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

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Swedish Bench in Pine by Sven Larsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sven Larsson is one of the Swedish pioneers of the robust pine furniture era that started in the late 1960s and grew popular in the 1970s. With a great feeling for details and quality, his pieces are among the best of their time. This bench is excellent for using as a planter stand or a media bench...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Window Bench by John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage modern window bench features black tapered legs and two unique sculpted seats with lovely floral upholstery. This John Stuart bench ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful pair of Arthur Umanoff stacking stools from the 1964 Grenada Collection for Boyuer Scott, Shaver Howard collections. This pair is in wonderful vintage condition with a love...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Astor Petite Brass Ottomans in Snow Velvet by Montage, Pair
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

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Solid Brass Benches by Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and rare pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern neoclassical benches / stools in solid brass with upholstered seats by Maison Jansen The structure is composed of solid brass f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Three Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Walnut Spindle Base, Leather Seats, Excellent
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 3 stools designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1950s. Expertly refinished and reupholstered with new off white / ivory leather tops. Together they also make a nice substitute for a benc...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman Attributed Pair of Chrome X Benches, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of X benches with tubular chrome bases and upholstered seats attributed to Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, American, 1970s. These benches have a nice scale to them.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Yngve Ekström Orange and Brown Pine Two-Seat Bench
Located in Weesp, NL
Elegant solid Pine bench designed by Yngve Ekström for Swedese. It has been produced in the late 1960s. The bench will be taken apart when shipped. It takes about 10 minutes to put ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Pair of Italian Modern Craftsman Carved Cherry Wood Benches, Gio Ponti, c. 1954
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern craftsman carved cherry wood benches or stools from the circle of Gio Ponti and his work at t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Espresso Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple espresso velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut and Dove Gray Button Tufted Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1960. It features tapered legs that meet an elegantly appointed apron on top of which sits a button t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Stools by Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern rattan and bamboo stools / benches / ottomans by Franco Albini Rare, master architectural works by Franco Albini that Revel in their pur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Long Six-Legged Blood Cherry Lacquer Finish Display Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative seven foot long carved frame bench or coffee table in thick dirty red lacquer enamel finish.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Charles Hollis Jones "Tree of Life" Brass & Lucite Bench, Limited Edition of 11
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning bench designed by Charles Hollis Jones as a part of his new series "Tree of Life." This new line is the first limited edition that Charles is producing. The focal point to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

X Base Black Lacquer Tufted Two-Tone Upholstery Neoclassical Bench Footstool
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vintage tufted upholstery black lacquer X base ottoman.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Custom Upholstered Mohair Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom integrated leg mohair midcentury style bench, in rich dark charcoal mohair, with buttons and seaming. With chrome legs. This bench was made custom for local designer, was ord...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

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

Dom Hans van der Laan Bench for Town Hall Budel, 1966
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and amazing high bench designed by Dom Hans van der Laan and executed by Jan de Jong for the Raadhuis Budel, 1962/1966. This bench comes from the town hall where Jan de Jong was...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Copper

Three French Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Style Wood Bar Stools
Located in New York, NY
Three French Mid-Century Modern bar stools in the Brutalist spirit. Provenance: Alps region, France. Measure: Seat diameter is 9".
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Bench from the French Senat, Palais du luxembourg, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bench from the French Senat, Palais du luxembourg, wood, steel and leather, marked on a label, lux for Luxembourg, numbered and Dated 1972. In perfect condition ( restored )
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

"X" Frame Benches in Polished Nickel and Leather by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and minimalistic benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones. These benches are very versatile and perfect for condominiums ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

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

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Stools / Benches Attributed to Jansen
Located in New York, NY
A pair of elegant Mid-Century Louis XVI style foot stools / ottomans / poofs in the modern neoclassical tradition with tapered legs ending in solid bronze sabots and brass decoration...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench by John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely Mid-Century Modern two-seat bench. Black painted wood frame with black upholstered seats by John Stuart. We do have a two of these if you need a pair.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

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

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

Nicos Zographos Museum Bench with Bronze Base
Located in St. Louis, MO
Leather tufted museum bench by Nicos Zographos with bronze base, circa 1965. Leather shows wear but no holes, bronze has patina. Label. Midcentury, Floren...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Midcentury Swedish Sofas, Benchs "Primo" Yngve Ekström Skandiform, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 3-seat - confortable - marked by imprinted label - sofa or bench - in style of Bruno Mathsson or Gustav Axel Berg.   
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

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

Solid Brass Frame Midcentury Window Bench New Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern heavy gage solid brass frame window bench. Heavy and solid brass machined finials. New upholstery. The frame has been completely repolished and refinished. Influen...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Great Round Shaped Bench
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
This vintage big round shaped bench is upholstered with blue velvet, on an steel base.
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Brazilian Wood Bench with Suede Upholstery by Sérgio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Suede, Wood

