Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Italian Coat and Hat Rack in Metal with Wood Balls
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian 1980s coat rack in black metal and wood red balls.
Coat rack 1980s also umbrella holder on the mid section of the rack.
The top of the coa...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Mid century wicker magazine rack, Czechoslovakia, 1960´s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This magazine rack was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. It´s made of wicker. In good Vintage condition.
Height: 56 cm
width: 46 cm
depth: 18 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Wicker
Nickel Circular Compact Magazine Holder
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Nickel circular compact magazine holder.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Nickel
1950s Italian Mid Century Modern Magazine Rack in Metal with Brass Details
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant italian mid-century modern vintage magazine rack from the 1950s.
This attractive and practical accessory consists of a black lacquered metal frame with beautiful brass detai...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Marble, Brass, Iron
Guillerme et Chambron Magazine Rack circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron magazine rack circa 1960.
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Tubular Stand Flowers, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia
Made of Lacquered metal, wood
New Lacquer
Good Original condition.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Two Vintage 1950s Hangers for Clothes
Located in Premariacco, IT
Pair of vintage hangers from the 1950s, entirely in wood with iron hanger.
Solid and robust, they can also be used as furnishing and design elements ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Iron
Italian 1950s Brass Magazine Basket
Located in Montclair, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern 1950s brass magazine basket. Original condition. Basket measures 11 3/8" wide x 10 1/4" deep and 21 1/2" high including the handle. One ball knob has been replaced. The showplace antique...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Rattan Bamboo Mid Century Modern c1960s Magazine Rack Super Clean MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rattan Bamboo Mid Century Modern c1960s Magazine Rack Super Clean MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Guillerme et Chambron Magazine Rack with Ceramic Ashtray
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron magazine rack with Boleslaw Daniskowski ceramic ashtray, circa 1950.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Oak
Bamboo Magazine Rack with Black Metal Frame
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Bamboo magazine rack with black metal frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
1966, Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide, Red Dedalo Umbrella Stand
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house.
Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Plastic
Magazine Rack in Oak and Leather, circa 1950-1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Magazine rack in oak and leather, circa 1950-1960.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Leather, Oak
Magazine Rack in Bamboo, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Magazine rack in bamboo, circa 1960.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Bamboo
Organic Modern Vintage Rattan Bamboo Coat Hooks Franco Albini Franca Helg Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Organic vintage Cloth Hanger from bamboo rattan design attributed to Franco Albini and Franca Helg 1961 Italy.
A wonderfully organic coat hook from bamboo rattan with two hooks in a...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Piero Fornasetti Strumenti Musicali Magazine Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magazine rack by Italian designer and artist, Piero Fornasetti, circa 1950s, Italy. The rack features a musical themed lithograph printed on plywood with a wire brass divider on the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Minimal Vintage Brass and Solid Wood Magazine Rack, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s.
It features a brass structure and solid wood details.
This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in ve...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Rare Leather and Brass Magazine Rack Attributed to Jacques Adnet, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare leather and brass magazine rack attributed to Jacques Adnet, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Italian Magazine Holder Representing Florence
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Magazine holder brass and glass, Image of Florence Italy 1950s.
Magnificent magazine holder 1950s, very beautiful refine with glass in both sides holding 2 different images of Florence city...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Lovely Vintage Hardwood Magazine Rack with Castors and Single Drawer Whatnot
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture
Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage mahogany demi magazine rack with original castors and single drawer
Please note the d...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Burr Wanut Bevan Funnell Magazine Newspaper Rack Stunning Timber Patina
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Bevan Funnell burr walnut magazine newspaper rack
A good looking, decorative and well made piece. The timber patina and grain is abs...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Walnut
Italian Wire Coat Rack
Located in Brussels, BE
Italian wire coat rack.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Arts and Crafts Twisted Brass and Wood Magazine Rack
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nicely made twisted solid brass square tube magazine rack.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Black Metal Brass Umbrella Stand Walter Bosse Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage umbrella stand or paper basket from metal and brass by Walter Bosse 1950s Austria.
Stunning fish like brass detail performs the umbrella stand for a charming basket for many umbrellas. Through a cast iron tray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid Century wicker and bamboo magazine rack
Located in Premariacco, IT
Vintage 1960s wicker and bamboo magazine rack.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Mid Century Modern Organic Vintage Rattan Duo Rattan Hooks Circular 1960s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern organic pair of vintage rattan coat hooks circular like in brown color Italy 1960s.
Stunning coat hooks from rattan each with one hook for coats or hats, works pe...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Rattan
Ettore Sottsass, Aluminum Umbrella Holder for Rinnovel, 1955, Italy
Located in Milan, IT
Ettore Sottsass, Aluminum Umbrella Holder for Rinnovel, 1955, Italy
Ettore Sottsass was an influential Italian architect and designer, best known for his role in founding the Memphi...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Riviera Style Vintage Rattan Hooks Coat Rack 1960s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage wall mounted coat hooks from rattan with two loops and two hooks designed and manufactured 1960s Italy.
