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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
Brazilian Modern Mid Century Exotic Wood Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century bench consisting of ten planks of exotic Brazilian hardwoods raised on a solid wood frame and squared legs. Can be used as a bench, coffee table. Fully restored in a exce...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Italian 1960’s Oak Slat Bench
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian 1960’s very long solid oak slat benches. Highly reminiscent of the work of French modernist Charlotte Perriand of the 1960’s. Professionall...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century 1950s Style Custom Made X-Base Bench
Located in St. Louis, MO
Made to order bench, mahogany base bench with X-cross stretcher in the style of a vintage design, shown in leather (COM) with a dark brown stain on mahogany. Dimensions can be custom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Italian Midcentury Directoire Style Steel and Brass Stools with Cushions
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian vintage Directoire style steel and brass stools from the mid-20th century, with grey velvet cushions. We currently have two pairs available, priced and sold $8,475 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Rare Pair of French '1930s' Stools by Taubmann
By Taubmann
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French modernist stools in a rare design with strong tapered legs, a copper plated brass circular stretcher supporting seats of ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Gilt Iron Bench in Mauve Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant Spanish gilt iron bench was recently made by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working methods. The hand forged iron base features gracefully scrolled leg...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Karl Springer Style Waterfall Scroll Bench with Bouclè Upholstery
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic mid-century modern waterfall scroll bench made in the manner and style of Karl Springer. The bench has a modern redux with a stylish and soft boucl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in Blush Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The most versatile piece in any living space; "poufs" are elegant additions and very much objects of sculpture in their own right. The Montage Workroom was quite inspired by vintage ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Brass

Italian Mid-Century Rare Italian Benches in Wood and Bouclé
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous pair of benches from the 1950s of fine Italian manufacture. The fabric has been replaced with a beautiful soft snow-white bouclé. The main frame is made entirely of durable ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Mid Century Modern Chrome Steel Flat Bar Milo Baughman Style Bench by Tulip Inc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Chrome Steel Flat Bar Milo Baughman Style Bench by Tulip Inc. Item features a steel metal chrome plated frame, original upholstery and tag, clean Modernist...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage English Midcentury Goldenrod Painted Wooden Bench with Black Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English vintage painted wooden bench from the mid-20th century, with cylindrical armrests and faux bamboo legs. Born in England during ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Metal

Architect Bertrand Goldberg Bench from Marina City Chicago 1962
Located in Chicago, IL
Architect Bertrand Goldberg Bench from Marina City Chicago 1962, Polished tubular and flat aluminum frame with channeled original Leather over spring suppo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Waterfall Benches Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé, circa 1970s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural and modern 1970s waterfall benches attributed to Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé fabric and photographed with a pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel chairs - also by Directional - and a Charles Hollis Jones faux bamboo Lucite and brass console also available in our shop. Sculptural. Timelessly sexy waterfall silhouette. Neutral color makes this pair of waterfall...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Modern X-Base Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish modern upholstered bench. Sturdy X-frame chrome base. The padded seat is covered in a black tufted faux-leather upholstery. A nice piece that is sure to compliment any modern...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Louis XVI Piano Bench
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Mid-Century piano bench or stool in the Modern neoclassical style with delicately fluted and tapered legs united by a stretcher. The bench opens for storage. Re-uphols...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Slat Bench by Hugh Acton, US, 1955
Located in Berlin, DE
Iconic walnut slat bench with chrome legs designed by Hugh Acton.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Jansen Benches Jacques Tournus Pair
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful sleek pair of black lacquered benches with zebra pattern upholstery. In the style of Jansen Mid-Century Modern. Attributed to Jacques Tournus. Measures: 17.5" W x 40" L...
Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Wabi Sabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
A single thick antique panel with lovely character within the wood is made into this beautiful bench. We added smooth teak minimalist legs. Finished with a secret ingredient, reveali...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Pierre Jeanneret Bench
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional solid Sissoo bench by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project, circa 1956. This bench is a sturdy example of an uncommon form in...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Convex Bench Series 60 in White Oak
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafted from solid oak or walnut, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Midcentury French Gilt Metal Benches with Cabriole Legs and Upholstery, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French gilt metal benches from the Midcentury period, with cabriole legs, pad feet and new custom linen upholstery. Immerse your home in the elegance and sophistication of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Crescent Bench Series 48 in Brushed Brass by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Crescent Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern a remarkable blend of elegance, stability, and artistic craftsmanship. This exquisite bench is d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Leather and Teak Midcentury Danish Modern Floating Sofa
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sharp Danish Mid-Century Modern teak and leather floating low profile sofa.  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Teak

