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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
Rare Midcentury Ottoman or Stool for Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful and seldom seen ottoman, bench or stool by Vincent Cafiero for knoll. Featuring a tufted seat in newly recovered Spinneybeck leather. Having ...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Pair of Mid Century Modern X Frame Benches
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful pair of button tufted benches with x frames in chromed steel. Faux leather vinyl is in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Chrome is also excellent with adjustab...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Petite Wing Back Chairs with Matching Ottomans
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of petite wing back chairs with matching ottomans. Whimsical fabric with quilted type design. The price is for the pair with ottomans. Some wear to upholstery piping and fading ...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Ottoman for lounge chair
Located in Meguro-ku, JP
This ottoman is a display sample made for the European lounge chair. The upholstery fabric is KINGHAM RELOADED made by Italian maker CHIVASSO. The legs are brass plated over the stee...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Space Copenhagen Swoon Ottoman
Located in Berkeley, CA
Space Copenhagen swoon ottoman to supplement the swoon chair; creating a sophisticated lounge set that invites hours of comfort.
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Chrome Square Benches
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of modern style footstools with black and red fabric and sleek chrome frames. Great as extra seating. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Leather Ottoman in Emerald Green, Small — Talabartero Collection
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...
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Vintage Franco Albini Style Woven Rattan Ottoman Pouf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage woven rattan ottoman in the manner of Franco Albini, designed in 1951. Age-appropriate wear to the woven rattan, but ours is a very nice, ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rattan

Ottoman Pouf Stool Lacquered in Yellow Folk
Located in Lisbon, PT
Easy and fun this piece combines comfortable seating with a fun and elegant shape that will complete any living space. This listing considers the first photo with yellow lacquer. The...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood

Leather Ottoman in Solid Black, Small, Talabartero Collection
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...
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Leather Ottoman in Solid Berry, Large, Talabartero Collection
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 coll...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian 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

Percival Lafer Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Red Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair with ottoman, model MP-211, hardwood, leather, Brazil, 1974 Bulky and volominous lounge chair with pouf by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This chair...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Mahogany French Campaign Style Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
French Campaign style mahogany lounge armchair and matching ottoman with button tufted black leather upholstery. The chair retains its original b...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Woven Leather Ottoman in Walnut and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2013, the Woven Leather Ottoman is classical...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Leather

Vintage Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Lounge Chair and Ottoman Rare 70s lounge chair and ottoman. Fiberglass back and base with matching ottoman rai...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Composition

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Patio Samsonite Flat Tube Steel Ottoman End Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern ottoman or table made by Samsonite in the 1960s. Features a flat tube steel base and plastic slats. Can be used as a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Earl Handcrafted Walnut Moresby Ottoman with Custom Linen or Leather Upholstery
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This handmade solid wood constructed ottoman includes handcut joinery and custom upholstered seat and seat back cushions. This ottoman is shown in mahram plume ciabatta ivory text...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Mid Century "Big" Mushroom Armchair and Pouf by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Comfort at the utmost! This very rare Big Mushroom set is designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort in the 60's. Covered with lovely and ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bouclé, Foam, Wood

Pouf, Therapeutic Toy in Jute, Material by Renate Müller, Germany, GDR
Located in Halle, DE
Original and Authentic therapeutic Toy for children by Renate Müller, East-Germany, GDR, circa 1973. A Drum-shaped pouf with handles, made of jute...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

DOOQ Organic Modern Coral Pouf Malibu in Rich Cotton Velvet
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Lounge Armchair welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture...
Category

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

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Brown Leather Patina Patchwork Bean Bag or Pouf, Attr. De Sede 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown vintage leather patchwork bean bag. We have 2 pieces available, this one and a slightly larger one (see pictures) Brown leather bean bag or pouf, very unique in its makin...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Mole Ottoman, Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Grey Leather
Located in Houston, TX
The design originated with a 1957 commission for the photographer Otto Stupakoff, who asked Rodrigues for a "spread-out" sofa for his studio. The design sat in Rodrigues’ company Oca...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Stylish Leather Lounge Chair with Matching Ottoman
By HBF
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the classic design aesthetic of mid-century modernism, the Dialogue chair and ottoman provide an intuitive and purposeful solution for casua...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Leather Ottoman in Solid Black, Large, Talabartero Collection
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 coll...
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman / Foot-Stool by Bradley Hughes, Sheepskin Upholstery
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman / Foot-Stool by Bradley Hughes, Sheepskin Upholstery Italian Mid-Century Modern ottoman having Bradley Hughes sheepskin uph...
Category

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

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Stool
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful rusty orange color, this a design piece truly worth coveting. The stool is in in...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Pine Stool Attributed to Charlotte Perriand, France, 1960s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Carved solid pinewood stool design Les Arcs attributed to Charlotte Perriand. Famous design like Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé. Price by stool, in sale s...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Pine

Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite Waterfall Ottoman Or Foot Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite waterfall stool.    
Category

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

Materials

Lucite, Acrylic

Pair Vintage BKF Hardoy for Knoll Cream Leather Butterfly Stool
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic butterfly ottoman in stunning cream leather, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy and produced by Knoll. An essential companion to the butterfly ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Ottomans - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century ottomans - pair Each ottoman measures: 18 wide x 18 deep x 13 inch...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Woven Rush Ottoman by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2013, the Woven Rush Ottoman is classically mid...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Rush

Set of Three "Contempo" Ottomans, Benches, Footrests, Poufs
Located in New York, NY
Three ottomans selling either as a lot, or individually, priced individually. These will need to be reupholstered as the foam cushions have become hardened. Square chrome legs, uphol...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Ottoman
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Adrian Pearsall ottoman. Was beautifully refinished and comes with a cushion. If being used as small benches you may need to firm up ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of Poufs Covered with New White Mongolian Leather, Italy, 1950
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of cherry wood poufs covered with new white Mongolian leather, Italy, 1950.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Cherry

Pair of Vintage Ivory Skai and Golden Metal Poufs by Pierluigi Colli, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. These poufs feature a golden metal frame and their original ivory skai upholstery by colli. These are vintage pieces therefore they might show slight traces of ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Large Edward Wormley Donut Ottoman for Dunbar
Located in Miami, FL
Original Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar. Foam and fabric are new, springs are original. Expertly reupholstered. Original casters. Center cushion is removable.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Ottoman or Bench
Located in East Hampton, NY
Cream tone leather tufted top cushion and straps with a stainless steel frame in wonderful original condition.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Leather Patchwork Pouf, 1970s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice leather patchwork pouf. In an sand color. Comes with storage under the lit. And of course you can sit on it. Good condition.
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chairs in COM/COL
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage mid-century Folke Ohlsson for DUX lounge chairs with teak wood frame and upholstered seat. Priced as a pair (two chairs). Price includes custom re-upholstery in CO...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Teak

Gio Ponti Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of upholstered benches by Gio Ponti. Rectangular benches with walnut bases and curled lower portion of tapering legs. Very good condition. Wood has been recently cleaned and pol...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Franco Albini Design Large Rattan Ottoman
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Italian design by Franco Albini rattan ottoman.
Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Pair of French Ottomans After Jansen
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of French ottomans after Jansen. These stunning French Maison Jansen style ottomans, benches or stools have a matte ebonized finish, tapered legs with brass sabots. These French...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Mid Century Oyster Chair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Artifort Oyster chair by Pierre Paulin, the big model with a ottoman. Designed and manufactured in the beginning of the 60's, it's a fir...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Round Vintage Ottoman by T.H. Robjohns-Gibbings
Located in East Hampton, NY
This simple yet distinguished designed round ottoman by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings with turned wood feet, has been reupholstered in a neutral cotton fabric.    
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

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

Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plush vintage modern ottoman upholstered in a rich brown leather. Versatile size and shape allows it to be used traditionally as an ottoman, as ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Circular Poufs, Italy, 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of circular poufs, Italy 1970. Brass base and cotton velvet upholstery by Dedar.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

TS Pouffe, Rectangular
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

Very Fine Leather Top X Base Table/ Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A caramel color pieced leather seat with a separate top cushion. With shaped X supports on two sides in a dark rosewood stain. Sturdy and very well made. Measures 43.5 wide by 43.5”...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base. Very good original condi...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered and Wood Bench Set by Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A clean line modern bench set designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin 1960s. It features a solid maple frame with original metallic ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Naugahyde, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair and ottoman The lounge chair measures: 27 wide x 30 deep x 39 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 23 inches ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in Blush Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The most versatile piece in any living space; "poufs" are elegant additions and very much objects of sculpture in their own right. The Montage Workroom was quite inspired by vintage ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

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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