Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
By Dino Gavina
Located in Brussels, BE
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
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.
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
By Dino Gavina
Located in Brussels, BE
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
Fabric, Wood
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
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three-Seater Soriana Sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Produced by Cassina in Italy. A statement seating piece with soft, voluminous lines, created to offer a relaxed yet refi...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco- New Velvet Upholstery
Velvet
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
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia in Brown Velvet, 1972
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Chrome
$20,898 / 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
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Two-Seat Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
A midcentury modern Brutalist two seat sofa in the style of Guillerme et Chambron. A typical French 50s style and craftsmanship in solid oak with camel leather cushions, ergonomic su...
Leather, Oak
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
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
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
Drexel, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained oak and white fabric sofa produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 35” H x 79” W x 30.75” D Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 28.25" All items s...
Fabric, Oak
Elegant Italian Sofa in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric upholstery, metal, Italy, 1950s This sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this three-seat sofa is anything but minimalist...
Metal
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Circular Sectional Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, this refined mid-century Italian sofa exemplifies the designer’s signature balance of architectural clarity and functional elegance. Designed in the 19...
Brass, Steel
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Tuxedo Style Sofa w/ Oak Base, 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, Oak
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Chrome Flat Bar Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Chrome Flat Bar Settee Loveseat Sofa. Item features a sleek polished chrome frame with blue upholstered seat and armrests. Does not com...
Metal
$23,337 / set
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
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
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 166cm or 190cm width. The three-seater is available in 238cm or 274cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. Cassin...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$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
Argentine Designer, Modular Sofa, Velvet, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet modular sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.5"H x 9...
Velvet
Malitte Seating System by Roberto Matta Paradisoterrestre Edition
By Paradisoterrestre, Roberto Matta
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1966 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2019 Materials: polyurethane foam; slightly elastic fabric Pugi RG. Upholstery available in different fabrics and colours. Please note ...
Fabric, Foam
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Portland, OR
A classic mid century modern tailored sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Custom specifications ordered by renowned Seattle interior design firm, Arthur Morgan Inc. Tuxedo-shaped thr...
Leather, Mahogany, Feathers
Diesis 3-seater sofa, by Antonio Citrerio for B&B Italia dark gray-dove leather
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Diesis 3-seater sofa, B&B Italia. This 3-seater sofa features two rectangular cushions in dark gray-dove leather, matching the backrest. Cylindrical cushions on the seats complete th...
Brass, Steel
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
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Four-Seater Modular Sofa in Jean-Michel Frank Style Original Olive Velvet 1970s
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
This stunning four-seater sofa is an exceptional piece of mid-century modern design (circa 1970), evoking the timeless elegance of the Jean-Michel Frank style. Its modular design con...
Velvet, Wood
$2,231Sale Price|20% Off
Minerva sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard for France & Søn, 1960s
By Fredericia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s - Made in Denmark - Good original condition - New black upholstery - Wooden parts refreshed - Very good condition ! - Marked by maker.
Upholstery, Teak
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
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
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
$2,427Sale 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
1960s Organic Modern Custom Sheepskin Sofa with Birch Legs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking and sculptural, this 1960s organic modern sofa embodies the expressive forms and tactile materials that defined avant-garde interior design of the period. The sofa features ...
Sheepskin
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Brass, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brass and brown yellow velvet sofa or settee designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Scratching and other wear present to wood consisten...
Brass
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
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 Mid-Century Four Seat Wool & Teak Sofa
Located in Norwalk, CT
This sofa is an iconic example of Danish mid-century design. The silhouette of the sofa strikes a smooth and simplistic shape, with the gentle curves of the arms sloping elegantly fr...
Wool, Teak
Giovanni Offredi 'Wave' Sofa By Saporiti, Italy #1
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Crafted with industrial steel frames with the two seat upholstered loveseat mounted atop the frame. The sofa has affixed upholstered seat and seat back cushions. Presents as sleek ...
Steel
Cini Boeri - Leather Sofa "Gradual" for Knoll International, 1970s
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Cini Boeri “Gradual” Sofa for Knoll International, Italy, 1972 Rare “Gradual” sofa designed by Cini Boeri for Knoll International in 1972. Upholste...
Leather
Vintage Scala sofa set by Dreipunkt international, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Model 'scala' sofa set consisting of 2 two seater benches and an armchair. Solid beech wooden frames with brown chocolate leather cushions and straps. Beautiful and timeless desig...
Leather, Beech
Mid Century Vintage De Sede DS 66 Dark brown leather 3 seat sofa 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid century Vintage De Sede DS 66 sofa 3 seat dark Brown leather Switzerland circa 1970. Very High quality thick full grain Leather. Great loveseat with arms. Amazing sculp...
Leather, Wood
$5,460Sale Price|10% Off
Sculptural Mid Century Bastiano sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Made in Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
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
De Sede Terrazza Sofa Cognac Leather Ubald Klug Ueli Berger 1972 Mid Century
By Ubald Klug, Ueli Berger, De Sede
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful All Black Leather Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful All Black leather 3 seat sofa black wood legs. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Danish Mo...
Leather, Teak, Lacquer
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Hans Elli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, sofa or settee, model 'sz18', chrome-plated metal, fabric, The Netherlands, 1970-71 This sofa is designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. A rare model, as th...
Chrome, Metal
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
Unique Isabelle Richard Faure Oxidized Brass Velvet Sofa Bed, 1970s
By Maison Honoré, Isabelle Masson-Faure, Richard Faure
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
$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
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Beige Velvet, 1973
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Sand Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973...
Velvet
$3,525Sale Price|25% Off
Ib Kofod-Larsen Selig Mid-Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Sofa & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Ib Kofod-Larsen Scandinavian Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa and ottoman / footstool for Selig. The ottoman measures 25"x 20.50" x 17" high with cushion. Both are marked Selig. If y...
Wood
Modernist Sculpted Walnut Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
Located in Buffalo, NY
The aptly named Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa is bold in its design, so clearly translating the character of a Venetian gondola to create a unique silhouette in a sophisticated living...
Fabric, Walnut
Percival Lafer, MP-01 Sofa, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer MP-01 Sofa Velvet, Wood, Iron Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Iron
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Patinated Creame-Cognac Leather.
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Patinated Creame-Cognac Leather by Ueli Berger, Switzerland, 1972. The De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa is a mid-century modern piece m...
Leather, Felt, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and light-grey fabric sofa designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 78.5"W x 27.75"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Ar...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
Muller Van Severen Pillow Sofa Velvet Modular Sofa For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen's Pillow Sofa Velvet Modular Sofa For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the Pill...
Polyester
Mid-Century Modern Funky Sculptural Sofa made by Artifot
By Artifort
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super groovy well built sofa made by Artifort in the Netherlands. Fabric is original & in poor condition. Needs a basic recovering to be excellent.
Chrome
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Rolf Benz Sofa, Germany
By Rolf Benz
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of vear
Fabric