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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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Number in Set: Set of 10
Niels Hvass Outdoor 'Cutter' Bench in Natural Oak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Niels Hvass outdoor 'Cutter' bench in natural oak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 1
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 120 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Foam

Bench in Camel Boucle by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was designed by Vintola...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Sunday Bench Walnut
Located in Plymouth, GB
The sunday bench, in walnut. An Alexander & Ellis collection piece exclusively designed by Founder Oliver A-J. Despite being great for any space, the ben...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Sunday Stool Oak and Boucle
Located in Plymouth, GB
Part of the Sunday collection exclusive to Alexander & Ellis, and designed by Founder Oliver A-J, the Sunday Stool was designed and handcrafted in house with the finest Oak and Boucl...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Sunday Bench Oak
Located in Plymouth, GB
The Sunday Bench, in Oak. An Alexander & Ellis collection piece exclusively designed by Founder Oliver A-J. Despite being great for any space, the bench...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

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

German Handmade Bench Made of Blackened Oak, Coated Steel and Black Jute Belts
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The bench is made of a filigree construction of powder-coated steel. On this construction rests a frame of solid, lacquered oak tree, which is covered with handwoven stripes of fabri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, 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

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

Pierre Jeanneret Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds the Civil...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

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

Hugo Passos Outdoor 'Banco' Double Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Hugo Passos outdoor 'Banco' double 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

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

George Bench by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The George bench is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The low profile silhouette sits above a sculpted solid woo...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Noce Canaletto Walnut Bench with Curvy Top by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Listing for European Client. Named 2018 Best of Year Awards Honoree by Interior Design Magazine. KG bench merges mannerism with engineering. Carved out of the...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Heritage Bench made with Leather, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Heritage collection is based on the transition from the beginning of the Stylish Club brand to what it represents today: luxury, elegance and exclusivity. It is inspired by a her...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Charlotte Perriand Refolo Low Table by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Low table that can be use as a sitting, bench or other options designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This surface...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 120 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / seat height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Foam

44" Slatted Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the 44" slatted bench is a prime example of handcrafted wooden furniture. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Hand Carved Espresso Stained 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

Modernist “Curve Bench” by Nina Moeller Designs
Located in London, GB
A stunning and absolutely top quality design, this is the wooden curve bench, made by Nina Moeller designs. These are designed with a very slight curve, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Style Daybed
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style daybed, designed for daydreaming, this daybed is truly lounge-worthy. Clean lines and elegant tailoring distinguish its appearance and are enhanced by a semi-aniline cover tufted in a modern grid pattern. A plush pillow...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

P. Jeanneret Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane with Cushion by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and ad...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Ilmari Tapiovaara ‘Pirkka’ Bench 180cm 1955 for Artek
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara ‘Pirkka’ Bench for Artek. Designed in 1955. New, current production. Crafted entirely from solid wood, the Pirkka Bench combines a birc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and ad...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

P. Jeanneret Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane with Cushion by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

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

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

Trombone White Enamel & Creme Mohair Benches by Facto Atelier Paris
Located in Chicago, IL
Trombone benches by Facto Atelier Paris, current production. Featured with a white enameled steel base with creme white Pierre Frey mohair upholstery, av...
Category

2010s French 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. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Custom Cerused Oak Bench/ Cocktail Table on Sabre Legs
Located in New York, NY
Custom cerused oak bench/cocktail table on sabre legs. Please note that this item is customizable. It can be crafted in a variety of woods and finishes. Lead Time is 8-10 weeks. One...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Linear Bench in White Oak 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 French Design Oak Wooden Bench Seat
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1950s French Design wooden bench seat.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Style Banquette/Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
Petite banquette/bench made of solid hard maple is inspired by Mid-Century Modern design. The tight seat bench made with a high density cushion, sitting atop 8-way hand tied springs,...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen, Faux Leather

Andrianna Shamaris Mid-Century Couture Wabi Sabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the mid century Couture Collection. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A beautiful antique single teak panel taken from my finest collection, is expertly...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Bench, Cantilever, Mid Century-Style, Walnut, Danish Cord, Weave, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Mid-century inspired Rian Cantilever Bench in Walnut with black danish cord. Custom sizes available. Can be made with any domestic or exotic hardwood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cord, Hardwood

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Bench Pouffe with Box, Green Boucle, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Pouffe inspired of 1960s style. The pouffe consist of an upholstered part, a seat and box under the seat, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was designed by Vintola Studio...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Pierre Jeanneret Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds the Civil...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Odyssey Bench in White Oak
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Odyssey Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating fusion of sculptural artistry and impeccable craftsmanship. Constructed from solid oak or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Twill, Oak

Pair of pi3 benches in Fumed Oak and Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Contemporary bench in FSC British fumed oak with FSC natural Danish cord handwoven seat. Dimensions are approximately 120cm L x 44.3cm H x 33cm D. Available as a pair. This set is...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Charlotte Perriand Refolo Low Table, Bench or Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
Low table that can also be used as a sofa or bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The price given applies t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina, Italy - 2022. The price given applies to the piece as seen in the first picture. Please ask for pricing in other materials and colors.
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

After Oscar Tusquets Wood and Metal Bench
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
After Oscar Tusquets wood and metal bench. Manufactured by unknown designer in Spain, circa 2010. In original condition, with minor wear con...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Stool or Bench by Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Antonio Citterio Esosoft bench or stool by Cassina, Italy - 2022. Prices vary dependent on material and color.
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Mid Century Style X Frame Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid Century style X frame stool with a boxed upholstered seat cushion and a verdigris bronze finish iron X frame base. Dimensions: 24" W x 18.5" D x 17" H Shown in Armory-UP519...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa in Black Leather for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The price given applies to the sofa as shown in the first picture. Prices vary dependent on the size/variation and material of the sofa. Modular system that can be used as a sofa, be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Entryway Bench N
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Entryway bench pictured in Walnut, and brass inlay.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

60" Slatted Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the 60" slatted bench or coffee table is a prime example of handcrafted woo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

44" Woven Leather Bench in Walnut and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2016, the Woven Leather Collection is classically midcentury. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and exceptional detail is present from every angle. Made in America since 1949 and made to last a lifetime, Smilow® Furniture defines: Enduring Modern Classics. Measures: 44.0” W 18.0” D 17” H Smilow design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Crescent Bench in ORB 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

Bronze

Custom 1960s Italian Style Velvet Sofa or Bench with Brass Base by Adesso Import
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom 1960s Italian style sofa or bench with handmade brass base upholstered in light pink velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different colors, fabrics an...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen 3171 Bench
Located in Berkeley, CA
Børge Mogensen designed this solid wood dining bench in 1956. With its robust simplicity the bench is an ideal example of Mogensen’s lifelong drive f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Ebonized Oakwood Bench with Carved Top by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Named a 2018 Best of Year Awards Honoree by Interior Design Magazine. KG bench merges mannerism with engineering. Carved out of thick slabs of Sessile Oak the...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Lucite and Mongolian fur Bench
Located in Ballard, CA
An eye catching bench made with an upholstered seat floating on a Lucite base, affixed with custom engineered hardware. Custom sizes and finishes available.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Couture Teak Wood Bench with Arms
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection new to 2021. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A single thick slab of reclaimed teak wood taken from my finest collect...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed 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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