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.
$30,623 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni 'Dress Up!' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen model/material/color. Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordini in 2019. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A sophisticated haute couture design featuring ...
Fabric, Foam
Gio Ponti for Casa E Giardino Midcentury Sofa in Bouclé Upholstery Italy 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Almelo, NL
Gio Ponti For Casa E Giardino Midcentury Sofa in Bouclé upholstery Italy 1940s This midcentury Italian sofa is undeniably elegant and comfortable. Its unique design boasts a gentl...
Bouclé, Beech
Eduarda 3-seater Sofa, 100% Cotton Velvet, Made in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Eduarda Sofa, 100% Cotton Velvet, by Duistt EDUARDA SOFA, crafted with great attention to detail, is a beautiful slightly curved sofa with very elegant lines. It is simply chic and ...
Brass
Original Rolf Benz Sento Sofa Design Couch Eckcouch grau Stoff
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel verfügt teilweise über verstelllbare Rückenlehnen und besticht durch s...
Fabric
Mid Century Modern Elongated Curved Back 90" Sofa on Pencil Legs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Elongated Curved Back 90" Sofa on Pencil Legs Offered is an unrestored mid-century modern sofa. This sofa is very cool and has nice lines. Featuring a low height 28", this sofa is both low and long. The height changes at the arms, which reveal a stylish cut in the lines-see pictures. The Walnut Pencil Legs add to over overall look. The sofa needs to be reupholstered but it is overall structurally sound. Has some slight scratches on the legs. The upholstery has staining and fading and some tears. Cushion are removeable. It is signed...
Fabric
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By Komfort, H.W. Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is li...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
$7,080 / item
20th Century Green Velvet Atlantis Sofa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly fits apartments providi...
Velvet
Horseshoe Sofa by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan
By Metropolitan, Jules Heumann
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in nubby white fabric
Fabric, Wood
Knut Saeter Rosewood Upholstered Sofa for Hans Olsen Norway
By Hans Olsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sophisticated dark Brazilian rosewood framed loose cushion sofa upholstered in black contract fabric with black leather sides and back. The winged semi rounded arms and contrasting...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Forma Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1956
By Rare Form
Located in New York, NY
A sofa designed in 1955 and produced by Forma, the company directed by Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) and Martin Eisler (1913-1977). The piece is an important item of Brazilian design an...
Fabric, Rosewood
Mid-Century Pine Loveseat, Green Leather Sling Arms, Hand Carved Posts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Loveseat combines substantial pine construction with green leather sling arms and cushions. Hand-carved round-topped posts anchor each corner, connected by thick wooden peg supports....
Iron
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dynamic interplay of contours and a graphic silhouette. A sectional floor sofa...
Formica
$17,701 / item
Patricia Urquiola 'Beam' Sofa for Cassina, Italy new
Located in Berlin, DE
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices are dependent on the color, material and size of the sofa.
Metal
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1960
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown fabric sofa designed Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1970s. Light wear to wood legs consistent with age and use. Reupholst...
Fabric, Wood
Muller Van Severen Pillow Sofa Velvet Modular Sofa For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen's Pillow Sofa Velvet Modular Sofa For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the Pill...
Polyester
Hans J. Wegner, Three-Seat Sofa, Model 290, Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa made of black lacquered oak. Upholstered with striped fabric. Model 290, made by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Smoked Pewter Velvet & Ebonized Walnut by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern sofa was realized by the legendary Jules Leleu in France circa 1960. It offers the clean silhouette, attention to detail and timeless (yet perennially...
Velvet, Walnut
$1,704Sale Price|43% Off
Vintage 70s sofa mod. "Davis" design by Vico Magistretti for De Padova
By Vico Magistretti, ICF De Padova
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Two-seater sofa with black wooden legs and fabric upholstery, model "Davis" design Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given ...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Curved Bamboo, Maple and Leather Italian Sofa, White Fabric, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century organic sofa, fully made in bamboo, leather, and maple wood. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1960s. with chestnut e and leather finishes. ...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Chestnut, Maple, Fabric
Kanz Sofa Green & White Striped (Set of 3) by Hermhaus – Modular Designer Sofa
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kanz Sofa by Hermhaus is a serene and contemporary modular sofa set, featuring elegant green and white striped upholstery that adds freshness and sophistication to any modern int...
