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.
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
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
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' 3-Seat Leather Sofa for Montis, 1970s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Oslo sofa, designed by Gerard van den Berg for Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an architectural oak platform frame with a large, organicall...
Leather, Oak
American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A study in streamlined design and understated elegance, this modern sofa is engineered with a robust solid wood frame construction. The interior features a multi-density polyurethane...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970 in the style of Hans Wegner. Manufacturer in Denmark with solid pine wood frame and legs with original cushi...
Upholstery, Pine
Danish Curved 'Banana' Sofa in Beech and Wool, Mid-Century 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round organic lines and iconic drop shaped fe...
Beech, Wool
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
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
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
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Giotto Stoppino, Rodolfo Bonetto
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
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically shaped and together wit...
Brass, Steel
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
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
$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
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
Restored Czechoslovak Modular Sofa by Interier Praha, 1960s
Located in Żory, PL
Versatile modular sofa produced by Interier Praha in Czechoslovakia around 1970. The design combines a long mahogany veneered platform with minimalist black steel supports. Thanks to...
Steel
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 20th century 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The sofa is finished in an incredible blend of Ke...
Fabric, Cotton, Foam
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine curvy cloud sofas for Directional, circa 1970's. These highly collectible and desirable sculptural modern designer sofas f...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Mid Century Modern brown Leather 3 seat Sofa round Legs Sigurd Ressell Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian modern brown leather 3 seat sofa on ball casters. Beautiful brown soft leather is soft and shows signs of use and fading/patina but broken in nicely. Great l...
Leather, Wood
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
By C.R.S. De Padova, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian sofa from the early 1950s is a refined example of postwar design, defined by its streamlined silhouette and gently curved form....
Fabric, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 'Bastiano' sofa, ash, fabric, Italy, design 1960 This Bastiano sofa truly intensifies the experience of sitting itself and is a standout in any modern room....
Fabric, Ash
Mid Century Coastal Bamboo Sofa by Ritts - Tropitan design att. to Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl, Ritts Tropitan
Located in New York, NY
Classic MId Century, Coastal Style bamboo sofa, made by Ritts - Tropitan, design attributed to Paul Frankl. The sofa features five stalk wide arms, with stylized bentwood arms, frame...
Bamboo
Lawson-Fenning Large Bosque Sofa, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bosque started with a question - How do you make a sofa that anchors a room without dominating it? The answer was in the proportions: broad, low, deliberately grounded. A profile...
Upholstery
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Lawson-Fenning Bosque Sectional w/ Chaise, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sectional version of the Bosque Sofa, built to the same logic: broad proportions, low profile, plush cushioning over a substantial frame. Designed to define the landscape of a ro...
Upholstery
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed, model '711', leather, laminated wood, copper, Italy, 1968 A cubic sofa designed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cinova, which can be tran...
Copper
Lawson-Fenning Large Bosque Sofa, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bosque started with a question - How do you make a sofa that anchors a room without dominating it? The answer was in the proportions: broad, low, deliberately grounded. A profile...
Upholstery
Midcentury Sofa in Bamboo, Rattan and Fabric by Vivai Del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing geometric sofa in bamboo, rattan and fabric by Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpex were the three leading de...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
1970s Chrome Clad Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Dressed in beautiful deep plum mohair, this incredible steel clad sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin is a true classic. The tufting and mirrored chrome finish make this piece a...
Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Corner sofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1960s This sculptural Italian mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s is defined by its sweeping curved form, conceived to organize the surroundin...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul László for Glenn of California, bench or sofa, mahogany, cane, United States, 1950 Designed in 1950, this rare bench sofa occupies a significant position within Paul László’s p...
Cane, Mahogany
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Black Leather 3 Seat Sofa oak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Black leather 3 seat sofa dark wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nic...
Leather, Oak
Mid Century Stacked Bamboo Ratan Sofa Daybed
By Paul Frankl
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning example of vintage bamboo. This gorgeous stacked bamboo daybed sofa has show stopping lines and will add warmth and texture to any space. It has been modernized with all new...
Fabric, Bamboo
Mid-Century American Sectional Corner Sofa in Finely Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular corner sofa, fabric, beech, brass, United States, 1960s This sectional corner sofa is a typical midcentury design of the United States designed in the tradition of Harvey Pr...
