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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
Small 'Osa' Outdoor Bench in Solid Finnish Pine for Vaarnii
Located in Glendale, CA
Small 'Osa' outdoor bench in solid Finnish pine for Vaarnii The innovative heat-treated pine used in the Osa Outdoor Dining Bench is stronger, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

Marcel Pouf S by Kazuhide Takahama Paradisoterrestre Edition
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1965 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2018 Materials: shaped polyurethane, polished aluminum brackets, removable wool fabric manufactured by Kvadrat or chenille velvet fabric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John bench This bench measures: 83.75 wide x 19 deep x 12 inches high, with a seat height of 12 inches All pieces of furniture can be...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Shoreland Bench by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Shoreland Bench is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The bench features a channel-tufted seat and a solid wood base. The Lawson-Fenni...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

20th Century Grey Italian Vintage Walnut Ottoman, Large Square Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian ottoman, footrest made of handcrafted polished Walnut, in good condition. The large square sofa bench is resting on four short round wooden feet ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Geoffrey Harcourt Leather Bench for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Geoffrey Harcourt Leather Bench for Artifort, The Netherlands 1960s This mid-century modern bench, designed by Geoffrey D. Harcourt for Artifort in the 1960s, is the perfect addit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench by Meuller Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage bench features a tufted vinyl upholstery covering the seating surface ensuring comfort. A sturdy chrome cantilevered base provides stability and style. A distinct...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather

Hugh Acton Wood Slat and Brass Leg Bench
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A Hugh Acton 11 foot wood slat bench with brass legs is a stunning and timeless piece of furniture that combines the warmth of wood with the elegance of brass. Designed by renowned A...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Charles & Ray Eames Tandem Seating for Herman Miller
Located in Beirut, LB
Iconic three-shell seating tandem by Charles & Ray Eames, black fiberglass shells on an aluminium base with a white side table attached, labeled on bottoms.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Oak 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, ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Oak

American Studio Craft Walnut Bench or Coffee Table Phillip Powell
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Classic American Studio Craft solid beautiful Hardwood & walnut small table or bench . Gorgeous black walnut slab on solid wood turned legs with hig...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Hugh Acton Slat Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Hugh Acton Slat Bench in oiled walnut with solid brass supports. Originally designed in 1950 this later produced in a small batch by Hugh Acton Inc.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Theater Bench, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by unknown designer, manufactured in France, circa 1920. Wood. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preser...
Category

1920s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Marcel Pouf SD by Kazuhide Takahama Paradisoterrestre Edition
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1965 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2018 Materials: shaped polyurethane, polished aluminum brackets, removable wool fabric manufactured by Kvadrat or chenille velvet fabric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Brazilian Midcentury Inspired Marcelo Bench, Tropical Parota Wood and Steel
Located in Mexico City, Delegación Cuauhtémoc
This Brazilian midcentury inspired Marcelo bench is a unique creation by Leon Leon Design from Mexico City. It features a p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Small Bernt Santesson Outdoor 'Drachmann 120' Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Small Bernt Santesson outdoor 'Drachmann 120' teak bench for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiratio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Bamboo Bench
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
A lovely rattan bench can also be used as a table as well as seating.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo

'Osa' Outdoor Bench in Solid Finnish Pine for Vaarnii
Located in Glendale, CA
'Osa' outdoor bench in solid Finnish pine for Vaarnii The innovative heat-treated pine used in the Osa Outdoor Dining Bench is stronger, lighte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

Vintage Leather & Steel Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage leather & steel bench designed and manufactured in the united states circa 1970s. This bench features a leather upholstery on top of a stainless steel base
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb bench - use it as a seat, a table, or a platform for other Planner Group pieces. Versatile and timeless. Measure: 48".
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Wooden Curved Bench by Fergo Moveis, Mid-Century Modern Vintage
Located in Houston, TX
The Exquisite Curved Plywood Bench in Jacaranda Immerse yourself in the allure of this stunning curved plywood bench, a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Meticulously ...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Laminate, Hardwood

1940s Mahogany and Upholstered Bench with Brass Capped Legs and Medallions
Located in Germantown, MD
An elegant 1940s Mahogany and Upholstered Bench with Brass Capped Legs and Medallions. Dark green upholstery with minor fading. Brass capp...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Rectangular Footstool with Geometric Multicoloured Fabric
Located in Madrid, ES
This bench from the 1970s, made in Italy, stands out with its black lacquered iron structure and legs finished in brass. Technically, its iron construction provides strength and dura...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Mid-century wood Bench by Ico & Luisa Parisi - 1950s
Located in Brussels , BE
Pair of Mid-century wood Bench by Ico & Luisa Parisi - 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Traditional Skirted Ottoman / Bench, Customizable
Located in Greenwich, CT
This piece is currently only available as a custom made piece. The price shown DOES NOT include fabric. Elegant skirted ottoman with loose cushion and tape detail. Fully customiza...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Foam, Maple, Down

Midcentury Set of 2 Chairs or Benches in Teak, Italy, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice set of 2 Italian benches or chairs. They are made in the 1960s. Teak wooden seating with a black metal structure. We work with professional packers and shippers, we...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

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

Brazilian Jacaranda 1960s Onda Bench by Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Onda bench by Jorge Zalszupin from the 1960s with three wavy seats in jacaranda with metal legs and magazine rack of beige/tan suede
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Alvar Aalto Blonde Birch Bentwood Leg Coffee Table or Bench
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury coffee or cocktail table or Bench by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Allto. Stands on 4 birch bentwood legs and table top surface rectang...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Birch, Bentwood

