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.
Vintage nail mirror, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Vintage nail mirror, Made in Italy, 1970s. Fantastic ORIGINAL 1970s brown PVC mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto. It is recommended to view the images at their maximum to appreciate ...
PVC
Stunning Brass and Onyx Standing Floor Mirror, 1950s, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Brass and Onyx Standing Floor Mirror, 1950s, Italy.
Onyx, Brass
Midcentury Style Mirror Irregular Shape & Embossed Brass Frame Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
“Swing” 2. Full body mirror framed with embossed brass plate and brass screws. A contemporary piece of home decor that embodies what demanding collec...
Brass
Striking Large Brass Tri Fold Floor Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking large functional 3 way floor mirror on casters having eye catching finials and elegant details along its base and hinges. 34 w or 46.5 w ...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Italian Arched Brass Mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large arch-shaped mirror in solid brass. This elegant and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in amazing condition, the mirror features...
Metal, Brass
21st Century Sharp Mirror, in Carved Oxidized Bronze, by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
21st Century Sharp Mirror, in Carved Oxidized Bronze, by Duistt The SHARP mirror, crafted with great attention to detail, is a sophisticated piece with understated but luxurious det...
Brass, Bronze
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-century large Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition presenting j...
Brass
Octagonal Venetian Modern Large Wall Mirror with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style octagonal wall mirror with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1950s This octagonal mirror has a triple mirror frame. The mirrored panels are adorned by metal patterns and smal...
Brass, Metal
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment...
Mirror, Oak, Wood
Italian Solid Brass Shield-Shaped Mirror, Gio Ponti Style, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning small shield-shaped mirror with a solid brass frame. This incredibly elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s, and its design is attributed to the mastery of Gio...
Metal, Brass
Pier Luigi Colli Mid-Century Modern Italian Mirror with Console for Cristal Art
By Cristal Arte, Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Italian midcentury engraved mirror with gilt metal and glass. This fantastic item was designed by Pier Luigi Colli and made in Turin, Italy, during the 1950s for Cristal Ar...
Brass, Iron
Mirror "Ultrafragola" by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1970s, 1st Edition
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in bruxelles, BE
First edition of the magnificent Ultrafrogola light mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass in the 70s. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-century Fontana Arte mirror for Veca with green frame stamp 1960s
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
This vintage wall mirror, a masterpiece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design, is the result of the prestigious collaboration between Fontana Arte and Veca, dating back to the 1960s. ...
Metal
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp,...
Brass
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, glass...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Mirror Irregular Shape & Embossed Brass Frame Medium
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
"Swing" Drop. Full body mirror framed with embossed brass and brass screws. A contemporary piece of home decor that embodies what demanding collectors / interior designers absolutely...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Asymmetric Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Italian Mid-Century wall mirror with brass frame featuring a refined asymmetrical organic shape. This charming mirror was produced in Italy during the late 1950. Fully orig...
Metal, Brass
Unghia Mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Dark blue 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - France Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56".
Mirror, Plastic
Mirror, Full Length, Leaning, Mid Century Modern, Bedroom, Hardwood, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Mid-century inspired full length leaning hardwood Rian mirror. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require delivery by a specific date, we kindly recommend inquiring prior to purchase to ensure availability. This mirror with keep you gazing at your reflection just a little bit longer. With a subtle taper from bottom to top, the Rian Mirror leans elegantly against any surface. In situ...
Hardwood, Walnut
1970s, Mirror Lipstick Design by R. Lecal for Chabrieres & Co, France
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of plastic and mirror. - Cosmic age style. - Very good original condition. - Designed by Roger Lecal.
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-Century French Couture Atelier Psyche Mirror
Located in Austin, TX
Mirror from mid-century France featuring a lacquered black metal structure with brass detailing. The psyche mirror has three panels that open. There is a brass trimmed tray below for...
Metal, Brass
Vintage unghia mirror, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236413
Plastic
Verner Panton 'System 1-2-3' Mirror in Chrome for Verpan
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Glendale, CA
Verner Panton 'System 1-2-3' mirror in chrome for Verpan. Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His innovative experimentation...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Four Brass Legs for Table Mirror Bed Sideboard, circa 1970
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four curved and polished brass legs manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They can be used for different cases: tables, floor or full length mi...
