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Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color:  Gray
Vintage Brass "Poufs" by Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of vintage brass poufs / ottomans designed by Marge Carson in United States, circa 1970s. These poufs have been professionally reupho...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculptura Ottoman by Russell Woodard, C1960
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and totally restored pair of hard to find Sculptura Ottomans by Russell Woodard. Sand blasted and powder coated with new plastic glides. In ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Large Thick Lucite Mid-Modern Waterfall Bench Or Ottoman
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Thick Lucite mid-modern waterfall bench or ottoman
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Lucite

George Mulhauser Leather Ottoman Chrome Star Base for Plycraft
Located in Munich, DE
Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft´, USA, 1960s. Steel and faux black leather. Measures: H 40 x W 54 x D 61 cm.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Mushroom Ottoman in Gray Boucle
Located in Vallejo, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a gray curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptural accent piece. Mushroom ottomans are made to order, customizations are not possible. PLEASE NOTE: Color variations may occur due to different monitor settings. Colors shown on screen may be a close match, but please do not rely on them to be an exact match. Please feel free to send a message with your address...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Piero Lissoni Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of ottomans by Piero Lissoni for his 'Season' collection. Great for use in the home or office. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Orsini Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Satin Brass Orsini ottoman by Lawson-Fenning. The Orsini Ottoman features a brushed brass base with cap feet and an upholstered seat. Shown here with satin brass base and upholstered...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Petite Paul Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Petite Paul ottoman features a round solid lacquered brass base and an upholstered seat with piping. Each leg features a rounded leveler. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is des...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Renato Zevi "Ellipse" Rocking Chair by Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish chrome and vinyl rocker by Renato Zevi for Selig takes some cues from the style of mid-century master Milo Baughman while maintaining it's ow...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Palladio Italy Baroque Style Rope and Tassel Gilt Iron Vanity Stool
Located in New York, NY
Italian Baroque-style mid-century (circa 1950) Rope and Tassel vanity stool with a gilt iron frame and unattached purple pink and green plaid seat cushion. (Palladio, Italy).
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Pierre Guariche Pair of Minotaur Stools, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Minotaur stools in leather with black enameled steel bases.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Set of 3 Brown Jordan American Mid-Century Outdoor Aluminum Beach / Sand Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American mid-century outdoor aluminum beach / sand chairs with latticed backs and seats in an aluminum frame that sits low to the ground. (BROWN JO...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

2 Pairs of John Salterini American Mid-Century Iron Outdoor Ottomans
Located in New York, NY
2 Pairs of American mid-century iron outdoor ottomans with a curved lattice structure supported by four posts topped with gilt ball finials and an x-...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

DIA Design Institute of America Mid-Century Cantilever Design Chrome
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century cantilever design footstool with a curved square chrome tube base supporting a rectangular beige upholstered top with a faint floral pattern. (DIA DESIGN INSTITUTE OF AMERICA)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mushroom Armchair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Artifort Mushroom set, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60’s. This very comfortable and cosy set is just covered with beautiful and high qual...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb mid century iron stool. This stool measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 18 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Located in New York, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Selig Grey Fabric Upholstery and Brass Scoop Chair Footstool
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century scoop chair footstool with a faintly striped grey upholstered rectangular top resting on a brass stretcher base. (SELIG)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Steel Ottoman Mies Van Der Rohe Style with Grain White Leather, Italy, 1979
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian steel ottoman in the style of Mies Van Der Rohe. It consists of a steel structure and four tube legs. The seat is made of foam and reupholstered with white grain leather and ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

1960s Round Sectional Ottoman Gray Velvet Bronze Lucite Edward Wormley Dunbar
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Round sectional ottoman in gray velvet finished bronze Lucite legs attribution style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA Comfy pull apart seating ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bronze

De Sede Pouf 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful leather patchwork pouf from the 1970s, produced by Swiss company De Sede who is famous for their impressive leather work. A wonderful find that remains in good vintage co...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Gris Grey Patchwork Leather Storage Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede storage pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort. Detailed condition...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Warren Platner 1705Y Easy Ottoman, Gray Leather and Nickel, Knoll, 1966
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Warren Platner 1705Y Easy Ottoman, Gray Leather and Nickel, Knoll, 1966 Custom gray leather (original); original nickel finish. Ottoman retains original clear acrylic feet. The maste...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Nickel

De Sede DS-80 Taupe Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort.   
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Brass Poufs by Marge Carson, Set of 2
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of vintage brass poufs/ottomans designed by Marge Carson in the United States, circa 1970s. Each pouf features a brass base, and each...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Large Boucle Clad Ottoman in the Style of Kagan, Lucite Legs
Located in East Hampton, NY
Simple and classic design for this square ottoman in fresh boucle fabric and on two lucite legs. Clean and perfect for any design and decor.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Midcentury Ottoman Pouf in the Style of William "Billy" Haines
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury ottoman pouf in the style of William "Billy" Haines. This charming round poof is newly upholstered in plush white bouclè fabric with a large center button. This versatile ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bouclé

Vintage Custom Kilim Ottoman
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage custom upholstered Kilim pouf or ottoman having nailhead trim.
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wool

Rolling Ottoman Bench by Sherrill Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Large Rolling Ottoman Bench by Sherrill Furniture Approximate Measurem...
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Cotton

Springer Era 1970s White Leather Ottoman on Lucite Legs
Located in Ferndale, MI
High style white leather ottoman on Lucite legs. Very well made. Leather shows patina more than age. Wrinkles in the original finish. Lucite als...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Acrylic, Lucite

