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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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109
106
106
91
86
69
65
54
42
36
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335
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258
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel
Profile Series
John Van Koert
Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench
Bench version of the Profile Series ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Unique William Hinn Bench
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A unique and one off bench designed by William Hinn (provenance available from his granddaughter). Crescent shaped-one end is straight and the other curve...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Mahogany
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
Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Couture Espresso Stained Teak Wood Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture collection new to 2021. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A long Minimalist bench made from a single three inch slab of reclaimed...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Pair of Ayala Serfaty Aqua Creations Tufted Leather Daybeds Benches Cots Organic
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of custom design benches or daybeds by famous and recognised Israeli designer Ayala Serfaty for Aqua Creations.
Made out of countless multi-color leather triangles sewn together to form a unique organic pattern fabric. Stuffed with organic wool. No PU foam or other synthetic materials. The set was featured in one of "Sex in the City...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Leather
Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in Velvet by Montage
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
Vintage White Plastic Seat Ottoman with Cast Brass Legs, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s.
This ottoman features a white plastic material seat and gilded cast brass legs.
It may show slight traces of use like the slight traces of oxidation on brass t...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Pair of Small Mid-Century Modern Banquettes, Stained Beech, Gray Fabric - Italy
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of small banquettes in dark stained beechwood, French polish. New gray white flecked fabric upholstery. Nickel-plated metal screw covers.
Italy...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern slat bench is made of solid walnut and features tapered legs. This unique midcentury bench makes the perfect addition to any modern interior. Please con...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Pair of French Mid-Century Wrought Iron & Rope Stools / Benches, Audoux & Minet.
Located in New York, NY
2 Rare pairs of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style stools or benches in hand wrought iron with handmade rope seats circa 1937-1940, attributed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
Custom 1960s Italian Style Velvet Sofa or Bench with Brass Base by Adesso Import
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom 1960s Italian style sofa or bench with handmade brass base upholstered in grey silk velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, fabrics and...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench, model number 1173, with arched base and slatted seat in steam-bent mahogany with brass accents, and finished with a channel-tufted cushion. Bras...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
François Monnet Bench, Pair Available
Located in Miami, FL
A rare François Monnet bench, stainless steel and white faux Leather, pair available.
Priced individually.
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Large-Scale Woven Leather and Chrome Daybed Bench by Erwine & Estelle Laverne
Located in Atlanta, GA
eLarge-scale woven leather and chrome daybed or bench, designed by Erwin and Estelle Laverne, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the leather. It is a versatile si...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
Dom Hans van der Laan Stool for Vincentius a Paulokerk Eindhoven, 1964
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare stool designed by Dom Hans van der Laan and executed by Jan de Jong for the Vincentius a Paulokerk Eindhoven, 1964. This stool comes from the church who had several of these sto...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Chrome X-Base Upholstered Top Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice X-base fabric upholstery stainless steel bench.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Swedish Midcentury Bench in Oak by Hugo Svensson, 1960s
By Hugo Svensson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Swedish midcentury bench in oak by Hugo Svensson for Bjärnums, Sweden.
Small bench with great details and beautiful proportions.
Condition: Excellent original condition.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Set of Two, Two-Seat Sofa’s in Leather by Mogens Hansen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
These exceptional aubergine colored sofas from the sixties are made to the very high standard expected of one of Denmark's foremost furniture makers, Mogens Hansen. The design is min...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Leather
1950 Italian Design Midcentury Wood Bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Wood and red fabric
Excellent condition.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Studio Catch it All Bench or Coffee Table by Michael Rozell, USA, 2020
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Catch it all bench or coffee table by Michael Rozell USA 2020 in figured walnut.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Wire Mesh Loveseat Settee Outdoor Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern all wire mesh outdoor loveseat sofa park bench chair.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Stools / Benches by Pier Luigi Colli, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern neoclassical hammered, wrought iron and gilt benches or stools by Pier Luigi Colli. Original upholstery.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
Sport Bench
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of cow skin and wood
Very good original condition with nice patina
Good ice-breaking piece!
Category
1980s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Animal Skin
Vintage Scandinavian Sofa/Bench/Vintage Coffee Table
Located in London, Lambeth
Unusual sofa bench / coffee table in steel and Perpex construction
Number of options layout.
Category
1990s Swedish 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
Set of 3 White Painted Wooden Benches with 1 Armchair, Italy, 1960s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of three white painted wooden benches and an armchair was made in Italy in the 1960s. We covered the seats with jute straps. We would be ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Jute, Wood
77" Pax Bench by Gary L. Lee
By Gary Lee
Located in Pasadena, TX
By Cumberland Furniture
77" Pax Bench by Gary L. Lee
The Pax minimalist bench features two stainless steel angles at each end that are mitered into ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Lorin Marsh "U Bench" Satin Brass and Muslin Upholstery
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern Lorin Marsh "U bench"
In satin brass cladding on wood frame with muslin upholstery
Measures: 48" W x 21" D x 26 1/2" H.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Extreme Rare Wim Rietveld Oase Ahrend 2-Seat Sofa Midcentury Design
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
The "Oase" sofa, designed by the legendary Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel, is a piece of mid-century modern furniture that has been celebrated for its timeless design and extraord...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Milo Baughman Rosewood Long Bench or Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low bench/table in highly figured book-matched rosewood veneer on three ebonized wood sleigh legs. For Thayer-Coggin Furniture, circa 1960s
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
"Atlante" Sculptural Bronze Bench by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
Made to order sculptural bench by Alexandre Logé. Cast from bronze and upholstered with customer's own material.
Lead time: 20-24 weeks.
C.O.M. Fabric: 2 yards.
C.O.M. Leather: 1/...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Bronze
Black Leather Top Storage Ottoman by EJ Victor
Located in North York, ON
Black leather top storage ottoman by EJ Victor. Beautiful wood grains and black leather make this unique storage ottoman the perfect fit for your space.
Price includes complimenta...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Tight Cushioned Accent Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern furniture, this tight cushioned accent bench is built to order and completely customizable. The bench shown was custom made...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Lacquer
Bench, 19th Century, England
Located in Girona, Spain
Rustic bench.
With two large storage cupboard under the seat
Original patina.
Pine wood
19th century, England.
Vintage condition.
Category
19th Century English Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara “Pirkka” Bench for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A wonderful bench from the “Pirkka” series, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Laukaan Puu, circa 1950.
The narrow rectangular top / seat of the bench are made of d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Walnut and Cognac Leather Daybed
Located in Atlanta, GA
Walnut and cognac leather daybed, American, circa 2000s. Beautiful joinery and construction. It was made circa 2008 and has seen very little use.
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut, Leather, Wood
Industrial Bench with Slatted Seat and Backrest
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury bench, Dutch design from the 1960s
Slatted bench in solid pine with a black lacquered steel frame. The bench show multiple marks of wear consistent with age and use, gi...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Custom Upholstered Metal Vanity Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Metal bench with upholstered seat in your fabric or we can provide generic linen fabric. Perfect as vanity stool or entry hallway bench. We can size it to your needs. Different finis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Modern Window Bench by Jonathan Adler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern style window bench in the style of Paul McCobb features unique tapered and splayed legs. Stylish design with plush white tufted upholstery and thick padde...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Michael Rozell Studio Dome Bench or Coffee Table in Figured Walnut USA 2020
Located in Berlin, DE
Michael Rozell Studio Dome bench or coffee table in figured walnut, USA, 2020.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
4 Italian 1940s Stools in the Modern Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
12 Italian Mid-Century Modern wood stools, benches or dining room chairs with traces of gray paint. Sober, modern and elegant pieces in the Directoire style that can fit a variety of...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brutalist Bench Solid Pine Sculptural
Located in Lyon, FR
Unique Brutalist bench made in pine.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Astor Large Brass Tufted Ottoman in Sharkskin Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor large ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Round Stools or Benches Attributed to Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern round stools or benches attributed to Marco Zanuso
The pieces are large and the round form is inviting and pra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Italian Goat Skin Bench in the Manner of Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
A chic Italian Mid-Century Modern style, hand carved bench or stool with delicately tapering and angled, spalyed legs with the seat covered in long haired goatskin.
Available for ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Goatskin, Hardwood
French Modern Neoclassical Mahogany & Leather Benches/ Stools, Andre Arbus, Pair
By André Arbus
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
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Single Slab Bench with Arms
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture collection new to 2021. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A single thick slab of teak wood taken from my finest collection with b...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Midcentury Style Upholstered Armed Bench
Located in New York, NY
Two arm custom made midcentury style bench with brass legs, buttons and seaming. This piece is showroom sample and available for immediate purchase. M...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Noir Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Noir Velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of spa...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Vintage Italian Bench in Leopard Print Hair Hide
Located in Houston, TX
An ebonized Italian bench newly upholstered in a leopard printed hair hide.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Hide, Wood
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
Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Snow Velvet by Montage
By Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Nicos Zographos Daybed, Leather and Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Large scale bench or daybed by Nicos Zographos. Original black leather rests on polished stainless steel base.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
François Monnet Bench Stainless Steel and Tufted Faux Leather
Located in Miami, FL
A rare François Monnet bench, stainless steel and white leather.
French Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship.
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent pair of Michael Taylor benches designed for Baker Furniture's Far East Collection. The solid walnut frames have been refinished in an ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Modernist ‘Bauhaus’ Stools with Upholstered Seats by Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Rare and Exquisite Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Bauhaus style benches / stools fabricated with chromed tubular steel with seat fabric by Hermès. The pieces feature a rare curved...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
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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