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.
Set of 2 Armchairs and 1 Sofa from "806" Series, by Carlo de Carli, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of armchairs and a sofa from the "806" series was designed by Carlo de Carli in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The set consists of a total of two...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Sofa Italian 3-seater Design Couch Leder schwarz 1980
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes italienisches Vintage Sofa aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Dreisitzer verfügt über verstellbare Kopfstützen und zeichnet sich durch seinen äuße...
Leather
Matinee Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. USA. Reupholstered in Maharam felt plaid fabric.
Fabric
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
Solid wood frame Walnut TAMBU Sofa with down filled upholstery
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Drawing inspiration from the juxtaposition of organic and geometric forms, the TAMBU sofa was born from a desire to create a super comfortable yet elegant seating pieces. We believe ...
Leather, Fabric, Ash, Oak, Walnut
Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in pink fabric and metal, model: Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini. Seat height: 34 cm. Stamped Cassina on the underside. Wear due to time and age of the sofa. For shipping, reque...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
$5,484 / item
Mood Armchair with arms Red 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
Piero Lissoni Modular Sofa by Cassina, Aluminum, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni 8 Modular Sofa and For Cassina Refined minimalist shapes characterize the timeless elegance of this modular sofa that combines masterful construction and fine tailorin...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Sofa or Bed by Uluv, 1960's
By Úľuv
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, leatherette - Leatherette has signs of damage - Fully functional - Good, original condition - When unfolded, 100 cm / 180 cm - Seat hei...
Wood
Air Sofa Burkhard Vogtherr Newly Upholstered Amarena Brown Teddy Bouclé , 1980s
Located in Vienna, AT
Air Sofa Newly Upholstered in Amarena color Teddy Bouclé, 1980s by Burkhard Vogtherr for Hain & Thome- plus original upholstered cushion. We have two other versions of these sofas av...
Steel
$9,500 / item
Parallel Bar Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A "parallel bar" frame sofa with a button tufted back on chromed steel legs.
Steel
McGuire bamboo and Lucite Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Bamboo and lucite Sofa.
Fabric, Bamboo, Lucite
Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Møbler Mid Century Norwegian Rosewood Sofa
By Sven Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Møbler Mid Century Norwegian Rosewood Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 31 deep x 25.5 inches high, with a seat height of 10.25 (sans cushions) and arm h...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$1,789Sale Price|20% Off
1960's Midcentury Modern Dutch Design 3 Seat Sofa Bench
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Dutch Design 3 Seat Sofa Bench, made in the Netherlands 1960's. Minimalist design on this low sofa or bench. All original ocre yellow cushions and coverings...
Metal
A Composition of Sculptural Adaptability: Mid-Century Modular Sofa, Blush Fabric
By Roche Bobois, Milo Baughman, Rolf Benz, COR, B&B Italia
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of quiet dynamism, this Scandinavian modular sofa reveals a language of calibrated proportion and sculptural rhythm. Realized in the 1960s, its expansive configuration—...
Fabric
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Percival Lafer rosewood and leather 3-seater S-1 sofa. The S-1 design features Brazilian exoticness paired with Scandinavian sensibility. Of Lafer's designs, the S-1 is a...
Leather, Rosewood
$44,741 / set
Living room attributed to Gio Ponti for I.S.A.
By Cassina, Gio Ponti, I.S.A. Italy, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Lugo, IT
Living room attributed to Gio Ponti for I.S.A. Possible silk or satin fabric. Possible design for the furnishings of the Hotel Bristol in Merano. Good condition. Thank you.
Fabric
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
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Pair of Curved Kidney Shaped Sofa Midcentury
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of curved kidney shaped sofas. Upholstered in a lovely textured cotton look fabric still in presentable condition, light cleaning recommended. These are in style of Vla...
Upholstery
Set Larissa Divano 2 posti Poltrone design iconico Vittorio Introini per Saporit
By Fratelli Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in Ghedi, IT
Raro e affascinante salotto vintage firmato Saporiti Italia, modello Larissa, progettato negli anni ’70 dal celebre designer Vittorio Introini. Questo set comprende un elegante divan...
Leather
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare offering from Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This wing shaped sofa, model 4756, was reupholstered in a moss colored mohair and sits on 10" solid brass stiletto legs. Ele...
Brass
$12,362 / 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
Massimo Vignelli Black-on-Black Saratoga Sofa, Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and rare black-on-black edition of the Saratoga sofa, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova in 1964. A landmark of 20th-century design, the Saratoga co...
Leather, Wood
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Milo Baughman style Rosewood Case Sofa Thayer Coggin Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Rosewood case sofa. The rosewood is amazing with a deep dark colour and tons of fabulous graining. There were some minor chips that have been repaired...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s A striking vintage leather sofa designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis in the Netherlands during th...
Leather, Beech
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Bracket Back Sofa #5497 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architect...
Upholstery, Walnut
De Sede DS-86 Patinated Leather Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-86 Leather Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s An iconic and luxurious three-seater leather sofa from the DS-86 series by De Sede, handcrafted in Switzer...
Leather, Beech
$13,229Sale Price|20% Off
RESTORED ViNTAGE CIGAR BROWN LEATHER DE SEDE DS-11 MODULAR CORNER SOFA
By De Sede
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Stunning vintage restored cigar brown leather De Sede DS-11 Modular corner sofa Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and lo...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in New Boucle Fabric, Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In New Boucle Fabric, Italy 1970s. Adriano Piazzessi Italian 1970s generously proportioned boucle fabric lounge sofa, with curve...
