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 DS-12 Five-Piece Buffalo Leather Modular Sectional, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
De Sede DS-12 five-piece modular sectional sofa in buffalo leather, produced by the Swiss manufacturer in the 1970s. The set consists of two end pieces and three middle seat sections...
Leather
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
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
$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
$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
Exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier Edition Mah Jong Sofa by Roche Bobois - France
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture edition Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. Jean Paul Gaultier specially designed the fabrics for the Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' sofa. The Ga...
Fabric, Foam, Bentwood
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
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
Harvey Probber Three Piece Sectional Sofa 1955c.
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber Three-Piece Sectional Sofa, circa 1955 Upholstery and solid walnut. Large-scale three-piece sectional sofa by Harvey Probber, circa 1955. The sectional features a swee...
Upholstery, Walnut
Hugo Sofa Compo 012 - Alpaca Alto fabric, color 11 (or any fabric from Cat. B)
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Hugo Modular Sofa combines sleek modernity with soft, sculptural lines, creating a striking yet inviting presence in any living space. Fully modular, it offers effortless flexibi...
Fabric, Rubber, Wood
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
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
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
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
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa 40 Elements in Full-grain Nappa Leather
By Ueli Berger, De Sede
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
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
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
De Sede DS-88 Modular Sectional Sofa in Brown Patchwork Leather 1970s Swiss
By De Sede
Located in Krefeld, DE
Exceptional De Sede DS-88 modular lounge set, handcrafted in Switzerland in the 1970s and upholstered throughout in beautifully patinated brown patchwork leather. One of De Sede’s m...
Leather
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
Large High Back Ploum Sofa by Ligne Roset
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Ligne Roset
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great Ploum Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset. This ultra coveted sofa is the epitome of comfort. Form and function. Sofa is pre-owned and in fair condition. The...
Fabric
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
Mid-Century Modular Lounge Chairs for Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex in 1970s Italy, this modular lounge seating system reflects a thoughtful balance between sculptural form and functional adaptability, characteristi...
Wool, Cotton, Wood
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
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
De Sede DS600 Ueli Berger Black Leather 15 Piece "Non-Stop" Sofa
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic De Sede DS600 "Nonstop" or "Snake" sectional sofa by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva and Heinz Ulrich. This example in black leather consists of 15 pieces with dark bro...
Leather, Felt, Wood
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Sectional Sofa for Craft, 1970s
By Craft, Adrian Pearsall
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
Sulptural Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa by M Fillmore Harty, Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, two piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original Rose colored...
Fabric
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
Large 6 Piece Modular Sofa „TRIO“ by COR, Team Form AG, 1973
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Modular “Trio” Sofa by Team Form AG for COR, Germany, 1973 An iconic modular sofa designed by Team Form AG for COR in 1973, celebrated for its architectural form and exceptional com...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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
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
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
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa 25 Elements in Full-grain Nappa Leather
By De Sede, Ueli Berger
Located in Tilburg, NL
De Sede DS 600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa with 25 Elements in High Quality Full-grain Nappa Leather, Zwitserland. New, current production. The De Sede DS 600 alias 'Tatzelwurm' or 'Sna...
Leather, Wood
Mah Jong Sofa in ‘Kenzo Takada’ Fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971 for Roche Bobois, the Mah Jong sofa remains one of the most influential and recognizable seating systems of the 20th century. Conceived as a collectio...
Fabric
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
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
Giorgio Montani Sofa Corner For Souplina 1970s
By Giorgio Montani
Located in Montréal, QC
Attributed. Giorgio Montani Corner For Souplina , C.1970 Overall good vintage condition. Patina on metal. We suggest a new reupholstery.
Metal
Selig Large 7-Piece Sectional or Modular Parsons Sofa Set, Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this 7-piece sectional sofa was produced by Selig in the early days of the company. Typically Selig is known today for importing Danish furniture and de...
Fabric
Mood Couch 3 Seats with Knight Saddle fabric by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
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
$3,300Sale 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
Gorgeous 1970s De Sede DS600 "Non-Stop" Sectional Sofa, Burnt Orange Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Twenty-piece De Sede DS600 'Non-Stop' sectional sofa in burnt orange leather, designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for De Sede, Switzerland. Each segment ...
Leather, Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Gladstone, 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
$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
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
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin, Mario Bellini, Stilwood
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
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
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
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa after Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern sofa in a hexagonal form circa 1970's. It features a two section design with low profile feet. Fabric is original and needs recovering...
Fabric
$4,740Sale Price / set|50% 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
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
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
Vico Magistretti for Cassina 'Fiandra' Modular Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ‘Fiandra’ sectional sofa, leather, plastic, Italy, 1975 This elegant and understated sofa was designed by renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (...
Leather, Plastic
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
Le Bambole sofa upholstery in cotton/linen by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1974
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia Reupholster in cotton and linen fabric, polyurethane, stamp and production date 1974/1983 Excellent condition. T...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen