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.
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
Vintage American Walnut Six Seater Sloane ii Sofa by Vladimir Kagan Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A custom-made, slightly curved vintage Mid-Century modern American large six or seven seater Sloane II sofa with 4 pillows, settee made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed and ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé, Appartement Le Corbusier Durable For Cassina
By Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé, Appartement Le Corbusier Durable For Cassina Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the...
Chrome
Very Rare BULL Sofa 1987 by Gianfranco Frattini for CASSINA - 1 year produced
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
RARE ONE-YEAR PRODUCTION · ORIGINAL BICOLOR BLACK & TAUPE LEATHER An exceptionally rare Bull two-seater by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, introduced in 1987 and documented as havin...
Leather
$20,415 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Danish Mid Century Two Seater Sofa in Oak, Reupholstered, by Tage Poulsen, 1960s
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Lovely 2 seater sofa in oak, reupholstered in a vintage fabric stored from the 1980s. Designed by Danish architect Tage Poulsen, model TP632. Designed in 1962. This sofa can be free...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
$2,282
Italian Sofa Bed, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian sofa bed was designed in the 1950s. The shapes lend elegance and modernity to the otherwise quite minimalist design. The seat is foldable...
Iron
Stunning Kashima Sofa in original leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset 1980
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, 1970s Exceptional Soft Quilted Leather Sofa in Cream Open Grain Leather A rare and highly tactile expression of Michel Ducaro...
Leather
Confidential Lounge Chairs by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Italia, 1970s
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Dark brown leather armchairs with plastic feet by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti. Model: Confidential. Stamped Saporiti. Seat height 31 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPP...
Leather, Plastic
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
strips sofa by cini boeri for arflex reupholstered
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Strips two-seater sofa, designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex in 1968, is an iconic piece of Italian design that revolutionized modern seating with its innovative modular concept. Th...
Velvet
Kashima lounge chair in original leather by Michel Ducaroy - Ligne Roset 1980
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima Lounge Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, 1970s Exceptional Soft Quilted Leather Lounge Chair in Cream Open Grain Leather A refined and sculptural expression o...
Leather
Stunning YOKO Sofa in original cognac leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
YOKO Sofa - Michel Ducaroy - Ligne Roset Yoko Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, 1988 Original Cognac Leather 2 Seater Lounge Sofa on a Full Foam Structure Designed by...
Leather
Canapé- lit "Anfibio" par Alessandro Becchi pour Giovannetti des années 1970
Located in Paris, FR
Canapé-lit Anfibio d'Alessandro Becchi pour Giovannetti, 1972. Entièrement restauré et recouvert de tissus italien marron de haute qualité. Matelas rembourré avec de la laine de mo...
Cotton
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa light blue or black
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Available in fabric or leather. Contemporary and comfortable lines for this sofa that was designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Celina Zilberberg, Three-seater sofa in solid wood, c. 1960
By Celina Moveis, Celina Decoracoes
Located in PARIS, FR
Celina Zilberberg Three-seater sofa, c. 1960 Solid wood and fabric 76 x 212.5 x 86 cm 29 23/25 x 83 33/50 x 33 43/50 in Created during the great decade of Brazilian Design, the 1960...
Fabric, Hardwood
Extremely Rare Adjustable Sofa "Trio" by Jochen Hoffmann for Franz Fertig, 1985
By Franz Fertig
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
What more can you say to this wonderful sofa? Adjustable "thousand" times. Great leather, very sculptural, various positions possible. An eyecatcher par excellence. The seat ...
Metal
Rare Golden Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Bouclé Sofa, 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This sofa is made from solid mahogany, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden finish. The res...
Brass
Stunning YOKO Sofa in original cognac leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Yoko Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1980s Original Cognac Leather Modular Lounge Sofa on a Full Foam Structure Designed by Michel Ducaroy during the mid 1980s, the Y...
Leather
Suite de 3 fauteuils chauffeuses Roche Bobois vintage en cuir jaune moutarde
By Roche Bobois
Located in BESANÇON, FR
3 fauteuils chauffeuses Roche Bobois vintage des années 70, dans le goût du designer français Jacques Charpentier, en cuir jaune moutarde, pouvant être utilisés séparément ou assembl...
Leather
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Teak Wood Kengu Sofa, Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken, 1970s
By Elsa and Nordahl Solheim, Rybo Rykken
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Norwegian Kengu sofa made by the Rybo Rykken manufacture, whose designers are Elsa & Nordahl Solheim. It was produced in 1976. The frame of the sofa is made of bent teak wood. The up...
Leather, Teak
Rare brown leather Aralia Lounge Sofa 1979 by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Aralia Corner Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset First edition July 1979 original chocolat dark brown leather corner sofa Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, the Aralia ...
Leather
American Weiman Bilbao Four Seater Sofa, Canapé by Vladimir Kagan
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American Bilbao four seater sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Weiman in good condition. The back rest of the sculptural c...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Divano modulare "Marcel" di Kazuhide Takahama per Gavina, 1967, set da 6
Located in Ghedi, IT
Il divano componibile Marcel, progettato dal celebre designer giapponese Kazuhide Takahama per Gavina nel 1967, rappresenta una delle massime espressioni del design d'avanguardia e d...
Stainless Steel
Stunning Mantilla Sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Italy
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mantilla Sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1960s Removable Green Chenille Upholstery on Sculpted Padded Core Designed in the 1960s for Simon Gavina, the Mantilla is...
