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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Period: 1950s
Two Vintage Wicker Stools
By Tony Paul
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Two stools, in the style of Tony Paul, smaller with wood dowel legs and the larger with metal legs, yellow painted finish.
Larger measures 16"D, 15.5"H, smaller 13"D, 11.5"H.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Benches with Red Patterned Fabric Upholstery, Italy
By Dedar
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s.
These benches feature a solid lacquered ebonized beech frame and a new red and white patterned fabric upholstery.
These benches are vintage therefore they might...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Mole Ottoman - Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Brown Leather 50'
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
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
Mid Century Modern Vintage Rattan Wicker Beech Stool attr Tony Paul 1955 USA
By Tony Paul
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern organic vintage stool footstool or pouf from rattan and beechwood round like design attributed to Tony Paul, c. 1955 USA.
Tony Paul ( 1918 - 2010 )
We love this...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Rattan, Beech
Ottoman for lounge chair
By Marco Zanuso
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Only 1 available. Fabulous satin brass ottoman - footstool- bench. Reupholstered in a vintage style 1960s weave fabric with fabulous coloring that contrasts greatly with the brass. S...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Harvey Probber Style Mid Century Upholstered Walnut Ottoman
Located in Countryside, IL
Harvey Probber style Mid Century upholstered walnut ottoman
Ottoman measures: 31.75 wide x 31.75 deep x 17 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vi...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Austrian Midcentury Black and Multicolored Birds and Flower Velvet Beech Stool
Located in Vienna, AT
Offered is a charming Mid-Century Modern beechwood stool, ottoman or pouf that is newly upholstered in black and multicolored velvet with flowers and birds ornaments. It has slightly...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
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
Poul Kjaerholm pk33 Stool
Located in London, GB
In original condition with nice patina to the leather a Poul Kjaerholm pk33.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Low Slung Asian Inspired Midcentury Stools
By James Mont
Located in Atlanta, GA
Low slung Asian inspired midcentury stools, American, circa 1950s. These pieces were probably reupholstered in their Asian style geometric fabric within the past few years. Black lac...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman
Ottoman measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Bamboo Ottoman or Pouf
Located in New York, NY
Nice circular bamboo footrest, ottoman. Comes with upholstered pad top, in black fabric. Measures: Diameter at top 19" x diameter at bottom 16".
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo
Pouffe Pouf Ottoman Suede Round Vintage 1950s Beige Flowerhead Footrest
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Robust and fun Mid-Century Modern accenting piece
- Great for seating additional guests or as a footrest
- Stylish design
- Robust hard wearing suede
A vintage 1950s, pale, b...
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Suede
Mid-Century Ottoman with Cowhide Upholstery
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century modern ottoman with cowhide. Sculpted mahogany frame with newly upholstered black cowhide, very sturdy and well made.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Cowhide, Mahogany
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
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
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
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Tripod Stools, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The stools were new, covered with original old Brazilian cowhide.
The frames have patina. In one the frame is rather silver color.
The seat height is ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
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
Black Aluminum and White Vinyl Ottoman by Brown Jordan
By Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s black powder coated aluminum with white vinyl straps “Katan” ottoman by Brown Jordan.
Newly professionally restored.
Measurements: 26” wide 25.5” deep 14.75” high.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Aluminum
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
3 Stools from the French Reconstruction Period, circa 1950 Fabric to Change
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
3 stools from the French reconstruction period, circa 1950
fabric to change.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By 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
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
1952, Harrie Bertoia, Footstool for Bird Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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 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
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Gold Leaf Over Iron White Velvet 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
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
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf Stool Franco Albini attr Italy, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid century modern vintage rattan pouf or stool, which was designed attributed to Franco Albini. Italy 1950s.
The rattan pouf is very stable, although it looks like lightweight. F...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Rattan
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
Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans
By Paul Laszlo
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
S. MACK OTTOMAN with White Wooden Lacquered Base
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A round shape, upholstered ottoman with a single button tuft in the centre, layered on a lacquered wooden base, designed by S. Mack, Mid-Century Modern, c. 1969. MWM DESIGN INTERIORS...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Upholstery, Lacquer, Fabric
Brass Side Table
Located in Danville, CA
Brass Side Table with crossed stretchers and square feet in the style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Could also be upholstered for use as a stool.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angled Ottoman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley fro Dunbar angled ottoman #5701 in original black leather. Ash frame.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
John Stuart Ottoman with Sculpted Legs
By John Stuart
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A large-scale John Stuart ottoman with sculpted walnut legs. Elegant Mid-Century look, new upholstery.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
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 Mahogany Swivel Ottoman in Holly Hunt Leather by Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in New York, NY
This rare and highly sought after Mid-Century Modernist Rotating Stool/ Ottoman in Holly Hunt Leather is by Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henrendon, and originates from the United ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Solid Oak and Tan Leather Poufs
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of square leather poufs in tan with a solid oak base. The leather has a little hole. We can also offer to recover the poufs in leather or fabr...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, 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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