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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
COR Style Mid-Century Modular Sectional Sofa in Green Velvet
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Seven-piece modular sectional sofa in the COR style, upholstered in the original green velvet. The configuration includes two arm pieces at 29.5 inches wide, two single units at 24.7...
Upholstery, Velvet
De Sede DS600 'Nonstop' 30-Piece Sectional Sofa Set, Curry Nappa Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15-piece De Sede DS600 sectional sofa. Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for De Sede, the DS600 consists of individual modular units that zip together ...
Leather, Felt
De Sede DS-76 Style 5-Piece Natural Leather Modular Sectional
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five-piece modular sectional in natural tan leather, configured as two corner pieces and three straight sections arranged in an L-shape. Each module measures 36 inch wide by 37.5 inc...
Metal
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
$13,500 / set
Harvey Probber “Cubo” Nuclear Seating Modular Sofa
Located in Bensalem, PA
Original Harvey Probber tagged sofa.Circa 1970s from the Cubo line 10 pieces included, comes with original black plinth bases as seen please look at pictures and video for overall de...
Upholstery
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir Vintage Broyhill Lenoir Modular Sectional Sofa characterized by its distinctive exposed solid wood frame st...
Upholstery, Walnut
Luciano Frigerio 'Can Can' Sectional Sofa with Side Tables in Dark Wood
By Frigerio Di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio, 'Can Can' sectional sofa with side tables, beech, fabric, glass, Italy, 1960s This large living room set known as 'Can Can' is designed by Lu...
Fabric, Glass, Beech
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, Kvadrat Harald 3 - 0952, wood, Italy, 1970s. This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. This alignment consists of s...
Fabric, Wood
American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan and floral-printed fabric sectional or modular sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Some distress to fabric, ideally recovered. Wear consistent with age and use....
Fabric, Rattan
De Sede DS 600 Snake Sofa by Ueli Berger in Brown Leather, 26 Elements
By De Sede
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A true icon of Swiss design, the De Sede Non Stop sofa was introduced in the 1970s and remains a benchmark of craftsmanship and modular innovation. Its sculptural, flowing form deliv...
Leather
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, Sectional sofa model ‘Snake’ DS-600, leather, Switzerland, 1972. An amazing design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerla...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
1960's Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Velvet 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid Century Modern sectional couch for sale. It's a two-piece sectional that has a solid walnut platform and solid walnut legs, and has walnut trims at the top. The wa...
Velvet, Walnut
$6,698Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of Vintage Italian Velvet Five Modular Armchairs and Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful modular velvet sofa, composed of 5 armchairs and a coffee table. The coffee table has a smoked mirror as a top. The Italian sofa is in dark orang...
Velvet, Beech
Luciano Frigerio, Sectional Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A sectional dark-stained wood and off-white fabric sofa produced by Luciano Frigerio, Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 107.88"W x 85.25"D Seat Height (inches)...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa 40 Elements in Full-grain Nappa Leather
By De Sede, Ueli Berger
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 40 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Sna...
Leather, Wood
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Sea...
Fabric, Wood
$12,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Curved Sectional Sofa Newly Reupholstered
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stunning mid-century modern two-piece sectional curved sofa designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. An exceptional sofa both for its form and quality, it is a distinctive and he...
Upholstery
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa - Seating Landscape with 80 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias ...
Leather, Wood
Lawson-Fenning L-Shaped Mesa Sectional, Linene & Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sectional is fully upholstered and features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as a Sectional with Chaise or a Sofa. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and ...
Fabric, Walnut
$14,137Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Sectional Sofa for Craft, 1970s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa for Craft. This sectional sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations, as shown in the images...
Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa Sectional consist of 6 pieces plus two ottomans. Multiple sections of sofa retain Craft Assoc. labels. Each ottoman measures- 3...
Upholstery
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman for Saporiti Italia 1970s
By Saporiti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Skokie, IL
Alberto Roselli "Confidential" sofa with ottoman in newly upholstered in soft mohair for Saporiti Italia, 1970s. You can easily remove one section from the middle of the sofa if you ...
Steel
Stylish Milo Baughman 3 Piece Circular Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish Milo Baughman 3 piece circular sectional sofa. The upholstery will need up dating as it looks tired and worn. The cushions are still soft and comfortable along with the foa...
Upholstery, Wood
Nuvolone Modular Sofa by Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in VENLO, NL
The Nuvolone modular lounge sofa, designed by Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova in the 1970s, is an iconic example of Italian design where modernism meets space-age influences. The name ‘N...
Fabric, Foam
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Turquoise & Walnut 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this exceptional mid-century modern turquoise and walnut two-piece sectional sofa. Featuring its original turquoise vinyl upholstery, this striking section...
Faux Leather, Wood, Walnut
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
Cy Mann Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa
By Cy Mann
Located in Redding, CT
Cy Mann Designers collection Serpentine Biomorphic Sectional Sofa. Classic Mid Century style. In a blue/ purple chenille. Comes with 5 sections plus the ottoman. Structurally sound ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in Orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line Multichair is a convertible system consisting of two individual elements that can easily turn into a conversation/r...
Fabric
Handsome Milo Baughman style Selig 6 Piece Cube Sofa Sectional Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 6 piece Milo Baughman style cube sectional sofa. This "playpen" sectional was made by Selig. There is some minor wear to the back of some of the pieces with minor rips and ...