De Sede DS-80 Blue Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, DeSede Switzerland
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf. The pouf is in very good condition with lovely patina, high seating comfort.
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Round Mid-Century Modern His & Her Poufs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair of newly upholstered poufs with one a bit smaller than the other. They swivel too. Smaller of the two dimension are 21 W x 19 H. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Pair of Italian Tufted Chrome & Leather Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of Italian chrome and leather lounge chairs are tufted and come with two matching ottomans. The ottomans are w25" x d21" x h19" and identical in color. Please confirm item...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Style Parsons Lounge Chair and Matching Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Milo Baughman style Parsons lounge chair and matching ottoman. Tufted back and newly upholstered. Mid-Century Modern. Meas...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Italian Chrome Tufted Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Stendig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lounge chair and ottoman by Stendig is quite the show stopper. It features overlapping curvilinear supports in chrome that attach to the base of each piece. It may look like a...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century F588 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 60s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable midcentury Artifort lounge chair, model F588, with Ottoman. This set is designed by the famous English designer Geoffrey Harcourt in the 60's. It is has the o...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Gubi Pouffe
Located in Berkeley, CA
The GUBI Pouf is a collection of unique poufs in two sizes that celebrates great functionality with comfort. It is designed by GUBI to be used as informal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

off White Pair of Outdoor Ottoman by Keller Scroll of Miami
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of 1960’s off white lacquered aluminum and vinyl strapping design by Keller Scroll of Miami. Dining table and four chairs available also. This a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Aluminum, Other

Large Italian Gio Ponti Inspired Curved Bench with Brass Legs
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Gio Ponti inspired curved bench with splayed brass legs. This stunning Italian modern curved bench with brass splayed legs is upholst...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

1980s Barcelona Foot Stool White Leather & Chrome style Mies Van der Rohe
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Barcelona ottoman stool in white leather and chrome designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Unmarked 16.5H x 21.5 D x 23.5 W Original preowned vintage unrestored condition. Plea...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Swivel Clear Lucite Waterfall Vanity Stool by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Hollis Jones "Waterfall" vanity stool. Has been professionally reupholstered in a light chenille fabric with gold flecks. Gold castor legs all roll smoothly. Swivel base...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Lucite

Tufted Rolling Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage tufted stool with chrome frame on casters. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).    
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Waterfall Ottomans by Thayer Coggin, Attributed to Milo Baughman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Pair of upholstered waterfall ottomans/ stools/ petite benches by Thayer Coggin and likely designed by Milo Baughman. What makes these unique is the chrome stretcher which runs under...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Chromed Mid-Century Modern Stools Ottomans
Located in Miami, FL
Chromed metal stools with vinyl seats.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Green Plastic Stool Carrara Matta Torino, Italy, circa 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare pistachio green colored plastic stool or ottoman designed by Carrara & Matta model Senna from the 1970s. The color is pistachio green with a metal ribbon in the middle of the ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Plastic

Upholstered Stool in Leather and Stainless steel metal "Linha" by Filipe Ramos
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Linha collection was designed from the top to bottom. The first piece of this collection is the planter pedestal. One of the other pieces in this collection is this upholstered s...
Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Upholstered Ottoman by Sherrill Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful and comfortable, this vintage ottoman by Sherrill Furniture Co. is upholstered in a remarkable patterned fabric. Please confirm item location with seller (NY or NJ).
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Souffle Pouf Gun Metal Chrome Base Ottoman
Located in Chicago, IL
Souffle Pouf Gun metal chrome base ottoman. Oversized Soufflé' Pouf Bench Ottoman. Bench has been newly reupholstered in black chenille weave.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Trio of Mid Century Italian Modern Poufs or Ottomans, Set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage 1980's set of three poufs. All in very good original condition. Price includes set of 3.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Italian Mid-Century Large Pouf, 1950s
Located in Meda, MB
Rectangular mid-century ottoman of the 1950s with new upholstery and velvet. The feet are in brass.  
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

TS Pouffe, Round, Large
Located in Berkeley, CA
Celebrating great functionality with comfort, the TS Pouf in three sizes makes a versatile addition to any living area. The smaller size becomes handy to move around wherever an info...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Oval Contemporary Modern Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish contemporary modern bench or foot stool features an elaborate striped upholstery and unusual sculpted metal legs. An overstuffed oval seat and wavy drumstick shaped legs...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Pair Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Stools / Ottomans Attr Tomaso Buzzi
Located in New York, NY
Rare and stylish pair of Italian early mid-century Italian modern neoclassical stools / poofs or benches from the 'Novecento' period with red ball feet attributed to Tomaso Buzzi.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of French 1950s Ottoman
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of French 1950s ottoman, original vintage condition. Black faux leather, brass feet.    
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oversized steel wire ottoman in bouclé, designed by Warren Platner for his namesake Platner collection for Knoll. Now a Classic modern form that is at once Industrial and organic. Up...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Astor Large Brass Tufted Ottoman in Sharkskin Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor large ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Acrylic Lucite bench upholstered in white faux fur
Located in Ferndale, MI
Substantial lucite frame with cushion covered in white faux fur . Similar in style and design to a Charles Hollis Jones or Ritts piece .
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Acrylic, Faux Fur, Lucite

Mid-century Modern ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ottomans and poufs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern ottomans and poufs made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ottomans and poufs, popular names associated with this style include Lawson-Fenning, Marie Burgos Design, De Sede, and Montage. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for ottomans and poufs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $25,800 while the average work can sell for $1,963.

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