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.
$6,143Sale 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
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
$3,595 / set
Thayer Coggin Midcentury Sectional Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thayer Coggin midcentury sectional sofa This sofa measures: 145 wide x 86 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of...
Upholstery, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron, Sofa, Fabric, Oak, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A purple fabric and oak lounge sofa or settee designed by Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and produced by Votre Maison, France, 1950s. Fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Oak
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
Soriana Sofa, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited i...
Steel
Brazilian Modern “VIP” Sofa in Fiberglass & Mohair by Jorge Zalszupin, 1973
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and sculptural example of Brazilian late modernism, this iconic “VIP” sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin in 1973 during a pivotal moment in Brazil’s design hi...
Fiberglass, Mohair
Weiman Midcentury Sculptural Curved Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan Style Weiman Mid Century Sculptural Curved Sofa This sofa measures: 93 wide x 43 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and ...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Upholstered Sofa & Arm Chair
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
A striking example of 1960s Mid-Century Modern design, this matching sofa and armchair set combines sculptural form with wonderfully preserved original upholstery. Both pieces featur...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-century modern Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s
By Lev & Lev
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s Designed and produced by Lev & Lev in Italy during the 1970s, this exquisite modular sofa is a true example of Italian craftsmanship...
Leather, Fiberglass
1960s Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola Sofa Mid Century Modern
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960s gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Mid century modern at its finest with sweeping solid walnut sculptural legs. Spanning 102” in width with two o...
Fabric, Wool, Walnut
Model 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Florence Knoll, model 578, produced by Knoll International in the 1950s. The design reflects Knoll’s signature balance of clean lines and f...
Metal
Contemporary Gulman Sofa with Sleek Curved Silhouette And Brushed Brass Base
Located in Freamunde, PT
Gulman sofa the ultimate expression of luxury and comfort, designed to make a bold yet inviting statement in any living space. With its sculptural lines, plush upholstery, and elegan...
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
De Sede Terrazza Sofa Cognac Leather Ubald Klug Ueli Berger 1972 Mid Century
By Ueli Berger, Ubald Klug, 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
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, Italy, 1950s
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, wood and velvet, Italy, 1950s This curved sofa is by Federico Munari, produced in Italy around 1950. Its asym...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Midcentury 2 1/2 Seat Sofa Grete Jalk Style with Teak Legs
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic Danish design very similar to Grete Jalk's one of the grand ladies of Danish design, and Johannes Hansen's model JH 180. Simple yet very elegant and refined design ...
Oak, Wool, Teak
$4,213Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Swedish 1980s Convertible Sofa Lounge Chairs built in Table Daybed
Located in Basel, BS
This unique midcentury design sofa/daybed / Lounge chairs with a table in between is incredibly versatile and minimal! A beautiful functional design because this piece of very cool...
Chrome
Vintage Florence Knoll Relaxed Two Seater Sofa and Chair Ivory - Set of 2
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage Florence Knoll set, a Relaxed two-seater sofa and a chair for Knoll, circa 1970s–1980s, upholstered in a beautifully textured ivory wool blend ...
Steel
1964 Original 932-Quartet Leather Sofa Sectional Mario Bellini for Cassina 2pcs
Located in Basel, BS
Move over, here comes the MEGA CULT CLASSIC, and Extremely rare Bellini that you can also sip Bellini's upon like a ROCK STAR! She is an absolute show stopper for any space... An ...
Leather, Canvas
$5,476Sale 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
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
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
$1,170Sale Price|44% Off
Divano in legno vintage anni 60 design Lucian Ercolani per Ercol
By Lucian Ercolani, Ercol
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Divano in legno con cuscini in tessuto floreale, disegnato da Lucian Ercolani per Ercol, anni '60. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to time. SIZING: Altezza 76...
Fabric, Wood
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina - Modern Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
Leather
"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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Sofa This sofa measures: 126 wide x 34.5 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 10.5 (to the frame) All pieces of f...
Upholstery, Wood
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa in Brown Leather, Honoré Paris, 1970s
By Honoré Paris, Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Raphael Raffel (1912-2000) and produced by Honore Paris in the 1970s, the Croissant Sofa takes a fully sculptural crescent form upholstered in natural leather. Low-slung ...
Leather
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
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
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
$11,234Sale Price|20% Off
White Italian corner sofa in the style of Gio Ponti, reupholstered
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant 1950s Italian Corner Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti - Sculptural, Reupholstered Masterpiece A Refined Tribute to Italian Mid-Century Modernism This exceptional Italian corner...
Fabric, Wood
Italian mid-century sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Tobia Scarpa Coronado Sofas in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, 1975, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 'Coronado' two seat sofas in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by the Italian firm, B&B Italia, circa 1975. The seating are made with a then revolutionary kind of molded polyurethane foam for excellent support and comfort. The 'Coronado', was the first ever seating to be built using this new technique: the foam molds were assembled around an iron frame, resulting in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable product. The present pair consists of the two seater sofas offered in their original cognac leather upholstery preserved in excellent condition. Labels affixed on both pieces read 'Coronado' designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. Afra and Tobia Scarpa designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, accompanied with modern and refined aesthetics. During the 1960's, the couple designed the Bastiano sofa and the Vanessa bed...
Leather
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
Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century leather and rosewood model no. MP-211 by Percival Lafer. Made circa 1970s, Brazil. A gorgeous mix of materials and incredible design showcase why Lafer is one of our favo...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam, Rosewood
“Canoa” Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood & Mohair, Liceu de Artes, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A study in restraint and cultural translation, the “Canoa” sofa by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios distills Brazilian modernism into a form that is both architectural and symbolic. Executed...
Fabric, Mohair
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
$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
Perfect patinated Le Bambole original leather sofa by Mario Bellini - B&B Italia
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Perfect patinated Cognac/Brown Leather Lounge Sofa with Sculptural Soft Form Designed in 1972, Le Bambole stands as one of t...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Henredon Sofa Modified Lawson Style Yellow & Beige Striped
By Henredon
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Henredon Modified Lawson style sofa with original yellow & beige striped fabric, 3 loose seat cushions with Poly wrapped feather down in...
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Feathers
$5,565Sale Price|30% Off
1960s Mid Century Curved Tufted Paisley Chesterfield Kidney Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Chesterfield curved sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best ...
Upholstery, Wood
De Sede DS-76 Sofa, Brown Leather, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
Located in Austin, TX
Sofa, from Switzerland, DeSede exclusive, Model DS 76, upholstered in thick brown leather hide. The sofa consists of two modules with sofa bed function. Normal s...
Hide, Leather
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine, black-painted pine and beige fabric sofa or settee designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Seat Height (inches): 14" Arm Height (inches): 24.75" All items ship from Hig...
Fabric, Pine
Studio Simon Minimalist Black Leather Three-Seater “Simone” Sofa, Italy, 1975
By Studio Simon
Located in Vicenza, IT
Three-seater “Simone” sofa, designed and manufactured by Studio Simon in 1975. The structure is made of black lacquered wood. A black leather big seat completes the sofa. The minim...
Leather, Foam, Beech
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina- New Upholstery
Fabric
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and white fabric sofa or settee designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s Seat Height (inches): 16" Arm Height (inches): 19.75" Reupholstered in brand new...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Classic Frits Henningsen Sofa in Cuban Mahogany Danish Midcentury 1940's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This elegant and generously sized three-seat sofa was designed and made by the Danish Master Cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen in various size up through the 1930s till about 1950. This...
Wool, Mahogany
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano 2 seater sofa, leather and wood, 1968, Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa. Two piece available. Supporting structure in solid oak. Flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Leather, Oak
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Three-Seat Sofa in White Leather Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of function...
Leather
Tufty-Time Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Tufty-Time Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia - New Upholstery
Fabric
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Directional even arm sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen cut velvet fabric. This sofa is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of wear. The original fabric is a ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Large Sofa with Table in Leather and Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Sofa with Table in Leather, Stone & Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Leather, stone and lacquered wood Styl...
Travertine, Steel
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
$5,734Sale Price|39% Off
LC2 Two-Seat Sofas by Le Corbusier Edited by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of sofas made of polished chrome-plated steel frame and leather cushion. Designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, and edited by Cassina in 1978. ...
Steel
Peter Hivdt Style Teak corner sofas model 610, Vatne Møbler AS, Norway 1960
Located in Paris, IDF
Corners sofa with table, model 610, Vatne Møbler AS, Norway. Sofas with frames in teak and beech, as well as armrests in rattan. Fixed upholstered seat and loose cushions in the back...
Rattan, Wood
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Glamorous Selig Jack Lenor Larsen Style Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Glamorous Selig sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen style cut velvet fabric. The original fabric is in remarkable condition and is even more fabulous in person. This is a true vintage gem an...
Upholstery
Cassina Portovenere Sofa Designklassiker Couch Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Zweisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Cassina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Vico Magistretti, wurde bekannt u...
Leather
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
Dieter Rams 620 Lounge Chair Swivel Base by Vitsœ black Leather 1962 Mid Century
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Munster, NRW
Lounge Chair from the chair program 620, designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany in 1962. The pictured lounge chair was purchased around 2000 and has since been in the second ho...
Leather