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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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Price: $1 to $3,500
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Marco Zanuso Style Mid-Century Modern Velvet Armchair, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Marco Zanuso style armchair. The armchair has been restored and reupholstered in blue velvet, the feet are in beech wood.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Beech, Fir

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

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

Ry-Wing Leather Lounge Sofa/Chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken
Located in Sittingbourne, GB
Timeless Elegance: Ry-Wing Leather Lounge Sofa/Chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken Step into the realm of refined luxury with the Ry-Wing Leather Lounge Sofa/Chairs, a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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

Italian Vintage Modernist Brutalist Style Solid Wood High Back Settee Benches
Located in Firenze, IT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern period solid wood banquette settee was probably a chapel pews benches. These original and rare high back seatings str...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Settee In The Manner Of Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern armless settee in the style of Florence Knoll. Chrome base with angled rear legs and tufted black vinyl upholstery.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

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

piccolo Divano Cassina mod 920 Afra Tobia Scarpa per Cassina
Located in Milano, MI
Rara versione del divano 920 di Cassina disegnato da Afra e Tobia Scarpa negli anni 60. Struttura in legno e rivestimento in pelle. Buone condizioni generali con piccoli segni del te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Italian Rattan Lounge Chairs with matching Table, Mid-Century, Set of 3
Located in Munich, DE
Mid-century Italian design wicker lounge chairs with matching oval table. The original cushions of the chairs have been given a new look with geometric f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

Pair of Piumotto Italian Leather Armchairs by Arrigo Arrighi for Busnelli, 1970s
By Busnelli, Arrigo Arrigoni
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of Piumotto armchairs by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli from the 1970s. Upholstery in genuine black leather. Feet in plastic.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

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

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

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

Italian Two-Seat Sofa with Curved Armrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1960s Highly theatrical sofa that features curved, upsweeping armrests. This piece is made in Italy in the 1960s. The slightly tapered backrest is scul...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

English Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Beige Wool and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, wool, teak, United Kingdom, 1960s. This sofa has all the flair and vitality of a typical mid-century furniture piece. A nice detail is how the back smoothly runs ove...
Category

1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Teak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Krefeld Settee or Sofa in Dark Brown Leather for Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Krefeld settee in a rich dark brown leather for Knoll. Recent 2009 production based on his 1930s designs for the Esters and Lange residenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Casa e Giardino Mid-Century Modern Italian Small Armchair, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Armchair produced by Casa e Giardino in the style of Gio Ponti, the upholstery needs to be redone, while the structure is robust and solid.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

Mid Century two-seater sofa in lilac leatherette and iron
Located in Premariacco, IT
Modern two-seater sofa made of lilac-colored skai (leatherette) and iron frame with height-adjustable feet. Vibrant and modern color, adaptable anywhere. Despite its age it has bee...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Iron

Sofa Daybed in Green Upholstery, Seng Company, Germany, 1930s
By Seng
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Settee; Couch; Daybed; Green Upholstery; Fabric; Seng Company; Germany; German Design; Mid-Century Modern; Sofa-Sleeper; Sofa daybed in green upholstery, made in West-Germany in the 1930s. Pull out sofa bed...
Category

1930s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Pair of Ico Parisi MidCentury Modern Italian Armchairs for Ariberto Colombo, 50s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of iconic armchairs designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantù. Very elegant and comfortable, with upholstery redone in recent years but new upholstery is recommended.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Beech

1970s Vintage Steel Case Herman Miller Chocolate Leather Bench & Table
Located in Bensalem, PA
Super cool Steelcase bench reupholstered with authentic Herman Miller leather from DWR.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Gray Settee Designed by Milo Baughman. Priced for Redo or Use As Is. Signed.
Located in Kansas City, MO
This is a more recent production two seat sofa / loveseat / love seat designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Light grey original fabric with walnut conical legs. Signed with bo...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Vintage Italian "Cloud" Loveseat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Italian "cloud" Loveseat was designed and manufactured in Italy circa 1970s. This beautiful loveseat is wrapped by a padded edge, making it look even more like a cloud. The l...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Suede

De Sede DS 14 Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
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...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Beech

Ficks Reed Restored Rattan Complete Rattan Children's Living-Room Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Here is a complete child's rattan living-room set complete with loveseat, two armchairs, and coffee table. Custom cushions are included in the price. Simply supply the fabric and we...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Style Jack Cartwright Kelly Settee 2 Seats Sofa, 2 Available
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Elegant and high-end quality Kelly settee lounge 2 seat sofa by Jack Cartwright. Very comfortable and well designed. Fits seamlessly into any environment and among midcentury Clas...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Danish Modern Rosewood Settee with Blue Textile
Located in Belmont, MA
Danish Rosewood Settee with Blue Textile. Solid rosewood frame. Matching armchair and sofa also available.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Rosewood

Large Vintage Tan Leather Contemporary Designer Sofa
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Vintage Tan Leather Contemporary Designer Sofa. The sofa is very comfortable and can easily sit...
Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Midcentury Upholstered Bench with Storage Compartment
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury bench with upholstered seating and backrests, plus sleek chrome supports and sled legs. The bench's seat lifts up to reveal a storage compartment...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Retailed by Harrods Pegasus Chesterfield Monk Buttoned Three Seater Sofa
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Lovely Pegasus Retailed by Harrods Monk Chesterfield Sofa. We have lightly restored this by giving it a hand clean, hand waxed and hand po...
Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Lovely Heritage Brown Leather Laura Ashley Mortimer Sofabed in Very Nice Order
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Laura Ashley, Mortimer heritage brown leather three seat sofabed. The sofa is very comfortable, it has fibre filled cushions which f...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Federico Munari Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchair, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful armchair designed by Federico Munari in the early 1950s. The upholstery has been redone in velvet.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Camel Back Federal Style Mahogany Stretcher Base Beige Upholstery Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Camel back federal style mahogany stretcher base beige upholstery sofa mint!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Settee in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, two-seat sofa brown leather, walnut, Italy, 1966. This high quality settee is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1966. The design is bu...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Beech

Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Teak, Leather

Gorgeous Brown Heritage Saddle Leather John Lewis Madison 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous brown leather saddle leather two seater sofa. A lovely quality and solid frame built inside the sofa; the cushions are still plump...
Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

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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