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.
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
COR Trio Sectional Sofa in Chocolate Brown Velvet 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
Vintage 3-Piece Modular Seating Group with Coffee Table by Haralson–Seidel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a rare complete set from Haralson–Seidel’s iconic Hide Park Collection: two modular sofas and a dual-function coffee table that together create a living space defined by vin...
Leather, Smoked Glass, Walnut
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 3
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of three 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 th...
Velvet, Foam
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
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
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
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
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 mos...
Velvet, Foam
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Modular Sofa Model '9000', in Teddy Re-Upholstery 1970s
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Almelo, NL
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, modular sofa model '9000', in teddy fabric re-upholstery, Italy 1970s. This model is marked by showing infinite possibilities to customize its use accordi...
Fabric, Beech
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% 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
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
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
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
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
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
$24,000 / set
Fantastic Sectional Omnibus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
The sectional sofa with Lucite supporting legs features three units, a right arm section, a middle corner return and an ottoman. Plush cushions and all upholstered body. One of the i...
$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
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
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
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Lounge Chairs by COR, Germany – 1969 in New Bouclé
By Klaus Uredat, COR
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
$21,988Sale Price|20% Off
Restored 4-Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Corner Sectional Sofa for Six by Ritts
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Mid-Century Four-strand square pretzel rattan Corner Sectional sofa with six seats. This sofa features a geometric pattern rattan base with four-strand square pretzel arms a...
Rattan
Joseph-andré Motte Sectional Sofa Two Seat Red Original Upholstery France, 1950
By Steiner, Joseph-André Motte
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
Handsome Harvey Probber 2-Piece Nuclear Sert Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Harvey Probber 2-piece Nuclear Sert series sofa sectional. This piece will need to be re-upholstered-fabric is worn and dated and foam is hardeni...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
$10,200Sale Price|20% 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
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
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
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
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
Roberto Matta for Gavina “Malitte” Modular Seating System
By Roberto Matta, Gavina
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Included in the permanent collection of MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City: "Malitte is a seating system, an ever-changing composition of f...
Textile, Foam
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
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 6. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Leather, Plastic
De Sede DS 63 Two-Seater Sofa in Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 63 two-seater sofa in leather, Switzerland 1970s Robust DS-63 modular two-seater sofa. This De Sede sofa ensures ultimate comfort and build...
Leather
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
$10,200Sale Price|20% Off
Restored MCM 6-Strand Square Pretzel 3 Seat Rattan Corner Sofa w/ 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
$9,170 / 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
Scrumptious Curved Adrian Pearsall 2 Piece Circular Sectional Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptuous Adrian Pearsall 2 piece curved sectional sofa. This wonderful sofa retains its original fabric in clean comfortable condition. Ready to slip right into your modern livi...
Upholstery
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, 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
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
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
COR Model Corbi Modular Sofa by Klaus Uredat 2x limegreen Lounge Chair
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This is a rare and stunning Modular sectional sofa /Lounge Chair designed by Klaus Uredat in 1969 for german manufacturer COR. It is a pure 70ties design. It consist 2 seating module...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$6,908 / set
Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Large leather modular sofa, 1970s Germany. Designer unfortunally unknown. 6 pieces in dark brown color leather with hints of dark red. 1 corners, 2 cha...
Leather
Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova Set of Four Modular Orange Sofa 1970s
By Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid Century Modern orange set of four modular sofa by Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova 1970s. Newly professionally reupholstered in Italy with Orange fabric. A modular sofa ...
Velvet, Plastic
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
Mid-Century Weiman for Preview Cloud Sofa, Nautilus, American, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century Weiman for Preview Cloud Sofa, Nautilus, Kidney-Shape, American, 1970s. Organic form sofa, by Weiman for Preview, Labeled, in original '...
Textile
$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
Hugo Sofa Compo 001 - Fabric Monsieur Baudelaire 003 (or any fabric from Cat. B)
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Hugo Modular Sofa combines sleek modernity with soft, sculptural lines, creating a striking yet inviting presence in any living space. Fully modular, it offers effortless flexibi...
Fabric, Rubber, Wood
De Sede DS 63 Lounge Chair in Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 63 lounge chair in leather, Switzerland 1970s Robust DS-63 lounge chair. This De Sede lounge chair ensures ultimate comfort and building qu...
Leather
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
Joseph-André Motte Sectional Sofa Seat in Red Original Upholstery France, 1950s
By Joseph-André Motte, Steiner
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% 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
Sectional Sofa, Five-Seat, Two-Piece, Even Arm, off White, Restored, Excellent
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$4,215Sale Price / set|20% Off
Quattro Sedute modulari '9000' di Tito Agnoli per Arflex anni 70
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
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
$9,950 / set
Elegant Harvey Probber Two-Part Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
A well-tailored, nicely proportioned and architecturally clean-looking design this two-piece sectional sofa by Harvey Probber. With even arms, tufted seat cushions and six loose cush...
Upholstery, Wood
Wittmann Modular 'Hochbarett' Sofa in Brown Leather, Austria 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Karl Wittmann for the renowned Austrian manufacturer Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, the 'Hochbarett' sofa is an outstanding example of 1970s design. Combining generous propor...
Leather