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.
Roche Bobois ‘Informel’ Two-Seater Sofa – Original Natural Leather Upholstery
By Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY WITHIN NEW YORK CITY A rare and elegant two-seater ‘Informel’ sofa by Roche Bobois, retaining its original natural leather upholstery in a sophisticated steel gr...
Leather
Midcentury Sofa Isa Bergamo, 1950
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa 3 seats velvet production Isa Begamo, 1950, restored in beige velvet, brass feet. Works by ISA Bergamo remain: mirrors, armchairs and many furnish...
Brass
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
COR Trio Sectional Sofa in New Burnt Orange Fabric, Germany / Switzerland, 1972
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
This COR TRIO sofa has been new upholstered in an amazing burnt orange high pole velvet fabric, just like the original orange. The fabric is extremely comfortable and cozy. We have m...
Fabric
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous Sculptural Modern Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves and undulations of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. This sofa is one of Kagan's most Avant Garde ...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chairs in cognac leather
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 197...
Metal
Alberto Rosselli “Confidential” Modular Sofa for Saporiti, Black Leather, 1972
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Alberto Rosselli “Confidential” sofa for Saporiti, black leather, Italy, 1972 Alberto Rosselli designed this model for Saporiti in 1972. One of the first modular sofas ever produced...
Leather
De Sede 'DS-47' 3-seater sofa
By De Sede
Located in Brussels, BE
Exceptionally comfortable and built to last, this DS-47 sofa is upholstered in a superb, thick buffalo neck leather with a rich, natural patina. Designed by Team De Sede for De Sed...
Leather
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
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
1970s Wittmann Hochbaret leather Modular Sofa, Austria
By Wittmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of wear due to age - Patinated leather - heigh of seat 41 cm
Leather
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
“Triennale” 4 seater curved sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex 60s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Padova, IT
The Triennale seater (often referred to as the Triennale sofa or settee) is a landmark piece of mid-century Italian design created by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951. It is named aft...
Fabric
$8,400 / set
Dunbar Model 7350 Sofas by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Model 7350 sofas by Edward Wormley. Vintage 1970’s sofas with more recent grey & pink silk upholstery. Original labels are no longer on ...
Silk
rare and elegant constanze daybed
Located in Munich, DE
very nice and all original daybed by johannes spalt for the well known austrian company wittmann. an elegant construction, than can be converted from a sofa into a bed with one hand ...
Steel
Maralunga Sofa + Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. New Maharam Memory by Patricia Urquiola upholstery with articulating backrests. Tagged. O...
Upholstery
Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in tan leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s. The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Metal
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
Three-Seat Shell Tandem Sofa By Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller C.1974
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Bernville, PA
Rare tandem shell seating designed by Charles & Ray Eames, USA 1974. This piece features three white fiberglass and light purple vinyl seats with Formica tables on each end sitting o...
Chrome
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point. It is in wonderful vintage condition. We have restored the wood, cleaned the vinyl, repaired a few spots where stitching was loose, and put on a new dustcover. But there are still little signs of age. Please see photos, circa 1950s. What a fun little Mid-Century Modern convertible sofa. Settee? Loveseat? Armless sofa? Bench? A rose by any other name…….!!! Anyway, I digress. It is a great piece no matter what we call it. I am sticking with convertible sofa. It is comprised of a black vinyl faux leather bench seat...
Faux Leather, Wood
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Sofa for COR in new Mohair, Germany – 1969
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the epitome of elegance and comfort: ‘Corbi’ modular sectional sofa by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – circa 1969. The Corbi sofa consists of sections with roll cushions. It can be used as sofa or as three separate lounge chairs. Now luxuriously draped in sumptuous mohair. Elevating your living space to new heights of sophistication, this exquisite piece seamlessly marries timeless design with unparalleled coziness. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Corbi sofa boasts a sleek silhouette and refined lines, embodying modern sophistication while exuding a sense of inviting warmth. The addition of premium mohair upholstery not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience like no other, enveloping you in unparalleled softness with every touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments of relaxation, the Klaus Uredat Corbi...
Mohair
$3,031Sale Price|20% Off
LUXURY DESIGNER ERCOL WINDSOR STUDIO 355 SOFA DAYBED BLONDE WOOD PART OF A SUiTE
By Ercol
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale absolutely stunning vintage Mid Century Modern Ercol Windsor Model Studio 355 Blonde Wood sofa / daybed with...
Upholstery, Wood
Banana Sofa With Floral Cover & Oak Legs, Danish Cabinet Maker From 1930s-40s
Located in Lejre, DK
Danish banana sofa from the 1930s-40s. Floral upholstery and oak legs. H: 67 cm, W: 200 cm, D: 69 cm, SH: 36 cm. Classic Danish furniture craftsmanship — Origin: Denmark — Producer:...
Fabric, Oak
Very Early and Rare No. 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Designed in 1954. Original condition. should be re-upholstered. the base can be disassemble for more economic shipping.
Fabric
Italian mid-century leather sofa Bastiano by Afra Tobia Scarpa Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century brown leather and black wood sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s Two-seater sofa model Bastiano with seat, backrest and armrests made of squa...
Leather, Wood
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
Two Seat Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, Europe, 1960s. This two-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothness and underl...
Leather
$8,800
Knoll Style Tuxedo Sofa
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. A handsome tuxedo style sofa very much in the spirit of American designer Florence Knoll. Features a heavy ash frame with high arms and back supported by minimalist s...
Steel, Chrome
Very rare Piumino leather sofa by De Pas D’urbino and Lomazzi for Dall’Oca Italy
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Piumino sofa De Pas D’urbino and Lomazzi Dall’Oca Italy 1970 two seater in greige leather. Very rare draped leather two seater. Signed. This exceptionally rare Piumino two seater ...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Unicorn sofa for Kagan Designs, 1967. Very Rare. One Owner.
Located in Kansas City, MO
This original Vladimir Kagan Curved Unicorn sofa has had only one owner and was purchased directly from Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. in 1967. The design ...
Aluminum, Wrought Iron
1950s Three-Seat Sofa in Pink Velvet and Carved Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s Charming sofa from the 1950s. Its overall form is rectangular, with a long, continuous seat upholstered in pink velvet. The wooden armrests introd...
Velvet, Beech
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This sculptural lounge sofa, designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the United States in 1999, stands as an iconic piece of modern furniture design. K...
Chrome
Camel Back Federal Style Mahogany Stretcher Base Beige Upholstery Sofa Mint!
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Camel back federal style mahogany stretcher base beige upholstery sofa mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,684Sale Price|20% Off
3 pers. Sofa Made In Rosewood By Hans Olsen Made By Brdr. Juul K. From 1960s
By Juul Kristensen, Hans Olsen
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant 3-seater sofa combines luxury with comfort and functionality. Crafted from solid rosewood and upholstered with black leather cushions, this sofa offers a sophisticated a...
Leather, Rosewood
$7,064Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 seater modular sofa Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova Nuvolone, Italy 70s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Set of 4 "Nuvolone" Lounge Chairs by Rino Maturi for Mimo Leone & Co., Italy, 1970s This stunning set of four "Nuvolone" modular lounge chairs, designed by Rino Maturi for Mimo Leon...
Fabric
Alain Delon "Salon" Three Seat Sofa in Taupe Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alain Delon for Maison Jansen, three seat sofa, fabric, France, 1970s. This ornate, comfortable sofa has a strong and playful design. The high, webbed back gives perfect support for...
Fabric, Wood
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Outrageous Milo Baughman Style Rosewood Chrome Case Sofa John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outrageous Milo Baughman style rosewood and chrome case sofa. The rosewood case is gorgeous with a deep dark rich color and highly figured graining throughout. The chromed steel legs...
Chrome
Mogens Hansen Leather Sofa, Model #535 Danish Modern Mid Century 1970's
Located in Hudson, NY
Mid Century leather sofa by Mogens Hansen, model #535. This sofa features gently curved track arms with soft, refined silhouettes. It's finished in supple leather with a soft, sun wa...
Leather, Wood
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
Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970's
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Piacenza, Italy
The Soriana three-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, is characterized by its generous proportions and soft, enveloping silhouette. The upholstery is gathered...
Metal
Piero Lissoni Modular Sofa by Cassina, Aluminum, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni 8 Modular Sofa and For Cassina Refined minimalist shapes characterize the timeless elegance of this modular sofa that combines masterful construction and fine tailorin...
Aluminum
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
$1,481Sale Price|20% Off
Big Sofa Vivai del Sud Italian Design Bamboo Black Flowers Multi-Color, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Big sofa Vivai del Sud Italian design bamboo black flowers multi-color, 1970s.
Fabric, Bamboo
$4,238Sale Price / set|25% Off
Very Rare Robin Day Form Group Sofa Set
Art Deco Style "Presidents" Stick Reed Rattan 2-Seat Settee Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored striking Nantucket settee features classic stick rattan framing with tightly woven wicker wrappings, offering both form and function. Each arm includes thou...
Rattan
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and green fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric with staining, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensio...
Fabric, Bamboo
Curved sofa in wood and velvet upholstery, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A curved sofa in wood and fabric, velvet upholstery, Italian craftsmanship, in the style of Gio Ponti, 1950s. Comfort demands curved lines, and this Italian sofa perfectly meets the...
Velvet, Wood
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stellar Pair Milo Baughman Yellow Leather Parsons Sofas Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stellar pair of Milo Baughman yellow leather parsons sofas. This pair is in remarkable vintage condition with only light signs of age. The magnificent yellow leather has embroidered blue lines creating a plaid effect-just gorgeous! If you looking for something bold and ready to slip into your swanky...
Leather
$2,222Sale Price|29% Off
Mid-Century Modern Italian Damask Velvet Corner Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Original Italian corner sofa from the 1950s, the upholstery is from the time, in damask velvet, in good condition but the intervention of the upholsterer is recommended.
Velvet, Beech
$9,900Sale Price|29% Off
'Bracket-Back' Model #133 Mahogany and Leather Sofa by Dunbar, c 1955
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible model #133 leather sofa by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features gorgeous medium brown leather and Mahogany 'bracket back' legs, perfect for floating the sofa in the roo...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of six (two corners + four easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Velvet, Foam
Vintage 1970's Mogens Hansen Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Danish 3 seat sofa loveseat in nicely patinated light cognac Leather with beech wood legs. Made by Mogens Hansen c.1970’s. Matching 2 seat sofa available separately. Comforta...
Leather, Beech
Mattia Bonetti, Sofa, Velvet, Nickel-Plated Steel, France, 2018
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and nickel-plated stainless steel sofa designed and produced by Mattia Bonetti, France, 2018. Prototype 1 from an edition of 12, 2 artist's proofs and 2 prototypes. P...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
$14,128Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Vintage Luxury Sofa in Wood and Green Silk Satin
Located in Milano, IT
Luxurious vintage corner sofa in wood and silk satin designed in the 1940s of fine Italian manufacture. The sofa is angular and is supported by a wonderfully elegant and durable dark wood frame. In fact, we see 2 wider feet supporting the back, while there are 3 other slender spike feet also made of dark wood. The seat is simple, angular and is upholstered in green silk satin with a dark and light green striped pattern, giving it an eccentric yet refined effect. Under the seat is a band decorated with fringes, also in a very light green shade. The highlight of the piece is its backrest: it is reminiscent of a regal sofa...
Silk, Wood
Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy,1970s - New Beige Upholstery
Fabric
$15,541Sale Price|20% Off
Ciuingam sofa by De Pas D' Urbino & Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina, Italy 1967
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Ciuingam 3 seater sofa designed by the designer trio De Pas D' Urbino & Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina in 1967. Foam rubber padding, original leather, plastic. Good condition, the skin is slightly worn in the sitting. Jonathan De Pas (Milan 1932 - Florence 1991), Donato D'Urbino (Milan 1935) and Paolo Lomazzi (Milan 1936). They founded their Studio in 1966, after previous professional experiences, both individually, and in association with other architects. Their interests range from industrial design, furnishing and set-up to urban planning and architecture. They affirmed themselves in the 60s as exponents of the unconventional design of pop trend: famous is the Blow armchair...
Rubber, Plastic, Leather