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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
The Artisanal Bench in Dark Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Minimal Solid Oak wood Contemporary SACHI Bench with bolster and brass detail
Located in Hyderabad, TG
The Sachi Bench is a versatile piece of furniture that is perfect for adding a touch of tranquility to your home. It is made in solid American oak with fine upholstery and elegant br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Geraldo de Barros Bench
Located in Washington, DC
Long bench designed by Geraldo De Barros, considered one of the most important artists and designers In Brazilian Modernism.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Curved Benches in Black Upholstery and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved benches, metal, faux leather, Europe, 1970s. This set of three faux leather benches with metal frame together form a type of wave. The construction is geometric, solid and st...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bench by Emilio Lancia, Italy, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bench by Emilio Lancia, Italy, 1930s
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Florence Knoll Leather Bench, Knoll Associates Inc.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Florence Knoll bench with early label Knoll Associates, Inc. Madison Ave, NY. We had the bench redone in brown leather. Bench measures 80" wide, 20" deep and 17.5" high. The bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

The Zen Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Zen Bench" by Carlos Solano, an exquisite new addition to the Stamford Modern collection. Inspired by the tranquility of Asian design aesthetics, this bench exudes a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Low Table from Les Arc 1600, by Charlotte Perriand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Low table used in Les Arcs 1600. This piece was designed for Les Arcs 1600, one of Charlotte Perriand's most important works. The material is made of Swiss pine wood. Can be used ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Swedish Modern "Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting an exquisite piece of Swedish design history – the pine "Visingsö" bench by the renowned Carl Malmsten. This iconic bench, named after the serene Swedish island of Visings...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid- Century Chrome and Lucite Slat Bench in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Modernist chrome slat bench in the style of Milo Baughman. Chrome plated metal square slats with unique lucite spacers.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Gio Bench in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Gio Bench in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

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

Mobichalet Brutalist Bench in Oak and Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, bench, oak, pine, Belgium, 1950s This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The brutalist appearance is express...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Pine

Mid Century Modern Parsons Settee, Sofa or Bench, circa 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic and transitional Parsons bench circa 1960s. It retains the original upholstery and needs to be redone.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

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

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

Bean Shaped Bench on Brass Legs, Italy 1980s
Located in London, GB
An Italian designed bean shaped bench upholstered in grey velvet and brass legs. Circa 1980s.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid century modern french wood bench
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid Century Modern Rationalist Wood Bench. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mate...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Midcentury wicker daybed attributed to Viggo Boesen, Denmark 1960s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury wicker daybed attributed to Viggo Boesen, Stunning wicker daybed or bench in perfect vintage condition. Original floral fabric mattress. Denmark 1950s
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

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

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 in the manner of Gio Ponti in wood and fabric, 1950s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Magnificent bench in the manner of the great Architect Gio Ponti, 1950''s. The bench has the original fabric and is in very good condition. it will fit perfectly in any type of loung...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Woodard Outdoor Iron Loveseat/Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench Offered is a Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench. This bench has been repainted Black. The bench is ready to use condition. We ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Mobichalet Brutalist Long Bench in Oak and Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, long bench, oak, pine, Belgium, 1950s This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The brutalist appearance is ex...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Pine

George Nakashima, American Black Walnut & Hickory Spindle Bench, 1972
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima bench, created 1972, carved from a single slab of American black walnut with freeform front edge, and with turned hickory spin...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hickory, Walnut

Vivai del Sud Bamboo Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vivai Del Sud; Italy; 1970s; Bench; Sofa; Bamboo; Rattan; 2 Seater; Craftsmanship; Vintage Design; Eclectic Interior; Outdoor Furniture; Bohemian; Boho; Mid-Century Modern; Vivai Del Sud bamboo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool or Bench
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool from the Henredon upholstery collection.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Timeless Mid-Century French Wood Bench, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Explore the enduring allure of this mid-century bench, a testament to the Rationalist and minimalist design principles that emerged in the 1960s. Crafted in France by an unknown but ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Leather Ojai Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai bench features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angel...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Convex Bench Series 60 in Special Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Crafted from solid oak or walnut, it exudes sophistication, complementing any interior. The upholstered cushion offers a cozy seating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

