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.
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
English Regency Style Waxed Cordovan Leather Case Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent mid-century modern case sofa or tuxedo style sofa settee crafted in the English regency taste. The sofa features a dark hardwood frame covered with a dramatic waxed cordovan ...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Walnut, Beech, Wood
$33,356 / 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
Maralunga Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
Rare 1950s MCM Large 8 Foot + "Chevron" Shaped Sofa designed by Baker Furniture
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fabulous large Mid-Century Modern "Chevron" shaped sofa on castors, shown in original yellow silk fabric with down pillows. Unusual and I'd say rare, never seen another like it. Clas...
Silk, Down
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jatoba and Beige Mohair Sofa
By Jean Gillon
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the ultimate in comfort and style: the large Brazilian three-seater sofa made with a Jatoba wooden frame and a soft camel-colored upholstery designed in the style of Jean...
Wood
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Milo Baughman Rosewood Case Sofa Brass Base Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman rosewood case sofa by Thayer Coggin. This sofa has been reupholstered in the past and still looks good-some fading to the back pillows. To look its best we ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Johannes Andersen Style Mid Century Norwegian Teak and Wool Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Johannes Andersen Style Mid Century Norwegian Teak and Wool Sofa This sofa measures: 88.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 23 inches Fa...
Wool, Teak
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
$45,555 / item
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina A 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovation and creativity of Italian design and one of its masters, Gaetano Pe...
Polyester
$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
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rare N. Eilersen Danish Modern Teak Three-Seat Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous N. Eilersen bentwood teak three-seat sofa. Actually this piece is very rare and hard to come by. There are very few images to refer to but I bought this from the original ow...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa Style Mid Century Sofa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tobia Scarpa Style mid century sofa The sofa measures: 83 wide x 30 deep x 26 high, with a seat height of 14 inches and arm height of 22 inches All ...
Upholstery, Wood
$13,635Sale Price|30% Off
Sunset Rest Velvet Sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne, France, 2018
Located in Glasgow, GB
This velvet sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne for Invisible Collection, created in France in 2018, reflects a restrained modernist approach informed by mid-century French seating desi...
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
Vintage 70's sofa burgundy fabric Formanova design
By Formanova
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Two-seater sofa, with black and chrome metal frame, Bordeaux fabric upholstery, Formanova design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING:...
Metal
Vintage Scandinavian Sofa / Day Bed by Ingmar Relling
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very well made vintage Scandinavian sofa / day bed by Ingmar Relling. This was made in Norway by Ekornes Svane, it dates from the 1960’s. The frame is mostly made from...
Bouclé, Birch
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
Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modernist tufted sofa in brown aniline leather designed by Percival Lafer. Constructed with molded foam, rosewood, and nylon straps. Some original straps have been replaced or repair...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
$3,573 / set
De Sede DS44 sofa set, 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of gorgeous leather DS44 sofas from De Sede consisting of a 2 and 3 seater sofa. De Sede, renowned for using the best quality leather has created some wonderful sofas. These ar...
Leather
Original Bretz Ecksofa Ocean 7 Design Couch samt
By Bretz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Bretz zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa stammt aus dem Jahr 2018 und steht hier in der begehrten Ausführung mit grü...
Velvet
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa or Daybed
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, cognac leather, teak, Austria, 1960s. This Austrian daybed is named 'Constanze'. This item is designed by Johannes Spalt and manufactured by Wittmann. T...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style 3 Cushion Sofa
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar style sofa 85" Offered is a Mid-Century Modern sofa with tapered legs. Has 3 removable seat cushions and 3 back cushions. It is in great structurally sou...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,913Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Fuchsia Sofa by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous fabric sofa designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for the fine manufacturer Azucena Italia. The vintage sofa is made of brown, fuchsia and purple striped fabric, which creates a very colorful geometric effect. The lines are very hard and geometric, wonderfully eccentric. The frame is made of anodized aluminum, shiny silver, which connects to the spectacularly beautiful square, hollowed out feet. The cushions also act as square armrests, very colorful. The sofa comes from the Rome home of Luigi Caccia Dominioni. The colored sofa are ideal for furnishing eccentric and colorful living rooms.
Metal
Early 20th Century Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 20th century Danish curved sofa upholstered in velvet. Most likely made by Fritz Hansen. Ca 1930s Denmark.
Velvet
Englander & Bonta, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood green velvet fabric and brass sofa sofa produced by Englander & Bonta in Argentina, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in need of reuphols...
Brass
$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
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic Italian sofa from the 1950s. Very much in the style of Gio Ponti.
Fabric, Wood
Small Martin Visser BZ29 Sofa for t' Spectrum in Plum with Teak Armrests, 1960
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin Visser's BZ29 settee for 't Spectrum features a rectilinear black enameled metal frame with square-section legs and flat teak armrests that extend outward at seat level. The a...
