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.
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso Art Deco Bar Cabinet Cherry Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso, cabinet, cherry, mirrored glass, brass, glass, Seveso, Milan, Italy, 1940s This extremely elegant Italian bar cabinet features decorative woode...
Brass
1960s Stunning Grey Ashtray/Bowl/Catchall By Flavio Poli for S
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous grey ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in italy. This piece exemplifies the iconic sommerso (submerged) glass technique. Fe...
Murano Glass
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition. Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern “Vega” Walnut Dresser
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
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Brass, Steel
Charming Italian Pink & Ice Clear Murano Glass Ceiling Fixture, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount, made in Italy during the 1970s–1980s. This charming fixture features a gorgeous textured glass shade accented by a delicate pink-colored glass r...
Metal
Erté, Alcazar de Paris, Original Signed and Numbered Lithograph 12/120, 1970
By Erté
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare and Original 1970 lithograph by Erté, the professional name of Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990), created for the celebrated Alcazar de Paris cabaret. The composition is highly cha...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. The sconce features a robust design with materials including lacquered black metal and brass, complemented...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, featuring a round brass wall plate, gently curved brass arms, black lacquered metal elements, and white opaline glass shades. The design is light ...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Dining Table in Bright Purple Plexiglass, Aluminum and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Round dining table, aluminum, plexiglass, mahogany, Italy, 1960s This Italian dining table from the 1960s brings together many materials in a fresh and fun design. It has a dark mah...
Aluminum
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s
Located in Gloucester, GB
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s - Pine with steel handles - Glass sliding doors - Original key and lock - German ~ 1940s Dimensions Whole cabinet - Width 292cm x height 196cm ...
Steel
Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa w/ Slate Stone Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing, Original Black Slate Stone ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid...
Stone
Large Adjustable Brass Keos Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz
By Adolf Loos, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Florian Schulz, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
A beautiful brass pendant lamp from the 1970s. The lamp produces a truly beautiful lighting effect. Its design and exquisite details create a sophisticated and pleasant light. The la...
Metal
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Danish Sofa in Hamaca Rojo Fabric by Angelo Donghia, 1960s, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Sofa from the 1960, expertly recovered in Hamaca Rojo Fabric by Angelo Donghia. 100% Cotton. Spring webbing in back and seat area. Stained wooden feet. Ready for a new home. ...
Cotton, Wood
Mid Century Large Yellow Lucite Grape Cluster, 1960s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in shades of yellow. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic leaves tuck...
Lucite, Wood
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
Carmel Sofa by Bloom Home Inc - 100% Belgian Linen, Slipcovered
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Carmel Sofa Slip Covered in 100% Belgian Linen 85″ L x 36″ d x 34″ H / 29″ h at the corner Arm Height 25″ Seat Height 19″ / Seat Depth 27″ / Seat Width 74″ Leg Height 2″ / Removable...
Linen
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of Twelve Elegant Rustic Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Oak and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, oak, rush, Europe, 1950s/1960s This large set of twelve dining chairs combines a rustic character with a clean, modern design. The oak frames feature ge...
Rush, Oak
Pair of Round Wooden Table Lamps with Original Lampshades, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of French wooden table lamps dating from the 1970s, featuring beautifully rounded spherical bases with a warm brown finish and visible natural wood grain. Each lamp is topped wi...
Wood
Stunning 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wool Rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor. Pure wool Made in Italy. Known worldwide for their pioneering approach to textiles, color, and pattern, Missoni translates its iconic h...
Wool
1950s Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Theo Ruth Olive Green Velvet Wing Chair for Artifort
Wingback lounge chair by Theo Ruth, produced by Artifort in the Netherlands. The rounded high back rises into gently flared wings, with the seat and back reupholstered in olive green...
Velvet
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Spice Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
German Mid-Century Flower "Cocoon" Chandelier by Linus Boop, 1970s
By Linus Bopp
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Flower German "Cocoon" Chandelier by Boop Leuchten. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Adjustable height up to 125 cm. Origi...
Metal
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Spice Color, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in a rich, earthy spice-toned linen, its tailored slipcover ...
Linen
Henning Kjærnulf Oak Corner Storage Cabinet with 3 Paneled Doors Danish Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This corner storage cabinet features a triangular profile with three compartments. The facade is detailed with carved paneling and a drop-down door. Its silhouette beautifully embodi...
