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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
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

Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman Style of Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern leather lounge chair and ottoman. The chair has sloping arms with brass stud trim to the arms and ottoman. Gilbert Rohde Style.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

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

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

Pair of Italian Brass Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning set of brass benches designed and manufactured in Italy. The benches are in vintage condition and they need to be reupholstered, the brass bases show signs of wear and some...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage 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

Boho Chic Style Wicker Ottoman, Stool or Side Table Italy 1960’s attr Albini
Located in London, GB
A vintage midcentury round wicker ottoman, stool or side table in good condition. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and a handmade craftsmanship. In the era of flower pow...
Category

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

Materials

Wicker

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

Lucite, Leather

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

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

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

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

Materials

Wicker

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

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

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

Modern Line Pouffe, Small, 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

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 Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This refined and understated ottoman were designed by Paul McCobb- one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 20th century design- in America, circa 1950. The ottoman offe...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

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

Petite Brass Hairpin Ottomans in Indigo Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
The perfect addition to any space! Wonderfully proportioned pair of ottomans upholstered in a supple Indigo velvet of the highest quality; 100% cotton. T...
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

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

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

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

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

Frits Henningsen Style Leather Wingback Chair and Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Frits Henningsen style leather wingback chair and ottoman. The chair and ottoman is dark blue leather with a wood frame.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Modern Stool or Bench Attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modern stool or bench, attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, American, circa 1950s. This piece is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric at no additional c...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered X-Stretcher Ottoman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Upholstered ottoman from the early 1970s. X stretcher design. Have 3 that are slightly different. However, once reupholstered they will match.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

Pair of Vintage DIA Lounge Chairs and Ottoman's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs boast an unusual cantilever "Z" shape with a matching ottoman. A royal blue faux leather upholstery covers both of these piece...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Faux Leather

Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Gold Leaf Over Iron White Upholstered Bench
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning Hollywood Regency inspired Mid-Century Modern vintage Tommi Parzinger gold leafed iron bench has been totally restored. It has been newly upholstered in a white cut vel...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron, Gold Leaf

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

Super Rare Adrian Pearsall Swivel Ottoman Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super rare Adrian Pearsall swivel ottoman. We have never seen another one of these wonderful ottomans and just love it.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Astor Petite Brass Ottomans in Snow Velvet by Montage, Pair
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

Astor Petite Brass Ottomans in Blush Mohair by Montage, Pair
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 mid-century, celebrating an...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Mid-Century Campaign Style Black Leather Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
French Mid-Century modern Neo-classic campaign style steel & brass trimmed ottoman with cross leg design and black leather seat. (Related item: GRS054).
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Arteriors Woven Suede and Brass Stool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Made in India. A square brass footed frame with gray suede webbing overall. Good condition, just some expected tarnish to the brass but a nice patina.
Category

20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Mahogany by Harvey Probber
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern 1950s ottoman, designed by Harvey Probber, with a rectilinear mahogany frame and upholstered in a high quality fabric.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair Footstool for Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage BKF Hardoy butterfly chair footstool for Knoll. Navy blue sling is in excellent new condition, with no rips, holes, or tears. Black wire frame is st...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Stunning Milo Baughman Chrome Stool Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Milo Baughman chrome stool ottoman with original nubby tweed upholstery.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut and Dove Gray Button Tufted Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1960. It features tapered legs that meet an elegantly appointed apron on top of which sits a button t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

WYETH Original Party Ottoman
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oversized ottoman filled with hand-tied springs for added comfort and upholstered in natural leather.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Brass and Steel White Upholstered 3-Legged Bench Mid-Century Modern Restored
Located in North Miami, FL
This most unusual and interesting fully restored Mid-Century Modern comfortable 3-legged bench is a combination of polished brass and steel with side arms that are upholstered. The l...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 Mid-Century Modern White Faux Snakeskin Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of vintage modern ottomans feature a faux snakeskin vinyl upholstery. Stylish design with a thick padded cushion on top and ...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather

Mid Century Modern Vintage Cherry Stool by Anna Lülja Praun Josef Frank Fabric
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage stool or ottoman by Anna Lülja Praun circa 1952 from cherry wood. and one loose cushion. The cushion is newly covered with amazing textile fabric by Josef ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Ivory White Calfskin Ottomans
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury ottomans custom upholstered in a creamy white calfskin with bronze nailheads. New padding/upholstery. Mint restored.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Cowhide

Mid Century Modern Vintage Hans J. Wegner Stool Attributed, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage stool from wood attributed to Hans J. Wegner 1950s Denmark.The stool shows underneath a paper label which gives the information model no. 85 and made in th...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric

Richard Hersberger for PACE leather chair and ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Nice broken in example, tomato orange leather with chrome frame. The frame has very minor pitting at the joint of the base ( pictured ) and the leather is worn, but not torn. It i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Beechwood Vintage Stool Multicolored Josef Frank Cushion by Anna Lülja Praun
Located in Vienna, AT
Beechwood vintage stool designed by the Viennese female designer and architect Anna-Lülja Praun, circa 1952. The frame from stained solid beechwood is shel...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Wyeth Original Spring Pouf Ottoman
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A traditional handcrafted and tied coil spring pouf ottoman with an oiled walnut base in Knoll Luxe fabric.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid Century Hollywood Regency Stools or Ottomans, USA, Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Hollywood regency midcentury stools rendered in aluminum pipe bound with aluminum rope and vinyl seat, distressed original condition. Can be reupholstered or painted as desir...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Handmade Italian Midcentury Iron and Straw / Rattan Stool or Bench
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Italian midcentury stool / bench / ottoman incorporating elements of the neoclassical and the neo-Baroque in a modern context. The stool is composed of a handmade gilt wrought iron frame with finials extending from the tops, a rattan / straw seat and painted decorative wood stretchers. A matching throne...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Handsome Pair of Milo Baughman Style Chrome Leg Ottoman Stools
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of Milo Baughman style chrome leg ottoman stools.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Impressive Midcentury Four-Piece Snake Skin Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique vintage-modern faux snake skin Ottoman, separates into four triangular pieces making it perfect for any size area. (Please confirm item lo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great pair of X-base ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This was model number 5002 from the 1950s. Vinyl tops with painted black mahogany legs. Purchased from the original owner.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Vintage Stools by Talos, 1950s, Vienna Set of Two
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid century modern vintage pair of three-legged stools with ametal base and a plastic covered seat. The stools have a seat from plastic cover with multicolored geometric pattern and ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Walnut and Brass Italian Benche, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and particular design for this pouf, narrow and long, due the use of not common materials. All veneered in walnut wood, and bordered all around by a brass rods. Particular a...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Midcentury Attributed to Harvey Probber Parsons Cube Stools
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of vintage midcentury stools attributed to Harvey Probber. Legs have a radius interior side. I believe these most likely need re-uphols...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

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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