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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
Daybed Luxor, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960's, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Luxor daybed is a true masterpiece of design, combining both comfort and elegance in a way that only Sergio Rodrigues could achieve. The frame is made of Brazilian hardwood, with...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice solid walnut bench or coffee table by Risom.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Racetrack Oval Shape Seat Upholstered Bench on Bracket Legs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass bracket base legs oval bench in style of Design Institute of America. Milo Baughman influence.
Category

20th Century 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

Bench in Chrome and Leather by Steelcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Thin frame chrome and leather bench by Steelcase.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Accent Bench in Animal Hide & Leather After T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, USA, c 1980s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-stylish accent bench that is petite in stature but grand in stance and materials used. Constructed from a solid metal frame with French-styled, cantilevered fee...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

1960s Llama Flokati Bench with Dual Ceramic Faces by Edna Cataldo
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Unique 1960s Llama Bench with Dual Ceramic Faces by Edna Cataldo This striking 1960s bench features a whimsical llama design with two ceramic heads, expertly crafted by the talented ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Ceramic, Wool

Small Bench with Rounded Edges, Geraldo de Barros, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Constructed from a richly grained hardwood, the bench features a series of individual, smoothly finished wooden slats laid out horizontally to form the seating surface. The slats are...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Brayton International Black Leather Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Brayton International black leather bench. circa 1970s. Black leather upholstery on ebonized ash frame and chrome legs. Measures: 83...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

1960’s French Oak Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
1960’s oak bench with attached table. Made in France
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Custom Square Brass Pointe Leg Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Custom Pointe' leg bench or stool, shown in 18” square velvet with tapered brass legs ending in a ball foot with buttons and seaming. Available in any si...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1960s Sculptural Carved Wood Lion Blue and White Bench Ottoman Stool
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning bench/ottomans you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Architectural Chrome Frame Bench by Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural chrome frame with new foam and leather cushion, by Milo Baughman.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

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

Three Chrome and Leather Benches Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three chrome and leather upholstered benches attributed to Maison Jansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mobichalet Brutalist Long Bench in Oak and Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, long bench, oak, pine, Belgium, 1950s This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The brutalist appearance is ex...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Pine

Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refinished solid oak benches, circa 1970's. Found with a Lou Hodges dining table. Very versatile pieces that can be used a seating, entryway, or as display/shelving. We have two...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
$1,440 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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

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

Pair of Wooden Elm Chinese Benches, China Early 20th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
These benches were originally crafted for public spaces - finding their way into homes, shops, and even workstations at a later stage. They bear the mark of the early 20th-century, a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

"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

Wengé Slatted Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wengé bench, Walter Anthonis, Dutch, 1960s Solid wengé piece which could act as both coffee table and bench. Beautiful joints. Would fit a...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wenge

Black Leather Upholstered Rectangular X-Base Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Established Lines, mid century modern decor, solid stainless steel base rectangular X base bench in black leather upholstery.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Swedish Pine Midcentury Bench or Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A midcentury pine bench which could be used as a coffee table. By Glas master. Sweden, circa 1960s. Perfect for the end of a bed or hallway. Dimensions: 35 H x 100 W x 40...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern lucite bench. Beautiful Mid-Century Modern design with frosted acrylic lucite panels. Unique rounded design finished with a faux alligator leatherette. Completed w...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
$3,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul Frankl Rectangular Cork Coffee Table or Bench for Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example produced by Johnson Furnit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Leather & Lacquered Mahogany Post Modern Window Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Leather and lacquered mahogany post modern window bench.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

21st Century Dawn Bench, Velvet Upholstery and Brass Legs, by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Dawn Bench, Velvet Upholstery and Brass Legs, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The DAWN bench is a statement design piece. The name dawn is inspired by the pieces clear horizontal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Spanish Iron Bench with Scrolled Legs
Located in Buchanan, NY
This beautiful Spanish gilt iron bench was recently made by skilled European artisans and features gracefully scrolled legs and a stretcher with a decorat...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Pair of Benches in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of benches in the manner of Maison Jansen. Has a removable cushioned seat. The benches are black with brass accents.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Provincial Style Curved Bench Recamier New Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice vintage newly upholstered recamier or love seat w/ art nouveau paint decorated elements.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Nostromo Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Nostromo Bench commands attention with its strikingly minimalist form, drawing inspiration from the Brutalist design movement. Its monolithic solid wood slab top, supported by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Ash, Oak, Walnut

