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.
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme Models Circa 1950’s These are beautiful examples of a pair of iconic mid-century club chairs. The all-original lea...
Leather
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s This is an exquisite pair of original and iconic Havana moustache models. These chairs have been bea...
Leather
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Classic Danish 1950s Midcentury Lounge Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s lounge chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark ca. 1950. The chairs exhibit the rolled armrest detail and tapered front legs often preferred by Peter Hvi...
Wool, Beech
Danish 1940s Large Lounge Chair with Organic Rounded Proportions Yellow Mohair.
By Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s highback lounge chair in the style of Flemming Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller sp...
Wool, Beech
1920s Tan Leather Club Chair Attributed To Otto Schulz For Boet Sweden
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant 1920s Swedish club chair, attributed to Otto Schulz for Boet, Gothenburg. This refined piece showcases Schulz’s characteristic balance of comfort and craftsmanship, wrapped i...
Leather, Beech
Rosewood and Leather Bastiano Chair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s “Bastiano” model club chair designed by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Italy. Solid Rosewood frame with original tan/beige leather cushions. A comfortable and attractive desig...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish 1940s Large Club Chair Model 1518 by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sublime large scale Danish club or lounge chair made in the early 1940's as model 1518 by Fritz Hansen. This model chair seen in Fritz Hansen's 1942 catalog is superbly comfortable w...
Beech, Wool
Vintola Studio Six Dining Chairs, Casamance DEMOISELLE and Nimbus Fabric
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
(US tax includeed fast shipping) A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday com...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Rudolf Horn for Rölf Cantilever Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Steel
By Rudolf Horn 1
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rudolf Horn for Rölf Potsdam, cantilever lounge chair, leather, chrome-plated steel, Germany, design 1964 and manufactured in 1966 DDR-designer Rudolf Horn strongly admired the icon...
Steel
1940s Open Arm Lounge Club Chairs Attributed to Fritz Hansen Danish Midcentury
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930-40s with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch with great grain and patin...
Wool, Oak
Pair of Fritz Hansen Model 1518 Large Club Chairs, Denmark, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare classic Danish large-scale club or lounge chair model 1518 by Fritz Hansen made in the large 1930-early 1940s. The model is a classic and found in Fritz Hansen early 1940's cata...
Beech, Wool
‘Alky’ Lounge Chairs in the Style of Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, pink fabric, metal, Italy, 1970s These lounge chairs strongly remind of Giancarlo Piretti’s ‘Alky’ lounge chair (1969), yet they feat...
Aluminum
Danish 1940s Banana Style Barrel Low Club or Lounge Chair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Comfortable, exuberant, and superbly made Danish lounge chair perfectly capturing the essence of 1940s Danish design bridging the the period between the Art Deco and the midcentury p...
Wool, Mohair, Beech
Vintola Studio Six Dining Chairs, Casamance DEMOISELLE Fabric, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday comfort. It was created for interiors...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Pair of Mid-20th Century Vintage Armchairs, White Faux Rabbit Fur, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchair produced in the 1960s by Radom Furniture Factories. Very comfortable seat covered with high quality fabric. The armchairs are fully carpentry and upholstery. Extremely comfo...
Velvet, Beech
Set of Ten Shell Dining Chair, Linen Schwarzwald Dedar, Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vintola Studio, a Polish brand created by Ola Szewczul, designer of vintage interior architecture and photographer. Designed in 2023, produced from 2024 at the Vintola Studio Factory in Poland. Well crafted hand made product. The whole armchair is covered with high-quality wool. Very beautiful and comfortable item! Here set of 10 chairs is available. All options of fabrics and wood colors are possible to prepare. Change of dimensions are also possible. Please ask for more informations. About the fabric used in this option: A linen fabric, whose pictorial personality is defined by the printed reproduction of a 17th century design, which transforms into a contemporary tapestry to revive one of the noblest forms of the textile tradition, thanks to a modern-day sensitivity. An ideal solution for curtains or seating of medium-intensive use. Dedar Schwarzwald...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Mid Century Yellow Chenille Velvet Armchair, Edmund Homa, GFM-142, 1960s, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchairs were made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory. They are made from solid beechwood. The GFM-142 armchair is regarded one of the best polish armchair design from the previous age. The armchairs have been thoroughly renovated. The tension belts have been changed, new upholstery foams - upholstery material has been used - yellow upholstery fabric...
Textile, Beech
Byron Botker for Landes Lounge Chair with Tubular Frames in Light Pink
By Byron Botker, Landes Manufacturing Co.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Byron Botker for Landes, lounge chair, pink fabric, chrome-plated steel, United States, 1970s A comfortable easy chair that features a curved, chromed tubular frame. The frame appea...
