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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
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

David Hicks Style Pair of Chic Upholstered Benches/Ottomans 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of finely made fully upholstered benches/ottomans in a beautiful graphic velvet print in the manner of David Hicks, American 1970's. These benches have springs inside which goes...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

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

Large 1960s teak and fabric bench
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Large 1960s teak wood bench, brass ferrules, and new stain-resistant and washable fabric upholstery. Elegant, understated and perfect as the subject of complete restoration. Suitab...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Rosewood Bench, Small Divanetto Attributed to Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian two-seater bench made of hand crafted Rosewood, attributed to Paolo Buffa in good condition. The backrest of the small divanetto is s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Rosewood

Milano Custom Metal Bench with Beige Leather Seat by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Milano custom metal bench made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Shown in steel with beige leather seat. Can be done in different metals and upholstery.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

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

Walnut 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, Walnut

Sunday Bench Walnut
Located in Plymouth, GB
The sunday bench, in walnut. An Alexander & Ellis collection piece exclusively designed by Founder Oliver A-J. Despite being great for any space, the ben...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern John Risley Steel Sculpture Bench
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relati...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group high Coffee Table, Bench. Bed End Bench. Nightstand, 1950s. Featuring an open sturdy rectangular, braced thre...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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

Vintage Brazilian Sofa in Rattan
Located in Milano, IT
This original vintage sofa in wood and rattan is of fine Brazilian manufacture. The structure is very particular with the front legs, characterized by rigid lines and sharp curves, that rise to become the armrests. The rear legs are attached to the front ones forming a softer arch in contrast with the rigidity of the armrest. The structure is elegant but minimal: the backrest is attached only to the seat and to the armrest, without compromising the stability. The two seats and backrests are made of woven rattan to form geometrical designs and separated by a wooden component. This elegant and original vintage sofa would be ideal to furnish vintage...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Wood

20th Century Ico Parisi Bench with wooden structure and fabric seating - pink
Located in Turin, Turin
Bench designed by the great italian master Ico Parisi in '50s. The bench has a wooden structure (teak) with wonderful attention for the corner joints, and the seating is covered by p...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Vittorio Dassi Italian Modern Walnut and Black Leather Upholstered Long Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern walnut bench in sculptural form features a 3-row frame with rounded edges, rectangular seat cushion upholstered in black leather, standing on 4 short conic...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Leather, Upholstery

Linear Bench in Black Ceruse Series 48 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley "The Linear Bench" embodies modern minimalism with clean lines and a sturdy metal stretcher. Explor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

French Concrete Jigsaw Bench, circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful vintage interlocking concrete bench from France, circa 1950s. Four separate components make up the bench, which all interlock with each other. Years of European weather has...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

Handmade Solid Oak Modernist Bench
Located in Oakland, CA
Handmade solid oak bench in the style of Pierre Chapo, a slender profile with architectural details to the legs and strut supports on the underside. The bottom of the legs have slig...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Two Wave-Shaped Benches in Walnut with Two-tone Veneering, Italy 1950s
Located in Hellouw, NL
These two benches, most likely crafted in the 1950s or 1960s, exhibit a timeless design that speaks to their era. Originally serving in the public deeds registry office in Bologna, a...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

1970 Attributed to Milo Baughman Mini Parsons Benches Stools, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning stools or benches you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865
Located in New York, NY
Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865. Enameled metal and upholstery. Manufacture: Figli di Amedeo Cassina Lit: Roberta Lietti: Ico Parisi Design - Catalogue R...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl / John Stuart Storage Ottoman, Footstool Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Johnson Furniture Co. and lab...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modernist Waterfall Lucite Stool in Platinum Metallic Textured Woven
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modernist clear Lucite bench or vanity stool in a waterfall design on chrome castors with a spherical cross support rod. The thick squared top cushion has been newly...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

60" 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 collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Ash

Reupholstered 3-Seater Sofa by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer for Pilastro
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This rare 3-seater sofa is a combination of designs by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer, produced by Pilastro in 1965. The seat was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel 1959 ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Bench metal, brass and bouclette fabric
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bench or bed end, metal, brass and bouclette fabric A pair is available
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Harvey Probber Pair of Benches with Mahogany Legs and Castors 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of rectangular upholstered benches with round mahogany legs and brass castors by Harvey Probber, American 1950's. Refinished and reupholstered by Lobel Modern.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Jens Risom Style Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom Style 55" long Bench. Newly upholstered and walnut base refinished. Beautiful Floating Design!
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Giuseppe Rivadossi Monumental Bench in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi bench, pine, wood, Italy, 1970s In the world of great design, this bench made by Giuseppe Rivadossi emerges as an exemplar of bespo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

