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 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
Designer Table Mirror, Nickel
Located in Miami, FL
Designer Table Mirror, very good quality. Great condition. Mirror is adjustable, mirror does not swivel. Ready for a new home.
Metal
Original Murano glass mirror, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Charming Murano glass mirror made in Venice (Italy) in the 1950s. The mirror can be used as a hand mirror or wall mirror. The mirror is in a good, vintage condition. Dimensions: Wid...
Murano Glass
$1,866Sale Price|20% Off
Large Adjustable Vanity Mirror in Brass with Italian Portoro Marble Base, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This luxurious tilting vanity mirror from the 1960s combines elegance with functionality, making it a standout addition to any refined interior. Crafted with a beautifully aged brass...
Marble, Brass
brass Wall Mirror in JOSEF FRANK Style, by Vereinigte Werkstätten Germany 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten Für Kunst Im Handwerk, Josef Frank
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall mirror Producer: Vereinigte Werkstätten München / Münchener Zierspiegel Design: in style of JOSEF FRANK Origin: Germany Material: Wood, glass, metal and br...
Metal
Adjustable Braided Chrome Handle and Brass Lighted Magnification Table Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully designed Magnification Mirror with surrounding light. The Piece is in very good condition with a Braided Chrome stand. The brass and chrome details give this piece a...
Brass, Chrome
Italian Adjustable Table Vanity Mirror in Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Italian Mid-Century adjustable table mirror entirely made in solid brass. This charming and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in amazin...
Brass
Gio Ponti Table Mirror in Brass and Portoro Gold Marble, Fontana Arte Italy 1950
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century double-sided table mirror in brass and stunning Portoro marble. This unique piece is attributed to Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte and was produced in Italy during...
Marble, Brass
Birch & Brass Table Mirror, Sweden 1940s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This elegant Swedish modern table mirror was designed and manufactured in the 1940s. The frame is made from birch (mahogany) stained wood, showcasing its natural grain and warm tone...
Brass
Ettore Sottsass SP63 “Sandretta” Table Mirror for Poltronova, Red Lacquered Wood
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Vicenza, IT
The SP63 “Sandretta” table mirror was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova in 1966 and represents a refined example of Italian Radical Design from the mid-1960s. The mirror fe...
Brass
$402Sale Price|77% Off
Swivel Mirror Brushed Metal Artemide Sergio Mazza, 1960s
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Swivel mirror brushed metal Artemide Sergio Mazza, 1960s.
Metal
Rare Table Mirror in Rosewood and Brass, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Table Mirror in Rosewood and Brass, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Probably produced in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H...
Brass
Rare Large Signed Ercole Barovier Pink Murano Glass & Brass Vanity Mirror 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
We are extremely proud to be able to offer this absolutely stunning, large and very rare Italian oversized Mid-Century brass and pink twisted 'rope' pink Murano glass vanity, desk or...
Brass
French Steel Hand Mirror A Prop From Opheus by Jean Cocteau
Located in Stamford, CT
French cut steel hand mirror. A fascinating piece, said to be Eurydice's mirror, a prop from a production of Jean Cocteau's 'Orpheus'. The play, original title 'Orphee', was first p...
Steel
Tall Hexagon Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Pedestal Stand Side Table Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tall Hexagon Mid-Century Modern mirrored pedestal stand side table mint!
Mirror
Vintage Cartier Classic Tank Pivotal Axis Table Mirror Gold-Plated, 1970
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful tank inspired shaped table mirror by Cartier with back hinged axis. 1970s made in France. This piece is in good vintage condition with ligh...
Gold Plate
Vintage 1940s Beveled Round Mirror with Hand Etched Stars, 16 Inch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Vintage late 1940’s Beveled and Cut Round Mirror with 28 hand etched stars. Use as a Vanity tray or display tray. These mirrors are highly desirable and this one measures 16" in di...
Metal
Vintage TURA Pivotal Oversized Table Mirror Burgundy Enamel Gold-Plated, 1950
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful 1950's pivotal table mirror made for the sunglasses company Tura. One of the sides is a magnifying mirror, the nomal sized one has " Tura " signed ...
Gold Plate
Adjustable Magnifying Ring Lit Table Mirror on Brass Stand with Brass Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A phenomenal Adjustable Magnifying Mirror, with surrounding ring light The mirror is classic and will compliment any decor, from basic to high glam... this is a Must-have for those t...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Table Mirror, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch table mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.25"H x 9.0"W x 5.25"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Birch
Vintage Cartier "Trinity" Table Mirror Silver Gold and Rose Plated, 1970
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful table mirror by Cartier with white, rose and yellow gold details. 1970s made in France. This piece is in near excellent condition with minim...
