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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

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 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.

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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
French Mid Century Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
It’s easy to enhance any space with the addition of this finely tailored bench. Sumptuously upholstered with performance fabric, it features a Soft Silv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
A rosewood bench by Dunbar, ca. 1960, with original seat cushion and what appears to be a Jack Lenor Larsen jacquard fabric. This all-wood version of Dunbar's bench is most often at...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Rustic Chestnut & Pine Bench
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Rustic Chestnut & Pine Bench, measuring 79" L x 16.5" D x 23" H, is a one-of-a-kind piece that beautifully marries the durability and rich grain of chestnut with the rustic cha...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chestnut, Pine

Brazilian Modern Phone in Table in Hardwood & Steel, Geraldo de Barros, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with free domestic (US) shipping included, this super cute Brazilian Modern Phone Table in Hardwood & Steel designed by Geraldo de Barros in Brazil during the 50s is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Ramos Bronze Benches, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Blue Linen Upholstered bench on Bronze legs. Sold individually.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 1970s solid pine swedish benches #2
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1970s Materials: Pine Measurements: 54.75″ wide x 14″ deep x 17.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Jacob Kielland Brandt Pine Bench, Sweden 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Solid pine construction on elegant compass legs, truncated back on triangular posts. Refinished in a rich gold tone.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

1960's Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Style Aluminum & Tweed Bench
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern bench for sale. Knoll style with an aluminum frame and reupholstered in new Knoll style black tweed and foam. It's stitch tufted and very elegant. ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Upholstered Walnut Bench in the Style of Greta Grossman Danish Modern (A)
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid-century bench with upholstered button top cushion in a soft gray Cream woven contract fabric. The bottom frame is in a dark walnut with very sturdy legs and a small cut out to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Charlotte Perriand Long bench from Les Arcs, France, 1970
Located in Malibu, US
Classic pine bench designed by Charlotte Perriand for the Les Arcs Ski Resort in France. A beautiful example of iconic Perriand design in an amazingly unusual length stretching 5.25 ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Wonderful Pair Black Enamel Brass Ball Upholstered Benches
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Black Enamel And Brass Ball Accented Benches With White Upholstery Two Benches Available Each Sold Separately
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Upholstered Walnut Bench in the Style of Greta Grossman Danish Modern (B)
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid-century bench with upholstered button top cushion in a soft gray Cream woven contract fabric. The bottom frame is in a dark walnut with very sturdy legs and a small cut out to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Wonderful Pair Blue Enamel Brass Ball Upholstered Benches
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Cobalt Blue Enamel And Brass Ball Accented Benches With White Upholstery Two Benches Available Each Sold Separately
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple

Wonderful Pair Black Enamel Brass Ball Upholstered Benches
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Sea Foam Green Enamel And Brass Ball Accented Benches With Green Upholstery Two Benches Available Each Sold Separately
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Lane Cedar Lined Cherry Upholstered Storage Bench Blanket Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Lane Altavista Cedar Lined Cherry upholstered seat storage bench or blanket chest in good vintage condition. Panelized front with two faux drawers mounte...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Italian Bench in Beech Wood
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant Mid-century Italian bench. Newly re-upholstered and re-polished. legs of the bench are gracefully intertwine on the bottom. Condition is perfect. Restored Italy, c. 1950s 5...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Vintage Pencil Reed Curved Bench
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern curved bench made of pencil reed and covered in fabric. The piece is a mix of Hollywood Regency, Caribbean and Island design and brings a relaxed coastal charm to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Reed

Crescent Bench in Bronze with Dual Bolster Pillows
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Crescent Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern – a harmonious blend of elegance, stability, and artistic craftsmanship. Supported by four solid brass casted legs, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid- century Italian Bench in Beech wood
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-century Bench is made out of beech wood. Newly re-upholstered in a light velvety fabric and re-polished. Legs are beautifully carved and intertwine on the bottom. Condition is p...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Fine Long Bench By The Charles Stewart Co.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and stylish Bench from Charles Stewart. A long designer bench in a dark stained wood frame with square tapering splayed legs. Upholst...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Midcentury Style Hairpin Benches Quick Ship
Located in New York, NY
Circa 21st century pair of Mid-Century Modern style newly made upholstered benches with satin black hairpin shaped legs and new upholstered seats with buttons and welting. Price is for the pair. Made in the United States. Good overall condition. Ready today, Quick ship.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Linear Bench in Dark Walnut and Brass Series 72 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1950s Vintage Brass & Velvet Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage brass & velvet bench designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1950s. This stunning bench features a red velvet upholstery that sits on...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1970s Mid Century Brass Bench or Stool
Located in Miami, FL
A 1970s modern brass bench or stool with upholstered seat cushion in the style of designer Paul Evans, circa 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Andrianna Shamaris Hand Carved Teak Wood Bench or Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Solid reclaimed teak log style bench or a pedestal at 13” x 11″ x 28.5” high. Repurposed from a solid teak lesung which is used for grinding rice, hence the hole which we have left i...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench/Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench Table This is a bench(we have two matching stools that accomodates this bench being sold seperately). The bench is quite uni...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Wabi Sabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
A single thick antique panel with lovely character within the wood. We added smooth teak minimalist legs to produce this beautiful bench and finished with a secret ingredient, reveal...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Pair of Paul McCobb 'X' Base Stools / Benches
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Paul McCobb 'X' Base Stools / Benches
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

A leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design, manner of Andre Arbus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design in the manner of Andre Arbus circa 1960.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mid Century Walnut Live Edge Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century live edge bench or coffee table is crafted of a solid walnut slab raised tapered wood legs.Can be used as a bench or a coffee table. Restored in a natural oil finish. Exc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Linear Bench in White Oak and Bronze Series 72
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Padded Shoe Fitting Store Bench with Mirrors by Metal Specialties Mfg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Padded Shoe Fitting Store Bench with Mirrors by Metal Specialties Mfg. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 24" W x 14" D x 19" Seat he...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Bench With Arms
Located in New York, NY
A single thick slab of reclaimed teak wood from my finest collection, is hand carved to produce this one of a kind bench with arms. We added mid centur...
Category

1950s Indonesian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
We added smooth teak minimalist legs to this impressive ancient single wood panel. Butterflies were inlaid into the wood. It’s all in the details. Circa 1930. This bench was handma...
Category

1930s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

The Perfect Little Bench
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A stunning bench featuring a woven bamboo seat and a custom finish, exemplifying the perfect blend of artistry and functionality. The curved shape and silhouette of this bench add an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

'Barcelona' Mid-Century Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Six foot long tufted bench on polished chrome base. Designed in the style of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona bench. Please confirm loca...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare teak wood, taken from my finest collection, was meticulously hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench for our Mid-Century Couture Collection. ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Pair of Mid-Century 1950s Black Wire Frame Stools in New Off White & Gray Fabric
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1950s wire framed stools, newly upholstered in off white and grey fabric. Frames in original condition, with visible wear, consistent with age...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wire

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Italian, Ezio Longhi Teak Mid-Century Slat Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century Italian slat bench made from dark stained, solid teak. Designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950's. This piece has been lightly r...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Modern Hall Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a beige antiqued leather stitched cushion on an antiqued brass-finished iron cube form base. Dimensions: 48" W x 24" D x 18" H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

STRUCTUR - Salvaged industrial beam top with solid steel hand hammered legs
Located in Bethany, CT
"Structur" features a substantial belt-worn structural timber from one of the many gutted 19th century factory buildings turned contemporary apartment complexes of downtown New Haven...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mies van der Rohe Style Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Barcelona Bench was designed by German-American architect and designer, Mies van der Rohe, in 1930. This copy is perfect for your home or office, with tufted cushion on a sturdy ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Convex Bench Series 72 in Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Crafted from solid oak or walnut, it exudes sophistication, complementing any interior. The upholstered cushion offers a cozy seating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Wabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
Antique bench hand made from a single panel of teak wood with lovely patina. Circa 1950. This bench was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that beauty can b...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench Seat, mahogany base, labeled to base "Dunbar." Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

1950s Vintage Brass Bamboo Style Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage brass bamboo style bench designed and manufactured in the United States in the 1950s.This beautiful bench showcases a unique design with its bamboo-style frame that gives it ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

BM0699 Asserbo Bench with Back in Dark Oil Stained Eucalyptus Wood *Quickship*
Located in Burlington, NJ
A sterling example of people-first design, Børge Mogensen’s Asserbo Bench demonstrates the Danish designer’s approach to function and form. Perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Waterfall Bench in Boucle, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Waterfall Bench in Camel Color Boucle, 1970. Bench has been newly upholstered in a camel color boucle. Measures 60" long, 18.5"...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé

Mid-Century Modern Bench Cocktail Table Style of George Nelson Solid Beech 1950s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-century slatted bench, cocktail table from the mid-1950s. Faintly stamped Yugoslavia on the underside - too faint to be photographed. Created out of a hardwood, beech, this piece...
Category

1950s Macedonian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl / John Stuart Storage Ottoman, Footstool Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Johnson Furniture Co. and lab...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s Slatted bench with wooden structure and Formica legs manufactured by Celina Decorações circa 1960.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Formica, Wood

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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