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.
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
Sofa DS-600 by Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, De Sede, 1972, Switzerland
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic DS-600 “Non-Stop” modular sofa, designed in 1972 by Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Ueli Berger, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerland. One of the most recognizable and ...
Velvet
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Mario Bellini, Pierre Paulin, 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
$16,500 / set
Edward Wormley Style Pair of Sofas, 1945
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Style Pair of Sofas, 1945 Each sofa has a scalloped back with curved sides and a tight upholstered form, techniques and trademark of Wormley. The interior back feature...
Mohair, Wood
$18,444Sale 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
Vintage Walnut Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
Pagrù mid-century sofa set in brown velvet by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P Italy, 1969
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Pagrù modular sofa designed by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P Industria Chimica per l' Arredamento 1969. Among the designer Romano's most sought-after pieces this rare modular set consists o...
Cotton
Large Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, Labeled
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern 1950s Harvey Probber two-piece sectional sofa with mahogany tapered legs. Sofa has original fabric, it needs to be reupholstered and foam replaced. There is ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
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
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
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 6
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of six 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 most...
Velvet, Foam
Stendig De Sede DS 600 Nonstop Sectional Sofa, Leather, 1970s
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, Stendig Co.
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
$8,202 / item
20th Century Navy Red Velvet Atlantis Sofa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small ...
Velvet
$12,468Sale Price / set|20% Off
Organically Shaped Post-Modern Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Oirlo, LI
Step into a world where comfort meets artistry with this extraordinary 1980s sectional sofa. Crafted in Europe during the height of post-modern design, this sofa is more than just ...
Leather
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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Semi-Circular Sofa, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Semi-Circular Sofa, 1970’s. Original upholstery. Measures 33” deep 168” wide 26” tall seat height 15”
Upholstery
$856Sale Price|63% Off
Otto Zapf Sofalette Leather Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
By Otto Zapf
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This as 2 seater created modul set from the Sofalette series of Otto Zapf was designed by him in the 70s. The black leather of the lounge chair moduls shows a fantastic Patina in som...
Leather
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Large Sectional Sofa with Rosewood Base
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Introduced by Thayer Coggin in the 1970s as part of the Environment Collection designed by Milo Baughman. This design classic will take center stage in any room. We have one ready for fabric of your choice as pictured. Additional photos include two sofas we recently fully restored: the camel and light green sectionals...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Finnish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Finland, c. 1940s. In vintage fabric ideally replaced Dimensions: 30” H x 67” W x 40” D Seat Height (inches): 14.75" Arm He...
Fabric, 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
Rino Maturi, Large Sectional Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in High Point, NC
A large blue fabric modular sectional sofa designed by Rino Maturi and produced by MIMO Padova, Italy, c. 1970s. Seat height 16” Dimensions variable. All items ship from High Poin...
Fabric
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
$5,996Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Modular Slim Chenille Tan Sectional on Castors
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, sectional you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Midcentury 13 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa After Tito Agnoli
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental Italian mid-century modern 13 piece modular sectional sofa in the style and manner of Tito Agnoli for Arflex. The 9000 sofa design consists of individual seats with rounde...
Faux Leather, Naugahyde, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional, Beige Tufted Linen & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery
$5,565Sale Price / set|30% Off
Wrought Iron Sofa with Four Moveable Lounges in the Style of Italian Salterini
By Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Great sofa that, in section -, can be a Love seat with two accompanying chairs, four separate chairs or a long 94" sofa. Each piece is 23.5 wide. The frame is in the Style of Ita...
Wrought Iron
Togo Sofa 3 seater - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset black Leather made in France
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Munster, NRW
Togo Sofa - Michel Ducaroy 1974 for Ligne Roset. 3-seater Sofa - manufactured in France. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, beautiful original condition in soft black leather...
Leather
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Circular Sectional Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous two piece circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The original cream colored fabric seems to be an ultra suede. There are no flaws to the fabric. It is u...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one large square module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
$8,625Sale Price|25% Off
1970s Milo Baughman Light Beige Chrome Plinth Base Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful cotton velvet upholstery sectional ...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintag...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970s, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970's, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edition using...
Velvet, Plastic
De Sede DS-88 Landscape Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather, Switzerland 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Tan leather DS88 sofa in patchwork by De Sede. The sofa is sectional so it can be set-up in different ways to your own liking. The sofa...
Leather
Large De Sede DS-11 Modular Sofa Consisting of Eleven Elements
By De Sede
Located in Wien, AT
Impressive and exceptionally rare DS-11 modular sofa by De Sede, manufactured in Switzerland during the 1970s. Renowned for its uncompromising quality and luxurious comfort, De Sede ...
Leather, Beech
$3,595 / set
Thayer Coggin Midcentury Sectional Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thayer Coggin midcentury sectional sofa This sofa measures: 145 wide x 86 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of...
Upholstery, Wood
Luigi Colani Modular Orbis Sofa Table 1969 COR Germany Orange Velvet Space Age
By COR, Luigi Colani
Located in Munster, NRW
Luigi Colani, 1969 for COR, Germany - modular Orbis sofa with original orange-red needle velvet. The fabric has a very pleasant feel, get an impression fro...
