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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
Modular Bench Set in Teak and Original Upholstery, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A playful and well-proportioned airy set consisting of two Italian modular benches from the 1960s. With seats resting on a wooden frame with brass brackets and a plateau that is comp...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Polished Steel X-Stretcher Benches in Complementary Faux Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of polished and flat steel X-stretcher ottomans or benches with complementary faux leather upholstery. One bench is covered in taupe and the other in a blush taupe. Welded X-str...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Linear Stools in White Oak Series 18
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley "The Linear Stool" embodies modern minimalism with clean lines and a sturdy metal stretcher. Explore our seven wood finishes and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass Bench with X for Base, Contemporary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Italian brass bench with X for base, contemporary.
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Midcentury Brass Stools Attributed to Ico Parisi, 1952
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern solid brass stools or vanity benches based on a prototype by Ico Parisi. 'The creation of these artisan made pieces from the workshop of Aribert...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Ebonized Stools with Silk Upholstery
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Wonderful and fabulous set of 4 matching stools with various colors in silk upholstery. One top has a split and tear at the corner, green colored, see pic. Looks like these were refu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Silk, Hardwood, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Teak Danish Bench Table
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern teak Danish bench or side table. The legs can be switched in 2 different spots to make the legs wider, see pictures.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Slim Profile Solid Walnut Frame Integrated leather Cushion 7.5' Long Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Slim Profile Solid Walnut Frame Integrated leather Cushion 7.5' Long Bench MINT
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Stainless Steel Benches by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning modernist pair of stainless steel benches designed by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s. This versatile pair of benches would work in...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bleached Carved Mahogany Tripple Pedestals Base Upholstered Seat Bench MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Custom Studio Made Bleached Carved Mahogany Tripple Pedestals Base Upholstered Seat Bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Dawn Bench, Velvet Upholstery and Brass Legs, Handcrafted in Portugal 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

Custom Made Quality Contemporary Calf Hide Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and solid feeling bench/ottoman. A rectangular bench In medium brown calf hide, raised on wide deep walnut stained block feet. The seat made separately from the base...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cowhide

Canapé 2 Places Whist Vintage par Olivier Mourgue pour Airborne, 1964
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Canapé 2 Places Whist Vintage par Olivier Mourgue pour Airborne, 1964
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

White Mid Century Modern Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
This sleek and modern bench combines luxury with a minimalist design, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any interior space. The bench features a high-quality, white tufted le...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Acrylic

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

Mid-Century Modern White Enameled Aluminum Bench Attributed to Superstudio
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern white enameled aluminum bench attributed to Superstudio. The bench is in reverse U-shaped form and composed of a series of grooved pieces of aluminum. It is light and designed to be easily transported as they will easily wraparound a person's body. Italian Radical...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern vinyl bench with carved wood frame. Attractive style that can accent modern or antique decor. (Please confirm item location - ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of Italian Design Mid-Century Modern Oval Stools, Benches or Ottomans
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of Italian 1970s oval form stools, ottomans, poofs or benches with a recessed brass base, tufted silk seats and a belt with brass buckle that forms a crest on the centr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Denis Cospen Biomorphic Stool in Laminated Wood, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Stunning stool in laminated wood made by layering thin slices of wood atop one another in different shapes to achieve the form desired.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

French Vintage Bamboo Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
French vintage bamboo sofa with new seat and back cushions. Two available and sold individually priced $2,900 each.
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cotton, Bamboo, Foam

Single Custom Channel Tufted Blue Soft Leather Waterfall Stool or Bench, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Single custom made channel tufted blue soft leather waterfall stool or bench, handcrafted in Florence, Italy by an artisan carpenter. One of a kind. Soft Italian leather in a sophist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Midcentury Italian Gio Ponti Style Lacquer Ebonized Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic Mid-Century Modern Italian sculptured settee or bench with wings. The settee features a black lacquer ebonized finish on the stylish ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench, California, c.1975
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench for Orange Crate Modern. Santa Monica, California, c.1975 Beautiful wood grain throughout. This piece has been ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Limited Edition Italian Two-Tier Brown Wood Bench With Brass Legs
Located in New York, NY
A limited edition contemporary studio made Italian bench of brown oak veneer with upturned sides with two tiers, the top with a removable pale mustard and brown flecked chenille cush...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Rare Short Dom Hans van der Laan Abbey Church of St. Benedictusberg, Vaals 1967
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Benedictine monk & architect Dom Hans Van der Laan made these benches for the Abbey Church of St. Benedictusberg, Vaals in the Netherlands in 1967. Very little of this original in...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Majestic Restored Rattan Emperors Seat by Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
A remarkable Emperors seat by the wickedly Talented Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980. Steamed reed rattan with a stunning detail over solid mahogany constructi...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

Mid-Century Marble-Top Coffee Table by Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage coffee table features a beautiful vintage marble-top set on lacquered hardwood sled base. Perfect table height for use as a coffee or cocktail table at home or bu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

