Mid-Century Modern Benches
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 legendary 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.
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.
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color: Beige
Mid-Century Lucite Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long bench with cushioned top on a clear lucite base. Five foot long sitting area with bottom shelf, great for entry way or at the foot of your...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
Pair of Tournus Benches
Located in New York, NY
Large Tournus benches in enameled cast aluminum and bronze with newly upholstered tops. Price is for one.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Aluminum
Brass Paul Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Paul bench features a solid lacquered brass base and an upholstered seat with piping. Each leg features a rounded leveler.
The Lawson-Fenning Collec...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Vintage Waterfall Bench by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage waterfall bench designed by Steve Chase in the United States, circa 1980s. This beautiful bench features an elegant curve side...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric
Crescent Bench in Brushed Brass by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Crescent Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern a remarkable blend of elegance, stability, and artistic craftsmanship. This exquisite bench is d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
The Architectural Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing The Architectural Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a sleek and sophisticated addition to any contemporary space. Meticulously crafted with an all-metal construc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Pair French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Benches, Style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical benches / stools in the style of Jean Michel Frank. The pieces are in a classic curile form in gilt wrought iron with the seats...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Adrian Pearsall Pair Swivel Pouf Ottomans Benches Stools with Cloth Bases, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of pink pouf benches was originally designed by Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Inc. The pink fabric has an airy and light feel but still offe...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery
Andre Cordemeijer for Gispen Sofa No: 1705 the Netherlands, 1961
Located in Almelo, NL
Andre Cordemeijer for Gispen sofa no: 1705 The Netherlands 1961.
Modern sofa no. 1705 by Andre Cordemeijer for Gispen, The Netherlands 1961. Graphite-black lacquered metal frame w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Vogue Rattan Olive Green Bamboo and Rattan Benches Stools 1970
By Vogue Rattan
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of vintage olive green bamboo and rattan stools or benches made by Vogue Rattan.
Original stripped Linen Fabric.
Makers Mark underneath, Vogue Rattan.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Style Covered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Retro ottoman or bench for living room use. White fabric covered bench set on chrome sled style legs.
Please confirm location.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Creamy Beige Suede Round Lounge Stool Bench
By Paul McCobb
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid-Century Modern 1960s Paul Mccobb large round lounge with chrome x base.
This piece is also described as a large Paul McCobb round upholstered bench...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Channel Upholstered Bench After Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek & heavy bench circa 1970's. Solid chrome flat bar legs with original blush upholstery. Fabric is original and could use replacing. Foam and padding a...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Oyster Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Oyster Velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of s...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Bench / Daybed / Chaise, Chrome, Boucle
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style bench / daybed / Chaise, Chrome, Boucle
Organic form American design mid-century style bench newly u...
Category
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
French Vintage Bamboo Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
French vintage bamboo sofa with new seat and back cushions. Two available and sold individually priced $3,600 each.
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Cotton, Bamboo, Foam
Sculptural Modernist Stool in Mongolian Wool
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural modernist stool in Mongolian wool, American, circa 1950s. It has been repainted and reupholstered in luxuriously soft Mongolian wool.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
John Risley Sculptural Woman & Man Steel Bench in Fire Engine Red c. 1960s
By John Risley
Located in Saint Louis, MO
An artful and happy John Risley (1919-2002) "Woman and Man" 1960s bench made in Middletown, Connecticut of welded cold roll steel rods and finished in Fire Engine Red paint. An iconic and easily recognizable John Risley bench...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. To be done COM any size. Can be m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Karl Springer Brass and Upholstered Bench
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer brass and upholstered bench. The bench has brass cylindrical legs with the original floral fabric.
Category
1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Early Gae Aulenti Yellow 'Locus Solus' Bench
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 'Locus Solus' bench, lacquered tubular steel, fabric, Italy, 1964
Italian designer Gae Aulenti designed the ‘Locus Solus’ seri...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
State Bench Settee with Lacquered Metal and Multicolor Fabric New
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant and light piece that is comfortable and versatile, upholstery in velvet (several options) and metal or brass/copper structure. Made to Order.
For sales with delivery addres...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
French Provincial Style Curved Bench Recamier New Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice vintage newly upholstered recamier or love seat w/ art nouveau paint decorated elements.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in Blush Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The most versatile piece in any living space; "poufs" are elegant additions and very much objects of sculpture in their own right. The Montage Workroom was quite inspired by vintage ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass, Steel
"Xanto, " Bronze Benches by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
"Xanto," bronze benches by Alexandre Logé. Studio-built base of hammered bronze with great details. Hand-applied gold patina. These studio made pieces a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Waterfall Lucite Stool or Bench with Faux Cheetah Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This bench or stool features a thick Lucite design with a waterfall design newly upholstered in faux cheetah fabric. It rests on castors which would make it well suited as a vanity s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Animal Skin, Lucite
Tibetan Sheepskin Bench Lucite Tapered Legs Mid-Century Modern, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern bench with exotic Tibetan sheepskin in ivory.
