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.
Midcentury Modern Walnut Bench Setteee With Caning
Located in Toronto, ON
Lovely midcentury modern bench/settee. The frame is walnut featuring caning in the back and side panels. It has light yellow tufted fabric upholstery with two bolster pillows. In ove...
Other
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
Italian Walnut Carved Settee / Bench with Velvet Seat, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Italian Walnut Carved Settee / Bench with Velvet Seat, circa 1950 An exceptionally rare and elegant Italian mid-century settee or bench defined by its soft, sweeping crescent curvature and architectural openwork backrest. Crafted in warm, rich walnut, the frame showcases three sculptural V-shaped back supports that cradle a floating upholstered bolster rail. Its gently curved bench seat...
Velvet, Walnut
Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
By France & Daverkosen, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
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 Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
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
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
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
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
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
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
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
$9,279 / 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$2,280Sale Price|40% Off
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
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
Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...
Leather, Wood
$9,327 / 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
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
Swedish Loveseat or Settee with Open Wooden Armrests in Elm ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Swedish settee from the late 1940's or early 1950s with coil springs in the seat and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid blond Elm wood with great grain and patin...
Wool, Elm
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
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
Early Original George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Amazing Condition. Signed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in Kansas City, MO
Orignal production iconic Marshmallow Sofa designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson Office therefore attributed to George Nelson. Manufactured by Herman Miller and signed who...
Aluminum, Steel
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
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
20th Century Italian Modern Sculptural Two Seater Sofa - Vintage Walnut Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian two-seater sofa made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The detailed demi-lune shaped settee is composed with two adjustable,...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
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
1970s Ekornes Curved Leather Wood Sofa Settee and Barrel Chair Set
By Ekornes
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare collection is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the gorgeous design and curves on this beauty! Just stu...
Leather, Wood
Italian Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and floral-printed fabric sofa, settee or loveseat designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
Italian Mohair Settee Sofa, Brown, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mohair upholstered curved sofa with wooden legs. Perfect shape and size. In excellent condition, 1950s, Italy. Same era as: Ch...
Mohair, Wood
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
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
$19,900Sale Price|28% Off
Rare Settee by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Refinished and Reupholstered, Italy 1950s
An exceptionally rare and coveted settee by Gio Ponti for Cassina, circa 1950s, with reupholstered white bouclé fabric cushions, refinished elm frames with incredible wood grain, sig...
Bouclé, Elm
Brazilian Designer, Settee, Iron, Fabric, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, dark-stained wood and floral-printed settee or sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Fabric has areas of distress. Natural wood cracking arm rests....
Iron
$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
$5,996Sale Price|25% 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
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
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
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Settee with Connecting Table, France 1950s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare oak settee is a delightful piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This...
Fabric, Oak
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
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. COM fabrics subje...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Rattan & Bamboo Settee, ca. 1970
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Exquisite vintage design settee fully crafted from high-quality bamboo and rattan, originating from Italy, circa 1970. This charming two-seater is a beautiful showcase of the iconi...
Bamboo, Rattan
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cork and Chrome Settee
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
Fritz Hansen 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Soren Hansen
By Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen sofa designed by Soren Hansen in the company's characteristic style of open armrests. Made from stained beech wood showing great blond color and with coi...
Wool, Beech
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
Pair of Piumotto Italian Leather Armchairs by Arrigo Arrighi for Busnelli, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of Piumotto armchairs by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli from the 1970s. Upholstery in genuine black leather. Feet in plastic.
Leather
Luigi Caccia Dominioni Fasce Cromate Sofa, Model P11, Azucena, Italy, 1960s
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Luigi Caccia Dominioni Fasce Cromate (or Chromate) Sofa, model P11, manufactured by Azucena in Italy, in the 1960s. Chrome-plated steel, ne...
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
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
Danish Classic 1930s "Banana-Style" Settee or Bench in Red Velvet
By Kaare Klint, Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic, rare and very elegant Danish 1930s bench or settee in the style of Kaare Klint and Frits Henningsen. The settee is unmarked as was most often the...
Wool, Mahogany
$3,600Sale Price|50% Off
Maxwell Royal Settee
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A tall and sculptural settee with tapered wood arms and back, often attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Designed by Maxwell Royal in the 1950's. Hig...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Danish 1950's Arne Hovmand Style Loveseat with Teak Armrests
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming 1950's Danish loveseat with legs and armrests in teak. The design is very reminiscent of of Arne Hovmand-Olsen's style a cool and has a versatile light design. The loveseat ...
Brass
$5,300Sale Price|39% Off
'New York' Settee by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley for Laverne Intl, c. 1952
By Laverne International, Douglas Kelly, Ross Littell and William Katavolos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare collectors piece is the 'New York' settee sofa by William Katavalos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International (Erwine & Estelle Laverne), designed in 1...
Steel, Chrome
Danish 1940's Settee attributed To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Frits Henningsen, Kaare Klint
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
Danish 1940's Loveseat with Open Wooden Armrest and Green Striped Wool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very charming loveseat from the 1940's in the style of Alfred Christensen. Maker and Designer is unknown but the style is very similar to designs by Fritz Hansen and Alfred Christens...
Wool, Beech
Italian Designer, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 23.5" All items ship from...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Settee in the Style of Overman
By Overman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vibrant Mid-Century Modern settee in the style of Overman, pairing bright red upholstery with a chrome frame. This vintage settee is a great statement piece as well as a comfortable ...
Metal
20th Century Italian Two-Seater Love Settee Attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian two-seater love settee with two pillows, made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed most likely by Guglielm...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Walnut
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Metal Mesh Settee in the Style of Russell Woodard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking mid-century modern metal mesh loveseat featuring a sculptural silhouette and airy architectural form. Constructed from expanded steel mesh over a tubular steel frame, this...
Iron
Danish Settee Ca 1950's in the Style of Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Handsome Danish two-seat sofa in the style of Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Simple yet very elegant and refined design beautiful from all angles. Supportive and...
Wool, Teak