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.
Restored Mid-century 3-Strand Round Full Pretzel Rattan Settee Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored Mid-Century era round full pretzel two-seat settee loveseat with a three-strand round pretzel armrest. It features a sculptural three-strand round pretzel arms and open base...
Wicker, Rattan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo Three-Seat Sofa with Gilt Metal Legs, Italy 1950s, COM
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
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
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 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, 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
Olivier Mourgue Djinn Sofa in Mohair for Airborne, France 1960's
By Olivier Mourgue, Airborne International
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
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Brass, Iron
$9,383 / 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
$9,383 / 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
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
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
$2,640Sale Price|23% Off
Italian Settee by Isa Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Isa Bergamo mid century settee original faux leather upholstery and original mid century condition. Brass legs.
Brass
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
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
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
Danish 1940's Settee attributed To Ole Wanscher
By Kaare Klint, Frits Henningsen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and unique settee that seem to draw on famous designs from Kaare Klint and Frits Henningsen. The settee is most likely by Ole Wanscher who made...
Wool, Mahogany
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Wooden and Velvet Sofa
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
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
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest attributed Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The ivory v...
Velvet, Beech, Fir
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
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
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
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
$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
Mid Century Garden Patio Poolside Wrought Iron Settee Att. to Woodard
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stylish wrought iron and metal mesh loveseat settee, attributed to Woodard. This example is in very good condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. ...
Wrought Iron
Rare John Saladino for Dunbar Petal Settee / Loveseat in Jack Lenor Larsen Plaid
By John Saladino, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
New York interior designer and architect John F. Saladino (1939-2025). John designed this 1970s rarely seen small-scale Petal Settee (#7009), sofa or loveseat for Dunbar, has its ori...
Upholstery
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
Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa, Brass & Iron, Italy, Circa 1950
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Produced in the 1950s, the sofa has a rounded structure with original velvet upholstery and typical iron stiletto legs. The feet are made of brass. The upholstery has been washed a...
Brass, Iron
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
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Hans Elli
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
$3,311Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Sofa by ISA Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo
Located in London, GB
Elegant and inviting, this Italian two-seat sofa showcases the refined proportions and understated sophistication characteristic of Mid-Century Modern design. Upholstered in a vibran...
Brass
Mid-Century Sculpted Italian Loveseat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern settee features tapered walnut legs and decorative floral upholstery. The unique winged backrest and armrests are sure to make this piece stand out in an...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Midcentury Italian Gio Ponti Style Lacquer Ebonized Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic Mid-Century Modern Italian sculptured settee or bench with wings. The settee features a black lacquer ebonized finish on the stylish ...
Leather, Wood
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
$2,735Sale Price|20% Off
Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa for Arflex 1951 Red Velvet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Red velvet two two-seater sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Triennale 1951.
Brass
$10,650Sale 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
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
$9,900Sale Price|29% Off
'Bracket-Back' Model #133 Mahogany and Leather Sofa by Dunbar, c 1955
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible model #133 leather sofa by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features gorgeous medium brown leather and Mahogany 'bracket back' legs, perfect for floating the sofa in the roo...
Leather, 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
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
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
$6,800Sale Price|22% Off
Mid-Century Harvey Probber Burger Bun Pink Velvet Settee
By Harvey Probber, Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Mid-Century Modern settee designed by Italian architect Adriano Piazzesi for Harvey Probber, Inc. Burger bun is a whimsical kidney shaped form des...
Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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