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.
$5,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Directional Kipp Stewart Two-Piece Tufted Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Kipp Stewart for Directional two-piece tufted sectional sofa. Yes, this piece will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right?
Upholstery, Wood
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Lounge Chairs by COR, Germany – 1969 in New Bouclé
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
‘Corbi’ modular lounge chairs by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – 1969. New bouclé fabric in cream by Bisson Bruneel from Paris, France. This listing is for 2 lounge chairs. The Corbi...
Wool, Bouclé, Cotton
Vintage Modular green suede Leather Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage 1970s Modular Tufted Suede Leather Sofa in Green Authentic 1970s modular sofa upholstered in green tufted suede leather. Exceptionally comfortable and inviting, with generou...
Foam, Wood, Beech, Leather
$2,556 / set
Mid-Century Fuchsia Low Modular Sofa Set, 1960s
Located in Rīga, LV
A vintage curved modular sofa featuring its original wool upholstery in vibrant fuchsia and orange hues. Pay attention to the seat height of the sofa – it's quite low, offering a tru...
Wool, Wood
$6,750 / set
Fantastic Six-Piece Sectional Sofa by Preview
By Preview
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic six-piece Preview sectional sofa. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for right? Great for that smaller space or add to a sect...
Upholstery
Two-Piece Sofa Sectional in Satin
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece sofa sectional in satin with a black lacquered wooden base. The loose cushions are down. Milo Baughman style. Each sectional measures: Mid Century Modern. Measures: 87 W x ...
Satin, Wood
Modern 'Veranda' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, in Original Fabric, Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Modern 'Veranda' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, in Original Fabric, Italy Designed by acclaimed Italian architect Vico Magistretti for Cassina, the Veranda modular sofa is a ...
Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Butter Alpaca, 1970's, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, butter alpaca wool, Italy, 1970's, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
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
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of two 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
Vintage Modular Cognac Saddle Leather Sectional Sofa Germany Chapo Era
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured in germany. It has slightly curved design. The Sling shape is made of vegetal leather with fine deta...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
$18,712Sale Price / set|30% Off
Restored Mid-Century Rattan and Mahogany Living Room Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Frankl style rattan living room set including a matching three-seat sectional sofa, lounge chair, ottoman, coffee table and pair of end tables. Both the sofa and chair feature t...
Rattan
$1,718Sale Price / set|19% Off
1970s chenille lounge set with decorative fringe
Located in Manzano, IT
Elegant living room set dating from the 1970s, consisting of a three-seater sofa and two matching armchairs. The entire set is upholstered in soft caramel-colored velvet chenille, a ...
Chenille, Wood
1970's Cream Wool Sectional Sofa on Polished Brass Plinth Base w/ Ottoman
Located in Medina, OH
Sophisticated and inviting, 1970's mid-century modern cream wool sectional sofa on a polished brass plinth base, also comes with two side arm pillows and a semi-attached ottoman. Dec...
Brass
Mario Bellini Sectional Sofa Model 'Amanta' by B&B Italia, Italy 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Iconic set of 5 Amanta lounge chairs by Mario Bellini manufactured by C&B Italia. A fascinating Italian design piece celebrating innovative modularity and 1970s style. Each chair...
Fabric
$5,460Sale Price / set|30% Off
Restored Rattan 3-Strand Full Round Pretzel Sofa & Side Table Living Room Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Mid-century rattan living room set features a sofa & side table, blending style and vintage charm with modern comfort. The 3-strand full-round pretzel 3-sea...
Fabric, Rattan
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970's, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970's, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, ...
Velvet, Plastic
Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Located in Madrid, ES
Four mid-century modular armchairs that can be combined to a sectional sofa by Giuseppe Munari. Made by Poltrona Munari, circa 1970. Structure in black curved plywood and padding cov...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
$17,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Seven-Piece Signed Paul Evans Sectional Sofa
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Amazing super rare seven-piece sectional sofa by Paul Evans. Unusual large random tubular tufted sections give this huge sofa a fabulous modern overall look. Upholstered in the first...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Four Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "A...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Hans Hollein Marilyn Sofa, Birdseye Maple & Fabric, Mid-Century Modern
By Hans Hollein
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A beautiful and rare sofa from this post-modern Austrian designer. Hollein was born in Vienna in 1934 and worked with Sottsass during the Memphis period. This rare and unique sofa wa...
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
White Leather Corner Togo Seat by Ligne Roset, 1980s France
By Ligne Roset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French Togo corner seat by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic togo sofa is now a design classic. This seat comes in its ...
Leather
Harvey Probber Deep Tufted Sectional from the Nuclear Sert Series Early 1950s
Located in Dallas, TX
This two-piece Harvey Probber Nuclear Sert sectional sofa is one of his earliest designs and was fabricated in the early 1950s. This is a beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
Hain & Thome Sectional Sofa Model 'Karlsruhe' in Bespoke Velvet, Germany 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Beautiful mid century modern sectional Sofa by Hain & Thome from the 1970s. Four sections in total with two corner pieces covered with the original bespoke floral velvet fabric. ...
Fabric
SAPORITI ‘P10 Proposals’ modular sofa set by Giovanni Offredi – Italy, 19
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The P10 Proposals modular living room set by Giovanni Offredi for SAPORITI is a stylish and groovy collection of furniture pieces that can transform you...
Mohair, Velvet
Stunning Harvey Probber Style Two-Piece Sectional Sofa with Solid Bronze Legs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Harvey Probber style two-piece sectional with solid bronze legs. These pieces will need to be reupholstered but this set is surely worth the effort. We have never seen such ...
Bronze
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia), comprising of three first-edition Camaleonda modules and three ‘Gli Scacchi’ side tabl...
Metal
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 120 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / seat height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modul...
Foam, Leather
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Chrysanthemum Floral Embroidered Parsons Sectional Sofa w/ Daybed
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century era chrysanthemum floral L shaped sectional sofa with built in daybed channeling the popular Parsons aesthetic. Covered in a richly textured, original chrysanthemum flora...
Fabric
Large Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional. Black/White Fabric. Signed.
By Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
L shaped sectional sofa by Directional in a beautiful black and white patterned fabric with a snakeskin like appearance. This is from the original owner and was placed in a large, rarely used living...
Upholstery, Wood
"Sity" Sectional Sofa in White Leather by Citterio for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Designed by Antonio Citterio in 1986 for B&B Italia, this "Sity" sectional sofa in white leather contains one asymmetrical curved island daybed and a rectangular daybed. New excep...
Leather
Joseph-andré Motte Sectional Sofa Two Seat Red Original Upholstery France, 1950
By Joseph-André Motte, Steiner
Located in Almelo, NL
Joseph-Andre´ Motte Sectional Sofa Two Seat Red Original Upholstery France, 1950s This is a set of two sectional sofa seats designed by Joseph-Andre´ Motte in France in the 1950s and...
Steel
Italian Modular Seating Set in Checkered Upholstery
Located in Zagreb, HR
Elegant vintage Italian modular seating set from the 1970s features seven upholstered elements in a distinctive checkered brown and beige fabric with chromed steel bands at the base....
Metal
Mood Armchair with arms Latte 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
Modular Sofa by Giuseppe Rossi of Albizzate, 1960s, Set of 4
By Giuseppe Rossi di Albizzate
Located in taranto, IT
An original modular living room set, made in Italy by Giuseppe Rossi of Albizzate, produced in the late 1960s, consisting of four pieces: two corner pieces and one with an armrest. ...
Steel
Vintage Mid Century Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel Vintage MCM Postmodern 6pc modular sectional Sofa Manufactured by Drexel. Comes with two scalloped end armchairs, 3 armless...
