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.
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Modular Sofa, Wood and Black Leather by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular system that can be use as a sofa, bench or other options designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A modular ...
Leather, Wood
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
$21,066 / item
Naked Sofa Combo 3
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as ...
Velvet, Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa By Ellekær & Norell For Coja
Located in High Point, NC
This 1960s Danish mid-century modern sofa by Ellekær & Norell for Coja is a striking example of Scandinavian design that prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, and enduring style. The s...
Leather, Wood
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Shell / Chesterfield Velvet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Marie Burgos has expanded on the design concept for her acclaimed Milo lounge chair and created the newly introduced Milo sofa. She uses a molded w...
Fabric
Eduarda 3-seater Sofa, 100% Cotton Velvet, Made in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Eduarda Sofa, 100% Cotton Velvet, by Duistt EDUARDA SOFA, crafted with great attention to detail, is a beautiful slightly curved sofa with very elegant lines. It is simply chic and ...
Brass
$1,775Sale Price|66% Off
Midcentury Italian Orange Velvet Sofa Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Attributed
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury Italian Orange Velvet Sofa Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Attributed.
Iron
$1,750Sale Price|67% Off
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed Sofa
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...
Fabric, Wood
DS-2011 in Brown Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
The DS-2011 sofa in Brown Leather by De Sede made in Switzerland, 1980s.
Leather
Danish 1950's Sofa by Kurt Olsen Teak Accents
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Curved sofa by Kurt Olsen from the 1950's. Epitome of Danish 1950's style. Made by Slagelse Møbelværk around late 1950's5800. Solid and sturdy but needs to get reupholstered. Remova...
Wool, Teak
EARL Handcrafted Walnut Moresby Loveseat with Custom Linen or Leather Upholstery
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This handmade solid wood constructed sofa includes handcut joinery and custom upholtered seat and seat back cushions. This sofa is shown in our in maharam plume ciabatta ivory tex...
Oak, Walnut
$19,435 / item
Muller Van Severen Pillow Sofa Canvas For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen's Pillow Sofa Velvet Sofa For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the Pillow sofa ...
Polyester
Celina Sofa by Muniz Zylberberg, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil, 1966
Located in Antwerp, BE
"Celina" Sofa by Muniz Zylberberg, a stunning piece of Brazilian Modernism designed in the 1960s. This exceptional three-seater sofa features a highly geometrical structure in massi...
Marble
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
Eero Aarnio Mid Century Rattan Sofa
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Aarnio midcentury rattan sofa This sofa measures: 76 wide x 32 deep x 24.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height of 2...
Upholstery, Rattan
Danish Mid Century Two Seater Sofa in Oak, Reupholstered, by Tage Poulsen, 1960s
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Lovely 2 seater sofa in oak, reupholstered in a vintage fabric stored from the 1980s. Designed by Danish architect Tage Poulsen, model TP632. Designed in 1962. This sofa can be free...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
Joaquim Tenreiro Four-Seat Sofa, Hardwood, Brazilian Modern, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
This rare four-seat sofa exemplifies Joaquim Tenreiro’s radical redefinition of modern seating in postwar Brazil, where structure, lightness, and human scale were treated as insepara...
Velvet, Hardwood
Vintage Italian Sofa Bed with Cane Sides and Bronze Details, 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare, vintage 1950 Italian Sofa Bed with a sleek and minimalistic design. The unit is upholstered in plush gray fabric with a tufted backrest. The armrests feature a combination of ...
Bronze
$7,606Sale Price|33% Off
Curved Four-Seat Italian Sofa in White Bouclé Wool, Brass Legs, Mid Modern Style
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
Curved four-seat sofa with solid wooden structure and four brass legs. Upholstery in white bouclé wool. Italian manufacture. Our main target is customer satisfaction, so we include ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather and Chrome Sofa Designed by Hans Eichenberger
By Girsberger, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare large sofa three seater in stainless steel frame designed by Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger in Switzerland, 1966 with original ...
Stainless Steel
$3,600Sale Price|47% Off
Spectacular and Special Curvy Silhouette Lutece Love Seat Sofa by Richard Himmel
Located in Dallas, TX
Curvy silhouette Lutece sofa by Richard Himmel. Re-upholstery required.
Fabric
Danish mid-century Modern Design Three seater sofa in teak 1950 Vintage grey
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Introducing a timeless piece of mid-century Danish design. This sofa produced in 1950 Denmark and expertly crafted from rich teak wood. Restored & reupholstered in elegant grey fabri...
