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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
1 Erik Jorgensen Mobelfabrik Pipeline Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Stunning, red fabric Pipeline Bench by Erik Jorgensen Mobelfabrik. The base is stainless steel and is finished in a RAL1018 Zinc Yellow powder coat.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

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

Bench Iron Gold Leaf by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Very fine model of bench by Pier Luigi Colli. Hammered wrought iron and gold leaf . Fully upholstered with a lamb wool and cashmere wool fabric by Bisson Bruneel. The stools and cons...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

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

Michel Cadestin: Beaubourg Bench with 4 Seats, 1974
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Imagine bringing the essence of a museum into your very own home. The Beaubourg bench, originally designed for the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris, offers you that opportuni...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century American Modern Three-Seat Walnut Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American Modernist three-seat bench with walnut frame and vinyl upholstery (ca. 1950s, USA). Minimal design with clean lines and sharp profile. The original vinyl which appears arm...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

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

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

GIO Bench Series 60 in Black Ceruse by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: a perfect blend of Gio Ponti's timeless design and modern functionality. This elegant bench features signature angled legs with metal sabots for add...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pair of Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Scandinavian 'Krobo' Wooden Plank Benches
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Scandinavian Mid-Century 'Krobo' form rectangular wooden plank benches with two bracket-shaped legs. (TORBJØRN AFDAL FOR BRUKSBO NORWAY)(PRICED AS PAIR) Condition: Good; Wea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Hand Carved Espresso Stained Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection with Minimalist carving. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. Beautiful reclaimed teak wood taken from my finest collecti...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Pair of mahogany benches – Italy 1950
Located in Girona, Girona
Pair of varnished benches, solid mahogany with blackened steel structure and polished brass adjustable feet. Italy circa 1950.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Zig Zag Benches in Lacquered Goatskin with Fur Seats 1970s
By Brancusi
Located in New York, NY
Pair of zig zag benches in lacquered goatskin with fur seats in the manner of Brancusi, American 1970's. These benches are beautifully made and incredibly stylish. Dimensions For E...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fur, Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Patinated 19th Century Bench in Solid Wood and Leather, Brazilian Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The bench showcased here is a splendid example of Brazilian vernacular design from the 19th century. It is a testament to the timeless beauty of simple, functional design that transc...
Category

19th Century Brazilian Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Solid Teak & Walnut Block Swedish Coffee Table on Tapered Dowel Legs Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid teak & walnut Block Swedish coffee table on tapered dowel legs mint. Beautiful two tone "butcher block" style solid teak and walnut coffee table. Made in Sweden. Restored. Be...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Pair of Benches with Red Patterned Fabric Upholstery, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. These benches feature a solid lacquered ebonized beech frame and a new red and white patterned fabric upholstery. These benches are vintage therefore they might...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

MIxed metal campaign style bench
Located in New York, NY
MIxed metal campaign style bench with rams head details. With Zebra print upholstery.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pierre Gautier-Delaye "Grain de Café" bench, circa 1950, France
Located in TOURS, FR
"Grain de café" bench by Pierre Gautier-Delaye, circa 1950, France Nice patina
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Horse Hide Bench by Theodore Alexander
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Horse Hide Bench by Theodore Alexander Striking bench or footstool with a concave cushion upholstered in horse hide and bordered with brass tacks over hors...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hide

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

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

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

Carrara Marble Eros Coffee Table Attributed to Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Carrara marble coffee table attributed to Angelo Mangiarotti. Large cone shaped bases hold a large slab of marble with circular cut outs. Extremely heavy and well made. Stro...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

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

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bench by David Smith & Co
Located in Seattle, WA
Dark Toned Petite Rustic Bench. Makers Mark States “Handcrafted From Old World Java .” Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 22 W ; 12 1/2 D ; 18 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Pair Mid-Century Modern Organic / Round Stools or Benches Attr., to Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Organic form / round stools or benches attributed to Marco Zanuso circa 1960. The pieces are large and the organic round form is beautifu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

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

2010s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

GIO Bench Series 60 in White Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: a perfect blend of Gio Ponti's timeless design and modern functionality. This elegant bench features signature angled legs with metal sabots for add...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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

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

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern / Futurist Benches Attr. to Gigi Radice
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pair of Italian Futurist Stools / Ottomans or Benches Attributed to Gigi Radice. These original Mid-Century Modern pieces are very special in embracing the Futurist aesthetic of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Square Chrome X Base Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stainless steel X base bench with fabric upholstery.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Italian Mid-Century Modern Classic White Iron Outdoor Bench, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Classic white iron outdoor bench, 1960s Medium-sized outdoor bench with a Classic design and a very decorative structure ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Faux Bamboo Base Tufted Upholstery Bench with Sides
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern silvered faux bamboo base tufted upholstery bench with upholstered side rails.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

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

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench
$1,190 Sale Price
30% Off
Mid Century Velvet Upholstered Bench/Ottoman with Chrome Base, Salmon Velvet
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very cool mid century bench newly reupholstered in cotton velvet with a triangular shaped chrome base, beautiful salmon color. Made by The Hastings Hall Furniture Co. in Canada.
Category

1960s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Acrylic Lucite bench upholstered in white faux fur
Located in Ferndale, MI
Substantial lucite frame with cushion covered in white faux fur . Similar in style and design to a Charles Hollis Jones or Ritts piece .
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Acrylic, Faux Fur, Lucite

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

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

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A beautiful single three and a half thick slab of teak wood taken from my finest c...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Walnut Modernist Bench by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
Located in Montreal, QC
Walnut modernist bench by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb with sabre feet. Bearing sticker Widdicomb.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

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

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

S35 bench by Pierre Chapo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Banc d’angle S35 par Pierre Chapo.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

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 Lucite Tufted White Vinyl Bench
Located in Wilton, CT
Mid-Century custom tufted white vinyl bench with Lucite legs. Very well made and striking mid-1970s piece that may be used in any number of interior design...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

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

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Carved Olive Wood & Goatskin Benches / Stools
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sensual pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern carved solid olive wood benches / stools with long hair goat skin seats. References: Gio Ponti, O...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Goatskin, Olive

Dust Bench Settee with Soft Velvet 3 Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Dust sofa is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy structure and available in many color and texture options, Dust makes a strong impression. Made to Order. If ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Simply Modern Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Destined to be remembered, this expressive bed bench is as functional as it is fashion-forward. Its upholstered seat is plush yet supportive and framed in metal with a Zinc Oxide fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Simply Modern Bench
Simply Modern Bench
$1,197 / item
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

Ebonized Italian Mid Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
An ebonized Italian Mid Century bench. Ebonized Beech wood with tapered legs and carved detaials on the armrests.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Chrome and Blue Strap Bench Milo Baughman Style
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Milo Baughman style chrome and blue strap bench is circa 1980. The clean, minimalist design features a chrome frame with crossed x-base with a woven h...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Linear Bench in Dark Wanut Series 60 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern legend Edward Wormley, "The Linear Bench" 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

Cognac Leather and Bronze Benches
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cognac Color Leather and Bronzed Finish Metal Benches, American, circa 1980s. They have recently been reupholstered in a supple cognac color leather and are ready to use. They are a ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Italian Metal Base Brass Feet Wooden Slat Stool
Located in Carimate, Como
Italian Mid-Century Modern platform slat bench stool with wood slated top sitting on black metal base and nice brass foot-ends. This beautiful side piece can be used as a coffee table.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Jens Risom Custom Eight Foot Walnut Table/ Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This spectacular eight foot long table or bench by Jens Risom is not only a beautiful design with it's architectural base with tapered legs and a top that appears to float, it is hig...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Leather

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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