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.
Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Cane and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, walnut, cane, fabric, metal, Europe 1940s Charming 1940s lounge chair, its silhouette dominated by curves. The walnut frame with cane sweeps continuously from the bac...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lounge Chairs in Muted Moss Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, velvet, wood, Europe, 1950s These mid-century modern armchairs have a quiet confidence to them. Their form is simple, but not severe: the gently angled arms ...
Velvet, Wood
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Cognac Leather "Swan" Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: New Full-Grain Cognac Leather, Aluminum ______________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we t...
Aluminum
Iconic Hans J. Wegner “Wishbone” Oak Arm Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Oak Wood, Original Rush Chord Seats ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this j...
Rush, Wood, Oak
J.L. Moller Teak Model 78 and 62 Dining Chairs Set of 6 Danish Vinatge 1960s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six dining chairs features an elegant organic profile with sculpted slatted backrests. It includes four standard side chairs and two captain chairs with sweeping armrests...
Teak
Joe Colombo for Pozzi Set of Ten '300' Dining Chairs in Ash
By Joe Colombo, Pozzi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Pozzi, set of ten dining chairs, model '300', faux leather, ash, Italy, 1966 In 1966, Joe Colombo designed the Model 300 chair with a strong emphasis on practicality...
Faux Leather, Ash
Leather Le Corbusier LC3 Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Leather Le Corbusier LC3 Italy 1980s
Chrome
Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair Black & White with Black Fabric Cushion
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional early Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair, featuring the distinctive two-tone black and white lacquered frame with its original black upholstered seat. Designed by Harry Berto...
Metal
Set of 4 Model 54 Razorblade Dining Chairs in Solid Oak by Henning Kjærnulf
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very sought after set of 4 Danish oak dining chairs Model 60 by Henning Kjærnulf made in the 1960's by Nyrup Møbelfabrik. Very typical of Kjærnulf's designs as he was known for comb...
Wool, Oak
Pair of grey DAX armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 1950's
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of "DAX" armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Circa 1956-1959. Molded fiberglass shell, steel legs. Grey colored fiberglass. Both chairs contain original label...
Fiberglass
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of 'Quartet' Lounge Chairs in Beige Suede
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, pair of 'Quartet' lounge chairs, model '932', suede, Italy, 1964 Known as the Quartet, this lounge chair was designed by Mario Bellini as a reinterpretati...
Suede
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Maple, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Vintage MCM Tuxedo Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Fabric Attr Milo Baughman 96"
Located in Wilton, CT
Fabulous vintage MCM Tuxedo style sofa in super plush Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric, possibly designed by Milo Baughman. This chevron patterned sofa in ...
Velvet
1950s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, beech, fabric, Europe, 1950s This elegant armchair shows a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights its mid-century character. The backrest and armrests are orga...
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Stunning French Leather Club Chair, Gang-box Model, Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
Stunning French Leather Club Chair, Gang-box Model, Circa 1950’s This is a super handsome chair which has been perfectly preserved. After cleaning and nourishment the original Havan...
Leather
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Sheepskin Upholstered Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid Century Modern Sheepskin Upholstered Bench.
Wood
Lawson-Fenning San Rafael Sofa, Tweed & Solid Oak, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Upholstery, Oak
Ennio Fazioli for MIM Roma Swivel Desk Armchair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ennio Fazioli for Mim Roma, swivel office chair, leather, mahogany plywood, lacquered aluminum, plastic, Italy, 1960s In the early 1960s, MIM Roma saw a rise in the production of of...
Aluminum
Guillerme & Chambron Set of Four Dining Chairs in Oak and Orange Wool
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, set of four dining chairs, solid oak, wool, France, 1960s These charming dining chairs designed by the French duo Guillerme et Chambron exemp...
Wool, Oak
Vintage Verner Panton Heart Cone Chair in Original Orange Upholstery
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Designed in 1958 by visionary Danish designer Verner Panton, the Heart Cone Chair is one of the most recognizable icons of mid-century modern design. Characterized by its bold heart-...
Wood
Set of 12 Model 54 Razorblade Dining Chairs in Solid Oak by Henning Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare to find set of 12 iconic Danish Razorblade oak dining chairs by Henning ("Henry") Kjærnulf made in the 1960's as model 54 by Nyrup Mobelfabrik. Perfect for the design aficionad...
Wool, Oak
Argentine Designer, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Argentina, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green mohair stool likely designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Slight warping to shape and angle of seat. Reupholstered. Overa...
Wood, Mohair
High Back Wooden Dining Chairs Set of 8 with Green Upholstery Vintage Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of eight high back dining chairs features a sleek vertical profile and supportive frame. The tall backs incorporate upholstered center panels framed by smooth wooden element...
Fabric, Wood
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09I' Sofa or Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench or sofa, model 'L09I', elm, fabric, France, 1975 Dating from 1975, this piece is an early example designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and ...
Fabric, Elm
Jens Risom Model-654 Walnut & Woven Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Walnut, Original Cotton Webbing Designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll Studio, this Model 654LA lounge chair is a later produ...
Cotton, Walnut
Danish 1940s Large Curved Banana Shape Sofa in Original Green Mohair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large banana shaped or curved sofa made in Denmark, circa 1940. This sofa will make strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines and with large bun feet providing a...
Wool, Beech
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Beech Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take th...
