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.
$3,595 / set
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise This sectional sofa measures: 113 wide x 67 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 ...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Handsome 7-Piece Milo Baughman Style Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome 7-piece Milo Baughman style sectional sofa from the midcentury. This set will need to be reupholstered as the original fabric is...
Upholstery
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
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Vladimir Kagan 3 Piece Omnibus Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece Vladimir Kagan Design Omnibus sofa sectional. This sectional retains its original fabric and will need to be reupholstered as the fabric is worn and dated. Fully sup...
Upholstery, Lucite
Adrian Pearsall Semi-Circle Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking sectional sofa by Adrian Pearsall. Very comfortable. Ready for your choice of fabric. Arm can be added on other end if desired.
Upholstery
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
De Sede DS-19 black leather 4-seater 'Pagoda' Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
De Sede DS1-19, Pagoda, De Sede Switserland, 1970s Rare De Sede Pagoda four-seater sofa in newly upholstered black leather. The design is characterized by pointy edges that are noti...
Leather
$32,403Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Modular Camaleonda sofa cognac-colored leather M.Bellini original 70s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Large Camaleonda sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina he 1960s. this generous set has been completely refurbished and retouched with quality cognac-colored leather. The upholst...
Leather
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent 9-Piece Harvey Probber Caramel Brown Leather 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Harvey Probber caramel brown leather 'Cubo' sectional sofa nine sections of Harvey Probber designed 'CUBO' modular seating. Set includes six seating units and three ottomans. The sec...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sectional Sofa w/ Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Add a touch of mid-century charm to your living space with this inviting sectional sofa, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s. This piece is all about both style and fl...
Fabric, Walnut
5 Section 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Caramel Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Section 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in original caramel leather. Originally designed in 1970 and commercially released in 1972, Bellini combined two terms tha...
Leather
Pair of Milo Baughman Style Walnut Case Loveseat Sectional Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Milo Baughman style walnut case sofa with matching loveseat. This set is in very nice vintage condition-the original fabric still looks great. There are a few minor dings to...
Upholstery, Walnut
$11,750Sale Price / set|50% Off
1970s Adrian Pearsall Circular Three Piece Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sectional is statement piece w...
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
Midcentury Safari sofa by Archizoom for Poltronova, Italy 1968
By Archizoom Associati, Poltronova
Located in HAARLEM, NL
An icon, vintage Safari sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova. A base made of white-coated fibreglass reinforced plastic, integrated seats arranged in the form of a flower, newl...
Fiberglass
De Sede, Mid-Century Modern, DS-600 Non Stop Sectional Sofa, Green Fabric
By De Sede
Located in Stamford, CT
De Sede, Mid-Century Modern, DS-600 Non Stop Sectional Sofa, Green Fabric Vintage 'Non-Stop' DS 600 sofa designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Klaus Vogt...
Fabric, Felt
DS-11 Patchwork Modular Sectional by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Switzerland. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in luxe olive green leather. Armless section: 25L 31W 25.5H 15.5SH Co...
Leather
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
$1,750Sale Price|67% Off
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...
Fabric, Wood
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 2 'Esa' Hexagonal Poufs for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line Italy. Designed in 1968, current production. Esa is a hexagonal-shaped pouf which combines the ess...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Modular Sofa With Chaise by Weiman/Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s Sofa with Chaise Lounge by Weiman/Preview. Original upholstery. Measures 30” tall 86” long 66” deep a chaise, seat height 16” seat depth 21.5” seat depth chaise 53”
Upholstery
Vintage MCM Sectional Sofa by Milo Baughman, c. 1970s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chicago, IL
This long, sectional sofa is a mid-century modern design by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, two pioneers of 20th-century design and masters of their craft. Balancing comfort and sty...
Wood, Wool
$8,100Sale Price|40% Off
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate 'Bogo' Sofa in black Leather, 1970s
By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate
Located in amstelveen, NL
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, modular 'Bogo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1976 This seating system consists of three elements. Maximum comfort is guaranteed using the thick seating...