Fabulous bench has a sturdy platform supported by four tapered Lucite legs.
The Tibe...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Sheepskin, Lucite
Chrome X-Base Upholstered Top Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice X-base fabric upholstery stainless steel bench.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Milano Custom Metal Bench with Beige Leather Seat by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Milano custom metal bench made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Shown in steel with beige leather seat. Can be done in different metals and upholstery.
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal, Steel
Circa 1960s Wrought Iron Window Bench Fully Restored New Red Lacquer Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fully restored Mid-Century Modern wrought iron window bench. New fire red lacquer finish and new Greek key style fabric upholstery.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The most versatile piece in any living space; "poufs" are elegant additions and very much objects of sculpture in their own right. The Montage Workroom was quite inspired by vintage ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel, Brass
Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Blush Mohair by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Bench for Parzinger Originals
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original white leather on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with high...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Lorin Marsh "U Bench" Satin Brass and Muslin Upholstery
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern Lorin Marsh "U bench"
In satin brass cladding on wood frame with muslin upholstery
Measures: 48" W x 21" D x 26 1/2" H.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Custom Upholstered Metal Vanity Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Metal bench with upholstered seat in your fabric or we can provide generic linen fabric. Perfect as vanity stool or entry hallway bench. We can size it to your needs. Different finis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
Racetrack Oval Shape Seat Upholstered Bench on Bracket Legs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass bracket base legs oval bench in style of Design Institute of America. Milo Baughman influence.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Minimalist Bench and Matching Table by JG Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic, Minimalist bench or coffee table and matching side table by JG Furniture, NYC. Black steel with white Formica tops give it a simple and timeless look. The long table measu...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Brass Campaign Style Bench with Cowhide Strap Seat
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Brass Campaign style bench with cowhide strap seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Cowhide
Astor Petite Brass Ottomans in Blush Mohair by Montage, Pair
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the mid-century, celebrating an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Bench in the style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Custom Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style gilt iron bench in the style of Maison Ramsay. The piece is unique in design and construction: a stunning 6-leg gilt iron ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Textile, Zebra Wood
Pair of French 1930s Modern Neoclassical Stools by Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of rare painted wrought iron stools or benches with a cross-hatched iron work pattern on the seat by Jean Charles Moreux.
Measurements provided without cushions.
P...
Category
1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass and Steel White Upholstered 3-Legged Bench Mid-Century Modern Restored
Located in North Miami, FL
This most unusual and interesting fully restored Mid-Century Modern comfortable 3-legged bench is a combination of polished brass and steel with side arms that are upholstered. The l...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass, Steel
Matched Pair Hollywood Regency Designer Leather Stools Benches / Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched Pair of Hollywood Regency Designer leather Stools Benches.
In the style of Parzinger. Very high quality.
The seat alone is 18.75" ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Two Large French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Carved Wood Benches circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
2 Elegant, Large French wood benches with the frames carved in a sober, pure Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style circa 1930. The three 'back legs a...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Canvas, Upholstery, Wood
Two French Parchment Benches in the Style of Marc du Plantier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of midcentury style stools / benches with wrought iron frame and parchment seats exhibiting the influences of French Art Deco, modernism and a sober neoclassical spirit....
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian 1940s Modern Traditional Stools or Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modern traditional stools enameled white with original coverings.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Pair of Polished Steel X-Stretcher Benches in Complementary Faux Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of polished and flat steel X-stretcher ottomans or benches with complementary faux leather upholstery. One bench is covered in taupe and the other in a blush taupe. Welded X-str...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
New York City Long Bench by Laverne International
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek, modern Universal Style bench in chromed and enameled steel with leather upholstery. Design by Kelly, Littell, al katavolos.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Leather
Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Charles Hollis Jones "Empire" Style Pair of Benches in Nickel and Naugahyde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones.
The benches were designed in the 1960s and they are just as influential today.
Measuremen...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel, Nickel
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Carved Olive Wood & Goatskin Benches / Stools
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sensual pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern carved solid olive wood benches / stools with long hair goat skin seats.
References: Gio Ponti, O...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Goatskin, Olive
Brass and Lucite "Empire" Style Benches by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two sets available, one in polished brass and one in polished nickel.
Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones.
The benches were...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modernist Waterfall Lucite Stool with Faux Bronze Metallic Python
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modernist clear lucite bench or vanity stool in a waterfall design with chrome banding on the base that support chrome castors. The top cushion has been newly uphols...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Lucite
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical X-Frame Iron and Leather Stools Raymond Subes
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style X-frame benches in the style of Raymond Subes. These hand wrought iron stools / benches in the late French Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical taste have perfect form...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of X-Frame Benches in Solid Brass by Charles Hollis Jones, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently we have one pair in brass, one pair in black nickel and one pair in polished nickel).
Stunning and minimalistic benches designed and m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Stamford Modern, Carlos Solano-Granda, Lawson-Fenning, and Montage. 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.
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