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.
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
Mid-Century Modern Daybed in Beech and Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
A stunning and versatile Mid-Century Modern daybed, dating to the 1950s. This piece is a masterclass in the "form follows function" philosophy, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that ...
Metal
Maison Regain Daybed in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, daybed, solid elm, fabric, France, 1980s. A Maison Regain daybed, whose structure is composed primarily of solid elm, imparts a sense of warmth and organic texture to...
Fabric, Elm
"Vanessa" daybed by Tobia Scarpa for Simon
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 80"w x 37"d x 28"h Designer: Tobia Scarpa Material: Enameled Metal w/ Cushion VNT1778
Metal
Friso Kramer Style Mid-Century Auping Daybed with Green Stained Wood Ends
By Auping, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century daybed by Dutch manufacturer Auping, in the style of Friso Kramer. The white enameled metal frame features gently curved legs and a low, horizontal profile. Inset green s...
Metal, Enamel
Daybed by Jacques Adnet Black Stitched Leather and Brass, France 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Jacques Adnet Daybed in Black Stitched Leather with Brass Accents, France, circa 1950 Elegant and rare daybed by Jacques Adnet, France, circa 1950, exemplifying the designer’s signa...
Brass
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969 It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather. The patchwork pieces are sust...
Leather, Wood
Rohé daybed rattan bed rotan Noordwolde 1950s Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rohe Noordwolde Holland 1950s Rattan Daybed . Stunning Bed , needs a 190 cm x 80 cm matrass . please ask for better shipping solutions .
Rattan
Guillerme and Chambron, Rare Pair of Daybeds for Votre Maison", 1960.
By Guillerme et Chambron, Robert Guillerme, Votre Maison
Located in Paris, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, Rare pair of Daybeds in Oak from the French company "Votre Maison". France, Circa 1960. Here is a lovely pair of daybeds by French creator duo Robert Guillerm...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Guillerme and Chambron, Rare Daybed for Votre Maison", 1960.
By Robert Guillerme, Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Paris, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, Rare Daybed in Oak from the French company "Votre Maison". France, Circa 1960. Here is a lovely daybed by French creator duo Robert Guillerme and Jacques Cham...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
De Sede Large Daybed or Lounge Set in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, daybed, leather, Switzerland, 1970s This De Sede daybed/lounge set includes two parts: a lounge seat and an additional ottoman-style section, allowing for versatile configu...
Leather
Vintage Daybed by Christian Durupt, Pine, French Modernist, 1960s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage Daybed by Christian Durupt, 1960s – French Modernist Design, Collaboration with Charlotte Perriand This is a vintage daybed crafted in the 1960s by the skilled French furnit...
Pine
Guillerme & Chambron Daybed or Bench with Side Table in Oak and Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, daybed bench, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. This low bench or daybed shows the admirable, characteristic details of the French designer duo Guillerme and Chambr...
Fabric, Oak
Dutch 'Backbone' Chaise Longue in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chaise lounge, teak, aluminium and fabric, The Netherlands, 1990s. This exceptional Dutch chaise longue features a seating area crafted from teak...
Steel
A.R. Cordemeyer Cleopatra Daybed for Auping w/ House of Hackney Fabric, 1950s
By Auping, André R. Cordemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Royal Auping in the 1950s, this Cleopatra daybed exemplifies Dutch Mid-Century minimalism through its elegant proportions and material harmony. The sl...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
Lawson-Fenning Two-Arm Dutch Daybed, Linen Lounger w/ Solid Walnut & Brass Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Dutch Daybed by Lawson-Fenning has a semi-attached cushion with two bolster pillows. The base is made of American walnut or white oak and antique brass toecaps. Available with on...
Brass
Peter Hvidt Minerva Daybed Sofa, Teak & Upholstery, Mid-Century
By France & Søn, John Stuart Inc., Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Hanover, MA
Minerva daybed sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, made in Denmark by France & Søn, and imported to the USA by John Stuart,Inc for their 1961 Danish Craftsm...
Upholstery, Teak
Contemporary Double-Sided Bouclé Conversation Daybed with Leather Detailing
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Engineered as a striking centerpiece for open-concept interiors, this contemporary sculptural piece functions as a double-sided conversation daybed. By utilizing a low-profile silhou...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Leather
Vintage Daybed by Christian Durupt, Pine, French Modernist, 1960s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage Daybed by Christian Durupt, 1960s – French Modernist Design, Collaboration with Charlotte Perriand This is a vintage daybed crafted in the 1960s by the skilled French furnit...
Pine
Italian Daybed Attributed to Augusto Romano
Located in Dallas, TX
An Italian daybed attributed to Augusto Romano from the 1950s with a solid wood frame, tapered legs, and a low, streamlined profile. The piece features a loose seat cushion and cylin...
Metal
Daybed 'Cleopatra' by Dick Cordemeijer for Auping, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful daybed designed by Dick Cordemeijer in Netherlands, 1954, the black powder coated metal frame is capped by teak wood on either end, the mattress and headrest have been newl...
