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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 6
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

Earl Hand Crafted Walnut and Brass Harold Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction hand crafted bench. This bench is shown in walnut with brass detailing. Measures: 12" W x 48" L x 18" H Hand made in Los Angeles, California.    
Category

2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Maple, Ash

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

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

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

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut 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 M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Tandem Sling by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Four-Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ray and Charles Eames were commissioned to design the perfect utilitarian seating for the first international airports in 1962, created for comfort and convenience. For the modern-da...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linear Bench in Dark Wanut Series 60 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

Linear Bench in Dark Wanut Series 60 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 M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

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

Linear Bench in Black Ceruse Series 48 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 M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

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 d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

DC Sculptural Walnut Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing The DC Bench by Stamford Modern, a stunning addition to your home or office space. Crafted from solid walnut, this bench embodies elegance, durability, and timeless desig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

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

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

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

White Oak framed MORESBY Bench with custom upholstered seat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The seventh installment of the MORESBY collection, this bench is sure to be a conversation piece in any space. The MORESBY Bench is constructed of solid wood, with a plush cushion pl...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Oak, Ash, Fabric

Linear Bench in Espresso Series 36 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

Nickel

Linear Bench in Natural Walnut Series 48 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

Swiss Design Bank Stühle, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl, Set of six, 1960s
Located in Renens, CH
A set of of six “Bank Stühle”, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl (also known for the Loop Chairs for Eternit AG), produced during the 1960s in Switzerland. The name Bench Chair is deriv...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Ash

Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Prices vary dependent on the material. Assembly, consists of...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak, Rattan, Wood, Oak

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut Series 60 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

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut 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 Wormle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

60" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

44" Woven Rush Bench in Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collection’s handwoven seating and han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Ash

44" Woven Rush Bench in Walnut by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collection’s handwoven seating and han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Walnut

44" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

Sunday Bench 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 Chair was designed and handcrafted in house with the finest Oak and Bouclé upholstery. Available in other wood species’ and fabrics, the Sunday Bench...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

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 wood base. This piece is availa...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Walnut

The Forma Bench in Natural Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Forma Bench by Stamford Modern—an embodiment of Mid-Century Modern elegance, seamlessly blending visionary designs by Adrian Pearsall and Vladimir Kagan. With a sculp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Walnut and Black Leather Ojai Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai bench features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angel...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Børge Mogensen Style Pine Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Børge Mogensen style trestle base pine benches with wide decorative legs. Each bench is in original condition with similar visible wear consistent with their age and use....
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

The Artisanal Bench in Dark Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Minimal Solid Oak wood Contemporary SACHI Bench with bolster and brass detail
Located in Hyderabad, TG
The Sachi Bench is a versatile piece of furniture that is perfect for adding a touch of tranquility to your home. It is made in solid American oak with fine upholstery and elegant br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Walnut

Gio Bench in Dark Walnut 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

Brass, Nickel

Gio Piano Bench 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

Brass, Nickel

The Zen Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Zen Bench" by Carlos Solano, an exquisite new addition to the Stamford Modern collection. Inspired by the tranquility of Asian design aesthetics, this bench exudes a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Gio Bench in Special Walnut 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

Brass, Nickel

Gio Bench in Special Walnut 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

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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