Fabric
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Single Blossom
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
$8,925Sale Price|30% Off
Restored 6-Strand Square Pretzel 3 Seat Rattan Corner Sofa W/ Side Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan blending style vintage charm with modern comfort. Rare Square Pretzel rattan 3 seater sectional sofa with Paul Frankl inspired design featuring 6 str...
Rattan
Frameworks Puzzle Modern Tight-seat Sectional in Mamaye Imatex
Located in Dallas, TX
A collection of uniquely soft but sophisticated modular pieces that can be created as a sofa or a robust sofa sectional. Each piece has a loose back knife edge pillow...
Upholstery
De Sede DS-11 Six-Piece Modular Patchwork Leather Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A six-piece DS-11 modular patchwork leather sectional sofa by De Sede, handcrafted in Switzerland in the 1970s. De Sede was founded in 1965 in Klingnau, Switzerland, growing out of a...
Leather
Thirteen Element Modular Curved Sofa in Patterned Fabric, France, 1960s
By B&B Italia
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
J.A.D.A Galerie presents: This modular seating set was made in France in the 1960s, in the years when manufacturers replaced the fixed sofa with a run of identical elements that the...
Fabric
Mid-Century "Amanta" 24 Leather Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An iconic expression of Italian modern design, this original mid-century Amanta 24 modular seating system was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in the early 1970s. Widely rega...
Leather, Fiberglass
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, 1970s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, candy velvet, 1970s A sculptural presence in any room, the "Brioche" sofa by Hans Hopfer for Rolf Benz embodies t...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete...
Chrome
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
$9,099 / item
Mood Couch Bouclê latte 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
$11,461 / item
Naked Sofa Combo 2
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 ...
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modular Sofa Set in New Bouclé, Set of 4 Seats
Located in Almelo, NL
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modular Sofa Set in New Bouclé, Set of 4 Seats An exceptional example of Italian mid-century design, this 1970s modular lounge sofa set combines timeless...
Upholstery, Beech
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Velvet, Foam
Comfortable 1980's Steiner Modular Pillow Sofa Paris France, Original Fabric
By Steiner
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Comfortable & Classic 'Pillow' Modular sofa made by Steiner Paris Marked all over with Steiner and retaining its original upholstery (covers) from the 1980's The fabric colors have ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Down
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Five seats in original blue velvet
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Amanta 5 seater modular sofa by Mario Bellini. Original blue velvet fabric, well preserved. If you are looking for a great modular sofa this is a real gem; elegant and a mo...
Velvet
Joseph-André Motte Sectional Sofa Seat in Red Original Upholstery France, 1950s
By Steiner, Joseph-André Motte
Located in Almelo, NL
Joseph-André Motte Sectional Sofa Seat in Red Original Upholstery France, 1950s This is a set of three sectional sofa seats designed by Joseph-Andre´ Motte ...
Steel
Sectional Sofa, Five-Seat, Two-Piece, Even Arm, off White, Restored, Excellent
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Sectional sofa in the style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Even arm, elegant design. Expertly restored and reupholstered in an off white HBF Textiles Merci bouclé. As you see in the p...
Upholstery, Walnut
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Thayer Coggin Directional Black Velvet Sectional Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Thayer Coggin directional black velvet sectional sofa. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a luxurious black velvet...
Velvet, Wood
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fabulous Wormley Dunbar Style Open-Arm Two-Piece Sectional Sofa Lucite Legs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous two-piece sectional sofa in the style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These sofas were probably a custom order having the very rare Lucite plank legs This sectional measures 2...
Upholstery, Lucite
Mood Couch Laser eco Mascarpone 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
Custom Blush Pink Velvet Sectional Sofa with Maple Wood Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom midcentury style sectional sofa in plush velvet in blush pink with maple wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, colors and fabrics....
Velvet, Maple
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Velvet redbrown Sectional Sofa 70ties
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage Modular Sofa consisting of 6 pieces. Manufactured by Dreipunkt International in the 1970s. Beautiful red-brown velour cord fabric. Can...
Fabric, Cord, Plastic, Beech