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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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 20th Century
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

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

Guglielmo Ulrich Mid-Century Modern Italian Bouclè Settee, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This sofa was designed by Guglielmo Ulrich in the 1950s, completely restored with new padding and covered in Bouclè fabric, as shown in the photo, the armrests and feet are in curved walnut, also restored and polished. Guglielmo Ulrich. Born in Milan in 1904 to Alberto and Luisa Battaglia. Coming from a noble family...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

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

Rare Sofa bed designer Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner Costela
Located in Rovereta, SM
Beautiful and iconic Costela sofa by legendary Brazilian designers Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil. Very good condition, Il nome "Costela", che si traduce come cost...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

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

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

Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Yellow and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, wood, Netherlands 1970.  A Dutch settee in a two-toned, printed fabric by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backward and has the recognizable ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Giulio Moscatelli Bench in Teak and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giulio Moscatelli, bench, teak, fabric, Italy, ca. 1950. This bench by Giulio Moscatelli is distinctive in its execution. The legs are beautifully sculpted, showing concave carvings...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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

Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler 'Divina' Sofa
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 ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Pierre Paulin for Artifort ´ABCD´ Settee in Fuchsia Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, two-seat sofa from the ABCD series, fabric Kvadrat Hallingdal 65 - Color 0563, wood, metal, The Netherlands, design 1968 Beautifully curved and iconic tw...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

20th Century Italian Design Red Sofa, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Lovely italian design sofa 1950s. Metal structure with sponge padding and red bouclé wool covering. The sofa has a perfect 1950s style line that recalls the design of Gigi Radice. Th...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of soli...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern 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 su...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

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

Mid Century Modern Settee in style of Hans J. Wegner, Yugoslavia 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous and very rare two seater sofa or a settee done in oak with Danish paper cord hand-woven seats and backrests. The settee is done in style of H...
Category

1960s Slovenian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Isa Bergamo, 50s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa Collection designed in the style of Gio Ponti for the manufacturing company Isa Bergamo in the late 1950s. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been redone in...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Beech, Bouclé

Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofas Model '115' in Yellow Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa model '115', fabric, wood, Netherlands, 1950s Dutch settees by Theo Ruth currently upholstered in a yellow velvet. The back of these sofas tilts slightl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

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

Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning and iconic design, this is the Samsas Round sofa. It was designed by Carl Malmsten back in the 1920’s. This model was made in Sweden in the late 20th century b...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid Century Modern Parsons Settee, Sofa or Bench, circa 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic and transitional Parsons bench circa 1960s. It retains the original upholstery and needs to be redone.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric

Rare Sofa, Italy, 1970s, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
Located in London, GB
A superb and rarely seen sofa. As comfortable as it looks. Made in Italy the sofa nods to Brazilian mid century design. The wooden frame is in original...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

Two-Seat Djinn Sofa by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Another classic piece by Mourgue, this one a two seat sofa, completely reupholstered including foam webbing and fabric, and the fabric used is top quality 'Stretch' by Knoll.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Settee Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Settee Sofa This settee measures: 56 wide x 30 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches Al...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Pair Charles Pfister for Knoll Mohair Settees, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Charles Pfister for Knoll mohair Settees, 1980. Original upholstery in excellent condition.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Settee in Holly Hunt Great Plains
Located in Dallas, TX
Hard to find settee by Vladimir Kagan. Lucite legs, brass fittings and new upholstery by Holly Hunt Great Plains.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Corner Sofa Smooth Velvet Feet Wood Brass Modular Italy 60s Turquoise
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant corner sofa in smooth velvet turquoise color composed of two elements, one curved and one two-seater with conical wooden feet and brass cups. A large round pouf...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

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

Mid Century Teak Settee
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century Teak Settee in good used condition.
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Teak

Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Original Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in London, GB
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, original fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. We can reupholster in COM at additional cost. Fast shipping worldwide. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Danish Curved Banana Sofa in a Powder Pink Wool Fabric, 1940s
Located in Echt, NL
High quality Danish curved ‘banana’ sofa in excellent condition. This sofa has beautiful organic lines and a voluptuous appearance. It is f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Oak

Classic Hannah Morrison Knoll Bench, 1970s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic off-white and original orange upholstery bench by Hannah Morrison for Knoll, circa 1970s. The three-seat is 81" long.   
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Early Original George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Amazing Condition. Signed
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...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Knole Drop Arm Settee
Located in Chicago, IL
The Knole sofa is a classic English furniture piece that has been around since the 17th century. This particular Knole sofa, upholstered in burnt orange mohair, is a unique and styli...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Mohair

Tufted Leather Balinese Style Danish Modern Solid Teak and Cane Sofa
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Although not marked by the maker, this exceptional, vintage (late 1970s / early 1980s) solid teak sofa has a distinctive Danish modern design but may actually be Canadian. The sofa f...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Teak

Two Seat Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, Europe, 1960s. This two-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothness and underl...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Curvaceous Boucle Settee or Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan circa 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous Mid Century Settee or Sofa, in the manner of Vladimir Kagan, American, circa 1960s. It has recently been reupholstered in an ivory white color boucle fabric.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Rare Early Eero Saarinen Womb Sofa / Settee, Knoll, USA, 1950s
Located in London, GB
A very rare early production Eero Saarinen womb settee, made by Knoll, USA, 1950s. Fibreglass, black enameled steel frames and first edition feet ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

ISA Bergamo, Settee, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and light pink fabric settee, designed and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. 14.5" seat height
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Sofa, Couch, Wood Trim, Black Leather
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid Century Modern Sofa, Couch, Wood Trim, Black Leather A finely detailed Mid Century Modern Sofa. This three seater in a clean black leather having burl wood trimmed arms. Sea...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchair, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful armchair with curved armrests, made by Paolo Buffa in 1950. The structure in curved and padded wood, the upholstery was redone more than twenty years ago but it is in very ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Angraves of Leicester Rattan Settee 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
Superb 1950’s rattan lounge settee by Angraves of Leicester, from their Invincible collection, with the Angraves identification plaque. The seat cushion...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rattan

Joseph Inco, Settee, Iron, Mohair Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and beige mohair fabric settee, designed by Joseph Inco and produced by INCO, USA, 1950s. 15.5" seat height
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

Ib Kofod-Larsen "Elizabeth" Settee, Leather, Rosewood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black leather and rosewood settee, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by Christensen & Larsen, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

De Sede 'DS-47 'Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, DS-47 two-seat sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1960s. Highly comfortable DS47 sofa in a patinated cognac leather by De Sede. The design is simplistic, yet very modern. This d...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Joseph Inco, Settee, Iron, Mohair Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and beige mohair fabric settee, designed by Joseph Inco and produced by INCO, USA, 1950s. 16" seat height Recently upholstered, show...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

Rare Settee by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Refinished and Reupholstered, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Elm

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

Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchair for Isa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid Mid-Century Modern armchair, attributed to Gio Ponti, 1950 for Edizioni ISA, Bergamo. The armchair has been restored and has a new light ivory velvet upholstery.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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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