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.
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Velvet, Wood
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful black Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful black leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Gre...
Leather, Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa 'Denis' in Solid Oak and Red Pink Velvet
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sofa model 'Denis', velvet, oak, France, 1960s Extraordinary Guillerme and Chambron sofa in solid oak with the typical characteristic decorat...
Velvet, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid Century Danish Modern Brown Leather 3 Seat Sofa wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful medium reddish brown leather 3 seat sofa wood frame and legs. Style of Mogens Hansen. Soft thick Brown leather is soft and shows little signs of u...
Leather, Wood
Danish 1940's Banana Sofa with Straight Back and Front
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming upholstered sofa made in Denmark sometime in the 12940's. Voluptuous organic design lines. This sofa is unique by having a straight back and front and not the curvatur...
Beech, Wool
$2,686Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Two-Seat Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Chrome and Leatherette
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking two-seat sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi in Italy during the 1970s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian design from the period, combining sof...
Chrome
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
Jean Gillon Paddle Sofa Leather For Probel, 1960
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, in leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable sofa in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a pair of chairs available also. Gillon's ...
Leather, Hardwood
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful striped wool 3 Seat Sofa by Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful Mid century Danish modern off white / gray striped woven wool 3 seat sofa Birch wood frame and legs. Designed by Erik Jørgensen. Beautiful light gray striped upholstery is ...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza Sofa Pair by Ubald Klug, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza sofas by Ubald Klug, 1970s. Upholstered in rich dark moss green leather. Designed for quintessential Swiss manufacturer De Sede. Its distinctive lay...
Leather
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina oak leg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square oak legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick cognac light tan leather is soft and shows signs of use...
Leather, Oak
$4,476Sale Price|20% Off
Divano Curvo Cesare Lacca 1950s piedi a cono in legno Mid-century
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sofà Italiano Cesare Lacca curvo Italia 1950s piedi in legno.
Velvet
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '67A', steel, fabric, United States, design 1958, production 1960s/70s This sofa model 67A is designed by Florence Knoll for Knol...
Steel
Ficks Reed Style Sofa Patio Furniture Rattan Vintage Sofa Palm Beach
Located in Rochester, NY
Ficks Reed style 3 seater sofa in immaculate condition. Part of a set including another armchair. DM for details on set! But this piece is gorgeous and in immaculate vintage conditi...
Rattan, Wood
American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut
Located in San Diego, CA
This 1960s sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a walnut frame floating over a black plinth base with fabric straps, upholstered back and cushions. Ideal for an interior designer looking...
Slate
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Coronado, CA
This "LC2 Petit Modele" sofa was originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928. This vintage example was manufactured by Cassina in the 1980s. ...
Steel
Floating Island Sofa by Joe D'Urso for Donghia, Mid-Century Modern
By Donghia, Joe D'Urso
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking Floating Island Sofa by Joe D’Urso for Donghia is a sculptural statement piece designed to command attention from every angle. Conceived in the 1990s as a true center-o...
Upholstery, Wood
Saporiti Large Sofa in Structured Turquoise Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Saporiti, sofa, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s Large sofa manufactured by Saporiti. This sofa is designed to be comfortable, soft and inviting. It has three seats with round sloping ar...
Metal
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Rosewood Case Sofa in the Style of Milo Baughman, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Everyone knows the Milo Baughman rosewood case sofa for Thayer Coggin. Fewer people know Charlton Furniture Company was quietly making the same architectural statement under its own ...
Fabric, Rosewood
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
Danish Modern Teak Daybed w/ Leather Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New Italian Cognac Leather Bolster Pillow _________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern fu...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
De Sede DS-44 Buffalo Leather 3-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic three seat leather sofa DS-44 by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970, handcrafted from thick buffalo neck leather with a rich patina that showcases the exceptional Swiss craftsmanship ...
Leather
Vintage 80's Italian Modern Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful leather sofa. Wooden frame with curved sides and decorated with a lattice pattern. The back, side and seat cushions are padded and covered in cognac leather with a zipper. ...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Coronado, CA
This Brazilian modernist "Earth" sofa was designed by Percival Lafer, and manufactured in Brazil in the 1970s. The incredibly comfortable settee features a "scoop" form seat with pat...
Steel
1970s Green 3-Seater Sofa/bed, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fabric in good condition - Extended dimension: 167cm. - Cleaned - Seat Height 41cm
Fabric
Swedish Maker, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and beige fabric Empire-style sofa designed and produced in Sweden, first half of 19th century. Some fabric trim missing. Wear consistent with age and use, including som...
Fabric, Mahogany
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Elegant Curved Four-Seat Sofa in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved sofa, upholstery, Italy, 1960s This sofa bears multiple dynamic features. The shape of the sofa is slightly curved. Four loose seat cushions structure the sofa. Elegant legs ...
Metal
Marenco Seat System Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Green velvet fabric.
Velvet
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, fabric, beech, metal, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar...
Metal
Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Platform Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960’s. Iconic, timeless design from renowned designer, Adrian Pearsall. His pieces are highly ...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Germany, 1960s This streamlined sofa has a simple look, yet the combination of materials and the defined geometry of this piece, this sofa radiat...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Velvet Upholstered 3-Seat Sofa, 1970
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Brown Velvet Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s. 30" H x 81" W x 38" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From a Long Island, New York Estate.
Velvet
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia ...
Leather
Large Danish 1940s Banana Form Curved Sofa
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sizable and very elegant Danish 1930-40s curved sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This model is...
Wool, Beech
Mid-Century Sofa in the style of Harvey Probber
Located in Bantam, CT
Elegant sloped arm sofa, comfortable proportions. Sofa was reupholstered in a Maharam wool tweed. Shows minor wear, general good condition.
Fabric, Wool, Oak
$8,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegant Velvet Sofa with Piping Detail & Upholstered Feet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable and modern sofa is a study in streamlined design and understated elegance. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the contours of which are gracefully outli...
Upholstery, Velvet
Salvatore Dinucci, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced by Salvatore Dinucci, Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Casa Teo, São Paulo. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, Sectional sofa model ‘Snake’ DS-600, leather, Switzerland, 1972. An amazing design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerla...
Leather
Mid century 2 seater Design Sofa/daybed in mahagony - 1970 / Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia - original good condition - refreshed, upholstery cleaned - mahagony jr
Chrome
Mid Century Danish Modern black Leather 3 seat Sofa nice patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern Black leather 3 seat sofa with blonde birch wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Danish Mode...
Leather, Birch
$12,512Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Style Sofa With Wraparound Wood Back By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century Modern, 1955
By Frank Lloyd Wright, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This authentic 1955 mid-century sofa from the Heritage Henredon "Taliesin" collection was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It features its original streamlined sil...
Mahogany
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
Vintage Florence Knoll Sofa in Original Woven Ivory Wool with Bronze Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates, circa 1960s. Upholstered in its original heavy weave textured ivory wool fabric, the sofa features Florence K...
Bronze
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, faux leather, metal, wood, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for D...
Metal
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and...
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This highly sought-after early production example is distingui...
Fabric, Foam
Giulia Veronesi 'Perla' Loveseat in Olive Green Dedar Velvet, ISA Bergamo, 1950s
By Giulia Veronesi, ISA Bergamo, Dedar
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare loveseat, designed by Giulia Veronesi and produced by ISA Bergamo in the early 1950s, belongs to the celebrated Perla series—an iconic seating design of the Italian Modern ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Alessandro Becchi, Anfibio Sofa, Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
By Giovanetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Krefeld, DE
Alessandro Becchi Anfibio sofa bed by Giovannetti Collezioni, Italy, 1970s. Designed in 1970 by Florence-born Alessandro Becchi, the Anfibio is one of the most iconic convertible des...
Fabric, Wool
First Generation “Oasis” Sofa By Edward Wormley For Dunbar, 1939
Located in Round Rock, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar. First generation Oasis sofa, designed circa 1939. One of the earliest and most sculptural forms from Wormley’s catalog. Organic lines, floating curves, an...
Fabric
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
Italian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 71.25"W x 36.5"D Seat Height (inches): 13.25" All upholstered furnitu...
Velvet, Wood