Teak
$1,477Sale Price / set|44% Off
Mid-Century Modern 1960 Retro Danish Ingmar Relling Siesta Sofa or Chairs
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Markington, GB
1960s Retro Scandinavian Ingmar Relling Siesta Four-Seat Sofa A rare and highly sought-after Scandinavian sofa designed by Ingmar Relling and produced in Norway by the renowned West...
Bentwood, Fabric
$2,246Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by Elite Leather
By Elite Leather
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by of Elite Leather...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Smoked Pewter Velvet & Ebonized Walnut by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern sofa was realized by the legendary Jules Leleu in France circa 1960. It offers the clean silhouette, attention to detail and timeless (yet perennially...
Velvet, Walnut
Jean Gillon Sofa Produced by Wood Art in Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Jean Gillon. Produced by Wood Art in Brazil.
Brass
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Sofa for COR in new Mohair Upholstery, Germany – 1969
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the epitome of elegance and comfort: ‘Corbi’ modular sectional sofa by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – circa 1969. The Corbi sofa consists of sections with roll cushions. It can be used as sofa or as three separate lounge chairs. Four more pieces available for reupholstery. Ask us about the possibilities. Now luxuriously draped in sumptuous mohair. Elevating your living space to new heights of sophistication, this exquisite piece seamlessly marries timeless design with unparalleled coziness. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Corbi sofa boasts a sleek silhouette and refined lines, embodying modern sophistication while exuding a sense of inviting warmth. The addition of premium mohair upholstery not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience like no other, enveloping you in unparalleled softness with every touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments of relaxation, the Klaus Uredat Corbi...
Mohair
Frits Henningsen sofa and executed in Denmark 1930s
Located in Hammarö, SE
An exceptional Danish sofa designed by Frits Henningsen and executed in Denmark in the 1930s. This piece embodies Henningsen’s refined approach to cabinetmaking—where traditional cr...
Leather, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan Fiftyish Sofa in Super Soft Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A love for his 1950s wingback design motivated Vladimir Kagan to circle back and produce a more contemporary version he later named the Fiftyish Sofa. Vladimir Kagan's tendency to ov...
Stainless Steel
Augusto Romano Attribution, Sofa, Wood, Rush, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and wicker sofa attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1940s. Wicker rope loose in various areas. Moderate wear on back legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.0"H x 66.25"W x ...
Rush, Wood
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
Located in Vicenza, IT
Le Bambole two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is part of the celebrated L...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofa designed by Celina Zilberberg, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Curitiba, PR
An elegant and highly collectible Brazilian Modernist sofa designed by Celina Zilberberg during the 1960s. Crafted in solid wood, the piece displays the designer’s characteristic bal...
Wood
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
Custom Mid-Century Modern Inspired Curved Sofa Couch by Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom Mid-Century Modern inspired curved sofa couch by Carrocel. Custom hand crafted by the artisans at Carrocel in a sleek modern fabric with unique curved design. Includes 2 match...
Fabric, Wood
Poltrona Frau Sofa by Pierluigi Cerri, Leather & Metal, Vintage 1984
By Paltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
Located in bari, IT
Two-seater sofa lacquered metal frame leather seats designer Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau early 1980s. The sofa includes lacquered metal coffee table with top in marble measure...
Marble, Metal
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s Erasmo sofa covered in brown Leather. The sofa consists of two modules with armrests, which follow geometric...
Leather
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
4 Pc. Suite Mel Simlow Furniture 2 Sofas 1 Lounge Chair 1 Table
Located in New York, NY
Incredible suite of Mel Smilow ( Smilow - Thielle ) furniture to include 2 daybed, lovseat sofas, 1 armless lounge chair, and the coffee, side table which can double as an ottoman if...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vivai del Sud Italian Sofa in Curved Bamboo and Leather with White Fabric, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century organic sofa, fully made of bamboo, knotted leather, and chestnut wood. This incredibly elegant and unique sofa was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in It...
Brass
Giuseppe Scapinelli Sculptural Sofa in Solid Caviúna & Evergreen Mohair
Located in New York, NY
A striking expression of Brazilian mid-century modernism, this sculptural sofa by Giuseppe Scapinelli embodies the designer's unmistakable ability to unite architectural precision with sensual organic form. Distinguished by its elegantly inclined backrest, fluid open arms, and gracefully tapered legs, the composition possesses an extraordinary sense of visual lightness while maintaining exceptional structural integrity. Every line has been carefully resolved, creating a silhouette that appears effortless from every angle—an enduring hallmark of Scapinelli's most celebrated seating designs produced during the golden age of Brazilian design in the 1950s. Expertly crafted from solid caviúna, one of Brazil's most prized exotic hardwoods, the frame showcases remarkable craftsmanship and sculptural refinement. The timber displays rich honey-caramel brown tones layered with deep reddish undertones and dramatic dark grain movement that flows continuously throughout the arms and legs, emphasizing the sofa's sculptural geometry. Finished in a refined satin-matte surface, the wood retains its authentic character while revealing the exceptional quality of the joinery and hand-finishing. The result is warm, dimensional, and unmistakably Brazilian—qualities that have made caviúna among the most desirable materials found in important mid-century furniture. The sofa has been newly upholstered in Found Collectibles...
Mohair, Caviuna
French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span
By Free Span
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French midcentury "Jour et Nuit" oak sofa or daybed by Free-Span.
Oak, Fabric
MASSIMO VIGNELLI Mod. Saratoga White and Red Sofa, 1964
Located in Roma, Lazio
Historic sofa mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful red-purple fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything...
Wood, Fabric
$8,797Sale Price|50% Off
Custom Warren Sofa by Foley & Cox, Hand-Crafted, Wool Fabric, USA
Located in New York, NY
New to the foley&cox HOME custom collection is the Warren sofa, shown here. Featuring clean lines and low profile, the contemporary sofa is made with solid wood frame, feather w...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$10,875 / item
George Sofa by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The George sofa is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The low profile silhouette sits above a sculpted solid wood base. This piece is availab...
Wool, Walnut
Set of 2 Camaleonda armchairs and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in taranto, IT
Set of 3 modular elements from the famous "Camaleonda" collection by Mario Bellini, for B&B Italia, Created in 1970 by the ingenious mind of Mario Bellini and originally produced by...
Fabric
Charles Hollis Jones Mid Century Waterfall Bear Lucite Base Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles Hollis Jones Mid Century Waterfall Bear Lucite Base Sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 37 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 18.25 inches F...
Upholstery, Lucite
1970's Leatherette and Fabric 4-Seater Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- leatherette and fabric in good condition with some signs of use
Fabric, Faux Leather
Directional Biomorphic Curved Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Directional biomorphic curved velvet sofa.
Velvet
1950s Rustic Hand Carved Wood Fringe Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form in Cognac Brown Add an iconic statement to your interior with this striking Mid-Century Modern 3-seat leather...
Leather, Beech
Large two-seater sofa in checkered pattern made in France, 1980s
Located in Lyon, FR
A delightful and sculptural two-seat sofa crafted in France in the 1980s, fully reupholstered in a fresh and playful checkered fabric in mint green and white. The sofa features gene...
Fabric
$1,796Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tuxedo Sofa, Chenille Tweed, 1970s
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Vintage mcm sofa...
Cotton
Blop Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Blop Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy, 1970s D: 79 cm (31.10") H: 69 cm (27.17") W: 131 cm (2 seater ) W. : 71 cm ( 1 seater)
Fabric, Plastic
Reupholstered 3-Seater Sofa by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer for Pilastro
By Friso Kramer, Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This rare 3-seater sofa is a combination of designs by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer, produced by Pilastro in 1965. The seat was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel 1959 ...
Metal
$27,062 / set
Living room Sofa and two armchairs from the 1970s, designed by Ennio Chiggio Habitat IDS
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and sculptural seating set designed by Ennio Chiggio for haBITAT iDS, comprising a sofa and matching armchairs. The structure is crafted in molded polyurethane with lower ba...
Leather
Sofa "Cado" 2 Seater Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF, Italy, 1970
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa "Cado" 2 Seater, by Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF, Italy, 1970s
Fabric
Russel Wright Attribution, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral fabric sofa attributed to Russel Wright, USA, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair condition ideally replaced. Wear consistent with ...
Fabric, Wood
Modernist Luigi Tiengo Sofa in Walnut /Ultra Suede for Cimon Montréal, 1963
By Luigi Tiengo, Cimon, Raf Simons
Located in Buffalo, NY
This rare Classic Mid-Century Modern sofa was designed by Luigi Tiengo and produced by the Canadian manufacturer Cimon in 1963. The sculptural shape of the elongated arms, the winged...
Fabric, Walnut
Svante Skogh, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svante Skogh, Seffle Möbelfabrik
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed sofa designed by Svante Skogh and produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 52.5"W x 25.0"D Seat Height (in...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Exceptional original sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, composed of 3 modular seatings with its backrest and 2 armrests White bouclé wool upholstery. - Three...
Bouclé
$10,530 / item
Patricia Urquiola Red 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
Martin Visser Sofa or Sleeper Sofa for 't Spectrum, Netherlands
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nice sofa designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Freshly re-upholstered with new fabric and foam. Structure in metal. 2 positions, can be converting in bed.
Metal