Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...
Fabric, Walnut
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
$6,800 / set
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...
Wool, Beech
Large Danish 1940s Curved Sofa Model Attr. to Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare sofa from 1940's. Very similar to Model 1668 designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The model was seen in Fritz Hansen's catalog #4202 in...
Wool, Beech
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Great mid century high quality Danish Scandinavian modern tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square dark wood stained legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick cognac light tan le...
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precisi...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
$8,015 / set
German boucle 1960s lounge chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1960s lounge chairs with round cane backs, woven rattan seats and sculptural bamboo-style frames. The chairs feature newly upholstered seat cushions in a soft light bouclé fa...
Fabric, Wood, Cane
$6,273 / item
"Californian" armchair FRANCE - 1960s
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Jacques Charpentier , a French decorator and editor trained at the École Boulle, this armchair reflects his work of the 1960s. It rests on a stainless steel base, a signa...
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Grand Repos' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Grand Repos' lounge chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furnitur...
Fabric, Oak
Large set of 12 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Charles Dudouyt
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with Rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have 12 chairs ...
Rush, Oak
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
By De Sede
Located in Čelinac, BA
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
Leather
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s - Price is for the pair - Bent Beech frames - New cream Boucle fabric - Designed By Frantisek Jirak - By Tatra Nabytok - ...
Bouclé, Beech
$1,742 / set
Rey Chairs by Bruno Rey, Dietiker 1971, Set of 4
By Bruno Rey
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Set of Rey chairs designed by Bruno Rey for Dietiker in Switzerland during the 1970s. The model is defined by its circular seat, open curved backrest and bentwood structure assemble...
Fabric, Beech
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Leather and Wood Sofa, C 1970s, Signed
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, produced in the United States in the 1970s. Signed with Ward Bennet Designs for Brickel Associates tag...
Wood, Leather
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Brown Leather Birch frame Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes leather teak sofa. Great dark brown leather with solid Blonde birch wood frames. Beautiful condition and very comfortable. Great Norwegian d...
Leather, Birch
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Mohair, Walnut
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
$4,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chair in Cream Bouclé and Walnut
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in pure geometry and enveloping form, this swivel lounge chair brings a commanding architectural presence to high-end interiors. Defined by its continuous, nested circu...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tittina Ammannati and Vitelli Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate, 'Grandangolo' lounge chairs, leather, metal, Italy, design 1969 A wide and seamlessly curved lounge chair designed by...
Metal
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Early Midcentury Club Sofa by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark in the 1940s by Fritz Hansen. The sofa is matching the famed model 1518 chair but it is rare to find the sofa. Legs made from solid beech. ...
Leather, Mahogany
Expertly Restored - Harvey Probber "Knights" Model-1173 Sculpted Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Polished Brass Top, Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern f...
Brass
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Wool, Mahogany
Expertly Restored - Pair of Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Slipper Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, C1940's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, Circa 1940’s This is an extremely good-looking pair of chairs. The chairs themselves are of a good quality an...
Leather
1970's Rohr Mini Camp Folding Chair with Sunshade – Vintage Outdoor Design
Located in Bern, CH
1970's Rohr Mini Camp Folding Chair with Sunshade & Carry Bag– Vintage Outdoor Design A rare and highly collectible Rohr Mini Camp folding chair featuring its original integrated pa...
Metal
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Executive Conference Chair Armless
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Eero Saarinen in the early 1950s, the Executive Conference Chair reflects the designer’s innovative approach to modern furniture. Its softly curved silhouette and invitin...
Fabric, Beads
Pair of 1950s Lounge Chairs in Burgundy Red Fabric and Walnut Frames
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, burgundy red fabric, walnut, Europe, 1950s These elegant lounge chairs embody a sophisticated appearance of 1950s design. Crafted from richly toned walnut, th...
Fabric, Walnut
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti, Solid Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Made in the USA. Customer provides Fabric. Price is per chair. Shipping in the US will be $250 for t...
Walnut
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Ward Bennett Landmark Style Dining Chairs in Wood and Cane set of 6
By Ward Bennett
Located in Den Haag, NL
A super stylish and incredibly well made set of chairs from Italy in the 1970s. These consist of solid oak black glossy frames with brand new Linen upholstery seats and Wicker backs...
Wicker
De Sede Patchwork Leather Cube Stool, Pouf, Ottoman, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful authentic mid-century modern cube-shaped stool, pouf, or ottoman / footrest from the 1970s, produced by the renowned Swiss furniture manufacturer De Sede. As is typical o...
Leather
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Elm & Tweed Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Elm Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Elm
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Hans Jørgen Frydendal Sofa in Solid Pine and Dusty Rose Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System, sofa, solid pine, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Hans Jørgen Frydendal created a sofa that directs all focus towards the inherent quality of so...
Fabric, Pine
Kristian Vedel, set of black leather Modus furniture, Denmark 1960s
By Søren Willadsen, Kristian Solmer Vedel
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Kristian Vedel set from 1960s Denmark exemplifies timeless Scandinavian modern design with its sleek black leather finish and functional modularity. This set contains two easy c...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fabric...
Fabric, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron 'Romeo' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Romeo' lounge chair, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s Guillerme and Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, of which ...
Fabric, Oak
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Beech, Walnut
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
Chrome
Thonet, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood settee or bench produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. From a group along with two chairs, one carrying Thonet paper label. Minimal signs of use. Re...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti for Cassina '811' Lounge Chair in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Figli di Amadeo Cassina, lounge chair, model ‘811’, chestnut, fabric, rubber, coated metal, Italy, 1957 Made in 1957, this rare lounge chair model 811 is designed by G...
Metal
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair with Wood Legs - All Original - Blue
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
All-Original Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in Blue Upholstery with Wood Legs, for Knoll circa 1960s A timeless mid-century modern executive armchair designed by Eero Saarinen for...
Fabric, Bentwood
Set Of Two Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.