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.
Spanish Colonial Green Rectangular Wood Mirror with Gilt Iron Rosettes, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular Spanish Revival Mirror with Gilt Iron Rosettes, Spain, 1950-1960. Outstanding rectangular wood frame with carving details on the corners. It has an inset frame with a dar...
Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Gispen Style Tubular Chrome Full-Length Standing Mirror, Netherlands, c. 1950
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Quite ossibly produced by Gispen of the Netherlands circa 1950, this full-length standing mirror features a thick tubular chrome frame with softly rounded corners enclosing the mirro...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Walnut Oval Mirror
Located in Troy, MI
Elongated oval mirror set within a deeply contoured walnut frame. The rounded profile gives substantial depth, casting shadow lines that emphasize the frame's sculptural quality. Dar...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Vintage 1970s smoked glass wall mirror Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
Mid-Century Spanish Wood Wall Mirror– Castilian Style, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Mid-Century Spanish Castilian Pine Wood Wall Mirror Mid-Century Spanish Castilian-style wall mirror in solid pine wood. The design is defined by clean lines, balanced proportions, a...
Mirror, Wood, Pine
Barovier Mirror in Blown Murano Glass and Brass, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and unique wall mirror in blown twisted Murano glass and brass. This highly decorative piece was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1940s. Fully original and in amazin...
Brass
Vintage 1970s round wall mirror in Walnut wood Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Round wall mirror with Walnut wood frame, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 69 cm, width 69 cm, depth 3.5 c...
Glass, Wood
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
Mid-Century Arch Mirror in Curved Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century arch-shaped mirror in curved bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This stylish French Riviera style organic mirror was produced in Italy during the 1960s. In a...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Modern 1960/70s Rectangular Wooden Wall Mirror
Located in Palermo, IT
Rectangular wooden wall mirror with a design characterized by clean, essential lines and a high-quality wooden frame, hallmarks of the modern Nordic style of the period. Construction...
Mirror, Wood
Reka Wall-Mounted Mirror: Hand-Crafted Rattan & Glass, Mid-Century
Located in Oxford, GB
This beautifully crafted Reka wall mounted mirror is made of pencil reed rattan, providing a unique and elegant texture. Its durable design adds a touch of sophistication to any room...
Rattan, Glass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror in Iridiscent Blue Glass and Brass Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular mirror with blue iridiscent mirror glass panels and brass frame, Spain, 1950-1960s This wall mirror features a brass frame with double layered iridiscent b...
Brass, Metal
Spanish Giltwood Oval Sunburst Mirror, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Giltwood Oval Sunburst Mirror, Giltwood, Gold Leaf. Spain, 1950s This eye-catching sunburst oval mirror with giltwood frame and scalloped edge. It has foliage carved decorative detai...
Gold Leaf
Italian Organic Bamboo and Wicker Wall Mirror, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Organic Bamboo and Wicker Wall Mirror, 1970s Beautiful Italian Riviera Wall Mirror made of natural organic Bamboo and wicker material in the 1970s ca. Particular Drop Form E...
Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Rope, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown rope wall mirror designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Heavy wear to silvering. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing nail wire thread and will require custom insta...
Rope
French Riviera Large Rectangular Mirror in Bamboo and Woven Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century large rectangular mirror entirely made of bamboo and woven rattan wicker. This beautiful French Riviera style mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fu...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Italian Mid-Century Walnut Wall Mirror with Trefoil Frame
Located in Troy, MI
A striking Italian Mid-Century wall mirror featuring a sculptural rounded trefoil frame in warm walnut with a refined concave channel detail along the inner edge. A versatile and org...
Mirror, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Teak Wall Mirror with Drawer, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-century modern wall mirror with shelf and drawer. A minimalist design. The mirror is framed on the sides by teak panels. It is open at the top and bottom. In the lower section, ...
Mirror, Teak
$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
Small Italian Mid-century Shaped Brass Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small 1950s Italian shaped mirror in molded brass.
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
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...
Wrought Iron, Iron
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
Beautiful small mid-century brass wall mirror with braided hanging strap
Located in München, DE
Original 1950s beautiful brass wall mirror. With original braided strap for hanging. Very high-quality craftsmanship in a minimalist design. Made in Germany. 100% original and in goo...