Plywood
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Sofa Daybed in Cognac Tan Leather Switzerland, 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous Cognac Tan leather DS88 landscape daybed / sofa by De Sede in patchwork. The item features 8 pieces in toptal: – 2 seat elements (bottom + seat + backrests...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Modular De Sede Sofa DS-12 in Cognac Leather, 70s
By De Sede
Located in Osnabrück, NDS
Modular De Sede sofa from the 70s. Model DS-12, Switzerland. Covered in the original brown/cognac buffalo leather with a great patina. The modules are held together with screws and t...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage ed...
Velvet, Plastic
Wonderful Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 6 Piece Cube Sofa Sectional Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual curved back 6-piece cube sectional sofa by Milo Baughman. We have had many many cube sofas by Mr. Baughman but we have never seen this design with the curved back. The origin...
Upholstery
Rare Hans Hopfer 'Super Lounge' Sofa for Roche Bobois - France 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare “Super Lounge” sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. This model is very similar to the Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer but much rarer. A Sculptural Icon o...
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Bentwood
De Sede Terrazza Sofa Cognac Leather Ubald Klug Ueli Berger 1972 Mid Century
By Ueli Berger, Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Munster, NRW
2x De Sede Terrazza sofas, model DS 1025 in cognac leather. Designed in 1972 by Ubald Klug & Ueli Berger for De Sede, Switzerland. Sophisticated design sofa elements form the perfec...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Boxy Modular Parsons Style L Shaped Sofa with Chaise Lounge
By Parsons, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage five piece modular sofa in need of recovering. Design lines for days. Measurements below. Single chair W33 D35.5 Corner piece W 34 D35.5 Ottoman W33 D35
Fabric
Handsome Milo Baughman style 6 Piece Sectional Sofa Selig Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Milo Baughman style 6 piece cube sectional sofa made by Selig. This is a designers delight in that it needs to be reupholstered so the sky is the limit as far as fabric sel...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1970s 9-Piece Curved Modular Sofa Sectional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Remarkably well preserved nine‑piece modular sofa sectional from the late 1960s–1970s. The set includes seven standard modular chairs and two wedge‑shaped corner modules, offering a ...
Velvet
Peter Hvidt for France & Søns "Minerva" Danish Teak Three Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Hvidt for France & Søns "Minerva" Mid Century Danish Teak Three Piece Sectional Sofa This sectional measures: 105.25 wide x 80.25 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height ...
Upholstery, Teak
Michel Ducaroy 'Togo' Sectional Sofa Set in Oxblood Red Leather for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Tilburg, NL
Michel Ducaroy 'Togo' Set in Oxblood Red Leather for Ligne Roset, France, Early 21st Century. Wonderful and high quality 'Togo' set of sectional sofa's by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne R...
Leather
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Wonderful Curved Serpentine Two-Piece Adrian Pearsall Style Sectional Sofa
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful curved serpentine two-piece Adrian Pearsall style sofa sectional. There are no words to describe how fabulous this sofa sectional is with its unusual biscuit tufting and cu...
Upholstery, Walnut
Large Sofa with Table in Leather and Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Sofa with Table in Leather, Stone & Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Leather, stone and lacquered wood Styl...
Travertine, Steel
$22,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Le Mah Jong Modular Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois Missoni Silk Velvet, Corduroy
By Missoni, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a current customized mix of textiles from Sonia Rykiel and the house of Missoni. Features multiple cushions that can be arranged in endless number of ways Mix and match and stack (or don’t) at your leisure! This set includes four square cushions (paprika, orchid, crimson and stripes) as well as two adjustable height straight backs (purple corduroy and floral). Also included are a set of 5 Missoni cushions...
Silk, Velvet
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather, Switzerland, 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous and rare center piece DS88 element sofa by De Sede in Cognac Brown patchwork leather. 3 seating elements that can be used as separate pieces or as one sofa...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Sectional Sofa by Friedrich Hill for Walter Knoll Collection, Germany 1970s
By Walter Knoll
Located in Wien, AT
Modular sofa designed by Friedrich Hill and produced by Walter Knoll Collection, Germany. The set consists of 5 modular pieces that can be locked together thanks to an intelligent sy...
Leather
$5,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Curved Milo Baughman style 3 Piece Sectional Sofa Carson's
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece curved Milo Baughman style sectional sofa. The original fabric does have some minor spots-cleaning recommended. We love the oversized scale of this sectional measu...
Upholstery
$24,353 / set
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa, Set of Eight
Located in Rochester, England
The Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa, Set of Eight, is a vibrant and versatile icon of modern design. Designed in the 1980s, this modular set allows for endless seating configura...
Fabric, Foam
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Sectional Sofa This sofa measures: 151 wide x 43 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Good Vintage Condition. We ta...
Upholstery
1960s "Skyscraper" Design Velvet Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
1960s "Skyscraper" design velvet sectional sofa. There are eight sections to the sofa (including the two ottomans). Original upholstery. 2 Ottomans:...
Velvet