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.
'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
Original Walter Knoll Piccolino Ecksofa Wildleder Vintage Couch
By Walter Knoll, Wilhelm Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Walter Knoll aus dem Jahr 1981 zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde bekannt unter dem Namen "Pic...
Suede
Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova Modular Sofa Nuvolone in Leather, Italy, 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Almelo, NL
Large modular sofa Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova model ´Nuvolone´ in leather, Italy, 1970s Large modular sofa / landscape sofa by Italian designer Rimo Matu...
Leather
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
$14,862 / item
Mood 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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was o...
Velvet, Plastic
$4,145 / item
Mood Lounge armchair 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
Paul McCobb Sectional Corner Sofa Custom Craft/ Planner Group Newly Upholstered
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc., Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Sectional corner sofa by Paul McCobb for Custom craft or Planner Group, US. Newly upholstered with fabric by Chase Erwin.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
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
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
$22,000Sale Price / set|22% Off
Sloane Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Established in 2008, the Vladimir Kagan Couture collection features a selection of the Classic Kagan designs from 1950s to his new designs from 21st century. One of the new designs on offer here is the New Moon sofa...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 8
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Belli...
Leather, Plastic
$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
$19,500 / set
DS-11 Patchwork Sectional Sofa for De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DS-11 seven piece burnt red leather sofa c.1970s, for De Sede, Switzerland. The modular system consists of three corner seats and four center seats all upholstered in the original pe...
Leather
Mies van der Rohe Three-Seat Sofa
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
$2,000 / set
Mid-Century Slat Back Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique two-piece sectional sofa features vintage vinyl upholstery and a sturdy American walnut frame. Each piece features one brass studded sculpted armrest, can be placed side ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vintage Milo Baughman Serpentine Three Pieces Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Marvelous vintage serpentine sectional sofa manufactured for Thayer Coggin in the 1988. It was designed by Milo Baughman, it has the label...
Chrome
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
Sofa DS-470 by Thomas Althaus for De Sede, Switzerland
Located in Antwerp, BE
The De Sede DS-470 is a luxurious modular sectional sofa that showcases the pinnacle of Swiss craftsmanship and ergonomic innovation. Its unique semicircular design is composed of in...
Leather
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
Rare Lucite Sectional Sofa by Roberto Monsani for Acerbis, Italy 1975
Located in Echt, NL
Very rare ‘Life’ sofa in very good condition Designed by Roberto Monsani in 1975 and manufactured by Acerbis in Italy. When imagining new ways of living, Monsani envisioned furnitu...
Fabric, Mohair, Plastic, Lucite
$5,483 / item
Mood Armchair with arms Red 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
$10,821Sale 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
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
$5,499 / 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
Verner Panton, Sectional Sofa, Metal, Fabric, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A metal and brown fabric "Pantonova" sofa designed by Verner Panton and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.5” H x 104” W x 38” D Seat Heig...
Metal
1970s Modular Living Room Suite Brown Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy of De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This gorgeous and remarkable living room suite modular sofa is manufactured by Ernst Lüthy . He was the founder of De Sede. After his drop out from De Sed...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Rare Wittmann Sectional Sofa Model 'Sirius', Austria 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
This extraordinary Wittmann sectional sofa consists of 6 modular elements plus a side table, it can be freely arranged in the room or as shown as a corner sofa. Two of the modules ca...
Fabric
1950s Immaculate Yellow Boucle Style Quilted Serpentine Curved Modular Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1950s with this exquisite modular, luxurious yellow, boucle style upholstery sectional sofa. In the style of Adrian Pearsall. T...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,746Sale Price / set|25% Off
7-Piece John Wisner for Ficks Reed Far Horizons Rattan Modular Sofa Group
By John and Elinor McGuire, John Wisner, Ficks Reed
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This elegant modular sectional by John Wisner for Ficks Reed comes from the iconic Far Horizons collection, first introduced in 1954. Poised at the intersection of Eastern sensibility and mid-century modernity, the design blends tropical-inspired rattan craftsmanship with clean modern form, resulting in a versatile sectional that’s both sculptural and relaxed. The sofa is composed of four modular rattan segments—three seating units and one integrated end table. This flexibility allows you to configure it as a linear lounge, an L-shaped sectional, or separate chairs paired with a standalone table—the perfect match for dynamic living environments. These modular bamboo lounge chairs with end table are featured in the hard-to-find dark walnut tone. The color is so deep that it almost appears ebonized. Curved and straight lines of rattan intersect to create this trademark pagoda style. The original straps have been replaced with all new supports. Professionally reupholstered with new, textured fabric. Along with new foam cushions, our restoration team spent countless hours on the revitalizing the bamboo on all 7 pieces. We maintained the original tone and mitigated nearly every flaw in the finish. The coffee table...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate
Vintage Kazuhide Takahama “Marcel” Modular Sofa for Knoll, 1960s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An exceptional vintage Marcel modular sofa designed by Kazuhide Takahama, one of the most distinctive modular seating designs of the 1960s. Originally developed for Gavina in 1965, t...
Fabric
$5,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous 4 Piece Milo Baughman Style Curved Sofa Sectional Carsons Mid-Century
By Carsons
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 4 piece Milo Baughman style curved sectional sofa. We love the oversized channeled back and arms along with the circular end pieces. This sofa will need to be reupholster...
Upholstery
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Combo 1 Soft Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,621 / item
Mood armchair 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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
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
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, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Bouclé, Plastic
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Round Soft Mallard Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,920Sale Price|24% Off
Milo Baughman For Thayer Coggin Five Piece Sectional
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern five piece sectional designed by Milo Baughman and made by Thayer Coggin. There are four seating sections plus additional section with white laminate top side ta...
Fabric, Laminate
Handmade Naked Sofa Combo With Bouclê Latte Upholstery and Wood Base
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$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
Chocolate Brown COR Trio Sectional Sofa Germany Switzerland 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By Team Form AG, COR
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
$21,077 / item
Naked Sofa Combo 3
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as ...
Velvet, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Moreno Sectional, Bench Cushion & Chaise, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 piece Moreno Sectional sits deep and spacious with a beautifully curved silhouette. This sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified for eit...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Hans Hopfer 'Castell' Modular Sofa, Knoll Fabric, Five Pieces
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Hopfer designed the Castell modular seating system for Wiener Werkstätte, exemplifying the Austrian approach to flexible furniture design during the Mid-Century period. The syst...
Upholstery
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
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
Stylish Italian Gio Ponti Style 2 Piece Sectional Sofa Brass Leg Mid-Century
By Gio Ponti
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish Italian Gio Ponti style 2 piece sectional sofa with brass legs. This sofa retains its original textured woven wool fabric in presentable condition-reupholstery is recommende...
Brass
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
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
$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
De Sede “DS-28 Cosmos” Modular Sofa for De Sede, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 5
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede “DS-28 Cosmos” Modular Sofa for De Sede, black leather, Switzerland, 1970, set of five The DS-28 Cosmos doesn’t sit in a room — it reshapes it. Designed in 1970, this modula...
Leather
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
Four Piece Cubo Sectional Sofa by Harvey Probber, circa 1972
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the iconic 4 Piece Cubo Sectional by Harvey Probber, originally designed in 1972. This stunning piece exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a must-have a...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sectional Sofa w/ Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Ornate 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 three large and three smaller...
Fabric
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
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Round Soft Apricot Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Scrumptious 4 Piece Leather Non Stop Style Serpentine Sectional Sofa Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptious 4 piece black leather "Non-Stop" style serpentine sectional sofa. If you have the room for this huge sectional sofa it will be a show stoppe...
Leather, Wood