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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
Mid-Century Wooden Tree Trunk Bench, France 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A beautiful tree trunk bench or coffee table in organic form with beautiful wood grain and smooth texture. It is fabricated in France in the 60's. The tree trunk has a slight roun...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Banc Rouge 3 places de Giancarlo Piretti par Anomina Castelli Italy 1970 vintage
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Banc fabriqué par Castelli ,désigné par Giancarlo Piretti 3 places réputé pour sa structure en fonte d'aluminium hyper robuste. Les assises sont recouverte de tissus en coton drill, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Tokyo vintage bench by Yngvar Sandstrom, design 1960's
Located in PARIS, FR
Sandstrom's work is known for its functional, minimalist aesthetic, as well as its use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials. This bench is both a sleek design and a functional piec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Bench in Dedar Dalie Papaveri Tulipani by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bouclé

Beautiful Mid-Century Navy Leather Bench Chrome Frame Style of Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern navy blue leather bench chrome frame style of Florence Knoll. Very clean 1960s bench. Made in USA. Very High Quality co...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of soli...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Branco & Preto. Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Imbúia Wood
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Stylish slatted vintage bench from the early 1960's of Brazilian production, specifically Branco & Preto Gallery. In solid imbúia wood, it is a very versa...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Slat Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern slat coffee table or bench. Beautiful craftsmanship. Marked "Yugoslavia." Very nice vintage condition.
Category

1960s Serbian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Martin Visser wooden bench for Spectrum 1960
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Designed by Martin Visser in 1961 voor the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Made by 't Spectrum in The Netherlands.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Linear Bench in Espresso Series 36 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Mid Century Blue Bench with Chrome Frame, 1980s
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style chrome and strap bench is circa 1980. The clean, minimalist design features a chrome frame with crossed x-base and a woven heavy strap seat in a striking shade of royal blue. Use as a seat bench or decorative coffee table. A unique piece that pairs well with a wide variety of decor styles from mid century-inspired to contemporary. Additional information: Material: Chrome, Strap Fabric Dimensions: W 50” x D 26” x H 18” Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Please reach out to us with any questions about this item or for further clarification of shipping options by clicking on the “Ask the Seller...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Wooden Upholstered Bench, in the Manner of Jean-Michel Frank, Contemporary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wooden upholstered bench, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank, contemporary.
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim
Located in Dallas, TX
A hard to find shorter bench by Harvey Probber. Most are 57". This one is 37" wide. We have reupholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric The brass has been polished and sealed. The mahogany...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST Elm Bench, PIERRE CHAPO Style, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
An architectural and rigorous bench that can be used as a coffee or side table, Modernist, Constructivist, Brutalist, Popular Art, solid geometric construction of thick strips of sol...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Slatted Wood Bench Coffee Table George Nelson Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
Amazing Mid-Century Modern George Nelson style slat bench coffee table. Classic slat wood coffee table bench. This table is exceptionally well made. Features clean lines and legs that taper down as they reach the floor. An Iconic retro slatted bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

44" Woven Rush Bench in Walnut by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collection’s handwoven seating and han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Walnut

44" Woven Rush Bench in Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collection’s handwoven seating and han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Ash

44" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2016, the Woven Leather Collection is classically midcentury. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

Mid-Century Tyrolean Style Pine Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Tyrolean style pine benches. Also known as Swiss Mountain Chairs or Folk Chairs, this style was first employed as peasant furniture an...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

60" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2016, the Woven Leather Collection is classically midcentury. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

Mid-Century Modern Bench “Cíntia” by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1964
Located in New York, NY
The Cíntia bench was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench’s beautiful design is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as j...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench This bench measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 16.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut Series 60 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Mucki Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
The Mucki bench, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1958 and manufactured by Oca, is a versatile and stunning piece suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Featuring a low rect...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Bench in Hardwood, by Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, c. 1950
Located in New York, NY
The bench features two legs, a module for storage and one seat with a reupholstered yellow fabric. The piece is made with Brazilian hardwood and it has a beautiful color and pattern ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut Series 72 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Bauhaus Chrome Bent Tube Black and White Upholstery Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Bauhaus black and white Naugahyde upholstery bench. Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer decor.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin x Base Upholstery Benches
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin X Base Upholstery Benches.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Brazilian Modern Mid Century Exotic Wood Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century bench consisting of ten planks of exotic Brazilian hardwoods raised on a solid wood frame and squared legs. Can be used as a bench, coffee table. Fully restored in a exce...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

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

Custom Low Bench in Walnut, 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Bench in Walnut Black walnut, tung oil finish 84" length, 12" height, 12" width Made in Los Angeles, CA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brazilian Mid-Century Bench in Hardwood, Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960’s
Located in New York, NY
This bench is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and it has a stunning tone with natural wood grain. In addition, the wood has been refinished and is now in excellent condition. The bench can fit 4 people comfortably and features a low seat with four legs. It has a very clean and sleek design to it, which makes it a perfect addition to any kind of home. This piece is very versatile and can be used as a bench but also as a coffee table, which is displayed in our showroom next to Liceu de Artes e Oficios sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Midcentury Live Edge Coffee Table
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A fabulous are rare piece from the 50s Made in Honolulu, Hawaii at Harry’s Cabinet and Curio Shop. The shop was well known for making furniture and gift items with Monkey Pod wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Lucite Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long bench with cushioned top on a clear lucite base. Five foot long sitting area with bottom shelf, great for entry way or at the foot of your...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Vittorio Dassi Italian Modern Walnut and Black Leather Upholstered Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Italian Modern walnut bench in sculptural form features a 3-row frame with rounded edges, rectangular seat cushion upholstered in black leather, standing on 4 short conica...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Upholstery

Set of 2 Mid-Century Gilbert Marklund Inspired Lightly Refinished Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Mid-Century solid oak benches with trestle bases. Lightly refinished, in otherwise original condition with some visible wear consistent with their age and use.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman-Style Blue Chrome Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a gorgeous mid century modern style chrome bench with blue upholstery. In good used condition, shows minor surface wear/scratches on chrome. Upholstery is in excellent con...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

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

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

George Bench by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The George bench is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The low profile silhouette sits above a sculpted solid wood base. This piece is availa...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Walnut

A Vintage Pair of English 1950s G-Plan Ebonized Stools
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with leather saddle seat seeming to float above an ebonized wooden base with turned legs fitted with brass caps and feet; new tan leather upholstery; good vintage condition with...
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

1970s Purple Tweed Tufted Bench Coffee Table Ottoman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning bench you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bein...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

"Bamboo" Style Bench by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Bench in "Bamboo" style gilt metal with seating cushion upholstered with a fabric by Nobilis. Creation by Studio Glustin.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Beautiful Mid-Century Walnut Slatted Bench Chrome Frame Style of George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slatted bench chrome frame style of George Nelson . Very clean 1960s bench. Made by Mueller Furniture Company USA. Very High Quality construction walnut and chrome plated steel are in great vintage condition. Has adjustable feet very heavy bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Italian Bench, 1950s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden bench made by an Italian craftsman in the 1950s. Wear due to time and age of the bench.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Bench by Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson
Located in PARIS, FR
Very decorative this wenge bench by Dutch designers Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson created in 1967. It resembles the better known one created by Martin Visser but differs in particular i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wenge

Set of 2 black benches by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Guglielmo Ulrich (1904-1977), architect, designer, interior decorator, and painter, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting figures in the history of modern Italian furniture. Mi...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Textile, Wood

Mid Century Modern U Shape Gilt Wrought Iron Window Bench NEW Upholstery MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Hollywood regency style newly upholstered window bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refinished solid oak benches, circa 1970's. Found with a Lou Hodges dining table. Very versatile pieces that can be used a seating, entryway, or as display/shelving. We have two...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Angelo Mangiarotti 'Eros' series bench for Skipper in gray marble
Located in Milano, IT
Bench with seat supported by two legs from the 'Eros' series in Mondragone gray marble. 1970s Skipper production, design Angelo Mangiarotti.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

Augusto Romano Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Romano, bench, beech, braided straw, Italy, circa 1948 A rare side bench designed by Italian designer Augusto Romano around 1948. A well-execut...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Straw, Beech

Tufted Leather Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Leather Bench or Couch, bought from a Psychiatrist Office in Philadelphia! Dates to the Early 1960's Leather in very nice shape! Aluminum Legs support the box Upholstered Cushion.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Knoll Style Mid Century Chrome Upholstered Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
Knoll Style mid century chrome upholstered bench The bench measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 19 high, with a seat height of 19 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Upholstered Window Bench
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered window bench with angled sides and curvy front. In clean striped upholstery. Measures: 48" across front and 36.5" across back of bench.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Pair of small benches - Spain 1960
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of small benches in solid beech with gilded shellac finish. Upholstered with ivory curly fabric (comfort foam refurbished). Manufacturer’s label “Jelm S.L” in Olot – Spain. Spa...
Category

1860s Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Marquesa Beench by Oscar Niemeyer, Mid-Century Modern-Vintage 1978
Located in Houston, TX
Currently available for acquisition, this exquisitely crafted Mid-Century Modern masterpiece, known as the "Marquesa," represents an embodiment of the remarkable design acumen of Osc...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Lacquer

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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