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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
Vintage Settee in the Style of 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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Ejner Larsen & Axel Bender Madsen Settee for Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A generous, two-seat sofa designed by Ejner Larsen & Axel Bender Madsen for Fritz Hansen c.1950s, Denmark. The sofa has an elongated wingback chair ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Beech

Italian Sculptural Sofa in Red Velvet and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, red velvet, brass, Italy, 1950s. This sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the fifties. Organic and sculptural the two-seat sofa is anything but minimalistic. Equi...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Hans Wegner Sofa for A.P. Stolen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic sofa by Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen, c.1950s, Denmark. The "AP-32" sofa has been fully reupholstered in a chalk white textured linen fabric with olive leather piping. The l...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Linen, Leather, Oak

Reupholstered Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Metal Base by Lenzi
Located in Berlin, DE
Reupholstered Italian Mid-Century Modern sofa with metal base by Lenzi This three-seat sofa was produced by Italian company Lenzi in the 1950s. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Orange Red Upholstery
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 ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Reupholstered Grey Italian Mid-Century Modern sofa by Gigi Radice for Minotti
Located in Berlin, DE
Reupholstered Grey Italian Mid-Century Modern sofa by Gigi Radice for Minotti This sofa was designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti in the 1950s. It has been upholstered and features br...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Chrome Base Settee Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman style mid century chrome base settee sofa The sofa measures: 60 wide x 34.5 deep x 30 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 21 inches Ready for ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century High-Back Birch Settee by Maxwell Royal
By Maxwell Royal Chair Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Statuesque and elegant birch settee manufactured in the 1950s by Maxwell Royal of Hickory, NC (though, often mis-attributed as Dunbar or Paolo Buffa). ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Janus Corner Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Stamford, CT
A Janus Collection corner sofa produced by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley. Model 629A. Upholstered in Rogers and Goffigon fabric.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Leather Channeled Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style leather upholstered and channeled sofa. The channel tufted top grain leather sofa in a Nottinghill grey color and raise...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Hans Wegner Danish Armless Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern Danish sofa designed by Hans Wegner. A streamlined form without arms and tubular chrome legs. Upholstered in it's original lilac fabric.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Burgundy "Egg" Three Seater Sofa, Italy 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant burgundy sofa on brass legs. Sofa will need full upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Striking Pair of Iron and Green Vinyl Benches After Tommi Parzinger
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stylish pair of Mid Century benches in black painted iron with bright green Vinyl upholstery. Sleek lines with slatted and upholstered backs. The seats raised on three double X cur...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

Corner Sofa/Settee, Italy, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A striking piece and a versatile scale. It has a big look but doesn't have a large footprint.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet

Mid Century Harvey Probber 3 Seater Sofa with Chrome Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1960's vintage Harvey robber 3 seat sofa with steel over wood plinth base. In original as is fabric.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Restored 3/4 Round Pretzel Three-Seat Sofa with Open Base
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This round 3/4 pretzel 4 seater sectional sofa with three-strand round pretzel arms and open frame base. Restored to new for you. Tropical Sun Rattan was started in 1934 at 1...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench, 2 Available
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern chrome bench designed and manufactured in the United States, circa 1970s. Features a wide and comfortable seat that has...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

French Wrought Iron and Leather Upholstered Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
Very handsome and elegant hand crafted wrought iron and leather sofa or settee. Some pieces of furniture just make you smile, this is one. The craftsmanship of the iron work is super...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wrought Iron

Finn Juhl Attributed Grey Wool Felt Pair of Two Seat Sofas, Italy, 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of two seat sofas styled after Finn Juhl made in Italy in the 50's. Made of solid wood structure and reupholstered in grey wool felt. C...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Wood

Three-Seat Sofa in Brass and Fabric, Italy, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable and inviting three-seat sofa with brass feet. An elegant sofa that somewhat resembles a mouth with red lips. The legs that are standing a bit outwards are quite minimal b...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Charles Pfister for Knoll Settee in Pollack Blue Weave Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Newly upholstered with down cushions a Charles Pfister for Knoll settee in Pollack woven upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Gorgeous Sofa
Located in Munich, DE
A cosy organic design i never saw before. Very low and comfortable seating.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric

Hans Olsen Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare settee model 800/2 by Hans Olsen for CS Mobler. The settee is reupholstered in a vintage powder teal wool fabric. Tapered teak legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Teak

Guillerme & Chambron 'Gregoire' Sofa in Oak and Orange Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Gregoire' sofa, fabric, lacquered oak, France, 1960s A small sofa by Guillerme et Chambron. This French designer duo is known for their extr...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Oak, Fabric

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Settee in Leather
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Mid-Century Modern settee sofa in leather Offered for sale is a vintage European Mid-Century Modern 2-seat settee sofa in meta...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Johannes Spalt Black Leather Daybed
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 'Constanze' daybed or sofa, black leather, steel, Austria, 1960s. This Austrian daybed named is typical for Mid-Century Modern design from Austria. The tufted leather seat and back is constructed with the slick and clean metal frame. This particular model, with metal frame and black leather upholstery is striking in its color palette. The elegant slim outwards tapering legs create an open feeling and give the sofa the needed air to come across less solid and robust. By only one hand movement the piece turns from a comfortable sofa to daybed. Johannes Spalt (1920-2010) was a postwar Austrian architect. In 1952 he founded the collective "Arbeitsgruppe 4" together with Wilhelm Holzbauer, Friedrich Kurrent and Otto Leitner. Their ideas and designs are still a great example of Austrian architecture...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Theo Ruth Leather Upholstered Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Theo Ruth leather upholstered settee.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wood