Brass
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved organic wood and floral-printed fabric sofa or corner sofa, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Fabric distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age ...
Fabric, Wood
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Some sofas sit in a room. This one floats in it. Released by Dunbar in 1957 as a limited edition piece, the La Gondola is arguably Edward Wormley's most iconic design ~ and coming f...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Two-Piece Mid-Century Teak Sofa with New Sage Green Upholstery
Located in Germantown, MD
A newly reupholstered two-Piece Mid-Century modern teak sofa with New Sage Green Cushions. Comes with over 3 yards of upholstery textile. This mid century style sofa is crafted with...
Upholstery, Teak
American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron and orange velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Some staining on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in hi...
Iron
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931). The sofa is a "Composition Missoni" featuring dramati...
Fabric, Foam
Gerard van den Berg 'Ringo' Loveseat for Montis in Buffalo Leather, 1979
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Ringo' loveseat by Gerard van den Berg for Montis features a fully upholstered, low-slung form with deeply rounded corners and an enveloping silhouette. Buffalo leather upholste...
Leather
Large Scale Boomerang Sofa, by Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Adrian Pearsall's famous "boomerang" sofa, this mrare model constructed of recently polished walnut, and supporting a freshly upholstered back and seat done in a grey boucle fabric. ...
Walnut
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955 This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simpl...
Fabric, Teak
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By Marco Comolli, ICF De Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 A highly comfortable sofa by Marco Comolli due to down filling and well-designed proporti...
Leather, Walnut
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By H.W. Klein, Komfort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is li...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940 An early sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, dating to approximately 1940. This substantial example features a generous seating ...
Upholstery
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two Seater Sofa in Green Velvet and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Two seater sofa, velvet fabric, mahogany, Italy, 1950s An Italian sofa from the 1950s, its shape is characteristic of postwar modern design. The armrests are striking in their desig...
Fabric, Mahogany
Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Cloud' sofa, walnut, fabric, United States, 1950s Adrian Pearsall's "Cloud" sofa, crafted in the 1950s in the United States, is a stunning example of mid-century m...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modernist Curved Sofa in Oyster Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist curved sofa is a quintessential example of sophisticated 1980s American design. Featuring an elegant, flowing silhouette, the sofa’s gently curved...
Velvet
Danish Modern Sofa with Teak Paws, Oak H - Base, 1960's, 2 Configurations
Located in Culver City, CA
Every now and then a piece like this lands in our hands with no label, no tag, and no paper trail, one of two things is true. Either it's a forgettable piece from a forgettable factory, or it's the kind of thing that spent sixty years quietly being beautiful while the design world caught up to it. This one is very much the second thing. I mean, look at it. That low, sweeping silhouette with the back that rakes back just enough to say "I'm relaxed but I have standards." Those angled sides that taper down into the seat like the whole sofa is mid-exhale. The beautifully proportioned H-stretcher base in warm honey oak, four dowel legs with just enough spread to feel grounded without feeling heavy. And then ~ those teak paws. Those gorgeous, rounded, perfectly placed teak armrest caps that sit proud of the upholstery like little punctuation marks at the end of the perfect sentence. You know where else you've seen large teak paws like that? On Hans Wegner's Mega Papa...
Velvet, Oak, Teak
Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Illustrative Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Crafts Associations, cloud sofa, fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s The Cloud sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a long, asymmetrical seat defined by sinuous, sc...
Fabric, Wood
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09G' Sofa or Bench in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09G', elm, fabric, France, 1978 This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction pr...
Fabric, Elm
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Soriana' sofa with ottoman, leather, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969 Iconic design by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The ‘Soriana’ p...
Steel, Chrome
Contemporary 3 Seater Curved Sofa with Tailored Upholstery & Brass Plinth
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Knoll, Gavina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Vintage Bastiano 3 seat long low sofa with a rosewood frame and Original tan leather cushions. All straps are original and functional the frame has a beautiful rosewood w...
Brass
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
Danish 1940's Banana Sofa with Straight Back and Front
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming upholstered sofa made in Denmark sometime in the 12940's. Voluptuous organic design lines. This sofa is unique by having a straight back and front and not the curvatur...
Beech, Wool