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.
Viggo Boesen, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and blue floral-printed fabric sofa or settee designed by Viggo Boesen and produced by R. Wengler, Denmark, c. 1950s. Wicker wrappi...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Fritz Hansen, Model "Canada", Almue Painted 3-Seater Sofa, Danish Modern, 1939
By Christian E. Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Such a charming example of the "Canada" sofa, designed by Christian E. Hansen for Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The sofa is made of wood, later painted in a Swedish "Almue" style, with ...
Fabric, Beech
"Tonico" Three-Seat Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Tonico three-seat sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues around 1963, is a masterpiece of Brazilian modernist design. Its stained freijó wood frame provides a strong yet elegant fou...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC2 Two-Seat 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 1928. Relaunched by Cassina in 1965. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Fauteuil Grand Confort, petit modèle Ar...
Steel
Modernist 3-Strand 3/4 Pretzel "Kauai" 3 Seat Rattan Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
New old stock 3-strand 3/4, three-seat rattan "Kauai" Sofa featuring 3/4 pretzel chair arms with loop center feet. Add that mid-20th-century Hawaiian charm and timeless tropical vibe...
Rattan
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Extra Long Mid Century Modular 6-Seat Sofa
By Lewittes Furniture Enterprises
Located in New York, NY
Unusual sectional, or modular, sofa having 6 distinct chair sections, which can be hooked together to form one very long sofa (143 inch) or used in s...
Upholstery, Oak
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s Three-seater sofa mod. Square covered with cream-white linen fabric. The backrest has two round butto...
Metal
Modern Mid-Century Style Green and Forest Motif Curved Sofa and Armchair France
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant set composed of a curved sofa and a matching armchair has been newly reupholstered in a refined combination of deep green cotton velvet and printed linen with vegetal mo...
Linen, Velvet
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
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Black Leather 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 for ...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Cloud Sofa, Beige Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1980s The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 19...
Velvet, Lucite
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
Giovanni Offredi 'Wave' Sofa By Saporiti, Italy #1
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Crafted with industrial steel frames with the two seat upholstered loveseat mounted atop the frame. The sofa has affixed upholstered seat and seat back cushions. Presents as sleek ...
Steel
Green fabric bean-shaped sofa, made in Italy in the 1950s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
An Italian-made bean-shaped sofa from the 1950s, characterized by the soft, enveloping lines typical of the design of that era. The frame has been completely renovated and features s...
Fabric
2x Original de Sede DS44 Zweisitzer Büffelleder Sofa Couch braun
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von zwei hochwertigen DS44 Zweisitzer Sofas von de Sede mit wunderschöner Patina zum Verkauf an. Der schweizer Traditionshersteller de Sede ist bekannt für seine auße...
Leather
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Pine and Leather Sofa From Ekornes, Norway, circa 1970's
Located in Norwalk, CT
This mid-century sofa is a stunning example of the bold and innovative designs from the Ekornes brand. This sofa is from the 'Party Collection', for its intended use of entertaining ...
Leather, Pine
2 Seater Sofa Model 118 Made With a Teak Frame By Grete Jalk From 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Lejre, DK
This 2-seater sofa from around the 1960s is a rare beauty designed by Grete Jalk and manufactured by France & Søn in Denmark. It is made of beautiful teak wood and has newly upholste...
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
Tone Armchair by Hermhaus, Velvet & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Velvet
Large Curved Pink Velvet Sofa with Mid-Century Italian Influence
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large curved sofa inspired by Italian mid-century design, upholstered in blush pink velvet. The sweeping crescent form creates a generous seating area while maintaining a graceful, c...
Velvet, Foam, Poplar, Down
Vintage 1960s "Pod" Three-Seater Sofa by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden
By Carl Eric Klote, Overman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic example of Scandinavian modern design, this rare 1960s "Pod" three-seater sofa was designed by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden. Celebrated for its sculptural silhouet...
Leather
Midcentury Italian Large Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian 20th century vintage curved four-seat sofa composed of six splayed polished legs, large wing shaped arms and a statement high back in the style of Ico Parisi. Rare...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
$2,313Sale Price|30% Off
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 a solid wood frame and green velvet upholstery, brass legs, and black lacquered metal. It is recommended to replace the worn uphol...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Italian Velvet 3-seater Sofa, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A mid-century italian designer sofa from the 1950’s. Upholstered in a maroon red velvet with an interesting angular design and splayed patinat...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and oak sofa, model ML-140, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Mikael Laursen, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in recent h...
Fabric, Oak
Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Miroslav Navratil Convertible Restored Daybed Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefuly Refurbished - Newly upholstered - The sleeping area dimmensions : 196cm x 88cm - heigh of seat 43 cm
Fabric, Beech
Modular Sofa by Rodolfo Bonetto for Tecnosalotto, 1960s
By Tecnosalotto, Rodolfo Bonetto
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
$1,476Sale Price|30% Off
Ico Parisi Style Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three seater sofa in the style of Ico Parisi. Very elegant and comfortable, with floral fabric upholstery, the upholstery was redone twenty years ago but new upholstery is recommended.
Fabric, Beech
"Tonico" Sofa in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues — Brazil, 1960's
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Tonico sofa, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1962, exemplifies the harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist innovation that defines mid-century Brazilian desig...
Leather, Hardwood, Suede
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 18.75" Arm Height (inches): 22.5" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon...
Fabric, Wood
Ignazio Gardella Digamma Sofa
Located in London, GB
A rare sofa by Italian designer Ignazio Gardella for Gavina. circa 1957, Italy. Enameled steel, and brass. This rare sofa was only available from Gavina by special-order a...
Steel
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Brown Leather, Switzerland, 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous and rare center piece DS88 element sofa by De Sede in Cognac Chocolate Brown patchwork leather. 3 seating elements that can be used as separate pieces or a...
Leather, Foam, Wood
$3,984Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Knole Leather Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern Knole Leather Sofa is inspired by the design that has its roots in the 1600s in a grand country house of England and has been the design to model most every sofa s...
Brass
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, five elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Be...
Leather, Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back rest of the divano is slightly inclinated with a button-tufted back and two straight arms, supported by a hand crafted Walnut frame, standing of four small curved wooden feet. Newly upholstered in an orange velvet. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1955, New York, United States. Seat: 18.5" H x 44.5" W x 19.5" D Pillows: 20" H x 20" W x 7" D Jens Risom was a Danish, American furniture designer born in 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark and passed away in 2016, in New Canaan, United States. He finished his apprenticeship as a designer at the Copenhagen School...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Vico Magistretti three-seater sofa in lacquered wood
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2421 Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Three-seater sofa in lacquered wood with wavy backrest. Perfect original condition, cushions in progress. Model Carimate, Italy, 1959. 190 x...
Wood
Danish Freestanding Teak Sofa in Green Corduroy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional Danish freestanding three-seat sofa from the 1970s featuring an elegant solid teak frame and newly upholstered cushions in rich green 100% cotton corduroy. This beautiful...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Brown, 1972
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" three-seater modular sofa for Cassina, brown velvet and wood, Italy, 1972 The “Pianura” living room set is a great expression of the minimalism and elegance ...
Fabric, Wood
$20,240Sale Price|20% Off
Marzio Cecchi Brown Buffalo Leather Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Marzio Cecchi; Brown; Buffalo; Leather; Sofa; Italy; 1970s; Italian Design; Postmodern; Architect; Daybed; Adjustable Sofa; Cushions; A rare sofa by Italian designer Marzio Cecch...
Leather
$6,281Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vintage Chesterfield Club 3 Piece Sofa & Pair of Armchairs Suite Green Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Chesterfield green leather Library suite circa 1960's A good looking and well made suite with...
Leather
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Niels Bendtsen 'Baku' Memphis Style Sofa for Montis, Built-In Table
By Montis, Niels Bendtsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa designed by Niels Bendtsen for Montis embodies the bold spirit of Memphis style design from the 1990s. The 'Baku' model features a black faux leather seat cushion contrasted wit...
Metal
Mid Century Maple 3pc Sectional Sofa with Shelving & Vintage Upholstery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century sectional sofa features hardwood construction, solid maple frame with original finish, three piece design offering adjustable configurations, built in shelving and t...
Upholstery, Maple
Marco Zanuso Style Modern Sofa 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modern sofa with brass legs in the style of Marco Zanuso. Italy, 1960's. Newly upholstered in pebble color JAB indoor/outdoor fabric by Venfield.
Brass, Steel
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa: Modular Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa For Cassina Envisioned in Tokyo in 1953 by Charlotte Perriand and still remarkably relevant today, this modular system can be used as a low coffee tab...
Wood
“Le Bambole” Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Velvet Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. One of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the postmodern era, Le Bambole became internatio...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970s- 2 available Sold individually.
Leather
$11,332Sale Price|20% Off
White Italian corner sofa in the style of Gio Ponti, reupholstered
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant 1950s Italian Corner Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti - Sculptural, Reupholstered Masterpiece A Refined Tribute to Italian Mid-Century Modernism This exceptional Italian corner...
Fabric, Wood
1960s–1970s Inspired Channel-Back Sofa, Textured Velvet With Brass Tapered Legs
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural sofa defined by rhythm, curvature, and architectural channeling. The enveloping backrest and arms are articulated with deep vertical channels that create a continuous sh...
Brass
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Curved Harvey Probber Even Arm Sofa Chartreus Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Harvey Probber curved front even arm sofa. The original chartreus velvet fabric still looks great-looks like it was barely used. We love the super deep even arms with a...
Upholstery
$4,544Sale Price|30% Off
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved 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 ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
Vintage Red Velvet Sofa, 1950s Vintage Red Velvet Sofa, 1950s 4 Vintage Red Vel
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Charming red velvet sofa from the 1950s with classic mid-century lines and a rich, vibrant tone. Upholstered in original velour fabric, this piece o...
Velvet
$12,395 / item
Florence Knoll International 4-seater sofa leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Telgte, DE
Exceptional, balanced design Manufacturer: Knoll International Design: Florence Knoll Florence Knoll transferred the principles of the architecture of her time to the design of fur...
Steel
$13,930Sale Price|30% Off
Red and Blue Harvey Probber Sofa with Jupe by Jackie Hand Embroidered Fabric
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Harvey Probber
Located in Berlin, DE
Hard to believe, that this art piece is completely hand embroidered by master artisans in India. The superb color combination of sky blue cotton thread on the deep red silk velvet ba...
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Piero Lissoni Met Sofa for Cassina, Aluminum Frame, Mid-Century Style
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni Two Seater Met Sofa For Cassina. A design sofa with sleek, pure, geometric lines that, in its utter simplicity, embodies comfort, versatility a...
Aluminum
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Reupholstery recommended. Heavy wear on fabric (fraying on top of back rest and top of seat cush...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa model 920 by Tobia Scarpa produced by Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Sofa model 920 by Tobia Scarpa produced by Cassina, 1960s Sofa upholstered and covered in gray cotton and wood and metal frame.Designed in the 1960s by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Goo...
Metal
Ubald Klug Pair of 'Terrazza' Sofas Outdoor Version in Fabric for De Sede
By Ubald Klug
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ubald Klug Pair of DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofas, Outdoor Version in Fabric Upholstery for De Sede, Switzerland. New, current production. The timeless classic 'Terrazza' sofa by De Sede ...
Fabric, Wood