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.
Divano Fiandra Vico Magistretti per Cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Magnifico divano Fiandra a due posti, disegnato da Vico Magistretti per Cassina negli anni '70, in eccellenti condizioni vintage. Rivestito in tessuto bianco panna, emana eleganza e ...
Textile
Vladimir Kagan, "Unicorn" Sofa, Lucite, Velvet, USA, c. 1975
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and lucite "Unicorn" sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. Model originally designed with metal base, present example is a ra...
Velvet, Lucite
$4,633 / item
Mood armchair by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$19,500 / set
DS-11 Patchwork Sectional Sofa for De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DS-11 seven piece burnt red leather sofa c.1970s, for De Sede, Switzerland. The modular system consists of three corner seats and four center seats all upholstered in the original pe...
Leather
$10,113 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L 300cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble ...
Foam, Wool
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
$32,641 / item
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina An innovative upholstered seating system, supported by a beam that allows sectional elements to be combined i...
Foam
Gio Ponti Sofa Mod. 803 by Cassina, 1950s Fabric Upholstery
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Fabric, Wood
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
De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi Ciuingam Sofa BBB Bonacina, 1967
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, BBB Bonacchina
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super puffy shaped and highly comfortable so called Ciuingam 3 seater sofa designed by Jonathan DePas, Donato D'Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi and manufactured by BBB Bonacina...
Fabric, Plastic
Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Original Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, in original black and white fabric, wood, The Netherlands, 1950s. This sofa is an iconic example of an Artifort sofa designed by Theo Ruth in the 1950s...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Teak Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A charming mid-century Danish teak two-seat sofa featuring a sturdy, sculpted frame and classic MCM lines. The original plaid cushions add a cozy retro touch while maintaining comfor...
Fabric, Teak
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
Mid Century Eames Herman Miller Sofa Compact, Alexander Girard Maharam Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
This classic vintage mid century modern Eames Sofa Compact Model S-473 circa early 1980s has been professionally reupholstered in a Maharam limited color reissue of Jacob's Coat, a b...
Aluminum, Cut Steel
$6,490 / set
Rattan sofa, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rattan sofa with black lacquered steel legs. Produced in Brazil, 1960s. Very good condition with small signs of usage. Please note: matching table + chairs also available.
Metal
Danish Midcentury 2 1/2 Seat Sofa Grete Jalk Style with Teak Legs
By Johannes Hansen, Grete Jalk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic Danish design very similar to Grete Jalk's one of the grand ladies of Danish design, and Johannes Hansen's model JH 180. Simple yet very elegant and refined design ...
Oak, Wool, Teak
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
Geoffrey Harcourt's Iconic 1970s Cleopatra Chaise Lounge by Artifort
By Geoffrey D. Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Hilversum, NL
Inspired by the timeless concept of the chaise longue, Geoffrey Harcourt's interpretation from 1970 stands as a testament to modern design. Known as the Cleopatra, this unique Dutch...
Wool
$14,000
Weiman Black Leather Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Chicago, IL
Weiman black leather sofas. Label underside Weiman. Vladimir attributed
Leather
New Upholstery John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Couch
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New basket weave fabric upholstery Widdicomb sofa love seat slipper chair booth sofa. Black lacquer hardwood frame.
Upholstery, Hardwood
Extraordinary Custom Upholstered Sofa by Tomlinson/ Erwin-Lambeth
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and Classic Style sofa from Tomlinson with notable Custom Tailored Upholstery. The square frame with short wings into deep sloping arms. Upholstered in a pale stripe in tan, green and gold tones, with nail head trim along the back and sides. A single long seat cushion and a tailored skirt with fine coordinating braid ribbon trim. Along with two bolster cushions in pale green stitched fabric with tan braid trim. L. 90", Depth 37", H. 45", seat H. 19" Condition: Please see all detail photos. The overall condition is good with only slight age and use wear including a few dimples to the upholstery and a small washed out area on the right-side facing seat...