Oak
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Stilnovo, Nikolay Diulgheroff
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
Italian Mid-Century Modern Highboard with Illustrated Fabric Panels in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Highboard, chestnut, illustrated fabric, Italy, 1940s/1950s This remarkable Italian highboard is characterized by its warm chestnut construction and richly decorated front. Six pane...
Fabric, Chestnut
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light designed by French designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials m...
Glass, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Jack Cartwright / Founders Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet Chest
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century modern Jack Cartwright for Founders walnut pagoda form dry bar cabinet or gentleman’s chest. Jack Cartwright was taking Scandinavian minimalism and incorporatin...
Walnut
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Blue Velvet Jacquard by Casamance, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Biscuit Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s wall mirror in the style of legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti boasts a captivating "biscuit" (biscotto) silhouette. Defined by its organic, gently flare...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Iridescent Murano Glass Wall Sconce, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Italian Iridescent Murano glass Wall Sconce. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy. This Sconce is equipped with two light sockets ...
Metal
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
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Murano glass bowl designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Exemplifying the pinnacle of mid-century Venetian glassmaking, this piece showcases Poli’s sign...
Murano Glass
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home, Terracotta Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
"Italia" Ball-Shaped Lantern, 1950; Murano-style glass in the Venini style; brass frame"
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Murano glass ball-shaped lamp with fabric shade, brass frame, Italy, 1950.
Brass
Pair of large French gilt metal 5 armed wall lights
Located in London, GB
Stunning pair of large five armed gilt metal wall lights reminiscent of Jean Royere. Bespoke shades, rewired & Pat tested.
Brass
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak & Cognac Leather Lounge Chair for Mogens Kold
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full Grain-Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bri...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
$1,756Sale Price / set|30% Off
Large Spanish Sunburst Flush Mount in Gilt Metal with support, circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish sunburst light in gilt metal and frosted glass,greeen ; white ; orange........other color Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Table Lamp by Jack Haywood for Modeline
By J & G Haywood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking table lamp by Modeline exemplifies mid-century modern artistry with its sculpted korina wood base and elegant, elongated form. The fluid curves and open design create a...
Brass
Patinated Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Greece
By Frederic Weinberg, Pepe Mendoza
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking bronze sculpture, originally found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria, is inspired by the elegant forms and symbolic motifs of ancient Etruscan art. Crafted in Greece...
Metal
Danish Oval Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
By Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Henning Kjærnulf style oval extendable dining table with turned and carved legs. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s most likely by EG Møbler The table is made of so...
Oak
Nordic Geometric Design Ceramic Vase by Kloster Keramik, Teal and Lilac Motifs
Located in Bochum, NRW
Kloster Keramik Hand made Vase, Ystad - Geometric Scandinavian Design, 1950s Height: approx. 15.5 cm Condition: Vintage condition consistent with age Original manufacturer's label. ...
Ceramic
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Mid-Century 3-armed Brass Large Pair of Cinema Sconces, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century 3-armed Brass Large Pair of Cinema Sconces, 1950s, Italy Very elegant and rare cinema or theater sconces. Manufactured in Italy Lamps are in perfect condition. This lam...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this...
Travertine
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic beige tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
Mid-Century Brass and Enamel Barware Cocktail Picks, Spanish Swords, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming and highly decorative set of eight cocktail picks from Toledo, Spain, circa 1950, each meticulously shaped as a miniature Spanish sword. The e...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Joe Colombo 'Elda' Swivel Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort Design Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of Italian designer Joe Colombo’s best-known designs. This particular b...
Leather, Fiberglass
Italian Sideboard in Walnut with Open Side Compartments
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small chest of drawers or sideboard, walnut, Italy, 1960s/early 1970s This walnut sideboard has a charming, slightly quirky design. Six drawers with round wooden knobs are arranged ...
Walnut
Sarah Ellison Muse Modular Sofa in Cognac Velvet, Mid-Century Modern
Located in San Carlos, CA
A four-piece modular sofa from Sarah Ellison's celebrated "Muse" collection for Ellison Studios, upholstered in a warm cognac velvet. The set comprises two armless seat modules and t...
Velvet, Hardwood
1960s solid wood chair with an ornate, hand-carved backrest – Made in Spain
Located in München, DE
Beautiful handmade solid wood chair. Mid-Century Modern Made in the 1960s. Marked: "Made in Spain." Striking, unique shape with an intricately carved backrest. The legs and backrest...
Wood