Velvet
Vintage leather Kashima Sofa 1982 by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset France
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1982 Original Natural Leather Sofa with Deep Tufted Construction This Kashima sofa was designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset an...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern High Back King Canopy Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen king chair designed by Adrian Pearsall and produced by Craft Associates circa 1960's. This modern take on a canopy chair features sculpted solid walnut legs with silk moi...
Fabric, Walnut
Stunning vintage Sandra Sofa with new leather by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna 1970
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Sandra Sofa by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna, France, 1970s Paprika/ Cognac Leather Modular Lounge Sofa with Matching Ottoman A sculptural and highly tactile design by Annie Hiéronimus...
Leather
Leather armchairs and sofa Mario Bellini model Le stelle for B&B Italia
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of 60s/70s armchairs by Italian designer Mario Bellini, published by B&B Italy, “La Stelle” model. Entirely in mustard yellow leather (original leather), this model is recogniza...
Leather
$10,888 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
Stunning Kashima Sofa in original velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset 1980
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, 1980 Rare Early Production in Original Textured Velour Fabric An exceptionally well-preserved early Kashima sofa designed by ...
Leather
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
Kashima 2 seater in original cream leather by Michel Ducaroy - Ligne Roset 1980
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima 2 Seater Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, 1970s Exceptional Soft Quilted Leather Sofa in Cream Open Grain Leather A refined and sculptural expression of Miche...
Leather
Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sofa folding model D70 of the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani published by Tecno in the 60s. Black lacquered metal structure and solid brass adjustment elements. Seat covered with bl...
Metal, Brass
Canapé modulable vintage Snake composé de 11 modules chauffeuses et 3 poufs
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Incroyable et immense canapé banquette entièrement modulable vintage des années 70 80, modèle Snake, composé de 11 modules d’assises type chauffeuses et de 3 poufs repose-pieds, en t...
Fabric
La Folie Velvet Settee 140cm in Kiwi with Silk Fringes, Handmade by DOOQ
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Silk, Velvet
1950s Free Shape Italian Sofa
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sofa so-called bean or free "shape" consisting of a wooden structure covered with grey deer buckskin like fabric. Seat cushion fixed on the sofa. Fabric is set with a braid. It rest...
Fabric
Large three-seater sofa, by Florence Knoll, Knoll International, circa 1970
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Large three-seater sofa, chrome steel frame, new foam padding for the upholstered seat and back cushions, new off-white rustic wool cover. Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. Lenght:...
Steel, Chrome
La Folie Velvet Sofa 180cm in Terracotta with Silk Fringes, by DOOQ
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Silk, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, France
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa from the 1970s in original condition Leather cushions over a brushed steel base Designer Jacques Charpentier Sofa is convertible in a bed , mattress missing.
Stainless Steel
$4,565 / set
Cinna/Ligne Roset 2seat Sofa by Annie Hieronimus
Located in Brussels, BE
This stunning sofa by Cinna/Ligne Roset, designed by Annie Hiéronimus, the iconic "Sandra" model is reupholstered in a luxurious new fabric that highlights its timeless design. T...
Textile
Mid-Century Pine Sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970
By Charlotte Perriand, Yngve Ekström, Sven Larsson
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Mid-century pine sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970. Mid-century brutalist solid pine lounge chair with new upholstery in it's original brown velvet. Elegant design and great comfor...
Fabric, Oak
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 3Sits Cameleonda with armrests
Located in Brussels, BE
The Original Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a renowned piece of furniture from the 1970s. It includes two large seating elements with back and armrests a...
Fabric, Wood
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man, width 240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Caju Loveseat, Dedar Bouclé, Handmande by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Caju Loveseat, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju loveseat embodies the perfect balance between organic design and ...
Brass
Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Brass
MASSIMO VIGNELLI Mod. Saratoga White and Red Sofa, 1964
Located in Roma, Lazio
Historic sofa mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful red-purple fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything...
Wood, Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa '920' Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa sofa '920' for Cassina, 1970s.
Wood
$9,781 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L 300cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble ...
Foam, Wool
Canapé de Jacques Charpentier, 1970 France
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé de Jacques Charpentier refait avec un velours noir/bleu nuit de chez Nobilis La densité des coussins d'assise est volontairement plus dense que celle des dossiers pour une qu...
Velvet
$20,441 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam
Stunning Mantilla lounge chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Italy
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mantilla Lounge Chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1960s Removable Green Chenille Upholstery on Sculpted Padded Core Designed in the 1960s for Simon Gavina, the Man...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
Sofa Style Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari and Renato Toso for Stilwood, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Stilwood
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa composed of 3 elements in white curly fabric. Measures: Seat height 37cm. Wear due to time and age of the chair.
Fabric
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. 77 x 150 x 84 cm
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon Two-Seater Sofa, c. 1970 Label: Probel This two-seater sofa by Jean Gillon, created circa 1970 for the manufacturer Probel, reflects the designer’s signature blend of sc...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Modular "Togo" Sofa by Michel Ducaroy, circa 1970s N°DUC
Located in Paris, FR
Modular "Togo" Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, circa 1970s. Upholstered in yellow leather, this iconic five-piece set comprises two large seats, one small seat, one c...
Leather
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Papaye Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 180cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Silk, Velvet
Italian Sofa Gio Ponti Style 1960s Burgundy Velvet
By Gio Ponti
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian banana sofa in the style of Gio Ponti. Original velvet fabric (some signs of use, see photos).
Velvet
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Dijon Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 140cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Silk, Velvet