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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By H.W. Klein, Komfort
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...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
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
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
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
Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Box Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Box Sofa Under the skirt sofa sits on a beautiful walnut plinth base.
Upholstery, Wood
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 Simon Gavina Editions, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Cocker leather sofa, Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Cocker model sofa designed by Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau in Italy in the late 1970s. Fully upholstered in cognac full-grain leather, it is defined by its low and deeply enve...
Leather
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
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
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 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
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
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Molteni & C
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Upholstery
Danish Freestanding Teak Sofa in Green Corduroy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional Danish freestanding three-seat sofa from the 1970s featuring an elegant solid teak frame and newly upholstered cushions in rich green 100% cotton corduroy. This beautiful...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$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
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, 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
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
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
De Sede DS-31 Three Seat Sofa in Deep Green Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, three-seat sofa model ‘DS-31’, leather, chrome-plated aluminum, Switzerland, design 1967 A classic design by De Sede, this model ‘DS-31’ sofa showcases the brand’s signatur...
Aluminum, Chrome
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
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
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By ICF De Padova, Marco Comolli
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
Vintage Mid Century Modern Greenish Brown Tufted 82" Sofa Couch w/ Walnut Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Greenish Brown Tufted 82" Sofa Couch w/ Tapered Walnut Leg...
Walnut, Wool
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
American Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and green fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Wear to rattan consistent with vintage age and normal use. Cushions reupholstered in brand ...
Bamboo, Rattan
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, Knoll
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
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Model 150BS
Located in Westport, CT
This stunning and rare Serpentine Sofa, Model 150BS, designed by Vladimir Kagan, dates to the 1990s and showcases his signature sensual, sculptural form. The gracefully curved frame ...
Linen, Walnut
$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
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
Poltronova, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Poltronova
Located in High Point, NC
A Russian pine and yellow fabric designed by Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. Vintage fabric presents with light staining as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Pine
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 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
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
1970s Italian Two-Seat Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Chrome and Leatherette
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking two-seat sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi in Italy during the 1970s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian design from the period, combining sof...
Chrome
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, sofa, model ‘P20B Toro’, fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by Az...
Metal
Umberto Asnago Sofa For Giorgetti Progetti Italy 1980
Located in Čelinac, BA
Giorgetti Progetti Sofa By Umberto Asnago Italy 1980
Fabric, Wood
American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut
Located in San Diego, CA
This 1960s sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a walnut frame floating over a black plinth base with fabric straps, upholstered back and cushions. Ideal for an interior designer looking...
Slate
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969 It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather. The patchwork pieces are sust...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Teak and Cognac Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, leather, Europe, 1960s A sofa characterized by a striking geometric structure with clean lines and distinctive carvings. Its wide armrests feature subtle detailing with ...
Leather, Teak
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
Vintage Ilona Lounge Sofa by Arne Norell for Norrell Mobel AB, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This iconic sofa, designed by Arne Norell in the 1960s and produced in Sweden, exemplifies the very best of Scandinavian mid-century design. The sturdy beech wood frame anchors the...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa 'Denis' in Solid Oak and Red Pink Velvet
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sofa model 'Denis', velvet, oak, France, 1960s Extraordinary Guillerme and Chambron sofa in solid oak with the typical characteristic decorat...
Velvet, Oak
Vintage MCM Sectional Sofa by Milo Baughman, c. 1970s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chicago, IL
This long, sectional sofa is a mid-century modern design by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, two pioneers of 20th-century design and masters of their craft. Balancing comfort and sty...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Michael Taylor Wicker Loveseat Sofa, 1970s USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
Distinctive woven rattan Loveseat sofa by Michael Taylor featuring graceful waisted and scalloped form with classic braided arms & surround. New custom cushions are upholstered in so...
Cotton, Wicker, Rattan
Alessandro Becchi, Anfibio Sofa, Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovanetti
Located in Krefeld, DE
Alessandro Becchi Anfibio sofa bed by Giovannetti Collezioni, Italy, 1970s. Designed in 1970 by Florence-born Alessandro Becchi, the Anfibio is one of the most iconic convertible des...
Fabric, Wool
Italian Velvet Upholstered 3-Seat Sofa, 1970
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Brown Velvet Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s. 30" H x 81" W x 38" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From a Long Island, New York Estate.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc '6999' Sofa in Mohair and Walnut
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc, sofa, model '6999', reupholstered in “Bold” by Pierre Frey, walnut, United States, made 1950s This mid-century modern sofa, designed by Vladim...
Fabric, Walnut
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofa in Beige Upholstery
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofa, fabric and chrome plated metal, Switzerland, design 1954. This comfortable three-seat sofa is designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa in Walnut and Pastel Pink Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Platform' sofa with two drawers, fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s Adrian Pearsall is known for his rather unique sofa designs. The present model is no exceptio...
Fabric, Walnut