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.
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
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
$17,423 / 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
Danish Mid-Century Style 4-Seat Green Woven Upholstery Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century style 4-seat sofa in a blended green tweed upholstery with a curved back and teak accents on the arms and base
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
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
$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
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
Danish Modern Two-Seat Sofa with Cognac-Colored Leather Made in Denmark 1960s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage 2 seater sofa manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. It's upholstered with the original cognac-colored leather with light patina, ...
Leather, Wood
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Purple Upholstery Serpentine Sofa c1990s MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Purple Upholstery Serpentine Sofa c1990s MINT!
Upholstery
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Padova, IT
Condition: Good condition with small signs of age and use especially on the feet The GS195 sofa, designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963, is a highly regarded Mid-Century Mode...
Fabric, 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
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
Vintage American Walnut Six Seater Sloane ii Sofa by Vladimir Kagan Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A custom-made, slightly curved vintage Mid-Century modern American large six or seven seater Sloane II sofa with 4 pillows, settee made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed and ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
$160,000 / set
Rare Paul Evans Biscuit Tufted Cityscape Sofas, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional pair of Paul Evans biscuit tufted Cityscape sofas, signed and in near mint condition. Finding one is hard, but a pair in this pristine state is near impossible. These ...
Chrome
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
Rare Environ Tre Sculptural Sofa by Edoardo Landi, Gruppo N, Nikol, Italy 1971
By Ennio Chiggio, Edoardo Landi
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare Sculptural sofa by Edoardo Landi for Nikol Internazionale, Italy 1971 With this sofa you not only get comfort in your home, but also a great work of Art. The sofa creates a shell-like environment that cocoons the sitter. With your own imagination, the sofa can be set up in different ways. This sofa would look beautiful in a Mohair or bouclé Fabric Each sofa is 230 cm in length, 100cm width, the hight is 60cm, seat height 35cm. When setup like a corner 230cmx330cm Born in Modena in 1937, Italy, Landi studied architecture in Venice and attends the School of Industrial Design in Venice between 1962 and 1964. In 1959, he founds Group N with Alberto Biasi, Manfredo Massironi, Toni Costa and Ennio Chiggio. Landi’s work is based on the use of geometric shapes with programmed inclinations or separations, through which he manages changes in the viewer's perception. The artist develops retinal fatigue and optical illusions in some of his works, causing a closer relationship between the viewer and the work. In 1963, he participates with Grupo N at the IV Biennale Internazionale d'Arte di San Marino, where they receive their first prize. Since 1968, his works have been present in international exhibitions in Rome, Oslo, Tokyo, Budapest, Bologna, Paris, Milan and other cities. Since 1971 he has been interested in graphic design and the use of Industrial objects in interior design. Often this sofa is sold as an Ennio Chiggio sofa but is not from his hand, however the sofa was produced by Nikol wich Chiggio also designed for. They were also both a member of the art movement Gruppo N...
Fabric, Foam
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
Sofa or Couch with wickerwork backrest by Hartmut Lohmeyer, German Design, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Maße: ca. 180 × 74 × 74 × 43 cm (Breite × Tiefe × Höhe × Sitzhöhe) Außergewöhnlich formschönes und ausgesprochen seltenes Sofa aus der 400er-Reihe, entworfen von Hartmut Lohmeyer fü...
Upholstery, Wicker, Teak, Cane
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. *oxidation and discoloration to metal legs. Reupholstered in brand new white fabric. Dimensi...
Metal
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 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
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
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
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
3-seater sofa model EJ 20/3 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen
By Jørgen Gammelgaard, Erik Jørgensen
Located in Lejre, DK
3-seater sofa model EJ 20/3 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen. Danish design in black leather with brushed steel legs. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Jørgen Gammelgaard — Manu...
Steel
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Petit Modèle, Trois Places, Durable Sofa
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Petit Modèle, Trois Places, Durable A timeless style that has written its own chapter in design history, becoming an icon of global fame. Perfec...
Polyester
Vintage Bamboo Sofa, Made in Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. It is made in bamboo. This sofa is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition a...
Bamboo
Karl Wittmann Sofa in Patinated Grey Neck Leather 1980s
Located in Meer, VAN
Karl Wittmann Sofa in Patinated Grey Leather, Austria, 1980s. This modernistic sofa was designed early 1980s, by Karl Wittmann, for Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten. This Austrian furnitur...
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Round Sofa in Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century large round sofa with a low curved partial backrest and emerald green velvet upholstery with a button tufted removable seat cush...
Metal, Brass
Celina Decorações, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and yellow fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing one original wood screw cap. Small imperfection...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant and sculptural Tête-à-Tête sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955. This iconic mid-century design exemplifies Wormley’s mastery of proportion and his abili...
Brass
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
Englander & Bonta Attribution, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-brown velvet, wood and brass sofa attributed to Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 100.0"W x 42.0"D Seat Height (inches): 18....
Brass
Michael Taylor Sofa for Baker Furniture Co. - Far East Collection - circa 1950s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer Michael Taylor designed four seat sofa from his Far East Collection by Baker Furniture Co. Dark brown Shoji style stained frame, seat and back cushions are down filled. This...
Upholstery, Walnut, Down
$21,084 / 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
$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
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
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern 3 Seat 205 Sofa by Børge Mogensen Sofa Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern 3 seat sofa by børge mogensen sofa. Great Scandinavian Modern Borge Mogensen model 205 low slung three-seat sofa. Manufactured by Frederica Stolefabrik in 1...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s A striking vintage leather sofa designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis in the Netherlands during th...
Leather, Beech
$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
Lawson-Fenning Isherwood Sofa, Modern Channel Tufted Couch, Mohair & Oak
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The isherwood sofa features a channel tufted body with loose bolster cushions. The turned legs are made of solid white oak or American walnut and are inset on the sides revealing the...
Mohair, Walnut
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