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.
Thonet, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood settee or bench produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. From a group along with two chairs, one carrying Thonet paper label. Minimal signs of use. Re...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Fabric, Oak
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Orange Red Upholstery
By Theo Ruth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, The Netherlands, 1970. A Dutch two-seat sofa in orange red colored fabric by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backwards and ...
Steel
Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and elegant small 1950s easy style Danish settee with the frame, legs and armrests in solid teak. Very high design quality and workmanship. The piece is unmarked but the de...
Teak, Leather
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova Daybed mod. Califfo
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...
Fabric, Wood
Gervasoni Udine, Settee, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A light-grey floral-embroidered fabric, bamboo and rattan settee or sofa produced by Gervasoni Udine, Italy, c. 1960s. Minimal signs of wear. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Ov...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo Three-Seat Sofa with Gilt Metal Legs, Italy 1950s, COM
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo elegant and sculptural three-seat sofa with gilt metal legs, Italy, 1950s. The sofa will be fully restored and ready for upholstery in the customer’s own ma...
Metal
Rare Gio Ponti Attributed Sofa by Casa E Giardino, Italy, 1940s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Gio Ponti attributed sofa for Casa e Giardino, Italy, 1940s. Structurally sound but reupholstery required. We can assist with reupholstery in customers choice of fabric if requi...
Fabric, Wood
$9,375 / item
Wavy / Scallop Back Sofa, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Listed measurments are approximate. Available in bespoke widths and in COM - ple...
Fabric, Wood
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Wooden and Velvet Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his leadership in the Viennese Art Nouveau movement and for being one of the founders of the ...
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Swedish Two Seater Beech Sofa by Möbel Komponerad AV, Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish two-seater sofa with two pillows, made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Möbel Komponerad AV i...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
Danish 1950s Settee with Wooden Armrest by Orla Mølgaard Amber Colored Frame
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1950s settee raised on a amber colored beech frame and legs. Attributed to Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. We love how the armrests continue into the front l...
Wool, Beech
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
$9,375 / item
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 3 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and black-lacquered iron settee or bench designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x 41.25"...
Iron
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
Mario Bellini Bambole Bibambola LBA2 leather Sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia
Located in Skokie, IL
Mario Bellini Bambole leather Sofa for B&B Italia circa 2017. Bibambola designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a sofa made with flexible cold polyurethane foam padding w...
Steel
$9,375Sale Price|25% Off
Olivier Mourgue Djinn Sofa in Mohair for Airborne, France 1960's
By Airborne International, Olivier Mourgue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Olivier Mourgue 'Djinn' Sofa / Settee for French company Airborne, 1960's. This piece has new foam and new fabric. The fabric is from Maharam and is referenced as the "Mohair Sup...
Mohair, Stained Glass
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and light gray velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been...
Brass
Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Bench or Settee
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Modern walnut sculpted bench or settee inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Blue velvet cushion newly upholstered . Available also a pair .
Wood
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Sofa, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three-seater sofa attributed Gio Ponti, production in the early 1950s, with high backrest, the upholstery is in velvet but replacement is recommended, feet and structure in beech.
Velvet, Beech
Italian Mid Century Modern Leather Settee
Located in Houston, TX
Italian mid century modern leather settee: :newly upholstered in a dark olive with cognac welt and buttons.
Metal
De Sede DS-42 2-Seater Sofa in Natural Bullhide, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Dronten, NL
An icon of brutalist luxury from the Swiss masters of leather. In the 1970s, the Swiss brand De Sede elevated furniture-making to an art form by refusing to compromise on material o...
Leather, Beech
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa (1950s), produced in Berne, Indiana, and embodying the designer's celebrated ability to balance refined modernism with timeless comfort. Res...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS 14 Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 14 lounge chair in patinated cognac leather, Switzerland, 1970s This robust patinated De Sede lounge chair ensures ultimate comfort and bu...
Leather, Beech
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
$10,662Sale Price|25% Off
Italian Bench / Settee with Wall Hanging Back, Italy, 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Spectacular Italian bench / settee with wall hanging back, Italy, 1950.
Upholstery, Wood
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
A Midcentury Settee in the Style of Abel Sorenson
Located in Dallas, TX
This mid-century modern settee is designed in the style of Abel Sorenson for Knoll, showcasing strong Scandinavian influences. Its sleek lines, minimalist form, and angled legs refle...
Velvet, Oak
A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and refined, this mid-century settee features splayed legs and sculpted wood armrests, framing a newly upholstered backs, arms and seat. The clean geometry, lightness of form...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Style Modern Sofa 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modern sofa with brass legs in the style of Marco Zanuso. Italy, 1960's. Newly upholstered in pebble color JAB indoor/outdoor fabric by Venfield.
Brass, Steel
Danish 1940's Bench-Style Settee in Carved Oak with Open armrests
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1950s Settee in red wool and beautifully carved oak base and open armrests. Very refined clean lines and an almost benchlike style to the settee. It's an unusual piece and ...
Wool, Oak
$5,596Sale Price|30% Off
Italian Leather & Alligator Skin Settee 1970s Custom Made
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of an Exceptional and very comfortable vintage custom made leather and alligator settee loveseat featuring real Alligator...
Chrome
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cork and Chrome Settee
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century cork and chrome settee The settee measures: 57.5 wide x 35.5 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height of 22 ...
