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.
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
Large 1950s Mid-Century Glass Art and Brass Leaf Three-Light Semi-Flush Mount
Located in Lisse, NL
Some ceiling lights are designed merely to illuminate a room; this beautifully balanced 1950s fixture was clearly intended to become part of its architecture. At almost 25 inches in...
Metal, Brass
$3,199Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Floral Foliage Globe Pendant Light in Polychromed Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Multicolor Foliage & Flowers Pendant Light Fixture, Polychrome Iron, Italy, 1950s-1960s. One of a kind polychromed iron foliage flower bush pendant light. This stunning pendant l...
Metal, Iron
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
Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Glashütte Limburg, J.T. Kalmar, Helena Tynell, Rupert Nikoll
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
Barovier & Toso Murano Gold Dust Glass Floral Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This Italian ceiling lamp was produced by Barovier & Toso in the 1960s. The fixture is composed of individual blown Murano glass flower petals infused with fine gold dust particles, ...
Gold
$7,319Sale Price|20% Off
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
1960s German Brass Architectural Ceiling Light Lamp, 10 Available
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptional German Mid-Century architectural ceiling light, circa 1960, originating directly from the Hauptkirche Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV) in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. Ten matchi...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Italian Mid-Centuy Modern Foliage Sunburst Ceiling Light in Gilt Iron, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching florentine gilt iron foliage leafed sunburst light fixture, Italy 1950s This gorgeous light fixture featuring a bouquet of leaves is made of hand-hammered metal , it has...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$2,565Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century gilt Sunburst wrought iron flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Curtis Jeré, Ferro Art, Marc Weinstein, Maison Jansen, Hans Kögl
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
Large Ceiling Sunburst Light Fixture / Flush Mount in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Flush Mount Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1950 Sculptural ceiling light fixture with sunburst frame surrounding a central spherical plate, gilt iron, gold leaf....
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Golden Italian Hollywood Regency Chandelier by Hans Kögl
By Charles Maison, Massive Lighting, Tommaso Barbi, Hans Kögl, Willy Daro
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
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, Aluminum, Brass
Midcentury Foliage Floral Flush Mount Light Fixture in Polychromed Iron, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Multicolor Rosebush Tree Ceiling Flush Mount in Polychrome Iron, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Lovely polychromed iron foliage flower bush ceiling light fixture with butterfly accen...
Metal, Iron
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
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light by Taito, Brass & Opaline Glass, 1951
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Vienna, AT
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount by Taito, 1950-1960, stamped (Oy Taito) Rare ceiling light by Paavo Tynell that was produced in small numbers for a specific project. This ever so iconic li...
Brass
Angelo Lelii Brass Opaline Glass Pendant Chandelier Italy
By Angelo Lelii
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pendant or ceiling flush mount fixture attributed to Angelo Lelii, made in Italy, ca' 1980's Brass and opaline glass.hades resemble moons. This is a three arm version.
Brass
Mid Century Murano Barovier & Toso Flush Mount Glass
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Beautiful ocher yellow and clear ice glass flush mount. Made by Barovier and Toso around the 1970s in Italy. The lamp takes two e26 or e27 fitting size lightbulb. Glass is in undamag...
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
Sunburst Foliage Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron and Milk Glass, 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Gilt Iron Sunburst Foliage Sunburst Light with Milk Glass Globe ___________________________________________________________ Eye-catching flower sunburst flush mount in gilt ...
Metal, Iron
$3,930Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.0"H x 22.5"D Bulb Specifications: E-14 (Euro...
Brass
$2,748Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century and Farmhouse style flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Willy Daro, Maison Charles, Ferro Art, Maison Jansen, Hans Kögl
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
Extra Wide Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Extra wide Mid-Century Modern Cocoon two-light fixture lamp or flush mount in the style of Achille Castiglioni, Flos era, Italy, 1970's. With two light sockets for E-27 large-sized s...
Metal, Chrome
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
Pair of 1960s Cocoon Ceiling Lights or Sconces, Resin & Pine Wood, Italy
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of "cocoon" ceiling lights or wall lights, Italy, 1960s. Each light showcases masterful hand-applied resin threads over a metal frame, creating the iconic cocoon effec...
Resin, Pine, Wood
Limburg Large Vintage Helena Tynell Smoked Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Vintage Mid-Century smoked / grey colored / coloured bubble glass flush mount light fixture / sconce designed by Finnish legendary glass designer Helena Tynell for Glashutte Limburg,...
Aluminum, Chrome
Czechoslovakia Midcentury Set of Four Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Czechoslovakia Set of Four glass Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Czechoslovakia. These Flush Mounts or Wall Sco...
Metal
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
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
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
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
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
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
'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
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
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
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
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century gilt wrought iron leaves flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Maison Jansen, Massive Lighting, Willy Daro, Ferro Art, Maison Charles
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Gothic Revival and Tudor style wrought iron flush mount by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1950s. Handmade gilt wrought iron structure using metalwork techniques such as ...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Stunning Large Murano Glass Tubes Flushmount Brass by Doria, Germany, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century Flush mount light by Doria, Germany, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Several glass cylinders suspended from the fixture. Heavy quality and in very good condition...
Brass
Barovier Large Lamp in Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass & Pink Shade, Italy, 1940
By (After) Gio Ponti, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and unique large table lamp in mouth-blown “rostrato” Murano glass and brass and completed by a light pink cotton lampshade. This gorgeous lamp was designed by Ercole Bar...
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
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
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: 1.10 kg / 2.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international st...
Metal
$3,893Sale 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
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
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
One of... German Vintage Minimalist Glass Ceiling or Wall Flush Mounts Sconces
Located in Berlin, DE
One of ... minimalist white matte glass flush mount for inside or outside. Germany, 1970s. Lamp sockets: One
Metal
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
Mazzega Flush Mount gold Glass Murano chrome 52 cm, Italy, 1980
Exceptional Mazzega lighting oversized gold glass Murano with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the gold glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. This uniq...
Gold Plate
Large Flush Mount by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, Model 155, circa 1950s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare and large lacquered metal and brass flush mount by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, Italy, circa 1950s, (Model 155) Socket: 3 x e27 or e26 (US) for standard screw bulbs. In a very go...
Metal, Brass
$3,297Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency. Mid-Century Modern gilt bronze flush mount, Spain, 1950s
By Maison Jansen, Maison Honoré, Ferro Art, Willy Daro, Maison Charles
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
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
Set of Two Round Bauhaus Opaline Milk Glass Flush Mount by RZB Leuchten, 1960s
By RZB Leuchten
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two white opaline or milk glass flushmount lights. Made in Germany by RZB Leuchten. Gorgeous glass flush mount with metal fixture. Each Fixture requires one European E27 / 110...
Metal
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
Rare Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass
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 clear glass panels plus a huge glass as a bottom...
Art Glass
Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s Large Flush Mount, ORNO, Finland
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stockmann-Orno
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
One of.. German Vintage Textured Glass and Brass Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful vintage struktur glass flush mount with brass fitting. Germany, 1960s.
Metal, Brass
Large Mid-century Modern Cocoon Flush Mount Ceiling or Wall Lamp, Germany 1960s
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Gorgeous and timeless Mid-Century Modern 'Cocoon' lamp from the 1960s. Rare and generously sized cocoon ceiling light or wall sconce. The sculptural shade is made of soft resin that ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Venini
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