Steel, Chrome
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome and Flokati Faux Fur Lounge Chair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome and Flokati Faux Fur Lounge Chair.
Chrome
Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome Steel Flat Bar Lounge Club Chairs
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A matching pair of lounge chairs designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin. Each chair features a frame of welded flat bar steel, finished with a chrome plating, protec...
Chrome, Steel
Byron Botker for Landes Customizable Lounge Chairs with Tubular Frames
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Byron Botker for Landes, lounge chairs, blue fabric, chrome-plated steel, United States, 1970s A comfortable easy chair that features a curved...
Chrome, Steel
Pair of Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Lounge Chairs
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant pair of Danish lounge chairs made circa 1950. We love the elegant angles and rounded shapes of the chairs and tall slim legs making them just very timeless ...
Beech, Wool
Mid Century Yellow Jacquard Velvet Armchair and Stool, E. Homa, GFM-142, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchairs were made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory. They are made from solid beechwood. The GFM-142 armch...
Textile, Beech
Heart Dining Chair, Pink Boucle, Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Pair of Midcentury Tiger Velvet Armchairs, GFM 142, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa, a polish architect, designer of Industrial Design and interior architecture, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Pol...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
Vintage Danish 1930s Club Lounge Chair, Style of Fritz Hansen & Flemming Lassen
By Fritz Hansen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Presenting a truly iconic piece of Danish modern history, this lounge chair conveys the concept of architectural presence in its highest form. The captivating form is a masterful ble...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Klaus Uredat Sculptural 'Targa' Lounge Chair
By Klaus Uredat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Klaus Uredat for Horn Collection, lounge chair model 'Targa', moulded polyurethane and leather, Germany, circa 1971. Sculptural easy chair by German designer Klaus Uredat. The org...
Leather, Plastic, Polyester
Fritz Hansen, Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs, Lambswool, Model 1490, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing pair of Danish mid-century modern lounge chairs back and seat reupholstered in a high quality dark grey shearling lambswool which adds a soft and tactile texture to the ov...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Beech
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Channeled Backrest and Open Armrests in Beech
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved stained mahogany. Very elegant sculptu...
Wool, Birch
Eight Vintola Studio Classic Dining Chairs, Tiger Beat Jacquard Dedar, Europe.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintola Studio Classic Dining Chair A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, lightness, and everyday...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Pair of Milo Baughman Floating Cube Club Chairs, with Kravet Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Milo Baughman Floating Cube Club Chairs USA, Circa 1980s A sleek and stunning pair of Milo Baughman Floating Cube Club Chairs, These chairs are a fine examples to Baughman'...
Chrome
Byron Botker for Landes Lounge Chairs with Tubular Frames in Light Pink
By Byron Botker, Landes Manufacturing Co.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Byron Botker for Landes, lounge chairs, pink fabric, chrome-plated steel, United States, 1970s A comfortable easy chair that features a curved, chromed tubular frame. The frame appe...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of 1970s Low Profile Barrel Back Club Chairs, Style of Harvey Probber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 1970s Low Profile Barrel Back Club Chairs, Style of Harvey Probber Each one of sleek proportions, raised on trellis blackened wood frame fitted with castors. Upholstered in n...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Baby Pink Velvet Armchairs, Designed by Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchairs model GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchairs was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory. Frame is made from solid beechwood. The GFM-142 armchair is regarded one of the best polish armchair design from the previous age. The armchair have been thoroughly renovated. The tension belts have been changed, new upholstery foams - upholstery material has been used...
Textile, Beech
Club Chair Brazilian Modern Rosewood Leather Style of Sergio Rodrigues 1960s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Mid Century Modern Rosewood Club Chair. Elegant wood grain. New cushion in black Faux Leather. Aluminum support with leather straps in black. Three oversiz...
Aluminum
Viggo Boesen Style 1940s Danish Low Club or Lounge Chair in Pearl Sheepskin
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Comfortable, exuberant, and ultracool Danish lounge chair from the 1930-40's. These type of chairs were produced as companions to the curved "banana" sofas coming out of the of the ...
Beech, Sheepskin
Vintola Studio Six Dining Chairs, Casamance DEMOISELLE Fabric, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
(US tax includeed) A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday comfort. It was c...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Danish 1950's Channelback Club Chair Attributed to Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
sublime medium size club chair very similar to Fritz Hansen's famous model 1518 and likely made around 1950 judging from the armrest design. The chair is unmarked and we are not sure...
Wool, Beech
Teak Lounge Chair 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Finn Juhl Model 136 Teak Armchair for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s Designed and produced in the 1950s, this sculptural armchair by Danish master Finn Juhl is a rare Model...
Wool, Teak
Early Le Corbusier LC3 Grand Confort Club Chair for Cassina, 1965
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Hamburg, PA
This exceptional Le Corbusier LC3 Grand Confort club chair represents a cornerstone of modernist design, originally conceived in 1928 by Le Corbusi...
Chrome
Early Production 'PK-22' Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm for EKC, Double-Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional all-original early-production PK22 lounge chair by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen represents a highly collectible and investment-worthy example of one of the ...
Steel
Maurice Calka Arflex Coppia di Poltrone Mod. Grand Prix, 1960s Design
By Arflex, Maurice Calka
Located in Taranto, IT
Elegant pair of armchairs designed by Maurice Calka for Arflex in the 1960s, model Grand Prix, one of the most iconic Italian design classics of the period. Le sedute presentano la...
Steel
Midcentury Scoop Slipper Chair and Ottoman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful slipper chair and RARELY seen, scaled ottoman by Vladimir Kagan in the 1970s. A stunnimg beautiful duet. Love the scoop design. The pair has been reupholstered in a beaut...
Fabric
Red Armchair, Edmund Homa, GFM-142, 1960s, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchair GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory in Poland. They are made from solid beechwood. The GFM-142 armchair is regarded one of the best polish armchair design from the previous age. The armchair has been thoroughly renovated. The tension belts have been changed, new upholstery foams - upholstery material has been used - red upholstery...
Textile, Beech
Danish Pair of Classic Midcentury Lounge Chairs, 1950s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant pair of Danish lounge chairs made circa 1950. We love the elegant angles and rounded shapes of the chairs and tall slim legs making them just very timeless m...
Mohair, Beech
Armchair "Fiorenza" designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy.
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Armchair "Fiorenza," designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy. A highly collectible model produced for only one year by Arflex. This stunning pair of armchairs features sc...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Unique Zet Armchair, Tiger Mountain Jacquard by Dedar, 1970s, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchair manufactured at the Bydgoszcz Renewal Cooperative in the 1970s. The armchair are after a comprehensive renovation of carpentry and upholstery. The oak wood has been cleaned,...
Velvet, Beech
Kubus Leather Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus club chair designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and faithfully reproduced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten (Austria) under exclusive license. This example dates from the first...
Leather, Wood
Set of Four Italian Rattan/Bamboo Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very stylish and rare. A great set of 4 that is very cozy. 39cm chilly seat height.
Bamboo, Rattan
Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Modern Art Deco Lucite Waterfall Armchairs, Pair
By Pace Collection, Leon Rosen
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Modern Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern lucite waterfall armchairs, club chairs, or lounge chairs By Leon Rosen for The Pace Collection USA, 1970s Sculptural luci...
Suede, Lucite
Caned Club Chair or Armchair of Teak with Brown Leather Seat
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome vintage club lounge chair or armchair of caned teak wood, bought in England, featuring a sleek Modern round profile with a comfortable upholstered brown leather seat, set ...
Leather, Wood, Cane, Wicker, Teak
Vintola Studio Shell Dining Chair, Beowulf Linen Fabric by Dedar
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday comfort. It was created for interiors...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Mid Century Club Chair Att. to Heywood Wakefield
Located in New York, NY
Extra clean mid century lounge chair attributed to Heywood Wakefield. This example is well constructed, well designed and in. exceptional, ready to use condition. Measures: Total ...
Upholstery
Pair of Oversized Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chairs
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of oversized Adrian Pearsall lounge chairs.
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom for Knoll lounge chair pair
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
One of the first commissioned chairs produced by Knoll. This example was manufactured in 2000; and is not currently being manufactured by Knoll. Both retain tags. Sold as a pair. N...
Cotton
Vintola Studio Dining Chair, Casamance Nimbus Leopard Fabric, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday comfort. It was created for interiors...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Mid-Century Blue Velvet Armchair by J. Halabala, Czech Republic, 1950s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Very original and classic armchair produced in Czech Republic by furniture designer J. Halabala. Made in the 1950s, the eye-catching Silhouette and comfortable design has an enduring...
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Italian Lounge chairs by Afra &Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Coronado lounge chair is a classic Italian modern lounge chair and armchair designed in the 1960s/1970s by the husband-and-wife design team Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B It...
Cotton
A Pair of Scandinavian Bentwood Lounge Chairs With Patchwork Leather
Located in Elkton, MD
Pair of mid-century Scandinavian lounge chairs featuring bentwood frames and patchwork leather upholstery. The chairs have gently reclining silhouettes with integrated arms and high ...
Leather
Set of 4 Herb & Shirley Ritts Iron, Bamboo & Suede Dining Side Chairs, 1950s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of Four Herbert and Shirley Ritts Wroughtan Inc. Wrought Iron, Leather & Bamboo Dining Side Chairs. Featuring a sturdy black enameled wrought iron framework, ergonomic curved st...
Wrought Iron