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.
Franco Albini Large Oval Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style large oval mirror, fully made of hand-woven wicker, curved rattan, and bamboo. This elegant piece was designed by the mastery of Franco Albini and produ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Pair of Spanish Rattan Bamboo Oval Mirrors, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Midcentury Oval Wall Mirrors in Rattan A pair of eye-catching handcrafted bamboo and rattan oval mirrors with scroll detailing surrounding the frame. Spain, circa 1960s. Thes...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Shield Italian Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This elegant Italian wall mirror captures the sophisticated essence of 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, heavily inspired by the iconic work of Gio Ponti. The piece features a distinc...
Brass
Barovier Pink Mirror in Blown Murano Glass and Hammered Brass, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and incredibly rare mirror in pink Murano mouth-blown glass and hammered brass. This striking piece was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1940s. In amazing condit...
Brass
$2,450
Glass French Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 16"w x 1.5"d x 21"h French Designed Ceramic w/ Clear Mirror France, c1950s
Glass
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Oval Wall Mirror Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval 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 ta...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Paradisiers mirror by Mithé Espelt, ceramic, France, 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Birds of paradise mirror by mithé espelt. Decorated with two pink and purple birds surrounded by golden leaves and pink flowers on a sable background. Glazed embossed earthenware in ...
Ceramic
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white-lacquered metal wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Pencil-dated 1950. Brass presents with dramatic patina consistent with age and use. Mirror ...
Metal, Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti Style Solid Brass Wall Mirror
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This mirror is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern Italian design, heavily inspired by the work of the legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti. Its notched, scalloped t...
Brass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Wall Mirror with Brass and Giltwood 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 and giltwood frame with rectangular shape and roun...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Illuminated Wall Mirror, Teak, Brass, Resin, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, brass and beige polymer resin illuminated wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Light oxidation on mirror. Patina present to resin and brass. Wear consist...
Brass
Cristal Art Sage Green Beveled Oval Mirror, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning oval-shaped mirror with a beautiful sage green–colored crystal frame. This charming mirror was designed by Cristal Art and produced in Italy during the 1960s. The mirror fe...
Glass, Art Glass, Mirror
Beautiful mid-century brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
Located in München, DE
Beautiful heavy mid-century modern brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Made in Sweden. Minimalist 1950s design with a decorative brass loop frame and a brass ring at t...
Brass
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
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror with Brass 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 solid brushed brass full frame. This mirror is fully customisable to suit t...
Brass
Danish Modern Oval Ceramic Wall Mirror, Cobalt Blue Glaze, 1960s
By Michael Andersen & Son, Søholm Stentøj, Rörstrand, Royal Copenhagen, Arabia
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Modern handmade oval shaped ceramic wall mirror from small ceramic studio near Copenhagen. Decorated with organic relief pattern and bright cobalt blue shiny glaze. Original l...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Mirror
$908Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern French Ceramic mirror by Thiry, 1960s - Era Ruelland
By Albert Thiry
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Modern French Ceramic mirror by Thiry, 1960s - Era Ruelland A rare mirror by Albert Thiry, featuring a glossy enamel in shades of cream, blue, and brown—colors typical o...
Enamel
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
Set of 8 Mid-Century Mirrors/Coat Racks by Luciano Bertoncini for Elco, 1970's
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage set of 8 pieces Italian mid-century wall mirrors/ coat racks by Luciano Bertoncini for Elco from 1970's. The frame is in plastic base with mirror glass inside. Including wall...
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-Century Large Oval Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Large oval rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960 from South of France. 24 inches Height / 17.5 inches Width
Rope, Mirror
Vintage French Circular Mirror with Patinated Frame, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant and understated, this vintage French round mirror from the 1940s features a slender metal frame with original patina and a minimal hanging chain. Its pure circular shape and ...
Wood
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, Oak, Wood
20th Century, Gio Ponti attr. Brass Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
Here we have a beautiful wall mirror with wooden structure and brass frame, produced in Italy in 1950 circa. In very good condition with the patina of the time, original and ready t...