Wood
Ignazio Gardella Digamma Three-seater white velvet sofa for Azucena, Italy, 1957
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Three-seater white velvet sofa with metal and brass, Digamma model designed by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina in 1957. The extraordinary elegance of the Digamma three-seater sofa, created in 1957 by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina, is revealed through a surprising combination of materials and futuristic design. The carefully crafted metal structure supports the upholstered part of the sofa, creating a perfect balance between form and functionality. The distinctive signature of Ignazio Gardella, a renowned designer and visionary engineer, is evident in the curved brass terminals on which the sofa gracefully rests. His architectural conception, bridging art and design, is reflected in every detail of this unique piece. The Gavina brand introduced the Digamma collection in 1957, ushering in a new approach to seating that goes beyond traditional forms of sofas and armchairs. The series, of which this extraordinary sofa is a part, features square and rational volumes, demonstrating an exceptional level of innovation for its time. Today, the sofa is in excellent condition, meticulously restored in upholstery and adorned with a light-shaded velvet covering that enhances its intrinsic beauty. Its dimensions of 197x82,5x81 make it ideal for comfortably accommodating three people, offering a seating experience that combines style and comfort without compromise. A functional work of art, Ignazio Gardella's Digamma Sofa...
Metal, Brass
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa d...
Velvet
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" Sofas for Gavina, Camel Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
By Gavina, Cini Boeri
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Cini Boeri “Gradual System” two-seater sofas for Gavina, Italy, 1970, set of 2 Designed in 1970 for Gavina, the “Gradual System” by Cini Boeri rede...
Velvet
Rare No. 853 Daybed / Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Munich, DE
Back can be turned to use the complete seating area as daybed.
Metal
Rare Italian 1980's Lucite and Brass Sofa by Fabian
By F. Fabbian
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1980's Lucite and Brass sofa by Fabian. The Brass and lucite sofa has wonderful linear lines and sits on a plinth base. Minimal scratches from age related wear
Brass
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Ultra Rare Milo Baughman James Inc. 4 Seater Sofa Brass Legs Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Ultra rare 4 seater sofa designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc. We just love the sleek brass legs with the classic 4 seater design. The original fabric still looks pretty good wi...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style 3 Cushion Sofa
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar style sofa 85" Offered is a Mid-Century Modern sofa with tapered legs. Has 3 removable seat cushions and 3 back cushions. It is in great structurally sou...
Upholstery, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Forster Sectional, Tufted Cushions & Solid Oak Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The finely tailored two piece Forster Sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified to land on either side. This sectional rests atop an elegantly t...
Upholstery, Oak
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Curved Sofa Milo Baughman Jack Lenor Larsen Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stunning mid-century modern five-piece sectional curved sofa Milo Baughman style, in original Jack Lenor Larsen style upholstery. An exceptional sofa both for its form and quality, i...
Upholstery
Red Velvet Club Sofa, Hollywood Regency, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful club sofa from the 1960s, produced in Germany, at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartments providing comfort an...
Velvet
Taichiro Nakai, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red purple fabric and wood sofa designed by Taichiro Nakai and produced by Mobili Cantú, Italy, c. 1950s. Literature: Mobili Tipo, Aloi, pg. 108 illustrates related example. Vint...
Fabric, Wood
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
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina. In the various models of Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, the concept of modernity is expressed t...
Polyester
$4,531Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Sofa Cassina Mario Bellini Black Skin Italian Design Minimal Razional
By Cassina
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of sofa Cassina Mario Bellini 1970s black skin Italian design minimal Razional.
Animal Skin
$1,383Sale Price|60% Off
1968, Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, Chrome Base 3-Seat, Redone in Purple Fabric
By Artifort, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Please ask Casey Godrie Ibiza/Amsterdam for a competitive shipping quote. Kho Liang Ie three-seat in purple. The sofa shows traces of wear but the upholstery is still very good. The...
Metal, Chrome
Three Seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia. Upholstered in original black leather.
