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.
Cristal Art Rectangular Turquoise Beveled Mirror, Italy, 1960s
By Cristal Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning rectangular mirror with a gorgeous and vibrant turquoise mirrored crystal frame. This enchanting mirror was designed by Cristal Art and made in Italy during the 1960s. The ...
Glass, Art Glass, Mirror
Italian Riviera Franco Albini Oval Wall Mirror in Rattan, Loop Design, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan Oval Mirror, 1950s ___________________________________________________________ A highly decorative Mid-Century Mo...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Well Shaped Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite mid-century modern wall mirror captures the sophisticated elegance of 1950s Italian design, closely following the iconic aesthetic of Gio Ponti. The piece features a s...
Brass
Brutalist Rectangular Sunburst Mirror in Wrought Iron and Terracotta Tiles, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Rectangular Sunburst Mirror, Wrought Iron, Unglazed Terracotta Hand forged sunburst mirror with unglazed terracotta / ceramic details, Spain 1950s. Rare find. Eye-catch...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Wall Mirror Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular wall mirror in bamboo and rattan in the style of Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s. A highly decorative bamboo and rattan mirror with the t...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Gio Ponti Large Italian Shield-Shaped Brass Beveled Mirror, Italy, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning large shield-shaped beveled mirror with a solid brass frame. This incredibly elegant and rare piece was produced in Italy during the 1940s, and its design is attributed to t...
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1970s wall mirror in chrome metal, Italian design
Located in None, IT
Wall mirror with chrome-plated tubular metal frame, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 75 cm; width 55 cm; depth...
Metal
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
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Foliage Frame & Etched Flowers Detail, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Double Layered Gilt Iron Sunburst Mirror / Wall Mirror Framed by Leaves. Spain, 1950s. This stunning sunburst mirror has a leafed frame comprised by alternating large an...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Pukebergs Glasbruk, Wall Mirror, Glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-colored glass wall mirror produced by Pukebergs Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1960s. Areas of desilvering; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.25"H x 14...
Glass
Osvaldo Borsani, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood wall mirror designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by ABV Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, Italy, c. 1940s. Minimal wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Wood
Brutalist Iron Wall Mirror - Mid-Century Metal Wall Mirror - France 1950s
By Jean Despres
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brutalist Iron Wall Mirror - Mid-Century Metal Wall Mirror - France 1950s Minimal and elegant brutalist mirror. Made of iron with a nice decorative detail on the hanging system. C...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Rare blue and gilt glazed ceramic mirror, " Amélie" 1949 Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare " Amélie" mirror, blue glazed earthenware enhanced with crackled gold. One of Mithé Espelt's early production created in 1949. Bibliographie; Mithé Espelt, Le luxe discret du...
Earthenware, Felt, Mirror
Cristal Art Oval Sage Green Beveled Mirror, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning oval-shaped beveled mirror with a sage green crystal frame. This wonderful mirror was designed by Cristal Art and produced in Italy during the 1960s. The mirror features a ...
Glass, Mirror, Art Glass
Gio Ponti Inspired Freeform Wall Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Elegant mid century style wall hanging mirror with a solid brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. Inspired by the celebrated work of Italian designer Gio Ponti. Designed and m...
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Brass Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage vanity or tabletop mirror designed and manufactured in the United States by Charles Hollis Jones in the early to mid-1960s. This sculptural piece exemplifies Jones’ r...
Brass
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Rope, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown rope wall mirror designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Minor hazing of mirror; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.75"H x 10.25"W x 1.5"D...
Rope
Italian Brass Framed Wall Mirror attr. to Gio Ponti, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Vintage Italian wall mirror from the 1960s, crafted entirely from brass and attributed to Gio Ponti. The mirror is surrounded by an elegant brass frame featuring intricate detailing....
Brass
$5,423Sale Price / item|15% Off
Collectible Sculptural Organic Mirror in Textured Black Volcanic Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Introducing this wall mirror, a striking declaration of elegance and refinement for your environment. Its expansive dimensions, sinuous contours, and volcanic finish radiate contempo...
Mirror, Resin, Fiberglass
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, 2 arms, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with front illumination and a high quality bronze patina brass frame with a twin arm. This mirror is fully customisable...
