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.
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Sideboard in Oak and Ceramic with Integrated Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, ceramic, fabric, France, 1960s Distinctive sideboard designed by Guillerme et Chambron, France, in the 1960s. Cra...
Ceramic, Fabric, Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Tripod Walnut Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Restored Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativit...
Walnut
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a simple and well-balanced composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting. Each fixture features a round brass ...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined brass structure and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each fixture features a round brass wall plate supp...
Brass
Guillerme et Chambron Sideboard in Oak with Ceramic
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, sideboard, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Sideboard in oak by French designer due Guillerme & Chambron. This sideboard is equipped with two sliding-doors and...
Ceramic, Oak
$1,047 / set
Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Elegant pair of wall sconces featuring a distinctive Murano glass shade. The sconce has an elongated oval shape, mounted directly on the wall. The glass showcases a highly structured...
Art Glass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...
Brass
Wooden Box, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...
Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Rectangular Coffee Table in Oak with Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, crafted in solid oak with three in...
Ceramic, Oak
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...
Fabric, Walnut
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 for Votre Maison Dining Table in Oak and Ceramic Tiles
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison dining table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s A remarkable example of French mid-century design, this dining table was created by the celebrate...
Ceramic, Oak
Arched Floor Lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, Italy, 1960s–1970s, Mid-Century Modern
By Goffredo Reggiani, Reggiani
Located in Palermo, IT
An iconic extendable arched floor lamp designed by the renowned Italian designer Goffredo Reggiani for his company, Reggiani, and produced between the late 1960s and the 1970s. It is...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' 3-Seat Leather Sofa for Montis, 1970s
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Oslo sofa, designed by Gerard van den Berg for Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an architectural oak platform frame with a large, organicall...
Leather, Oak
Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian Sputnik chandelier in brass plated metal frame, 51 rare transparent glass tips. Murano blown glass in a traditional way. 10 light points. Period: late xx century Dimensions: ...
Art Glass
Architectural Mid-Century Sideboard in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, mahogany, Italy, 1960s Striking Italian sideboard executed in rich mahogany. The design is characterized by its strong architectural presence, featuring a broad overhangi...
Mahogany
1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured by Mondileder in the 1970s, this large three-seat sofa features a frame built from thick, dark-lacquered Manou bamboo, bent and stacked into horizontal rails that form t...
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
Rare Austrian Brass Pendant Attributed to Kalmar, Loos Manner, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting, Adolf Loos
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally rare and beautifully crafted Austrian pendant lamp of museum-quality craftsmanship, executed in solid brass and inspired by the timeless design philosophy of Adolf L...
Brass
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta Large 'Bramante' Table in Maple
By Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 'Bramante' dining or studio table, maple, Italy, design 1950, production 1980s A remarkable and cutting-edge design by the celeb...
Maple
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Low Back Lounge Chairs in Light Oak, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A stunning mid-century set of Danish lounge chairs in the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, crafted in the 1960s/70s by an unknown Danish cabinetmaker. Built from solid oak and retain...
Wool, Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Vinyl Record Cabinet by Lane
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
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...
Brass
Chromatic Fusion: Iron and Foam Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Originating from France and created around 1990 by an unknown artist, this captivating kinetic sculpture embodies the essence of motion and creativity. Constructed from a combination...
Metal
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 82 cm Width: 93 cm Depth: 30 cm
Marble, Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Angular Carved Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, glass, France, 1960s This exceptional sideboard is a great example where both aesthetics and functionality come i...
Glass, Oak
Two large Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two larger decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive ag...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 80 cm Width: 92 cm Depth: 28 cm
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, 1 Minor Chip Shown in Pic Materials: Italian Travertine Stone, Original Glass Top, 1 Minor Chip on Glass
Travertine
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1980s. Silver plated box depicting a shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will decorate your inte...
Metal, Silver Plate
Italian Midcentury Pair of White Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian White Clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Ea...
Metal
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
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
Maison Longchamp Stitched Cognac Leather Box, France circa 1940
By Longchamp, Maison Longchamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Longchamp, Paris, designed this stunning modernist leather lidded box. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1940. The natural light-cognac fine-grain leather has a t...
Metal, Brass
Scuderira Ferrari 1960's F1 Pedal Car by Morellet et Guérineau
By Morellet et Guérineau
Located in Hastings, GB
Scuderira Ferrari 1960's F1 Pedal Car by Morellet et Guérineau This beautiful 1960’s pedal car by Morellet et Guérineau, based on the 156 F1 rac-ing version, has been lovingly resto...
Aluminum, Steel
Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt
By Frits Henningsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s small scale lounge chair attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark between ca. 1950. The chair exhibits the rolled armrest detail and tapered front le...
Beech, Wool
Contemporary Curved Sofa Chaise with Layered Back and Plinth Base
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural sofa chaise is defined by a sweeping organic silhouette and a soft, enveloping upholstered form. A continuous curved back wraps around the generously proportioned sea...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Night Stands w/ Drop Down Bookcase
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 desi...
Steel
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Large Mid-Century Modern Valinte Table Lamp in Brass & Rattan, Finland 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking and unusually large Finnish Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Valinte, manufactured in the 1950s. Elegant in its simplicity yet sculptural in its form, the lamp is defined ...
Brass, Metal
Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...
Aluminum
The Port Colbi Dresser/Credenza
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This a hand-crafted, solid wood dresser from Pete Deeble Furniture. Each dresser sold comes with a plate to authenticate its origin and give it's place in the production sequence. ...
Hardwood
Handmade Belem Model Ship in Walnut Wood, 1970s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Belem model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history. Dimension: ...
Wood
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
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
American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A study in streamlined design and understated elegance, this modern sofa is engineered with a robust solid wood frame construction. The interior features a multi-density polyurethane...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
Carl Aubock 6 Forks with Leather Holder, Corn Cob Skewers #3679, Vienna, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small forks with a leather holster, model no. 3679, designed by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Originally conceived in the 1930s, this model...
Brass, Nickel
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Coffee Table in Oak and Blue Ceramic Tiles
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron, crafted in solid oak and featuring a striking inset...
Ceramic, Oak
$16,950
O'Keefe Meritt Stove
By La Cornue
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This is a gorgeous original oven/stove from the famed antique stove brand O'Keefe & Merritt. This is their flagship model Aristocrat Town and Country. T...
Metal
$6,800 / set
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
Kienzle Clock Golden Brass Table or Desk Clock, Art Deco Vibe, 1967, Germany
By Kienzle Clocks, Wilhelm Kienzle, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Andernach, DE
This table or desk clock comes in an elegant art deco style, a beautiful piece, close to the ''Heliomat''. Very special and kept strictly in the art deco style are the housing, dial ...
Brass, Aluminum
Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...
Wool, Beech
French Vintage Garden Table Set of Four Chairs and Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vintage French garden table and four coordinating chairs will make an irresistible spot to linger al fresco in a garden or patio having recently been powder-coated a refreshing ...
Metal
Pierre Chapo 'L09' Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09', oak and fabric, France, 1960s This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction...
Fabric, Elm
Mid Century Table Lamp Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier 1950/60's
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century table lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, circa 1950/60's. The lamp features an oblong walnut body with brass spacer tubes, mounted on a black disk f...
Metal
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