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.
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Velvet, Set of 8
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Belli...
Leather, Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Leather Lounge Sofa/Living Room Set/7, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern sectional leather lounge sofa/living room set/7, Switzerland, 1970s Mid-Century Modern sectional leather lounge sofa/living room set of seven seats manufacture...
Leather, Beech
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa de...
Bouclé, Plastic
Malu Modular Sofa by Diego Mattu for 1P Italy 1970s
Located in VENLO, NL
Rare Malu modular three-seater sofa, designed by Diego Mattu for 1P Italy. This rare 1970s design stands out for its soft, rounded forms and deep seat, fully ...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna Velvet, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Velvet, Plastic
Modular Rainbow Double Sided Sofa / Sectional by Vibieffe, Italy, c. 2000s
By Vibieffe
Located in Deland, FL
This expansive double-sided sofa by Vibieffe reimagines Mid-Century Modern style with a bold, contemporary flair from the 2000s. Crafted in Italy, the modular sectional features a lo...
Velvet, Teak
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs,...
Bouclé, Plastic
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning 3 Piece Octagon Bernhardt Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Bernhardt
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A stunning 3 piece octagon angled sofa produced by Bernhardt, circa '70s. It features 3 angular sections retaining the original upholstery in usable condition. It measures 27"T x 149...
Upholstery, Wood
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ for COR Lounge Chair in new Mohair, Germany – 1969
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the epitome of elegance and comfort: ‘Corbi’ modular lounge chair by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – circa 1969. Please note! Three sections (chairs) available. This listing is for one section. The Corbi consists of sections with roll cushions. It can be used as sofa or as separate lounge chairs. Now luxuriously draped in sumptuous new mohair fabric. Elevating your living space to new heights of sophistication, this exquisite piece seamlessly marries timeless design with unparalleled coziness. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Corbi sofa boasts a sleek silhouette and refined lines, embodying modern sophistication while exuding a sense of inviting warmth. The addition of premium mohair upholstery not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience like no other, enveloping you in unparalleled softness with every touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments of relaxation, the Klaus Uredat Corbi...
Mohair, Beech
$4,177Sale Price / set|20% Off
Quattro Sedute modulari '9000' di Tito Agnoli per Arflex anni 70
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Milano, IT
Set di quattro sedute compatte che permettono di creare diverse configurazioni. Disegnate da Tito Agnoli nel 1969, presentano imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in tessuto origina...
Fabric
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan 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 Chocolate Brown patchwork leather. 3 seating elements that can be used as separate pieces or a...
Leather, Foam, Wood
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
Mario Bellini Bambole Chairs, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A Mario Bellini Le Bambole pair of chairs, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Dims: H 73cm D 88cm W 80cm SH 40/41cm
Alpaca
De Sede “DS-28 Cosmos” Modular Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970, Set of 5
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede “DS-28 Cosmos” Modular Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, Switzerland, 1970 The DS-28 Cosmos doesn’t sit in a room — it reshapes it. Designed in 1970, this modular sofa is les...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Curved Sectional Sofa Reupholstered in Boucle by Wiesner Hager, Austria 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Curved Modern Modular Sofa by Wiesner Hager from the 1970s with five elements, which can be arranged in a curve as shown, or free standing the room or as two or three seater. The sof...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, six elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs...
Bouclé, Plastic
$17,440Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Velvet Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising two large seating elements equipp...
Velvet
$2,246Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Outstanding Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 5 Seat Sectional Sofa Walnut Table
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman walnut platform 5 seat L-shaped sofa sectional. This very unusual set consist of 2 walnut platform base tables with 5 movable seat components. This set ca...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
$2,692Sale Price / set|20% Off
Green velvet seventies sectional sofa in the style of COR TRIO, circa 1970
By COR
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Groovy modular sectional sofa in original green velvet fabric, circa 1970. Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Model: Sectional sofa Design period: 1970’s Date of manufacturing: ...
Velvet
$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
Mies van der Rohe Three-Seat Sofa
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mies Knoll Production three-seat sofa, reupholstered with Spinneybeck leather aniline dyed hides, tufted seats backs with down and foam filled inside. Rosewood plinth...
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Baker Knole Modular Walnut Legs Beige Skirted Seven Pieces Sectional Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite knole modular sectional sofa. The ultra rare sectional exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outsta...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Nuvolone modular leather sofa 5 modules 70s Rino Maturi for Mimo Design
By Mimo Padova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Modular cognaq leather sofa Nuvolone model designed in the 1970s by Rino Maturi for Mimo Design. the sofa is composed of by 5 seats including 1 ottoman and a corner module. the Sofa...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it w...
Leather, Plastic
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style 3 Piece Section Sofa- Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style Curved 3 Piece Sectional Sofa - Pair Classic pair of mid century modern Milo Baughman curved three-seat sofas. Both sofas are in orig...
Upholstery
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 60 cm / 35.4 x 23.6 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
Mid-Century De Sede Style Seven Piece Moss Green Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century De Sede style green leather 7 piece modular sectional sofa with three corner pieces. Has bottom clips to attach sections together. Corner pieces measure 33" x 33", single...
Leather
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
$15,318Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modular leather sofa "Camaleonda" by Mario Bellini original Italian 70s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gorgeous 3-seater modular sofa Camaleonda model designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for C&B (later to become B&B). Since it is marked C&B it belongs to the first series so it also has ...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
$39,000
1960s 6 Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
1960s 6 piece sectional sofa. This sectional sofa has the original fabric and wooden legs. The sofa is modular and can be arranged and several ways. ...
Fabric, Wood
$10,667Sale Price / set|20% Off
De Sede Modular 7-Piece Mid-Century Leather Sofa in Black – Swiss Icon
By De Sede
Located in Oirlo, LI
This exceptional modular sofa by De Sede embodies the timeless elegance and craftsmanship for which the Swiss brand is renowned. Designed in the spirit of true mid-century aestheti...
Leather
‘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
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Faux Fur, Foam
$15,160Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa Set
Located in North York, ON
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa Set. Featuring original iconic mid-century modern curved design. Masterfully restored with new lu...
Metal
Fabulous Milo Baughman 5 Piece Curved Back Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin 5 piece curved back cube sectional sofa. This sectional has some wear to the original fabric and will need to be reupholstered. The sofa meas...
Upholstery
COR LÜBKE & ROLF Vintage Modular limegreen Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This absolute unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured by LÜBKE & ROLF from Rheda in Germany ( later was the Name LÜBKE KG). From the same fa...
Mohair, Foam, Latex, Wood, Beech
Newly Pierre Frey Upholstered Amanta Lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 iconic vintage Mid Century Modern Amanta lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Newly upholstered in spectacular Pierre Frey fabric: CHROMA F4019017 - Pêche. Very sturdy a...
Fabric, Fiberglass
'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Emerald Green Corduroy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four modular units make up this 'Camaleonda' seating system, upholstered throughout in deep emerald green corduroy fabric. Each unit features the design's signature bubble-form const...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Plastic, Velvet
Perfect patinated DS-15 modular sofa by Team De Sede for De Sede Swiss.
By De Sede
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
A breathtaking DS-15 modular sofa with a deep, rich patina that beautifully enhances its character. This vintage modular sofa is crafted from exceptionally thick natural buffalo leat...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in North Miami, FL
This very Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa in original fabric shows the wonderful Classic architectural design of the era. Low and deep, we left this beauty in its as-found condition so you can select your own fabric. We offer re-upholstery and restoration service...
Brass
Bambole modular sofa 3 seater in cotton by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 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 bouclè fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic ...
Fabric
Red Velvet Club Sofa, Hollywood Regency, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful club sofa from the 1960s, produced in Germany, at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartments providing comfort an...
Velvet
$5,400 / item
Pair of Togo Corner Sofa Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset
Located in London, Lambeth
Instantly recognisable from its distinctive shape, the Togo has remained a cult classic for over 40 years. Hand sewn in the small French village of Briord, the curved silhouette of t...
Leather
Le Bambole modular sofa in cotton by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia,70s Polyurethane padding, reupholstered in cotton fabric, excellent condition. The Bambole series won the C...
Fabric
Large Modular Sofa GE 280 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Oak Blue Grey
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Very large modular sofa model: GE-280 by the famous Danish design grandmaster Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA. Wonderful Minimalist design, very comfortable sofa due to its high back. The...
Wool, Oak
$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
$5,180Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Five-Strand Square Pretzel 3-Seater Sectional Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco era five-strand Paul Frankl-inspired square pretzel style, three-seat sectional sofa. This sofa features the famous five-strand square pretzel side arms and stacked rattan b...
Wicker, Rattan
Vintage 1970s 7-Piece Modular Suede Leather Sectional Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A fabulous vintage 1970s seven-piece modular sectional sofa upholstered in wonderfully soft tan suede leather. With its generous proportions, deep plush seating, low-profile silhouet...
Leather, Suede
20th Century Red Velvet German Sofa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful club sofa from the 1960s, produced in Germany - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartments providing comfort a...
Velvet
$31,960Sale Price / set|26% Off
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising four large and two smaller seatin...
Velvet