Metal
"Cleopatra" Wide Daybed with Metal Frame, Teak Ends, and Charcoal Mattress
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, 1960's Cleopatra daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer with teak ends, enameled metal frame and charcoal mattress. Manufactured by Royal Auping the Cleopatra divan bed was developed...
Metal
$13,311Sale Price / item|20% Off
Alexander and Jones Sunday Daybed in Walnut & Dedar Milano Handcrafted to Order
Located in Cirencester, England
The Sunday Daybed is a signature made-to-order piece by Alexander and Jones, handcrafted in our Cotswolds studio, UK, from sculpted solid walnut with our signature wave form frame an...
Brass
1960s Cleopatra Daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Auping, Teak and Black Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cleopatra daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer combines sleek enameled metal with warm teak end caps and includes a new black mattress and cylindrical bolster. Developed in 1953 for Royal Aupin...
Metal
1960s Pierre Chapo L03 Solid Elm Daybed with Storage Drawers and New Mattress
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Chapo's L03 daybed is built from solid elm with the characteristic warm golden-brown grain and rich surface variation the wood is known for. The frame sits low to the ground o...
Upholstery, Elm
Pierre Chapo L07 Sofa and extendable Daybed or large coffee table 1980
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
A rare and versatile piece by Pierre Chapo, the Model L07 exemplifies the designer’s commitment to structural clarity, noble materials, and timeless functionality. Designed in 1963, ...
Wood, Elm
Vintage Nelson Daybed in Black Mohair, c. 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Sophisticated yet effortless, this vintage MCM sofa bed is the iconic Nelson Daybed, originally designed by George Nelson in 1949 for the Herman Miller Collection. One of the most in...
Steel
Linear Daybed – Double Bolster in Special Walnut Series 72
Located in Westport, CT
The Linear Daybed – Double Bolster is a refined interpretation of mid-century modern design inspired by Edward Wormley, distinguished by its balanced proportions and sculptural prese...
Brass, Nickel
Pierre Chapo’s “T22” Daybed – Sculptural Elm, in Bleu Marcoule Wool
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Dronten, NL
A Masterpiece of Brutalist Poetry – Pierre Chapo, c. 1960 There are few names that command the same quiet reverence as Pierre Chapo. His work doesn’t simply furnish a room—it anchor...
Fabric, Ash
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...
Metal
Upholstered Walnut Buchanan Daybed Twin Size with Dovetails and Turned Legs
Located in Durham, NC
A simple, sturdy daybed that works well as seating in a living space and as a guest bed. A mix of construction techniques both seen and hidden create a sturdy yet sleek focal point t...
Upholstery, Walnut
$75,900Sale Price|20% Off
Important Adjustable 'Roll Back Day Bed' Sofa by Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very important piece of design history, and to understand why - it is all in the details, so to anyone interested in modern art and interior design, please keep reading. Vladimir Kagan’s 'Roll Back Day Bed' (model #6718) was originally conceived as a one-off design for a client in the 1950s. Valdimir Kagan selected Rosewood and Lucite, materials he had just started experimenting with at that time, blended it into a futuristic frame with a brass-capped cylindrical adjustable back cushion that can transform the sofa into a daybed and even into a double sided gallery seating system. All on top of Lucite legs giving the appearance the sofa is floating above ground. By all accounts - Vladimir Kagan advertisements, catalogues, the design community and even the team at Vladimir Kagan Designs had it documented that the design (model 6718 Roll Back Day Bed) was first put into production in 1967, however this one - this exact sofa in the photos and listed for sale, IS THE ONE that he created in the 1950s for a special one-off client. And it was later, in 1967 that he decided to bring the design into production, all based on this concept model which we have listed for sale. This is all documented with the Vladimir Kagan archives under registry 25073. They were thrilled to have found this surviving example and have added it into their archives, knowledge-base and timelines. They wrote: "We conducted a detailed review of the Kagan Archive, and we were puzzled to find that Vladimir consistently dated the release of the Roll Back Day Bed to 1967. Also based on Vladimir’s accounts, Hugo Dreyfuss retired in 1960, ending their partnership. This would mean that your example pre-dates the “earliest production date” we have on record for the Roll Back Day Bed or Roll Back Sofa...
Brass
Vintage Sage Mohair Daybed with Hairpin Legs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic hairpin/v-leg daybed/settee by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Early example (ca. 1950) with a metal spring and maple frame construction, this version designed without back ...
Metal
Bacelona Daybed, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Barcelona daybed, design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Mahogany frame, leather upholstery. Steel legs. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Steel
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist des...
Chrome
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Daybed with Tapered Legs, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice solid Teak Daybed . Minimalist Simple straight lines . Sitting on tapered legs. Hand made joints . 1950s Holland . Very good condition .
Teak
Guillerme and Chambron, Rare Daybed for Votre Maison", 1960.
