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.
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
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy - Early B&B Italia ed.
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy – Early B&B Italia Edition (1973) A rare and historically significant early B&B Italia production of the iconic “Camaleonda”...
Velvet
Laauser Vintage Leather Patchwork Sectional Sofa Modular, 1970s
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Original from the 1970s Laauser Modular Leathersofa in black anthracite Aniline Leather. This sofa consists of 3 elements that can be individually adjusted. Soft and comfortable seat...
Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood
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
1968 Ciprea Armchairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina (1968), Italy, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini, Tito Agnoli, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Beautiful and chic set of 4 Ciprea armchairs by the legendary Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Made in Italy in 1968, covered with original burnt orange velvet. A predecessor to th...
Velvet, Plywood
$11,498 / 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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chair Settee Loveseat Couch Sofa Set
By Peter Hvidt, Selig
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chair settee loveseat couch sofa set listing dimensions reflect combined length. Long Seat Measures 29'' x 46'' × 28'' Seat Height: 16'' Single Seat Measures 29'' x 25'' x 28'' Seat Height: 16'' by Royal Danish Collection.
Walnut
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning 3 Piece John Widdicomb Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece John Widdicomb sectional sofa with 2 rosewood side tables. Wow, this set is beyond amazing, you should have seen it in its original owner's home-just gorgeous. This ...
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970's, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970's, set of 3 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Velvet, Plastic
Vintage Modular limegreen Mohair Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa Germany
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the late 70ties is manufactured in germany. The frame is made of lacquered dark stained oak wood. The thick seat cushions made ...
Oak, Mohair, Foam
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina - Pair This beautiful original deep blue adjustable 3-seat "Veranda" sofa designed by Vico Magistrett...
Upholstery
Dreipunkt International Vintage Sling Modular Cognac Leather Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured in germany by Dreipunkt International which are well known for a summary of modular Sofas. The design follows the pure shape of the wood and has slightly curved design. The Sling shape is made of leather and canvas. The loose and thick cushions made it so comfortable. It is a semianiline cognac brandy leather. The colour of the oak wood is stained in teak with matches so perfect with the leather colour. This Ensemble includes 6 chairs and 1 ottomane which made this set so unique. Everyhting is in original condition and in very good condition. It fits well with Piere Chapo...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Italian Postmodern Curved Modular Sectional Sofa in Ivory Patterned Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modular sculpted seating group using a serpentine form composed of multiple modules that can be arranged in sweeping curve or separated into independent seating elements. Original i...
Velvet
George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s, United States. Very fine Modular §seater sofa by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. This sofa has a metal frame with square chro...
Steel, Chrome
$21,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Living Room Set by Gae Aulenti in Walnut and Burgundy Leather, Italy, 1968
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Gae Aulenti, the Arcata seating set comprises armchairs, a loveseat, and a three-seater sofa, conceived as a unified architectural ensemble. Each piece is defined by a sc...
Leather, Walnut
$2,200 / set
Unique Mid-Century Vinyl Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This two-piece corner sofa makes an excellent seating option perfect for waiting or living room. Simple and unique Mid-Century design set this piece apart from similar items. Please ...
PVC
Ficks Reed Bamboo Rattan Modular Sectional Corner Chairs Chaise Couch Set
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a fantastic modular set of Ficks Reed bamboo Asian style influenced corner chairs and ottomans that can be arranged and rearranged into many configurations. There are two cor...
Upholstery, Rattan
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chair Settee Loveseat Couch Sofa Set
By Peter Hvidt, Selig
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chair settee loveseat couch sofa 4 seats set. SetListing dimensions reflect combined length. Long seat measures 29'' x 68'' × 28'' Seat height: 17'' Single seat measures 29'' x 24'' x 28'' Seat height: 17'' by Royal Danish Collection.
Upholstery
$1,350Sale Price|55% Off
Mid Century Modern Sectional Sofa with Vintage Upholstery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern sofa features three piece sectional design, beautiful white vintage upholstery, removable cushions, and tufted seat backs. Dimensions: 127w from arm to arm ...
Fabric, Upholstery
Widdicomb Style Brass Wrapped Beige Upholstered Sofa
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This elegant Widdicomb Style Brass Wrapped Beige Upholstered Sofa features a refined mid-century-inspired silhouette with clean lines and substantial proportions. The sofa is upholst...
Mohair
Giancarlo Piretti “Sistema 61" Modular Sofa
By Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, Italy - fully restored in wool hopsack. It can be arranged in any way, as each piece connects and disconnects using u-hooks that connect beneath the sofa. This piece is in ...
Wool
MCM Jens Risom Split Lounge Chairs Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Rare Jens Risom Split Single Arm Lounge Chairs Newly Reupholstered in High End Royal Purple Mohair and Violet Velvet - Set of 2 We reupholstered this Jens...
Mohair
Can Can Modular Sofa by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio - 1960s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
A magnificent "Can Can" modular sofa designed by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio in the 1960s. It consists of nine elements: six seating units and three triangular modules th...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage De Sede DS-11 Modular Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé
By De Sede
Located in Sint-Niklaas, VOV
De Sede produced high quality leather sofas and is still producing them today. Unfortunately this original cognac leather one had its best time so we reupholstered this iconic sofa ...
Bouclé
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
$20,980Sale Price / set|20% Off
Kristian Vedel MODUS Midcentury Modular Lounge Suite, Pouf & Table, Denmark
By Kristian Vedel, Søren Willadsen, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Extraordinary Kriatian Vedel MODUS modular sofa set from 1960s. The set is made of high quality soft leather and beautiful Brazilian Rosewood, typical of Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Denmark. The set consists of five fauteuils, two poufs and tables...
Leather, Rosewood
Original Midcentury Ecksofa Modulare Design Couch Leder braun
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, 7-teiliges Vintage Modulsofa aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das braune Leder weist eine schöne und authentische Patina auf. Insgesamt besteht die...
Leather
Wiener Werkstätten Castell Hans Hopfer Sectional Sofa Group, Austria, 1972
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare 'Castell' leather sofa group by Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria, circa 1972 Well preserved sofa all in original vintage, super preserved condition. Normally these are destined to have been rather worn out throughout the last 50 years, whereas this ensemble hasn't. The light brown leather is still in wonderful, smooth condition with no major blemishes, a beautiful patina and minimal partial staining. It can be combined in various positions and constellations, be it as large single sofa with large chair and ottoman or as an ensemble. It's wrapped in leather all around. The long 'sofa' with the back cushions however should be placed against the wall as the middle part has got 3 loose cushions. It's marked at the reverse of the upholstery (Wiener Werkstätten...
Steel
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
$3,797 / item
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in Black for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' designed in 1970 in black for B-Line Multichair is a convertible system consisting of two individual elements that can easily turn into a conversation/relax...
Fabric
Klaus Uredat Lounge Chair model Corbi for COR 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 list...
Mohair, Beech
Extraordinary Mid Century Paul McCobb Style Sectional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Mid Century design in the style of .the iconic American furniture designer Paul McCobb (Am. 1917-1969). The Sectional is very large and capacious with exceptionally comfortab...
Metal
Hans Hollein Marilyn Sofa, Birdseye Maple & Fabric, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Postmodern Sofa “Marilyn” by Poltronova, 1980s The “Marilyn” sofa by Hans Hollein is a rare and extraordinary example of 1980s postmodern Italian design, blending playful artistry w...
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
5 Pieces Set of Mid Century Rattan Bamboo Sectional Sofa & Arm Longe Chair Mint
By McGuire, Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
5 Pieces set of mid century tattan bamboo sectional sofa & arm longe chair mint.
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
Paul McCobb Symmetric Group 3-Piece Channel Back Sectional Sofa -Widdicomb 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional and highly collectible three-piece sectional sofa designed by Paul McCobb for his celebrated Symmetric Group line in the 1950s. This rare modular example embodies McCo...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Rattan and Fabric Sectional Sofa After Ficks Reed
By Ficks Reed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by the celebrated designs of Ficks Reed, this vintage modular sectional sofa showcases the timeless appeal of natural rattan craftsm...
Fabric, Rattan
American Vintage 1980s 3-Piece Sectional Sofa, White Cream Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
American Vintage (1980s) 3-piece sectional sofa with lightly swirl patterned white / cream upholstery, removable seat cushions, and arms on ends of two outer sections. Yellowing sta...
Upholstery
$3,675Sale Price|30% Off
Restored Mid-Century 3-strand 3/4 Round Pretzel Arm Rattan Sectional 3-Seat Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Post War three strand, 3/4 round pretzel arm rattan section sofa for 3 people, features a rare decorative arched detail around the perimeter of the base. Th...
Rattan
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 4
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four 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
20th Century Pink Blush Boucle Atlantis Sofa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small ...
Velvet
$7,576Sale Price / set|50% Off
Iconic Modular Sofa "Bogo" + armchair- Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizza
Located in Manzano, IT
Iconic modular sofa model "Bogo" (Safari Line 2), designed by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate in collaboration with Redwall/Borbonese. A true masterpiece of 1970s/80s Italian d...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa in Elmwood and Bouclé, France, 1970s
By Pierre Chapo, Maison Regain
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa in Elmwood and Bouclé, France, 1970s Striking modular sofa ensemble from 1970s France, composed of three individual elements: a large armless bench, ...
