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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 2
1960s Cherry Wood Legs and Light Green Velvet Benches, Set of 2
Located in IT
1960s Cherry Wood Legs and Green Velvet Benches, Set of 2 Set of 2 benches in cherry wood and green velvet. New paddings and Recently reupholstered...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools/Ottomans
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools Offered is a Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools. This set includes two stools(we have...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

French Stained Ash Curved Wooden Benches, Set of Two
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Primitive stained ash wooden benches, France 1970's. The set is constructed out of solid dark stained Ash wood with nice warm tones. Every single element is carved by hand, this caus...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

Gerald McCabe Oak Trestle Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oak bench from American designer Gerald McCabe for Eon Furniture, c.1970s. The solid wood bench has a long seat with seat back perfect for a dining table, living room or entry way. P...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Modern Iron and Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern iron and leather bench with a hammered iron modern tapered frame and box leather upholstered seat cushion. Dimensions 30" W x 14" D x ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

German Handmade Bench Made of Oak, Coated Steel and Handwoven 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

Steel

Selection of Sculptural Stools
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of sculptural stools, circa 1960s or earlier. From left to right, they are: 1) Thebes Stool, probably English, at least circa 1940s, probab...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Bench, Cantilever, Mid Century, Walnut, Danish Cord, Weave, Hardwood, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Mid-century inspired, hardwood and woven Danish cord bench. This listing is for a 41.125" long Rian Cantilever Bench in Walnut with Kraft Danish Cord....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cord, Hardwood

Pair of Bedside Tables Nightstands Oak, Esko Pajamies for Asko Finland 1960s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Mid-Century Modern pair of nightstands by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies for Asko Finland. Made circa 1960s to 1970s. The nightstands are not identical but very similar. They are p...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair of Zig Zag Benches in Lacquered Goatskin with Fur Seats 1970s
By Brancusi
Located in New York, NY
Pair of zig zag benches in lacquered goatskin with fur seats in the manner of Brancusi, American 1970's. These benches are beautifully made and incredibly stylish. Dimensions For E...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fur, Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

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, California. Reach out to dis...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Charles Dudouyt Attributed French Oak Corkscrew Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare mid-century modern oak trestle corkscrew dining benches attributed to French designer Charles Dudouyt (French 1885-1946). The massive benches are nearly 10 feet long and feature...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair Brueton "Macao" Steel Benches by Stanley Jay Friedman
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of “Macao” benches / ottomans by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton is a striking example of the seamless fusion of form and function that characterizes 1970s American desig...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Daybed by AP-Originals, the Netherlands, 1960's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Metal bench or daybed with new black leather upholstery and new filling. Manufactured by AP originals. We have two available, one is marked at the bottom.
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

"Filoggetto" Red Metal and Chrome Bench by Rebolini for Robots, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic "Filoggetto" bench in chrome and red enameled metal by designers Guido Demarco and Roberto Rebolini for ROBOTS, produced in Italy during the 1970s. This delightful bench i...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Iron, Chrome

Three Seater Plywood Bench by Carlo Ratti, Italy, 1950's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater bench designed by Carlo Ratti in 1950's, Italy. Three seats in teak plywood with black lacquered metal frame. Rare model with sinuous curved shapes. Two pieces available.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of Benches w/ Silvered Antelope Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of elegant benches, each enveloped in soft grayish-blue velvet, exuding a serene and sophisticated charm. The benches are distinguished by their four striking silver legs, ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

Pair of Spanish Gilt Iron Benches in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant pair of Spanish gilt iron benches was recently handcrafted by expert European artisans using traditional iron-working techniques. The hand forged iron bases have central...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Leather upholstered campaign style bench by Cumberland
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Crossed steel, campaign style bench with leather upholstered cushion by Cumberland Furniture Co. Signed.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Gilt Iron Benches in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of recently made iron benches with gracefully curved legs and central stretchers that feature a decorative central loop detail and spheres at the ends. Handcrafted by...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Ico Parisi Italian Midcentury Bench from the Fifties
Located in bari, IT
1950s wooden frame bench with velvet seat of the period in the style of Ico Parisi. Ico Parisi was born in Palermo in 1916. He gained a diploma in construction and served his appren...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