Metal
Arflex Marenco 1 Arm 2-Seater Sofa by Mario Marenco, Newly Reupholstered
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Toronto, CA
Originally designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, the namesake sofa has reached cult status. The unique rounded design and the wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must of conte...
Velvet
Directional Biomorphic Curved Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Directional biomorphic curved velvet sofa.
Velvet
$3,304Sale Price|20% Off
Sofa Mid-Century Italian Design Geometric Form 1950s Wood Feat Grey Ico Parisi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Beautiful Mid-Century Italian design geometric form 1950s, including shipping worldwide. The particular form remember Ico Parisi design.
Fabric, Wood
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish 2 Seater Confidential Sofa Loveseat Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish 2 seater 'Confidential sofa' designed by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Italia, circa 1970. Luxury comfort 2 seater with tan wool upholstery. The upholstery is worn and dated...
Upholstery
Very rare Mah Jong 'Private Collection' by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Extremely rare and stunning Mah Jong! Roche Bobois created this one-of-a-kind sofa for a special client in a custom yellow/gold fabric. The choice of the vibrant yellow/gold fabric ...
Fabric
Brazilian Modern Sofa with Integrated Side Tables in Solid Freijó, 1970s
Located in Curitiba, PR
This exceptional Brazilian Modern sofa, produced in the 1970s, features a striking architectural design with integrated side tables, showcasing the clean lines and refined craftsmans...
Freijó
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
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
An exceptionally refined Italian wall sofa from the 1950s
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
An exceptionally refined Italian wall sofa from the 1950s, executed in richly figured cherrywood with a level of cabinetmaking rarely encountered today. The architectural silhouette,...
Wood
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle Deux Places Durable
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle Deux Places Durable In the various models of Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, the concept of modernity is expressed through th...
Metal
$3,512Sale Price / set|29% Off
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
Large Modular Sofa by U. Berger, E. Peduzzi Riva E K.Vogt, Italy, 1972
By Eleonore Peduzzi Riva, Ueli Berger, Klaus Vogt
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Large modular sofa (24 modules) by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva e Klaus Vogt. Italy, 1972. Manufactured by De Sede. Wood, leather. Measures: 100 x 600 x H 73 cm, each module: 1...
Leather, Wood
$2,737Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Senator Two-Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Danish Teak, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A beautifully proportioned vintage Senator two-seater sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cado, made in Denmark and rooted in the quiet refinement that defines Wanscher’s work so well. The Sena...
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Teak
French Designer, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, France, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green fabric sofa likely designed and produced in France, c. 1980s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 49.75"W x 32.75"D Seat Heigh...
Fabric, Oak
Rare Important Original 4 Seater Lady Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arlfex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is a unicorn and may be one of only a few every produced. Hang on, because this is special! The Marco Zanuso “Lady” Sofa, designed in the early 1950s for Arflex, is one of...
Brass, Steel
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather
By Karl Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or settee, leather, chromed steel, Austria, 1960s This subtle and modest sofa is designed by the talented Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spal...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Modernist Rattan Sofa with Caramel Aniline Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful very high quality Italian 1960s rattan 3-seater sofa with cognac-colored aniline leather. Features a frame made of rattan. The cushions are upholstered in a smooth caramel ...
Leather, Rattan
Set Maralunga two seater Sofa and 2 armchairs vico magistretti for cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Maralunga seating set, an absolute icon of Italian design created by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973, is one of the most elegant and comfortable expressions of Italian moder...
Velvet
Tucroma lounge chair in cognac leather by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Tucroma Cantilever Lounge Chair by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani Patinated Cognac Leather Lounge Chair on a Chrome Tubular Frame A refined expression of Italian modernism, the Tu...
Leather
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Teak Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam __________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to...
Foam, Teak, Wood, Fabric
Concha Sofa in Hardwood & Warm Camel Mohair, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian mid-century modern design, this rare Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the designer’s unparalleled ability to merge sculptural form, comfor...
Fabric, Mohair