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.
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by LA Period
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...
Walnut
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Mussel Shell Vide-Poches in bronze, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry display sculpture designed in Italy in the 1970s. Bronze structure depicting a mussel shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will d...
Bronze
Greta M. Grossman Bench / Coffee Table w/ Drawers for Glenn of CA
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
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
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Italian Amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. This Wall Sconce is equipped wit...
Metal
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Hermes, Paris - Rare Fish Magnifying Glass c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rarely seen magnifier in an "Angel Fish" form made from silver plate and sitting in it's original presentation case printed on the cream silk "Hermès, 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Par...
Metal
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Cart in Cherry-Red Goatskin, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in München, BY
Rare 1960s Aldo Tura serving bar cart crafted from wood, clad in cherry-red goatskin and finished with a thick, clear lacquer coating. The high-quality frame is made of brass. A hig...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid oak, brass, France, 1960s This outstanding credenza is a design by the French masters Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme,...
Brass
Mid-Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Brown Leather Birch frame Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes leather teak sofa. Great dark brown leather with solid Blonde birch wood frames. Beautiful condition and very comfortable. Great Norwegian d...
Leather, Birch
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
By De Sede
Located in Čelinac, BA
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
Leather
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Kisses" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli, Follia Pratica
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this "Kisses" floor lamp was designed by Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in the 1990s. Part of the...
Plastic
Italian Mid-Century Custom-Made Architectural Wall Unit in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, glass, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Exceptional Italian wall unit from the 1950s, crafted from richly grained mahogany wood with elegant glass details. Its architectural compos...
Glass, Mahogany
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Brutalist French Cabinet in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed sideboard embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...
Brass
Fantastic pair of Murano Glass Tube wall sconces - 13 wisteria rust alabaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 13 large wisteria rust albaster glass tubes in a star shape...
Blown Glass
On Hold|$14,400
1950s Italian Chandelier in Brass and Frosted Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s Elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s, crafted from beautifully patinated brass and delicate frosted glass shades. The refined brass struc...
Brass
Large Lighted Chrome Planter in Mid-Century Modern Style, USA, 1970s
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Large Lighted Chromed planter made in the USA , 1970s . Contain one ceramic E26 Edison base socket rated at 60 watt. 12 foot chain , 15 foot of wire . Switch on cord .
Metal, Chrome
Drexel “Declaration” Walnut Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Brass Hardware ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Brass
$6,373 / item
"Californian" armchair FRANCE - 1960s
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Jacques Charpentier , a French decorator and editor trained at the École Boulle, this armchair reflects his work of the 1960s. It rests on a stainless steel base, a signa...
Metal
German Midcenturry Murano Ice-Glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand, 1970s
By Hillebrand, Egon Hillebrand
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Murano Ice-glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand Leuchten. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Model 8527-211. This Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
$991Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish solar Crown Sunburst wall lighting in Gilt Metal , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf motifs surrounding a central frosted glass dif...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Large Pair of Tole & Crystal Leaves and Flowers Sconces. In the style of Bagues. Blue Crystal Flowers and gold leaves tole. H / 23.5 inches. W / 14.5 inches.
Crystal, Wrought Iron
Huge Contemporary MCM Style Antique Brass Pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights
By Gerald Thurston, Gino Sarfatti, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
MCM style BRASS pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights ( youre choice , same price ) . Concave and convex disc are hand spun with prime quality brass . Solid sturdy hardware and c...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
German Mid-Century "Cocoon" Wave Chandelier by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1970s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, hypnotic and unique German "Cocoon" wave Chandelier. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten. Body di...
Metal
Thalia Rattan Floor Lamp - Double Head Handcrafted Woven Rattan Standing Lamp
Located in Oxford, GB
Thalia — Floor Lamp Designed by Bill Parry for Rattanology There is a moment, just after dusk, when a room needs only one thing. The Thalia knows what it is. Drawing from the lang...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO Coffee Table w/ Stingray Glass Top
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO coffee table for Craft Associates is a striking example of American Mid-Century Modern design, with a sculptural walnut base that feels more like functio...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces manufactured in the 1950s, featuring slender angular brass arms supporting tapered satin opaline glass shades. The minimalist asymmetric structur...
Brass
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chandelier 'Eptaclinio' in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model ‘Eptaclinio’, nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features seven opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix “epta,” Greek for seven. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
French Small Pair of Wrought Iron Flowers Sconces. H / 10 inches. W / 4.5 inches. D / 4 inches.
Wrought Iron
Cocoon resin. Large Brutalist pendant light by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten, George Nelson
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Large Space Age and Brutalist style pendant lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Composed of a large metal frame in the shap...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Kipp Stewart “Declaration” Walnut Dresser for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
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 design...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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 precisi...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...
Brass
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti 'Sapo' Coffee Table in Concrete and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti, coffee table 'Sapo', glass, concrete, chromed steel, aluminum, Italy, 1972 Modern, sculptural coffee table designed by Sergio and Giorgio S...
Concrete, Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Hollywood Regency handmade pink Scallop Shell chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Ferro Art, Tiffany Studios, Longobard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach Regency style Scallop Shell waterfall chandelier, Italy, 1960s. The whole pendant light is made of pink Scallop Shell leaded with golden brass in the...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Marcel Breuer, Gavina
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
$416Sale Price|20% Off
Luxury Handcrafted Murano Glass Vase by Maestro del Vetro, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Luxury green handcrafted vase in Murano glass by Maestro del Vetro. Made in Italy. The item is in excellent condition. This vase is handmade in blown glass. Dimension: diam 7,0...
Murano Glass
1970s Dutch Pine Waterfall Coffee Table or Bench, Ate van Apeldoorn Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large pine coffee table or bench in the waterfall form, designed in the style influenced by Ate van Apeldoorn's work and characteristic of Dutch minimalist furniture making in the 19...
Pine
Stunning Pair of Pink Glass "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces by Barovier and Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso (Italy, 1950s) – Pair An exceptional pair of mid-century wall sconces crafted in Murano, Italy, and attributed to t...
Metal
Greta M. Grossman Marble-Top Side Table for Glenn of California
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Crema Marfil Stone Marble ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Marble