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.
Vintage MCM Tuxedo Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Fabric Attr Milo Baughman 96"
Located in Wilton, CT
Fabulous vintage MCM Tuxedo style sofa in super plush Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric, possibly designed by Milo Baughman. This chevron patterned sofa in ...
Velvet
Lawson-Fenning San Rafael Sofa, Tweed & Solid Oak, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Upholstery, Oak
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
Vintage LC2 Tan leather chrome frame 3 seat sofa style of Le Corbusier
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Le Corbusier
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
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
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
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
Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa in Walnut for Craft Associates 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Lawson-Fenning Bosque Sectional w/ Chaise, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sectional version of the Bosque Sofa, built to the same logic: broad proportions, low profile, plush cushioning over a substantial frame. Designed to define the landscape of a ro...
Upholstery
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
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
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
Two-Piece Mid-Century Teak Sofa with New Sage Green Upholstery
Located in Germantown, MD
A newly reupholstered two-Piece Mid-Century modern teak sofa with New Sage Green Cushions. Comes with over 3 yards of upholstery textile. This mid century style sofa is crafted with...
Upholstery, Teak
Rare George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 in Rohleder Velvet
Located in Culver City, CA
An extraordinary, true museum-grade rarity for the serious 20th-century design collector. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1963, the Sling Sofa (Model ...
Chrome
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '67A', steel, fabric, United States, design 1958, production 1960s/70s This sofa model 67A is designed by Florence Knoll for Knol...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan Mid Century Tiger Maple Floating Curve Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan Mid Century Tiger Maple Floating Curve Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 38 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Excellent Vintage Condition....
Upholstery, Maple
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
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
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
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
American Designer, Large Sofa, Bamboo, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large bamboo, wood and brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Cushions reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensi...
Velvet, Bamboo, Wood
Hammond Kroll, Sofa, Fabric, USA, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved beige upholstered fabric sofa designed and produced by Hammond Kroll, USA, c. 1930s. Provenance: Hammond Kroll, acquired prior to 1965 by Helen Kroll Kramer, sister of Ham...
Fabric
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Velvet, Wood
$4,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Superb Mid Century Modern Pfister Cube sofa by Knoll in Parchment Leather
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Vintage all original Knoll cube 3 seat sofa. Simple cubist form with clean lines, set atop a seemingly floating base that are characteristic of Knoll's design aest...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940 An early sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, dating to approximately 1940. This substantial example features a generous seating ...
Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Gondola Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 104 wide x 33 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 21 inches Good Vin...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
Classic early / original Florence Knoll 3-seat sofa. electric blue velvet.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic early original Florence Knoll 3-seat sofa.upholstered in electric blue velvet. Amazing original condition,Extremely comfortable,, Superior quality and construction,, Retains...
Steel, Chrome
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
Midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Solid Walnut Frame Sofa or Daybed
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Walnut frame long low sofa or daybed. Beautiful armless sofa with solid walnut sculpted frame and steel spring support insert. Has Orig...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1980s, great condition with minor wear present
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 86.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 24.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 20.25 inches Go...
Metal
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
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Some sofas sit in a room. This one floats in it. Released by Dunbar in 1957 as a limited edition piece, the La Gondola is arguably Edward Wormley's most iconic design ~ and coming f...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectible and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown 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...
Upholstery, Walnut, Mohair
American Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Turquoise & Walnut Sofa
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold mid-century statement with this stunning 1960s turquoise sofa, featuring its original turquoise vinyl upholstery, sculptural silhouette, and refined walnut accents. The l...
Faux Leather, Wood, Walnut
Large Scale Boomerang Sofa, by Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Adrian Pearsall's famous "boomerang" sofa, this mrare model constructed of recently polished walnut, and supporting a freshly upholstered back and seat done in a grey boucle fabric. ...
Walnut
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa 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-Fenning Collectio...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa This sofa measures: 82 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height 17 inches Great Vintage Condition - Upholstery is in Exc...
Upholstery, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sleeper Sofa, Corduroy with Walnut Base, Modern Sofa Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sleeper Sofa is our first convertible sofa. Fully upholstered with a walnut or oak plinth base, it easily converts into a queen-sized bed, making it ideal for guests and sma...
Walnut, Upholstery
Jens Risom for Knoll Model 37 Mid Century Sofa
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Model 37 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 76.5 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.5 inches Fair Vintage Conditi...
Upholstery
Nikolai Lafuge Buriti Sofa - Large, Tweed Cushions, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Nikolai Lafuge in Los Angeles. Created with Eileen Gray's Lota and traditional British sofas in mind, the Buriti is an inviting and plush design that is appealing from ev...
Upholstery
Thomas Thos Moser “Hartford” custom white Leather sofa
By Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Thomas Moser “Hartford “ Custom white leather Sofa circa 2016
Leather, Wood
American 1940's Tufted Curved Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super stylish curved sofa. Made in the US probably in the 1940's maybe early 1950's. Designer and maker unknown. Tufted and with loose cushion. Has a bit of Hollywood pana...
Wool, Wood
Vladimir Kagan, Large Curved Sofa, Fabric, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved beige yellow bouclé fabric and metal sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc. Seat height: 15.5” Reupholstered in brand new bouclé fabric.
Metal
$7,750 / item
Curved Back Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Green Velvet & Solid Walnut, 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