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.
Adrian Pearsall Ottoman in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ottoman, walnut, fabric, United States, 1960s This Adrian Pearsall ottoman is defined by a clear, cohesive geometry. Its circular seat creates ...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Ingmar Relling Siesta Ottoman for Westnofa, Black Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ingmar Relling designed the Siesta ottoman as the companion piece to his renowned Siesta lounge chair, both produced by Norwegian manufacturer Westnofa....
Leather, Bentwood
Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset TOGO Footstool Ottoman in Tiger Mountain by Dedar
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This iconic ottoman is part of the legendary Togo collection designed in the 1970s by Michel Ducaroy for the French manufacturer Ligne Roset. Revolutionary at the time of its creatio...
Velvet
1950s Italian Ottoman in Brass and Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool or ottoman, lacquered brass, brass, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian ottoman from the 1950s beautifully reflects the refined spirit of mid-century design. Its clean, ...
Brass
Mushroom Ottoman in "Oxido-Honey" Specialty Fabric
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Oxido-Honey" specialty fabric. Oxido-Honey is a woven fabric with multiple textures in taupe, dark brown, ivory, and muted yellow....
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in "Parlay" Specialty Fabric
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Parlay" specialty fabric. Parlay is a woven black and white fabric with the white part having a velvet texture. Perfect for using ...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Cinnamon Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped stool, upholstered in "Pistachio" curly boucle fabric. Pistachio is a yellow-green color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A ...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Orchid Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an orchid colored curly boucle fabric. Orchid is a muted purple color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Olive Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an olive green colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A great sculptural accent...
Fabric
Scandinavian Modern Stool in Beech Wood and Yellow Chenille Seat, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching Scandinavian Style Beechwood Stool with Mustard Yellow Velvet Upholstery, 1950s New upholstery. This Mid-Century Modernist rectangular stool or small bench was handcrafte...
Wood, Beech, Fabric
Pair Of Italian Modern Ottomans With Brass Legs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Modern Ottomans With Brass Legs. Offered is a beautiful pair of mid-century Italian Gio Ponti inspired round ottomans or poufs with spalyed brass legs professionally ...
Brass
Mushroom Ottoman in Denim Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a denim blue colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Ivory Melange Wool
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Ivory Melange" wool fabric. This melange fabric has beautiful variation within the fibers, please see close up pictures. Perfect f...
Wool
Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Shearling
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Lead Time: Please allow 10 to 12 weeks to restore a vintage Womb Chair and Ottoman in Shearling. "Eero Saarinen designed the groundbreaking Wom...
Sheepskin
Arne Norell Ottoman 'Merkur' in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell AB, 'Merkur' ottoman, leather, oak, Sweden, 1960s This rectangular shaped ottoman by Arne Norell features a comfortable cushion with tufted details. The brown...
Leather, Wood
Leather Ottoman in Emerald Green, Small — Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the colle...
Leather
Lawson-Fenning Petite Moreno Ottoman, Mohair & Solid Oak, Modern Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Petite Moreno Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning features a round solid wood base with four cylindrical legs and an upholstered top. Available in American walnut or white oak. The Laws...
Mohair, Oak
1970s De Sede Style Natural Leather Patchwork Ottoman, Dutch
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Dutch Mid-Century square ottoman from the 1970s. This piece features a unique and luxurious design that brings the design employed by Swiss luxury leather furniture maker De...
Leather
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in New Zealand Taupe Sheepskin
Located in Saint Louis, US
Relax and unwind in this beautifully comfortable original Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and ottoman set. The chair is accompanied by an ottoman of which both are fully reupholstered in hi...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Stool in Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, folding stool or ottoman, leather, steel, Italy, 1985. This stool is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia ...
