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 Oval Wall Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Gilt Oval Mirror, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Spain, 1950s An eye-catching oval mirror feauturing a hand-forged iron frame with twisted iron rope details and gold leaf gilding...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid Century Inspired Decorative Mirror with Handcrafted Aged Brass Frame
Located in London, London
Vintage N.2 mid-century style wall mirror with an ornate verdigris patina bronze Tipo frame. A contemporary reinterpretation of an iconic mid-century freeform mirror inspired by the ...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror, Brass Frame, Gio Ponti Style, 1960s
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). This mirror is simply elegant and characterful in a modern, Gio Ponti style. It is tall yet elegantly narrow in width,...
Brass
Gispen Full-Length Double-Sided Chrome Standing Mirror, Netherlands, circa 1950
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare full-length double-sided standing mirror by Gispen, produced in the Netherlands circa 1950. The thick tubular chrome frame runs the full height of the piece, terminating at the ...
Metal, Chrome
Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror, Handcrafted in Spain, Dated 1989
Located in Valencia, VC
Octagonal wall mirror with a brass-mounted frame combining iridescent and mirrored glass panels. The frame is composed of two borders: an outer border of iridescent mirrored glass in...
Metal, Brass
Stunning Mid-Century American Modern Craft Mirror by Dean Santner
By George Nakashima, Dean Santner, Wendell Castle
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautifully sculpted mirror by Dean Santner. Master craftsman Dean Santner designs was part of the American Modern Craft movement along side Wendell Ca...
Wood
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Beveled Frame Arch Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Mirror ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ta...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Cristal Art wall mirror yellow glass Italy 1950/60 Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
CRISTAL ART style Production Italy, ca. 1950. Oval wall mirror with yellow/amber, superimposed mirrored glass frame. Oxidation and signs of use. Typical modern antique piece, with g...
Glass, Mirror
Gio Ponti Large Italian Neoclassical Shield Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique Mid-Century wall mirror in solid brass with an elegant shield-shaped silhouette. This refined mirror was produced in Italy during the 1950s, and its design is at...
Metal, Brass
Cristal Arte Oval Green Grey Mid-Century Scalloped Wall Mirror, Italy, 1960s
By Antonio Lupi, Lupi Cristal Luxor, Cristal Arte, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
A distinctive mirror double-level wall mirror from the 1960s, made in Italy by Cristal Arte / Crystal Art. The mirror can be mounted in either landscape or portrait format and looks ...
Glass, Mirror
Italian Large Mid-Century Vintage Wall Mirror with Original Brass Frame, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Large Mid-Century Vintage Wall Mirror with Original Brass Frame, 1970s Beautiful and elegant, large vintage wall mirror with solid shiny brass frame and crystal mirror glass...
Brass
Pair of Spectacular Adrien Audoux Frida Minet Elliptic Rope Mirrors
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Jersey City, NJ
inspired by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet this pair of rope mirrors have a modern design. The edition is limited as there are made by a French artisan in south of France. Please not...
Rope, Mirror
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s)
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in fair overall condition - please take note...
Brass
Cristal Art Blue glass wall mirror production Italy 60s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
Gorgeous wall mirror, designed by prestigious Italian manufacturer Cristal Arte. Made of thick shaped slabs of cobalt blue ground crystal, which give the mirror a deep luminosity and...
Stainless Steel
Sergio Mazza wall mirror for Artemide Italia 1960 Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Palermo, IT
Round wall mirror model Narciso, designed by Sergio Mazza for Artemide in c. 1960s. The piece is an icon of modernist design and Italian modernism, featuring a thick, flared circular...
Steel
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
French Ceramic Mosaic Round Mirror in the Style of Vallauris, Circa 1970
Located in Valencia, VC
French ceramic mosaic mirror produced circa 1970. The circular frame is composed of individually glazed ceramic tiles in graduated shades of blue, from pale blue to cobalt and deep n...
Ceramic, Mirror, Wood
$3,530 / set
Pair of Italian Bamboo and Rattan Mirrors 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
A charming pair of Italian bamboo-framed mirrors dating from the 1950s, showcasing the playful craftsmanship and organic elegance that characterized Mediterranean design during the p...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Modernist Minimal Mirror with Antiqued Border
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and understated Mid-Century Modernist mirror embodies the era’s affinity for clean lines and timeless functionality. Crafted circa 1950 in the United States, the mirror fe...
Mirror
Pair of Large Venetian Style Octagonal Mirrors with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirrors with Brass Frame Set of Two Venetian style octagonal wall mirrors with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s These eye-catching octagonal mi...
Metal, 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. Heavy wear to silvering. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing nail wire thread and will require custom insta...
