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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Number in Set: Set of 10
Custom Brass Pointe Leg Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench, shown in 41" with tapered brass legs ending in a ball foot with buttons and seaming. Available in any size or shape custom made to order COM/COL. Legs can b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
60" Woven Leather Bench in Walnut and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
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: 60.0” W 18.0” D 17” H
Smilow design...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Couture Wabi Sabi Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection new to 2021. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A beautiful aged teak slab taken from my finest collection with beautif...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Earl Hand Crafted White Oak Wolf Bench
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction hand crafted white oak bench
Measures: 12" W x 72" L x 18" H.
Category
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut, Ash, Maple, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid Century Bench with a shallow button tufted cushion, 'Berlin Silver" industrial bolt motif sides, and turned tapered 'Royal Silver' legs ending in 'Berlin Silver feet.
Dimensions...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
"Erode, " Bronze Bench by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
Studio made bench of roughly finished cast bronze legs and supports. Hand worked finish and irregular surfaces. Upholstered seat cushion. Each bench ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Bronze
Canaletto Walnut 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 the finest solid Noce Canalett...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Crescent Bench in 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 designed to enhance any space w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Custom Square Brass Pointe Leg Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench or stool, shown in 18” square velvet with tapered brass legs ending in a ball foot with buttons and seaming. Available in any si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
KENA Bench 180cm, Rough Black Acacia Wood
By Moonler
Located in Chiangmai, TH
Ambiguity between the two forms of creativity, art and design, was a popular conversation during Mid-20th century. Measure: length 1600 mm.
Dedicated to the design language of tha...
Category
2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Vintage Modern Black Lacquered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern black lacquered slat bench featuring tapered legs.
This bench can also be used as a coffee table, would make a great addition to any home or office.
(Please c...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Style Mohair Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom made with integrated legs into the body of the mohair midcentury style bench. Upholstered in rich charcoal mohair, with buttons and seaming. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Nickel
Custom Upholstered Mondrian Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom integrated leg Mondrian bench, shown in rich charcoal mohair, with buttons and seaming. Available in any size custom-made to order COM / COL. Legs can be brass, nickel or chro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Nickel
21st Century Tang Bench by Matteo Stucchi and Yuan-Wen Wang
Located in Dubai, AE
Tang is composed of the geometric lines of the Chinese puzzle game Tangram. Made of wood, the bench can become four single seats - due to its cuts and geom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Faux Leather, Wood
Mid-Century 1950s Style Custom Made X-Base Bench
Located in St. Louis, MO
Made to order bench, mahogany base bench with X-cross stretcher in the style of a vintage design, shown in leather (COM) with a dark brown stain on mahogany. Dimensions can be custom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
State Bench Settee with Lacquered Metal and Multicolor Fabric 2 Seater
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
Scout Long Bench in Blackened Oak and Satin Brushed Brass by Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The scout bench has a slim design, allowing it to be tucked into small spaces with a minimal footprint.
Shown in blackened/ebonized oak and brass. Domes...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Cobalt Blue Ray Kappe RK4 Sofa in Red Oak, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Ray Kappe RK4 sofa in red oak by Original in Berlin, Germany, 2020
This sofa can be used as a free standing bench or a Sofa.
The piece is made out of sol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Fir
Custom Made Integrated Leg Tufted Velvet Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom upholstered integrated leg velvet bench. Shown is rich chocolate brown velvet, with buttons and seaming. Available in any size custom made to order COM / COL. Legs can be bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Nickel
Space Copenhagen Spine Bench, Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Space Copenhagen spine bench, wood base is defined by its soft, sweeping curves and angled legs, the distinctive hallmarks of the Spine collection. Exquisite detailing in the handcra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Crescent Bench in Nickel 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
Nickel
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
Custom Brass Pointe Leg Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench, shown in 41" with tapered brass legs ending in a ball foot with buttons and seaming. Available in any size or shape custom made to order COM/COL. Legs can b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Chiado Bench 2-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Chiado bench is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy seat and sleek structure, the combination between these two element’s finishings, makes this a chameleon-like...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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
Dust Bench Settee with Soft Velvet 2 Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Dust sofa is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy structure and available in many color and texture options, Dust makes a strong impression. Made to Order.
If ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Velvet, 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
Dust Bench Settee with Soft Velvet 3 Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Dust sofa is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy structure and available in many color and texture options, Dust makes a strong impression. Made to Order.
If ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Chiado Bench 3-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Chiado bench is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy seat and sleek structure, the combination between these two element’s finishing’s, makes this a chameleon-lik...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Custom Round Brass Pointe Leg Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench or stool, shown in 18” diameter with brass legs with button and seaming. Available in any size or shape custom made to order COM/COL. Legs can be brass or st...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Style Teak Wood Coffee Table or Bench
Located in New York, NY
Impressive single slab reclaimed teak coffee table or bench set on mid century style legs. Beautiful grain on this live edge top with a natural oil finish.
Own an Andrianna Shamaris...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
"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
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
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Espresso Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple espresso velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Custom Square Brass Pointe Leg Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench or stool, shown in 18” square velvet with tapered brass legs ending in a ball foot with buttons and seaming. Available in any si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Noir Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Noir Velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of spa...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Scout Bench in Walnut and Satin Brass by Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The scout bench has a slim design, allowing it to be tucked into small spaces with a minimal footprint.
Shown in natural walnut and brass. Domestic hard...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
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 grey silk velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, fabrics and...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Astor 60" Brass Bench in Navy Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Bench 60" is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an era o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Mint Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple mint velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. This ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
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
Custom Made X-Base Dark Espresso Ottoman or Bench of a Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in St. Louis, MO
Reproduced from an original 1950s design, in the style of vintage Tomlinson Sophisticate line. Custom made bench or ottoman with mahogany X-base with button tufting, shown in leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Studio Catch it All Bench or Coffee Table by Michael Rozell, USA, 2020
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Catch it all bench or coffee table by Michael Rozell USA 2020 in figured walnut.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
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
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Teal Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Teal Velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of spa...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tight Cushioned Accent Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern furniture, this tight cushioned accent bench is built to order and completely customizable. The bench shown was custom made...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Lacquer
"Atlante" Sculptural Bronze Bench by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
Made to order sculptural bench by Alexandre Logé. Cast from bronze and upholstered with customer's own material.
Lead time: 20-24 weeks.
C.O.M. Fabric: 2 yards.
C.O.M. Leather: 1/...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Bronze
Astor Large Brass Tufted Ottoman in Sharkskin Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor large ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Snow Velvet 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 t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Lucite Bench with Gray Velvet Cushion
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom Lucite bench with gray velvet cushion. The price listed is with customer own material/fabrics (COM/COF). Custom orders are available for different s...
Category
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Lucite, Velvet, Acrylic
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Indigo Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Indigo velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. T...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
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
Astor Petite Brass Ottomans in Snow Velvet 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 t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Vintage Velvet Tufted Benches: Elegant Comfort with Stylish X-Shaped Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the luxurious charm of our vintage velvet tufted benches, a pair that exudes elegance and comfort. Crafted with a solid wood frame, these ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Garland Bench
Located in Carmel, CA
The Golden age of Hollywood is captured in the elegant Garland Bench. Inspired by Judy Garland, this bench is the perfect touch of sophistication to any room. Made with using materia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wool, Wood
Extra Large Vintage Oak Mid-Century Modern Slat Bench
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is the biggest slat bench we have ever had in stock -- or even seen in person! Pictures don't do it justice, because the scale of this bench is incredible. The bench is almost e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
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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