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

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

Modern Hall Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a beige antiqued leather stitched cushion on an antiqued brass-finished iron cube form base. Dimensions: 48" W x 24" D x 18" H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Studio Slat Bench by Michael Rozell USA 2020 in Walnut and White Oak Inlays
Located in Berlin, DE
Studio Slat bench by Michael Rozell USA 2020 in walnut and white oak inlays.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

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

Arts & Crafts Style Custom Solid Varnished Walnut 54" Long Bench Shaker Style
By Shaker Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Arts & Crafts Style Custom Solid Varnished Walnut 54" Long Bench Shaker Style
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Rare Dom Hans van der Laan Bench, 1967
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A very rare church bench designed by Dom Hans van der Laan for the Paulus Church in Dongen, the Netherlands. Manufactured in 1967. Designed in Bossche School style, as was the entir...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Iko Bench By Rodolfo Dordoni For Flou Italy
By FLOU
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From the Iko Range of furniture by Italy’s iconic Flou. A Stylish long Storage Bench upholstered in beautifully stitched fine quality Navy Blue Leather. The Iko Bench has a Tufted to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian Midcentury Painted Bench with Silver Foliage Carved Legs and Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Midcentury painted bench with silver gilt carved foliage motifs, tapered legs and custom linen upholstery. This exquisite Italian Midcentury painted bench embodies the per...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Custom Mid-Century Modern Style Rattan Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
CF signature, Mid-Century Modern style, bench features a solid walnut and ashwood frame with handwoven rattan seat, custom made in Brooklyn by cityFoundry. The bench slopes from 18 -...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Ash, Walnut

Garland Bench
Located in Carmel, CA
The Golden age of Hollywood is captured in the elegant Garland Bench. Inspired by Judy Garland, this bench is the perfect touch of sophistication to any room. Made with using materia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Wood

Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Steel & Fabric Benches / Stools by Forma Nova
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Benches by Forma Nova with a sober, neoclassical curile / X-form base design in enameled steel. Seat is composed of st...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Italian Midcentury Hand-Hammered & Gilt Iron Benches by Pier Luigi Colli
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern hand-hammered and gilt iron benches / stools / poufs / ottomans by Pier Luigi Colli. The pieces show a bold form united by a star form str...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Sunday Bench Walnut and Boucle
Located in Plymouth, GB
(Pictured in both Larsen Tatami Linen and Cream Bouclè). Part of the Sunday collection exclusive to Alexander & Ellis, and designed by Founder Oliver A-J, the Sunday Bench was desig...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Linen, Walnut

Original Vintage Fumed Oak Distressed Saddle Leather Benches
Located in North York, ON
Original vintage fumed oak distressed saddle leather bench. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a newly upholstered distressed sad...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Stunning Geometric Chrome Bench after Milo Boughman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning geometric even arm chrome bench after Milo Boughman, Classic 1960s design, retains original coral or pink Naugahyde upholstered seat.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Style Teak Wood Coffee Table or Bench
Located in New York, NY
Impressive single slab reclaimed teak coffee table or bench set on mid century style legs. Beautiful grain on this live edge top with a natural oil finish. Own an Andrianna Shamaris...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Vintage Crown Mfg 7 Seat Aluminum Canvas Folding Chair Camping Sports Team Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Crown Mfg. 7 Seat Aluminum and Canvas Folding Chair Camping Bench Sports Team Seats. Item features an aluminum metal folding frame, brown canvas...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Convex Bench Series 60 in Blackout 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 crafte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Ottomans by Harvey Probber, New White Upholstery, Signed, Ready to Use
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two matching Harvey Probber ottomans expertly reupholstered in a white / ivory soft blended fabric. The metal black enameled legs show signs of wear and some loss to the finish, but ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Midcentury Round Bench of 4 Teak Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 4 Lounge Chairs, fabricated in the 1960s in Denmark. Together they make a lovely round bench. The structure of these comfortable chairs...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of Mid-Century Modern X-Form Stools / Benches, circa 1962
Located in Dallas, TX
This refined pair of Mid-Century Modern benches or drinks tables were realized in the Unites States, circa 1960 by Drexel. Each bench has a rectangle shape to the top/seat that perfe...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

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

Karl Springer Brass and Upholstered Bench
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer brass and upholstered bench. The bench has brass cylindrical legs with the original floral fabric.
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Dawn Bench, Velvet Upholstery and Brass Legs, Handcrafted in Portugal 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

Vintage Beech Bentwood Standing Planter, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Wood and Steel Industrial Bench or Table or Shelving Unit, Vintage Industrial
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Industrial wood and steel Industrial bench or table or shelving unit. Overall dimensions are 48" x 18" x 24 1/4". Top measures 48" x 14". Shelf measures 40" x 11" x 9 1/8".
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Spanish Gilt Iron Bench with Ornate Twisted Frame
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant vintage 1950s Spanish gilt iron bench features an ornate, elaborately twisted hand forged hourglass frame with a decorative central stretcher and beautifully scrolled fe...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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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