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.
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces. H / 10 inches. W / 4.5 inches. D / 4 inches.
Wrought Iron
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish solar Crown Sunburst wall 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, Iron, Gold Leaf
Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These elegant chandelier embodies the refined glamour of European mid century lighting design. Its sculptural composition of textured glass e...
Brass
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Kisses" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli, Follia Pratica
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this "Kisses" floor lamp was designed by Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in the 1990s. Part of the...
Plastic
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
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces. In the style of Bagues. Blue Crystal Flowers and gold leaves tole. H / 23.5 inches. W / 14.5 inches.
Crystal, Wrought Iron
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...
Brass
Fantastic pair of Murano Glass Tube wall sconces - 13 wisteria rust alabaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 13 large wisteria rust albaster glass tubes in a star shape...
Blown Glass
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - Mazzega - 23 "rondini" green glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier. The fixture is made up of 23 individual handblown green glass elements hanging from a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 46,45 inche...
Art Glass
German Mid-Century "Cocoon" Wave Chandelier by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
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
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
Huge Contemporary MCM Style Antique Brass Pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights
By Gerald Thurston, Gino Sarfatti, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
MCM style BRASS pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights ( youre choice , same price ) . Concave and convex disc are hand spun with prime quality brass . Solid sturdy hardware and c...
Brass
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chandelier 'Eptaclinio' in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model ‘Eptaclinio’, nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features seven opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix “epta,” Greek for seven. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
$2,741Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency handmade pink Scallop Shell chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Longobard, Ferro Art, Tiffany Studios
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach Regency style Scallop Shell waterfall chandelier, Italy, 1960s. The whole pendant light is made of pink Scallop Shell leaded with golden brass in the...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
$3,592Sale Price|20% Off
Cocoon resin. Large Brutalist pendant light by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1970s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, Friedel Wauer, George Nelson, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Large Space Age and Brutalist style pendant lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Composed of a large metal frame in the shap...
Metal, Chrome, Brass
Thalia Rattan Floor Lamp - Double Head Handcrafted Woven Rattan Standing Lamp
Located in Oxford, GB
Thalia — Floor Lamp Designed by Bill Parry for Rattanology There is a moment, just after dusk, when a room needs only one thing. The Thalia knows what it is. Drawing from the lang...
Brass
Large Lighted Chrome Planter in Mid-Century Modern Style, USA, 1970s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Large Lighted Chromed planter made in the USA , 1970s . Contain one ceramic E26 Edison base socket rated at 60 watt. 12 foot chain , 15 foot of wire . Switch on cord .
Metal, Chrome
Stunning Pair of Pink Glass "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces by Barovier and Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso (Italy, 1950s) – Pair An exceptional pair of mid-century wall sconces crafted in Murano, Italy, and attributed to t...
Metal
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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Italian Chandelier in Brass with Amber Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s captures the warmth and refinement of mid-century design. Crafted in brass with a beautifully a...
Brass
1950s Mid--Century Modern Brass and White Glass 12 Lights Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite mid-century modern chandelier by Stilnovo captures the essence of sophisticated Italian lighting design from a golden era of manufacturing. The fixture features a grac...
Brass
1970s Largest Sciolari Glass Rod Chandelier with 8 Lights , Italy
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
5 row of optical grade glass rod chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari . Solid well made structure . The longest rods measure 24 in. high , medium 16 in. and smallest 12 in. Total d...
Metal, Chrome
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...
Bronze, Metal, Iron
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany 2 pair available This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use 110-220V in all countries. Ple...
Wood
Vintage Italian Nautical Ship Cabin Wall Lights in Chrome, 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 4 matching small Italian Wall Lights in chrome-plated steel. All original with pin on/off switches shades adjustable to all sides and up and down. Measurements: Reach: up ...
Steel, Chrome
Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp 1X
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional table lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 1X. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, ...
Steel
Seguso Large Pair of Murano Glass, Gold and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of wall sconces in ribbed mouth-blown Murano glass with gold dust inclusions and brass. These refined and unique sconces were designed by Seguso and p...
Brass
Mid Century Modern UFO Saucer Tension Pole Lamp! Laurel After Gio Ponti Rare
By Gio Ponti, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
This MAGNIFICENT Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp is one of the legendary "Saucer" design! The saucer design is iconic. Flying saucers were all ...