Fir Wood Bench
Located in Brussels , BE
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Large 'Osa' Outdoor Bench in Solid Finnish Pine for Vaarnii
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 'Osa' outdoor bench in solid Finnish pine for Vaarnii The innovative heat-treated pine used in the Osa Outdoor Dining Bench is stronger, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

MIxed metal campaign style bench
Located in New York, NY
MIxed metal campaign style bench with rams head details. With Zebra print upholstery.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Restored 1960 Chrome Steel Mid-Century Modern Bench with Navy Blue Mohair Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delve into the iconic style of the 1960s with our Mid-Century Modern Bench, a piece that perfectly encapsulates the era's design ethos. Expertly handcrafted from steel, this bench sh...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome, Brass

Niels Hvass Outdoor 'Cutter' Bench in Black Stained Oak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Niels Hvass outdoor 'Cutter' bench in black stained oak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Vintage Stacked Oak and Teak Rolling Gymnastics Bench with Brown Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid century 1970's stacking oak and teak framed high school gymnastics bench with natural leather top on wheels with locking mechanism. In very original condition with heavy visible ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

Mid Century Slatted Wood Bench Coffee Table George Nelson Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
Amazing Mid-Century Modern George Nelson style slat bench coffee table. Classic slat wood coffee table bench. This table is exceptionally well made. Features clean lines and legs that taper down as they reach the floor. An Iconic retro slatted bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Paris Daybed by Tana Karei
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
The Paris bench is made out of a Mexican wood called Tzalam. It has a unique combination of linen and leather upholstery. The bench is a perfect piece to place in a living room, fron...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Linen, Hardwood

Paul McCobb "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair
Located in East Hampton, NY
These lovely classic X design brass stools/ benches by Paul McCobb, are in wonderful solid condition. NEW nubby boucle style fabric and an amazing patina to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Sven Ivar Dysthe 5 Seater Bentwood Walnut Bench New Elephant Grey Upholstery
Located in Asheville, NC
Rare mid century modern Norwegian bench set by Sven Ivar Dysthe. New high quality grey vinyl upholstery. The wood has been cleaned and restored. Some light scuffing/scratching/small ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood

Indoor / Outdoor Montrose Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Montrose bench has a steel frame and two loose cushions. Can be used indoors or outdoors, please specify when ordering. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Torbecchia Bench Poltronova Italy 1964
Located in Almelo, NL
Midcentury Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Torbecchia Bench for Poltronova Italy 1964 The Torbecchia Walnut Bench, part of the Torbecchia series designed by Giovanni Michelucci for Pol...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Bentwood Asymmetrical Abstract Three Seater Bench in Ambrosia Maple, Usa, 1980s
Located in Deland, FL
Handcrafted from Ambrosia Maple, a species coveted for it's variety of greyish-blue streaks that are caused by an infestation of the ambrosia beetle, this extraordinary three seater ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs / modular benches feature original hardware that can be hinged t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Fabric

Small Slat Bench in Solid Brazilian Hardwood, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Add a touch of originality to your interior with this exceptional slat bench, expertly crafted from solid Brazilian hardwood. With its rounded slats, including the legs, this piece s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Cognac Leather and Bronze Benches
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cognac Color Leather and Bronzed Finish Metal Benches, American, circa 1980s. They have recently been reupholstered in a supple cognac color leather and are ready to use. They are a ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Modern Upholstered Green Velvet Bench with Metal Sleigh-Leg Frame
Located in Kensington, MD
Modern Upholstered Green Velvet Bench with Metal Sleigh-Leg Frame Additional information: Material: Velvet Featured at Kensington: This Modern...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Aurélien Barbry Outdoor 'Plank' Bench in FSC Certified Teak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Aurélien Barbry outdoor 'Plank' bench in FSC Certified teak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Vioski New Century Modern Tufted Tuulla Bench in Pewter Gray
Located in Vernon, CA
The Tuulla Bench is part of the Tuulla Series, lead by the award-winning Tuulla Chair. The Tuulla Bench, with its deep tufting, is as comfortable to sit on as it’s beautiful to look...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Chrome

Large Bernt Santesson Outdoor 'Drachmann 200' Teak Bench for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bernt Santesson outdoor 'Drachmann 200' teak bench for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiratio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Ate van Apeldoorn Heavy Pine Slat Benches w/ Square Legs & Box Joints
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ate van Apeldoorn heavy pine slat benches with square feet and box joints. Great coffee tables, or bench under your favorite painting. In original condition with visible wear and scr...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern Wood Metal Cansado Bench, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950. Edited by Steph Simon (France) Wood, metal frame legs has been redone according the original. Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Stunning Lucite & Aluminum "Angel Wings" Bench, Usa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Stunning Lucite & Aluminum "Angel Wings" Bench, a vintage masterpiece from the USA in the 1970s. This unique piece of furniture is sure to elevate any space with it...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Curvilinear lucite and chrome bench
Located in New York, NY
Curvilinear lucite and chrome bench attributed to Karl Springer. Upholstered in snakeskin print.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Lucite Vanity Stool Upholstered Celadon Mohair by Pierre Frey, c. 1970's
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern lucite vanity stool with curved waterfall frame. Newly upholstered in La Maison Pierre Frey's luxurious Teddy Mohair, color celadon whi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Sofa Tendo Mokko
Located in Venezia, VENETO
This 3-seats and table bench has been made in the 1960s. It was part of a limited edition designed for the furnishings of a facility in Japan with other rare Japanese modern items fr...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech

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

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Foam

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

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

1960s Brazilian Modern Bench in Hardwood by Jorge Jabour Mauad for Móveis Cantu
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern bench, designed by Jorge Jabour Mauad for Móveis Cantu in Brazil, is a showstopper! The bench is entirely m...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

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

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