Leather
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Spectacular Vladimir Kagan Curved 3-Piece Cloud Sofa Sectional Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Vladimir Kagan curved 3-piece cloud sofa sectional with Directional label. This rare sofa sectional retains its original orange brown...
Upholstery
Martin Visser SZ13 Three-Piece Leather Sectional Seating Group
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Dutch manufacturer 't Spectrum, the SZ13 seating system by Martin Visser pairs tubular chrome frames with thick sling-style leather seats and backrests. The three-piece g...
Chrome
Wittmann Atrium Daybed Sectional Living Room Group, Austria 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Style Atrium Sectional Seating Group. A rare and highly desirable Atrium seating group by Wittmann, one of the most celebrated icons of Austrian design. Intr...
Iron
Large Mid-Century Modern Sectional with Solid Walnut Frame and Chaise Lounge
Located in Greenwich, CT
This architectural sectional features a striking solid walnut frame accented by beautiful wood panels on the return ends. The design is defined by its clean, tight seat and back cushions, complemented by sophisticated blind tuft detailing along the exterior. Shown in a textured indigo weave, the piece balances mid-century warmth with a bold, contemporary footprint. Hand-built with eight-way hand-tied springs and high-density foam wrapped in premium down-feather casements. The walnut base and panels can be customized in Oak, Mahogany, or Wenge to suit your project. Pricing for this listing includes a curated selection of textiles; please contact us to view available fabric options. COM Price: $15,000 each Customization may change the price. Measurements: Total footprint: 264”W x 105.5"D x 33”H Right arm chaise...
Foam, Walnut, Down, Hardwood, Maple
$13,560Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa in Textured Linen
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern large sectional sofa. Masterfully restored with all new upholstery, in a textured beige linen fabric. Iconic mid-century design, 1970’s, America. Sofa rests upon i...
Fabric, Wood
Peter Hvidt "Minerva" Three Piece Sectional Sofa in Teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Peter Hvidt + Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Manufacturer: France + Søn Era: 1958 Materials: Teak, Wool Measurements: Three Seat Sofa: 75″ wide x 30″” deep x 32.5″ t...
Wool, Teak
Large COR Trio Sectional Sofa, Germany / Switzerland 1972 NEW VELVET UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can easily be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in th...
Fabric, Velvet
Le Bambole modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton and linen fabric, Le Bambole is an i...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sexy Jack Lenor Larsen Red Velvet Sofa Sectional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super sexy Jack Lenor Larsen abstract red velvet sofa sectional. This is one of a kind masterpiece is attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of two. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edi...
Velvet, Plastic
Exceptional Ficks Reed Mid Century Curved Rattan Sectional Sofa and Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Exceptional Two Section Ficks Reed Mid Century Curved Rattan Sectional Sofa with Matching End Tables. The end tables measure 33.5”w x 16.5”d x 18.5”h. This particular model is rare ...
Fabric, Rattan
$9,600Sale Price|40% Off
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sectional Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1980s
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a dramatic Bilbao sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan was made by Preview. Sofa is five sections. The seat is upholstered in black micro-fiber and the back is a gray weave.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Vintage Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Cloud Serpentine Sectional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Denville, NJ
Vladimir Kagan was one of the most influential American furniture designers of the twentieth century, known for sculptural, sensuous forms that broke decisively from the rectilinear ...
Fabric
Vintage German Modular Sectional Sofa, Sandstone Ultrasuede, 6 Sections, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6 Module Vintage German Modular Sectional Sofa, Sandstone Ultrasuede, in the style of Rolf Benz. Viewable in Los Angeles showroom by appointment in the American Cement Building (Ma...
Ultrasuede
$15,320Sale Price|20% Off
On the Rocks Sofa by Francesco Binfaré for Edra, Italy, 2004
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra in 2004, On the Rocks is a bold, sculptural sectional sofa made up of three seating elements and one large, freely positioned backrest. With no...
