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.
$3,814 / 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
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in Green 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ lounge chair in Green 'Remix 3 by Kvadrat' 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat poc...
Metal
$13,360Sale Price|20% Off
Restored 3-Strand 3 Seat Rattan Sectional Sofa by Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Fabric, Rattan
20th Century Camel Boucle Set of Atlantis Sofa and Armchairs, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa and Armchairs from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in ...
Velvet
20th Century Camel 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
Vintage Florence Knoll modular leather sectional with Modernica tags
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five-piece vintage Florence Knoll white leather sectional / living room set with Modernica tags. 1990s. Leather is in strong and supple with some signs of use and marks. Metal is ha...
Metal, 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
Kazuhide Takahama Sitting Landscape of 10 '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
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
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
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina A few measured strokes of the pen and the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle is the consummate synthesis o...
Textile
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 5 '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
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 3 '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
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Mid-century 3-strand 3/4 Round Pretzel Arm Rattan Sectional 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...
Wicker, Rattan
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
$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
"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
Guillerme et Chambron, Elmyre, Sectional Sofa in 14 Pieces, Mid-century, France
Located in New York, NY
Dimensions listed are per "Chair Section" (Height: 31" - Width: 23.5" - Depth: 33.5"). Corner Sections are: Height: 30.75" - Width: 33.25" - Depth: 33.25" There are 14 sections in t...
Upholstery, Oak
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced in 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in), one smalle...
Chrome
Lawson-Fenning Isherwood Sectional, Modern Channel Tufted Couch, Solid Oak Bas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The isherwood sectional features a channel tufted body with loose bolster cushions. The turned legs are made of solid white oak or American walnut and are inset on the sides revealin...
Upholstery, Oak
Original Rolf Benz Plura Ecksofa Leder hell beige Design creme
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, klappbares Leder-Ecksofa vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Modell, das unter dem Namen "Plura" bekannt ist, besticht durc...
Steel
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
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor version Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-28...
Foam
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 1
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...
Bouclé, Foam
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced in 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in), one smalle...
Chrome
Two-seat modular sofa, 1970
Located in Premariacco, IT
Modular sofa consisting of two fabric-upholstered seats, both with side armrests; made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect for modern, vintage, and contemporary spaces. In perfect condi...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Modular Sofa for Cassina, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa. It features a brown velvet upho...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Vintage Midcentury Asian Style 7 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa Set by John Wiser
By John Wisner
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury Asian Style 7 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa Set by John Wiser for Ficks Reed Exquisite 1950s rare Asian Style bamboo 7 piece modular sect...
Velvet, Bamboo
$14,050Sale 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 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Coastal Bamboo 4 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield Newly Reupholstered in a Textured Green & Creme Linen Blend Fabric with Creme Welt Trim Cra...
Bamboo
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 24
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Fame CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion, Savoy CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero*, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire CAT 4: Baru CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum/Noir Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 1970s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Bouclé, Foam
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 1
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Bouclé, Foam
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
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / seat height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Foam, Leather
Mid Century Scandinavian Red Sleeper Sectional
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Scandinavian Red Sleeper Sectional Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scra...
Upholstery, Teak
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Coconut (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L300cm / P96cm / H70cm / Seating H42cm Modular sofa: assemble differ...
Foam
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Two Part Sofa Frames
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb style Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa. As is upholstery. Perfect wrought iron frame.
Iron, Wire
Rare Wormley Dunbar Style Open-Arm Two-Piece Sectional Sofa Lucite Legs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare 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. Fabulous in ...
Mid-Century Modern Sloped Arm Sectional Sofa, Custom Angled Configuration
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
This custom-built sectional features elegant sloped arms that pitch outward, creating an inviting, open silhouette and the sleek illusion of a low back rail. Finished with tailored t...
Wood, Maple
Large Modular Sectional ‘Nuvolone’ Sofa by Rino Maturi in Green Fabric, 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful Modular ’Nuvolone’ sofa in very good original condition. Designed by Rino Maturi in the 1970s. Manufactured by Mimo Padova, Italy. This ‘Nuvolone' modular sofa is a fusi...
Fabric
$1,431 / item
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf 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 essenti...
Fabric, Wood
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina A few measured strokes of the pen and the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle is the consummate synthesis o...
Metal
Tito Agnoli Poppy Sofa by Poltrona Frau, Leather, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Poppy model three seater couch by Tito Agnoli for Poltronova Frau. Fully professional regenerated by Poltronova Frau. Poppy it’s one of the most comfortable sofa.
Leather
Five-Piece Paul Frankl Style Modular Sectional in Dark Chocolate by Tochiku
By Paul Frankl
Located in Wilton, CT
A sectional celebrating the intricate craft and design of the great Paul Frankl. Furnish an entire room by creating a stunning sectional or allow the pieces to stand alone. We have t...
Wood
$5,925Sale Price|25% Off
Chrome Three-Piece Sectional in the style of De Pas Urbino
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Pasadena, TX
8 ft vintage three-piece sectional Large sectional sofa that was purchased in the late 1970s from the old Robert West Interiors in Houston. Fully res...
Chrome
$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
Kwok Hoi Chan 'Chromatic' modular sofa in orange, yellow and cream
By Steiner, Kwok Hoi Chan
Located in amstelveen, NL
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, sectional sofa, model ´chromatic´, fabric, France, 1970 This seamless seating system consists of three elements, which allow the creation of different con...
Fabric
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Leather Coronado Living Room Set for C&B Italia, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, C&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Brown leather “Coronado” living room set composed of two armchairs and one three-seat sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966 and produced by the Italian manufacturer C&B Ita...
Foam, Leather
Mid-Century Modern Orange Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Orange Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Sectional Fiberglass and Leather Three Seat Sofa In the Style of Dieter Rams
By Dieter Rams
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 620 three-piece section sofa by Dieter Rams with natural leather cushions in an off white fiberglass frame. Made by FG Design in Germany, circa 1960s...
Fiberglass, Leather
Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Modular Armchairs with Chrome Base, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian pair of upholstered modular armchairs with chrome basement. These armchairs have been completely restored and reupholster...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Italian Living Room Set Consisting in 3 Sectional Armchairs
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian living room set consisting in three faux leather sectional armchairs with brass and briar-root basement in the style of Herman Miller. The price refers to...
Brass
Lounge Chairs or Sectional Sofa in Re-upholstered Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Lounge chairs or sectional sofa in re-upholstered fabric, Italy 1970s Lounge chairs or sectional sofa were made and designed in Italy circa 1970. This design is characterized by r...
Fabric, Plywood
Mood Armchair with arms Forest 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