Brass
Mithé Espelt Mirror in Gilt Crackle-Glazed Ceramic with Green Glass Inserts
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant ceramic mirror by French artist Mithé Espelt, created in the 1960s. The hand-crafted frame is finished in Espelt’s celebrated gilt crackle glaze and decorated with a rhythmic...
Ceramic, Glass
Oval mirror italy around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Oval mirror italy around 1960s Can be mounted horizontally or vertically Original condition
Mirror
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
Large Bamboo and Rattan Mirror by Vivai Del Sud. Italy, 1970s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Large Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency wall mirror bamboo, rattan raffia, wicker by the manufacture Vivai del Sud italian design. Original manufacture stamp on the back. Famous ...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
1950s Gispen Style Tubular Chrome Full-Length Rolling Mirror
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full-length rolling mirror built in the Gispen design tradition, featuring a thick tubular chrome frame with softly rounded upper corners enclosing a single-sided mirror panel. Four ...
Chrome
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
Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + Wall Lamp "Eaves"
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + "Gronda" Wall Lamp by Luciano Bertoncini, Made in Italy, 1970s. Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + Modular Neon Lamp Model "Gronda" designed ...
Glass
Rectangular Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron with Leafed Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Iron Rectangular Sunburst Mirror Framed with Leaves, Spain, 1950s An eye-catching sunburst mirror framed with elegant leaves and gold ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Inspired Mirror
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand, Pietro Chiesa, Cristal Arte
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
Mid-Century Octogonal Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare nautical octagonal rope mirror Audoux Minet circa 1960 from South of France. 16 by 16 inches.
Rope, Mirror
$709Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970s oval wall mirror made of wood, Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Oval wall-mounted mirror with wooden frame and leather cord for hanging on the wall, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear due to age. SIZING:...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Ice Style Lucite Frame Oval Wall Mirror Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking large oval Lucite and glass mirror dating to the 1960s. This elegant piece features a clear Lucite frame that beautifully highlights the beveled glass center, creating a l...
Metal
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
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
Midcentury Round Wall Mirror with Smoked Frame Cristal Arte Style, Italy 1970s
By Cristal Art Torino, Cristal Arte
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
Jacob Hermann & Per Lütken Danish Wall Mirror & Holmegaard Glass Vase, 1960s
By Holmegaard, Randers Møbelfabrik, Per Lutken for Holmegaard, Per Lütken
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful and particularly decorative Mid-Century Modern wall-hanging mirror from the 1960s. This mirror is the result of a collaboration between designer Jacob Hermann and renowne...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
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
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
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
$463Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s vintage wood round wall mirror Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Round wall mirror with wooden frame, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 64 cm; width 64 cm; depth 4 cm; MATERIA...
Wood
$2,624Sale 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
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
House Of Heydenryk Giltwood Large 1950's Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful large 1950's gilt wall mirror by "The House Of Heydenryk, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use, there is some minor wear and patina to...
Mirror, Giltwood
Midcentury Brass Wall Mirror Attributed to Luciano Frigerio, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing wall smoked mirror in curved brass Attributed to Luciano Frigerio. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The rectangular shape of the mirror with a twisted metal frame cl...
Metal, Brass
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
$551Sale Price|45% Off
Vintage 1960s wood and smoked glass wall mirror Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
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
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
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
$5,389Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Oval Mirrors in Hand Forged Silvered Iron, Spain 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Hand Forged Spanish Mirrors, Wrought Iron, Spain, 1940s. Gorgeous wrought iron oval mirrors with scroll details and spearhead or arrowhead crests. Manufactured at the Mid-20t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Venetian Modern Mirror with Arch Top and Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style arch top mirror with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This glamorous mirror features a triple layered mirror frame made of brass. The frame has three layers of mirror ...
Brass
Mid-century Freeform Wall-hanging Modern Frameless Beveled Mirror, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Mid century style freeform frameless freeform wall mirror with an elegant bevel. Handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (wides...
Mirror
$2,020Sale Price|24% 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
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