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.
1960s Long Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Tuxedo Sofa in Style of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Elkton, MD
A stunning oversized tuxedo sofa featuring original Jack Lenor Larsen polychrome velvet upholstery with a bold repeating geometric motif. Designed in the Paul McCobb style, this mid-...
Upholstery
$22,307Sale Price|24% Off
Bogo Sofa by Carlo Bartoli suede & Leather, Mid-Century Modern
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular 'Bogo' Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate Designed by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate in the 1970s, the Bog...
Leather, Suede
Italian Mid Century Wooden Pine Sofa by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and iconic Italian mid century two seater sculptural wooden sofa in Russian pine from the from the " Mobili nella Valle" series produced by Poltronova Italy, 1973. In very good ...
Pine
Stringa Two seater black leather upholstery sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
" Stringa " sofa with original black leather upholstery on tubular chrome frame, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1965 Italy
Chrome
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Sofa This sofa measures: 81.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 26 inches All piece...
Chrome
$24,913 / item
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina An innovative upholstered seating system, supported by a beam that allows sectional elements to be combined i...
Foam
De Sede DS-88 Landscape Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather, Switzerland 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Tan leather DS88 sofa in patchwork by De Sede. The sofa is sectional so it can be set-up in different ways to your own liking. The sofa...
Leather
Lacquered sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina. Italy, 1975
Located in MADRID, ES
A sofa by Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama featuring a box-shaped wooden frame lacquered using traditional Japanese techniques, with softly rounded edges and large, original cushi...
Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage ed...
Velvet, Plastic
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Tan Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Tan leather long loveseat sofa with light wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful light beige cream tan leather is soft and shows little sig...
Leather, Wood
'Zelda' Sofa by Sergio Asti for Poltrona, Italy, 1962
By Sergio Asti
Located in Argelato, BO
Sergio Asti, 'Zelda' model sofa for Saporiti, Italy. The two-seater sofa, compact and elegant, has a refined wooden structure of great geometric rigor. It adapts perfectly to both a...
Wood
Lara sofa Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso Stilwood 1958
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning so-called ‘Lara’ sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a striking ...
Fabric
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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Circular Sectional Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous two piece circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The original cream colored fabric seems to be an ultra suede. There are no flaws to the fabric. It is u...
Upholstery, Wood
Vatne Mobler Knut Saeter Rosewood Leather Sofa Danish Modern MCM
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960’s 4 seater sofa designed by Knut Saeter in black leather and rosewood. Minimalist design with the suspended profile and flared arms, each se...
Leather, Rosewood
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
5-piece modular sofa in zebu leather by Mario Bellini, Le Bambole model. Stamped under the seats. Seat height: 46 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE T...
Leather
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
Vintage 1961 Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Kroehler, Chicago
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and fully documented example of early 1960s American modernism, this Kroehler sofa carries an extraordinary provenance detail: the original purcha...
Upholstery
Mid-Century modern sofa attributed to Claudio Vagnoni, 1970s
Located in Paris, FR
A Mid-Century Modern style sofa attributed to Claudio Vagnoni, dating from the 1970s. . More than just a sofa, it's a design piece with enveloping curves. . A true signature piece,...
Fabric
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style. Built on a sturdy beech wood frame and raised on solid teak leg...
Wool, Teak
Madsen & Schubell Leather Modular Corner Sofa, C. 1960s
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a remarkable Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell leather modular sofa, a quintessential example of refined Scandinavian design from the 1960s. This sofa, embodying the era's emphasi...
Leather, Suede, Beech
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
Red Molded Fiberglass Bench Love Seat
By William Andrus
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern fire red one molded fiberglass piece bench loveseat sofa couch. Sculptural ultra modern design piece of furniture.
Fiberglass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Rattan Orange Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern two-seat Italian lounge sofa rattan A beautiful very well made rattan sofa from the 1960s. A great stylish piece for in or outdo...
Mohair, Bamboo
Rare Modular Leather Sofa Set by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø, Ryesberg Møbler
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Illum Wikkelsø Manufacturer: Ryesberg Møbler Era: 1970 Materials: Leather Condition: In excellent original condition.
Leather
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Sofa and Ottoman Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa and Ottoman blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by na...
Beech, Maple
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
Danish Designer, Organic Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and red fabric sofa, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15" Arm Height (inches): 25.38" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
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...
Bouclé, Fabric
$6,163Sale Price|30% Off
Paola Navone by Baxter Italy Gognac Color Sofa Model Budapest
By Paola Navone, Baxter
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage Sofa Cognac color Model Budapest design by Paola Navone by Baxter. Has your eye fallen on this unique vintage design beautiful sleek lounge sofa. Material: beautiful supple...
Leather
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater and footstool re-upholstered 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
Unique Isabelle Richard Faure Oxidized Brass Velvet Sofa Bed, 1970s
By Isabelle Masson-Faure, Richard Faure, Maison Honoré
Located in Paris, IDF
This unique sofa bed was created by Isabelle and Richard Faure for Parisian design firm Maison Honore in the late 1970s. Entirely covered by decorated oxidized and patinated brass al...
Brass
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa, 1960's
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original black leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa ...
Rosewood, Leather
Limited Mah Jong 50 Year platform edition by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Roche Bobois Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer 50 Year Anniversary Platform Edition (2021) Kenzo Takada Edition on Asymmetrical Architectural Platform Base Designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer, th...
Fabric
Italian Multi-Sectional Suede Couch by Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A bold and stylish Italian multisectional sofa upholstered in vibrant orange suede, manufactured by Roche Bobois. Featuring modular design for versatile seating configurations, clean...
Suede
United Style Mid Century Walnut Pedestal Base Sofa
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Franklin Park, IL
United Style Mid Century Walnut Pedestal Base Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 32 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 1...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti 'Ellypse' Sofa in Grey Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti, 'Ellypse' sofa, fabric, lacquered wood, chrome, Italy, 1970s Mauro Lipparini, an Italian designer, has created the 'Ellypse' sofa for Saporiti, which s...
Chrome
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Sofa Daybed in Cognac Tan Leather Switzerland, 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous Cognac Tan leather DS88 landscape daybed / sofa by De Sede in patchwork. The item features 8 pieces in toptal: – 2 seat elements (bottom + seat + backrests...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Italian mid-century sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern black leather and wood sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s Three-seater sofa model Bastiano with seat, backrest and armrests made of p...
Leather, Wood
Mid-century modern Boomerang sofa by Olavi Hänninen
By Mikko Nupponen, Olavi Hanninen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Add a touch of mid-century modern luxury to your space with the Olavi Hänninen 1960's Boomerang sofa. Crafted from rich mahogany, this iconic piece features the legendary boomerang s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
$5,507Sale Price|10% Off
Sculptural Mid Century Bastiano sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Made in Italy
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1962, Bastiano is a sculptural sofa that truly expresses the couple's design philosophy. Their signature elements - geometric wood frame, soft ne...
Leather, Wood
1960 Kho Liang Ie Model 070 Corner Sofa Set with Marble Side Table for Artifort
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Awesome 'Model 070' corner sofa set with daybed by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s. Kho Liang Ie was born in 1927 in Magelang, Dutch East Indies. After Indonesia's independence in 1...
Marble, Metal
Vintage Italian Modern Walnut Divan Sofa Bed Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural sofa/divan bed/sofa bed attributed to Paolo Buffa (Italy, ca. late 1940s/early 1950s). Composed of a straight rail back connecting elegantly curved arms above x-form slats...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Upholstered Bench with Wavy Backrest in the style of Paolo Buffa 50s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
Give yourself a comfortable and very stylish place to sit. This vintage Bench is functional and comfortable in an entryway, in an office or bar waiting room, or dotting the end of y...
Velvet, Beech
$2,442Sale Price|20% Off
Very rare and early Richard Stein Sofa / Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Stein
Located in Munich, DE
All original. can be converted to a bed.
Fabric
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-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
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
De Sede Terrazza Sofa Cognac Leather Ubald Klug Ueli Berger 1972 Mid Century
By De Sede, Ueli Berger, Ubald Klug
Located in Munster, NRW
2x De Sede Terrazza sofas, model DS 1025 in cognac leather. Designed in 1972 by Ubald Klug & Ueli Berger for De Sede, Switzerland. Sophisticated design sofa elements form the perfec...
Leather
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ubald Klug DS-28 Cosmos Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s This stunning 7-piece sectional sofa by Ubald Klug, produced by De Sede in the 1970s, showcases a bold, organic design i...
Leather, Wood
$32,951 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina A sectional sofa envisioned as a custom garment, with sophisticated details reminiscent of bespoke tailoring and a wide selectio...
Foam
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
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: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, Wood
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa: Modular Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa For Cassina Envisioned in Tokyo in 1953 by Charlotte Perriand and still remarkably relevant today, this modular system can be used as a low coffee tab...
Wood
Mid-century Leatherette Two Seat Sofa, 1990's.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Leatherette,Wood Seat Height-36cm Good Original condition
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid Century Rosewood Case Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen
By Milo Baughman, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid Century Modern Rosewood Case Sofa with Original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric. Chrome base. All cushions come off. 85w 34d 24h 15.5seat
Velvet, Rosewood
Eks Malmö, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red velvet and wood sofa or loveseat produced by Eks Malmö, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.5"H x 49.0"W x 30.0"D Seat Height...
Velvet, Wood
Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Blue Green Chevron, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Barão Lounge Chair with footrest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous crafts...
Leather, Cotton, Fabric, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut