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Mid-Century Modern Sofas

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Number in Set: Set of 10
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, White
Located in Paris, FR
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L300cm / P96cm / H70cm / Seating H42cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wool

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Large Module, Green
Located in Paris, FR
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Small module Measures: L 120cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Assise H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, Grey
Located in Paris, FR
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large,1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Modern Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian Mid-Century Modern style leather upholstered sofa with a bold box form raised on a minimalist iron leg base. Dimensions: 74" W x 33" D x 32" H Seat 63" W x 20" D x 17"...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Sofa Hand-Made in Chicago in Any Dimension with Brass Feet Priced Without Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic Mid-Century Modern design sofa made to order in any dimension here in Chicago. Frame is constructed from hard-wood, 8-way hand-tied coil sp...
Category

2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Green
Located in Paris, FR
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 3 (2x large, 1x small, 2x armrest): L 300cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Foam

Large Curved Modern Velvet Sofa in Pink Velvet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large curved sofa inspired by Italian mid-century design. Upholstered in blush pink crushed velvet. Velvet is napless. Single cushion with foam, dacron, and down. Tight back that is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Poplar, Down

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, Green
Located in Paris, FR
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): L170cm / P96cm / H70cm / Assise H42cm Modular sofa: assemble different modul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, Grey
Located in Paris, FR
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): L 170cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Assise H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Mid Century Style Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style tufted leather upholstered sofa with a vintage brown top grain leather, with a tufted backrest and squared arms on metal bas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, White
Located in Paris, FR
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): Measures: L170cm / P96cm / H70cm / Assise H42cm Modular sofa: assemble diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wool

Mid Century Leather Channeled Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style leather upholstered and channeled sofa. The channel tufted top grain leather sofa in a Nottinghill grey color and raise...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Blue Velvet
Located in Greenwich, CT
This Mid-Century Modern inspired sofa (known as "The Carlton") was hand built at our studio in Norwalk, Connecticut. The three cushioned sofa features sleek track arms and firm loose...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Summer Sofa
Located in Lisbon, PT
Summer Sofa with brass footer. Listing considers image 1. If you are planning on ordering an upholstery item with COM upholstery, please follow these ins...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Venfield Custom Gondola Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Custom Gondola sofa designed by Venfield. The price does not include the cost of fabric/COM (Customer-Owned-Material). 12 yards of fabric are required ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Handmade contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Combo 1 soft upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Børge Mogensen No. 1 Sofa – 3-Seater
Located in Berkeley, CA
Mogensen designed the Børge Mogensen 3-seater sofa of the No.1 series in 1955. He united a sharply defined shape with a softer, more intimate character that works well as the focal p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Custom Tete-a-tete Sofa Bench in Grey Velvet with Walnut Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tete-a-tete sofa bench in grey silk velvet with American walnut wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different fabrics, colors, sizes and woods. ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Elegant Curved Sofa in Custom Upholstery with Brass Legs
Located in New York, NY
Elegant curved sofa in custom upholstery with brass legs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and fabrics.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal, Brass

DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Cotton Velvet, w=200
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Round Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet

Custom Tufted Blue Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base in blue velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different sizes, colors and fabrics or a different metal for the base.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Agnes S-Couch
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mogensen 2333 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2333 3-seater sofa with rectangular sides was the last piece of furniture Børge Mogensen designed. The geometric design was the conclusion of Mogensen’s minimalist exclusive upholstered furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

James de Wulf Black Walnut Daybed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
For lovers of symmetry and squish. Built solid of black walnut and the finest upholstery, the James de Wulf daybed will center the room in cozy comfort and style. A pair can be arranged in an L-formation for a large sofa set. Singly sized for twin extra large comfort. Each daybed includes a frame, two back cushions, side bolster, and ball cushion...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Maple

EARL Handcrafted Walnut Moresby Loveseat with Custom Linen or Leather Upholstery
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This handmade solid wood constructed sofa includes handcut joinery and custom upholtered seat and seat back cushions. This sofa is shown in our in maharam plume ciabatta ivory tex...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Modular Couch Rubik with Soft Velvet Combo 1
Located in Lisbon, PT
Rubik is a customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, Rubik S, Rubik M and Rubik L and a great range of materials to choose from. Made to order.
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

DOOQ Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man, width 240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Terracotta Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 140cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mogensen 2335 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2335 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen’s son, architect Peter Mogensen, as a completion of his father’s last furniture series. The extended width of the cushions softens the fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Madda Lounge Chair in Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Madda is a contemporary interpretation of the Classic club chair. The metal base fully wraps around the chair, as if to squeeze it into its plump and comfortable upper seating ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Cobalt Blue Ray Kappe RK4 Sofa in Red Oak, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Ray Kappe RK4 sofa in red oak by Original in Berlin, Germany, 2020 This sofa can be used as a free standing bench or a Sofa. The piece is made out of sol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Fir

Børge Mogensen No. 1 Sofa – 2-Seater
Located in Berkeley, CA
Mogensen designed the Børge Mogensen 2-seater sofa of the No.1 series in 1955. He united a sharply defined shape with a softer, more intimate character that can work well in any sett...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Terracotta Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 180cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Mogensen 2212 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2212 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for his own home in 1962. With generous proportions, modest aesthetic, a choice of materials and execution secon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Børge Mogensen 2292 Coupe Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
Designed in 1971, The Coupé sofa has a high enveloping back with wings, providing a calm retreat in larger spaces or a cosy setting in front of a fireplace.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Børge Mogensen Spoke Back Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
Mogensen designed the spoke back sofa in 1945 as a daybed and chaise lounge hybrid, with a hinged side. The exposed construction was too sophisticated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Mogensen 2213 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2213 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for his own home in 1962. With generous proportions, modest aesthetic, a choice of materials and execution secon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Custom Blush Pink Velvet Sectional Sofa with Maple Wood Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom midcentury style sectional sofa in plush velvet in blush pink with maple wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, colors and fabrics....
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Maple

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95 – 2-seater – Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 2-seater – Metal sofa offers a roomy sense of cosiness, where straight lines converge with discrete curved details. Comfy cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Custom Tufted Green Velvet Sofa, Custom Design
Located in New York, NY
Custom tufted sofa newly upholstered in green velvet on a plinth base. Has loose seat and side cushions. The sofa shown is available now.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture, Bronze Leather and Brass Single Man
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Setting its origin in sunny California’s midcentury influence, Single Man’s collection takes you back to a time when elegance was obtained through the use of simplicity, comfort and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Mogensen 2208 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2208 two seater sofa features an elegantly curved lowered back and was designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Mogensen 2332 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2332 2-seater sofa with rectangular sides was designed by Børge Mogensen in 1971. The geometric design was the conclusion of Mogensen’s Minimalist exclusive upholstered furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80, 3-Seater, Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
The look is simple and serene in this expansive Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80 – 3-seater, where straight lines converge with discrete curved details. Comfy cush...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Space Copenhagen Spine Lounge Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
Space Copenhagen Spine Lounge Sofa pays respect to the traditions of hand upholstering to which Fredericia built its name on, while offering a modern fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 3-Seater, Chaise, Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 3-seater – chaise – wood base the look is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 3-Seater, Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 3-seater – Wood base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge with discrete cur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95 – 3-Seater – Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 3-seater – Metal base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge with discrete cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80 – 2-Seater – Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 80 – 2-seater – Wood base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge with discrete cur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Naked Sofa Combo 2
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 3-seater, Chaise, Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95, 3-seater, chaise, metal base look is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Mogensen 2209 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2209 three seater sofa features an elegantly curved lowered back and was designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80 – 2-seater – Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 80 – 2-seater – Metal base sofa offers a roomy sense of cosiness, where straight lines converge with discrete curved details. Com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Doble Settee 2-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Round, smooth lines, with a combination of leather and velvet create the delicate balance of double settee. A spirit of class and tranquility emanates fr...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Soft Cotton Velvet, w=240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Round Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Bouclé

Contemporary Liberty Armchair High Back Polished Brass and Blue Velvet Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Metal

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 2-Seater, Wood Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 2-seater – wood base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater Calmo sofa, where straight lines converge with discrete cur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Arflex, Marie Burgos Design, and Antonio Citterio. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $203 and tops out at $430,372 while the average work can sell for $6,767.

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