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.
Large Mid-Century Italian Curved Six Seat Sofa in Rust Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved six seat sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, circa 1950 This beautiful Italian sofa follows a generous sweeping curve, creating an intimate seating arrangement with room for six. Its...
Fabric, Beech
Danish 1940's Curved "Banana" Loveseat or Small Sofa in Green Mohair
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 lines and iconic feet. Solid and sturdy...
Mohair, Beech
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' Three-Seat Sofa for Montis in Mahogany Velvet
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerard van den Berg's 'Oslo' three-seat sofa, produced by Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an organically shaped upholstered body with a spare, rectilinear oak frame. Th...
Velvet, Oak
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
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
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
Curved Yellow Velvet 3-Seater Sofa by Gio Ponti, Italy 1940's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
This rare three-seater curved "banana" designed by the Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino. While his work extended well into the post-war era, this iconic des...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Harvey Probber 4-Piece Deep Tufted Modular Sofa in Platinum Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This graphic and stunning Mid-Century Harvey Probber 4-Piece Deep Tufted Modular Sofa in Platinum Velvet originated in the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. T...
Chrome
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Greige Belgian Linen, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in our greige linen, its tailored slipcover gives the sofa a...
Linen
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Cognac Brown Leather 3 Seat Sofa Nice Patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid century Danish modern beautiful cognac brown leather 3 seat sofa Oak legs Nice Patina. Style of Børge Mogensen. Very nice Cognac Brown leather is soft and shows signs o...
Leather, Birch
Expertly Restored - Early Hans J. Wegner JH-555 Sofa for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early Hans J. Wegner settee for Johannes Hansen carries the kind of quiet authority that only true cabinetmaker-led Danish design can deliver—refined in line, deeply considered ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home Inc in Greige Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Kenzo Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 21st C.
By Hans Hopfer, Missoni, Kenzo Takada, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The distinctive sofa is finished in rare Composit...
Fabric, Cotton, Foam, Velvet
Carmel Sofa by Bloom Home Inc - 100% Belgian Linen, Slipcovered
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Carmel Sofa Slip Covered in 100% Belgian Linen 85″ L x 36″ d x 34″ H / 29″ h at the corner Arm Height 25″ Seat Height 19″ / Seat Depth 27″ / Seat Width 74″ Leg Height 2″ / Removable...
Linen
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Spice Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Spice Color, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in a rich, earthy spice-toned linen, its tailored slipcover ...
Linen
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and bentwood sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches and a...
Wood, Velvet
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home, Terracotta Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
Large Curved Shape Banana Sofa in Original in Original Fabric Denmark 1940's
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large banana shaped or curved sofa made in Denmark, circa 1940's. This sofa will make strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines providing for an elegant and impr...
Wool, Beech
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Cognac Brown Leather 3 Seat Sofa Oak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid century Danish modern beautiful cognac brown leather 3 seat sofa Oak legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Very nice Cognac Brown leather is soft and shows little signs of use...
Leather, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Muted Moss Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, wood, Europe, 1950s This mid-century modern sofa has a quiet confidence to it. Its form is simple, but not severe: the broad backrest, gently angled arms and long, uni...
Fabric, Wood
French Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric, wood and yellow rubber sofa likely designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. In very good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. Light surf...
Wood, Fabric
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century espresso brown leather pleated 3 seat sofa model DS 86 De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century brown leather pleated 3 seat sofa model DS 86 De Sede. Well Worn Buffalo Leather dark espresso brown stitched pleated long low sofa. Very High end sofa handmade in Switze...
Leather, Wood
French Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the wood...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 19309s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattered s...
Fabric, Wood
Axel Bäck Attribution, Sofa, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1920s
By Seffle Möbelfabrik, Axel Bäck
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and birch sofa attributed to Axel Bäck and produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik, Sweden, c. 1920s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use....
Velvet, Birch
Pierre Jeanneret SI-37-B Public Bench, Teak & Blue Hide, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pierre Jeanneret, sofa "Public Bench" SI-37-B in teak and reupholstered in midnight blue hide. This model was designed for the Supreme Court in Chandigarh, India 1955. About: Archi...