Brass
Large Sunburst Giltwood Oval Mirror by Francisco Hurtado
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Full Length Carved Giltwood Scalloped Wall Mirror / Sunburst Mirror Outstanding Hollywood Regency style scalloped giltwood mirror finely carved and gold leaf gilded. Manufactured by Francisco Hurtado,Spain, 1950s. One of a kind finely carved oval large mirror with an exquisite hand carved scalloped motif frame. This mirror was handcrafted at the Mid-Century Modern period in the Hollywood Regency style. The oval frame is comprised by an scalloped parting starting at the top and decreasing in Size to the bottom.It has been carefully restored to preserve its original patina in gold leaf finishing. This wall mirror will be a gorgeous addition to any bedroom, dressing room, powder room or entry hall. It will add a Hollywood Regency glamourous taste wherever you place it. Overall measures: 132 cm H x 56 cm W x 5 cm D Glass measures: 112 cm H x 44 cm W Oval Carved Tall Mirror // Giltwood Carved Oval Mirror // Giltwood Wall Mirror // Giltwood Full Length Mirror // Francisco Hurtado Mirror...
Gold Leaf
Brass Psyche Mirror
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice swinging psyche mirror is made of brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Brass
Unghia Mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
White 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56".
Mirror, Plastic
Large Brass Frame Mirror
Located in London, GB
Brass framed Italian mirror. Can be a floor standing mirror or hang either way. Pairs available.
Brass
Coastal Full Length Wall Mirror in Rattan and Woven Wicker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Riviera Pagoda Shaped Full Length Mirror in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960-1970. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker, bamboo rattan frame in pagoda shape. It has reminiscen...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Mid Century Modern Vintage Conical Golden Metal Large Size Full Length Mirror
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage conical large size full length mirror or floor mirror from golden metal and mirror glass, 1950s Austria. An elegant vintage full length mirror or floor mir...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Designer Teak Bentwood Wall Mirror, 1950s
By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous mid-century long wall mirror with beautiful oval frame of teak bentwood. Made in Italy in the 1950s, attributed to Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi. The mirror glass is hold from...
Mirror, Bentwood
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The large mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition with the exc...
Brass
Martino Perego for Rimadesio Backlit Floor Mirror "Venus," 1970s
By Rimadesio
Located in Naples, IT
This floor mirror is a 1969 design by Martino Perego for Rima Desio, Italy. The mirror, named "Venus," is illuminated by a tubular light on the back. The frame is made of rigid polyu...
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Floor Mirror Full Length Mirror, 1950s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage floor mirror or full length mirror from brass and mirror 1950s, Italy. A stunning floor mirror in beautiful shape wit...
Brass
1970s Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored 4 Panel Large Room Dividing Screen
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored Large Room Dividing Screen. 4 panels, decorative mirror on mirror detail.
Glass
1960s Mid Century Industrial Vintage Chrome Floor Standing Cheval Mirror
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
Mid-Century Modern Cheval Mirror in Tubular Chrome on Cast Iron Castors with Brass Chrome Fittings and Foxed Mirror Plate – With an Industrial Aesthetic Crafted in the 1950s, the mir...
Chrome
MidCentury Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors, 1950
Located in Roma, Lazio
Beautiful mirror console in typical Italian style by Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi and Osvaldo Borsani. This piece of furniture has a very luxurious look and certainly comes from an im...
Mirror, Wood
Oversize Vintage Italian Wall Mirror 1970s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
This wall mirror represents a fine specimen of Italian design from the 1950s, with strong stylistic attribution to the production of Gio Ponti, a celebrated architect and designer (1...
Brass
Unghia mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beige/grey 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 25111307
Mirror, Plastic
Guillerme et Chambron 'Psyche' Floor Standing Mirror With Ceramic Tiled Shelf
Located in London, GB
Floor-standing mirror by Guillerme et Chambron, titled ‘Psyche’, produced by Edition Votre Maison, France, c.1970s. Made from waxed oak, the mirror features a gently angled frame wit...
