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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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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
Tommi Parzinger Bench for Parzinger Originals
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original white leather on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with high...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Lawrence Peabody Long Walnut Bench / Coffee Table For Richardson-Nemschoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Lawrence Peabody Long Walnut Bench / Coffee Table For Richardson-Nemschoff. This bench should be purchased with the intent to completely refinish and possibly lacquer a color. Looks ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli bench Pierre Frey fabric 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
This bench, designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, was crafted in Italy and dates back to 1970. The piece features three seats mounted on a metal frame with oak wood fee...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

huge and rare 251cm george nelson bench from the modular group
Located in Munich, DE
ultra rare an most possible made on special order very big george nelson bench. we also have a smaller bench available.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

1970s Milo Baughman Parsons Floral Chintz Bench
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, floral bench you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful bench is statement piec...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of 3 Dorothy Draper Espana Collection Benches For Heritage Henredon
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of three Dorothy Draper Espana Collection benches. These first appeared in 1955 as part of Draper's Espana Collection from Heritag...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Mid-Century Modernist Waterfall Lucite Stool with Faux Bronze Metallic Python
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modernist clear lucite bench or vanity stool in a waterfall design with chrome banding on the base that support chrome castors. The top cushion has been newly uphols...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s Slatted bench with wooden structure and Formica legs manufactured by Celina Decorações circa 1960.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Formica, 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

Mid-20th Century MCM Petite Slatted Teak Bench in the Style of George Nelson
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid Century Modern petite sized slatted teak bench in the style of George Nelson. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Billy Baldwin Atr. Large Upholstered X Base Bench MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Billy Baldwin Atr. Large Upholstered X Base Bench MINT
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Free-Form Walnut Bench By Herbert Millstone After Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautifully hand carved Freeform studio bench in solid walnut by master craftsman Herbert Millstone circa 1963. Millstone was known to host lunch parties for the likes of Paul Evan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Bernhardt "Manhattan" Bench Customized with Solid Brass Legs.
Located in Wilton, CT
Introducing our stunning classic Bernhardt "Manhattan" Bench. The Bernhardt Furniture company has been creating acclaimed and exceptionally well crafted for more than 130 years. Because of their commitment to such high quality standards as well as to the concept that furniture should be luxurious, comfortable and extraordinary, Bernhardt pieces are highly sought after. Our "Bernhardt Bench...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Roberto Poggi Large Teak Bench, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
This bench was made in the 1960s by the Italian furniture manufacturer Poggi. The founder Roberto Poggi has collaborated with many illustrious designers. Franco Albini, in particular...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Monkey Console
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Original Mario Lopez Torres Monkey Console, made in natural woven and iron structure, Hecho en Mexico. The ...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Ico Parisi Wooden Bench for Brugnoli Mobili Cantù, Italy 1974
Located in Hellouw, NL
Ico Parisi, a renowned Italian designer of the 20th century, was celebrated for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to furniture design. Collaborating with Brugnoli Mobili C...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of Perriand Style Brutalist Pine Stools, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Reminiscent of the work of Perriand, these pine stools are very sturdy and practical.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Sculptural ICO Bench Series 60 in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The ICO Bench is a stunning addition to any modern living space. Named after the celebrated Italian designer Ico Parisi, this bench beautifully showcases his...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful brass frame bench by Harvey Probber circa 1960s. Fully restored, and reupholstered
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Iron Bench Side Table Stool- Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rope Benches Side Tables Stools with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric Design and purpose best describe this one-of-a-kind custom piece. Features authentic classic Monogram Louis Vuitton...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Bernt Santesson Outdoor 'Drachmann 165' Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Bernt Santesson outdoor 'Drachmann 165' teak bench for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Red Molded Fiberglass Bench Love Seat
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern fire red one molded fiberglass piece bench loveseat sofa couch. Sculptural ultra modern design piece of furniture.   
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fiberglass

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. The first project designed by Antonio Citter...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Textile

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
$15,980 Sale Price / item
30% Off
The Forma Bench in White Oak 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 V...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Italian 1950's Maple Wood Stool/Bench with Mongolian Sheepskin
Located in New York, NY
An elegantly appointed Italian 1950's maple wood stool or bench with gracefully tapered and angled legs; the top newly upholstered in a luxurious creamy/white long haired Mongolian s...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Maple

Guillerme et Chambron, Ebonized Oak Radiator Cover, France, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
This midcentury, ebonized radiator cover by the celebrated French designer Robert Guillerme, was created as part of a line of design he produced for the company Votre Maison. Feature...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Göran Malmvall Bench for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Svensk Fur” bench is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design relays an insight about the society and culture...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rustic wooden bench in with brown painted feet, France ca. 1890
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1890 / bench / wood / rustic / mid-century / French provincial A rustic mid-century wooden bench with brown painted feet and natural top. With beautiful patina due to age. ...
Category

1890s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Hand Carved Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful single slab of teak wood from my finest collection is hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench. The Mid-Century Couture Collection, features our ...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer, Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example, c.1950s Mex...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Pine

Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A multifunctional piece designed in the 1950s by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Most commonly seen as a bench, the piece has a walnut frame that tapers towards each end with ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, 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

A Classic Hugh Acton Slat Bench With Solid Brass Legs ca' 1950's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Hugh Acton slat bench ca' 1950's. Solid brass Y shaped legs and slats make this a design favorite.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern slatted bench by Celina Decorações, Brazil 1960s. Produced in the late 1960s, this bench consists of solid wooden slats with ro...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of "Bamboo" style benches by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of banches in "Bamboo" style gilt metal, upholstered with a tiger themed fabric by Dédar. Creation by Studio Glustin. France, 2024
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Senufo Bench from Ivory Cost, Monoxyle 1950
Located in LYON, FR
Large Senoufo African bed, from the 1950s, from the Ivory Coast. This is an entirely original and vintage collector's item. The bench has never been waxed ...
Category

1950s Ivorian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Florence Knoll Bench in Holly Hunt Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
Exemplifying the superb craftsmanship and enduring elegance of mid-century modern design, the iconic Florence Knoll bench graces your living space with a touch of timeless sophistica...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Adorable Mid-Century Style Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite loveseat with curved back and tapered legs. Please confirm location.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Black Lacquer Red Upholstery Bench w/ Arms Slotted Back MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vintage Black Lacquer Red Upholstery Bench w/ Arms Slotted Back MINT
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

George Nelson Style Mid Century Chrome Slat Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson style mid century chrome slat bench The bench measures: 60 wide x 16.5 deep x 16.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Charles Hollis Jones Benches in Polished Nickel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of polished nickel benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970s. The frames of the benches are made in solid st...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Maison Jansen style Small bench in lacquered metal, brass and velvet circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Jansen style Small bench in lacquered metal, brass and velvet circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Bench Modular Sofa with Table for Madison Furniture, 1950s
Located in Deland, FL
Ultra cool modular 2-seat sofa with built in table in walnut and covered in original knit designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s for Madison ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Custom Architect Designed Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This striking bench was created in 1967 by an architect for a home he designed. The unique piece has a mahogany top with an edge of hammered copper that is supported by black iron legs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Copper, Steel

Klaus Grabe 3-Seat Corded Bench
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. An unusual 3-seat bench attributed to Klaus Grabe for Robert Kayton Associates - produced by the Kingston Manufacturing Company of Kingston, NY. Featuring an angular ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cord, Birch

1970s Black Leather and Chrome Steel Daybed Bench
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This oversized bench is more like a daybed, you can use it as either really. Would be beautiful on a focal wall with a massive piece of deserving art pl...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

New Solid Linen Upholstery Antique Louis Phillipe Style Carved Maple Loveseat
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New Solid Linen Upholstery Antique Louis Phillipe Style Carved Maple Loveseat Sofa MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Italian Bench, 1960s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden bench and black metal foot. Wear due to time and age of the bench. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Three Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Stools / Benches in Bouclé
Located in New York, NY
Three Adrian Pearsall sculptural stools / benches. The sculptural frames are walnut with cushioned seats done in Bouclé.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench, model number 1173, with arched base and slatted seat in steam-bent mahogany with brass accents, and finished with a channel-tufted cushion. Bras...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swivel Benches by Charles Hollis Jones from the "Waterfall" Line
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of molded waterfall style benches designed by Charles Hollis Jones and manufactured by Hudson-Rissman. The benches are in excelle...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Naugahyde, Lucite

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Hand Carved Espresso Stained Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful century old panel of teak wood, taken from my finest collection, is hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench. Furniture constructed by hand from ...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

René Martin cabinetmaker of Charlotte Perriand Meribel arolle bench 1948
Located in Grenoble, FR
René Martin cabinetmaker in the village Meribel les allues worked very well with Charlotte Perriand to create furniture for hotels like the Doron. So very young, son of the mountain ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

French bench in pine - 1960s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent bench designed in France in the 1960s. This is a large rectangular pine bench, probably stained a darker color. It is in good vintage condition. It shows signs of wear ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

ICO PARISI - Coppia di panchette in ciliegio imbottitura originale ieco pelle
Located in Milano, IT
Attribuite ad ICO PARISI , coppia di panchette in legno di cigliegio massello e seduta in eco pelle trapuntata originale anni 50. Il legno é stato lucidato
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech, Cherry

Pair Of Revetatto Benches With White Flokati Seats
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly 1970’s style pair of Revetatto ottomans sporting black finished metallic bases with white Flokati upholstery. The metal supports with a stylish form and capped with ni...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Two-seater Djinn Sofa by Oliver Mourgue 1960
Located in Oirlo, LI
Two-seater Djinn Sofa by Oliver Mourgue 1960 Discover the timeless beauty of the Vintage Two-Seater "Djinn" Sofa, designed by Oliver Mourgue for Airborne in 1965. This sofa is not ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Scandinavian Teak Side Table or Bench by Brode Blindheim
Located in Miami, FL
Minimalist teak square end table or small bench with flared side edges, bookmatched wood grain and solid teak legs and spanners. Designed in the 1960s by Brode Blindheim and manufactured in Sykkylven, Norway, the vintage occasional table...
Category

20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Hans J. Wegner AP-30 Music Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Obscure and very rare piano bench designed by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen. Known as the "Music Stool," this minimal design originates from 1957. Our examp...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Teak

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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