Leather, Teak
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and gold velvet sofa or settee designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent w...
Velvet, Wood
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and beige fabric sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches ...
Fabric, Wood
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
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Dark Rust Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
Howard Furniture, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and beige fabric sofa produced by Howard Furniture, Starkville, Mississippi, USA, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattere...
Fabric, Oak
Vladimir Kagan 11.5 Ft Iconic Serpentine Sofa Manufactured by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary 11½-foot Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional, representing one of the most iconic and recognizable designs in American Mid-Cen...
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and green fabric sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Age-appropriate pat...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Staining to fabri...
Fabric, Wood
Large Designer Sofa with Floating Side Tables, Split Pencil Reed
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Designer Sofa with Floating Side Tables, Split Pencil Reed design with Mirror glass on the side tables. Very unique sofa. Sofa has new foam cushions and was recovered in an off...
Fabric, Reed, Mirror, Wood
Vintage Serpentine Curved Sofa in Teal Velvet, Kagan Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dramatic vintage serpentine sofa featuring an exceptionally long, sculptural profile upholstered in teal blue velvet. Measuring over 118 inches wide, the sofa creates a sweeping arch...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Floating Sofa, Model U-150 by Jens Risom, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional example of mid-century modern design, this Model U-150 sofa by Jens Risom, circa 1950s, showcases the designer's signature balance of sculptural elegance and functiona...
Leather, Wool, Walnut
$2,567Sale Price|24% Off
1970s Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa, Vivai del Sud Style, Riviera Modern
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970s Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa in the Style of Vivai del Sud, Riviera Modern An elegant and architecturally striking mid-century modern three-seater sofa, handcrafted in Italy...
Bamboo, Rattan
German Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Germany, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige fabric sofa with bed designed and produced in Germany, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Age-appropriate patina re...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Three-Seater Sofa in Black Leather, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Three-seater sofa with a wooden frame and black leather upholstery, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 78 cm; Wi...
Leather, Wood
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
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
Rare Jean Prouvé Mid Century Modern Double Daybed, Circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Experience the refined simplicity of Mid Century Modern design with this stunning S.C.A.L. double daybed, meticulously crafted by the ...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Serpentine Cloud Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Serpentine Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 95 wide x 42 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Great Vintage Condition -...
Upholstery
Danish Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa in Beech, Wool, Circa 1940
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super cool Danish 1940s curved three seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This mode...
Wool, Beech
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour Curved Back Tufted sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour curved back sofa. Very nice designed Swedish sofa with tufted back. Gold Velour that shows fading otherise good vintage Condition....
Velvet, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Tuxedo Style Sofa w/ Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Curved Back Sofa is a tuxedo style sofa with curved corners and features a single down-wrapped, seat cushion with 3 down-wrapped, removable back cushions and two bolsters. The ba...
Upholstery, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sofa, Beige Velvet w/ Solid Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sofa is our deepest and largest scaled sofa featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Also available as a sectional. The Laws...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa XL, Green Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson...
Mohair, Upholstery, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Portola Sofa, Green Performance Fabric & Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Portola sofa features a handcrafted solid walnut or oak frame with loose seat and back cushions. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, Californi...
Upholstery, Oak
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream velvet and wood sofa, model Samspel, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scat...
Wood, Velvet
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
Børge Mogensen Danish Modern Four-Seat Sofa in Green Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Danish Modern four-seat sofa associated with Børge Mogensen, featuring clean architectural lines, generously proportioned cushions, and elegant low-profile wooden f...
Fabric
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 Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-lacquered wood and beige brown checkered fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Ligh...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Cognac Leather 3 Seat Sofa wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Cognac leather 3 seat sofa white oak legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. The color is Cognac brown leather is soft and shows little signs of use on sea...
Leather, Birch
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 131 wide x 66 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches Fair Vint...
Upholstery, Walnut
Two-Seat Sofa by Vico MAGISTRETTI for CASSINA 1973
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Two-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti. Italy, Cassina, 1973. The three-seat MARALUNGA Sofa, newly upholstered in stone-coloured velvet material. The sofa has been stripped and updated ...
Velvet