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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
Midcentury Resin Yellow Velvet Armchairs and Pouf, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Futuristic "Tulip" design for an out of the ordinary armchair. She dressed in a bright green velvet with crumpled designs. Aesthetically it presents an elegance and a design that is ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Velvet, Resin, Plastic

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

Iconic Space Age Version Mr. Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Iconic space-age version of the Mr. Chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. This molded ply lounge chair/ottoman is designed by George Mulhauser and made by Plycraft features stylish...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Midcentury French Artisanal Oak Stool, 1950s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A beautifully French oak stool handmade in 1950s. The stool have nice crafted details such as the organic shaped seating. The solid oak shows an incredible patina in good original condition. We found this unique object at an antique fair...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Lloyd Wright, stools from price tower, Bartlesville, Oklahoma USA, 1956 original historic condition. Upholstery, copper, leather Measures: 18 W × ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Beetle Ottoman, Conic Base, Matte Black
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Beetle Ottoman is adding an extra level of comfort to the Beetle lounge chair, but is expressive enough to stand alone and have its own saying in the interior decoration. The Bee...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Faux Brass Base White Vinyl Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning pair of contemporary modern ottomans boast thick padded tops covered in white vinyl upholstery and unusual faux brass bases. A v...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Vintage White Plastic Seat Ottoman with Cast Brass Legs, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This ottoman features a white plastic material seat and gilded cast brass legs. It may show slight traces of use like the slight traces of oxidation on brass t...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs plus Ottoman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous pair of Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut lounge chairs plus ottoman. This pair will need to be re-upholstered but frames are tight and stu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Astor 60" Brass Bench in Navy Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Bench 60" is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an era o...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Beetle Ottoman, Conic Base, Black Chrome
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Beetle ottoman is adding an extra level of comfort to the Beetle lounge chair, but is expressive enough to stand alone and have its own saying in the interior decoration. The Bee...
Category

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

Materials

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

Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall for Craft Assoc. Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates (2174C). This set has been fastidiously restored (re...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Brushed Brass “Mushroom” Pouf in 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

Steel, Brass

Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Blush Mohair by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Michael Taylor for Baker Ottoman or Footstool on Brass Casters
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Co. ottoman with brass castors. Original ebonized finish and upholstery, seat raised on brass cylinde...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Upholstered Swiveling Ottoman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A midcentury swiveling ottoman with walnut base and brushed metal detail strips to the legs, there are adjustable foot pads to each. The button tufted ...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Line Pouffe, Small, Brass Legs
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Modern Line pouf is an evolution of the original Modern Line sofa design from 1949 by Great M. Grossman and echoes its characteristic clean lines and feminine aesthetic. The slen...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury French Artisanal Crème Oak Stool, 1950s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A beautifully French oak stool handmade in 1950s. The stool have nice crafted details such as the organic shaped seating. The stool shows an incredible patina and is in good original condition. We found this unique object at an antique fair...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Pair of Midcentury Swiveling Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This impressive pair of midcentury ottomans feature a sleek white faux-leather upholstery, vibrant chrome swivelling bases, and comfortable soft cushioning. A distinctive midcentury ...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Tale" Stools, Painted Birch, Plywood, Finland, 1953
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black painted birch and plywood "Tale" stools designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Eero, Finland, 1953.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Milo Bean Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Milo Bean, you can sit on it, lean against it and carry it. This fun, colorful, curvy design by Marie Burgos may be the ultimate in portable seating. Cra...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Walker Weed & Gordon Keeler Iron Woven Leather Ottoman Stool Bench 1950s MCM
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Designed by Gordon Keeler and Walker Weed. A very understated and angular welded iron rod contoured footstool. Rather wide and heavy, without a right ang...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

1952, Harrie Bertoia, Footstool for Bird Chair
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,check last five pictures, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Original footstool with original upholstery, which can be redone for extra price for the bird chair of Harrie Bertoia...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Black Leather Top Storage Ottoman by EJ Victor
Located in North York, ON
Black leather top storage ottoman by EJ Victor. Beautiful wood grains and black leather make this unique storage ottoman the perfect fit for your space. Price includes complimenta...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern bamboo coffee table. This item was designed in Italy during 1950s. This piece is an incredible item as it has a curved bamboo structure with two shelv...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