1950's Scrolled Carved Ebonized Wood Frame Benches/ Ottomans, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
In the style of JMF, these benches/ottomans are in great scale and have been ebonized in matte finish. reupholstered in thick weave boucle fabric. The frame boasts simple and elegan...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Style Moss Green Sofa, Love Seat, Marco Zanuso style
Located in New York, NY
A chic Italian Midcentury Modern style design sofa / settee in a dynamic form and with sensuous felt upholstery in moss green. Its unusual short width, low back and its sleek. low f...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Harry Bertoia Midcentury Slat Bench by for Knoll International, USA, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist ashwood slatted bench with an Y-shaped iron base from the 1960s. Designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll INternational. Restored, in very good condition. A multipur...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

French Mid-Century Giltwood Bench with Saber Legs and New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French giltwood bench from the mid 20th century, with out-scrolling arms, saber legs and new upholstery. Created in France during the mid-centu...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood

Bruno Mathsson Daybed for Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, c.1960s, Sweden. The daybed features a bent birch plywood frame that curves slightly upwards at the headrest. It is finished...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Birch

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tufted Bench
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern tufted bench with a walnut base. Newly upholstered.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Sergio Rodriguez Rosewood Bench
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood bench designed by Sergio Rodriguez crafted of solid, dark brazilian rosewood and upholstred in the original black vinyl. Sturdy.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Convex Bench Series 60 in Dark Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Linen Waterfall Upholstered Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of linen blend waterfall upholstered benches.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen

Sleek Black Leather Bench Designed by Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Clean lined bench designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Newly upholstered black leather seat; tufting and piping add visual interest. With conical gold legs. Perfect for extra...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid century plywood benches in the manner of Alvar Aalto, 1960 - set of 2
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
This pair of mid century benches are made out of plywood curved seats and a wooden base. The design is much like the Alvar Aalto 51/403 chair produced by Artek. We cant confirm thi...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Large Sculptural Black Lacquered Bench in the Manner of Carlo Mollino
Located in London, GB
A large Italian Mid-Century bench of sculptural design in the manner of Carlo Mollino. Black lacquered and newly upholstered in bubble-gum pink velvet with cream detailing.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Contemporary Pair Stellar Museum Scale Quality Leather Suede Chrome Benches
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible pair of Charles Maison Inspired, glamours museum scale and quality benches. Of the highest construction & materials. Mirror like chrome finish that is likely triple pla...
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Space Copenhagen Spine Bench, Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Space Copenhagen spine bench, wood base is defined by its soft, sweeping curves and angled legs, the distinctive hallmarks of the Spine collection. Exquisite detailing in the handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Spanish Gilt Iron Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely Spanish gilt iron bench features a hammered hourglass frame with scrolled legs. The seat has been recently reupholstered in fashionable striped red and gray fabric. In ve...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Vanity Stool / Bench, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
2 elegant and timeless French modern neoclassical gilt iron stools or benches attributed to Gilbert Poillerat. The pieces of a wood and upho...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Caviuna Wood Slatted Bench by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955, Midcentury
Located in New York, NY
The powerful partnership between Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) and Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte's creative directors resulted in many incr...
Category

1650s Brazilian Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Massive Huge Chrome Rectangle Shape Slated Top Coffee Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern large rectangle stainless steel coffee table. Super sleek architectural look. In some cases may function as a wide bench.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Daybed "Luxor" by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1965
Located in Antwerp, BE
This "Luxor" daybed by Sergio Rodrigues, crafted in 1965 for OCA, is a true masterpiece of Brazilian design. With its solid, minimalistic frame of straight lines and rounded edges, i...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Two ( 2 ) Modular Benches Kissing Benches in Rosewood Laminate, c. 1950's
Located in Deland, FL
Introduce a piece of mid-century modern history into your home with this set of two early modular benches. Made in the 1950s by American Furniture, also known as American of Martinsv...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Italian Piano Bench, circa 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A petite bench featuring hand-polished tapered brass legs, original from Italy, circa 1950-1959. Newly upholstered in wool. Two benches available. Other designers working in the or...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Carved Long Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Mid-Century Couture Collection, featuring our unique minimalist carving. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A beautiful single slab of teak wood take...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

American Aluminum Folding Chair by John Vesey
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collector's delight. Designed by John Vesey (1924-1992) circa 1958, the form of this folding bench/chair was inspired by antique Savonarola chair...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Pine Bench
Located in London, GB
This sleek and simplistic bench is made from solid pine and features a classic knotched shaker-style leg. Having been untreated the natural wood has developed a rich warm tone in col...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Italian Bench or Side Table, 1960's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian bench or side table made in the 50s. Wooden seating with a black metal structure.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Stool, Vanity Stool, Bench on Casters
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Lucite stool on black casters. This stool can be used as a footstool, vanity stool or a place to put your magazine. The stool is firm and sturdy, ready for a new h...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Plastic, Lucite

Mid Century Modern Black Vintage Leather Sofa Bench Johannes Spalt Vienna c 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern black vintage leather sofa or bench by Johannes Spalt circa 1960 Vienna. The freestanding black leather sofa shows tufted...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

"Cansado" Bench by Charlotte Perriand for Steph Simon, 1950s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Authentic wood and metal bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in the 50s. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of soli...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

GIO Bench Series 32 in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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

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

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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