Steel
$15,960Sale Price|20% Off
Expansive 12-Foot Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic "Platform" sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this sofa is a true American masterpiece. Featuring new heavy ply wool fabric, new support straps and professionally re-finished wood this sofa is perhaps the best conditioned platform sofa available for sale in North America. The veneered American black walnut base shows exceptional old-growth woodgrains that are breathtaking from all angles. In homage to the late great Pearsall this sofa was painstakingly restored using the same techniques, materials and sewing patterns used by the Craft Associates factory...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Italin Mid-Century Superonda Sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, 1967
Located in MIlano, IT
Italin mid-century superonda sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, 1967. Modular sofa "superonda" model, composed of two S-shaped shapes in glossy...
PVC
Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois, France, 2003
By Roche Bobois, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Antwerp, BE
This "Comete" sofa, a futurist and asymmetric marvel designed by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois in 2003, redefines modern elegance and luxurious comfort. It features two large secti...
Wool, Alpaca, Cotton
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Cubo' Sofa in Wool, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Cubo Sofa Wool, Wood / Brazil, 1970s Designed in the 1970s, the Cubo collection consists of sculptural seating and tables defined by bold geometry. The armchairs a...
Wool, Wood
Fabricius & Kastholm Small Lounge Sofa FK 6720 Steel Leather Kill International
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Vienna, AT
Lounge sofa model FK6720, designed by Fabricius & Kastholm for Kill International in 1968 A beautiful mod. 6720 mid-century small sofa or loveseat in pristine...
Steel
$11,175Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson. America, circa 1970’s, iconic mid-century modern styling. Restored with all new upholstery and foam material, like new. Fabr...
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
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son Mid Century Modern Sofa
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning original Mid Century Modern circa 1960 Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son daybed sofa.. Early production,, aMAZING ORIGINAL condition,Two pieces.. extrem...
Teak
Piumino sofa De Pas, D’urbino and Lomazzi Italy 1970
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The Piumino lounge sofa, designed by the renowned trio De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi, and crafted by Dall’Oca in Italy in 1970, is a perfect blend of playful design and timeless eleg...
Leather
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 78.0"W x 37.0"D Seat Height (inc...
Fabric, Wood
$12,584Sale Price|24% Off
PK-31/2 Leather Sofa by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa was once placed in a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leath...
Steel, Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chaise Longue Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar chaise longue sofa.
Upholstery
1940s Danish White Sheepswool Banana Sofa After Flemming Lassen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1940s Danish channel tufted banana sofa. Chunky curved mahogany legs mimics the shape of the sofa supporting a curvy frame upholstered in new sheepswool. The back accented with cha...
Wool, Mahogany
Ilmari Lappalainen "Laila" Sofa for Asko, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Laila” models from the series by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as Mid-Century Modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Finnish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. This sofa is from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic Mid-Century Modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. As an essentially Finnish modern piece, this sofa is built around the core characteristics of the era: gently rounded edges, tapered wooden legs, and a generous, fully upholstered body. The style was modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with three large tufted buttons. In the absence of ornamentation, the three large tufted buttons on the back stand out, creating depth as they sink into the textured green fabric. The design has the “Classic Nordic look”, which explains the contemporary popularity of this sofa both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. This sofa was created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Two Seat Brown Leather Sofa Loveseat, Denmark circa 1960
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century modern vintage two seat brown leather sofa or loveseat from Denmark. This comfortable sofa combines tradition with modern lines. Upholstered in dark brown leather, loose ...
Leather, Wood
Runar Engblom, Sofa, Fabric, Birch, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and stained birch sofa designed by Runar Engblom, Finland, c. 1950s. Provenance: Hotel Vaakuna, Helsinki. Minor scuffing on feet. Minor fraying of trim. V...
Fabric, Birch
1960s Whipstitch Sofa Brown Leather after De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1960s Modern Whipstitched Brown Leather Three-Seater Sofa unmarked in the style of Swiss De Sede 85 W 29 H x 36 D, Seat 17 H, Arm rest 24, deep seat. Origin...
Leather
Raphaël Raffel croissant sofa in Mohair velvet 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful sofa by Raphaël Raffel for Maison Honoré Paris produced in the mid-1970s. The sofa has been fully restored and newly upholstered with a beautiful light beige mohair velvet ...
Velvet
$21,087 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa, Italy, 1969
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Soriana” three seat bouclé sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa from Italy, 1969. The Post-Modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina and features three front metal clamps. The Soriana collec...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Sophisticated Erwin Lambeth Curved Walnut Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart, Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sophisticated and stylish curved mid-century modern sofa designed by Erwin Lambeth. The handsome solid walnut sides are very well preserved in their vintage condition. Just gorgeou...
Walnut, Upholstery
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 12 (to frame) a...
Walnut
Rare Slightly Curved Sofa by Wormley for Dunbar with Brass Legs
By Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Seldom seen curved sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Supported by 6 Brass legs. Sofa requires reupholstery. When reupholstering there is a wood stretcher that needs replacement. ...
Brass
Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
$19,168 / item
Piero Lissoni 8 Cube Sofa, Three Seaters by Cassina
By Cassina, Piero Lissoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Piero Lissoni in 2017. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An evolution of the iconic 8 sofa, 8 cube collection revisits and softens up the...
Steel
Georg Thams, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa designed by Georg Thams in 1964 and produced by Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5” Arm Height (inches): 18" All ite...
Fabric, Oak
1950’s Oak Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Chicago, IL
1950’s French oak sofa designed by Guillerme et Chambron. New upholstery. Arm height 22
Upholstery, Oak
Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low sofa with lifting backrest to open to a daybed. Designed by Hans Wegner with simple mid-century lines and construction. Please confirm location.
Fabric