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

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Stools Ottomans Barcelona Style Yellow
Located in Miami, FL
All original 1960s stools with yellow vinyl and yellow painted steel bases.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs Ottomans
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin retro club or lounge chairs with ottomans. Features a sculptural frame with wooden arm rests and multicolored exotic fabric. Includes matching...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Cayenne Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Cayenne lounge chair and Ottoman are a deft homage to midcentury design. Designer Marie Burgos has taken the clean lines that defined seating designs of that era and given them a...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Thayer Coggin Black Tufted Leather Square Ottoman Modern Barcelona Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Thayer Coggin black tufted leather ottoman. Item details tufted leather upholstery, original label, metal legs, clean modernist lines, and quality American craftsmanship, circa 2005....
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Beetle Ottoman, Conic Base, Brass Semi Matte
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Beetle ottoman is adding an extra level of comfort to the Beetle lounge chair, but is expressive enough to stand alone and have its own saying in the interior decoration. The Bee...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Snow Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of t...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Pink Ombre Leather Ottomans on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Mid-Century Modern set of rolling ottomans. Featuring their original soft pink ombre leather upholstery outfitted on casters. The footstools are in very good condition and ha...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Rare Ottoman Designed by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley for Laverne International
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original black leather ottoman / stool, model 21-LC, from the Architectural Group One line designed by William Katavolos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International. C...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Ma39 Ottoman in Carved Wood Sheep, Italy, 21st Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ma39 ottoman in carved wood, Italy, 21st century Customized item: Material, color fabric, fabric. Available 2.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Steel Shoe Fitting Stools with Footrests
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury, shoe store, fitting stools feature patinated, brushed steel frames with brass-plated footrests and newly upholstered silver vinyl seats. Two stools are available, sold in...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Modern Line Pouffe, Large, Brass Legs
Located in Berkeley, CA
The modern line pouf is an evolution of the original modern line sofa design from 1949 by Great M. Grossman and echoes its characteristic clean lines and feminine aesthetic. The slen...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Occasional Poufs Albert Frey Attributed
By Albert Frey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These ottomans appear to be custom one-offs. Their provenance is unknown. There are only one or two others that are known to exist that are very similar to these. Simple organic upholstered...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Boho Chic Style Wicker & Cane Ottoman, Stool or Side Table made in Italy 1950’s
Located in London, GB
A vintage Mid-Century Modern round wicker ottoman, stool or side table. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and a handmade craftsmanship. This is one of 14 pieces we curren...
Category

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

Materials

Wicker

Milo Baughman Parsons Style Pillow Top Ottoman, c. 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Milo Baughman Parsons Style Pillow Top Ottoman, c. 1960s with button tufted seat.
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Wood, Upholstery

Mid-Century Modern Oversized Faux-Ostrich Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern oversized faux-ostrich ottoman. Nice tapered walnut legs having an "X" stretcher base.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Teal Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Teal Velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. These work in a multitude of spa...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Modern Line Pouffe, Large, Black Semi Matte Legs
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Modern Line Pouf is an evolution of the original Modern Line sofa design from 1949 by Great M. Grossman and echoes its characteristic clean lines and feminine aesthetic. The slen...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Modernist Wireiron and Fabric Tricorn Stool/Ottoman Vladimir Kagan
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist wire iron and fabric Tricorn stool / ottoman attributed to Vladimir Kagan, stunning simple elegant design, curvaceous flowing iron base, wonderful red wool knoll fa...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Tufted Large Black Leather Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern large black leather ottoman. Comfortable tufted top, perfect addition to any living room. (Please confirm item location - ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Pair of John of Finn Juhl Stools For John Stuart in White Alpaca
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Finn Juhl stools for John Stuart, the concave seats resting on ruddy colored wood newly upholstered in white alpaca with manufacturer's label on the underside.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

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.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" in Blue Velvet
Located in East Hampton, NY
Original pair of Karl Springer Souffle ottomans/poufs on casters for easy moving. Polished steel base and blue velvet upholstery.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Wicker Ottoman, Stool or Side Table
Located in London, GB
A vintage midcentury round wicker ottoman, stool or side table. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and a handmade craftsmanship. This is one of 14 pieces we have currently...
Category

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

Materials

Wicker

Ilmari Lappalainen Pulkka Chairs and Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finland: Ilmari Lappalainen pair of Pulkka lounge chairs with ottoman, circa 1967 Measures: Ottoman 13 1/2" height x 22" width x 20" deep.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Aluminum

Prism Bench in Sharkskin Motif Leather by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Prism collection is a contemporary interpretation of design with Lucite, used prominently in the midcentury. Our clean lined expertly polished solid Lucite “...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Lucite

Vintage Walnut Ottoman After Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hanover, MA
A low square ottoman; sculpted solid walnut splayed leg base, square top with two up-curved sides, freshly upholstered in ivory woven cotton/rayon with matching loose square pillow c...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Italian Faux Bamboo Gilt Metal Bench with White Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Italian faux bamboo gilt metal bench with white velvet upholstery.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Paul McCobb Directional Nº 314 Wingback Lounge Chair Ottoman Mid-Century Retro
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Re-Upholstery required. Not usable as-is. Please ship directly to your Upholsterer, reupholstery is necessary. No woodworking necessary, the framing on chair and ottoman are tight, ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Birch

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

Mid Century Wicker and Cane Ottoman, Stool or Side Table
Located in London, GB
A vintage midcentury round wicker ottoman, stool or side table. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and a handmade craftsmanship. This is one of 14 pieces we currently have...
Category

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

Materials

Wicker

Boho Chic Style or Modern Farmhouse Wicker Ottoman, Stool or Side Table
Located in London, GB
A vintage midcentury, Boho Chic Style round wicker ottoman, stool or side table in good condition. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and a handmade craftsmanship to a sch...
Category

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

Materials

Cane, Wicker

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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