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.
Maison Regain, Rare Large Corner Sofa in Elm circa 1960
By Maison Regain, Pierre Chapo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Maison Regain, rare large corner sofa in elm circa 1960 the mattresses and all the cushions are available, all in good condition each bench measures 30.7"x75.98"x33.46" (78x193x85cm).
Upholstery, Elm
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
$12,831
2 seater sofa in lambskin
Located in Copenhagen, DK
2 seater 'Bananasofa' upholstered in new lambskin (colour: Moonlight).
Lambskin, Beech
Mid-Century Walnut Three Seater Sofa
By J.B. Van Sciver Company, De Ster Gelderland, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Bertil Fridhagen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century walnut frame three-seater sofa. Newly reupholstered with new foam and new fabric. The fabric is a rich deep blue mohair. A moody pop of color that compliments the warm wo...
Fabric, Mohair, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Carrera Sofa and Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina, 1960
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Brussels, BE
Carrera Sofa and Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 of 2)
By Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
$25,329 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outdoor Sofa, by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Inspired by the spirit of 1950s seaside resorts, Sail Out is an outdoor modular...
Metal
Vintage Swedish Cocktail Sofa
Located in London, GB
An incredibly beautiful and extremely well made vintage Swedish cocktail sofa. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from around the 1950’s. The quality is outstanding, t...
Bouclé, Wood
Mel Smilow Mid Century Walnut Case Sofa
By Mel Smilow
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mel Smilow Mid Century Walnut Case Sofa This sofa frame measures: 84.5 wide x 31 deep x 22.75 inches high, with a seat height of 12 and arm height of 22.75 inches All pieces of fur...
Walnut
Pair of Finnish Design Curved Armchairs in Red Velvet, Attr to Boman Circa 1940s
By Boman OY
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning pair of vintage Scandinavian armchairs from the 1940s, attributed to Boman Oy. Featuring plush upholstery in a luxurious red fabric. The chairs feature a beautifully sculp...
Metal
Ennio Chiggio “Environ” Modular Sofa for Nikol International, 1969
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ennio Chiggio “Environ” modular sofa for Nikol International, 1969 The Ennio Chiggio "Environ" sofa for Nikol International, designed in the 1960s, is a ...
Fabric, Foam, Chenille
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
Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1980s
Leather, Fabric
Italian Modern Curved Loveseat with Brass Legs, circa 1950
By Ico Parisi, Federico Munari, ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Italian modern Gio Ponti inspired curved loveseat with brass legs. Our small sculptural Italian sofa is both stylish and comfortable with beautiful splayed brass legs. This ...
Brass
Giancarlo Piretti "Sistema 61" Green Fabric Modular Sofa for Castelli, 1973
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Giancarlo Piretti's Sistema 61 for Anonima Castelli is a five-piece modular seating system built around a cubic vocabulary. Each module features a squared, upholstered form with no e...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan “Zoe” Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s for American Leather, signed - excellent vintage condition
Fabric
Danish Modern Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Greenwich, CT
A three-seater leather sofa with a geometric silhouette softened by shaped arm panels, with separate seat and back cushions. The cognac colored leather upholstery is shiny, stiffly c...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
Modular DS-600 Sofa by Berger, Peduzzi, Vogt & Ulrich for De Sede, 1970s
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Sofa by De Sede in leather and fabric composed of 13 elements, Model: DS-600. Seat height 40 cm Wear due to time and age of the sofa. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE...
Leather, Fabric
Vintage Florence Knoll Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa Neutral Ivory
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this vintage Florence Knoll Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa for Knoll, circa 1970s–1980s, upholstered in a beautifully textur...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Wood, Leather
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
A prized piece for any Danish modern enthusiast, this Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO64 3 seater sofa is absolutely stunning. Designed in the late 1940's this piece still has its original straps and hand tied springs (repaired and reinforced on the bottom by our restoration specialists). This sofa has been reupholstered in a luxurious creamy white Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of Elegant 1950s Curved Sofas - Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare chance to own a pair of elegant matching 1950s curved sofas, attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar, on six thick mahogany legs. American made and quality built, but these sofa...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” Three Seater Sofa for Ligne Roset, Burgundy Leather, 1973
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” three-seater sofa for Ligne Roset, burgundy leather and foam, France, 1973. Togo, by Ligne Roset, is a historic concept, designed in 1973 by Michel Ducaroy, wi...
Leather, Foam
Vintage High Back Sofa, Inspired by Gio Ponti Sofa, Italy, 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic Mid-Century Modern three-seater sofa in the style of Gio Ponti, circa 1960. This piece features a gracefully curved backrest extending into full, winged armrests, all resting...
Upholstery, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern French Three-Seat Sofa by Gérard Guermonprez, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern French three-seat sofa with original velvet fabric designed by Gérard Guermonprez. The sofa presents some wear consistent with age and use. It can become a set ...
Chrome
Rare Giulia Veronesi Perla Sofa, Green Fabric, ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s
By Giulia Veronesi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare 3 person Giulia Veronesi Perla sofa produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy 1950s. With markers mark. Original green fabric in fairly good condition with mino...
Fabric, Wood
Lara Model Sofa by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Madrid, ES
The “Lara” sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood in the 1960s, is a notable example of Italian design linked to the Space Age movement. The model is composed o...
Bouclé
Pair of Soriana Sofas, 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
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
$16,874Sale Price|20% Off
Heide Rolf Elegant Vintage Wood and Bouclé Sofa for ICF
By ICF Milano 1
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and beautiful 7-seater sofa designed in the 1960s by Heide Rolf for the fine ICF production. The sofa consists of 7 seats in total and a coffee table. The frame is entirely ma...
Bouclé, 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
French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span
By Free Span
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French midcentury "Jour et Nuit" oak sofa or daybed by Free-Span.
Oak, Fabric
Vivai del Sud Italian Sofa in Curved Bamboo and Leather with White Fabric, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century organic sofa, fully made of bamboo, knotted leather, and chestnut wood. This incredibly elegant and unique sofa was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in It...
Brass
Attributed To T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings L-Shape Sofa For Widdicomb
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The sofa, likely by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings features a distinctive dark walnut sculpted frame with woven cotton webbing details which are hallmarks of Robsjohn-Gibbings's designs fo...
Fabric, Wood
$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
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
Christian Liaigre "Capetown" Sofa for Holly Hunt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Christian Liaigre sofa in fantastic soft red velvet-adjacent fabric. Dark brown espresso oak wood frame. This is a showstopper piec...
Cotton
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original burnt rust leather with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The top of the seat back has an extended...
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Nuava, a modern sofa with wool upholstery by Guarnacci & Padovano for 1P Italy, 1969
By Emilio Guarnacci, Felix Padovano
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare Nuava model sofa designed by Emilio Guarnacci and Felix Padovano for 1p chemical industry for 'furniture in 1969. Nondeformable polyurethane foam frame, wool and linen fabric, w...
Wool, Linen, Wood
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Cubo' Sofa in Wool, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Cubo Sofa Wool, Wood / Brazil, 1970s Designed in the 1970s, the Cubo collection consists of sculptural seating and tables defined by bold geometry. The armchairs a...
Wool, Wood
Original Midcentury Sofa Teak Vintage danish design 1960 MCM
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Vintage Sofa aus den 1950er/60er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Die Polster verfügen über einen modernen dunkelblauen Bezug, der farblich pe...
Fabric, Teak
Adriano Piazzesi Curved Brown Leather Sofa, Channel Tufted, 1970
Located in New York, NY
Adriano Piazzesi Italian 1970's sofa; the whole with channel and tufted upholstery, the sides and back are curved and covered in a warm brown Italian leather. The sofa is constructed...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Modular Sofa by Rodolfo Bonetto for Tecnosalotto, 1960s
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Tecnosalotto
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in fabric, metal and plastic. Fully modular. Stamped on the underside of each element. Dimensions of one element: H: 62 cm W: 80 cm D: 80 cm Seat height: 38 cm. Ottoman: H: 38 c...
Metal
$5,500 / item
Midcentury Teak Sofa in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury teak sofa in the style of Milo Baughman manufactured in the united states, circa the 1960s. This vintage sofa is wrapped in the highest quality teak, giving them an excell...
Fabric, Teak
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” Modular Sofa for Ligne Roset, Burgundy, 1973, Set of 4
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” modular sofa for Ligne Roset, burgundy leather and foam, France, 1973, set of four. Togo, by Ligne Roset, is a historic armchair, designed in 1973 by Michel Du...
Leather, Foam
$18,498 / item
Mogensen 2333 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2333 3-seater sofa with rectangular sides was the last piece of furniture Børge Mogensen designed. The geometric design was the conclusion of Mogensen’s minimalist exclusive upholstered furniture...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s - New Upholstery
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and blue velvet covering and legs in brass and black lacquered metal. It is recommended to replace the lining...
Brass
1970s Jacques Charpentier Velvet Two-Seater Sofa with Chrome Frame
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This stunning two-seater sofa from the 1970s by Jacques Charpentier retains its original velvet upholstery, showcasing exceptional patina and offering superior comfort. The chrome s...
Stainless Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Leather, Plastic
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa and ottoman in light tobacco leather by Cassina in aniline leather. The ottoman is ...
Chrome
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962, set of two. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchairs, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commit...
Velvet
De Sede "DS-11" Modular Sofa, Patinated Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 8
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede "DS-11" modular sofa, patinated cognac leather, Switzerland, 1970, set of 8. The De Sede “DS-11” modular sofa exemplifies the great art of craftsmanship and design of the 19...
Leather
A Coja set of 4 living room seats and sofas by Sven Ellekaer , Sweden 1960s
Located in Athens, Attiki
A Mid-Century Modern set for the living room. The set gives a touch of nostalgia and warmth The set consists of : Two armchairs, one 3seater sofa and one 2seater sofa. Dimensions: Ar...
Leather, Wood
De Sede DS-31 Terracotta Leather Three-Seat Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Rødding, DK
Iconic three-seat DS-31 sofa produced by De Sede in Switzerland during the 1970s. The sofa is upholstered in rich terracotta-colored leather that has developed a beautiful natural p...
Steel
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” Living Room Set for Ligne Roset, Leather, 1973, Set of 2
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” living room set for Ligne Roset, black leather, 1973, France, set of two. Three-seater sofa + single chair Iconic and timeless, the Togo set by Michel Ducaroy ...
Leather, Foam
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown velvet sofa produced by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, c. 1960. Vintage fabric in fair condition.Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 85.25"W x 30.0"D Seat Hei...
Fabric, Wood
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