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron, Robert Guillerme
Located in Paris, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, Rare Daybed in Oak from the French company "Votre Maison". France, Circa 1960. Here is a lovely daybed by French creator duo Robert Guillerme and Jacques Cham...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
1960s Cleopatra Daybed by Cordemeijer for Royal Auping
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cleopatra narrow daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Royal Auping features a bone white painted enameled metal frame with gently rounded corners and four splayed painted wood legs in ...
Metal
Pair of daybeds in rattan and bamboo with velvet upholstery, Italy, 1960s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful pair of daybeds in woven rattan and bent malacca with orange velvet upholstery, Italian manufacture, 1960s - sold individually Aesthetically pleasing and evocative of su...
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s "Cleopatra" Narrow Daybed with New Custom Yellow Mattress and Bolster
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, 1960's Cleopatra narrow daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer with custom yellow mattress, teak ends and black enameled metal frame. Manufactured by Royal Auping the Cleopatra diva...
Metal
Large Tito Agnoli (attr) Bamboo Daybed Bamboo and Rattan Daybed
By Bonacina, Tito Agnoli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sensational large bamboo daybed with elegant curvature on legs and beautiful woven rattan details. Sturdy, lightweight frame. In original condition with visible wear consistent with ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-Century Daybed in the Style of George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century daybed styled after George Nelson. Solid wood frame, cushions newly upholstered in cream slub silk with leather piping.
Leather, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
Day Bed Croissilion - Reminiscent of lit croissilion & lit simple
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Beautiful oak daybed with croissilion headboards. Reminiscent of the more well-known "lit croissilion" or "lit simple". This specific bed was purchased in the mid-20th century in the...
Fabric, Foam, Oak
Mid Century "No 17 / Fabert" Daybed by Jean Prouvé Produced in France, 1950s
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic French mid century "No 17 / Fabert" daybed in green lacquered aluminum daybed designed by Jean Prouvé and produced by Ateliers Jean Prouvé in France 1930s. In ...
Metal, Aluminum
Contemporary Minho Daybed, Dedar Textured Velvet, Oak, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Minho Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditional furniture design. In...
Onyx, Marble
Maison Regain Daybed with Side Storage, France Second half of the 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
In France, as in the UK and much of Europe, there was something of a design renaissance in the decades following the Second World War, due to developments in materials and technology...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Twins Daybed, DEDAR Mohair, Oak, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Twins Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins daybed and its matching curved sofa...
Leather, Fabric, Alpaca, Mohair, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
De Sede DS80 Daybed Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather - Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Brown DS80 patchwork daybed sofas by De Sede. The arm and back supports made in lacquer wood can be moved to left to right and back and ...
Leather, Wood
Hans J. Wegner for Getama – Model GE6 Teak Daybed, Denmark, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
Hans J. Wegner for Getama – Model GE6 Teak Daybed, Denmark, 1960 A classic Danish modern daybed designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, model GE6, crafted in teakwood with newly uph...
Upholstery, Teak
Studio Made Striped Daybed by Charles Webb
By Charles Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Removeable backrest with bolsters and adjustable tray table.
Fabric, Wood
$5,287 / item
Indoor/Outdoor Montrose Daybed by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Montrose daybed has a steel frame, solid teak slatted insert, and a loose tufted cushion. Can be used indoors or outdoors, please specify when orde...
Steel
$8,812Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Minho Leather Daybed, Nubuck, Calacatta, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Minho Leather Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho leather daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditiona...
Marble, Onyx
Vertifix Mid-Century Daybed by Kuperus Almelo, Dutch, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century daybed from Kuperus Almelo's Vertifix line, produced in the 1950s. The gray enameled metal frame sits on angled legs with white rubber foot caps. Flat rectangular e...
Metal, Enamel
"Grand Italia" Black Leather Daybed by De Pas, D'urbino, Lomazzi, Italy, 1979
By Zanotta, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in New York, NY
A rare and iconic example of late 20th-century Italian design, this “Grand Italia” daybed was designed by the celebrated trio De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazz...
Steel
Vintage Leather and Wood Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful daybed attributed to Thonet, circa 1970s-80s. The design features a wood frame with metal feet and obtains its original tobacco brown leather upholstery and cylindrical b...
Metal
$3,950 / set
Pair of 1960s French Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 1960s daybed, modernism style, steel frame, newly reupholstered.
Steel
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sofa after Marco Zanuso, circa 1960s Divano Sleep-o-Matic
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian sofa or daybed. New upholstery vintage Bordeaux wine color mohair, brass and metal legs, pule up mechanism handle on the back of the sofa converts the sofa in to the bed. US ...
Metal, Brass
French Mid-Century Bamboo Daybed 1950s Audoux Minet Style Woven Rattan Platform
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Almelo, NL
Exceptional 1950s French bamboo daybed in the style of Audoux-Minet—sculptural, textural, and perfectly suited for refined indoor or covered outdoor living. A rare and highly decorative French mid...
Bamboo, Wicker, Plywood