Sculptural coat hooks...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Rattan
Mid-Century Metal Magazine Rack with Fishes, 1950s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice metal magazine rack made in France in the 50's. Illustrating two fishes on both sides.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Pair of glass hat heads
Located in Nivelles, BE
Pair of molded glass heads from the 70s hat holders, very decorative.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Glass
Antique Compact Keychain and Mirror
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This compact keychain is carved from high-quality wood, featuring an elegant coat of arms design. At the top, it incorporates a built-in round mirror, providing functionality and a t...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood
Campo Graffi Prisco Wrought Iron Midcentury Coat-Rack, Italy, 1961
Located in Milan, IT
Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi were Italian architects and designers known for their contributions to the modernist design movement. They met whilst studying architecture at the Polit...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Iron
Planta, Coatrack in Light Beige by Piretti
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Planta iconic coat rack.
The coat rack hooks, can be set in or out and have multiple functions for hanging coats or clothes in different ways and have an umbrella stand. The coat ra...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Magazine Rack Made of Metal and Wood, 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This is a beautiful and versatile magazine rack that you can leave on the floor or place it on a table or cabinet. It will give a modern and sleek look to any interior.
The rack i...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Metal Umbrella Stand by Siva Poggibonsi, Italy, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern metal umbrella stand by Siva Poggibonsi, Italy, 1950s.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Sleek and stylish Mid Century Italian Magazine Rack
Located in Portlaoise, IE
An exceptional original mid century Italian magazine rack. Hugely decorative and stylish this piece oozes mid century Italian sophistication and desig...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Oval Rattan Coat Rack, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Oval Rattan Coat Rack, 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Rattan
1960, Original Rare French Standing Coat Hat Stand with Colored Balls
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Sculptural White Lacquered Wood Coat Rack by Bruce Tippett Renna
By Knoll, Bruce Tippett
Located in Brussels, BE
Sculptural white lacquered wood coat rack by Bruce Tippett renna for Gavina, Knoll International, circa 1968.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood
Modernist Wall Shelf from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern wall-mounted luggage rack / shelf in brushed stainless steel. Manufactured in the USA, circa 1950s.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Stainless Steel
wooden lectern covered in leather circa 1960
Located in Mouscron, WHT
wooden lectern covered in leather circa 1960
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Leather, Beech
Italian Brass Magazine Rack, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Fontana Arte Style Coat Rack by Pier Luigi Colli Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern rectangular coatrack in Fontana Arte style, Italy, the 1970s. The mirrored and blue colored glass that is cutout in an interesting shape.
The blue glass shows som...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Arthur Court Turtle Aluminium and Lucite Magazine Rack Regency Modern
By Arthur Court
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Whimsical Arthur Court turtle aluminium and Lucite magazine rack. This is a must have for Arthur Court collectors or anyone who love to display the...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Aluminum
Italian Cherry Wall Panel / Coat Rack with Brass Hooks, 1950's
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 1950's Italian cherry wood wall panel / coat rack with brass hooks.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Cherry
Lucite Magazine Holder
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
A petite lucite magazine holder.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Lucite
French Midcentury Handstitched Leather Bench / Magazine Stand by Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Mid-Century Modern handstitched leather bench / magazine rack by Jacques Adnet. The top of the frame is wrapped in black leather an...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Leather
Woven Bamboo Four Hook Rack
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Woven bamboo four hook rack.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Bamboo
Unusual French Brass Umbrella Stand, Well Preserved Original Condition, 1950s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Material: Brass
Source: France
Period: 1950-1959.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Minimalist Umbrella Stand by Max Sauze for Atrow, 1970s
By Max Sauze
Located in Voorburg, NL
This umbrella stand originates from France and was manufactured in the ‘70’s by Atrow. Made of a white wire steel frame with square spaces for umbrell...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Steel
Mid Century magazine rack from ULUV
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Beautiful magazine rack produced by ULUV, former Czechoslovakia in 1960's. ULUV can be best described as Czechoslovak version of Finnish Artek. Made of beechwood. In very good vintag...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Beech
Rare Model 3608 Brass & Leather Magazine Stand by Carl Aubock, Austria
Located in Utrecht, NL
Solid brass and dark brown saddle leather magazine holder by Carl Aubock, Vienna from early 1960.
Rare model 3608 magazine stand in solid brass & leather hand crafted at the renown ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Modern Solid Claro Walnut and Polished Brass Adjustable Music Stand with Storage
Located in Sebastopol, CA
Inspired by Soviet Constructivism, this modern, sculpted California Walnut music stand by Taylor Donsker features a solid wood design with tradit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern racks and stands for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern racks and stands for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage racks and stands created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern racks and stands made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original racks and stands, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Mathieu Matégot, Herta Baller, and Ico Parisi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for racks and stands differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $16 and tops out at $69,300 while the average work can sell for $1,110.