Gold Plate
$725Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Tabletop Vanity Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Charles Hollis Jones style Lucite and brass tabletop vanity mirror. 1960's era classic Mid-Century Modern double sided mirror. This gla...
Aluminum
Italian Mid-Century Organic Table Mirror attributed to Ico Parisi, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural Italian table mirror from the 1950s, characterized by an elegant oval form framed in solid carved wood with a warm, honey-brown patina. The softly rounded frame flows seam...
Glass, Wood
1940s Gold Infused Murano Glass Barovier & Toso Mirror or Picture Frame, Italy
By Venini, Barovier, Carlo Scarpa, Barovier&Toso
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
1940s Italian gold infused Murano glass picture frame or vanity mirror. Attributed to esteemed Venetian glassworks Barovier & Toso, though also very similar to designs by Carlo Scarp...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Rectangolar table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s.
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Simple rectangolar table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s. The table mirror owns some traces of time and usage, which do no harm to the charm of the...
Metal
Vintage Murano Glass Dressing Table/Vanity Mirror, Italy, Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Murano glass - dressing table/vanity mirror - all original fittings with silver leaf backed mirror - finished and hinged wood easel back (can be wall mounted) - unsigned - ...
Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood
Two Gio Ponti shape Fontana Arte table or wall mirrors Italy c1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Two Gio Ponti shape Fontana Arte free standing table or wall mirrors. Italy c1950 in very good condition Lovely patina to brass. Mirror in very good condition. Some age but no rea...
Brass
Fontana Arte Style Table Mirror, Italy, 1960’s
By Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Freestanding horizontally or vertically. Layered design. Beautiful soft color.
Metal
Makio Hasuike per Gedy Set da Toletta Portatile Space Age, Italia 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Distintivo e raro set di vanità in plastica dell'era spaziale disegnato da Makio Hasuike per Gedy. This portable vanity set has four compartments and a rectangular mirror . La forma ...
Mirror, Plastic
Double Sided Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones in Brass and Lucite, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an elegant thick heavy Lucite mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the early 1960s. The Lucite is nice, clear and thick. It is presented with brass whi...
Brass
Modernist Leather Table Mirror Vereinigte Werkstätten Attrib., Germany, 1960s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten Für Kunst Im Handwerk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Table mirror Producer: Vereinigte Werkstätten München attrib. Origin: Germany Material: Wood, glass, leather Decade: 1960s Descriptio...
Glass, Wood, Leather
Mid-Century Italian Vanity Table Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Brass, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century vanity adjustable table mirror with drawer, made in a beautiful combination of bamboo, woven wicker, and brass. This incredibly stylish and unique organic piece...
Brass
Mid Century Style Vanity Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid century modern style round vanity mirror on a faux marble base by Schreiber
Mirror
20th Century Venini Hand Mirror in Twisted Crystal and Brass, 30s
By Venini
Located in Turin, Turin
In 1921 Venini and Cappellin opened a glass factory called Vetri Soffiati Muranesi Cappellin Venini & C. on the islands of Murano, the historic glass production centre in the lagoon ...
Crystal, Brass
Rare "Wishbone" Vanity Mirror in Brass by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage and rare "Wishbone" vanity mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. This is a particularly large example standing 28" tall and double sided s...
Brass
Vintage Gio Ponti Style Brass Table Mirror attrib to Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage brass table mirror attributed to Charles Hollis Jones. Uncertain to maker and origin. Possibly Italian. Craftsmanship is very fine.
Brass
Gio Ponti table mirror c1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Gio Ponti brass frame table mirror. Italy c1950
Brass
Beautiful rare large adjustable mid-century brass table mirror by Zier Form
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, very rare, large, movable Mid-Century Modern tripod table mirror. Manufactured by Zier Form. Made in Germany. Typical 1950s design with a curved brass frame. The entire mi...
Brass
Mid-Century Hans-Agne Jakobsson Brass and Teak Large Rare Table Mirror, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This rare mid-century table mirror in brass and teak was produced in Sweden at AB Markaryd and designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. The mirror stands on a teak foundation and has a swing...
Brass
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Glass Torchon Mirror signed by Barovier Tosso, circa 1950
Located in CABA, AR
This exquisite Murano glass torchon mirror, signed by Barovier & Toso and crafted circa 1950, epitomizes the elegance and innovation of mid-century Vene...