Upholstery, Elm
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Sky Blue 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 module (90 x 60 cm / 35.4 x 23.6 in) complete with backrest. Origi...
Velvet, Foam
1940s Banana Sofa In Crimson Brocade Fabric
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1940s Materials: Beech, Wool Measurements: 71 wide x 29″ deep x 28" tall Condition: In excellent original condition with ...
Wool, Beech
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !Can be used in a variety of configurations.. Sofa (4-seater) love-seat a chair.. 4 chairs.. Wonderful original co...
Wool, Walnut
1970s Selig by Simmons Six-Piece Grey Modular Sectional Sofa.
Located in Victoria, BC
Produced by Selig by Simmons during the 1970s, this six-piece modular sectional sofa is a striking example of the increasingly relaxed, adaptable approach to residential seating that...
Fabric
4 Piece Gray Velvet Corduroy 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4 Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa in gray velvet fabric Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970. The modular sofa comes with three 36” wide seats and one 25” smaller seat. All seats c...
Metal
Rare Snake Shaped Sofa, Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, Erik Jørgensen
By Johannes Foersom, Erik Jørgensen, Peter Hiort-Lorenzen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare snake shaped "pipeline" sectional sofa, design Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, manufactured by Erik Jørgensen, Denmark, 1980s. Reupholstered with high-quality model...
Chrome
Rodolfo Bonetto Set of 3 ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chairs 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto set of 3 ‘Boomerang’ lounge chairs in 'Remix 3 by Kvadrat' 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat pocket at the back for use as ma...
Metal
Organic Shape Yellow Pattern 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
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in 'Flukso' Velvet 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in 'Gorgeous' Velvet by Flukso 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat po...
Metal
Italian Modular Sofa in the Style of Pamio, Massari & Toso for Stillwood
Located in Almelo, NL
Italian modular sofa in the style of Pamio, Massari & Toso for Stillwood in New Bouclé Fabric, Italy, the 1970s Italian modular sofa in the style of Pamio, Massari & Toso (Designers) for Stillwood (maker), who were known for creating entirely new forms following developments in foam technology in the 1950s and 1960s. This iconic low modular sofa...
Bouclé, Foam
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Frankl Style Loveseat in Dark Chocolate by Tochiku
By Tochiku
Located in Wilton, CT
A loveseat celebrating the intricate craft and design of the great Paul Frankl. Completely refinished in a dark chocolate stain, the options for this piece are endless. Shown with an imported textured cotton in white, however we are able to custom upholster to your project specifications or use COM. In addition to this loveseat, we have an entire collection of just-refinished Paul Frankl style Tochiku pieces available and ready for cushions. Furnish an entire room by creating a stunning sectional or allow the pieces to Stand alone. The collection consists of a three-piece sofa, this two-piece loveseat, a square corner table...
Upholstery, Rattan
Dreipunkt International Vintage Velour Modular Leathersofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage modular lounge seating system by Dreipunkt International, consisting of three individual seating modules that can be arranged in various configurations. Upholstered in velour...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Two Part Four Seat Sectional Sofa - 2 Pieces
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Two Part Four Seat Sectional Sofa - 2 Pieces. Item features oatmeal colored cushions, wood grain laminate armrests, beautiful wood grain, 2...
Fabric, Walnut
COR Model Ambo Living Room Suite Modular Sofa by Jo Otterpohl
By COR
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This is a rare and stunning Modular sectional sofa designed by Jo Otterpohl in 1969 for german manufacturer COR. It is a pure 70ties design. It consist 5 ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Corolla modular sofa by Rito Valla for IPE Italia, 1970s
By Rito Valla
Located in NAPOLI, NP
“Corolla” modular sofa designed by Rito Valla for IPE, Italy, 1970s. A significant and rare modular sofa consisting of 4 linear modules, 1 corner module, and 1 ottoman, upholstered ...
Chrome
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ultra Rare Karpen of California Tufted Sofa Sectional Walnut Leg Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Ultra rare Karpen of California tufted back 2 piece sofa sectional. This super sexy sofa can be used as an L-shaped sectional or all lined up as a long sofa...
Brass
$13,986Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Italian Red Sofa by Ico Parisi for Cassina Mod. 875, Published
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare four-seater sofa by Ico Parisi for Cassina model 875 of the 60s. The structure is metal, and the cover is red cotton fabric. The sofa through the clean lines and defined very ri...
Steel
MCM 1960s Rattan Wicker Stripes Castors Sectional Sofa with Corner Table
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, multi color stripes upholstered, rattan and wicker two pieces sectional sofa you could hope to find. In original and u...
Upholstery, Rattan, Glass