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

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 Upholstered Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This nicely scaled upholstered bench was part of the Eli Lilly corporate collection. Likely used in a reception area, it’s perfect to now serve in an entrywa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Sergio Rodrigues brazilian white and wood 1950 rocking bench.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Sergio Rodrigues brazilian circa 1950 wood and iron rocking bench.
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Nara Bench Made in Tzalam Wood and Linen Upholstery by Tana Karei
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
The Nara bench is made out of a Mexican wood called Tzalam. The upholstery comes in linen-many color available. This bench can be a great compliment to a living room or the front ...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen, Hardwood

The Architectural Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing The Architectural Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a sleek and sophisticated addition to any contemporary space. Meticulously crafted with an all-metal construc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Gerald McCabe Shedua Trestle Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shedua wood bench from American designer Gerald McCabe for Eon Furniture, c.1970s. The solid wood bench has a long seat with seat back perfect for a dining table or entry way. Two av...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Cocktail Table After George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Cocktail Table after George Nelson,, Nice original condition ,,patina.. Classic modernist design.. Hand delivery avail to New York City or anywhere en ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Gio Bench in White Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Fantastic French Caning Daybed or Bench 1950
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Fantastic, original and rare daybed or bench made in France in 1950. Composed of a metal structure cover entirely in cane. 4 metals arms are covered in rattan. Seat have a wave sha...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of Roped Iron Benches Side Tables with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rope Benches Side Tables Stools with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric, A Pair Design and purpose best describe this one-of-a-kind custom set. This pair features authentic classic Monogram Louis Vuitton...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Bench. This stunning modernist teak bench has been professionally upholstered in black and gold tiger print c...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chenille, Teak

Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball Two Tier Maple Coffee Table, Circa 1960
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball attributed maple "magazine" coffee table - bench. Featuring an original vintage rectangular solid Maple construction with lap joints, wooden screw dowe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple

Pair of Midcentury Style Hairpin Benches Quick Ship
Located in New York, NY
Circa 21st century pair of Mid-Century Modern style newly made upholstered benches with satin black powder coated hairpin shaped legs and new upholstered seats with eight buttons each. Price is for the pair. Made in the United States. Good overall condition. Ready today, Quick ship...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Gio Piano Bench in Espresso by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Minimalist Alfred Hendrickx Slatted Bench, 1960s, Belgium Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
Minimalist slatted bench in dark wood with square chrome base. Great bench to decorate your hallway, living-room or office space. In original very good condition.
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Cinema Chairs from Ton, 1960s, Set of 6
Located in Żory, PL
Original cinema seats manufactured by TON (formerly Thonet) in the 1960s, set of three two-seaters (6 chairs). Made of beech wood and bent plywood. Preserved in original, good cond...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Florence Knoll Bench
Located in Miami, FL
Very long Florence Knoll bench designed for Knoll, brown upholstery and chrome base, 8 legs, unusual size.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Gio Bench in Black Ceruse by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Single Custom Channel Tufted Blue Soft Leather Stool or Bench, Italy, 2021
Located in New York, NY
Custom made channel tufted blue soft leather cascade stool or bench, handcrafted in Florence, Italy by an artisan carpenter. One of a kind. Soft Italian leather in a sophisticated de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960’s Spanish bench by Sarreid
Located in Chicago, IL
1960’s Spanish bench with brass base and original leather upholstery. Designed by Sarreid.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Style Large Rectangular Cambridge Metal Bench by Cumberland
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The classic look of the Cambridge metal bench by Cumberland is a simplistic and captivating piece that brings gratification to any home. This bench is the picture-perfect accent piec...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modernist Concrete Bench, Belgium circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage modernist concrete bench from Belgium, circa 1940s. Reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s ‘Borne Béton Grande’ outdoor floor lamp for Chandigarh. Minimalis...
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered (half) and open mahogany (the other half) bench. Brass spacers, original fabric, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany

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

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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