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.
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
$3,395Sale Price|20% Off
Divano vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Three-seater sofa with wooden frame and beige fabric cover, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare segn...
Fabric, Wood
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
Sesann 3-Seater Sofa in dusty pink by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in amstelveen, NL
An early edition Sesann three-seat sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, circa 1970. The Sesann is celebrated for its sculptural silhouette and distinctive expos...
Chrome
Philippe Starck Prive Sofa by Cassina: Modern Steel and Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Steel And Leather Sofa model 'Prive' designed by Phillipe Stark. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Complex and formal in its design, the Privé collection perfectly combines style and ...
Leather
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reupholstered in plaid fabric with leather trim.
Leather, Fabric
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
Charlotte Perriand LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This daybed is part of a faithful reproduction of a student room in the Maison du Brésil...
Wood
$10,006 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
$20,148 / item
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of outdoor life with a high-impact product inspired by the little trampolines found in the gardens of homes in Greenland. Trampoline is a striking and elegant love bed...
Steel
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa. Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay. A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the first project by Antonio Citterio for Cassina ? a modular sofa that embodies the timeless elegance and style the Italian designer is known for and, at the same time, is an aspirational tribute to the art of the great masters and to the practice of visualizing furniture by detaching the structural part from its padded interior. In fact, Esosoft consists of an aluminium exoskeleton and a shell with an organic silhouette upon which soft cushions are placed. Past and future coexist in this shape ? reminiscent of the concept of casual comfort typical of the 1960s ? that benefits from cutting-edge production techniques, mindfully chosen to make the system circular and sustainable. Thanks to the work of Cassina LAB, materials like a polyurethane foam that contains a percentage of polyols deriving from biological sources and blown recycled PET fibre in the backrest cushions. The Esosoft collection comprises eight modules that can be used as individual sofas or combined to form corner arrangements, lending the utmost flexibility to the configuration of living spaces...
Fabric
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa, Steel, Rope and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collection full of playful...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa new Soriana Sofa or Lounge Chair or Chaise Longue by Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The price is dependent on the chosen size, material and color. Available as a lounge chair, two-seater, three-seater. a chaise longue or a stool. Lounge chair = 95 x 105cm, two-sea...
Metal
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
$4,441Sale Price / set|47% Off
Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and beige fabric upholstery, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare...
Fabric, Wood
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 50 limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina For the three-seater sofa, the padded skyscrapers are upholstered in an exclusive fabric with a raised t...
Fabric
$24,003 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outdoor Sofa by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Inspired by the spirit of 1950s seaside resorts, Sail Out is an outdoor modular...
Metal
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé Sofa in Black or Petrol for Cassina, Italy - New
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material and size. Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the original mode...
Metal
$40,614 / set
Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the f...
Fabric
Philippe Starck Prive Sofa by Cassina, Steel & Leather, Mid-Century
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Steel And Leather Sofa model 'Prive' designed by Phillipe Stark. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Complex and formal in its design, the Privé collection perfectly combines style and ...
Leather
675 MARALUNGA Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, vintage
Located in Neuss, NW
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa based on the design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the early 1970s. Original cover made of high-quality black-grey striped fabric. The backrests of the two...
Fabric
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Coronado, CA
This "LC2 Petit Modele" sofa was originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928. This vintage example was manufactured by Cassina in the 1980s. ...
Steel
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Maralunga 2-seater sofa, reupholstered in black velvet, Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga 2-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly reupholstered in a elegant black velvet. This iconic Italian design from the 1970s blen...
Velvet
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Leather Soriana Cream Leather Settee Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
The Soriana was designed in both the settee and the sofa length. The Soriana was designed for Cassina by Tobia Scarpa won a “Compasso d’Oro” prize in 1969. With pleated and gathered ...
Chrome
Maralunga Sofa Lounge Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980s
Located in Wien, AT
The Maralunga sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti in the 1970s for Cassina and is certainly one of the most iconic sofas in Italian design. The backrests are equipped with a foldab...
Fabric
$12,243Sale Price / item|20% Off
Soriana Sofa, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited i...
Steel
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Fabric, Bouclé
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
Cassina Portovenere Sofa Designklassiker Couch Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Zweisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Cassina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Vico Magistretti, wurde bekannt u...
Leather
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
$5,768Sale Price|39% Off
LC2 Two-Seat Sofas by Le Corbusier Edited by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of sofas made of polished chrome-plated steel frame and leather cushion. Designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, and edited by Cassina in 1978. ...
Steel
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 2 and a half-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 2 and a half-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests c...
Fabric, Bouclé
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Upholstery
Divano Maralunga di Vico Magistretti per Cassina 2 posti velluto verde
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano a 2 Posti: Dimensioni 168 cm (lunghezza) x 95 cm (profondità) x 72/100 cm (altezza), con altezza della seduta di circa 43 cm. La struttura è in acciaio tubolare con cinghie el...
Velvet
Maralunga Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa in beige for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extreme versatility. The rounded arm-rests curve to meet the back, the shape expressing the crafts excellence synonymous with Cassina’s crafts expertise, more evidence of which can be seen in the upholstery edge-stitching that delineates the lines of the various elements. The sofa is composed of single units that have been conceived as if they were tiny sculptures...
Metal
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in creamy white fabric designed by Vico Magistretti, Model: Maralunga. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
Charlotte Perriand LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This daybed is part of a faithful reproduction of a student room in the Maison d...
Wood
$25,445 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outdoor Sofa, by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Inspired by the spirit of 1950s seaside resorts, Sail Out is an outdoor modular...
Metal
Gio Ponti Sofa Mod. 803 by Cassina, 1950s Fabric Upholstery
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in pink fabric and metal, model: Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini. Seat height: 34 cm. Stamped Cassina on the underside. Wear due to time and age of the sofa. For shipping, reque...
Metal
Maralunga Sofa + Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. New Maharam Memory by Patricia Urquiola upholstery with articulating backrests. Tagged. O...
Upholstery
Jean Marie Massaud 'Aspen' Sculptural Sofa Set by Cassina
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofas designed by Jean Marie Massaud in 2005. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Unpretentious elegance. The curve of the backrest, like the ridge...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1969 Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Stainless Steel
Rare No. 853 Daybed / Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Munich, DE
Back can be turned to use the complete seating area as daybed.
Metal
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa and ottoman in light tobacco leather by Cassina in aniline leather. The ottoman is ...
Chrome
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the f...
Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordini in 2019. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A sophisticated haute couture design featuring elegant details reminiscent of classic fine tailoring. S...
Fabric, Foam
Pianura by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Pianura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in the 1971, is a refined exploration of horizontality and proportion, where seating is conceived as a low, expansive landscap...
Velvet, Wood
Leather and Chrome Three Seat LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic, LC2, three seat sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret produced by Cassina, 1970s features black leather upholstery with a tubular chrome frame.
Chrome
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines fo...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric