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.
$139,000
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled Wall-Mounted 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, United States, 1968 A very ra...
Bronze
José Zanine Caldas Tête-à-Tête Conversadeira Namoradeira Rocker Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, 'Namoradeira' - 'Conversadeira' - Tête-à-Tête - lounge chair, Vinhatico hardwood, Brazil, ca. 1980 José Zanine Caldas’s sculptural rocker, which goes by several...
Hardwood
Ugo Trevisan Fireplace in Hammered Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ugo Trevisan (Officina d’Arte), fireplace, hammered steel, copper, Italy, 1950s The Turin-based atelier Officina d’Arte was established by the Venetian-born metalworker and designe...
Copper, Steel
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Set with Connecting Table in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coupled lounge chairs with side table, fabric, oak, France, 1960s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high quality solid oak furnit...
Fabric, Oak
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti, Walnut Wood, Vintage 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A stunning 1960s original playing cards box designed by the legendary Italian artist Piero Fornasetti, crafted in walnut wood. This exceptional piece showcases Fornasetti's iconic ae...
Wood, Walnut
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano wall lights - 12 "rondini" green glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in the manner of Mazzega. Wall lights have 6 glass petals "rondini" (green) in a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 13,40 in...
Art Glass
Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Green, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and visually arresting three-piece smoking set designed by the renowned Italian sculptor Romano Bianchi during the 1960s. This set is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern Itali...
Alabaster
$1,072Sale Price / set|43% Off
Mazzega Wall Sconce PAIR Bicolore Murano Glass, Italian Design, 1970
Exceptional wall lighting large bicolore glass Murano with structure . The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design . This unique mazzega wa...
Murano Glass
$2,600 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a sculptural composition in brass with contrasting material details. Each sconce features tw...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and elegantly structured Italian chandelier from the 1950s, defined by a clean geometric composition in brass paired with opaline glass shades. The chandelier features a c...
Metal, Brass
Phillip Lloyd Powell Long Wall-Mounted Sideboard in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, long wall-mounted sideboard, walnut, Unites States, circa 1970 Crafted in Phillip Lloyd Powell’s New Hope studio, this wall-mounted sideboard pairs understate...
Walnut
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Low-Profile Teak Bookcase w/ Glass Doors
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...
Glass, Wood, Teak
Italian Mid-Century Set of Five Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, AVMazzega, Mazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous and stunning Set of Five Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 light so...
Metal, Brass
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Mohair, Walnut
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
Rare Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp, coated aluminum and brass, brass, marble, Italy, design circa 1954 An exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by the acclaimed lighting des...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this doub...
Hickory, Walnut
Sergio Mazza for Artemide Rare Chandelier in Glass and Nickel-Plated Brass
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, rare chandelier, nickel-plated brass, lacquered metal, crystal glass, Italy, 1960s An exceptionally rare design by the acclaimed Italian architect and vis...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
André Sornay Rare Sideboard with Double-Sliding Doors in Blue and Black
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, sideboard, teak, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare cabinet is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: ...
Wood, Teak
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
Guillerme & Chambron Extendable 'L'Italienne' Dining Table in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, dining table, model 'L'Italienne', solid oak, France, 1960s This L'Italienne dining room table is designed by the acclaimed French designer d...
Oak
Large French Jacquard Tapestry Galant Scene, Signed JP (Jules Pansu), Framed
By Jules Pansu
Located in Bochum, NRW
Large French Jacquard‑Style Tapestry with Galant Scene, Signed JP (Jules Pansu), 170 × 118 cm A richly woven French wall tapestry depicting an elegant scène galante, signed within th...
Cotton, Wood
Jean Rispal style. Mid-Century Modern rhodoid floor lamp, France, 1970s
By Estiluz Lighting, Jean Rispal, Mathieu Matégot, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century Modern style floor lamp in the style of Jean Rispal's designs for Maison Rispal. Silver chrome metal structure with a cast iron black lacquered base. Space Age style lamp...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
Louis Sognot. Mid-Century Modern cane & rattan pendant lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Tito Agnoli, Franco Albini, Louis Sognot
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Re-wired for US/EU standards. French Riviera style pendant lamp by Louis Sognot, Italy, 1960s. Made of manila cane and rattan, with an inner diffuser in beige plastic. Safari, Spac...