Wood, Beech, Walnut
$1,400 / set
Postmodern Brass 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools
By Kinetics
Located in Toronto, ON
Very cool postmodern brass stools made in the 1970s by Kinetics. Referred to as 'k700' stool, the tubular stool was originally designed by Philip Salmon ans Hugh Hamilton. This midce...
Chrome
Poltrona Frau 'Cocker' Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather by Franco Bresciani
By Franco Bresciani, Poltrona Frau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-seat 'Cocker' sofa designed by Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau, produced in the late 1970s. Upholstered in medium brown leather, a hallmark material of Poltrona Frau, the so...
Leather, Upholstery
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved ba...
Velvet, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Bridge Etudiant' Armchairs in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Bridge Etudiant' dining chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1950s These armchairs by the designer duo Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme...
Fabric, Oak
Expertly Restored-Mid Century Modern Teak & Tweed Dining Chairs by Peter Haywar
By Vanson, Peter Hayward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: African Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Attribute to Paolo Buffa Mid-century Modern Italian Bouclè Armchairs, Pair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of Italian armchairs captures the essence of mid-20th century modern design, attributed to Paolo Buffa. Made around the 1950s, these armchairs are distinguished by their el...
Bouclé, Beech
Arne Norell, Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs, Leather & Ash, AB Aneby, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. The chairs are crafted with a solid frame in ash and a wa...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Petit Repos' lounge chairs, solid oak, wool, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furn...
Wool, Oak
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By H.W. Klein, Komfort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is li...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Vintola Studio HUG Chair in Jacquard Fabric, Modern Design from Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
HUG Chair Designed by Vintola Studio, HUG Chair is defined by a continuous upholstered backrest that gently wraps around the body, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy. Its scu...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Bench in Red Stained Wood and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ bench stained beech, straw, Italy, design 1963 This bench belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico Magistretti’s most well-known furniture series. Ch...
Straw, Beech
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour Curved Back Tufted sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour curved back sofa. Very nice designed Swedish sofa with tufted back. Gold Velour that shows fading otherise good vintage Condition....
Velvet, Wood
George Nakashima Style Saddle Stools with Trestle Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark wood saddle stools influenced by the work of George Nakashima, each featuring a gently curved seat formed to a saddle-like profile. The wood displays natural variation throughou...
Wood
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Lounge Chair for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960’s. This distinctive Danish modern design features a solid walnut wood frame with four large slats ac...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$31,603 / set
Set of 8 dining chairs
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Pierre Jolliet in the 1970s, this chair reflects the functional and minimalist spirit of post-war European design. Combining clean lines, honest materials, and carefully ...
Metal
Mel Smilow Walnut Lounge Rush Seat Arm Chair Circa 1950s
By Mel Smilow
Located in Peabody, MA
An original lounge chair in walnut with woven papercord seat and back, designed and produced in limited quantities by Mel Smilow in the 1950s.
Papercord, Walnut
Mid-Century Dutch Modern Cane & Teak Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: African Teak Wood, Original Cane
Cane, Wood, Teak
Marco Zanuso 'Regent' Armchair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare 'Regent' armchair was designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in Italy in the 1960s. Characteristic for this iconic model are the generous, outward placed armrests ...
Metal
Wicker Sofa by Wicker Works made in Italy c. 1970's
By Wicker Works
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional woven wicker sofa by "the wicker works" company, circa 1970's. The sofa features a well crafted woven frame, an upholstered seat deck, with loose seat cushions, and back...
Upholstery, Wicker
1950s Theo Ruth Wingback Lounge Chair for Artifort in Beige Mohair
Dutch Mid-Century wingback lounge chair designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort, dating to the 1950s. Somewhat recently upholstered fully in beige mohair, the rounded high back rises to g...
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Leather and Ebonized Wood Slipper Chairs for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Leather & Ebonized Wood Slipper Lounge Chairs for Widdicomb, a vintage gem exuding timeless grace. Crafted in the 1950s in the United States, t...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut, Burgundy Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '765', walnut, burgundy red leather, designed in 1934, production in 1970s These well-proportioned chairs were designed ...
Leather, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chairs for Christiansen & Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Christensen & Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of spectacular shell chairs, crafted by Danish architect and furniture designer Ib-Kofod Larsen, and manufactured by Christensen & Larsen A/S in the 1950’s. Kofod Larsen’s versa...
Wood, Beech, Teak
Six Mid Century Heart Chairs, White and Green Art Deco Jacquard, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing velvet fabric by Dedar - one of the best Italian premium fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kur...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Curved Sofa Set with Table in Oak and Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, curved sofa, solid oak and fabric, France, 1960s. This sculptural seating ensemble by Guillerme and Chambron features two curved sofas connec...
Fabric, Oak
COR Style Mid-Century Modular Sectional Sofa in Green Velvet
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Seven-piece modular sectional sofa in the COR style, upholstered in the original green velvet. The configuration includes two arm pieces at 29.5 inches wide, two single units at 24.7...
Upholstery, Velvet
Greek Klismos Bench with Woven Rope Seat in the style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Troy, MI
Klismos bench attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings USA circa 1960's Black lacquered wood frame with dramatic saber legs and exposed pegged joinery Handwoven rope seat with wrapped d...
Rope, Wood, Lacquer
Pierre Chapo 'L09' Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09', oak and fabric, France, 1960s This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction...
Fabric, Elm
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Nakashima-Style Organic Edge Side Table or Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century side table or low stool from the 1950s, built in the manner of George Nakashima's organic approach to woodworking. The top is a solid wood slab with a naturally und...
Wood, Lacquer
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