Steel
‘Djinn’ Easy Chairs and Ottoman by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
'Djinn' easy chair and ottoman by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne International, France, 1964-1965. Made of a tubular steel frame with rubber singles, foam and woolen fabric. The set is after fully renovation with the original specifications with use of the highest quality foam and rubber. It is again upholstered in a luxurious woolen "plush" fabric from Belgium. The chair stands on stainless steel slides to protect the chair and fabric. In excellent condition. Both are original pieces from the 1960s. This set is the same as the red chairs used in the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" by Stanley Kubrick. Those pieces are a part of Center de Pompidou and the New York's MoMA collection. This epic set of modernism from the Mid-20th Century is as beautiful as it is comfortable and will surely become a delightful piece of furniture in your home. Condition: This “Djinn” set is in perfect condition, after fully renovation process, has new stripes, foam and was reupholstered in luxurious woolen fabric from Belgium. Chair dimensions: Width 70 cm / 27.56 in. Depth 76.2 cm / 30 in. Height Seat Height 67 cm / 26.37 in. 39.37 cm / 15.5 in. Ottoman dimensions: Width 72 cm / 28.34 in. Depth 58 / 22.83 in. Height 40 cm / 15.74 in. About the Designer: Olivier Mourgue (French, born 1939) is a French artist and industrial designer. Best known for his design of the Djinn line of furniture, Mourgue's aesthetic is characterized by brightly colored jersey fabric stretched over structural steel frames that are filled with polyether foam, creating a unified, futuristic, alien-like modular form. Born in Paris, France in 1939, he began his career with an innovative design for a chaise lounge in 1964, after which he expanded his original furniture line to include loveseats, stools, and anthropomorphic chairs. Despite also producing paintings and drawings, his career was ultimately dedicated to industrial design, and provided a quintessential aesthetic of 1960s Modernist furniture...
Metal
Leather Ottoman in Cobalt, Small — Talabartero Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’—and the colle...
Leather
Petite Orsini Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Petite Orsini Ottoman features a minimal metal base with decorative ball feet and an upholstered seat. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, Ca...
Steel
Carrillo Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Carrillo Ottoman is crafted from solid wood and features the signature rear leg design of the Carrillo Lounge Chair. It looks elegant as a stand-alone piece or paired with the Ca...
Upholstery
Maralunga Ottoman in Leather, Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italian Modern, 1973
Located in Odense, DK
An iconic ottoman from the celebrated Maralunga series, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This piece features a sleek steel frame and is upholstered in warm light bro...
Leather
'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Mid-Century Modern 'Mr. Chair' and ottoman, designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960s. A timeless example of American Modernist design, this sculptural lounge ...
Plywood, Faux Leather
1960s by Lane Walnut and Vinyl Chess Table with Storage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s by Lane Walnut and Vinyl Chess Table with Storage Storage Box or Side Table Reversible faux leather cover on one side game board on the other! 27.25 h x 16 x 16 Original unrest...
Faux Leather, Wood
Ottoman in Cognac Leather and Chromed Metal Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman, leather, chromed metal, Europe, 1960s This ottoman from the 1960s exemplifies timeless and modern furniture design. Featuring a Z-shaped base crafted from chromed metal, it...
Metal, Chrome
Midcentury Danish Teak Leather Storage Side Table with Wheels or Ottoman Stool
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Striking midcentury Danish design storage stool or side table with wheels, multifunctional with a removable top offering useful storage and two additional drawers. One of the drawers has a solid plastic divided interior as sewing storage...
Leather, Plywood, Teak, Plastic
Franco Albini Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Round Ottoman Stool, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century round bamboo & wicker stool. Franco Albini designed this piece in Italy during the 1960s. The pouf features a beautiful combination of curved bamboo, rattan a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Pair of Florence Knoll Leather Ottomans 1965
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Florence Knoll Model 1209PC Leather Ottomans, 1965 Reupholstered in Spinneybeck Leather A classic pair of Florence Knoll ottomans, model...
Steel
Italian Midcentury Cube Side Table or Pouf in Bamboo and Rattan, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely little side table or ottoman in bamboo and rattan, produced in Italy in the 70s. This sturdy ottoman has a cube-shaped structure fully made in bamboo canes with the top hav...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-Century Barcelona Foot Stool White Leather & Chrome style Mies Van der Rohe
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, mid-century modern Barcelona ottoman stool in white leather and chrome designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Unmarked. Dimensions: 16.5" H x 21.5" D x 23.5" ...
Chrome
'Kilim 4' Pouf by Nani Marquina and Marcos Catalán for Nanimarquina
By Nanimarquina, Nani Marquina & Marcos Catalán
Located in Glendale, CA
'Kilim 4' Pouf by Nani Marquina and Marcos Catalán for Nanimarquina. Executed in 100% hand-spun Afghan wool with a birch base and flame-retardant filling, this decorative accessory ...
Wool, Birch
Portola Round Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Portola Ottoman - Round has a handcrafted solid wood frame with an attached cushion. Pairs with the Portola Lounge Chair. Also available in a square design. The Lawson-Fenning C...
Upholstery
Pair of Stools Gilt Wrought Iron by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Pair of stools, poufs or ottomans by Pier Luigi Colli. Hammered gilt gold mat wrought iron, brass detail. Fully upholstered with mohair velvet fabric. Famous design like Maison Janse...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Brass
Freeform Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Ottoman Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Ottoman blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by natural shapes, its ...