Four Chairs by Joseph Andre Motte, France, 1950s
Located in Echt, NL
Set of four chairs in very good condition. Designed by Joseph Andre Motte in the 1950s The chairs can be used separately but can also be combined to form a four-seat sofa. They a...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal, Chrome

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Cotton Velvet, w=200
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Round Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet

Rare Ward Bennett Settee and Side Chair in Vintage Fabric
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bent ash frame with remarkably clean original mod striped cotton velvet upholstery. The chair frame is in a lighter stain wood but otherwise matches. Chair is...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

Cane Settee Purple Green New Upholstery, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
Located in Sofia, BG
Cane Settee purple green new upholstery, Mid-Century Modern, Italy.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Textile

Pair Mid-Century Modern Two Seat Sofa Settees By Max Stout Mohair w Iron Frames
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous styling from the 1950s, pair of wingback Settees with mohair upholstery. Beautiful iron frames with oak arms create the perfect seating. And there's a pair!! 2nd settee is o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

French Midcentury Steel Settee with Horse Heads, Hoof Feet and New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French vintage steel settee from the mid 20th century, with horse heads, hoof feet and new upholstery. Created in France during the midcentury period, this steel settee captures our attention with its four dignified horse heads accentuating the arm supports, connected to an arching back. Newly reupholstered with a neutral toned linen fabric, the settee is raised on slender legs with horse feet...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Large Sofa by Ate Van Apeldoorn in Solid Pine and Fabric, Netherlands, 1970s
Located in Echt, NL
3-seat sofa by Ate Van Apeldoorn in good condition. The sofa is manufactured in Holland by Houtwerk Hattem in the 1970s. It is made of solid pine wood which is connected by trade...
Category

20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wood, Pine

Original Marco Zanuso Lady Sofa, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
Located in London, GB
A very rare authentic early Marco Zanuso Lady sofa, Arflex, France/Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in premium ivory Larsen / Cowtan and Tout fabric....
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Italian Settee 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.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Woodard Style Patio Settee
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid century woodard style patio settee Wrought iron curved settee with delicate floral motif.    
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Paolo Buffa 3-seat sofa, structure in stained and polished beech, the blue velvet upholstery was redone a few years ago, the cushions are original in goose down.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Elegant and Light Italien Settee
Located in Munich, DE
Completely re-upholstered.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric

Classic 1960s Modernist Black and Chrome Bench Sette', after Arne Norell
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic 1960s modernist, Space Age black and chrome bench Sette. Reminiscent of the Classic designs of Arne Norell, Nelson Knoll. Black tufted N...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Soft Cotton Velvet, w=240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Round Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Bouclé

Organic Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Sofa with Rich Cotton Velvet, w=200
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates through its un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet

Midcentury Vladimir Kagan Bilboa Curved Sofa in Ivory Velvet
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves and undulations of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. Recently reupholstered in high quality ivory ...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Sofa or Setee in the manner of Finn Juhl Danish Design Teakwood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Sofa or setee in the manner of Finn Juhl Danish design teakwood, Denmark, 1960s. Newly upholstered with structured white velor fabric. A very stable piece of furniture that invites y...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder
Located in Charleston, SC
Great, sleek midcentury settee recently upholstered. No markings but very similar to Niels Vodder's model NV53.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Angelo Donghia Midcentury Asymmetrical Brown Velvet and Ash Chaise Lounge
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury (1978) asymmetrical brown velvet sofa /chaise lounge with an abstract back and curved side on four European ash saber legs. (Angelo Donghia).
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Ash

Set Wire Chairs Auersperg Bench Astoria Sonett, Karl Fostel, Blue Steel, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three chairs model 'Auersberg' and one settee model 'Astoria' from the 'SONETT' series designed by J.O.Wladar & V. Mödlhammer and manufactured by Karl Fostel Sen.'s Erben, A...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

3-Piece Lounge Suite 3-seat settee Sofa Armchair Pair Vintage 1970 Orange Boucle
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, vintage 1970's, 3-piece lounge suite comprising a 3 seater, settee or sofa and a pair of armchairs all with original, orange boucle upholstery in fabulous condition and origina...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool

Mahogany and Ash Loveseat, Settee after a Design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare mahogany and ash loveseat, settee after a design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The recatangular frame with grill ash wood panels and an "S" shaped backrest. Recently ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Ash, Mahogany

Don Shoemaker Leather Rosewood Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Don Shoemaker leather and rosewood sofa.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood, Cocobolo

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Sofa, Soft Cotton Velvet, w=240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
 Like a warm embrace, Malibu Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates through its u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet

Italian Sofa in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, red fabric, wood, metal, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant Italian two-seat settee features a striking red color and can be placed in an entranceway or serve as a taste of deli...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Theo Ruth f815 Sofa by Artifort, Netherlands, 1958
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
F815 sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1958. This is are rare, amazing and sophisticated center-piece. The sofa is upholstered in a wool fabric which has some fading. ...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Robsjohn Gibbings Style Mahogany Open Arm Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic mahogany open arm settee or sofa loveseat made in the manner and style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. The settee features an exposed...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

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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