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
$35,067 / set
Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Marseille, FR
Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 1970s, entirely reupholstered by Relax Factory workshop in Marseille, France, in a beautiful Limon linen Pierre Frey fabric. Excellent...
Linen
Michel Ducaroy Togo Three-Seat Sofa in Almond Alcantara for Ligne Roset, France
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Schilde, BE
Iconic three-seat ‘Togo’ sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. Originally introduced in 1973, the Togo has become one of the most recognizable and enduring seating designs of the 20th century. Its distinctive low profile, ergonomic all-foam construction, and signature pleated upholstery offer exceptional comfort and a sculptural presence. This 21st century example is upholstered in Almond-colored Alcantara, a soft and durable microfiber fabric that enhances the relaxed yet refined character of the design. The neutral tone makes it versatile and suitable for both contemporary and mid-century interiors. The sofa retains the original manufacturer’s label. A timeless design classic that remains as relevant today as at its introduction. Seats: 3 Original upholstery No restorations Ready to place Michel Ducaroy Togo sofa Ligne Roset French design 1970s design Iconic seating Mid-century modern Alcantara sofa...
Foam, Fabric
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
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
$20,935 / 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
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
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
$11,151 / 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 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
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
$4,951Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Leather Cromwell Sofa by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Cromwell 3-seater leather sofa was designed by Arne Norell during the 1960s. It is a timeless design and as popular today as it was 60 years ago when it was launched. The sofa is upholstered with high-quality natural leather in shades of earthy brown. The slender form with slightly tilted sides has a modernist character. It has loose seat cushions, backrests and side cushions. The legs were made of oak wood. This Cromwell sofa...
Leather, Wood
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
$2,337
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
Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti - Anfibio Convertible Sofa Bed - 1970s
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Iconic Anfibio convertible sofa designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti in the early 1970s. A celebrated example of radical Italian design, this sculptural piece combines bold ...
Leather
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
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
American Weiman Bilbao Four Seater Sofa, Canapé by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman Preview Furniture
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
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
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
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
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
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Kiwi 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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,834 / item
Agnes S-Couch
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. 77 x 150 x 84 cm
By Probel, Jean Gillon
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
$10,017 / 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
$20,935 / 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 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
Mid-Century Modern High Back King Canopy Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
'S22' two seater sofa by Pierre Chapo
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Brussels, BE
Based on the design of the S 15 armchair, Pierre Chapo developed the S 22 two-seater sofa in 1967. For this model, the emphasis was on volume: the S 22 doubles the floor area of the ...
Leather, Wood
Pair, Mid-Century Pine Armchairs, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970
By Sven Larsson, Charlotte Perriand, Yngve Ekström
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Mid-century pine armchairs, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970 Mid-century brutalist solid pine lounge chair with new upholstery in it's original brown corduroy. Elegant design and great ...
Fabric, Pine
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
Celina Zilberberg, Three-seater sofa in solid wood, c. 1960
By Celina Decoracoes, Celina Moveis
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
The Holy Grail of Gufram – The Elusive Polka Dot Cushion
Located in Dronten, NL
When we talk about Gufram, we usually mention the icons: the Bocca, the Pratone, the Cactus. All masterpieces. All readily available. But then, there is this. Presenting the rarest...
Foam, Polyester
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
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
Canapé- lit rayé noir et blanc vintage
Located in Paris, FR
Canapé lit rayé noir et blanc vintage en très bon état. Entièrement en mousse. Il se déplie pour former un lit le dossier est maintenu par des liens de serrage.
Fabric, Foam
$10,231 / item
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
$3,594Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian two-seat sofa Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark. Teak structure with black leatherette upholstered seat and cushions. This vintage sofa can be tran...
Faux Leather, Teak
Sofa Style Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari and Renato Toso for Stilwood, 1960s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
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
Mario Bellini, ‘Le Bambole’ Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mario Bellini, ‘Bambole’ Two-Seater Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s Mario Bellini's iconic 'Le Bambole' loveseat for B&B Italia showcases the revolutionary soft form design that defined 197...
Fabric, Foam, Wool
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
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor version Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): L 170cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Assise H 42cm Modular sofa: asse...
Foam
Italian Settee with Brass Legs, 1955
Located in New York, NY
Italian Settee with brass legs, Attributed to Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino. A rare and unique settee with curved, elegantly shaped back ...
Brass
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
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Terracotta 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