Beech, Maple
1990s Billy Baldwin X Style Upholstered Red Benches Ottomans– a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of striking ottomans, circa the 1990s. This set features a bold abstract floral upholstery in rich tones of red, olive, taupe, and cream. The cu...
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
Mushroom Ottoman in Fuchsia Wool
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Fuchsia" pink wool fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Wool
Portola Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Portola ottoman has a handcrafted solid wood frame with an attached cushion. It can be perfectly paired with our Portola Lounge Chair. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed...
Upholstery, Oak
Modern Cocktail Ottoman - Caramel Brown Leather
Located in Westwood, NJ
A harmonious blend of luxury and timeless design. Featuring a button tufted top crafted from premium brown top-grain leather, it offers both comfort and style. The elegantly finished...
Metal
Late-20th Century, French Modern Rope Side Table / Ottoman, 1980s
Located in Odense, DK
This beautiful piece is a French 1980s rope side table and ottoman/stool, a distinctive example of European design that blends sculptural form with tactile materials. A notable examp...
Rope
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames, 1959
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic first generation 670/671 lounge chair with ottoman by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, c.1959, USA. This version has down filled cushions and round silver upholste...
Leather, Rosewood, Down
Adrian Pearsall Custom Upholstered Animal Print Swivel Poof Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A swivel pouf ottoman, often referred to as a "mushroom pouf," that was designed by Adrian Pearsall for his company, Comfort Designs, Inc.. Adrian Pearsall founded Comfort Designs in...
Metal
Marge Carson Leopard Pouf, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1980s
By Marge Carson
Located in New York, NY
Modernist pouf/ottoman featuring a new heavy woven leopard print fabric by Bergamo. New padding and foam. Mint restored.
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Postmodern Waterfall Upholstered Bench Set, Ottomans or Poufs in Pink
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic looking upholstered bench set from the 1980s with a waterfall form. This well made set still retains its original upholstery which is in fantastic condition.
Fabric
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Pair of 'DS-P' Ottomans in Camel Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, pair of 'DS-P' ottomans, leather, oak, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P serie designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of functional ...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Round Ottoman Pouf in Woven Rattan and Wood, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera style pouf stool completely made in hand-woven rattan with walnut wood feet. This delightful organic object can also be used as stylish side table, it was de...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Wicker
Oversized Rectangular Ottoman in Clarence House Italian Zebra Velvet
Located in Malibu, CA
Custom-made Ottoman with hardwood construction, newly upholstered in Clarence House mocha brown & oyster velvet, made in Italy. A sleek, modern ottoman upholstered in Clarence H...
Velvet, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf, DEDAR Pearl Boucle, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Contemporary
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Grand pouf is a versatile piece that combines elegance with functionality. Its c...
Brass, Stainless Steel
King Pouf by Josh Greene for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The King Pouf is an easily mobile pouf divided into four sections with matching upholstered base. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California. ...
Upholstery
Herman Miller Eames Ivory Leather Management Desk Chair with Pneumatic Lift
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful edition of the classic Eames office chair. Herman Miller edition Eames aluminum group Management chair in ivory leather. Features the pneumatic height lift adjustment which...
Leather
Barcelona Knoll Styled Leather Chrome Ottoman / Stool
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted heavy chromed luxurious ottoman or stool with squared leather top cushion in the manner of Knoll and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. Perfect for extra seating or use as...
Chrome
Mushroom Ottoman in Goji Wool
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Goji" red wool fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptural a...
Wool
Swedish Mid-Century Bentwood Swiveling Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish Swedish modern swiveling lounge chair and ottoman. Sleek design with leather upholstery and rosewood frames and bases. A quality piece that is sure to please in any modern in...
Leather, Wood
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Denmark, circa 1970
By Maurice Villency, Arne Vodder
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful highback lounge chair with ottoman probably made around 1970 or early in that decade. It is Danish but we are unsure of the Designer and maker as it is unmarked. However, i...
Wool, Teak
Mid Century Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin White Vinyl Rolling Storage Ottoman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century oversized storage ottoman in white vinyl on a wood plinth base with hidden casters. Lid opens to reveal ample hidden storage space. Retains original Thayer Coggin tag bel...
Metal
1970s Rolf Heide for ICF Ottoman with Striped Cushion and Black Base
By ICF Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolf Heide designed this striking ottoman for ICF during the 1970s, bringing his signature approach to Mid-Century modern seating. The piece represents the era's embrace of functiona...
Fabric, Wood