Wood, Oak, Velvet
Mid-Century Sofa by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s
By Carl Straub
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid-century three seater sofa designed by Carl Straub in black leather and teak. Beautifully shaped metal base. Good overall condition with normal age related wear. No holes or...
Chrome
Piumino Sofa in Cognac Leather by De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi for Dell'Oca
By Dell'Oca, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
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
French Mid-Century Modern Sofa / Day Bed by A R P & Blue Fabric
By A. R. P.
Located in New York, NY
An early French Architectural Mid-Century Modernist sofa / daybed by A.R.P. Atelier de Recherche Plastique and with a fabric color. The sofa / divan presents a pure 1960 architectura...
Steel
Vintage De Sede Two-Seat Sofa, DS47, Patinated Leather
By De Sede
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Highly comfortable DS47 sofa patinated leather by De Sede. The design is simplistic, yet very modern. A tight and cubic outside with a soft and curved inside, which emphasize the com...
Leather
Wonderful Italian Sofa Attributed to Gio Ponti and Completely Re-Upholstered
By Gio Ponti
Located in Munich, DE
Amazing lines resting on two legs in front and two castors at the back for easy moving. Belts, foam and velvet completely redone.
Velvet
$21,241Sale Price / set|20% Off
Kristian Vedel MODUS Midcentury Modular Lounge Suite, Pouf & Table, Denmark
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Søren Willadsen, Kristian Vedel
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Extraordinary Kriatian Vedel MODUS modular sofa set from 1960s. The set is made of high quality soft leather and beautiful Brazilian Rosewood, typical of Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Denmark. The set consists of five fauteuils, two poufs and tables...
Leather, Rosewood
Freestanding Sofa in Rattan, Beech and Reupholstered Fabric, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Sofa in Rattan, Beech and Reupholstered Fabric, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rattan, beech and reupholstered fabric Style: ...
Rattan, Fabric, Beech
Italian Contemporary Warm White Chenille and Wood Curved Conversation Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful curved conversation sofa with 4 seats with warm white chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood. It's possible to customise the fabric; in the p...
Chenille, Wood
3-seater sofa model EJ 20/3 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen
By Jørgen Gammelgaard, Erik Jørgensen
Located in Lejre, DK
3-seater sofa model EJ 20/3 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen. Danish design in black leather with brushed steel legs. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Jørgen Gammelgaard — Manu...
Steel
Costela Sofa by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1950s–1960s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Wien, AT
This iconic “Costela” sofa, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, was most likely produced in the late 1950s or early 1960s and is considered one of the most important and reco...
Metal
Folke Jansson, Sofa, Fabric, Teak, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink grey fabric, teak and brass sofa or settee, model Tellus, designed by Folke Jansson and produced by SM Wincrantz, Skövde, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor staining to fabric backrest....
Brass
$12,390 / 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
Svante Skogh, Freestanding Sofa in Floral Fabric, Swedish Modern, 1940s
By AB Förenade Möbelfabrikerna Linköping, Svante Skogh
Located in Odense, DK
A refined and expressive Swedish sofa designed by Svante Skogh for Förenade Möbler, Linköping, mid-20th century. This elegant piece features upholstered cushions paired with a staine...
Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Day Bed Sofa in Black Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, leather, laminated wood, brass, Italy, 1968 Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cin...
Leather
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973 Listed price is per module (2 modules ). The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect ...
Metal
Sofa by mario bellini model “Le stelle” for B&B italia leather
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
60s/70s sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, published by B&B Italy, “La Stelle” model. Entirely in mustard yellow leather (original leather), this model is recognizable by its wi...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Sofa, 1950s, New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Sofa, 1950s, New Upholstery
Fabric
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eg...
Leather
Spanish Sofa in Ash and Yellow and Green Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, ash, cane, leatherette, metal, Spain, 1950s. Joyful Spanish two-seater sofa with soft organic lines. This settee features a stained ash frame of which a dynamic grain patte...
Faux Leather, Cane, Ash
$2,346Sale Price|50% Off
Midcentury Modern Italian Bastiano Sofa by Tobia & Afra Scarpa 1960s
Located in London, GB
A two seater ‘Bastiano’ sofa, designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa. Upholstered in black leather with the wooden frame finished in white lacquer. Italian, late 20th century.
Leather, Lacquer
$6,800Sale Price|22% Off
Mid-Century Harvey Probber Burger Bun Pink Velvet Settee
By Harvey Probber, Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Mid-Century Modern settee designed by Italian architect Adriano Piazzesi for Harvey Probber, Inc. Burger bun is a whimsical kidney shaped form des...
Steel
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the firs...
Fabric
Mid Century ABCD Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD set, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This amazing set consist of one 2-seat sofa and one 1-seat sofa's. The sofa's are composed of three se...
Bouclé
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
Classic Jens Risom Three Seat Sofa Ca' 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic three seat sofa by Jens Risom, ca' 1960's. Sculpted and recessed walnut base, model #2516. Freshly reupholstered and ready to be enjoyed for many years. The cushions are re...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Sofa Bed, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian red brown coated bamboo sofa bed. This sofa bed comes with its original metallic bed net and needs a mattress of cm. 80 x 190 (about inch. 31.50 x 74.80)....
Bamboo, Rattan
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Angular Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
The best design characteristics of Guillerme et Chambron meet in this beautiful, artistic oak sofa. The duo’s designs are exceptional for a wide array of reasons, starting from the u...
Oak, Fabric
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Stig Sandqvist, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and green floral-printed sofa or bench designed and produced by Stig Sandqvist, Sweden, c. 1960s. Very minor imperfections to wood frame. Removable seat cushion is more worn...
Fabric, Pine
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
Adrian Pearsall 10.5ft. Sofa/Daybed with built-in Travertine Tables
Located in Pasadena, TX
Adrian Pearsall designed this sofa/daybed for Craft Associates. It's 117.5' long and has Italian travertine marble built-in side tables. It's made of a choice selection of walnut and...
Marble
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
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Wingback Sofa by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler of Denmark, 1950's
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is spectacular! Designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler in the late 1950's, this sculptural sofa is just as comfortable as it is beautiful. With long, clean lines and arched wingback sides, the body is reminiscent of an Arne Jacobsen egg chair. The back of the sofa showcases the solid teak frame that perfectly cradles the body of the sofa. The teak frame is further accentuated with its rich color and patina that really pops off the white lower-pile fine Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Teak
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red fabric, black-painted wood and brass sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Fabric shows distress on armrests and seat cushion, reupholstery recommended. ...
Brass
Italian Mid Century Modern Modular Sofa By Diego Mattu for P1 1960s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Modular sofa set "Malù, Italian design piece realised in 1960s by Diego Mattu for 1P. This very rare sofa consisting of 4 standard modules and one corner. Structure in Abs and polyur...
Suede, Plastic
$3,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
Lovely 2 Piece Marge Carson Curved Tufted Back Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Marge Carson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Custom Stylish Marge Carson 2 piece curved sectional sofa with tufted design in a custom textured stitched fabric. This well crafted sofa sect...
Upholstery
Italian Red ‘Maralunga’ Loveseat by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian ‘Maralunga’ loveseat designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. The silhouette sits low to the ground with soft, folded arms and generous seats. An adjustable ...
Upholstery
Two-Seat Triennale Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The upholstery is covered in pink velvet fabric, which shows slight si...
Brass
Rare Design Leather Folding Sofa by Arch. Spicka, 1970s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia - publicated in books and magazines - designer: Arch. Spicka - very good original condition with patina - combination ...
Leather
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