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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
Modern Prism Bench in Navy Leather
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Prism Collection is a contemporary interpretation of design with Lucite, used prominently in the Mid-Century. Our clean lined expertly polished solid lucite ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Lucite

Vintage Stacked Oak and Teak Rolling Gymnastics Bench with Brown Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid century 1970's stacking oak and teak framed high school gymnastics bench with natural leather top on wheels with locking mechanism. In very original condition with heavy visible ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench by Meuller Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage bench features a tufted vinyl upholstery covering the seating surface ensuring comfort. A sturdy chrome cantilevered base provides stability and style. A distinct...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather

Sven Ivar Dysthe 5 Seater Bentwood Walnut Bench New Elephant Grey Upholstery
Located in Asheville, NC
Rare mid century modern Norwegian bench set by Sven Ivar Dysthe. New high quality grey vinyl upholstery. The wood has been cleaned and restored. Some light scuffing/scratching/small ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Traditional Skirted Ottoman / Bench, Customizable
Located in Greenwich, CT
This piece is currently only available as a custom made piece. The price shown DOES NOT include fabric. Elegant skirted ottoman with loose cushion and tape detail. Fully customiza...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Foam, Maple, Down

Walnut Topa Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa bench features a handcrafted roundover frame and secured tufted cushion. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Made to Order / Custom Mid-Century Modern Style Long Piano Bench
Located in Deland, FL
"Period inspired made to order single mid-century piano bench. Typically 4-6 week lead time for construction. As pictured, the custom order is constructed from cherry and is stained and blended to match period Baldwin Acrosonic...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

Oak Topa Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa Bench features a handcrafted roundover frame and secured tufted cushion. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Oak

Vioski New Century Modern Tufted Tuulla Bench in Pewter Gray
Located in Vernon, CA
The Tuulla Bench is part of the Tuulla Series, lead by the award-winning Tuulla Chair. The Tuulla Bench, with its deep tufting, is as comfortable to sit on as it’s beautiful to look...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Chrome

John Risley Monsieur & Mademoiselle Patio Bench Sculpture 1960s
Located in Dallas, TX
Handmade John Risley Studio welded steel bench sculpture. Freshly restored in a stunning yellow-orange powder coat. Measures: Seat height is 17" Seat depth is 17".
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Niels Hvass Outdoor 'Cutter' Bench in Black Stained Oak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Niels Hvass outdoor 'Cutter' bench in black stained oak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

Pair of Erik Buch Buck OD-61 Danish Mid Century Modern Bar Stools Rosewood
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair of Erik Buch Buck OD-61 vintage bar stools rosewood. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zip code, as we may be able t...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Mid-Century Bauhaus Tan Vinyl and Chrome Settee
Located in Houston, TX
This Mid-Century Modern 2 seater is just as comfortable as it is stylish. The geometric frame is made of chrome plated tubular steel quintessential to ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Curvilinear lucite and chrome bench
Located in New York, NY
Curvilinear lucite and chrome bench attributed to Karl Springer. Upholstered in snakeskin print.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Aurélien Barbry Outdoor 'Plank' Bench in FSC Certified Teak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Aurélien Barbry outdoor 'Plank' bench in FSC Certified teak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Hand Carved Natural Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection, featuring our unique Minimalist carving. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. Beautiful reclaimed teak wood taken from m...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Stunning Lucite & Aluminum "Angel Wings" Bench, Usa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Stunning Lucite & Aluminum "Angel Wings" Bench, a vintage masterpiece from the USA in the 1970s. This unique piece of furniture is sure to elevate any space with it...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Brazilian Modern Bench in Hardwood by Jorge Jabour Mauad for Móveis Cantu
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern bench, designed by Jorge Jabour Mauad for Móveis Cantu in Brazil, is a showstopper! The bench is entirely m...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Tree Wrap Iron Garden Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Hard to find, Salterini inspired tree hugger bench in white painted cast metal with mesh seat. This garden tree bench will make your outdoor space a special place to sit and reflect on the beauty of nature and enjoy conversation with friends and family. Half tree bench, bench seating around a tree, tree wrap bench...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Rare Vintage T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Attrib. Bench, Two Available
Located in East Hampton, NY
A VERY comfortable walnut wood X-frame base bench which is likely a special commission for Robsjohn-Gibbings. We have TWO benches, sold separately. Newly upholstered. THIS ITEM IS L...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Indoor / Outdoor Montrose Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Montrose bench has a steel frame and two loose cushions. Can be used indoors or outdoors, please specify when ordering. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Modern Upholstered Green Velvet Bench with Metal Sleigh-Leg Frame
Located in Kensington, MD
Modern Upholstered Green Velvet Bench with Metal Sleigh-Leg Frame Additional information: Material: Velvet Featured at Kensington: This Modern...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Slat Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Wonderful mid-century slat bench or coffee table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1950s. Stained ash. Early original Bowtie Label (Knoll Associates) that predates Knoll International. Has...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

1920 Edwardian Handcrafted and Carved Oak Trestle Bench or Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A patinated 1920 Edwardian handcrafted and Carved Oak Trestle Bench or Table. Measures22" in width, 11.75" in depth and stands 18.5" tall.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass X-Base Stools After Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Southampton, NJ
Fully restored solid flat bar brass pair of X benches or stools in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones. 1960's Italy polished brass with new p...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

MIxed metal campaign style bench
Located in New York, NY
MIxed metal campaign style bench with rams head details. With Zebra print upholstery.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Cognac Leather and Bronze Benches
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cognac Color Leather and Bronzed Finish Metal Benches, American, circa 1980s. They have recently been reupholstered in a supple cognac color leather and are ready to use. They are a ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Large Bernt Santesson Outdoor 'Drachmann 200' Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bernt Santesson outdoor 'Drachmann 200' teak bench for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiratio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Bench Coffee Table by Lane
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut long bench two tear coffee table.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Midcentury Parchment Covered Upholstered Benches Style of Samuel Marx
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury American parchment covered rectangular benches in a modern geometric style with upholstered, tufted seat cushions in a gray fabric, resting on 4 tapered legs. (In ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Goatskin

Mel Smilow Slat Bench/End Table in Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mel Smilow walnut slat bench. Elegant silhouette with simple lines and just the right proportions. Also could be used as a coffee table. Top and sides have been sanded and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Hugh Acton Wood Slat and Brass Leg Bench
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A Hugh Acton 11 foot wood slat bench with brass legs is a stunning and timeless piece of furniture that combines the warmth of wood with the elegance of brass. Designed by renowned A...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Ate van Apeldoorn Heavy Pine Slat Benches w/ Square Legs & Box Joints
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ate van Apeldoorn heavy pine slat benches with square feet and box joints. Great coffee tables, or bench under your favorite painting. In original condition with visible wear and scr...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Danish Classic 1930s "Banana-Style" Settee or Bench in Red Velvet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic, rare and very elegant Danish 1930s bench or settee in the style of Kaare Klint and Frits Henningsen. The settee is unmarked as was most often the...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Vintage Pair of Carlo di Carli Benches
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Italian benches with black lacquered steel and brass legs. New upholstery done in a navy blue wool blend.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Splayed Floating Bench with Button Details
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modern "floating" bench was realized in the United States circa 1950. It features splayed tapered legs- attached via rectangular cross slats- that conn...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Bentwood Asymmetrical Abstract Three Seater Bench in Ambrosia Maple, Usa, 1980s
Located in Deland, FL
Handcrafted from Ambrosia Maple, a species coveted for it's variety of greyish-blue streaks that are caused by an infestation of the ambrosia beetle, this extraordinary three seater ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb bench - use it as a seat, a table, or a platform for other Planner Group pieces. Versatile and timeless.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

20th Century Grey Italian Vintage Walnut Ottoman, Large Square Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian ottoman, footrest made of handcrafted polished Walnut, in good condition. The large square sofa bench is resting on four short round wooden feet ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Arthur Umanoff Midcentury Iron and Rattan Catchall Table Stool
Located in Countryside, IL
Arthur Umanoff mid-century Iron and Rattan Catchall Table Stool This Stool measures: 32 wide x 20 deep x 15.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs / modular benches feature original hardware that can be hinged t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Fabric

Yacht Platform Converted Bench for Interior or Exterior Use
Located in South Charleston, WV
95.5" wide, 18.5" deep and 16.75" tall. A genuine vintage boat Transom / swimming platform. It was turned into a bench by the owner of a company years ago. It is still however fully ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Hugo Passos Outdoor 'Banco' Single Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Hugo Passos outdoor 'Banco' single teak bench for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian design a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid-Century Italian Wrought Iron, Leather & Bronze Savonarola X Bench or Stool
Located in St. Louis, MO
Wonderful Mid-Century Italian Savonarola bench, made of wrought iron with natural leather seat and bronze finials. Hand stitched leather strapping to seat. Natural tan leather seat s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Cleo Baldon X-Benches, Oak, Leather
Located in New York, NY
Cleo Baldon X-benches, black wrought iron, oak and leather. Medium scale, handsome, California Modern benches with black leather seat cushions, blackened wrought iron X-form frames, ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Hugh Acton Slat Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Hugh Acton Slat Bench in oiled walnut with solid brass supports. Originally designed in 1950 this later produced in a small batch by Hugh Acton Inc.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Mid-Century Walnut Slatted Bench Chrome Frame Style of George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slatted bench chrome frame style of George Nelson . Very clean 1960s bench. Made by Mueller Furniture Company USA. Very High Quality construction walnut and chrome plated steel are in great vintage condition. Has adjustable feet very heavy bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Outdoor 'Overlap' Bench in Western Red Cedar and Green Steel for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Overlap' bench in western red cedar and green steel for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiratio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Selection of Large Scale Brass Benches Reupholstered
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of large scale sculptural X-based brass benches, in the manner of Paul Mccobb, American, circa 1950s. They retain their original distressed patina to the bases, and have be...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Outdoor 'Overlap' Bench in Western Red Cedar and Black Steel for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Overlap' bench in western red cedar and black steel for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiratio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Post Modern Pair Kriess Upholstery Carved & Painted Wood Low Benches Ottomans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of benches are manufactured by luxury company Kreiss, who commissioned these as a part of their Kreiss Collection, meaning they were designed in-house. They feature a carve...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Milo Baughman Styled Upholstered Bench
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nice slimer sized bench upholstered in a dark cream nubby contract fabric with covered legs in the style of Milo Baughman . The piece would work perfectly in a tight entrance way b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Brass x Base Bench Reupholstered
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural X-based brass bench, in the manner of Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It retains its original distressed patina to the base, and has been newly reupholstered in an ivo...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paul McCobb "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair
Located in East Hampton, NY
These lovely classic X design brass stools/ benches by Paul McCobb, are in wonderful solid condition. NEW nubby boucle style fabric and an amazing patina to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Small Mid-Century Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrific little vintage slat bench. A broad slat top and tapered legs come together for a wonderfully versatile piece. Use it as a bench, ottoman, s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Iron Bench Upholstered in Linen
Located in New Orleans, LA
This gorgeous iron two-seat bench with delicate wrapped knot detailing and pads at feet is part of the custom Tara Shaw Maison collection. Handcrafted in New Orleans. Standard bench ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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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