Solid Wood Accent Bench Tables with Steel Bases, Pair
Located in Wilton, CT
Originally vanity ottomans from the Ritz Carlton Hotel, these petite steel framed pieces have been transformed into substantial tables with the help of...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Aurélien Barbry Outdoor 'Cadence' Bench in FSC Certified Teak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Aurélien Barbry outdoor 'Cadence' 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

Eleh Side Table / Bench by Sérgio Rodrigues, Circa 1965
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Originally designed for Bloch Company in 1965 this exquisite bench, that also play as a side board has time patina waiting for the customers definition on how the restoration work should be done. Hardwood veneer rectangular box with shaped corners, solid hardwood legs, chrome-plated brass trim. The pice is made in jacarandá wood. Literature: Soraia Cals, Sérgio Rodrigues, ed. Icatu, 2000 Aric Chen, Brazilian Modern, ed. The Monacelli Press, 2016. Sergio Roberto Santos...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Harvey Probber Attributed Mid Century Walnut Bench Reupholstered
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mid Century Walnut Bench, attributed to Harvey Probber, unsigned, American, circa 1960s. It has been recently reupholstered ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Ash, Walnut

"Bamboo" Style Bench by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Bench in "Bamboo" style gilt metal with seating cushion upholstered with a fabric by Nobilis. Creation by Studio Glustin.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of Brown Velour Parsons Style Tufted Ottomans
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice pair of finely upholstered Parsons Style Ottomans. The Ottomans are fully upholstered in a nice, rich brown velour fabric that's tufted. It would be a great addition t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Small Settee by Thayer Coggin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern bench with attached table. Made by Thayer Coggin with upholstered settee on a wood bench. Please confirm location.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of 'Thebes' stools Model no. 5002 designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. These iconic benches are the epitome of fine craftsmanship. These are in gre...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, 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

Jorge Zalszupin 1960s Brazilian Parquet Jacaranda Wood 102 Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
102 bench by Jorge Zalszupin from the 1960s in parquet Brazilian jacaranda wood with two-seat and black metal base.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

GiIO PONTI - Walnut bench, pink velvet - Made in ITALY 1940s
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - Beautiful and elegant bench to be included in both modern and vintage decor . Sturdy and in perfect condition with its original rose-colored velvet upholstery , . Made in...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nutwood, Velvet

Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool or Bench
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool from the Henredon upholstery collection.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Nicos Zographos Museum Bench with Bronze Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
Leather tufted museum bench by Nicos Zographos with bronze base, circa 1965. Leather shows wear but no holes, bronze has patina. Label. Midcentury, Floren...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Folded steel Bench in the manner of Maria Pergay
Located in London, GB
High quality folded steel bench in the manner of the iconic Marie Pergay 'wave' bench. This beautiful piece can be left as it is or have an upholst...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Sculptural ICO Bench Series 72 in White Oak 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 signature lightweight ae...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut and Dove Gray Button Tufted Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1960. It features tapered legs that meet an elegantly appointed apron on top of which sits a button t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Iris Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Iris Bench finds its inspiration through the minimalist, clean lines of the Scandinavian design style. The refined textural warmth of the solid wood silhouette is the perfect co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mohair, Linen, Velvet, Ash, Oak, Walnut

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

Rare bench Georges Candilis 1968
Located in Perpignan, FR
Tres rare banc de l'architecte Georges Candilis réalisé en 1968. Fabrication Sentou France . en tres bon état Provenance ; Réfectoire village vacances CCF les Carrats de Port-Leuca...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Italin mid-century modern garden bench in rattan, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern garden bench in rattan, 1960s Two-seater bench entirely in finely woven rattan. The seat, armrests and backrest are curved. Suitable for outdoor use such a...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan

1970s Coastal Double Fiberglass Surfboard Wood Sculptural Bench Settee
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite hand crafted, surfboard bench.. The ultra rare bench gives an air of c...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

Mid Century Wrought Iron and Upholstered Loveseat Bench c. 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wrought iron with a linen textured vinyl upholstered seat. This example has been newly painted black, and the seat has been professionally reupholstered. Classic Mid Cent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Wood Bench from les Arcs by Charlotte Perriand, 1985
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Grand bench designed by Charlotte Perriand for furnishing the Les Mirantins residence, one of the architect's last projects at Les Arcs from 1984-1987, featuring duplex studio apartm...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Pair of French Mid-Century Minimalist Wrought Iron & Cotton Benches / Stools
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French midcentury style Modernist stools / benches / ottomans with pure forms and elegant lines, constructed in wrought iron and with upholstered cotton seats...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench by John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely Mid-Century Modern two-seat bench. Black painted wood frame with black upholstered seats by John Stuart. We do have a two of these if you need a pair.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Linear Bench in Dark Wanut Series 60 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern legend Edward Wormley, "The Linear Bench" embodies modern minimalism with clean lines and a sturdy metal stretcher. Explore...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

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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