Mirror, Oak
Crura Mirror Large Format Minimal Floor Standing Mirror
By Figure Ground, George Nakashima, Arne Jacobsen, BDDW
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Constructed from black walnut the mirror is a portal to another universe. The Crura mirror extends the floor in an infinite illusion. Standing on two legs it doubles space and stands...
Mirror, Walnut
Vintage unghia mirror, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236415
Plastic
Ettore Sottsass ULTRAFRAGOLA Neon Full Length Mirror / Poltronova srl
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Ultrafragola mirror/lamp, with its sinuous profile that suggests long wavy hair, belongs to the Mobili Grigi series of complete bedroom and living room furnishings designed by Ettore...
Mirror, Plastic
Large Floral Pointed Oval Mirror in Carved Giltwood, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Full Length Mirror with Frame of Carved Flowers and Pointed Oval Shape, Giltwood Gorgeous carved gold leaf giltwood pointed oval wall mirror in the Hollywood Regency style. Spain, 19...
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame 'circa 1950s' - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The large mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. A beautiful aged patina will appear on the brass frame although this one has been recently polished. It is in very good overall condition. We currently have this mirror's identical twin...
Brass
Constantin Mirror, Gradient Lacquered Wood, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Constantin Mirror, Gradient Lacquered Wood, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The Constantin mirror was built to pursue the beauty of volume and form, inspired by the architect Cons...
Wood
Italian Midcentury Wall Mirror, Brass Frame, Full-Length Design, 1950
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Midcentury Wall Mirror, Brass Frame, Full-Length Design, 1950 Exceptional large vintage full-length wall mirror with crystal glass and minimal brass frame in very elegant sh...
Crystal, Brass
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Modern Floor Mirror #4959, Brass & Walnut
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor mirror #4959 by Carl Auböck in brass and walnut.
Brass
ELO Mirror
By Pani Jurek
Located in Grojec, PL
In the new mirrors collection, Pani Jurek explores ceramics and the reflective potential of mirror surfaces. Inspired by the ripple effect on water, the sculptural frames mimic the e...
Ceramic
Large Theodore and Alexander Faux Horn Mirror with Brass Accents
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Massive and striking Faux Horn with crisp polished brass corners. Surrounding a fully beveled glass with excellent reflecting properties. Dimension: 54" wide x 82" high Condition:...
Brass
Marc Berge Grosfeld House Mid Century Danish Modern Walnut Full Length Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Marc Berge for Grosfeld House Walnut Frame Lighted Mid Century Danish Modern Full Length Dressing Mirror. Item features overhead light, thin edge form, solid wood tapered and sculpte...
Glass, Walnut
Tall Rectangular Brass Mirror with Loop Detail by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall custom Italian-style mirror with brass frame and three dimensional loops at the top. Handmade in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes and finishes.
Brass
Italian Modern Walnut Mirror Inspired By Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi, Vittorio Dassi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern walnut mirror inspired by Ico Parisi. This handsome Italian modern mirror, full length mirror or floor mirror is beautifully craft...
Brass
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror...
Glass, Acrylic
Mid Century Modern Vintage Gold White Full Length Mirror Wall Mirror 1950s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Vintage rectangular wall mirror full length mirror from gold and white spruce with mirror glass in the style of Osvaldo Borsani 1950s Italy. A beautiful full lengt...
Mirror, Spruce
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror!
Glass, Acrylic
Midcentury Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame 'circa 1950s', Large
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. A beautiful patina develops on the brass frame - th...
Brass
Pink ‘Ultrafragola’ Mirror Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous pink ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror designed by Ettore Sottsass is probably the most iconic of all his many designs. Originally produced in the 1970s by Poltronova, the ‘Ultrafragola’ formed part of a series of Sottsass designs named Mobili Grigi. When illuminated, the lights within the mirror transform the white opaline acrylic shell into a stunning multi-pink display. This unique, individually numbered, re-edition piece is still produced by the same Florentine company today and is sold with a “Certificate of Authenticity”. The perfectly pink ‘selfie’ mirror!
Glass, Acrylic
Octogonal Multi-Facets Mirror with Brass Garlands
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant tall octogonal mirror is made of a central mirror surrounded by multi-facets mirrors with brass garlands. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Brass
Unghia mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236412
Mirror, Plastic