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Mid-Century Modern Settees

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid Century Italian Small Settee with Blue Upholstery and Iron Legs
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this small upholstered settee dates from the 1950s. The sofa features simple lines with curved armrests and slender, tapered black iron legs and brass-tipped feet. Re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Guillerme & Chambron Settees in Oak, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pair of of carved oak settees with removable arms, a very comfortable design with dynamic forms especially the back. Reupholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, cushions are done with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak

Oak Settee by Guillerme and Chambron , 1960's
Located in Miami, FL
Oak settee by Guillerme and Chambron for Votre Maison, 1960s The model “Denis” boasts a stunning organic modern aesthetic. Sculptural sofa features an open back with slender spills ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Oak

Italian 1950's Scalloped Shaped Channeled Velvet Settee or Sofa
Located in New York, NY
A decadently designed Italian 1950's settee with a scalloped or petal shaped form and luxuriously upholstered channeled back tufting. The settee has been fully restored and newly reu...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Grete Jalk Sofa in Teak for France & Daverkosen Danish Mid-Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Grete Jalk sofa for France & Daverkosen Denmark, circa 1955 Teak frame, upholstery. Measures: 80.5" W x 30.5" D x 32" H 'John Stuart Inc' distributors label attached to inte...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Charles Eames for Herman Miller Compact Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
The Eames sofa compact works where bulkier sofas don’t. The clean profile and crisp, light scale evolved from a built-in sofa that Charles and Ray Eames designed for the living room ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Other

1970s Milo Baughman Ushaped Pit Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sectional is statement piece which ...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood

1940's Restored Rattan Six-Strand Double Triangle Arm Tortoise Shell Rattan
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Refurbished rattan piece featuring six-strand double triangle arms, exuding charm with tortoiseshell rattan accents, perfect for classic decor. Tortoiseshell rattan furniture or deco...
Category

1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

Rare 2 Seat Settee by Amedeo Albertini
Located in New York, NY
Leather, painted steel, aluminum, pine. Ceated in very small numbers exclusively for the Fondazione Agnelli, & the entrance hall of the Fiat offices, also ini Torino. The adjustable ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Danish Inspired Custom Compact Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W65 D21 H34.5 SW60 SD17 SH21 AH25 Danish inspired custom sofa is structurally sound and sturdy condition. Fabric is well preserved with no visible major stains or tears. Sofa is the...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Piero Lissoni, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
An Iconic Italian Mid-Century Sofa / Settee / Pair of Lounge Chairs by Piero Lissoni in a sleek, contemporary, low, square form circa 1970-1975. The sofa is modular, multi-functional...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Plastic, Rubber

Fritz Hansen Attributed 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests
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 gran and color and with ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Beech

Marco Zanuso Style Modern Sofa 1960s
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.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass, Steel

Franco Albini Style Rattan Settee
Located in Rochester, NY
Woven bent natural rattan and cane wrapped settee with a beautifully designed sculptural form. In the style of Franco Albini. Circa 1960-1970. Very good all original condition. Look ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Cane, Rattan

Chrome Caged Loveseat, 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
All that glitters is chrome when we’re talking about this settee, enveloped by a reflective chrome cage, which is everything you need and MORE. And may we be the *first* to say that ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Lotus Settee by Niels Bendsten for Niels Eilersen
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Leather upholstery with patina. Matching sofa available. Made in Denmark. Removable arms.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

1950s Walnut Window Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Southampton, NJ
A solid walnut Mid-Century Modern window bench or settee attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Lithe line design constructed of fully restored walnut frame with new fine scale can...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Walnut

Rare Settee and Pair of Low Lounge Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare Settee and Pair of Low Lounge Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret with inverted compass type teak legs upholstered in Italian sheared cow hide The Sette and Lounge chairs have been expe...
Category

20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Cowhide, Teak

Danish 1940s Sofa in Lambswool with Armrests in Carved Elm by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of semi-open armrests carved from solid elm wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Elm, Wool