Cane, Rattan
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (Pequi), Brazil, 1970s This exceptional hand-carved coffee table embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: a deep ...
Hardwood
$2,211 / set
Pair of cocoon sconces with pine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Cocoon wall sconces, designed and crafted in Italy during the 1970s, epitomizes Italian design innovation. Hand-applied resin over a metal structure creates a captivating coc...
Pine
Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Vases, Set of 3, Italy, 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural set of three Murano glass vases designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Italy, circa 1950. Exemplifying the mastery of the Sommerso (“submerged”) t...
Murano Glass
Modern MCM Style 5 Arms Oversize Scoop Chandelier in Raw Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold oversize scoop chandelier handmade with prime quality material and rigorous craftmanship. Light bounce inside the brass scoop giving out a warm cosy light in any given spac...
Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Ivory Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Black Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
$2,956Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 4 Arms 5 Shade Counter Balance Brass Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant minimalist chandelier with 4 counter balance rotating arm that pivot 180 degree with tiltable shade . Light bounce on ceiling creating an ambient mood and lights up a ...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a clean and understated composition in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a slender, ...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Marble Owl Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition A charming pair of mid-century modern marble owl bookends, thoughtfully carved from richly veined stone and mounted on solid marble bases. The ...
Marble
White alabaster vanity box by Romano Bianchi, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb white and black alabaster box designed and produced by romano bianchi in italy in the 1970s. Handcrafted alabaster box with chromed metal structure. Decorative object that wil...
Alabaster
Expertly Restored - Californian Modernist Dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman
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...
Wood, Walnut
Textured macrame wall hanging, wool, Spain, Circa 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite macramé wall tapestry, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s, featuring a large format. This unique piece combines diverse textures and materials, with each rope and thread...
Wool
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Teak
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970s, characterized by a richly veined veneer, likely burl, offering a particularly expressive natural design. Its surface displays a warm palette of...
Wood
Decorative Art 1959/1960
By Gio Ponti, Berndt Friberg, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Survey of trends in modern architecture, furniture, and decorative arts, principally from Britain, Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Japan, covering the years 1959-1960. Contains ...
Paper
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a graceful and sculptural composition entirely in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce is structured around a...
Brass
$7,500
The Showcase Dresser
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Showcase Dresser is a celebration of the incredible, wonderous, endless beauty found in nature. We believe that each piece of lumber has a story it wants to tell, and a perfect ...
Hardwood
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for 'Artigianato' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for Emilio Paoli, 'Artigianato' lounge chair from the Monofilo series, lacquered iron, nylon, Italy, design 1953, made 1954/55 During...
Iron
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth yes
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1983. With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined ...
Walnut
Large Italian Wardrobe in Teak with Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, teak, maple, brass, Italy, 1950s This exquisite large Italian wardrobe from the 1950s is a striking example of mid-century design. This piece is crafted in rich teak wood ...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Petit Repos' lounge chair, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, ...
Fabric, Oak
Expertly Restored - Arthur Jacobs Model-1695 Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Arthur Jacobs Manufacturer Modeline Dimensions 33.25in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 24in H x 10in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece o...
Brass
Rare Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce '2041' Chandelier in Brass and Beige Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, rare chandelier, model '2041', lacquered aluminum, brass, Italy, design 1948 An uncommon opportunity to encounter the present chandelier (model 2041), a...
Aluminum, Brass
Midcentury Pair of Clear "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces attributed Barovier & Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Incredible mid century Murano crystal glass leaf wall sconce with brass fixture. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy attributed to Barovier & Toso during the 1950s. Each s...
Metal
Unsigned Framed Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unsigned black and white photography. Framed. Made by unknown artist in Spain, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservi...
Paper
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Unusual Dark Blue Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the...
Leather, Plastic
$924Sale Price|35% Off
Large Spanish Crown Sunburst fixture in Gilt Metal curve Glass , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass We have in stock few colors of Glass ! greeen ; white ; orange ; , Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pend...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
1950s Italian Brass and Black Lacquered Metal Chandelier with Opaline Glass Shad
Located in Rome, IT
Italian chandelier from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, characterized by a dynamic and geometric composition combining brass, black lacquered metal, and opaline glass. The struct...
Metal, Brass