Metal
Vintage 1960s Fibonacci Pendant in Aluminum By Sofus Frandsen for Fog And Mørup
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic and rare pendant designed by Sophus Frandsen in 1963 for Fog & Mørup. The Fibonacci model is one of the most recognizable designs and is becoming increasingly rare to find...
Aluminum
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Mid Century wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. Each sconce...
Murano Glass
Set of 2 " Uchiwa" wall lamps USA 1977
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Ingo Maurer in the 1970s and commercialized in 1977, the “Uchiwa” wall lamps reflect the designer’s pursuit of a softer, warmer light. As he told The New York Times in 19...
Bamboo
Austrian Midcentury Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Four Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken ...
Metal, Brass
Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp ST2-31N
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional floor lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model ST2-31N. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ...
Steel
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Kalmar" Double Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4664/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Rattan and Brass Wall Lights, Austria, 1950s 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, J.T. Kalmar
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
These Mid-Century wall lights were designed and manufactured in Austria in the 1950s to 1960s. The sconces feature a pair of woven rattan shades in a warm natural tone, shaped in wi...
Brass
Large Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Lights
Located in Rome, IT
Refined pair of Italian wall lights from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural and well-balanced composition. Each sconce features a central vertical brass stem intersected by a ...
Brass
Cocoon resin. Art Nouveau style gold chrome metal table lamp, Italy, 1970s
By Estiluz Lighting, Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer, Tobia Scarpa, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Art Nouveau and Classic style table or desk lamp, Italy, 1970s. Composed of a brass and gold chrome metal structure with a Cocoon resin diffuser. Th...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandeliers 220 cm/86 in Height
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These chandeliers carry the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Their...
Brass
Mid-Century Pendant Lamp by Vereinigte Werkstätten, in Brass and Plexiglass
Located in München, DE
Exceptional, unique, and large original Mid-Century Modern pendant lamp. Manufacturer: Vereinigte Werkstätten. Made in Germany. The clear, curved rods are made of Plexiglas. The rema...
Brass
Stilnovo Original Black Opal Glass Pendant Lights (4x), Italy, 1950
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Stilnovo pendant lights (marked) Italy, 1950; Applied manufacturer's label to outer shade. Two pairs (2x2) priced as such. Early vintage original lights. We have 4 pieces avail...
Aluminum, Brass
Isamu Noguchi Akari Pendant Ceiling Paper Lamp 35N
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 35N. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, s...
Steel
Elegant Mid-Century Style Pendant Light with Brass and Cocoon-Style Shade
Located in Hannover, DE
This refined vintage pendant light beautifully combines warm brass elements with a softly textured cocoon-style shade, creating a timeless and versatile lighting piece. The sculptura...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Philips Yellow Striped Hourglass Glass Pendant
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century ceiling pendant produced for Philips, featuring a glass shade in a distinctive hourglass silhouette. The shade narrows at the neck before flaring outward into a wide coni...
Glass
Barovier & Toso Midcentury Wall Lights Sconces, Glass & Brass, Italy, 1965
Located in Vienna, AT
Two pairs (4 pieces in total) of Midcentury sconces by Barovier and Toso, Italy, circa 1960- priced per pair Wonderful set of large wall lamps by the famous manufacturer Barovier &a...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano 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
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Gold Dust Inclusions
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of Murano glass wall sconces, handcrafted in Italy, featuring elongated, fluted hand-blown glass shades embellished with delicate gold dust. The softly textured surfa...
Brass
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 starbur...
Metal, Iron
2-head Green Brass Single Small Wall Lamp, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
2-head Green Brass Single Small Wall Lamp, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 2x E14 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V a...
Brass, Metal
Midcentury Pair of Red Wall Lamps by Paul Neuhaus, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking pair of midcentury wall lamps by Paul Neuhaus, dating from the 1960s, captures the bold yet refined aesthetic of the era. Each lamp features a square red frame with sof...
Metal
$1,697Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Italian Floor Lamp Build By "van Doorn Culemborg" Brass And Teak Details
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant mid-century floor lamp produced by Van Doorn BV (Culemborg, The Netherlands) in the 1950s, incorporating distinctive Italian design elements and components. This piece featu...
Brass
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, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Carl Fagerlund wall mounted sconces, glass and brass lamps from Orrefors, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Condition: Excellent. The sconces show minimal signs of wear and remain in fantastic vintage condition. Description A pair of elegant crystal glass wall sconces designed by Carl Fag...
Brass
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.