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.
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
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa and Ottoman for Dunbar Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sofa, Green Tufted Cushions & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sofa featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Also available as a se...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
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
$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
$7,900Sale Price|50% Off
Curvaceous L Shaped Sofa in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine)
Located in Hanover, MA
BG SUMMER SALE Curvaceous L shaped mid-century modern style sofa custom made and upholstered in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine). Brand new, never used. Includes 7 throw pillows...
Upholstery, Walnut
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
Cini Boeri, Sofa, Plastic, Leather, Gavina Knoll, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Cini Boeri
Located in High Point, NC
A three-seater black ABS plastic and white / light grey leather sofa, designed by Cini Boeri, and produced by Gavina, Knoll, 1970s. Backside features a built in shelf. Seat Height ...
Leather, Plastic
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
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
Mid-Century Two-Seat Sofa, Senator Series, Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
Located in München, BY
Elegant Mid-Century modern two-seater sofa by Ole Wanscher, produced by France & Son (Cado) as part of the iconic Senator series. Made in Denmark during the 1960s, it is a refined ex...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
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
2x Original Flexform Sofa Leder beige Couch Antonio Citterio
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von zwei wunderschönen Vintage Zweisitzer Sofas des italienischen Premiumherstellers "Flexform" zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde von Antonio Citterio entworfen und wu...
Steel
$4,400 / item
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...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
$17,343 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 7, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 6 (4 x curve ): Measures: W. 250 cm / D. 250 cm / H. 70 cm / SH. 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules...
Foam
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional, Beige Tufted Linen & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This two-seater sofa was manufactured in Denmark during the 1970s. The frame is crafted from solid wood in a honey-brown shade. It is upholstered in dark chocolate-colored genuine le...
Leather, Wood
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
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
20th Century , Yellow Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small...
Fabric
1970s MP-211 Two-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer in original black leather
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer S.A. in Brazil around 1975, the MP-211 two-seater sofa stands among the most recognizable and technically sophisticated examples of B...
Leather, Jatoba
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
1970s Chrome Clad Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Dressed in beautiful deep plum mohair, this incredible steel clad sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin is a true classic. The tufting and mirrored chrome finish make this piece a...
Chrome
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
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, 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
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
$40,428 / 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
Two Seater Togo Sofa in White Leather by Ligne Roset, 1980s France
By Ligne Roset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French two seater Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic togo sofa is now a design classic. This sofa comes in ...
Leather
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
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
1960s John Widdicomb Kidney Immaculate Green Beige Sofa Loveseats, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1960s with this exquisite loveseat set. The ultra rare set exudes an air of history and refinement. Outstanding design is exhib...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" 2 seat Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first versio...
Fabric, Wood
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
De Sede "DS-11" Modular Sofa, Patinated Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede "DS-11" modular sofa, patinated cognac leather, Switzerland, 1970, set of four. The De Sede “DS-11” modular sofa exemplifies the great art of craftsmanship and design of the...
Leather
Expertly Restored - Early Hans J. Wegner JH-555 Sofa for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
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
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa - Mid-Century Modern Fabric Upholstery
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa For Bd Barcelona The Sausage Sofa is BD’s latest addition by designer Willo Perron. First released in a limited edition in collaboration with Our Legacy W...
Fabric
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Beech, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beech and yellow fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition with signs of wear. Overall Dimensions...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Coronado, CA
This Brazilian modernist "Earth" sofa was designed by Percival Lafer, and manufactured in Brazil in the 1970s. The incredibly comfortable settee features a "scoop" form seat with pat...
Steel
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
Danish 1940's Fritz Hansen Leather Sofa with New Sheepskin Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark likely, circa late 1930s to early 1940's by Fritz Hansen of Denmark. Legs made from solid beech. Comfortable and super solid with nice and s...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic Italian sofa from the 1950s. Very much in the style of Gio Ponti.
Fabric, 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
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sofa after Marco Zanuso, circa 1960s Divano Sleep-o-Matic
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian sofa or daybed. New upholstery vintage Bordeaux wine color mohair, brass and metal legs, pule up mechanism handle on the back of the sofa converts the sofa in to the bed. US ...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Daybed or Sofa Miroslav Navratil, Interier Praha, 1960s
By Interiér Praha, Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
- Iconic model from Czechoslovakia - Very practical and comfortable.
Fabric, Wood
$20,987 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Solid Wood Sofa, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Curitiba, PR
An exceptional Brazilian Mid-Century Modern sofa produced by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios in the 1960s. Expertly crafted from solid wood, this piece exemplifies the institution’s renowne...
Foam, Hardwood
Adrian Pearsall Sofa on Chrome Plinth Base, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Adrian Pearsall Sofa on Chrome Plinth Base, 1970. Original upholstery and new chrome plinth base. Measures 25.5” tall 91.5” long 35” deep.
Chrome
Vintage 1960s "Pod" Three-Seater Sofa by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic example of Scandinavian modern design, this rare 1960s "Pod" three-seater sofa was designed by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden. Celebrated for its sculptural silhouet...
Leather
MP-211 chocolate brown 3-seater sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Percival Lafer MP-211 sofa from the 1970s, crafted in Brazil and celebrated for its iconic sculptural silhouette and luxurious cognac leather upholstery. Featuring soft, over...
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Herman Miller 2-Seater MG 102 ‘Chiclet’ Sofa by Ray Wilkes Reupholstered
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
An original Herman Miller "Chiclet" sofa, designed by Ray Wilkes in the 1970s and acquired from the deceased estate of a former Herman Miller employee. The two-seater takes its name ...
Steel
George Nakashima Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1962
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990), American Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, 1962, with spindle back, turned wood legs, four green cushions and original drawing. Overall: 30.5" H x 112.5...
Textile, Walnut
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Leather, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown leather sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s. Very dramatic patina to leather. Dramatic patina on wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensi...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chair in original velvet (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original red velvet 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B...
Metal
$9,275 / item
Wavy / Scallop Back Sofa, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Listed measurments are approximate. Available in bespoke widths and in COM - ple...
Fabric, Wood