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.
Elegant Velvet Sofa with Piping Detail & Upholstered Feet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable and modern sofa is a study in streamlined design and understated elegance. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the contours of which are gracefully outli...
Upholstery, Velvet
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
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Two-Seater Cow Leather Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Leather, Foam
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in a beige/yellow upholstery. The backrests are adjustable and mech...
Fabric
Pair available Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House rare four-seat curved sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
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
$2,700Sale Price|25% Off
Original Mid century Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames
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
"Le Bambole" Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in red fabric, model: Le Bambole by Mario Bellini. Seat height: 42 cm. Stamped B&B Italia. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
$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
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 items ship from Hig...
Velvet, Wood
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
Lara Sofa in black leather by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Noti Massari, Stilwood
Located in amstelveen, NL
Lara modular sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy, in the 1970s The Lara is defined by its generous proportions and distinctive curved s...
Leather, Foam
Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic Marenco three-seater sofa designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex, celebrated for its sculptural silhouette, generous proportions, and unmistakable Italian modernist design. The...
Fabric
$10,487 / item
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Armchair for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ardys Armchair for Cassina. AN AESTHETIC THAT ENVELOPS THE GAZE Patricia Urquiola designs Ardys, a low-slung sofa that expresses softness as a visual quality as much as a tactile o...
Upholstery
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Molteni & C
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
$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
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
Mario Bellini ‘Le Bambole’ Baby Blue-Gray Suede Loveseat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini's Le Bambole loveseat for B&B Italia presents its immediately recognizable silhouette: a deeply cushioned, low-profile form upholstered entirely in blue-gray suede ...
Leather
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
Midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Solid Walnut Frame Sofa or Daybed
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Walnut frame long low sofa or daybed. Beautiful armless sofa with solid walnut sculpted frame and steel spring support insert. Has Orig...
Steel
Ligne Roset Model "Marsala" Space Age Sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy, 1970s
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Antwerp, BE
Seventies low three-seater lounge sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy. Manufactured by Ligne Roset. Model "Marsala" sofa shows Ducaroys characteristic style and innovative approach to de...
Plexiglass
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
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
$6,999Sale Price|29% Off
Brown Leather Sofa Karl Wittmann Atrium, Austria 1970
By Karl Wittmann, De Sede, Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown leather bed- sofa Karl Wittmann‚ Atrium’ in original brown leather, Austria, circa 1970 Very well preserved convertible double-seat sofa by K...
Steel
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 86.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 24.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 20.25 inches Go...
Metal
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Rusberry Velvet
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...
Velvet, Foam
Restored Vintage Mid Century Modern Teak Sofa in Milo Baughman Style
Located in Palm Desert, CA
** I only ship in the Continental US ** Presented here is a vintage mid century modern teak case sofa, designed in the manner of Milo Baughman. This beautiful piece has been thought...
Upholstery, Wood, Teak
$8,834 / 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
Stunning Mah Jong ‘Kenzo Takada’ sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mah Jong ‘Kenzo Takada’ - Hans Hopfer - Roche Bobois France Hans Hopfer Mah Jong 50th Anniversary Platform Composition in Kenzo Takada Fabrics for Roche...
Fabric
$10,094 / 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
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Case Study daybed / sofa / couch / chaise lounge featuring iron hairpin legs with pine back suppor...
Metal
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
DS 44 Two Seater Sofa in Buffalo Brown Leather by De Sede
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
De Sede DS 44. Upholstered in brown buffalo leather. Softly padded, cubic frame with rounded armrests. Backrest with vertical quilting. Extendable seat
Leather, Wood
$12,172 / item
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa for Arflex 240cm
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa 1969 for Arflex, Italy. New, current production. Modular seating system, this listing is for a 3 seater 240cm. The modular seating system '9000' by Tito Agn...
Fabric
Celina Decorações, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and red fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c. 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimensions ...
Fabric, Wood
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
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofa in Beige Upholstery
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofa, fabric and chrome plated metal, Switzerland, design 1954. This comfortable three-seat sofa is designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede...
Metal, Chrome
$70,778 / 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
$3,999Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage 1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-300/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa Rare model GE300/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer solid light oak solid wood frame and legs with original patina has original sp...
Upholstery, Oak
Restored 1960s Czechoslovakian Tatra Nábytok Convertible Sofa with Pouf
Located in Żory, PL
Original modular sofa set produced by Tatra Nábytok in 1960s Czechoslovakia. The set consists of a main sofa and a pouf that can be arranged as a corner sectional or used separately ...
Fabric, Oak, Plywood
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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa in Beech, Wool, Circa 1940
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super cool Danish 1940s curved three seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. This mode...
Wool, Beech
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Danish Modern Long Sofa Designed by Johannes Aasbjerg Teak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful 1955 Danish Sofa designed by Johannes Aasbjerg has original upholstery with a 4 seat design. Long 106 inch long sofa. Sits on 8 Solid teak tapered legs. Use As-Is or have i...
Upholstery, Teak
American 1940's Tufted Curved Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super stylish curved sofa. Made in the US probably in the 1940's maybe early 1950's. Designer and maker unknown. Tufted and with loose cushion. Has a bit of Hollywood pana...
Wool, Wood
Finnish Design Curved Sofa Attributed to C. J. Boman, Circa 1940s
By Boman OY
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking curved sofa of generous proportions, often referred to as a banana-shaped sofa, manufactured in Finland during the 1940s and most likely by Boman Oy under the direction of...
Fabric, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Danish 1940s Curved Banana Form Settee or Sofa in Wool
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1940s curved loveseat /sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. Sol...
Wool, Beech
Ekornes Stressless Mid Century Buckingham Leather Reclining Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ekornes Stressless Mid Century Buckingham Leather Reclining Sofa This sofa measures: 91.5 wide x 31.5 deep x 40.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22.25 inche...
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century MCM Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa Orange Velveteen Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage MCM or Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa composed of sculptured wood front legs, slightly tapered shorter back legs, and carved wood back trim de...
Fabric, Foam, Polyester, Wood
Hämeen Kalustaja, Sofa, Pine, Leather, Finland, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and brown leather sofa designed and produced by Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s. Seat height 14”. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Leather, Pine
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1980s, great condition with minor wear present
Fabric
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 Sculptural Sofa in Teal Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, beech, Europe, 1960s Organic shaped sofa made in Europe in the 1960s. This piece shows fluidity and an ergonomic sitting experience. The arms rise gently from the seat...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and green fabric sofa, designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear to rattan consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimension...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Danish Midcentury Sofa with Legs and Accents in Teak by Georg Thams Denmark 1957
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super cool and elegant sofa by Georg Thams for Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik. Designed and produced around 1957. Epitome of Danish 1950's style by one of the iconic designers. Solid and...
Wool, Teak
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Tan Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Tan leather long loveseat sofa with light wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful light beige cream tan leather is soft and shows little sig...
Leather, Wood