Chrome
Mid-Century French Settee by Jean Pascaud & Vadim Androusov, 1940s
By Jean Pascaud, Vadim Androusov
Located in Queens, NY
French mid-century dark mahogany settee with gilt bronze sabot feet and armrest supported by gilt bronze eagles with brown upholstery. Signed Jean Pascaud, by Vadim Androusov (ref: Les Decorateurs des annee 40, pg 172). Jean Pascaud was born in Rouen in 1903. He took a degree in engineering from the Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures, but his passion for furniture and décor, and the influence of his father in law, Auguste Bluysen, (then President of the Société des Architectes Modernes), led Pascaud to abandon a more traditional career and take up furniture design instead. By the late 1920s Pascaud regularly at the Salon des Tuileries, at the Salon d'Automne, the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, and the Arts Ménagers. His work is simple, yet technically ambitious and brilliant; his pieces are impressively large, but aesthetically balanced. Vadim Androusov was born in St. Petersburg in 1895. He was a grandson of the archeologist Schliemann. He arrived in Paris in 1920 and took classes at La Grande Chaumière academy; Bourdelle was one of his professors. His first sculptures date from 1925 and depict female figures and characters drawn from classical antiquity. He rarely used bronze, preferring terracotta, plaster, wood, and stone. He showed his creations at the Salon des Tuileries and the Salon des Indépendants. While a sculptor, he also collaborated with interior decorators and created wall-mounted light fixtures, furniture pulls...
Bronze
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munich, DE
nice sofa from the steel frame series. an icon of modern design. shows signes of previous use, but has no defects and the white leather has nice patina.
Metal
Curved Egg Shape Sofa, in the Style of Ico Parisi, Pure Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb, unusual Italian egg shaped sofa, in the style of Ico Parisi. The sofa has been reupholstered in a grey (with a hint of brown) premium pure mohair fabric and is of a curved,...
Fabric, Wood
Camel Back Federal Style Mahogany Stretcher Base Beige Upholstery Sofa Mint!
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Camel back federal style mahogany stretcher base beige upholstery sofa mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous Wing back settee or sofa, designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, American, circa 1950s. This sofa is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Paul McCobb for Directional sculptural cubist sofa or settee. Legs have been refinished, older reupholstery and foam must be updated. Great sleek geom...
Upholstery
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa in Teal Upholstery
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron, sofa, oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautiful two-seat settee by Guillerme & Chambron, in solid oak. The back of the seat has been beautifully finished with woode...
Fabric, Oak
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Studio BBPR, Augusto Romano
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s. Requires reupholstery. We can upholster in COM - please enquire. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
1950s Hans J. Wegner Model 1935 Teak and Beech Shell Settee for Fritz Hansen
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Early 1950s Danish Mid Century Modern Hans J. Wegner Model 1935 Teak and Beech Shell Settee for Fritz Hansen. Originally designed in 1948 for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Inter...
Beech, Teak
Jacques Quinet, Settee, Leather, Hide, Metal, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A white leather, metal and leopard-printed hide settee or sofa designed and produced by Jacques Quinet, France, c. 1970. Some tears in seat cushions; shows more wear than back cush...
Metal
Mid-century three-seat sofa produced in Italy during the 1970s.
Located in Praha, CZ
he sofa is upholstered in cognac leather and features deep tufted cushions, generous padding and sculptural armrests that create an exceptionally comfortable seating experience. Its ...
Leather, Wood
Rare Giulia Veronesi Perla Sofa, Green Fabric, ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s
By Giulia Veronesi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare 3 person Giulia Veronesi Perla sofa produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy 1950s. With markers mark. Original green fabric in fairly good condition with mino...
Fabric, Wood
Argentine Designer, Settee, Wood, Rush, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and rush settee or bench designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Some chips on wood details. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Rush, Wood
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler 'Divina' Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler, 'Divina' sofa, fabric, stained beech, Sweden, late 1950s This 'Divina' sofa is designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell. The seat is characterized ...
Fabric, Beech
Argentine Designer, Settee, Wood, Vinyl, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green, pink vinyl settee or sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Upholstery distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall...
Faux Leather, Wood
Italian Sofa in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, red fabric, wood, metal, Italy, circa 1960 This Italian two-seat settee features a soft red color and can be placed in an entryway or bring a touch of elegance to any room. ...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Bamboo and Rattan Sofa with new Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous two-seater sofa made completely of bamboo and rattan in Italy, 1960s/1970s. The sofa is in nearly excellent condition since it was placed inside the previous home. The cushi...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker
Argentine Designer, Settee, Wood, Rush, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A carved wood and rush settee or bench designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.0"H x 43.5"W x 26.0"D Seat H...
Rush, Wood
20th Century, Afra&Tobia Scarpa Unique Sofa with Armrests
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa started their collaboration in the 1959 sharing numerous important projects, in particular in the supply sector, establishing themselves as exponents o...
Metal
$896Sale Price|25% Off
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point. It is in wonderful vintage condition. We have restored the wood, cleaned the vinyl, repaired a few spots where stitching was loose, and put on a new dustcover. But there are still little signs of age. Please see photos, circa 1950s. What a fun little Mid-Century Modern convertible sofa. Settee? Loveseat? Armless sofa? Bench? A rose by any other name…….!!! Anyway, I digress. It is a great piece no matter what we call it. I am sticking with convertible sofa. It is comprised of a black vinyl faux leather bench seat...
Faux Leather, Wood
Claudio Salocchi for Sormani Mid Century Rosewood and Boucle Settee Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Claudio Salocchi for Sormani Mid Century Rosewood and Bouclé Settee Sofa This settee measures: 54.75 wide x 33.75 deep x 26.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of...
Bouclé, Rosewood
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By Hans Elli, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, sofa or settee, model 'sz18', chrome-plated metal, fabric, The Netherlands, 1970-71 This sofa is designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. A rare model, as th...
Chrome, Metal