Danish Easy Settee with Oak Armrests, 1940s attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant and charming easy style settee from the 1940s attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk. These type of 1940s pieces are increasingly coming into fashion, however. Made from oiled oak...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak

Lawrence Peabody for Richardson Nemschoff Mid Century Walnut Settee
Located in Countryside, IL
Lawrence Peabody for Richardson Nemschoff Mid Century Walnut Settee This settee measures: 51 wide x 30 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 17 inches All pieces of furnitur...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Ficks Reed Style Mid Century Rattan Settee
Located in Countryside, IL
Ficks Reed Style Mid Century Rattan Settee This settee measures: 70.5 wide x 34 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 10.5 and arm height of 19.75 inches All pieces of fur...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rattan

Clean Lined Bleached Mahogany and Black Patent Leather Bench/Settee
Located in Chicago, IL
Clean lined even arm bench or settee constructed of bleached mahogany wood and black patent leather with flat brass detailing. A very nice addition to the entry way or window seating...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Rare Restored Museum Quality Paul Laszlo Arched 3-Strand Rattan Settee
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare museum quality Paul Laszlo three-strand rattan settee. This loveseat dates from 1941 and features a unique arched arm and lounge arched seat back. 1950, United States We only ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rattan

Frits Henningsen Style Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen style settee in collaboration with Elizabeth Law of Elizabeth Law Design. Born and raised in South Carolina, Law draws inspiration from the discoveries of her travel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Alex Outdoor Upholstered Stainless Steel Powder Coated Lounge Settee Club Bench
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, The Alex Settee style of relaxed seating is created using a stainless steel, powder coated frame and specialized outdoor foam. The de...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lawrence Peabody for Nemschoff Mid Century Settee Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
Lawrence Peabody for Nemschoff Mid Century Settee Sofa This settee measures: 51 wide x 26 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 inches All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood

Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by 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...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Beech

Mid Century Armless Loveseat Settee in Blue
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid-Century armless settee crafted with a solid walnut frame, newly upholstered in a classic blue textile, raised on squared legs with brass caps. The loveseat is in excellent condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Rattan Gossip Bench with Glass Top Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Rattan gossip chair with glass side table. This lovely rattan chair or bench is as functional as it is beautiful and charming. The grac...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rattan

Jean Gillon for Probel Leather and Brazilian Rosewood Sofa, c. 1970, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare Brazilian Modern sofa is by Jean Gillon for Probel and features a gorgeous Brazilian Jacaranda frame with very-comfortable black leathe...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jonathan DePas, Donato D'urbino, Paolo Lomazzi, Ligne Roset Sofa/Settee, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Jonathan DePas, Donato D'urbino, Paolo Lomazzi, Ligne Roset Sofa/Settee, 1970. Original Charcoal gray leather. Measures 29" tall, 39" deep, 61" long, set height 16.5"
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

1970s Fred Lowen for Tessa Black Leather & Teak T4 Sofa
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Low profile meets high comfort without compromise with this T4 Sofa. This particular piece is an early 70s release, and is designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Fu...
Category

1970s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rope, Teak

American Designer, Settee, Oak, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A cerused oak, bamboo and grey brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, 1960s. Seat height: 17.25”
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Bamboo, Oak

Rare Early Knoll Tubular Steel Base Settee # 32 by Florence Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare tubular satin black steel framed based settee with oatmeal colored upholstery . Great for a smaller space or an area where you want to keep things simple and light , the sofa ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Rare Three Seat Sofa by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet
Located in New York, NY
In very fine original condition, the whole is wrapped in braided raffia over an oak frame. - Seat H. 17.32" - Matching Pair of Arm Chairs Available The French Modernist Designer-duo Adrian Audoux and...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Raffia

1960s Skipper Mobler Leather and Rosewood Settee
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Skipper Mobler Rosewood Box settee. with high quality Buffalo leather. Unique cushion designs creates a wonderful design and excellent comfort. Denmark, 1960’s...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Pair of Midcentury Settee's by Charlotte Chair Company
By Charlotte Chair Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern pair of sofas feature pink vinyl upholstery and a base with wood trim. A sleek and comfortable design that makes a s...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Danish Settee from Mid-1950's in Beech and Wool by Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very charming and very elegant small settee made in Denmark around mid 1950's by Fritz Hansen. It's similar but a bit more linear and modern than his well-know model 8112. Solid and ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Cow Hide Upholstered Settee
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Cow Hide Upholstered Sofa with northern yellow birch frame and seats upholstered in cowhide.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Birch

1970’s Leather Settee
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1970’s Leather Settee. Bentwood arms with brass details. Button Cushions. Soft light Butterscotch color vintage leather. Sofa sits low and deep for loung...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

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 ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak

Heywood Wakefield, Settee, Maple, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A maple and green velvet fabric settee designed and produced by Heywood Wakefield, USA, 1950s. Seat height 16”  
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Maple

Heywood Wakefield, Settee, Maple, Mohair, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A maple and green mohair fabric settee designed and produced by Heywood Wakefield, USA, 1950s. Seat height 18.5” Reupholstered in brand new mohair
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Mohair, Maple

Herbert Saiger for Russell Woodard Extruded Aluminum Outdoor/Patio Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Introducing the "Extruded" settee designed by Herbert Saiger for Russell Woodard Mid-Century Modern Polished Aluminum loveseat/settee– a timeless classic that effortlessly combines s...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Settee
Located in Raleigh, NC
A beautiful sculpted maple frame with new velvet upholstery. A classic transitional piece with both a modern and traditional aesthetic.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Maple

Original Custom Mid-Century Settee with Dedar Milano Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
Charming custom made mid-century style settee in Dedar Milano fabric Nouvelles Vagues. Crafted with comfort and style in mind, this couch is a one of a kind piece designed by the tea...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Heywood Wakefield, Settee, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A maple and green velvet fabric settee designed and produced by Heywood Wakefield, USA, 1950s. Seat height 16”
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Maple

1970s Vintage Midcentury Cabin Modern Porch Sunroom Wicker Rattan Settee Sofa
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice midcentury Settee with a wonderful modern influenced form similiar to the Eero Aarnio designs. Ready for your interior matching cushions. Does not come with upholstery. W 48 ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wicker

Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron, France 1950
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sculptural carved oak settee is designed by Guillerme and Chambron. The design duo is known for their sculptural, crafted solid oak furniture. This comfortable sofa has an interestin...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Chic Italian Mid-Century Modern Settee, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
MCM curved Settee with button detail on seat back and walnut legs with brass sabots. Recently recovered by Venfield in Holly Hunt, diamond pattern, tone on tone, fabric, Italy, 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Milo Baughman Style Jydsk Mobelfabrik Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Settee
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman Style Jydsk Mobelfabrik Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Settee This settee measures: 61.5 wide x 30.5 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height o...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

1980s Kagan Style Biomorphic Form Sofa by Directional Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An American made 1980’s classic Vladimir Kagan biomorphic kidney shaped sofa made by Directional Furniture. Kidney shaped couches have long b...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Lotus Settee by Niels Bendsten for Niels Eilersen
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Reupholstered in grey/white chenille. Matching chair available. Made in Denmark. Removable arms.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chenille

Oak Settee in White Boucle, Italy 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Italian settee featuring a handsome oak wood frame with beautiful graining and soft curved edges. This settee was reupholstered by previous owners in white boucle. Unmarked. ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak

Danish Classic 1930s "Banana-Style" Settee or Bench in Red Velvet
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...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

'Ilona' Safari Style Leather Sling Loveseat by Arne Norell, circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Arne Norell 'Ilona' loveseat features thick saddle leather slings with straps and buckles and groovy 70s Marimekko-style fabric cushions. Produced in the 1970s by ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Mid-century Modern settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern settees for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage settees created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern settees made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original settees, popular names associated with this style include DOOQ, Mambo Unlimited Ideas, Guillerme et Chambron, and ISA Bergamo. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for settees differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $66,813 while the average work can sell for $5,198.

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