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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
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

Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard Sculptura Outdoor Mesh Iron Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Russell woodard sculptura outdoor wrought iron bench Offered is a vintage outdoor bench by Russell Woodard 'Sculptura'. It ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bench by Ico and Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bench by Ico and Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Vintage Wicker Bamboo Curved Bench  Rustic Bench
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage bench features a curved, woven wicker seat with a tight, herringbone pattern, supported by a bamboo frame. The legs are slightly angled for stability, with cross-bracing...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Custom Lucite Vanity Bench or Stool with Thick Lucite Legs and Upholstered Seat
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Lucite Vanity Bench or Stool with Thick Lucite Legs and Upholstered Seat Offered for sale is a new Lucite vanity bench from our own worksho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Lucite

Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Solid Wood Stool Germany 1950s
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare, beautiful and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern stool. Manufactured in Germany, 1950s. Executed in solid wood. Condition: Good original vintage condition. W...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Three Seat Tandem Chairs Peter Protzman Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare Mid-Century Modern three seat tandem bench armchair designed by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller. The chair is constructed from flat bar tubular stee...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Crescent Bench Series 60 in ORB by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Crescent Bench - a harmonious blend of elegance, stability, and artistic craftsmanship. Supported by four solid brass casted legs, this exquisite be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Danish Oak Two-Seater Bench with Pillows, Denmark ca. 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Reminiscent of the classic Windsor bench, this model is the Danish interpretation of the style. This two-seater bench blends high functionality, good quality natural materials, and s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Textile, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool style of McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Only 1 available. Fabulous satin brass ottoman - footstool- bench. Reupholstered in a vintage style 1960s weave fabric with fabulous coloring that contrasts greatly with the brass. S...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Gallery Bench by Cleo Baldon for Terra Furniture
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage gallery bench by Cleo Baldon for Terra Furniture features a wrought iron frame with oak dowels and oak foot rail. This bench is bar height and fully restored with canvas upholstery and tied / accented with black leather straps. Dimensions: 48"x20"x30" "Cleo Baldon (June 1, 1927 – October 12...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic Chestnut & Pine Bench
Located in Ventura, CA
This Rustic Chestnut & Pine Bench, measuring 79" L x 16.5" D x 23" H, is a one-of-a-kind piece that beautifully marries the durability and rich grain of chestnut with the rustic cha...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chestnut, Pine

Carved Mahogany Ladder Back Country Rush Seat Loveseat Bench MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Mahogany Ladder Back Country Rush Seat Loveseat Bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

“Torbecchia” Bench by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 1965
Located in Almelo, NL
“Torbecchia” Bench by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 1965 This exceptional “Torbecchia” bench was designed by the renowned Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci and manu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Les Arcs Bench by Charlotte Perriand, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Les Arcs Long Pine Bench designed by Charlotte Perriand, a remarkable piece from her celebrated ski resort project in Les Arcs, France, circa 1960. Crafted from solid pine, it showca...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Slatted Bench
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Slatted Bench. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular slatted top, black modern legs, and a beautiful natural finish. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Paint

Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Modern walnut sculpted bench or settee inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Blue velvet cushion newly upholstered ....
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Willy Guhl Iron Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare example of Swiss modernist design, this sculptural bench by Willy Guhl features a gracefully curved seat in fiber cement supported by a continuous tubular iron base with origi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern chrome bench designed and manufactured in the United States, circa 1970s. Features a wide and comfortable seat that has...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans Set of three Raised diamond pattern. Unmarked. Similar to Paul Evans Argente cube side ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Minimalistic Bench or Daybed Attributed to Wim Rietveld, the Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Minimalistic bench or daybed attributed to Wim Rietveld, the Netherlands, 1960s.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Hugh Acton Mid Century Walnut and Brass Slat Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
Hugh Acton Mid Century Walnut and Brass Slat Bench This bench measures: 92 wide x 21 deep x 14.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage condition...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare teak wood, taken from my finest collection, was meticulously hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench for our Mid-Century Couture Collection. ...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

English Midcentury Petite Upholstered Bench with Saber Legs and Scrolled Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Mid-Century Modern small size bench with out-scrolled arms and saber legs. This English bench from the 1950s captures the attention with its sleek lines and simple upholst...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John David Sackett Burled Mesquite Bench After George Nakashima Butterfly Joint
Located in Dallas, TX
Minguren style table / bench after George Nakashima crafted of solid Texas burled Mesquite by studio craftsman John David Sackett for an important private texas collection. Coor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