Steel
Kanz Sofa Brown & Light Brown Striped (Set of 3) by Hermhaus–Modular Sofa
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kanz Sofa by Hermhaus is a serene and contemporary modular sofa set, featuring elegant green and white striped upholstery that adds freshness and sophistication to any modern int...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
1970s Modular Lounge Sofa by Giuseppe Munari for Poltronova
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Giuseppe Munari for Poltronona – Modular Lounge Sofa, Italy, 1970s Velvet, leather, fabric, chrome-plated steel – The refined modular icon Step into the quietly confident world of 1...
Steel, Chrome
Matinee Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. USA. Reupholstered in Maharam felt plaid fabric.
Fabric
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
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
Georg Thams, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa designed by Georg Thams in 1964 and produced by Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5” Arm Height (inches): 18" All ite...
Fabric, Oak
$4,955Sale Price|20% Off
rare 1. edition osvaldo borsani d70 sofa
Located in Munich, DE
an wonderful design icon by tecno. designed to sit by the fireside or to the other side without moving the sofa. also a useful bed for two persons. mechanism works smooth. for resta...
Metal, Brass
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of leather Loto sofas by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1976
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of model 973 sofas, known as Loto, designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in Italy in 1976. Fully upholstered in cognac calf leather, they feature low and deeply envelopi...
Leather
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1980s
Leather, Fabric
$3,621Sale Price|20% Off
Guillerme et Chambron oak sofa "Édouard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A 3 seats sofa in oak and fabric perfect condition by guillerme and Chambron
Oak
Divano Maralunga di Vico Magistretti per Cassina 2 posti velluto verde
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano a 2 Posti: Dimensioni 168 cm (lunghezza) x 95 cm (profondità) x 72/100 cm (altezza), con altezza della seduta di circa 43 cm. La struttura è in acciaio tubolare con cinghie el...
Velvet
Adrian Pearsall American Mid-Century Orange Upholstered Platform Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century orange nap upholstered platform sofa with floating walnut frame and end tables on both sides (ADRIAN PEARSALL) Torn Upholstery, Not Good Shape
Marzio Cecchi Custom Floating Five Seater Sofa in Mustard Yellow Velvet
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
One of one custom piece. Museum piece This extraordinary Marzio Cecchi sofa and lounge chair set embodies the daring creativity of 1970s Italian modernist design. A master of form a...
Metal
Stunning vintage Ringo Sofa in leather by Gerard Van Den Berg for Montis 1979
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Ringo Two Seater Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, The Netherlands, 1979 Original Cognac Buffalo Leather Lounge Sofa on a Low Structural Base Introduced in 1979, the Ringo sof...
Leather
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno 'Sir' Sofa in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 'Sir' sofa, model 'D73', mahogany, fabric Italy, design/production 1966 Eugenio Gerli's design, model D73, exemplifies the quintessential Italian Mid-Centur...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
Nuvolone Lounge Chairs by Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova – Italy, circa 1970
By Mimo Padova
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Nuvolone lounge chairs by Rino Maturi for MIMO PADOVA. The fabric is made of thick high-end beige/creme wool. It has been cleaned professionally and is in very good condition with mi...
Wool, Mirror
Vintage Custom Geometric Sectional Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage custom geometric sectional sofa is a striking embodiment of mid-century modern design, blending bold visual impact with refined crafts...
Fabric, Wood
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
DS-1025 Terrazza Sofa by Ubald Klug for De Sede, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular leather sofa by De Sede, Model: DS-1025 Terrazza. Seat height: 39 cm. Length of one section: 156 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Leather, Fabric
Custom Sized 1950s Widdicomb Sofa
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and exceptionally rare four-seat sofa by Widdicomb from the 1950s, custom-sized and upholstered in its spectacular original woven fabric. This configuration is seldom seen...
Steel
Cassina Portovenere Vico Magistretti highback sofa in peach coloured fabric
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Vintage 3-Seater 'Portovenere' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in Peach, 1980s An iconic 1982 'Portovenere' three-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, featuring...
Textile
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
$3,062Sale 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
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa in Black Leather for Cassina, Italy - new
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the size/variation and material of the sofa. Modular system that can be used as a sofa, bench or other options designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaun...
Wood, Leather
Lawson-Fenning Isherwood Sofa, Channel Tufted Mohair & Oak, Modern Couch
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
Anfibio 3-Seater Sofa Bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970's
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovanetti
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This extraordinary "Anfibio" three-seater sofa bed, designed in 1970 by Alessandro Becchi alongside the innovative Giovannetti staff, stands as a crowning achievement of Radical Ital...
Fabric, Foam
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Chrome
Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220 Papa Bear Style, 1960's
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 220. This iconic sofa has a slight curve to it ...
Wool