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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
Hugh Acton, Bench, Brass, Walnut, USA, 1955
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brass bench designed by Hugh Acton and produced by Hugh Acton, Inc. Kalamazoo, Michigan, c. 1954.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Slatted Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sturdy walnut slatted bench at an ideal height for both seating and table use. Gorgeous mid-century details are great for living room use or entry way...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Bleached Mahogany & Black Button Tufted Bench, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb bleached mahogany bench with tufted black vinyl surface. Featuring a sturdy rectangular braced, solid Mahogany frame, button tufted, finished in impressed, patterned faux black leather. Coffee table with tray...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Mahogany

Charlotte Perriand "Cansado" Bench Table, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Cansado bench / low table designed by Charlotte Perriand and produced by Steph Simon for Cité Cansado, Mauritania circa 1958. In good original condition with patina from age and...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Scandinavian Dark Brown Teak Wood Bench, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvellous midcentury bench made of dark brown teak wood. This astonishing item is a Scandinavian production from the 1960s. The piece is made of six horizontal wooden pieces for...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Slatted Bench George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, marked underneath.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Pair of JMF Style Cream Lacquered Benches with Orange Leather Cushions
By JMF
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 20th century JMF Style cream lacquered benches with bright orange leather seat cushions and bolster. Tapered wood feet in the MCM style. Additional dimensions: SH 20.5" S...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer, Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Modern "X" Base Billy Baldwin Style Benches
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This upholstered pair of parson's style ottomans feature unique "x" frame legs, with stretchers for added stability. Perfect for use as an occasional bench, stool, or ottoman. This B...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Elegant mid-Century Italian wooden bench, by Dassi, 1950s
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and elegant mid-century wood and metal bench, made in Italy by Dassi, 1950s This long and stylish bench adapts well to a variety of settings, adding style and uniqueness to any...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller, early 1950's
Located in Buffalo, NY
Introduced in 1946, the slat platform bench was one of Nelson's first designs for Herman Miller after becoming their design director. Intended to serve as a table, a seat, or a base for case goods, its countless imitations over the years are a testament to its functionality and popularity. Herman Miller produced them in a range of sizes to meet a variety of needs. This exceptional vintage example is model 4693. At 102” in length, it’s the largest size slat bench Herman Miller...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Maple

Vintage UK Imported Black Toned Wood Needlepoint Stool Upholstered Accent Bench
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage black toned wooden stool with curved cabriole legs and spindle side rails. The cushioned seat features a traditional floral needlepoint tapestry, framed with gimp trim. Impo...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Kindel Furniture Oxford Cherry & Needlepoint Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid 20th Century Kindel Furniture solid Oxford Cherry and Needlepoint Upholstered Bench with flower gallore. Measures 24" in width, 14...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Black Enameled Steel Slat Bench or Low Coffee Table, USA 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Steel slat bench made of welded steel bars, enameled in black.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sleek and Modern Karl Springer 48" long bench with Stainless tubular legs. The leather is in great condition and the stainless is also in good condition. A compliment to many spa...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Large Harvey Probber Bench in Mohair Upholstery with Brass Trim
Located in Dallas, TX
A hard to find extra long bench by Harvey Probber. Most are only 57". This one is 71.5" wide. We have reupholstered in a yellow/mustard mohair. The bras...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Solid Oiled Slat Wood Top Chrome Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Established Lines, mid century or danish modern decor, solid acacia oiled walnut finish 1" thick slat wood bench or coffee table on stainless steel base. The bench is heavy and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Wonderful Pair Milo Baughman Style Chrome X Base Bench Stools Midcentury
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful pair of Milo Baughman chrome X base stools. We love the large scale size of these measuring 21" T x 23” W x 21" D. The tops were upholstered in white faux leather a few yea...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Vintage 1960's Design Stained Pine Low Slat Bench
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Period Design Darck Stained Pine Low Slat Bench or Side Table. Made in the 1960's. No maker markings or references found. Dark staine...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid Century Modern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench. Item features a red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfall ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Edward Axel Roffman Associates Bisquit Tufted Bench
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Axel Roffman Associates Bisquit Tufted Bench
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Clean Lined Chrome Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Chrome bench, circa 1980s. High quality construction with heavyweight chrome frame and faux cheetah print hair on hide upholstery.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

German Handmade Bench Made of Oak, Coated Steel and Handwoven Jute Belts
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The bench is made of a filigree construction of powder-coated steel. On this construction rests a frame of solid, lacquered oak tree, which is covered with handwoven stripes of fabri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern CurvedBench by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern CurvedBench by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960s This curvaceous bench was done in a beautiful solid wood, and it has a natural finish that maintains ...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Rustic low bench in solid wood, France ca. 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1850 / bench / wood / rustic / mid century Beautiful rustic small low bench crafted in solid wood in France around 1850. On the elegant legs and with nice patina on the woo...
Category

1850s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pierre Jeanneret Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds the Civil...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical X-Frame Iron and Leather Stools Raymond Subes
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style X-frame benches in the style of Raymond Subes. These hand wrought iron stools / benches in the late French Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical taste have perfect form...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

1970s bench, Drabert
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic waiting bench from the 1970s. High-quality steel and stainless steel frame with two plastic seat shells in brown and a table top with original HPL coating and plastic edge in...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Plastic

Pierre Jeanneret Bench from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh
Located in Soho, London, GB
Bench from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh. The rarity of this piece is further enhanced by the presence of a typical hand-stenciled marking on the rear crossbar that read...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Teak

Pair of pi3 benches in Fumed Oak and Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Contemporary bench in FSC British fumed oak with FSC natural Danish cord handwoven seat. Dimensions are approximately 120cm L x 44.3cm H x 33cm D. Available as a pair. This set is...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Zebra Hide Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wrought iron metal base in black with attractive criss cross lines. Faux zebra hide cushioned seat. Please confirm location.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bronze and caramel color leather daybed or bench, designed by Nicos Zographos, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the bronze.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Bronze

1970s Beech Bench/Planter Stand, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech

Scandinavian 'Krobo' Bench in Rosewood by Torbjørn Afdal for Mellemstrands
Located in Karlstad, SE
"Krobo" bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Mellemstrands Trevareindustri, Norway. The bench is made of solid wood with thick rosewood vaneer. It can be used in many ways, for example as a...
Category

20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench in Mahogany Wood Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Bench designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950. Manufactured by Steph Simon (France), circa 1950. Mahogany wood, lacquered metal frame and legs. Signs of age, patina, and the tra...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Slatted Bench by Móveis Ambiente, Brazil, 1965
Located in Antwerp, BE
This slatted bench in Jacaranda wood, crafted circa 1965 by Móveis Ambiente, is a standout example of Brazilian modernist design. Its origin is documented in the June 1965 issue of C...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Architectural Mid Century Jens Risom Bench with Walnut Legs and Leather Top
Located in New York, NY
This is the hard to find longest size, it has the original leather top (minor wear and missing two tufting buttons). Tapered wood legs support "floating" curved top. Mid-Century Mode...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Leather

Mid-20th Century Rattan Bohemian French Riviera Style Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-20th Century Rattan Bohemian French Riviera Style Bench Measures 38.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 15.5" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan

'Barcelona' Mid-Century Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Six foot long tufted bench on polished chrome base. Designed in the style of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona bench. Please confirm loca...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Harvey Probber Pair of Benches with Mahogany Legs and Castors 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of rectangular upholstered benches with round mahogany legs and brass castors by Harvey Probber, American 1950's. Refinished and reupholstered by Lobel Modern.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul László for Glenn of California, bench or sofa, mahogany, cane, United States, 1950 This sofa or bench, a creation of Paul László, contains a well-preserved caned back and seat....
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Neoclassical steel brass curule bench by Maison Jansen 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful 1960’s Curule Savonarola bench made of heavy stainless steel metal with brass accents. This timeless bench was created by French interior design firm Maison Jansen in the e...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Percival Lafer Midcentury Brazilian "MP-97" Stools Foot Rests Ottomans
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brazilian rosewood tan leather upholstery foot stools benches.
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Linear Bench Series 48 in Dark Walnut and Mohair 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

Bronze

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Bench, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet fabric bench designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Seat height 15.5"
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Architect Bertrand Goldberg Bench from Marina City Chicago 1962
Located in Chicago, IL
Architect Bertrand Goldberg Bench from Marina City Chicago 1962, Polished tubular and flat aluminum frame with channeled original Leather over spring suppo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. The first project designed by Antonio Citter...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
$29,832 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Set of Two Large Midcentury Modern French Benches, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large bench midcentury modern design produced in the 1970s by Maison Regain France. Solid construction in elm wood with beautiful side ladder detail. Perfect bench for the hall but a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Rare Madison Furniture Three Seat Chromed Steel & White Leather Bench or Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Probably designed by Arthur Umanoff, this bench was made in the 1960s by relatively unknown company Madison Furniture. Despite the prestige of the company, they were very well known ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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

Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Channel Upholstered Bench After Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek & heavy bench circa 1970's. Solid chrome flat bar legs with original blush upholstery. Fabric is original and could use replacing. Foam and padding a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova Italian Wood Midcentury Bench Consolle 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design walnut bench or console table serie Torbecchia designed by Giovanni Michelucci and produced by Poltronova, Italy 1964. Fire-branded G. Michelucci tra...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Custom Cantilever Bench
Located in Issaquah, WA
Midcentury inspired, hardwood and woven Danish cord bench. The Danish cord has the perfect amount of give which makes for a very comfortable seat....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cord, Hardwood, Walnut, Ash, Oak

Midcentury Scandinavian Dark Brown Teak Wood Bench, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvellous midcentury bench made of dark brown teak wood. This item is a Scandinavian production of the 1960s. The piece is made of six horizontal wooden pieces for the seat and ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Antique Wood Farming Straw Animal Feeder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique farming animal straw feeder. Made by an unknown manufacturer, circa 1920. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a nice patina. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Topa Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa bench features a handcrafted roundover frame and secured tufted cushion. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles,...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Seldom seen 3-seat version of an iconic design by Florence Knoll.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
$2,837 Sale Price
33% Off
Dom Hans van der Laan Stool for Sint-Willibrorduskerk Almelo, 1964
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare stool designed by Dom Hans van der Laan and executed by Jan de Jong for the Sint-Willibrorduskerk Almelo, 1964. This stool comes from the church who had 6 of these stools in the...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Small Italian Purple Satin Sofa with Roll Cushion
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing an elegant 20th-century Italian bench or settee, entirely crafted with purple satin fabric. This exquisite piece exudes elegance and is ideal for furnishing quirky living rooms with a classic and glamorous style. By adding this sofa to your home, you not only acquire a beautiful furniture item but also a remarkable piece of Italian craftsmanship, where elegance and historical significance combine to enrich your living space. The settee features a meticulously crafted purple satin roll...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Silk, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long modern style walnut table or bench for home and office use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).  
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

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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