Rope
Mid-Century Gilded Gesso Wall Mirror
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall mirror, glass, gold lacquered gesso, Europe, 1950s Elegant and refined, this 1950s wall mirror is distinguished by its beautifully proportioned gilt frame and subtle decorative...
Lacquer
Wall Mirror by Introini for Valenti & C Italy 70s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful wall mirror created by designer Vittorio Introini in collaboration with Valenti the 70's. The frame is made of brushed stainless steel, square in shape and beveled at the ...
Metal, Steel
Rattan Palm Tree Mirror by Vivai Del Sud. Italy, 1970s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Palm tree wall mirror bamboo, rattan raffia, wicker by the manufacture Vivai del Sud italian design. Original manufacture stamp on the back. Famous design like, Maison Arpex Interna...
Bamboo, Wicker, Raffia, Rattan
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 Italian Rectangular Mirror in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century organic rectangular mirror in rattan and handwoven wicker. This stylish French Riviera-style mirror was produced in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
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
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
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
20th century design colored ceramic wall mirror by Roger Capron Herbier 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Roger Capron - Vallauris Unique handmade large 20th century design ceramic wall mirror by Roger Capron Realised circa 1960 Modèle : Herbier Original perfect condition Signed ...
Ceramic
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
Small Italian Mid-century Shaped Brass Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small 1950s Italian shaped mirror in molded brass.
Brass
Wrought iron lamp by Léopold Gest, France, circa 1970
By Leopold Gest
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Hammered iron table lamp by Léopold Gest, France, circa 1970. It stands on a circular wrought iron base and features a sculptural structure composed of geometric forms and a distinc...
Ceramic
Mithe Espelt of France Gilded Mirror with Bird Imagery circa 1960
Located in Oakland, CA
Mithé Espelt ceramic mirror, circa 1960, France. Glazed embossed earthenware. Crackled gold and crystallized blue glass. Iconic mirror decorated with a bird with original felt backin...
Ceramic, Glass, Mirror
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
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
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
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
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...
Metal, Brass
Venetian Murano Glass Mirror Vanity Wall Mirror, Golden Glory, Vintage
Located in Andernach, DE
Classic Venetian mirror with typical Murano craftsmanship. The delicate vanity mirror has been carefully hand crafted from colourless Murano glass with gorgeously shaped larger and ...
Murano Glass
20th Century Octagonal Murano Glass Mirror With Glass Flowers, Italy ca. 1970s
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolutely stunning, late mid century Murano glass mirror from the famous workshops of the little island in Venice/ Italy. This extraordinary piece of an octagonal murano wall mirror...
Mirror, Murano Glass
1950s Spanish Colonial Red and White Wood Rectangular Mirror with Gilt Rosetttes
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Revival Red and Off White Wall / Console Mirror with Gilt Iron Rosettes Frame and Fleur de Lys Macarons, Spain, 1950-1960. Large size. Outstanding rectangular wooden frame p...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
Large Mid-Century Oval Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Oval Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet from South of France. H / 19 inches, W / 13.5 inches.
Rope, Mirror
Franco Albini Large Oval Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning large oval mirror in French Riviera style, crafted from hand-woven wicker, curved rattan, and bamboo. This refined piece is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albini and wa...
Bamboo, Wicker, 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
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
Vintage Wooden Sunburst Convex Mirror, Gold, 46cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage gold-tone sunburst mirror featuring convex glass; crafted from wood in France, circa mid-20th century. Highly sought after by serious collectors, this mirror is crafted and ...
Mirror, Wood
Sculptural Wall Mirror by Lorenzo Burchiellaro, Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
This exceptional wall mirror is a quintessential example of the sculptural mastery of Lorenzo Burchiellaro, a prominent figure in 20th-century Italian design. Crafted in Italy during...
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
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
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
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Glass, Acrylic, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An etched glass and acrylic wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Heavy wear to silvering. Three acrylic flower details missing; another broken. Bottom left corner...
Glass, Acrylic
Oval mirror italy around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Oval mirror italy around 1960s Can be mounted horizontally or vertically Original condition
Mirror
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror attributed to Gio Ponti, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant Italian wall mirror attributed to Gio Ponti, distinguished by its slender, asymmetrical silhouette and finely crafted brass frame. The organic profile, defined by soft curves...
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
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
$706Sale 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
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan & Wicker Wall Mirror Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful wall mirror in bamboo, rattan and wicker in the style of Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpex were the three le...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Expertly Restored - Charles Hollis Jones Double Sided Vanity Brass Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Patinated Brass, New Mirror Glasses ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, a...
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
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