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.
$4,949Sale 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
Sling Sofa in Steel and Bouclé by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage three-seat armless sofa in charcoal bouclé with an off-white powder-coated steel frame designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll (1971, New York, NY USA). The de...
Steel
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
$6,650Sale Price|30% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Modern Tweed & Mahogany Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Atomic Era Bracket Back Sofa, circa 1950s. Features streamlined track arms, original tweed plaid button tufted upholstery and two large seat cushions. The...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of four (two corners + two easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furn...
Velvet, Foam
$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
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Walnut Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Adrian Pearsall boomerang sofa with 2 attached tables. Yes, this sofa will need to be reupholstered but who wants 60-year-old fabric anyway? Let your imagination run wild wit...
Upholstery, Walnut
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand 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 fo...
Metal
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
Pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Le Bambole two-seat sofas designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known individually as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is pa...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Jean Marie Massaud 'Aspen' Sculptural Sofa Set by Cassina
By Cassina, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofas designed by Jean Marie Massaud in 2005. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Unpretentious elegance. The curve of the backrest, like the ridge...
Steel
Set of 2 Sofas with Fabric by Fede Cheti, Italy 1940s
By Fede Cheti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two sofas was designed in Italy in the 1940s and 1950s. It is covered with fabric by Fede Cheti. The colourful fringes hide the wooden legs...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
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
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
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
$1,131Sale Price|78% Off
Mid-Century Red Curved Sofa 1950s Italian Design Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century red curved sofa 1950s Italian design wood feet, restored.
Wool, Wood
Danish 1950's Sofa by Kurt Olsen Teak Accents
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Curved sofa by Kurt Olsen from the 1950's. Epitome of Danish 1950's style. Made by Slagelse Møbelværk around late 1950's5800. Solid and sturdy but needs to get reupholstered. Remova...
Wool, Teak
Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Black Lacquered Wood Leather Two-Seater Sofa 1977
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in bari, IT
Disegnato da Kazuhide Takahama per la divisione Studio Simon di Gavina negli anni '70, questo divano biposto appartiene al corpus di mobili laccati nato dalla collaborazione di Takah...
Wood, Animal Skin
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Gondola Sofa, Mid-Century
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful vintage Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa. The fabric is newer but does have some signs of age . The straps and foam have all be replaced so this sofa is like new. This is a ...
Walnut, 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
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s.
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s. Beautiful and elegant three seater sofa designed by renowned Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Da...
Oak
1960s Georg Thams Leather 3-Seat Sofa
By Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Georg Thams
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with some minor signs of use - Produced by Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik.
Leather, Wood
Leather 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi with Oak Legs
By Gubi, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi with Oak Legs Playful, voluptuous and expertly crafted, the newly reimagined Croissant collection from Gubi makes a powerful stat...
Steel
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair Available
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...
Silk, Oak
“Triennale” 4 seater curved sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex 60s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
Complete set Bocconi Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig, 1938
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Complete set Bocconi Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig, 1938 Dimensions: Sofa 122x70x70h Stools 45x40x92h Armchairs 61x69x71h Table 70x70x50h
Raffia, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani "D70" Sofa, Tecno, Italy 1951
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Sofa “Model D70” by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno – newly upholstered with original yellow vintage fabric from Tecno. Designed in 1951 in Italy.
Brass, Steel
Vintage Mid Century Sofa Bed by Toothill
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
$3,060Sale 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
$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
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern "Cigar" Ge-240 Sofa by Hans Wagner for Getama
Located in Palm Desert, CA
** I only ship in the Continental US ** Presented is a beautiful Scandinavian modern GE 240/3 “Cigar” sofa, designed by celebrated Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1955 a...
Teak, Leather, Oak
$4,521Sale Price / set|47% Off
Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and beige fabric upholstery, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare...
Fabric, Wood
$3,616Sale 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
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
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
$10,113 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
'Zelda' Sofa by Sergio Asti for Poltrona, Italy, 1962
By Sergio Asti
Located in Argelato, BO
Sergio Asti, 'Zelda' model sofa for Saporiti, Italy. The two-seater sofa, compact and elegant, has a refined wooden structure of great geometric rigor. It adapts perfectly to both a...
Wood
Lawson-Fenning Moreno Sofa, Tan Velvet & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Moreno sofa sits low and deep with Italian inspired curved arms. The sofa features loose seat and back cushions and two side cushions that mimic the curvature of the arms. The le...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
$21,309 / 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
Noa Curved Sofa with Integrated Side Pod By Mondo Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural chaise sofa is conceived as a continuous, flowing form—where seating becomes landscape and furniture reads as an object in space. Its generous, asymmetric silhouette ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Danish Vintage Sofa Bed by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder, Vamo Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
A rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage sofa bed by Arne Vodder for Vamo Mobelfabrik. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, the fr...
Bouclé, Wood
Restored 1940s Pencil Bamboo, Rattan Sofa Set with Armchairs & Table, Italy
Located in Stamford, CT
Restored and reupholstered 1940s pencil rattan sofa, pair of armchairs, and glass top coffee table. It is reminiscent of the rattan creations of Gabriella Crespi. These are substanti...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood, Bamboo
Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa in Rosewood, Leather & Textured Fabric, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Brazilian Modernism, the Millor sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the designer’s enduring belief that comfort, craftsmanship, and material richness shou...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Stunning black leather Kashima sofa 1985 by Michel Ducaroy - Ligne Roset France
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Kashima Sofa, Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1985 All-Foam Tufted Leather Sofa in Original Black Leather The Kashima sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, is a mastercl...
Leather
Billy Baldwin Style Two Part Cane Basketweave Parsons Sofa Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish cane basketweave two-part parsons sofa or settee made in the style and manner of Billy Baldwin. Beautifully crafted from a wood frame embellis...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Hardwood
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
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
1960s Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall in Icelandic Sheep Wool
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Uncommon one piece sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s. This sofa came from the original owners outside of Asbury Park in New Jersey. Fully restored w...
Iron
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
$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
Guillerme et Chambron Two-Seater Oak Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison and Guillerme et Chambron significantly influenced French design history. From every angle, this sofa’s design has unique ...
Oak, Bouclé
Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of six (6) seats and six (6) back rests by Percival Lafer. Brazil, ca' 1960's imported to New York. Made of patchwork brown leather where the pieces can be arranged in dif...
Leather
$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
$3,541Sale Price / set|29% Off
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
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
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Three-Seater Sofa
Located in Corby, GB
I have for sale the striking silhouette that is the Saratoga sofa, or the 'case' or 'cube' sofa, designed by Massimo & Lella Vignelli, for Poltronova, in the early 1960s. All can...
Acrylic, Hardwood