French mid-century benches in oak, fully restored from the 50's
Located in LYON, FR
Dating from the 1950s, the work on these two solid oak farm benches is very careful. The restoration carried out by us enhances the veining and patina of the oak wood. Note that one ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern / Futurist Benches Attr. to Gigi Radice
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pair of Italian Futurist Stools / Ottomans or Benches Attributed to Gigi Radice. These original Mid-Century Modern pieces are very special in embracing the Futurist aesthetic of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Billy Baldwin Style Midcentury X-Form Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern pair of upholstered benches or ottoman stools made in the manner and style of Billy Baldwin. Labeled and made by artisans in California. The benches feature a tuft...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1950's Scrolled Carved Ebonized Wood Frame Benches/ Ottomans, Pair
Located in East Hampton, NY
In the style of JMF, these benches/ottomans are in great scale and have been ebonized in matte finish. reupholstered in thick weave boucle fabric. The frame boasts simple and elegan...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Vintage Pair of Palm Beach Rattan Bamboo Pagoda Stools Ottomans Benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of vintage rattan bamboo pagoda benches stools ottomans footstools. No damage or defects. Original vintage natural finish. Ready to add your cushion. Dimensions: 14.5 H x...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan

Sculptural ICO Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the ICO Bench, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Named after the celebrated Italian designer Ico Parisi, this bench beautifully sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Brown Mid Century Modern Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
This sleek and modern bench combines luxury with a minimalist design, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any interior space. The bench features a high-quality, deep brown tuft...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Ebonised with Gilt Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from mahogany with gilt detailing and openwork back settee with an upholstered cushion. Shown in Draper Performance-UP5409 Fabric Dimensions: 50" W x 25" D x 33" H Seat - 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Industrial style benches, 1960s
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Large benches from the 1960s that belonged to an old canteen. Tubular iron frame and brass feet. The structure has been cleaned up and proposed in perfect industrial style. The sea...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Linear Bench in Limed Oak and Bronze Series 60
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

Ate van Apeldoorn Style Pine Two Seat Bench with Green Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Ate van Apeldoorn style pine two seater bench with green skai seat and newly upholstered green fabric back cushion. Beautiful carved wood frame with attractive grain and ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather, Pine

Carl Hansen Vega Series Chair in Edelman's Poem Leather by Ilse Crawford
Located in Burlington, NJ
Edelman The foremost creator of leather for interiors, Edelman was founded in 1981 by husband-and-wife Arthur and Teddy Edelman. Incorporating a breadth of techniques and aesthetics,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of Mid Century Benches
Located in Westwood, NJ
Inspired by a 19th-century Italian Empire design, nickel, gold bullion and acrylic merge in this petite bench with enormous style. The bench frame and tops of the Italian square tape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Simply Modern Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Destined to be remembered, this expressive bed bench is as functional as it is fashion-forward. Its upholstered seat is plush yet supportive and framed in metal with a Zinc Oxide fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

A Pair of Iron and Leather Benches designed by William Haines for Francis Brody
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These benches, created by William Haines for the home of the Brody’s located in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles are a part of a collection executed in iron rod. This ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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

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

60" Woven Rush Bench in Walnut by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Available in 44" or 60". RLB 60 measures 60"w 18"d 17"h RLB 44 measured 44"w 18"d 17"h Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Walnut

Wonderful Pair Black Enamel Brass Ball Upholstered Benches Manner Jean Royère
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

Wonderful Pair Blue Enamel Brass Ball Upholstered Benches Manner Jean Royère
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

Pierre Jeanneret Bench from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh
Located in Soho, London, GB
Bench from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh. The rarity of this piece is further enhanced by the presence of a typical hand-stenciled marking on the rear crossbar that read...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Teak

Pouffe with Box, Yellow Mezzaluna Jacquard, 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 Vinto...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Bench Pouffe with Box, Blue Fandango Jacquard, 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 Vinto...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

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

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

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

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

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane
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

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

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

BM0700 Asserbo Backless Bench 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

Midcentury George Nelson Slatted Bench for Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
An American Midcentury-Modern classic. This slatted bench was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. It comprised of maple with ebonized legs. A design of balance, symmetry, an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple

Gio Bench in White Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt MR. JONES ottoman is a piece with classical influence with sleek design and details. It fits perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Michel Boyer Style Mid-Century Modern Footstools, Stainless Steel, Black Leather
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Michel Boyer Style Rouve Edition 'X' stools in a brushed stainless steel with a black leather cushion. These impressive Mid-Century Modern benches are simply stunning. The st...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cut Steel

Small rustic French benches 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Dating from around 1850 in France, these beautiful low benches are rustic and have a beautiful patina on the wood. Their low height of just 11 cm and their length of 198 cm make the...
Category

1850s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Mr. Jones Ottaman, Stained Oak and Dark bronze Details, Handcrafted by Duistt MR. JONES ottoman is a piece with classical influence with sleek design and details. It fits perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Stamford Modern, Carlos Solano-Granda, Lawson-Fenning, and Montage. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

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