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This refined Italian wall mirror from the 1960s is a beautiful example of understated mid-century design. The piece features a slim brass frame with softly rounded corners and a subt...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Illuminated Wall Mirror with a Brass Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N.4 Art deco inspired freeform mirror with an elegant brushed brass full frame and front illumination inspired. Handcrafted in London, UK using pure solid brass. Mirror dime...
Brass
Murano Glass Mirror with Gold Leaf Butterflies, Circular Form, 21th Century
Located in NICE, FR
Decorative circular mirror executed in the finest Murano glass tradition, featuring an expressive frame composed of 28 sculptural butterfly elements. Each butterfly is handcrafted in...
Brass
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
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
Mid-Century Large Oval Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Large oval rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960 from South of France. 21.5 inches Height / 14.5 inches Width
Rope, Mirror
Oval Rope Mirror by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet - 21.3" (54cm) - France 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Oval Rope Mirror by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet - Wall Mirror - France 1950s One of the famous mirrors designed by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet in France during the late 1950s. ...
Rope, Mirror
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.5"H x 12.85"W x 1.0"D Does not include mo...
Brass
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
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
Vintage 1970s smoked glass wall mirror Italian design
Located in None, IT
Wall mirror with thick bronze-colored beveled glass frame, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 84 cm, width 6...
Glass
Midcentury Round Wall Mirror with Smoked Frame Cristal Arte Style, Italy 1970s
By Cristal Arte, Cristal Art Torino
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful double-level round wall mirror with smoked frame in the style of Cristal Art. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Cristal Arte (established in 1944) was a furniture co...
Mirror, Wood
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-Mounted Mirror with Shelf in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall-mounted mirror with shelf, teak, mirrored glass, Italy, 1950s An exemplar of mid-century modern design, this sleek, wall-mounted mirror epitomizes finesse and the inimitable ch...
Mirror, Teak
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
1950s Rare Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Biscuit Shaped Italian Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Biscuit Shaped Italian Wall Mirror is a stunning example of the iconic design aesthetic that emerged during the mid-20th century. This mirror is a beautiful blend of Italian cra...
Brass
$2,652Sale 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
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
$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 Vintage N.7 Freeform Bevelled Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame
Located in London, London
Exquisite ceiling suspended vintage series N.7 mirror with an elegant bevel and a solid brass full frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Designed by JL Alguacil, this mirro...
Brass
Mid-Century Bentwood and Rattan Apple Shaped Pair of Mirrors, France, 1960s
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of French Bentwood and Rattan Apple-Shaped Mirrors, 1960s A charming pair of mirrors made of bentwood and rattan, each in the shape of an apple. Handmade in France circa the 19...
Bamboo, Rattan, Bentwood
$557Sale Price|45% 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
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
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
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Oval Wall Mirror Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval 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 ta...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Mid Century Modern Italian Floral Brass Frame Wall Mirror, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid Century Modern Italian Floral Brass Frame Wall Mirror, 1950s, Italy It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas. No damage, no crack. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Brass
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Inspired Mirror
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand, Cristal Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Inspired Mirror. Offered is a stunning rectangular beveled mirror in the spirit of Fontana Arte. This mirror has a beautiful shapely green glass border wi...
Art Glass, Mirror
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Rope, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige rope wall mirror designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.625"H x 10.375"W x 1.4"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Rope
$1,766Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s)
Located in London, GB
Mid-century 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 considering the pr...
Brass
Two 1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Wood and Brass Wall Mirrors
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stunning pair of Mid-century Modern wall mirrors in the highly sought-after Gio Ponti Style, dating from the 1950s. These mirrors perfectly capture the fluid, sophisticated eleganc...
Brass
Jean Blazy Etched Brass Mirror, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
A medium size mirror made of acid etched and patinated brass panels help on a wood frame by steel tacks.
Brass, Steel
Oval Giltwood Mirror by Pieterman, The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully crafted oval mirror from the Netherlands, labeled on the back “Pieterman Schiedam - Holland”, known for producing refined decorative pieces with a distinctly Dutch sens...
Mirror, Wood
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
Contemporary Peacock Blue Diamond Murano Glass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary peacock square diamond cut Murano glass mirror, in stock. Vivid and intense emerald green glass block with naturally occurring air inclusions throughout Highly polishe...
Brass
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