Brass, Bronze
Svenskt Tenn Organic Wall mirror Josef Frank Rattan/Wicker , Bamboo 1950s
Located in Boden, SE
A large wall mirror retailed by Josef Frank,Svenskt Tenn In finely braided wicker/ rattan/ cane & Bamboo. Age- related wear may occur. Josef Frank was an Austrian-born architec...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Fontana Arte Attribution, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy, c. 1950s. Light oxidation present throughout brass frame. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.5"H x 13.75"W x 0.85"D All items s...
Brass
Octagonal Tiffany Blue Murano Glass and Brass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Bespoke octagonal Tiffany blue Murano glass and brass mirror, in stock Vivid and intense Tiffany blue glass block with naturally occurring air inclusions throughout Highly polished f...
Brass
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Unique Modern Gold Italian Sunburst Small Mirror, Giltwood, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage mirror in a golden decorative sun-shaped frame from Italy. The frame is made of wood. Absolutely amazign and unique piece. Good original condition, the mirror has minimal fla...
Mirror, Giltwood
1940s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Italian Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An exceptional and elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern wall mirror, attributed to the highly influential style of Gio Ponti and dating to the 1940s. This piece embodies the refined gl...
Brass
Mid-Century wall mirror with gold glass frame Fontana Arte for Veca
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Glass with gold-colored side edge Elegant wall mirror made by Fontana Arte for Veca, traceable to Italian production of the mid-20th century. The mirror features a refined, slightl...
Murano Glass, Stained Glass
Contemporary Cobalt Blue Diamond Murano Glass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary COBALT BLUE square diamond cut Murano glass mirror, in stock. Vivid and intense emerald green glass block with naturally occurring air inclusions throughout Highly pol...
Brass
$5,328 / item
Ondae – Sculptural Mirror in Brass and Murano Glass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Ondae – Sculptural Mirror in Brass and Murano Glass The Ondae mirror stands out for its sinuous frame crafted from authentic, handcrafted Murano glass, featuring a sequence of wavy ...
Brass
French Riviera Bamboo and Rattan Wicker Large Rectangular Mirror, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous large Mid-Century rectangular mirror made of bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This lovely French Riviera style mirror was handmade in Italy during the 1960s. In amazing...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Large Coastal Rectangular Mirror in Rattan and Woven Wicker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Rectangular Midcentury Wall Mirror framed in Rattan and Wicker, Spain, 1960s. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker and rattan mirror inspired by Franco Albini designs. It has ...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Vintage Curtis Jere "Cloud" Brass Mirror for Artisan House, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Curtis Jere "Cloud" Brass Mirror for Artisan House, Signed
Metal, Brass
Rare Gio Ponti–Style Brass and Glass Mirror with E. Müller Glas Label, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Rare and highly evocative Italian mid-century mirror, circa 1950s, attributed to Gio Ponti. A remarkable warehouse discovery, preserved for decades and never placed into use, this sc...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Brass Loops Wire Wall mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely square elegant and beautifully proportioned Italian midcentury vintage brass loop wall mirror from the 1950s. Its frame is made of black metal and brass with a charming deco...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mid century gilded wooden sun mirror, 54cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful sun mirror in gold leaf gilded wood dating from 1960. Superb woodwork. Good condition with very beautiful patina. Superb to brighten up your interior. We specialize i...
Wood
$805Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Spanish Oak Wall Mirror– Castilian Style, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Mid-Century Spanish Castilian Oak Wall Mirror Mid-Century Spanish Castilian style wall mirror in solid oak. The design is defined by clean lines, balanced proportions, and a restrai...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Large 35" Golden Loops Mid-Century Wall Mirror Josef Frank for Svenkst Tenn 1950
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant large mid-century wall mirror with original mirror glass, framed with golden brass bows on a solid wood back panel with the original golden cord. Designed by Josef Frank for ...
Brass
Venetian Modern Octagonal Beveled Mirror in Salmon Pink Glass, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Salmon Pink Beveled Glass Octagonal Mirror Cool Venetian style Hollywood Regency octagonal mirror with salmon pink mirror glass panels. Spain, 1960s. This glamorous wall mirrors feat...