Nostromo Bench
Nostromo Bench
$10,150 / item
S14 bench by Pierre Chapo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie banc S14 par Pierre Chapo en orme massif.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Modern Prism Bench in Navy Leather
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Prism Collection is a contemporary interpretation of design with Lucite, used prominently in the Mid-Century. Our clean lined expertly polished solid lucite ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Lucite

Slatted Bench in Solid Rosewood by Móveis Cantù, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous bench was produced by Cantù Móveis e Interiores LTDA. in the 1960s. It consists of a very well-constructed piece in solid Rosewood, with slats rhythmically positioned supported by three feet with the characteristic shape used by the company in many pieces. Ideal for indoor uses, this bench offers statement seating in any space. Architects Jorge Jabour Mauad...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover a hard-to-find shorter bench by Harvey Probber, designed for those who appreciate rare mid-century modern furnishings. Unlike most, which are 57", this one is a compact 37" ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

State Bench Settee with Lacquered Metal and Multicolor Fabric New
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant and light piece that is comfortable and versatile, upholstery in velvet (several options) and metal or brass/copper structure. Made to Order. For sales with delivery addres...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Brass Faux Bamboo Bench by Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical bench or stool by Maison Baguès in solid brass. The piece has pure lines with a classical X-frame or Curile form base s...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Scandinavian Papercord Bench and Chair in Oak from TS
Located in Hamburg, DE
Seating group from the bench and chair with papercord covering. the frames of the seating furniture are made of oak elements. The backrests show a slightly concave shape. The seats ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Crescent Bench Series 60 in Polished 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 designed to enhance any space w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

French Custom Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Bench in the style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Custom Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style gilt iron bench in the style of Maison Ramsay. The piece is unique in design and construction: a stunning 6-leg gilt iron ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Handsome Pair of Walnut Brass Campaign Stool Ottoman Bench Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut and brass Campaign style benches. Upholstered in a golden striped silky satin fabric in usable vintage ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Modern Vinyl Window Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern window bench features sculpted sides and vinyl upholstery, making a stylish yet useful seating option for bedroom, changing room, or business. Please confirm item lo...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather

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

Vintage Uncommon Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Uncommon Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench. Additional images available upon request. Leather is the original upholstery. Most likely will require either reupholst...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pinewood Bench with Upholstered Seat by Krogenæs, Norway 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
A concern with the aesthetic design of crafts can be seen in the Scandinavian arts as far back as the Vikings. The first part of the new century saw a new wave of Norwegian design, h...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine, Sheepskin

Sculptural Waterfall Scroll Carved Gilt Walnut Nailhead Bench Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This stunning rare carved gilt wood waterfall bench or coffee table is packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Just look at the gorge...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Mid-Century Style Covered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Retro ottoman or bench for living room use. White fabric covered bench set on chrome sled style legs. Please confirm location.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Carved Wood & Leather Stools, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Unique pair of French mid-century hand-carved stools or benches in the style of Jean Michel Frank. The pieces feature dramatic hand chiseled wood with natural deep channeling that ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Dutch Minimal 1950s Bench in Black Skai Leather Upholstery
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A minimal design bench in the manner of Wim Rietveld. The bench still has it's original black skai leather upholstery from the 1950's
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Unusual Lucite Piano Bench Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Lucite piano bench. We love the fact the seat lifts up to store sheet music or what ever you need to store. Thick Lucite panels flank each s...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Spanish Iron Bench in Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant Spanish iron bench was recently made by skilled European craftsmen using traditional iron working techniques. It features gracefully cu...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Spanish Iron Bench in Striped Fabric
Spanish Iron Bench in Striped Fabric
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
French Modern Neoclassical Mahogany & Leather Benches/ Stools, Andre Arbus, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical mahogany and leather benches or stools attributed to Andre Arbus, circa 1930. The pieces feature Classic X-frame leg ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pine and Leather Hall Seat, Storage Sleigh Bench
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pine and Leather Hall Seat, Storage Sleigh Bench This is a great piece for a hall way where storage space may be difficult, the bench is made with outward sweeping armrests and has...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cowhide, Oak

unique XXL bench, 20th century
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Measuring an impressive 280 cm in length, this striking bench was sourced from a boutique hotel in Spain. Custom-made by a skilled artisan in the 1970s, it showcases timeless crafts...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Pierre Chapo 'S14B' Bench in Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, model 'S14B', solid elm, France, design circa 1960 Stunning early edition 'S14B' bench designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Pair of French Midcentury Louis XVI Style Cerused Oak Benches /Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of delicately carved French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical stools or benches in cerused oak designed for the Carleton hotel in Cannes...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

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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