci Firenze. It i...
Metal
Disco Mirrored Ball, Real Mirror, Belgium 1979..
Located in Brussels, BE
Large disco ball made of a multitude of small squares of real mirror. Belgium 1970.
Mirror
Brass and Glass Mid-Century Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant mid-century pendant lamp from Italy, dating to the 1960s, beautifully combines brass and glass in a timeless design. The lamp features a delicately textured, teardrop-sh...
Brass
Architectural Mid‑Century Style Spider Ceiling Lamp in Hand‑Finished Aged Gold
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
An architectural ceiling lamp with six radiating arms, each ending in a uniquely perforated shade that creates a subtle play of light and shadow. The piece is finished in a luxurious...
Brass
Large quantity Glass Flush Mounts/Wall Lights in style of Tynell, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 Amber glass flush mounts in the style of Helena Tynell around 1960 in Europe, Germany. The rich textured glass gives a wonderful glow. The round glass is mounted on a bras...
Metal
$3,335Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise Blue Sunburst Light Fixture with Patterned Milk Glass Lampshade, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Blue Sunburst Ceiling Flush Mount Light Fixture, Milk Glass, Lacquered Wood, Italy, 1950s Eye-catching sunburst ceiling light manufacted at the Mid-20th century Modern period with Sp...
Opaline Glass, Milk Glass, Wood
Large Sunburst Chandelier Light Fixture in Gilt Iron with Curly Rays
Located in Barcelona, ES
French large wrought gilt hand forged iron sunburst flush mount / ceiling light fixture. France, 1950s. This hand-hammered iron flushmount has alternating rays in two sizes surroundi...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf