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.
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s Magnificent Italian mid-century sofa original from the 1950s. Equipped with the original stiletto metal feet painted...
Metal, Brass
Cesare Lacca Curved Sofa, Lime Green Bouclé, 1950, Italy, Restored
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Curved sofa from 1950 by Italian designer Cesare Lacca, fully restored in lime green bouclé fabric, with wooden cone-shaped legs.
Bouclé
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Chrome
Mid-Century Three Seat Spindle Back Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Six foot long three seat sofa with sculpted walnut frame. Featuring a spindle back and angled arms. Tilted back for extra comfort. Please confirm location with vendor NY or NJ
Walnut
Copacabana 3-seater Sofa, Darkened Oak Wood Base, COM/COL option, Portugal
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
21st Century Copacabana Sofa, in Darkened Oak, by Duistt With a bohemian look, the Copacabana sofa is the perfect blend of unique style and cozy comfort. Inspired by the sidewalks o...
Fabric, Wood, Oak, Leather, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Velvet
“Pullman” Sofa in Burnt Caramel Mohair with Rosewood Buttons, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
An iconic statement of Brazilian modern design, the “Pullman” sofa by Jorge Zalszupin exemplifies the designer’s ability to merge architectural discipline with tactile material richn...
Hardwood, Mohair
20th Century, Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena Red Sofa
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Luigi Caccia Dominioni was born in the Lombard capital in 1913. Much of his education takes place at the Jesuits, and then he enrolls in the Faculty of Architecture, at the Politecni...
Brass
Set of 2 Carlo Scarpa 'Cornaro' Sofas in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Two-Seater Sofa and Armchair, Simon Gavina, 1973 Designed in 1973 by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina (later Simon), the Cornaro series is one of the architect’s most im...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$32,067 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina A sectional sofa envisioned as a custom garment, with sophisticated details reminiscent of bespoke tailoring and a wide selectio...
Foam
AV 53 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder, Ivan Schlechter
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AV 53 - 3-seater sofa in red patinated aniline leather with rosewood legs. Designed by Arne Vodder and made by Ivan Schlecter.
Leather, Rosewood
Tecno D120 Five-Seater Sofa by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti, 1966
By Valeria Borsani & Alfredo Bonetti, Tecno
Located in Premariacco, IT
A stunning and rare Tecno D120 sofa, designed by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno, conceived in 1966 and produced in the late 1960s and 1970s. A notable example of Ital...
Steel
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
A prized piece for any Danish modern enthusiast, this Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO64 3 seater sofa is absolutely stunning. Designed in the late 1940's this piece still has its original straps and hand tied springs (repaired and reinforced on the bottom by our restoration specialists). This sofa has been reupholstered in a luxurious creamy white Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of Soriana Sofas, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited i...
Steel
Rare Early All Original 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa
By Gerard van de Groenekan, Gerrit Rietveld, Metz & Co.
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and highly authentic example of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s iconic Utrecht sofa, produced by Metz & Co. in the early 1950s. Designed in 1935, the Utrecht model is a semin...
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Beige Cotton, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos lounge chair brings the essence of nature indoors...
Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Oak, Walnut, Burl, Alpaca, Mohair,...
Jules Wabbes “800” Sofa for Mobilier Universel, 1965
By Mobilier Universel, Jules Wabbes
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Jules Wabbes “800” Sofa for Mobilier Universel, 1965 Designed by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel in 1965, the “800” sofa is a striking example of postwar Belgian modernist desig...
Leather, Wood
$67,200Sale Price|30% Off
Curved Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Midcentury Brazilian Design, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A prolific and gifted designer, Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) masterfully laid the groundwork for modern living in Brazil through his furniture and interiors. Born in Portugal and tra...
Leather, Hardwood
"Piumotto" Two-Seater Sofa Bed by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli, 1970
Located in Premariacco, IT
A 1970s orange leather sofa, the "Piumotto" model designed by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli. The sofa features a two-seater design, ideal for welcoming guests in any type of setting,...
Iron
$2,500
Mid-Century Curved Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long Mid-Century Modern sofa with rounded back, in a Vladimir Kagan style. Please confirm location.
Fabric
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments, characterized by the lovely wave-shaped curves...
Metal
Djinn Sofa by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne, France, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Djinn sofa by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne, 1960s France, an iconic sofa upholstered in luxurious white bouclé. It is inspired by the mythical shape-shifting djinn of Arab culture, i...
Metal
1960 Kho Liang Ie Model 070 Corner Sofa Set with Marble Side Table for Artifort
By Artifort, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Awesome 'Model 070' corner sofa set with daybed by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s. Kho Liang Ie was born in 1927 in Magelang, Dutch East Indies. After Indonesia's independence in 1...
Marble, Metal
$3,722Sale Price|50% Off
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, Manta model, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Italian sofa from the 50s. We do not know who produced it but it is of great design and very rare. The structure is in excellent condition, only the fabric should be replaced. The sh...
Fabric, Beech
Domino Møbler Danish Teak Three Seat Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
This three-seat sofa was crafted in Denmark in the 1960s by Domino Møbler, built on a solid teak frame with the clean, tapered lines characteristic of Danish modern design. Upholster...
Wool, Teak
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Nubuck Leather, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Caramulo swivel lounge chair was designed to offer unparalleled comfort ...
Leather, Oak
De Sede 'Cosmos' DS28 modular sofa in grey / brown Leather, Switzerland, 1970's
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Uithoorn, NL
De Sede 'Cosmos' DS28 modular sofa in grey / brown Leather, Switzerland, 1970's The Cosmos has features of both the Camaleonda by Mario Bellini and the 'Terrazzi' also by De Sede. T...
Leather
1980 Three-Seater Leather Sofa, Ton Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Produced by Ton, Czechoslovakia in late 1980s. The frame is made from beech bentwood. Leather, with signs of use
Leather, Bentwood
Ubald Klug 'Terrazza' Sofa Outdoor Version in Fabric Upholstery for De Sede
By Ubald Klug
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ubald Klug DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofa Outdoor Version in Fabric Upholstery for De Sede, Switzerland. New, current production. The timeless classic 'Terrazza' sofa by De Sede outdoor ve...
Fabric, Wood
"Juliette" Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron, France Mid-20th Century
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
Renowned for their innovative, high-quality furniture, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron combined elegant form with straightforward functionality to create their timeless designs...
Oak, Fabric
Mid-century Modern Italian Bamboo Two-Seat Lounge Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Two-seat Italian mid century modern Lounge Sofa Bamboo A beautiful very well made bamboo sofa from the 1960's. A great stylish piece for in or outdoor use. The velvet is in good con...
Metal
Lawson-Fenning San Rafael Sofa, Green Strie Cushion & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Upholstery, Oak
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Saarinen Swanson Ficks Reed Wrought Iron with Wood Frame Couch
By Ficks Reed, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eva Lisa Saarinen Swanson daughter of Eliel Saarinen and sister of Eero Saarinen married Robert Swanson. Together and with Eliel Saarinen they formed the Saarinen Swanson group. Desi...
Wrought Iron
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa in Black Leather for Cassina, Italy - new
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the size/variation and material of the sofa. Modular system that can be used as a sofa, bench or other options designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaun...
Wood, Leather
$4,581Sale Price / set|20% Off
Elegant Modular Curved Sofa Italian Midcentury Green Brass Feet Cesare Lacca
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Elegant modular curved sofa Italian midcentury design Cesare Lacca Design.
Brass
$5,962Sale Price|25% Off
Pierre Chapo, S18Y “Love Seat” Bench in Elm and Patinated Leather, France, 1970s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Almelo, NL
Pierre Chapo, S18Y “Love Seat” Bench in Elm and Patinated Leather, France, 1970s A rare and architecturally refined S18Y “Love Seat” bench by Pierre Chapo, crafted in his own worksh...
Leather, Elm
Roberto Matta Malitte Seating System Paradisoterrestre Edition
By Paradisoterrestre, Roberto Matta
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1966 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2019 Materials: polyurethane foam; slightly elastic fabric Pugi RG. Upholstery available in different fabrics and colours. Please note ...
Fabric, Foam
$12,760Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Blue Velvet Curved Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern blue velvet curved sofa. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a luxurious crushed blue velve...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Bastiano Two-Seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bastiano Two-Seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s - Original Leather
Leather, Wood
$2,331Sale Price|50% Off
Midcentury Modern Italian Bastiano Sofa by Tobia & Afra Scarpa 1960s
Located in London, GB
A two seater ‘Bastiano’ sofa, designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa. Upholstered in black leather with the wooden frame finished in white lacquer. Italian, late 20th century.
Leather, Lacquer
Guillerme et Chambron, Polished Oak Curved Settee, France, Mid-20th Century
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in New York, NY
This midcentury curved sofa by the celebrated French designer Robert Guillerme, was created as part of a line of design he produced for the company Votre Maison. In polished oak and ...
Upholstery, Oak
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose back cushions. Square dark walnut legs with round brass foot. The piece was reupholst...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of William Armbruster Monumental Five Seat Sofas in Chase Manhattan NYC
By William Armbruster, Edgewood Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of William Armbruster Monumental Five Seat Sofas in Chase Manhattan NYC Armbruster included in MoMA's Good Design exhibits in the early 50's and l...
Stainless Steel
Coronado Sofa in Black Leather by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Coronado two-seater sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s. Sofa in original black leather and fabric tag underneath cushions.
Leather
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
Sofá Mole, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s in Wood and Leather 100% Original Brazil
Located in Curitiba, PR
Iconic Sofá Mole designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s. This 100% original example features a solid wood structure and leather upholstery. The piece has been fully preserved and...
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-Century American Rust Velvet Upholstered Two Seater Fringed Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (Mid-20th Century) two-seat sofa upholstered in rust velvet having roll form arms with 2 seat cushions and a fringed apron in woven strands of beige, yellow a...
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Sofa Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A cerused oak and off-white fabric sofa designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16” Arm Height (inches): 20.13" All items ship from High...
Fabric, Oak
MCM Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa & Club Chair Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa & Club Chair Set Newly Reupholstered in a Retro Knoll Tower Patterned Chenille with an Italian Plush Deep Blue Mohair M...
Mohair, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
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
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" for B&B Italia, ecru velvet three-seater sofa, 1970s
Located in Quarrata, IT
Three-seater sofa, model "Le Bambole", designed by Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970s and manufactured by B&B Italia. This iconic piece represents a milestone ...
Jute, Velvet
$39,511 / set
Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ‒ the firs...
Fabric
Wittmann Leather Chocolate Brown Vintage Sofa Daybed Atrium 1970s Austria
By Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Wittmann freestanding vintage sofa or daybed in chocolate brown color tone from patinated leather by Wittmann 1970s Austria very similar to De Sede. A freestanding and foldable sofa ...
Leather
Stig Sandqvist, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and green floral-printed sofa or bench designed and produced by Stig Sandqvist, Sweden, c. 1960s. Very minor imperfections to wood frame. Removable seat cushion is more worn...
Fabric, Pine
Elsa Modular Sofa III Nobilis Natura Handmade in Portugal by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The Elsa Modular Sofa III is a profound tribute to the surrealist legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli. Designed as a sophisticated play on overlapping volumes, the piece translates the iconic padded sleeves and structured tailoring of Schiaparelli’s couture...
Jacquard
Paus 2-Seater Sofa by Hermhaus in Claret Red Velvet, Mid-Century
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Paus 2-Seater Sofa by Hermhaus is a contemporary seating piece designed to combine comfort, sculptural presence, and architectural clarity. Upholstered in rich claret red velvet,...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
Jean Marie Massaud 'Aspen' Sculptural Sofa Set by Cassina
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofas designed by Jean Marie Massaud in 2005. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Unpretentious elegance. The curve of the backrest, like the ridge...
Steel
3-Seater Sofa Made In Dark Green Leather With Chrome Legs From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
The 3-seater sofa in dark green leather with chrome legs from the early 1970s is a period and stylish piece of furniture that exudes a special elegance and luxury. The deep green col...
Chrome
Etienne-Henri Martin, Sofa, Wood, Silk, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-lacquered wood and beige Japanese floral printed silk sofa, model SK 250, designed by Etienne-Henri Martin and produced by Steiner, France, 1950s. Wear consistent with age a...
Silk, Wood
Mid century Italian leather sofa set by Ercole Biella for Grappeggia, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century cognac leather sofa set consiting of a two seater sofa and armchair designed by Ercole Biella for Grappeggia. Beautiful thick and comfy leather cushions with curvy desi...
Leather