Upholstery
$3,328Sale Price / set|40% Off
Italian Design COROLLA Leather Sectional Sofa by I.P.E. Italy 1970's
By IPE
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design 'COROLLA' Leather Sectional Sofa by I.P.E. Italy 1970's. Marked on the bottom. Cognac leather on chrome metal frame with detachable arm rests...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Minotti Hamilton Sectional Sofa on Chrome Base.
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Hamilton sectional by Minotti, custom-ordered in the 2010s. Composed of three modular elements, the design rests on a smoked chrome base with a chaise that can be positioned to eit...
Chrome
Modular Sofa in Red and Patterned Upholstery by Roche Bobois, France 1980s
By Roche Bobois
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A vibrant and sculptural modular sofa from Roche Bobois, produced in France during the 1980s, a decade in which the brand embraced bold forms, expressive textiles, and a spirit of pl...
Fabric
Mid Century Modern Style Four Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century Modern style four piece sectional sofa with 2 contoured end units and 2 curved center units that offers ample seating. The sectional with button tufted backs, foam fill...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Mah Jong sofa in iced blue cotton velvet by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular sofa, ice blue/green cotton velvet, Hans Hopfer, 1970s. Early edition reupholstered Mah Jong sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois...
Fabric
Kroehler "PlayPen" or "Galaxy Pit Sectional Sofa", 11 Sections in Dark Gray
Located in Dallas, TX
1970s pit sectional sofa by Kroehler. Dubbed the Galaxy Pit or Playpen sectional, this sectional is versatile and can be arranged in countless ways. ...
Upholstery
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sofa 14 Elements in Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 14 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Pink Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Snake' is arguably the most famous sofa in the world. The non-stop system makes this sofa endless and it currently has the record 'longest sofa in the world'. This listing is for a DS 600 with 14 elements - creating a visually pleasing and very comfortable colorful seating...
Leather, Wood
1980s Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Carter Furniture
Located in Elkton, MD
Exceptional two-piece sectional sofa by Carter Furniture, featuring a sculptural serpentine form inspired by the work of Vladimir Kagan. The design emphasizes flowing curves, generou...
Upholstery
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Munster, NRW
This Togo living landscape consisting of 3seater sofa, a lounge chair and a ottman was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1974. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, stunning beautif...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
Vintage Walnut Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a masterpiece of 1960s American design with this stunning Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa, crafted for Craft Associates. This is more than seating, it’s a statement piece tha...
Fabric, Formica, Walnut, Lacquer
Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. MADE IN ITALY UPHOLSTERED in St Germain Fabric by Metaphores, Color: Fondant M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Har...
Velvet
Milo Baughman Large Pit Sectional with 11 Pieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa is very versatile and can be arranged in numerous configurations. The listing measurements are for the sofa as configured in lead photo. Each corner piece measures 33" W x ...
Upholstery, Wood
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, fabric, ultrasuede, wood, Italy, 1970s. This rare sofa is designed by Willy Rizzo and consists of a three-seater, two-seater, and...
Fabric, Wood
Stendig De Sede DS 600 Nonstop Sectional Sofa, Leather, 1970s
By Stendig Co., Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Astoria, NY
Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for Stendig De Sede, DS 600 "Nonstop" Sectional Sofa, 1970s, in 14 sections with light green leather upholstery, "Stendig" label t...
Leather
1970s Milo Baughman in Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Brown Lattice Velvet Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare two pieces sectional by Milo Baughman upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen fabric.. This beautiful cotton velvet cut lattice sectional is statement piece which is also com...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 5
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of five Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of the...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. ...
Fabric, Wood
$18,640Sale Price|50% Off
Unique Limited Edition Jaguar XK150 Sofa
Located in London, GB
Limited Edition X150 Sofa Made from Fibreglass Made in Two Halves so you can have a table in the middle Identical to Original Leather Upholstery and Wire Wheels Much Fun and a Real C...
Fiberglass
Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois (1970s) ink blue velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois (1970s) reupholstered in ink blue velvet. Sublime nine piece set, endlessly modular, just in from east coast auction. Viewabl...
Velvet, Foam
Mid-Century Modern Orange & Walnut 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a dramatic mid-century statement with this exceptional 1960s orange and walnut two-piece sectional sofa. Upholstered in vibrant orange vinyl, this expansive sectional captures t...
Faux Leather, Wood, Walnut
Pagrù by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P Industria Chimica per L' Arredamento 1969
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Divano componibile Pagrù disegnato da Claudio Vagnoni per 1P Industria Chimica per l' Arredamento 1969. Tra i pezzi più ricercati del designer Romano questo raro set componibile è composto da 6 pezzi, 4 poltrone e 2 poggiapiedi, il set è in eccellenti condizioni di originalità, tessuto di fabbrica in perfette condizioni, imbottitura in poliuretano espanso indeformabile. La 1P è diventata negli anni tra le aziende di maggior rilievo nel settore del design Italiano d' epoca, scomparsa prematuramente negli anni 70 l' azienda toscana fu in grado di proporre al pubblico un ampia selezione di sedute innovative e dalle forme futuristiche, tra i progetti più quotati oltre al Pagrù troviamo le poltrone Nuava, Gena, Duna Rezia e il rarissimo modello Maja. Tutti i prodotti della 1P ad oggi sono tra i pezzi più apprezzati e ricercati da collezionisti e designer di tutto il mondo. Per tutti i pezzi storici del design Italiano segui la nostra galleria SECONDA GIOVINEZZA...
Cotton
Milo Baughman Ivory Cream Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There can hardly be a more emblematic Mid-Century Modern sofa than the Milo Baughman semi-circular sectional sofa circa 1970s made by Thayer Coggin. The most well known and admired o...
Upholstery