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.
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. 77 x 150 x 84 cm
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon Two-Seater Sofa, c. 1970 Label: Probel This two-seater sofa by Jean Gillon, created circa 1970 for the manufacturer Probel, reflects the designer’s signature blend of sc...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
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
$5,369Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Federico Munari Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful pair of armchairs designed by Federico Munari in the early 1950s. The upholstery has been redone in velvet. The sofa is also available.
Brass
Newly Upholstered Knoll International Black Leather Custom Sofa, Germany, 1950s
By Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered Knoll International custom sofa in sorensen leather. Germany, 1950s.
Metal
$2,001 / set
1950s Italian Sofa With Matching Stool
Located in London, London
A sculptural 1950s Italian sofa and stool set, upholstered in a vivid Varese yellow velvet by Designers Guild. The upholstery is not new and is be...
Velvet, Beech
AN Italian "Anfibio" Sofa Bed By Alessandro Becchi For Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
One of the rarest of mid-century design sofas, the “Anfibio” sofa bed was a design by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni in 1972. The Anfibio is a cult item of its genre. I...
Fabric
Jupiter Sofa by Finn Juhl for from France and Søn and France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame and black leather seating. The sofa is ...
Leather, Rosewood
Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé concha by Joaquim Tenreiro circa 1950, La tapisserie n’est pas dans une belle condition.
Wool, Wood
$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
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
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Sofa Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and off-white fabric sofa designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, c. 1950s. Seat height 18”.
Fabric, Oak
Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex circa 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
An Original Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa , 3 seat model, made for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. "This model was first presented by Marco Zanuso at t...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern 4 Piece Channeled Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Modern four-piece channeled back sectional sofa. Curved and has the original orange velvet upholstery. Each section - 31"H x 43"W x 34"D. All together the width is 172"W.
Velvet
Pierre Paulin Rare BLUB BLUB Seating Lounge 1972
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Blub Blub by Pierre Paulin in gradient original fabric. The “Blub Blub” sofa, chair seating system is a rare 1972 design by Pierre Paulin, created during his experimental orga...
Fabric, Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber
Two Way Two Part "C" Shape Striped Upholstery Custom Sofa Couch w/ Tassels MINT!
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Measured individually. Offers long or short rectangle set up wrap around design sofa. Long set up measures 138" and the short set up is 106" long. Phenomenal mid century modern desi...
Upholstery
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
$8,750Sale Price|30% Off
Completely Restored Blue Velvet Grand Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with tapered rosewood legs and newly upholstered in a plush soft blue velvet. Every inch of this grand sofa has been painstakingly restored/replaced a...
Velvet
$3,706Sale Price|30% Off
Marco Zanuso Style Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa "Lady", 50s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Lady Marco Zanuso style sofa. The sofa has been restored and upholstered in blue velvet, the feet are in beech wood. Immediately after the war, Marco Zanuso began a fruitful collabo...
Velvet, Beech, Fir
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Brazilian Modern “Stella” Three-Seat Sofa in Wood & Bouclé by Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues (1924–2014) and produced by OCA, the Stella sofa stands as a mature expression of Brazilian modern design at its most confident and culturally gr...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa, canvas and wood, 1960, Gavina
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa by Tobia Scarpa with original upholstery in canvas. Supporting structure in wood, flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Canvas, Wood
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
Hans J. Wegner Model 290 Three-Seat Sofa, Oak & Wool, Mid-Century
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa made of solid soap treated oak. New upholstered with yellow fabric. Model 290, made by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa, Steel, Rope and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collection full of playful...
Steel
English Regency Style Waxed Cordovan Leather Case Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent mid-century modern case sofa or tuxedo style sofa settee crafted in the English regency taste. The sofa features a dark hardwood frame covered with a dramatic waxed cordovan ...
Brass
Contemporary Verona Sofa with Brass Detailing, Wooden Base and Beige Fabric
Located in Freamunde, PT
Verona sofa embodies the essence of Italian elegance and timeless charm. With its clean lines and luxurious fabric, it captures the spirit of the romantic city it’s named after, brin...
Metal, Brass
Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning George Sofa, Grey Wool & Walnut, Modern Couch
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
Vintage White American Four Seater Nautilus Sofa - Settee by Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern American four seater nautilus sofa with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan in good condition. The high seat backrest of the settee, canapé curves s...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
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
Sintra Sofa in Dark Sea Green Velvet, Brass Legs, Contemporary Style
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Sintra" sofa upholstered in dark sea green / teal velvet with four removable back cushions and a single long seat cushion, resting on tapered brass legs. (Avai...
Metal, Bronze
$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
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
Børge Mogensen High Sofa 2432 with Brown Leather by Fredericia Furniture
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen (1914-1972) sofa for 2 persons model no. 2432 with high back. It's upholstered with the original chocolate brown leather. The legs are made of solid oa...
Leather, Foam, Feathers, Oak
Sculpted Walnut Sofa by Erwin Lambeth, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Southampton, NJ
Beautifully restored vintage 1960s sofa with curved back attributed to Erwin Lambeth. Exquisite lines in the sculpted hand rubbed walnut form crowns the sofa and follows the frame's ...
Bouclé, Walnut
Marigold Marco Zanuso Sofa, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Regent Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex shown here in its original marigold teddy upholstery. It could be cleaned with some inner refurbishment and used as is or reupholstered in COM....
Velvet
$1,122Sale Price|78% Off
Mid-Century Red Curved Sofa 1950s Italian Design Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century red curved sofa 1950s Italian design wood feet, restored.
Wool, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Sofa Bed by Vivai del Sud. 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian bamboo sofa by Vivai del Sud. This sofa can become a comfortable single bed. From the part under the seat another bed can be pulled out. The bedsteads are...
Bamboo
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Model 150 BS
Located in Raleigh, NC
An incredible serpentine sofa from Vladimir Kagan designed in 1950. This example was originally upholstered in white leather with white lacquer bases, circa 2000. Now restored in a...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut “Gondola” Sofa After Adrian Pearsall, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Inspired by the celebrated designs of Adrian Pearsall, this vintage walnut Gondola sofa captures the sculptural spirit that made his work an enduring icon of American mid-century mod...
Fabric, Walnut
Isamu Noguchi Freeform Sofa & Ottoman – Vitra, Raf Simons for Kvadrat Vidar 4
Located in Dronten, NL
Few designs balance art and function as seamlessly as Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa. Originally conceived in 1946 and produced in very limited numbers today by Vitra, this is not jus...
Wool, Ash
Federico Munari. Elegant two-seater sofa with bronze feet.
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2630 Federico Munari (1907-1998) Elegant two-seater sofa with bronze feet. I.S.A. Bergamo manufacture, ca.1950. 150x80xh75
Bronze
Pair Mid-Century Modern Two Seat Sofa Settees By Max Stout Mohair w Iron Frames
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous styling from the 1950s, pair of wingback Settees with mohair upholstery. Beautiful iron frames with oak arms create the perfect seating. And there's a pair!! 2nd settee is o...
Iron
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
$21,128 / 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
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
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of five (two corners + three easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Velvet, Foam
$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
Fiftyish Wingback Leather Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. We also have another available with walnuts feet. Original leather with chrome legs. Extremely rare piece of design.
Leather
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
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sofa with Burlap Bed Mechanism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s original Italian sofa refurbish and reupholstered with the panna cotta corduroy cotton velvet, and new foam. Sofa and the bed very comfortable .Brass and metal lags when the b...
Brass
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
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
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
“Concha” Sofa in Plum Mohair Velvet & Hardwood, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and sculptural “Concha” sofa—named after the Portuguese word for shell—this piece represents a highly refined and seldom-seen expression of Brazilian modernism ...
Hardwood, Mohair
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa By Ellekær & Norell For Coja
By Sven Ellekaer , Arne Norell
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
$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
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
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