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.
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and cream-white fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 62.0"W x 36.5"D Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Arm Heigh...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Camaleonda Modular Sofa in Bordeaux by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This Camaleonda set, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia , consists of two seating elements and two poufs, upholstered in a burgundy fabric. This version has been produced by ...
Fabric
Jori Dark Brown Leather Two Seat Sofa, Belgium, 1990s
By JORI
Located in Praha, CZ
Original two-seat sofa by Jori, manufactured in Belgium during the 1990s. Upholstered in premium thick full-grain leather over a solid wooden frame with generous padding, this model ...
Leather, Wood
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
$13,915Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Vintage Luxury Sofa in Wood and Green Silk Satin
Located in Milano, IT
Luxurious vintage corner sofa in wood and silk satin designed in the 1940s of fine Italian manufacture. The sofa is angular and is supported by a wonderfully elegant and durable dark wood frame. In fact, we see 2 wider feet supporting the back, while there are 3 other slender spike feet also made of dark wood. The seat is simple, angular and is upholstered in green silk satin with a dark and light green striped pattern, giving it an eccentric yet refined effect. Under the seat is a band decorated with fringes, also in a very light green shade. The highlight of the piece is its backrest: it is reminiscent of a regal sofa...
Silk, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved wood and red fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Dimensions: 33.5” H x 73” W x 43” D All items ship from High Point...
Fabric, Wood
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Sofas in Camel Brown Leather & Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' three and four seat sofa, leather, oak, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of func...
Leather, Oak
Italian Designer, Settee, Shearling, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A shearling and brass settee designed and produced by an Italian designer, Italy, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina
Brass
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, 1980s
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud, Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Directional 1980s. The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional. The original Directional produ...
Upholstery
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
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
$3,191Sale Price|50% Off
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Sofa, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three-seater sofa attributed Gio Ponti, production in the early 1950s, with high backrest, the upholstery is in velvet but replacement is recommended, feet and structure in beech.
Velvet, Beech
Howard Keith “Diplomat” Sofa in Original Sereno Striped Upholstery, UK, 1970s
By Howard Keith
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare oversized “Diplomat” sofa designed by John Home for Howard Keith Furniture, United Kingdom, 1970s. Retaining what is believed to be its original black and ivory “Sereno” strip...
Velvet
$4,597
Mid-Century Sofa Bed
Located in London, England
Mid-Century sofa bed with solid teak frame newly polished and re-covered in cream boucle fabric. U.K circa 1960.
Fabric, Teak
Rare 1950s MCM Large 8 Foot + "Chevron" Shaped Sofa designed by Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fabulous large Mid-Century Modern "Chevron" shaped sofa on castors, shown in original yellow silk fabric with down pillows. Unusual and I'd say rare, never seen another like it. Clas...
Silk, Down
$23,830 / 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
Coronado 3- Seater Sofa in Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1976
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly sought-after Coronado 3-seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia and made in 1976, an icon of Italian modern design. The piece is upholstered in black l...
Leather, Beech
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Rosewood Case Sofa Settee Two Seat 1960s Knoll
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Fresh from the home of the original owner, a Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Rosewood Case Sofa, fully marked. Professionally restored, the rosewood was well chosen and has wonderful...
Textile, Rosewood
Trä-Inn, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and floral-printed fabric sofa or love seat designed and produced by Stockholms Träinrednings AB, Trä-Inn Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consisten...
Fabric, Pine
Milo Baughman Kelly Wearstler Coquette Alabaster & Black Tuxedo Sofa
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a bold marriage of iconic design and modern artistry, a vintage Milo Baughman sofa reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Coquette fabric in Alabaster...
Cotton, Hardwood
$2,785Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Leather Sofa by B&B Italia by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Designers
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Coronado Brown Leather Sofa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia A true icon of Italian design, the Coronado sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in the late 1960s, e...
Leather
Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s
By Hans Kaufeld
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, designed by Jacques Brule and produced by Hans Kaufeld in Germany in 1963, is a remarkable example of mid-century modern design. The sofa features a distinctive ...
Steel, Chrome
De Sede DS-101 Three-seater Sofa 1970s
By De Sede
Located in VENLO, NL
This high-quality and comfortable three-seater sofa, designed for De Sede in the 1970s, features individually extendable seats for the ultimate lounging experience. The DS101 model i...
Leather, Wood
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Niels Bendtsen 'Baku' Memphis Style Sofa for Montis, Built-In Table
By Montis, Niels Bendtsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa designed by Niels Bendtsen for Montis embodies the bold spirit of Memphis style design from the 1990s. The 'Baku' model features a black faux leather seat cushion contrasted wit...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
De Sede DS31 Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful dark brown leather sofa model DS31 designed and produced by De Sede. One of our personal favorites from De Sede. Well designed polished aluminum legs. The sofa has been ...
Leather
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
$12,997Sale Price / set|20% Off
Midcentury Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set composed by two seater sofa and two ottoman by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Original label Cassina. The idea for this armchair that changed the face of upholstered furniture ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa 2408
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates sculptural sofa 2408 Offered is a beautifully all original 'Gondola' sofa (model 2408) designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft A...
Upholstery, Walnut
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Frank Kyle Floating Mahogany Sofa End Tables Mexico City
By Frank Kyle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Sensational mahogany sofa designed by Frank Kyle Mexico City Asian inspired design. Mexico modernism at its finest. ...
Brass, Bronze
Howard Furniture, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa produced by Howard Furniture, Starkville, Mississippi, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dime...
Fabric, Oak
Customizable Double-Back Sofa In Ultra Suede Fabric By José Castro
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....
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 of 2)
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
Pair of Vintage De Sede DS-600 Snake Sofas in Leather
By De Sede
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally stylish, rare and highly sought after pair of vintage De Sede DS-600 snake sofas in leather. They were made in Switzerland by De-Sede in t...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Walnut “Gondola” Sofa After Adrian Pearsall, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Inspired by the celebrated designs of Adrian Pearsall, this vintage walnut Gondola sofa captures the sculptural spirit that made his work an enduring icon of American mid-century mod...
Fabric, Walnut
$9,856 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
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
Vintage 1970s 9-Piece Curved Modular Sofa Sectional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Remarkably well preserved nine‑piece modular sofa sectional from the late 1960s–1970s. The set includes seven standard modular chairs and two wedge‑shaped corner modules, offering a ...
Velvet
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
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Black Cashmere, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury modern serpentine "Cloud" sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. Recently upholstered in black cashmere (2023). Kagan was a master of organi...
Cashmere
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Dimensions at layout: Height:41cm, depth:84cm, width:186cm Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Studio Gruppo 14 T.E.E. 3-Seater Sofa by Busnelli, Italy, 1970s
Studio Gruppo 14 T.E.E. 3-Seater Sofa by Busnelli, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sofa, manufactured by the renowned Italian company Busnelli, is a remarkable find due to its rarity....
Upholstery, Foam
$5,700Sale Price|40% Off
Dunbar Jack Larsen Gray Velvet Cut Down Floating Plinth Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Banjo Sofa in Chenille by Mavo Atelier, Handcrafted in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Banjo reveals itself in two elegant sections, with or without arms, offering refined versatility for refined residential or hospitality settings. Every curve, every line, every seam ...
Chenille, Upholstery
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
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, Walnut, Beech, Wood
Sandra 3-seater Sofa in beige velvet, Annie Hiéronimus, Cinna Ligne Roset, 1970s
By Cinna (Ligne Roset), Annie Hiéronimus
Located in amstelveen, NL
The Sandra sofa was designed by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna, following her arrival at the Ligne Roset Bureau d’Études in 1976. A distinctive example of late 1970s French design, the...
Velvet
Cuingam Sofa, De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi - Upholstered in leather (or nubuck)
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Ciuingam collection, designed in 1967 by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi, is one of the icons of Italian Pop Design, embodying the ironic, experimental, and unconventional approach...
Leather, Fabric, Rubber, Hardwood
Elegant Three-Seater Sofa, Rattan and Bamboo, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant three-seater sofa from the 1960s. Beautifully shaped rattan and bamboo frame. This wonderful sofa is in very good condition with slight signs of wear from age and use, preser...
Bamboo, Rattan
KK 5011 - 3 pers. sofa in natural leather by Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5011 - 3 seater sofa in patinated natural leather with profiled frame in mahogany. From 1935. Designed by Kaare Klint and made by Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier.
Leather, Mahogany
Tone Armchair by Hermhaus, Velvet & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
Mid-Century Canadian Teak Pull-Out Sofa Bed in Blue Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A stylish and functional Mid-Century Canadian pull-out sofa bed featuring a warm teak frame and vibrant blue upholstery. This versatile piece embodies the effortless modernism of lat...
Fabric, Teak
DS-1025 Terrazza Sofa by Ubald Klug for De Sede, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular leather sofa by De Sede, Model: DS-1025 Terrazza. Seat height: 39 cm. Length of one section: 156 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Leather, Fabric
Knut Saeter Rosewood Upholstered Sofa for Hans Olsen Norway
By Hans Olsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sophisticated dark Brazilian rosewood framed loose cushion sofa upholstered in black contract fabric with black leather sides and back. The winged semi rounded arms and contrasting...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier
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
Adrian Pearsall Style Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 35 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21 inches All pieces of fur...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,785Sale Price|50% Off
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Rare Italian Curved Sofa "Casa E Giardino" 1936
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Gio Ponti three-seater sofa for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the photos...
Satin, Beech
$2,780Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Settee-Sofa in Cognac Tanned Leather, Model 55 by Kurt Østervig
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kurt Ostervig designed tanned leather two-seated sofa or Settee with tapered oak legs. It features original upholstery and intricate leather upholstery details around the top part of...
Leather, Oak
1970s 3-Seater Sofa in Black Leather, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition with minor signs of use - The sides parts were newly reupholstered in very similar black leather - Cleaned
Leather
French Designer, Sofa, Oak, Velvet, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained oak and yellow velvet sofa likely designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Natural minor wood cracking. Wear consistent with age a...
Velvet, Oak
Large Lounge Sofa in Bordeaux Leather by Sapporo for Mobil Girgi, Italy, 1970
By Sapporo, Mobil Girgi
Located in Almelo, NL
Large lounge sofa in bordeaux red Leather by Sapporo for Mobil Girgi, Italy 1970 A large lounge sofa in leather by Sapporo for Mobil Girgi, Italy,...
Leather
$3,255Sale Price|30% Off
Danish MCM Grand Piano Sofa in Green Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
The Danish MCM Grand Piano Sofa in Green Velvet is a luxurious and stylish and unique piece of furniture. This sofa features a unique design inspired by a grand piano, with a plush g...
Upholstery, Wood