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.
Argentine Designer, Wall Mirror, Iron, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wrought iron wall mirror designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 38.0"H x 26.8"W x 1.0"D All items ship from...
Iron
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Teak, Ceramic, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and green ceramic wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.0"H x 7.0"W x 0.5"D All items shi...
Ceramic, Teak
Danish Ceramic Wall Mirror by Marianne Starck, Persia Glaze, 1960s
By Arabia, Nils Thorsson, Michael Andersen & Son, Marianne Starck, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish ceramic wall mirror decorated by hand and designed by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen & Son in the 1960s. Solid, thick ceramic frame with navy blue and light grey per...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Mirror
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Fabric, Sweden, 1980s
By Gocken Jobs
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1980s. Fabric designed by Lisbet och Gocken Jobs. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Fabric
Argentine Designer, Wall Mirror, Metal, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and gold-painted metal wall mirror designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 22.5"W x 0.8"D All...
Metal
Large Trapezoidal Mid-Century Full-Length Wall Mirror, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Gio Ponti
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming frameless Mid-Century Modern wall mirror from the 1950s, handcrafted in Vienna, Austria. The mirror stands out for its tapered, organically shaped trapezoidal form. Thanks...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, mirror, model 2172A, brass and tinted glass, ca. 1960
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare wall mirror, model 2127A, by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1962. Vertical mirror with an outer brass frame and an inner frame made of beveled blue glass panels, which cr...
Brass
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
Free Form Ceramic Mirror, circa 1960, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice free form ceramic mirror, circa 1960, France. Red, orange and gray shades of glazed ceramic, complete with his original mirror. Dimensions: 29 cm H, 19 cm W, 2 cm D. All purchas...
Ceramic, Mirror
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte: 1950s Mid-Century Colored Glass Wall Mirror
Located in Palermo, IT
A renowned piece of historic design, this is a rare rectangular wall mirror designed by the famous French designer Max Ingrand for the Italian company Fontana Arte and produced aroun...
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 medium in size, beautifully shaped ...
Brass
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A carved wood wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Heavy wear to silvering. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.0"H x 9.5"W x 1.0"D ...
Wood
Italian Solid Bronze Wall Mirror - Modernist Oval Brass Patinated Mirror - 1960s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Italian Solid Bronze Wall Mirror - Modernist Oval Brass Patinated Mirror - 1970s Beautifully crafted Italian organic-shaped mirror featuring a substantial solid bronze frame with a ...
Brass, Bronze
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
20th century design purple wall ceramic mirror by Accolay 1960
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Accolay - France Handmade ceramic pottery wall mirror Realised in Accolay Circa 1960 Original perfect condition 20th century design purple ceramic wall mirror Height 30 cm lar...
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror " Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, circa 1958.
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Embossed and crackled gilt ceramic frame with 18 inclusions of light green crystallized glass Modèle " Engrenage" circa 1958 by Mithé Espelt 1923-2020. Produced in her Lunel works...
Earthenware, Felt, Mirror
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
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
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
$508Sale Price|25% Off
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
Bamboo Rattan Starburst Sunburst Oval Mirror, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Oval Midcentury bamboo rattan sunburst starburst mirror. Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features an oval mirror glass framed by a bamboo star shaped frame with wicker /rattan tied ac...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Stunning Mid-Century American Modern Craft Mirror by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner, George Nakashima, 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
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
$1,753
Mid-Century Wall Mirror
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large Mid-century wall mirror. The frame is in brass and two colors combination mirror glass - clear and amber. Very good vintage condition. .
Brass
Vintage Curtis Jere Faceted Chrome Geometric Mirror for Artisan House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Curtis Jere Faceted Chrome Geometric Mirror for Artisan House Materials: Polished Chrome, Original Mirror
Chrome
Mid-century Inspired Wall Mirror with Bronze Patina Minimalist Frame Vintage N.9
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.9 wall hanging mirror with a minimalist frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Designed by JL Alguacil, this mirror is a sophisticated fusion of modern clas...
Brass, Bronze
Carl Aubock Vienna Rare Brass Wall Mirror No. 38, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Mid-Century modernist wall mirror from the 1950s, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. The piece features a characteristically simple and minimalist de...
Brass
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
Pair of Light Turquoise Blue Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of light turquoise blue octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, these handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror feat...
Brass
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
$3,506 / 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
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
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
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
$701Sale 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 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
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
Large Mirror Console Pink Glass and Brass by Cristal Art Italy, 1960s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern Extra large floor or full-length mirror with console in pink copper mirror glass with gilt brass frame by the italian manufacture Cristal Art. Famous manufacture l...
Brass
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
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror with a Silver-Plated Frame
Located in München, DE
Beautiful and extraordinary Mid-Century Modern wall mirror. The frame is made of wood and features an artistic relief surface crafted from thin sheet metal with a silver plated finis...
Silver Plate, Metal
$2,711Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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
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
1960s French Riviera Tripod Table Mirror in Rattan, Adjustable Circular Design
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1960s French Riviera Tripod Table Mirror in Rattan, Adjustable Circular Design Description: This charming circular table mirror, crafted in France in the 1960s, is a beautiful examp...
Rattan
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
Large Coastal Rectangular Mirror in Rattan and Woven Wicker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Rectangular Midcentury Wall Mirror framed in Rattan and Wicker, Spain, 1960s. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker and rattan mirror inspired by Franco Albini designs. It has ...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$1,330Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s)
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is circular in shape, very smart with irresistible durability. The visual impression is elegant and very un...
Brass
Mid-Century Mirror in Rattan and Bamboo, Italy 1970s
Located in Balen, BE
Mid-Century Mirror in Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1970s A rectangular mirror from Italy, 1970s, framed in bamboo with rattan bindings at the corners. The structure is simple and light...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Ceiling Suspended Vintage N.7 Freeform Bevelled Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame
Located in London, London
Exquisite ceiling suspended vintage series N.7 mirror with an elegant bevel and a solid brass full frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Designed by JL Alguacil, this mirro...
Brass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Brass 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 frame with rectangular shape and rounded corners. ...
Brass, Metal
Mid-Century Modern Square Mirror in Brown Suede, Milo Baughman Style
Located in London, GB
French 1970’s brown suede framed square mirror in the style of Milo Baughman.
Suede, Mirror
Mid-Century wall mirror with gold glass frame Fontana Arte for Veca
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Glass with gold-colored side edge Elegant wall mirror made by Fontana Arte for Veca, traceable to Italian production of the mid-20th century. The mirror features a refined, slightl...
Murano Glass, Stained Glass
$458Sale 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
Italian Curved Teak Backlit Bevel Mirror by Ico Parisi for ISA, 1968
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and incredibly rare backlit beveled mirror in curved teak, designed by Ico Parisi and produced by ISA Bergamo in Italy in 1968. Fully original and in amazing condition, ...
Crystal
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
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror with Bronze Patina 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 brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This mirror is fully customis...
Brass, Bronze
$5,260 / item
Ondae – Sculptural Mirror in Brass and Murano Glass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Ondae – Sculptural Mirror in Brass and Murano Glass The Ondae mirror stands out for its sinuous frame crafted from authentic, handcrafted Murano glass, featuring a sequence of wavy ...
Brass
Set of 2 Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirrors, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Set of to mid-century style ceiling suspended mirrors with front illumination and a high quality brass full frame with a handcrafted bronze patina finish. These ...
Brass, Bronze
$1,746Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s)
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition considering the pr...
Brass