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.
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brown fabric and marble sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 9...
Marble
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan Design Group, USA, c. 1990s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Pre-restoration images ava...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa in Moss Green Velvet and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, brass, Italy, 1950s This gorgeous sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalistic. Equipped ...
Brass
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square beech wood stained frame and legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick light tan leather is sof...
Leather, Beech
DS-1025 Terrazza Sofa by Ubald Klug for De Sede, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular leather sofa by De Sede, Model: DS-1025 Terrazza. Seat height: 39 cm. Length of one section: 156 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Leather, Fabric
Italian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 71.25"W x 36.5"D Seat Height (inches): 13.25" All upholstered furnitu...
Velvet, Wood
$1,950Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful Gray Leather 3 Seat Sofa Wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish modern Gray leather 3 seat sofa with wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Gray leather is soft and shows signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Da...
Leather, Wood
De Sede DS-44 Buffalo Leather 3-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic three seat leather sofa DS-44 by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970, handcrafted from thick buffalo neck leather with a rich patina that showcases the exceptional Swiss craftsmanship ...
Leather
American Designer, Large Sofa, Bamboo, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large bamboo, wood and brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Cushions reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensi...
Velvet, Bamboo, Wood
American Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Velvet, Wood
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
Gorgeous Butternut Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Organic modern iconic Cloud Sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980s. The sofa is upholstered in a vibrant butternut color velvet. The sofa is charact...
Upholstery, Lucite
Pair of Vintage De Sede DS-600 Snake Sofas in Leather
By De Sede
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally stylish, rare and highly sought after pair of vintage De Sede DS-600 snake sofas in leather. They were made in Switzerland by De-Sede in the 1970-80’s. This iconic ...
Leather
$2,700Sale Price|25% Off
Original Mid century Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Eames sofa compact with orange Herman miller woven upholstery. Charles and Ray Eames compact couch is great design that keeps a subtle profile. The cushioned pads that form ...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Style Curved Velvet Sofa with Ribbed Base, c. 1970s
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional, vintage-style three-seater sofa, embodies the sophisticated glamour of Art Deco-revival design popular in the 1970s. Upholstered in a rich, luxurious performance ve...
Upholstery, Velvet
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa Mod. MP-13, 1960's Made by Lafer S. e Co, Sao Paulo Rosewood, chrome and faux leather H 70 x L219 x W80 x Seat Height 41Percival Lafer Mid-Century Brazilian sofa made of Walnut ...
Chrome
Kwok Hoi Chan Modular Lounge Chairs, Dark Blue Wool, Steiner, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
A set of Four modular lounge chairs model Chromatic, designed by Kwok Hoï CHAN for Steiner Label on the back side of each seats. Upholstered in a dark midnight blue wool cloth . C...
Fabric, Wool, Acrylic, Foam
Mid-Century Modern Style Sofa With Wraparound Wood Back By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
1970s Green 3-Seater Sofa/bed, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fabric in good condition - Extended dimension: 167cm. - Cleaned - Seat Height 41cm
Fabric
Pair available Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House rare four-seat curved sofa
By Grosfeld House, Vladimir Kagan
Located in South Charleston, WV
An extremely rare collectors piece, this large 97 inch wide four-seat sculptural sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House was designed and produced circa 1957 in the United States, ...
Aluminum
Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa or settee attributed to Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, c. 1950s. For reference study model "Mikki" for Puunveisto Oy - Träsnideri Ab, Finland. We...
Fabric, Wood
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Cow Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
$13,445Sale Price|30% Off
Sunset Rest Velvet Sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne, France, 2018
Located in Glasgow, GB
This velvet sofa by Damien Langlois-Meurinne for Invisible Collection, created in France in 2018, reflects a restrained modernist approach informed by mid-century French seating desi...
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
Hammond Kroll, Sofa, Fabric, USA, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved beige upholstered fabric sofa designed and produced by Hammond Kroll, USA, c. 1930s. Provenance: Hammond Kroll, acquired prior to 1965 by Helen Kroll Kramer, sister of Ham...
Fabric
"Soriana" sofa in yellow fabric by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
The "Soriana" two-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Casina starting in the 1970s, is a true icon of 20th-century Italian design. This piece, reno...