Metal, Brass
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
Italian Midcentury Brass Wall Mirror with decorations in Gio Ponti Style, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Midcentury Brass Wall Mirror in Gio Ponti Style, 1970s Brass Wall mirror with decorations, made in Italy in the 1970s. The mirror feature an original brass frame with playfu...
Brass
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Italian Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A solid brass wall mirror designed and manufactured in Italy in the manner of Gio Ponti, who used this type of mirror in the most beautiful houses in Milan in the 50s. The brass boas...
Brass
$1,989Sale Price|20% Off
Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal with Foliage Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt metal sunburst mirror framed by leaves. Spain, 1950s-1960s. This stylish mirror combines Midcentury and Hollywood Regency accents.A highly decorative oval sunburst mirror with ...
Metal, Iron
Mid-century Modern Italian Oval Mirror in Brass and Pink Murano Blown Glass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pink Murano Blown Glass Oval Mirror - Discreet Elegance and Artisanal Design This oval mirror with a pink glass frame represents a refined balance between craftsmanship and contempo...
Brass
$2,627Sale Price|20% Off
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 distinctively-shaped in a Modern style. Imagine a car's windshield. It is in good overall conditio...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Pink Crystal Bevelled Mirror by Veca, Italy 1960s
By VECA
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Italian Mid-Century double-level mirror with a stunning pink crystal frame and a central beveled oval mirror. This stylish piece was designed by Veca in Italy during the 196...
Glass, Art Glass, Mirror
Large Italian Gold Silver Leaf Wood Starburst Sunburst Wall Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An impressive Italian Sunburst Wall Mirror from the 1960s, measuring 28 inches in diameter. This Mid-Century Modern wood mirror features gold leaf on a hand carved frame with rays t...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Pair of Bespoke Octagon Lavender Murano Glass Mirrors, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of bespoke lavender Murano glass mirror, in stock Vivid and intense amethyst glass block with naturally occurring air inclusions throughout Highly polished faceted pattern Brass...
Brass
$996Sale Price|30% Off
Franco Albini 1950 Woven Bamboo Oval Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italy 1950s woven bamboo mirror Design Franco Albini
Bamboo
$1,942Sale Price|20% Off
Large Bamboo Rattan Rectangular Mirror, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular large mirror, bamboo, rattan Eye-catching rectangular mirror handcrafted with bamboo cane. Spain, 1960s. Rectangular frame made of bamboo with wicker accents on the corne...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with round corners and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a triple mirror frame with rectangular shape and rounded corners. ...
Brass, Metal
Large Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, Eyelash Design, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Oval Mirror, Wrought Gilt Iron, France 1950s. Eye-catching double layered eyelash gilt iron large sunburst mirror. This wall mirror was entirely made by hand. The frame fea...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,751Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s)
Located in London, GB
Italian vintage wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). The mirror is smart and distinctive in a modern Gio Ponti style with a unique shape. This one is in good overall condition...
Brass
$2,189Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). This sizeable mirror is oval-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition. A beautiful pa...
Brass
$806Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s wood and smoked glass wall mirror Italian design
Located in None, IT
Wall mirror with wood frame and smoked glass, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 70 cm; width 55 cm; depth 5 cm; M...
Glass, Wood
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with front illumination and a high quality brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This mirror is fully customis...
Brass, Bronze
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gold Leaf Gilt Wrought Iron Mid-Century Modern wrought iron sunburst round wall mirror in gilt iron, Spain, 1950s. This sunburst mirror features a ring fra...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Spanish Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron with Leafed Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror Framed with Leaves, Spain, 1950s An eye-catching oval sunburst mirror framed with elegant small leaves and gilt patinated finish. This mirror is in goo...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Set of 2 Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirrors, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Set of to mid-century style ceiling suspended mirrors with front illumination and a high quality brass full frame with a handcrafted bronze patina finish. These ...
Brass, Bronze
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Metal, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A gold-painted metal wall mirror designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.625"H x 22.25"W x 0.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Metal
$2,131Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Riviera Franco Albini Rattan Square Sunburst Mirror, Loop Design, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan Mirror ___________________________________________________________ A highly decorative squared Mid-Century Modern ...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Blue Glasses and Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with blue iridiscent mirror glass panels and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a double layered glass frame with rectangula...
Brass