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.
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
Vintage Italian Decorated Brass Table Mirror, 1960s
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Tabletop mirror with a gilded and decorated brass frame, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition; may show signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 50 cm; Width 41 ...
Brass
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
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
$236Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$384Sale 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
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
$262Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
1960s Italian adjustable brass dressing-table mirror with cream marble base
Located in London, GB
Shaped dressing-table mirror with decorative brass frame. Decorative brass arms allow the mirror to be angled. Sits on a lovely patterned heavy cream marble base with bevelled edge.
Marble, Brass
$600Sale Price|60% Off
Sergio Mazza Large Swivel Marble Table Mirror, Italy, 1960
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Vienna, AT
Sergio Mazza swivel marble table mirror, Italy, 1960, modern swivel table mirror with white marble base and brushed nickelled brass metal frame, excellent condition. Mirror only meas...
Brass, Nickel
Original Murano glass mirror, Italy 1950s, Vintage home decor
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Charming Murano glass mirror made in Venice (Italy) in the 1950s. The mirror can be used as a table mirror or wall mirror. The mirror is in a very good vintage condition. Dimensions...
Murano Glass
Solid Brass, Dual Sided Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Solid Brass, Dual Sided Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1970's - a timeless piece that exudes luxury and sophistication. Hand made in the US from...
Brass
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
$1,250 / item
Charles Hollis Jones Vanity Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charles Hollis Jones Vanity mirrors, each one double sided thick inset metal mounted oval mirrors, (measure: 9" wide x 12" high) rai...
Metal
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
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
Charles Hollis Jones Swivel Vanity or Table Round Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful round mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The base is done in polished nickel, the mirror is one sided and it has a small chip and we ca...
Nickel
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
Mid-Century Brass Vanity Table Wall Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten , Germany
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-Century Brass Vanity Table Wall Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten , Germany , 1950s
Metal, Brass
$959Sale 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
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
$832Sale Price|52% Off
Italian Mid-Century Modern Lucite Chrome and Brass Vanity Table Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Mid-Century Modern Lucite chrome and brass vanity table mirror.
Brass, Chrome
Italian Polished Brass Table Mirror with Marble Adjustable Vanity Base, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table mirror in brass with adjustable marble vanity base vanity. This elegant midcentury table or makeup mirror was designed and produced in Italy during the 1950s. ...
Brass
Midcentury Brass Table Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten, Germany 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Mathieu Matégot
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This awesome round midcentury table mirror was designed and manufactured in Germany in the 1950s by Vereinigte Werkstätten München. It features a brass stretched metal frame in the m...
Brass
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
Mahogany Table Mirror from the 19th Century
Located in Lejre, DK
Table mirror crafted in mahogany dating from the 19th century. The mirror features an adjustable glass and reflects the craftsmanship of the period. — Period: 19th century — Material...
Mahogany
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
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
Mid-20th Century, Scandinavian Standing Table Mirror in Wood, 1950s–1960s
By Peder Moos
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant mirror is a fine example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design, dating from the 1950s–1960s. With its clean lines, warm wood tones, and understated functionality, the mirr...
Glass, Mirror, Beech
A 1950s Fontana Arte Style Mid-Century Modern Green Nilo Glass Vanity Mirror
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This mid-century modern vanity mirror attributed to Fontana Arte is dated to the 1950s. The mirror is crafted from thick, green Nilo glass, a signature material for Fontana Arte desi...
Glass, Mirror
$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
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
Italian Sculptural Carved Gilt Wood Table / Vanity Mirror, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Italian Sculptural Carved Gilt Wood Table / Vanity Mirror, circa 1950 An exquisite Italian Mid-Century table mirror that seamlessly blends organic texture with refined decorative cr...
Mirror, Wood
René Buthaud, Mirror Frame, France 1940s
Located in Greding, DE
Small mirror frame of polychrome enameled ceramic by René Buthaud (1886-1986) alias Jean Doris. Signed "J. Doris" on the side.
Ceramic
$1,125Sale Price|52% Off
Mid-Century Uno and Osten Kristiansson Table Mirror for Luxus Vittsjö
By Luxus of Sweden, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
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
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
Two Sided Mid-Cetury Modern Brass Mirror, Finland 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautifully understated Mid-Century Modern table mirror that embodies the Scandinavian philosophy of balancing functionality with sculptural simplicity. Executed in solid brass, th...
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
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
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
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
Italian Table Beveled Mirror in Wood and Iron by Luigi Fontana &C, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Italian table mirror with beveled edges in wood and iron. This elegant mirror was designed by Luigi Fontana & C. in Italy during the 1940s. This rare rectangular table mirr...
Metal
Midcentury Metal and White Plastic Round Italian Table Mirror, Italy, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury metal and white plastic round table mirror. This amazing item was produced in Italy during 1980s. This surprising piece is composed of a rotating white plasti...
Metal
Stainless Steel and White Acrylic Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vanity mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones, 2 sided with one side being 2-3 x magnification, excellent condition, manufactured in the 1960s. Measures:...
Stainless Steel
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
Ettore Sottsass SP63 “Sandretta” Table Mirror for Poltronova, Red Lacquered Wood
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
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
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
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Robert Sonneman Swivel Lucite Eyeball Vanity Table Lamp Light Makeup Mirror
Located in Wayne, NJ
Robert Sonneman magnifier Lucite eyeball mirror vanity table lamp makeup swivel.
Other
Midcentury Modern Hans-Agne Jakobsson Chrome Vanity Table Mirror, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury table mirror in chrome was produced in Sweden at AB Markaryd and designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This mirror has double mirrors where the small one works as a magnif...
Chrome
1980s Vintage Vanity Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian vanity mirror with lights made in Italy 1980s.
Chrome
Elegant Table Vanity Mirror Attributed to Paolo Buffa in Brass, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant Italian tabletop vanity mirror attributed to Paolo Buffa, dating from the 1940s. Distinguished by its subtly waisted silhouette, the mirror embodies the refined balance be...
Brass
Makio Hasuike Midcentury Set of Make-Up and Storage Italian Boxes for Gedy, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury set of spherical plastic make-up and storage boxes. Makio Hasuike designed this set during the 1970s, as a part of the Roberta collection, and produced Gedy it. The set is composed of a stunning rare vintage make...
Glass, Mirror, Plastic