Brass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Table Mirror, circa 1950
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant Murano glass 'a treccia' circular glass framed table or vanity mirror. Hand worked in twisted colorless Murano glass, the spiral design known as “a treccia” after ...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Brass Vanity Tilting Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brass vanity tilting mirror in the style of Charles Hollis Jones. There are a few 1mm age spots on the mirror on both sides. Only mirror is 14.5" by 10"
Brass
$8,309Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Glass Vanity Mirror by Barovier and Toso, Brass Frame, Italy, 1940s
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Murano glass vanity mirror by Barovier and Toso, produced in Italy in the 1940s, presents a refined example of mid-century Venetian glass craftsmanship. The substantial frame is...
Brass
Brass Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large and beautiful oval mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The mirror has a beautiful aged patina, the mirror is double sided and it can be flip...
Brass
1960s murano glass table photo frame with mirror glass
Located in Palermo, PA
1960s Murano glass mirror photo frame with blue glass frame and beautiful transparent. flowers. Perfect for your vanity. The mirror glass shows some patina.
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Tortoise Double side Mirror in Lucite 1970 Brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Tortoise Double side Mirror in Lucite 1970 Brown Color. The mirror tilts up and down
Tortoise Shell, Bakelite
Italian Murano Glass Mirror by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, circa 1950s. Marked
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
A sculptural hand blow Murano glass mirror by Venini, Italy, circa 1950s. Marked Distinguished by its softly rounded, organic silhouette, the mirror is framed in thick, hand-worked g...
Glass, Mirror
$350Sale Price|46% Off
Rialto New York Illuminated & Magnified Vanity Mirror
By Rialto
Located in Fulton, CA
An illuminated and magnified vanity mirror by Rialto, New York. Chrome pod pivots on a Lucite / acrylic base. Retains "Rialto" label. Excellen...
Chrome
Elegant Teak Table Mirror by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus Sweden 1960s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant, large and adjustable Mid Century Modern table mirror / vanity mirror with teak wood frame. Designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Manufactured by Luxus, Vittsjö, Sweden in 19...
Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti Midcentury Marble and Steel Round Vanity Table Mirror, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury marble and steel round vanity table mirror. This fantastic item was designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in Italy during the 1960s. ...
Marble, Steel
Chrome and Acrylic Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A rectangular shape vanity double sided mirror design by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s.
Chrome
Vintage Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1960's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Dual Side Vanity Mirror in Brass, a splendid piece of furniture crafted by renowned designer Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s, proudly made in the USA. This vintage ...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Vanity Adjustable Table Mirror in Bamboo and Rattan, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century adjustable vanity table mirror, crafted in a beautiful combination of curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stylish and unique organic piece was designed in...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Adjustable Teak Table Vanity Mirror, Sweden, 1960s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This large vanity mirror was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1960s. It features an adjustable teak framed mirror on teak stand. Condition is very good with just minor ...
Mirror, Teak
$287Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 70s Tabletop Mirror with Light and Magnifier - Nordic Design Icons
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Discover a timeless piece of vintage elegance with this rare 70s tabletop mirror produced by Carmen, a distinguished Danish maker, in the 1970s. This stunning mirror, made from heavy...
Plastic, Glass
$1,233Sale Price|28% Off
Wall or Standing Rope Mirror, in the Style of Audoux Minet, circa 1970
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This wall or standing mirror is made of rope. This is a French work in the style of Audoux Minet. circa 1970
Rope
Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior brushed steel vanity mirror 1970
By Gabriella Crespi, Christian Dior
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Mid-Century table vanity mirror designed by Gabriella Crespi for Christian Dior and made in Italy in the late 1970. Made entirely with brushed steel, the mirror looks solid...
Steel
1950s Italian Walnut and Brass Vanity Mirror with Lights
Located in New York, NY
1950s walnut and brass Italian vanity mirror with lights, in vintage condition with minor wear and patina due to age and us, lightly restored...
Brass
BAROVIER & TOSO table or hanging mirror MURANO glass ITALY 1940/50.
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milano, IT
BAROVIER & TOSO, designed by ERCOLE BAROVIER, the murano glass mirror of excellent workmanship and excellent state of preservation It has the signature embossed in the brass as seen...
Brass
Barovier & Toso Attrib. Murano Glass Table Mirror, Italy 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Murano glass mirror made in the 1950s, with floral decorations and etched glass The mirror can be used as a table or wall mirror. Made by Murano master glassmakers without the use ...
Mirror, Murano Glass