A straw marquetry upholstered bench.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The stool / bench with high square sides flanking an upholstered cushion. A wonderful perch in your living room, or for in front of your vanity table. The Jean-Michel Frank style is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Sunday Bench Oak and Boucle long version
Located in Plymouth, GB
(Longer version - see other listings for original length) Part of the Sunday collection exclusive to Alexander & Ellis, and designed by Founder Oliver A-J, the Sunday Bench was desi...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Sunday Bench Oak and Boucle long version
Sunday Bench Oak and Boucle long version
$2,708 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Vintage 'Waterfall' Bench by Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Sculptural and modern 1980's Directional waterfall bench in the style of Milo Baughman or Karl Springer. This on-trend bench exudes elegance and will turn heads. Wonderful scroll sha...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set Of 2 Antique French Park Benches Painted In Greenish Color From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 2 antique French park benches from the 1930s, painted in a beautiful greenish color with a natural patina that reflects their age and history. These benches exude classic Fre...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Elephant Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Original Mario Lopez Torres Elephant Box, made in natural woven and iron structure, includes original mark Mario Lopez Torres 1974 Hecho en Mexico.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Black Lacquered and Brass Mounted Bench in the manner of James Mont, C 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This bench (which could also be used as a coffee table) is in the manner of James Mont (1904-1978). Mont was often known for Chinese-inspired pieces. This piece with the curved ends,...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Large bench - Italy 1950
Located in Girona, Girona
Large bench in solid Zebrano and Zebrano veneer. Very nice cabinet work. Italy around 1950.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Zebra Wood

Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

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

Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench , Ico Parisi Style 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench, reminiscent of the iconic style of Ico Parisi, epitomizes the elegance and sophistication of mid-century design. Crafted during the 1960s,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

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 woo...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

'EWB' bench
Located in Calgary, CA
This unique double waterfall bench showcases a creative blend of repurposed skateboard materials and elegant walnut trim, enhancing any space with its vibrant, colourful bookmatched ...
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple, Walnut

'EWB' bench
'EWB' bench
$2,950 / item
Pair of Charles Dudouyt Attributed French Oak Corkscrew Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare mid-century modern oak trestle corkscrew dining benches attributed to French designer Charles Dudouyt (French 1885-1946). The massive benches are nearly 10 feet long and feature...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Gerrit Rietveld and J. Tricht Long Sofa
By J. Tricht, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gerrit Rietveld and interior designer J. Tricht, bench, faux-leather, metal, The Netherlands, 1965. This bench was originally designed as a 'hall bench' for a local bank in Dedemsva...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Wood and Metal Bench, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Teak wood bench, Italian production 1960s. The bench is made of 4 teak strips, black metal frame with brass feet. In the mood of Mid-Century Modern like Gio Ponti, Gianfranco Fratti...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bench Jacaranda Wood, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Bench; jacaranda veneer wood, brass foil, foam cushion, fabric cover.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bermuda Bench as Found Condition
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture of Berne Indiana. Elegant design rectangular bench on tall taper legs with high sides. I am offering the bench in solid and stable as found...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

After Oscar Tusquets Wood and Metal Bench
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
After Oscar Tusquets wood and metal bench. Manufactured by unknown designer in Spain, circa 2010. In original condition, with minor wear con...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

A great Italian oak three section bench circa 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Great Italian oak three section bench circa 1960. This architectural bench has a great design and is very interesting when viewed from behind so it would work very well floating in t...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Scrolling Black Wrought Iron Chaise Lounge, Bench
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage heavily constructed black wrought iron lounge, bench with scrolling arms and scrolling accents along the front, circa 1950.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Iron

DIA Slat Chrome Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Design Institute of America Chrome Slat Bench Designed in the 1970s, this slatted chrome bench is simple and classic.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

DIA Slat Chrome Bench
DIA Slat Chrome Bench
$1,740 Sale Price
40% Off
Vilhelm Lauritzen Bench, Denmark. 1937
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vilhelm Lauritzen, Scandinavian Modern A very rare bench by Vilhelm Lauritzen made for Gladsaxe Town Hall, Söborg, Denmark, 1936-1937. This model was also used for the Danish Embass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches or Stools, Osvaldo Borsani Attributed
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern wood stools or benches featuring pairs of angled and tapered saber legs that unite to support seats. Solid brass pins and leg ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Set of GIO Benches Series 32 in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: a perfect blend of Gio Ponti's timeless design and modern functionality. This elegant bench features signature angled legs with metal sabots for add...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Italian Faux Twisted Rope Gold Gilt Metal Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative Mid-Century Modern "twisted" rope window bench with green upholstery.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

"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

GIO Bench Series 48 in Espresso by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: a perfect blend of Gio Ponti's timeless design and modern functionality. This elegant bench features signature angled legs with metal sabots for add...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass X-Base Stools After Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Southampton, NJ
Fully restored solid flat bar brass pair of X benches or stools in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones. 1960's Italy polished brass with new p...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Lucite Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long bench with cushioned top on a clear lucite base. Five foot long sitting area with bottom shelf, great for entry way or at the foot of your...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

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

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak

Upholstered Bench by Directional
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered bench by Directional. The bench has an off-white upholstery with a loose cushioned seat.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Slatted Wood Benches Side Tables George Nelson Style Pair
Located in Baltimore, MD
A pair of Amazing Mid-Century Modern George Nelson style slat benches, side tables. Classic slat wood tables /benches. Each exceptionally well made. Features slatted top, clean line...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Clean Line Pair of Benches in Polished Chrome with Stitched Leather Seats, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of finely crafted clean line benches in polished chrome with stitched brown leather seats, American 1970s. The crisp design and beautiful leather make these very chic. No detail...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Beech and Teak Wooden Bench, Europe Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
The ‘pin sofa’, or stick sofa, is among the most recognisable models of Scandinavian mid-century benches. The ‘stick bench-sofa’, a design that has been a c...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech, 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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