Red Upholstery Bronze Base Bench Settee by Gerald McCabe
By Nico Zoographos, Gerald McCabe
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern park bench style settee love seat by Gerald McCabe.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Guillerme et Chambron, Bench circa 1970, Edition "Votre Maison"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, oak bench composed of three removable elements. Wool fabric to change Edition "Votre Maison", circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Oak

Pair of Italian Brass Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning set of brass benches designed and manufactured in Italy. The benches are in vintage condition and they need to be reupholstered, the brass bases show signs of wear and some...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Charming Minimal Design Scroll Iron Bench
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Charming minimal design scroll iron bench.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Asian-Inspired Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork Top Bench or Low Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Asian-inspired midcentury Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture cork top bench or low table with open wood supports; the elegantly long rectangular cork top with flared ends raised on...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cork

Custom Lucite and Solid Brass "Box" Benches by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful custom made benches designed by Charles Hollis Jones and part of the "Box" collection, made in solid brass and Lucite, like new condition, the fabric has a beautiful chevro...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Extra Long Solid Brass Base Frame Spring Loaded New Upholstery Bench Daybed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern solid brass frame profile new upholstery super comfortable spring loaded mattress like seat cushion bench or daybed.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Free-Form Mahogany Bench with 1950s Aluminum Park Bench Legs
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage industrial 5' wood and cast iron mahogany bench. One-piece free-form mahogany, split to make seat and back. On 1950s polished cast aluminum park bench legs...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Walnut and Brass Italian Benche, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and particular design for this pouf, narrow and long, due the use of not common materials. All veneered in walnut wood, and bordered all around by a brass rods. Particular a...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Guillerme et Chambron, "Eventail" Curved Bench, 1965 Votre Maison Edition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, "Eventail" curved bench. 1965 Votre Maison edition.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

French Slatted Bench
Located in Stockton, NJ
Interesting mid-20th century red lacquered metal bench or daybed with stained slatted wood seat. In the manner of Jean Prouve. Spring loaded feet make this a sturdy and level piece.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Architectural Florence Knoll T-Angle Table Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
Early Florence Knoll 'T-Angle' table bench with original black laminate tops. Would serve well and an oversized coffee table or cocktail table but it is built in a way that would eas...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Custom Designed Distressed Silver Lacquer Raffia And Hair on Hide Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Large (66"w x 48"d x 19"h) custom designed coffee table with silver lacquered raffia wrapped hard wood legs and apron. Covered in a black, hair on hide cow skin with silver upholster...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cowhide, Raffia, Hardwood, Lacquer

Modernist Italian Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Italian bench, circa 1960s. Marked Made In Italy underneath. It is constructed of anodized aluminum with a brass color finish with bronze c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Avantgarden Slatted Wood and Steel Bench, custom finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Custom made bench with beautiful bold elements; thick wood planks, shown here in ebonized black finish and blackened steel bases. Custom wood and metal finishes available.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

2 Midcentury Organic Modern / Sculptures/ Lounge Chairs, Frederick Kiesler, 1947
By Frederick John Kiesler
Located in New York, NY
Two Rare Organic Modernist Sculptures that also function as lounge chairs and attributed to the European-American artist, sculptor and designer, Frederick Kiesler (born in Ukraine, 1890-1965). The pieces are hand crafted and composed of thick, layered and molded oak plywood and then hand lacquered. The works are important and signify the development of post-war design into abstract biomorphic sculptural forms. They occupy a curving, organic space and their negative space conveys transparency, lightness and airiness.They represent the continuity between art and life, movement and sculpture. The artist, Frederick Kiesler designed variant sculptural "Multi-Use Chairs" for Robert Motherwell's home in Provincetown circa 1947. The pieces are priced and sold individually but can also be purchased as a pair. An accompanying sculptural, organic form bench...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood, Oak

1950s Italian Bench in Maple and Minimalist Faux Leather Dassi Milano
Located in Palermo, Sicily
1950s Italian bench in maple and minimalist faux leather, to notice the section of the forms and the design really very interesting, very reminiscent of the style of Gio Ponti, Dassi...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Maple

Edward Wormley Mahogany Bench for Dunbar
Located in Stamford, CT
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered six leg mahogany bench with brass detail.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Handmade Italian Modern Craftsman Bench / Sofa in the Spirit of Andrea Branzi
Located in New York, NY
A stunning, unique sculpture / sofa / bench in the spirit of Andrea Branzi's Modern Rustic / Brutalist Aesthetic as seen in "Domestic Animals". This original and rare piece unites th...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Vintage Blue Pillow Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench or Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lucite bench or stool in newly upholstered blue fabric.  
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Lucite

Edward Durell Stone Oak Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome 1945 design by Edward Durell Stone was made by Fulbright furniture. A great occasional piece, the oak bench is both a sculptural presence and a comfortable seat.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches or Stools, Osvaldo Borsani Attributed
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern wood stools or benches featuring pairs of angled and tapered saber legs that unite to support seats. Solid brass pins and leg ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

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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