Fabric
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Black Leather Togo Modular Sofas, Set of Five
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design classic. This five-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be confi...
Leather, Foam
Sofa DS-600 by Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, De Sede, 1972, Switzerland
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Dallas, TX
Custom ordered sofa DS-600 designed by Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Ueli Berger, and Heinz Ulrich, De Sede, 1972, Switzerland. This unique design is comprised of fifteen elements total, fi...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, ...
Velvet, Plastic
Alberto Colombi Gian Paolo Guzzetti Bonzo sofa Italy 1975
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This highly rare and exceptionally comfortable sectional sofa, designed by Alberto Colombi and Gian Paolo Guzzetti and manufactured by Aba in Italy, 1975, is a truly remarkable find....
Leather
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Leather, Plastic
Chocolate Brown COR Trio Sectional Sofa Germany Switzerland 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in the image...
Fabric, Velvet
$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery
By Klaus Uredat, COR
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing, museum quality, modular 'CORBI' seating set, composed of four elements, designed by Klaus Uredat for 'COR', Germany, 1969 complete with the original purchase invoice dated 1972. After receiving many requests to do so, we have carefully unpicked and removed the original custom order pop art upholstery and have now recovered the set in a more neutral, high quality mohair upholstery. A rare, beautiful and highly sculptural pure elemental design, the large dimensions of each .Corbi' seating element allow for them to be used equally as either individual lounge chairs or as a modular sofa. This particular set is a must for serious collectors, this set comes complete with the original German purchase invoice from 1972, which also confirms the additional expense of the custom order upholstery, we have carefully unpicked and kept the original upholstery fabric should the buyer wish to retain it for provenance (please see photos 14 and 15 which illustrate the set with it's original upholstery). The sculptural 'Corbi' modular lounge chair was designed in 1969 and only remained in limited scale production for a few years up to circa 1974. Today this super elegant design is both very popular and now extremely difficult to find due to the passage of time and the limited total production numbers so a large set of elements such as this, is really a rare opportunity. Each 'Corbi' element is composed of two independent Minimalist sculptural forms, one base element and one cylindrical seat back. With the base elements positioned end to end, day beds may...
Foam, Wood, Mohair
‘Nuvolone’ Modular Sofa by Rino Maturi for MIMO Padova
Located in Zagreb, HR
Large eight-piece iconic Mid-century 'Nuvolone' seating set, designed by Rino Maturi and produced by Mimo Padova. Seen here in an original grey wool-blend upholstery, consisting of...
Fabric, Glass
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Leather, Plastic
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa 4 PC
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern curved sectional sofa 4 PC. Iconic Mid-Century Modern design in unique curved shape. Reminiscent of famous mid-century desig...
Wood
Ligne Roset Pink Togo Armchair and Footstool by Michel Ducaroy, Set of Two
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a design Classic. This two-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and comprises of...
Fabric
Handsome Harvey Probber style 2 Piece Curved Sofa Sectional Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Harvey Probber attributed 2 piece curved sectional. We just love the original Bohemian linen upholstery in usable vintage condition. It does have some light signs of wear ...
Upholstery
$11,175Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson. America, circa 1970’s, iconic mid-century modern styling. Restored with all new upholstery and foam material, like new. Fabr...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modular Sofa or Seating Set in Ochre Boucle, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Modules can be used as a modular sofa or modular seating set. Beautiful and unique shape. A 1970 design and production, fully...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Pink Modular Sofa and Footstool, Set of Five
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This five-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be config...
Fabric
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Orange Togo, Set of Three
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be conf...
Fabric
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Camel Brown Leather Togo, Set of Three
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be confi...
Leather
Italian Mid-Century Sectional
Located in Red Lion, PA
Vintage original Italian mid-century sofa/sectional. Made up of two pieces that fit together at an angle creating a curve shape, sitting on tapered wood legs. The sofa is certainly a...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. ...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric