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
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
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
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
$400Sale 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
$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
Charles Hollis Jones Double Sided Brass Table Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Hollis Jones Solid Brass tilting double sided table mirror on brass stand. The iconic Designer Charles Hollis Jones, who worked mostly in acrylic is also known for his wonde...
Brass
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
Attributed Gio Ponti Sculptural Vanity Mirror with Ball Feet, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally elegant Italian vanity mirror from the 1950s, attributed to Gio Ponti. Refined, architectural and full of poetic detail, this piece brings together several element...
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
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
Sergio Mazza Wall Mirror "Narciso" for Artemide, Italy
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Midcentury large round wall mirror from the "Narciso" serie by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, 1960s. The material in the frame is brushed aluminiu...
Aluminum
$266Sale Price|20% Off
60's Mid Century Retro English Butterscotch Marbled Round Bathroom Mirror
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful mid-century modern round bathroom mirror. This 60's vintage bathroom mirror has a chunky moulded plastic frame with the most beautifu...
Mirror, Plastic
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
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
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
Midcentury Oval Table Vanity Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful adjustable oval vanity table mirror in bamboo, rattan and wicker. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal
20th Century Venini Hand Mirror in Twisted Crystal and Brass, 30s
By Venini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
$998Sale Price|30% Off
Three-mirror table dressing table with Carrara marble base, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Table dressing table with Carrara marble base, 1960s Elegant table dressing table made in the 1960s, with white Carrara marble base and chrome-plated steel frame. The dressing table ...
Marble, Metal
Elegant Pink Table Mirror by Celestino Gallinaro, Hammered Brass, 1950s, Signed
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exquisite table mirror by renowned sculptor Celestino Gallinaro, a master of the Padovan school, crafted in the 1950s. This delicate piece features a frame of hand-hammered and de...
Brass
brass Wall Mirror in JOSEF FRANK Style, by Vereinigte Werkstätten Germany 1950s
By Josef Frank, Vereinigte Werkstätten Für Kunst Im Handwerk
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
$6,756Sale Price|35% 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
Sergio Mazza Wall Mirror "Narciso" for Artemide, Italy
By Artemide, Sergio Mazza
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Midcentury large oval wall mirror from the "Narciso" serie by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, 1960s. The material in the frame is brushed aluminium. In very good condition without dents.
Aluminum
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
1940s Gold Infused Murano Glass Barovier & Toso Mirror or Picture Frame, Italy
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso, Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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
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
Vintage Brass Swivel Vanity Mirror Hollywood Regency Mid Century Era
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage brass swivel vanity mirror, often featuring a design reminiscent of the mid-century modern or Art Deco era. Features a round, double-sided mirror t...
Brass
Midcentury Italian Brass Vanity or Tabletop Mirror
Located in Weesp, NL
Enhance Your Space with Timeless Elegance Step back into the glamorous era of the 1940s with this exquisite Italian brass and glass tabletop or vanity mirror. Crafted with meticulou...
Brass
1970s Style Charles Hollis Jones Table Vanity Mirror Lucite & Chrome
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration , 1970s Modernist Lucite Chrome Vanity Table Mirror in the style of Charles Hollis Jones. Dimensions: 14" H x 14" W x 5" ...
Glass, Mirror, Lucite
Gio Ponti table mirror c1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Gio Ponti brass frame table mirror. Italy c1950
Brass
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
Pair of large table mirrors circa 1980 french design style of Garouste bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
In the style of Garouste et Bonetti Pair of large table mirrors realised circa 1980 Resin mirror base Original 20th century decoration Height 58 Large 35 cm Depth 20 cm
Resin
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 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
Solid Brass Entryway Hall Tree Mirror Coat Rack Console Table Claw Feet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Brass Entryway Hall Tree Mirror Coat Umbrella Rack Console Table Claw Feet NICE!.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Backlit Vanity Mirror, Painted Wood, Italy, 1960s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A round vanity mirror in painted wood with backlight. The mirror is possible to tilt. In good working condition.
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Studio Koa Wood Foldable Mirror
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century round foldable mirror with adjustable stand in koa wood. This versatile hand crafted piece is compact in size and can used as a table or small van...
Wood
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
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
$474Sale Price|40% Off
French Antique Mirror with Cherubs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage " petite " psyché mirror from the mid century with cherubs decor. Mirror is adjustable.
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
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Stamped Large Mirror in Birch, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic mirror designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in Finland. Very minimalist with straight lines and finger joints. The mirror has holes in the back in a way that enab...
Glass, Birch
$1,169Sale Price|50% Off
Mid-Century Uno and Osten Kristiansson Table Mirror for Luxus Vittsjö
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
Very rare red table mirror by Uno and Osten Kristiansson for Luxus Vittsjö, made in Sweden in the 1960s. The mirror has hot a red lacquered frame and a steel tripod foot. The mirror...
Stainless Steel
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 3 Fold Mirror With Wooden Baking Floral Design.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage 3 Fold Mirror With Wooden Baking Floral Design.Patina Qualities Consistent with Age. Box H17 Dimensions. 25 1/2 W ; 1 D ; 8 H
Glass, Wood
Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Tilting Vanity Mirror – 1970s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An iconic and minimalist Italian table mirror from the Mid-Century Modern era, characterized by its clean geometric shapes and impressive, monumental size. This freestanding mirror f...
Metal
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
Elegant Brass Wall or Table Make Up Vanity Mirror, France, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Brass table make up vanity mirror, France 1950s. You can put it on a table, vanity or wall and you can hang it around your neck to do your make up. Th...
Brass
Mid-century brass table mirror / vanity, Italy 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century brass table mirror / vanity Italy 1960s brass, mirror H 47 cm x 47 × 27 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Brass
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
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
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
Midcentury French Saint Gobain Glass Petite Table Mirror, 1950s
By Saint Gobain
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury French petite table mirror in pink-tinted Saint Gobain glass, 1950s. The stand on the back is the same glass.
Art Glass, Mirror
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
Sculptural tabletop mirror in carved wood, by Giovanni Gariboldi, Italy, 1940s.
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Table mirror by Giovanni Gariboldi, crafted in carved wood, Italy, 1940s. The mirror is distinguished by its sculptural silhouette, defined by a gently asymmetrical outline and a han...
Glass, Wood
Moveable, Large, Midcentury Brass Table Mirror by Vereinigten Werkstätten
By Vereinigte Werkstätten Für Kunst Im Handwerk
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, very rare, large, moveable, midcentury, three-legged base table mirror. Manufacturer is Vereinigten Werkstätten. Made in Germany. ...
Aluminum, Brass
Italian Designer, Table Mirror, Brass, Glass, Mirror, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass table mirror, designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Brass
Bugle Base Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1960's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Bugle Base Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, a true vintage gem from the 1960s that exudes timeless elegance. This striking piece of furniture showcases exceptio...
Nickel
Charles Hollis Jones Vanity or Table Mirror in Antique Brass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful oval mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The mirror has an antique brass finished frame and base, the mirror is double sided and it can b...
Brass
Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Chrome Makeup Mirror with Magnifying Feature
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning and rare makeup mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the early 1970s. The mirror has lights all around and it has a flip mechanism, one side has a regular mirror and the opposite side has a magnifying mirror...
Chrome
20th Century, Barovier & Toso Table Mirror with frame in Murano Glass Torchon
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ercole Barovier was born in Murano on June 16, 1889. He completed his classical studies in Venice, and engaged in various activities unrelated to glassmaking to finally land in the V...
Brass