Metal
Selig Large 7-Piece Sectional or Modular Parsons Sofa Set, Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this 7-piece sectional sofa was produced by Selig in the early days of the company. Typically Selig is known today for importing Danish furniture and de...
Fabric
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful Red Leather 3 Seat Sofa Børge Mogensen style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern Red leather 3 seat sofa Birch wood legs. In the style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful coral/terra cotta soft Red leather that shows very little Patina/wear sof...
Leather, Birch
Lawson-Fenning Large Bosque Sofa, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bosque started with a question - How do you make a sofa that anchors a room without dominating it? The answer was in the proportions: broad, low, deliberately grounded. A profile...
Upholstery
1970s Italian Two-Seat Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Chrome and Leatherette
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking two-seat sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi in Italy during the 1970s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian design from the period, combining sof...
Chrome
Pair of De Sede DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofas by Ubald Klug, Swiss Design
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 2 DS-1025 'Terrazza' sofas designed by Ubald Klug for quintessential Swiss manufacturer De Sede. This iconic design with layered cushions makes the DS-1025 both visually stunn...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa This sofa measures: 80.5 wide x 38 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 24 inches Fair V...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Danish Vintage Leather Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son
Located in London, GB
A very rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage leather sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, ...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury 1965 Illum Wikkelsø – Model V11 Three-Seater Leather Sofa - Denmark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and highly collectible Model V11 three-seater sofa is a signature piece by Illum Wikkelsø, one of Denmark’s most celebrated mid-century modern designers. Originally crafted...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Mustard Velvet, 1971
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, mustard velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing f...
Velvet, Foam
$8,853 / item
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with fabric upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
$70,930 / set
Ubald Klug Iconic 'Terrazza' Sofa Island for De Sede
By Ubald Klug
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ubald Klug DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofa Island (4 pieces together) for De Sede, Switzerland. New, current production. The timeless classic 'Terrazza' sofa by De Sede in wonderful high-en...
Leather, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa, model, 'D70', steel, brass, leather, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Red Mid-century 3-seater Leather Sofa by Edra, Italy 2000
By Edra
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A bold and sculptural seating piece, this 2000 Italian sofa by Edra brings together the brand’s unmistakable design language with a nod to mid‑century modern aesthetics. Upholstered ...
Leather
$10,115 / item
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
Marenco Seat System Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Green velvet fabric.
Velvet
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Two-seater Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1973
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" two-seater sofa for Cassina, green Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973 ...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern French Sofa in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, elm, France, 1960s This sofa from the 1960s present a bold and sculptural shape, combining geometric clarity with a sense of comfort and solidity. The overall form is ...
Fabric, Elm
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectible and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Mid century 2 seater Design Sofa/daybed in mahagony - 1970 / Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia - original good condition - refreshed, upholstery cleaned - mahagony jr
Chrome
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Likely reupholstered in fairly recent history, fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia Erasmo Modular Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Italian modern blue/brown very soft fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s This modular sofa model Erasmo has an injection molded foam frame covered in th...
Fabric
$14,049Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sofa w/End Table
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this iconic Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, a true statement of sculptural elegance and function. Crafted with a rich walnut frame, this ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
Vladimir Kagan, Large Curved Sofa, Fabric, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved beige yellow bouclé fabric and metal sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc. Seat height: 15.5” Reupholstered in brand new bouclé fabric.
Metal
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' Extra Large Sofa 354 in Leather for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' Extra Large Sofa 354 for Arflex in leather. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with leather upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angle Sofa, C. 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a camel-colored upholstered frame with a tufted seat, four matching loose back pillows, and short square legs. A refined example of Wormley’s sophisticated modernist aesthe...
Upholstery, Wood
Danish Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat Early 1950s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant 1940s curved two-seat sofa from the 1940s. Often called banana sofas by the Danes due to the curved shape. This sofa has slightly more straight backrest an...
Brass
$6,880Sale Price|20% Off
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Leather and Wood Sofa, C 1970s, Signed
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, produced in the United States in the 1970s. Signed with Ward Bennet Designs for Brickel Associates tag...
Wood, Leather
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Sea...
Fabric, Wood
Large vintage 1950s red velvet curved sofa Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Large curved sofa with red velvet upholstery, black metal legs with gilt brass finials, Italian design, 1950s.
Metal, Brass