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.
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Beveled Frame Arch Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Spanish Giltwood Oval Sunburst Mirror, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Giltwood Oval Sunburst Mirror, Giltwood, Gold Leaf. Spain, 1950s This eye-catching sunburst oval mirror with giltwood frame and scalloped edge. It has foliage carved decorative detai...
Gold Leaf
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
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
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood wall mirror likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Heavy wear to silvering. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 41.0"H x 35.5"W ...
Mirror, Wood
Mid-Century Large Oval Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Large oval rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960 from South of France. 21.5 inches Height / 14.5 inches Width
Rope, Mirror
Oval mirror italy around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Oval mirror italy around 1960s Can be mounted horizontally or vertically Original condition
Mirror
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
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
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
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
Beautiful small mid-century brass wall mirror with braided hanging strap
Located in München, DE
Original 1950s beautiful brass wall mirror. With original braided strap for hanging. Very high-quality craftsmanship in a minimalist design. Made in Germany. 100% original and in goo...
Brass
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
Cristal Art Rectangular Turquoise Beveled Mirror, Italy, 1960s
By Cristal Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning rectangular mirror with a gorgeous and vibrant turquoise mirrored crystal frame. This enchanting mirror was designed by Cristal Art and made in Italy during the 1960s. The ...
Glass, Art Glass, Mirror
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
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 Octogonal Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare nautical octagonal rope mirror Audoux Minet circa 1960 from South of France. 16 by 16 inches.
Rope, Mirror
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.5"H x 12.85"W x 1.0"D Does not include mo...
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
Rectangular Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron with Leafed Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Iron Rectangular Sunburst Mirror Framed with Leaves, Spain, 1950s An eye-catching sunburst mirror framed with elegant leaves and gold ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Italian Mid-Century Walnut Wall Mirror with Trefoil Frame
Located in Troy, MI
A striking Italian Mid-Century wall mirror featuring a sculptural rounded trefoil frame in warm walnut with a refined concave channel detail along the inner edge. A versatile and org...
Mirror, Walnut
Osvaldo Borsani, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood wall mirror designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by ABV Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, Italy, c. 1940s. Minimal wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Wood
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
Argentine Designer, Wall Mirror, Iron, Argentina, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron wall mirror likely designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1940s. Dramatic patina and wear on iron frame and mirror silvering consistent with age and use. Overall Dimens...
Iron
Oval Rope Mirror by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet - 21.3" (54cm) - France 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Oval Rope Mirror by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet - Wall Mirror - France 1950s One of the famous mirrors designed by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet in France during the late 1950s. ...
Rope, Mirror
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
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. ...
Metal, Brass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Blue Glasses and Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with blue iridiscent mirror glass panels and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a double layered glass frame with rectangula...
Brass
Pukebergs Glasbruk, Wall Mirror, Glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-colored glass wall mirror produced by Pukebergs Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1960s. Areas of desilvering; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.25"H x 14...
Glass
Jacob Hermann & Per Lütken Danish Wall Mirror & Holmegaard Glass Vase, 1960s
By Randers Møbelfabrik, Per Lutken for Holmegaard, Per Lütken, Holmegaard
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful and particularly decorative Mid-Century Modern wall-hanging mirror from the 1960s. This mirror is the result of a collaboration between designer Jacob Hermann and renowne...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Large Bamboo and Rattan Mirror by Vivai Del Sud. Italy, 1970s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Large Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency wall mirror bamboo, rattan raffia, wicker by the manufacture Vivai del Sud italian design. Original manufacture stamp on the back. Famous ...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Asymmetrical Brass Wall Mirror Style of Gio Ponti 50s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
This sophisticated mid-century modern wall mirror is a quintessential example of 1950s Italian organic design. It features a bold, asymmetrical shield-like silhouette-often referred ...
Brass
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
Mid-century Freeform Wall-hanging Modern Frameless Beveled Mirror, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Mid century style freeform frameless freeform wall mirror with an elegant bevel. Handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (wides...
Mirror
Zodiac Giltwood XL Sunburst Mirror with Polychrome Frame, Spain 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Midcentury Zodiac Mirror / Sunburst Mirror (33 in ) One of a kind polychrome wood zodiac XL sunburst mirror, Spain, 1950s Large giltwood sunburst mirror featuring 12 carved hor...
Gold Leaf
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
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
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