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.
New Mohair Upholstery Sofa Bed Model 470 By Hans Bellman, Wilkhahn, Germany 1964
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960s The sofa comes in a beautiful solid Teak wood frame and has been completely restored with new foam ...
Mohair, Velvet, Teak
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina - Modern Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
Leather
Heywood Wakefield, Sofa, Oak, Rattan, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red fabric, rattan and oak sofa with painted bamboo details produced Heywood Wakefield, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.25"H x 75.0"W x 29.5"D Seat Height (inches)...
Velvet, Rattan, Oak
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, six elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs...
Bouclé, Plastic
1990s Rolf Benz Sofa, Germany
By Rolf Benz
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of vear
Fabric
Erik Jørgensen Delphi Sofa Model EJ 450, 3-Seater Sofa In Cognac Leather
Located in Lejre, DK
Erik Jørgensen Delphi sofa model EJ 450 designed by Hannes Wettstein in cognac leather with frame in brushed aluminium. Modern Scandinavian design. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Han...
Leather
Italian Mid Century Modern Modular Sofa 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian Modular Corner Sofa, 1970s A beautiful Italian modular corner sofa from the 1970s in a warm sand beige tone. The fabric has a soft textured surface with a tactile feel that ...
Fabric, Wood
$2,649Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Modern Design Boucle 3 Seat Sofa, Italy 1970's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Has a brand logo on the inside of the cushions and back. Brown / Beige Boucle wool woven fabric th...
Wool, Bouclé
Danish Settee Ca 1950's in the Style of Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Handsome Danish two-seat sofa in the style of Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Simple yet very elegant and refined design beautiful from all angles. Supportive and...
Wool, Teak
Sofa D70 in Cuoio Leather by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Dronten, NL
An iconic design by Osvaldo Borsani, the D70 sofa for Tecno stands as a landmark of Italian mid-century innovation, distinguished by its patented adjustable backrest mechanism and re...
Brass, Steel
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s Loden two-seater sofa with seat and back cushions, padded and upholstered in brown fabric. The armrests a...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Oak Loveseat Sofa with Textured Upholstery
Located in Elkton, MD
This Mid-Century Modern loveseat features a solid oak frame with clean lines and a sturdy build. Compact in size, it works well in apartments, reading nooks, or lounge areas.
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern German 2-Seater Brown Steel Frame Lounge Sofa, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This two-seater sofa was probably manufactured in Germany during the 1970s. This piece is inspired by the minimalist aesthetic of the Bauhaus school with a 1970s modernist twist. It ...
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oasis Sofa in Navy Blue Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
This iconic and very hard to find sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar was named the Oasis sofa. It debuted in the 1930s and became known as the Model 5200 sofa in the 1950s. It is supp...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$7,916Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview USA, Circa 1980's A quietly luxurious Preview 3 piece attached 'sectional' sofa from the 1980s. This 88-inch wide, 36-inch deep, and 27-inch...
Upholstery
Pair Adrian Pearsall Kidney Shaped Curved Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs curved kidney shaped sofas. Sofas retain their original upholstery in not bad condition but we would recommend they get new upho...
Upholstery
Piumino Sofa in Cognac Leather by De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi for Dell'Oca
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Dell'Oca
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Piumino sofa is an exceptional model of the trio of Milanese architects, known throughout the world for their ingenious extensions. The shape and size are...
Leather
1960s 100" Sling Sofa by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan Furniture Oak and Boucle
By Metropolitan, Jules Heumann
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A very unique design by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan Furniture of San Francisco Ca. This 1960s sofa suspends from a solid oak frame and appears to float in suspension. A unique hi...
Bouclé, Oak
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Chrome
Christopher Guy, Modern, Curved Lafite Sofa, Beige Velvet, Black Wood, 2010s
Located in Stamford, CT
Christopher Guy, Modern, Curved Lafite Sofa, Beige Velvet, Black Wood, 2010s LAFITE sofa designed and produced by Christopher Guy. This curvaceous settee exhibits charm through its soft edges and gently rolled back, curved arms, and fluted ebonized wood tapered leg...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Presidential Sofa, designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Amongst Jorge Zalszupin’s most iconic creations is the Presidential series, composed of a sofa and an armchair, designed in 1959 and produced by L’Atelier. The set is made of molded ...
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
Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1974
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa for De Sede, brown leather, Switzerland, 1974. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landscape. Each element recalls a terrace-like, stepped slope with different widths and depths. A valley or a mountain can appear depending on how the individual modules are assembled. The "Terrazza" was recreated thanks to the De Sede manufacturer and its ability to transform high-quality leather into seating furniture. This multi-layered upholstered relief invites people to sit or lie down, combining durability and comfort with a unique design. After training at the Art and Design College in Zurich, Ulbald Klug (1932) gained further experience in architectural practices in Zurich and Helsinki. Paris has been his sphere of activity since 1966, when he founded his architecture and interior design bureau. Klug proved himself successful at finding solutions to different challenges and developed non-conformist solutions - from furniture design, to concepts for urban installations, to architectural prototypes...
Leather
1950s Italian Gio Ponti Sofa for Hotel Bristol, Murano
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Italian Gio Ponti Sofa An exceptional 1950s Italian sofa designed by Gio Ponti for the Hotel Bristol, Murano. This beautifully proportioned piece captures Ponti’s distinctive sense o...
Beech
Guillerme et Chambron Curved Sofa Loveseat for Votre Maison, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Unusual oak sofa by Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison. The frame has the usual hallmarks of their production with the extended end and thick pencil-shaped legs with a curved back...
Velvet, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Large Curved Sofa in the manner of Frederico Munari, Italian
By Frederico Murani
Located in London, GB
Large Mid-century modern sofa designed in the manner of Frederico Munari with generous curves. The sofa has a deep seating and a slopping backrest and arms, that makes it very comfor...
Velvet, Oak
Leather "Palmaria 709" 2-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980
Located in DE MEERN, NL
LEATHER "PALMARIA 709" 2-SEATER SOFA BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR CASSINA, ITALY 1970S Introducing the timeless and iconic Palmaria 709 2-Seater Sofa, design...
Leather
Fredrik Kayser Model-934 Mid Century Teak and Leather Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Fredrik Kayser Model-934 Mid Century Teak and Leather Sofa This sofa measures: 87 wide x 30 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 20.25 inches Excellent...
Leather, Teak
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
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
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s A striking vintage leather sofa designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis in the Netherlands during th...
Leather, Beech
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional, Beige Tufted Linen & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Black Leather, 1974, Set of 4
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofas for De Sede, black leather, Switzerland, 1974, set of four. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landsc...
Leather
Set of Two Patinated Leather Sofas by Gerard van den Berg for Montis Netherlands
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s A striking vintage leather sofa designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis in the Netherlands during th...
Leather, Beech
Stunning Curved Sculptural Floating Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Absolutely stunning curved floating sofa with unusual sculpted walnut legs. This is a vintage piece and is very unusual almost a mystery really as we have never seen another with the...
Upholstery, Walnut
Gio Ponti for Hotel Parco dei Principi Two-Seat Sofa
By Gio Ponti
Located in Astoria, NY
Original Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) for Hotel Parco dei Principi Two-Seat Sofa, Cassina, Italy, 1960s, green suede and beige leather upholstery above riveted brass nailhead accen...
Brass
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1974, Set of 2
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofas for De Sede, brown leather, Switzerland, 1974, set of two. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landscape. Each element recalls a terrace-like, stepped slope with different widths and depths. A valley or a mountain can appear depending on how the individual modules are assembled. The "Terrazza" was recreated thanks to the De Sede manufacturer and its ability to transform high-quality leather into seating furniture. This multi-layered upholstered relief invites people to sit or lie down, combining durability and comfort with a unique design. After training at the Art and Design College in Zurich, Ulbald Klug (1932) gained further experience in architectural practices in Zurich and Helsinki. Paris has been his sphere of activity since 1966, when he founded his architecture and interior design bureau. Klug proved himself successful at finding solutions to different challenges and developed non-conformist solutions - from furniture design, to concepts for urban installations, to architectural prototypes...
Leather
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
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s.
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
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
$5,010Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Leather Cromwell Sofa by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Cromwell 3-seater leather sofa was designed by Arne Norell during the 1960s. It is a timeless design and as popular today as it was 60 years ago when it was launched. The sofa is upholstered with high-quality natural leather in shades of earthy brown. The slender form with slightly tilted sides has a modernist character. It has loose seat cushions, backrests and side cushions. The legs were made of oak wood. This Cromwell sofa...
Leather, Wood
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid Century Modern teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Dux Model 72-S
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Monterey /5-161 Sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Dux in the 1960’s. Sofa has profiled armrests, representing high craftsmanship, characteristic of...
Teak
Italian Modern Black Leather Wood 3seat Sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather wood 3-seater sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s 3-seater sofa Bull model with the rectangular seat, that is made up of padded cushions covered in ...
Leather, Wood
1950's Curved 2-Piece Tapestry Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a stunning, never before seen, curved 2-piece mid century sectional. We adore the original tapestry fabric. This Sofa is so unique, we have never seen another and our searc...
Fabric, Wood
$3,300Sale Price|25% Off
Jamestown Lounge Co. 1960s British Oak Sofa Mid Century Jack Van Der Molen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our British Oak sofa by Jamestown Lounge Co.. Crafted with exquisite thistle carvings and embodying mid-century design can you picture this sofa u...
Oak
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
'Cosmos' DS28 Modular Sofa by Ulbald Klug & De Sede - New Leather Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
'Cosmos' DS28 Modular Sofa by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, 1970s - New Leather Upholstery
Leather
De Sede DS-86 Patinated Leather Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-86 Leather Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s An iconic and luxurious three-seater leather sofa from the DS-86 series by De Sede, handcrafted in Switzer...
Leather, Beech
Lawson-Fenning Maurice Sofa, Button Tufted with Solid Oak Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Maurice Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is a midcentury inspired sofa with a tufted seat, back, and inner arms and piped details. The sofa rests atop a simple, rounded American walnut or ...
Upholstery, Oak
$13,140 / item
Curved Mid-Century Style Tight Seat Tight Back Sofa
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Mid-century modern style, Kagan-inspired curved sofa. Made with solid hard maple frame, eight-way hand-tied springs and high-density foam. Heavy, firm and reliable construction and u...
Velvet
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
Hans J. Wegner Model 290 Three-Seat Sofa, Black Oak, Leather, 1970
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa made of new laquered black oak. New upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Model 290, made by GETAMA.
Oak, Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Bouclé, Plastic
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Sweden ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique example of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. A...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 3-Seater Teak Sofa in Leather , Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Leather pillows in good original conditions - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
Model AP18 3-Seat Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A. P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 3 seat sofa with sprung seat cushions designed 1950 by Hans Wegner model AP 18s produced by AP Stolen. This elegant and classic Danish design 3 seat sofa offers excellent se...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS 46 Loveseat Neck Leather Sofa Modul Brown
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede DS 46 neck leather sofa. It´s a Sofa for 2 persons. This DS-46 sofa was manufactured in Switzerland by De Sede and is upholstered in 3-5 mm thi...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood