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.
Poltrona Frau 'Cocker' Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather by Franco Bresciani
By Franco Bresciani, Poltrona Frau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-seat 'Cocker' sofa designed by Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau, produced in the late 1970s. Upholstered in medium brown leather, a hallmark material of Poltrona Frau, the so...
Leather, Upholstery
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09I' Sofa or Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench or sofa, model 'L09I', elm, fabric, France, 1975 Dating from 1975, this piece is an early example designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and ...
Fabric, Elm
Danish 1940s Large Curved Banana Shape Sofa in Original Green Mohair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large banana shaped or curved sofa made in Denmark, circa 1940. This sofa will make strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines and with large bun feet providing a...
Wool, Beech
Tage Poulsen TP633 Oak and Leather Two-Seater Sofas for CI Designs
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tage Poulsen's TP633 two-seater sofa for CI Designs is built around a solid oak frame with a distinctly rectilinear structure. Slatted side panels on each arm, squared block legs, an...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Vintage LC2 Tan leather chrome frame 3 seat sofa style of Le Corbusier
By Le Corbusier, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 3 seat sofa by Le Corbusier. Model LC2 in Tan Leather in very good vintage condition. Triple chrome plated steel frame in great condition. Manufactured by Gordon Internationa...
Chrome
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Curved Sofa Set with Table in Oak and Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, curved sofa, solid oak and fabric, France, 1960s. This sculptural seating ensemble by Guillerme and Chambron features two curved sofas connec...
Fabric, Oak
Vintage Mid Century Sofa with Tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a fantastic modular sofa and table set by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1960s. This item is in excellent condition for its age and was re-upholstered in 2007 with a...
Steel
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Sergio Asti and produced by Poltronova in 1962, the "Zelda" living room set—comprising a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs—is one of the finest expressions of Ita...
Leather, Wood
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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Lauriana’ Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1978
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant ‘Lauriana’ sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in 1978, representing the designers’ sophisticated approach to Italian postmodern furniture. This striking exam...
Steel
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 faded tan Leather 3 seat Sofa Sigurd Ressell Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian modern light tan low deep leather 3 seat sofa on 2 front ball casters and 2 back wooden legs. Beautiful light tan soft leather is soft and shows signs of use...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa in Walnut for Craft Associates 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Troy, MI
Cloud sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates USA circa 1960s Special order model 3600 with left side chaise configuration Flowing silhouette with curved backrest and ...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$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
1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured by Mondileder in the 1970s, this large three-seat sofa features a frame built from thick, dark-lacquered Manou bamboo, bent and stacked into horizontal rails that form t...
Leather, Lacquer, Rattan, Bamboo, Upholstery
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
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, C.R.S. De Padova
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bernard Govin, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown beige velvet and dark-stained wood sofa, model Elliptique, designed by Bernard Govin and produced by Saporiti, Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Di...
Velvet, Wood
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
$423Sale Price|75% Off
Adrian Pearsall (attr.) Model 1209 Sculptural Wood 3 Seat Sofa for Restoration
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Sofa frame in manner of Adrian Pearsall Model 1209. Offered for restoration, good bones and useable as-is, but would benefit from complete restoration. A unique opportunity to create...
Wood
Danish Curved 'Banana' Sofa in Beech and Wool, Mid-Century 1940s
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
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
Italian Post-Modern Sculptural Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, cognac leather, sofa, Italy, circa 1970 This striking sofa is executed in beautiful cognac leather that contributes to a refined monochrome appearance, emphasizing the sculptu...
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful All Black Leather Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful All Black leather 3 seat sofa black wood legs. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Danish Mo...
Leather, Teak, Lacquer
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
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
Modern Fred Lowen Black Leather T21 Safari style lounge 3 seat Sofa for Tessa
By Fred Lowen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern Fred Lowen Black Leather T21 Safari style lounge 3 seat Sofa for Tessa. This luxurious, rare, and highly collectible sofa, was designed by Fred Lowen in 1968 for Tessa. The T2...
Leather, Black Walnut
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Glenn of California, Paul Laszlo
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
Howard Furniture, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa produced by Howard Furniture, Starkville, Mississippi, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dime...
Fabric, Oak
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
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
$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
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
Mid-Century Modern Floating 3-Seat Sofa with Steel Barcelona Style Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The great design lines of this sofa make it a blank canvas for your fabric of your choice. Fabric is original & needs recovering. The design lines and floating appearance are modern ...
Steel
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 Coastal Bamboo Sofa by Ritts - Tropitan design att. to Paul Frankl
By Ritts Tropitan, Paul Frankl
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
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
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
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful striped wool 3 Seat Sofa by Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful Mid century Danish modern off white / gray striped woven wool 3 seat sofa Birch wood frame and legs. Designed by Erik Jørgensen. Beautiful light gray striped upholstery is ...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square beech wood stained frame and legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick light tan leather is sof...
Beech, Leather
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
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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Sienna ultrasuede 3 Seat Sofa birch Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Sienna ultrasuede Long leather 3 seat sofa with round Birch legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful ultrasuede is soft and shows no signs of use ...
Birch, Ultrasuede
Mid-Century Lady Sofa in Powder Blue Velvet Mohair & Brass Legs by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
This elegant "Lady" sofa by renowned Italian designer Marco Zanuso is a timeless example of mid-century modernist design, known for its seamless blend of comfort, innovation, and scu...
Brass
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Knoll, Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
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
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
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Red Leather Amigo Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes 'Amigo' Redish burnt orange leather 3 seat sofa. Great vibrant Red soft leather tufted cushions and arm rests with solid Stained birch wood ...
Leather, Birch, Foam