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.
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Long Danish Sofa by Bramin w/ Sculpted Teak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Danish made sofa sits four people comfortably in its 7+ feet length. Designed with swooping arms that are fully cushioned, and a teak base with tapered legs and middle ...
Fabric, Teak
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 Three Seat Sofa
Located in Den Haag, NL
Mid Century modern Italian three seat sofa
Wool, Wood
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and rattan sofa attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.25"H x 67.75"W x 30.0"D Seat Height (inches): 15.0" A...
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
Beautiful Italian Mid Century Sectional Sofa 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Beautiful Italian Mid Century Sectional Sofa from the 1980s is a stunning piece that embodies the design aesthetics of that era. T...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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
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
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and white fabric sofa or settee designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s Seat Height (inches): 16" Arm Height (inches): 19.75" Reupholstered in brand new...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
$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
Marco Zanuso Style Modern Sofa 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modern sofa with brass legs in the style of Marco Zanuso. Italy, 1960's. Newly upholstered in pebble color JAB indoor/outdoor fabric by Venfield.
Brass, Steel
Gondola Sofa by Karl-Erik Ekselius for J.O. Carlsson
By J.O. Carlsson, Adrian Pearsall, Karl-Erik Ekselius
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Karl-Erik Ekselius. Sculpted walnut frame in the style of Adrian Pearsall's Gondala sofa, with three wide cushion...
Walnut
Waterfall Bear Sofa by Charles Hollis Jones, Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage three seater sofa designed and manufactured in the USA in the 1970s by Mr Lucite, Charles Hollis Jones and part of the Waterfall Bear Collection. The sofa is upholstered in...
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa
By Wittmann
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 160 wide x 36 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inch...
Leather, Wood
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Woven Leather Sofa, Metal Frame, UK, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Woven leather; Sculptural sofa; Metal frame; Settees; Two-seater; Living room set; United Kingdom; UK; sculptural; 1950s; Sculptural sofa made of woven brown leather. The subtle ...
Metal
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Sofa for COR in new Mohair Upholstery, Germany – 1969
By Klaus Uredat, COR
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
$4,097Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Curved Sofa by Carl-Johan Boman for Boman Oy, Finland, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
Carl-Johan Boman for Oy Boman AB rare loveseat/compact sofa with elegantly curved back and tapering stained legs, Finland, 1940s. This exquisite sofa has a classic Scandinavian Moder...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
Le Corbusier 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Petit Modèle, Deux Places
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Petit Modèle, Deux Places For Cassina Derived from the iconic 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort, petit modèle armchair, the sofa fashioned by Cassina a...
Chrome
1960s Loveseat in Larsen Fabric
Located in New York, NY
1960s loveseat in original Larsen fabric. Nicely made with sculptural arms and two pillows.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Fabric, Wood
Harvey Probber Impressive 16 Foot Angle Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has a wow factor. The upholstery is actually good and we think the seat cushion could be flipped to show the unfaded section. It can also be reupholstered to update. This s...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,731Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Leather Sofa by B&B Italia by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Designers
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Coronado Brown Leather Sofa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia A true icon of Italian design, the Coronado sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in the late 1960s, e...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Sofas for Reupholstery
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Parlor Sofas on Chrome Bases in Original Burgundy Leather - Set of 2 Item does not have maker's label. Selling for reupholstery.
Chrome
Hans J. Wegner Style, Teak, Leatherette, Settee, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Hans J. Wegner Style, Teak, Leatherette, Settee, Denmark, 1950s A unique settee or bench in the style of Hans Wegner's very rare model JH-555 sofa for Johannes Hansen in Denmark in ...
Faux Leather, Teak
Heywood Wakefield, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and fabric sofa produced by Heywood Wakefield, USA, c. 1950s. Rattan binding presents with light areas of wear consistent with age and use Upholstered in Zak + Fox...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa, Chandigarh, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa, Chandigarh, 1960s Bridge Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, Model PJ-SI-42-B attributed to Pierre Jeanner...
Fabric, Teak
Chocolate Brown COR Trio Sectional Sofa Germany Switzerland 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in the image...
Fabric, Velvet
Custom Ida 3-seater Sofa, Duistt Fabric/velvet, Black Oak Base & Cast Bronze
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ida Sofa, Sand Brushed Black Oak Base and Cast Bronze Details, by Duistt The ida collection is a luxurious set of two upholstery pieces and a side table. They all feature sand brush...
Bronze
Vintage Black Rattan Sofa In Quadrille “Royal Journey”
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage rattan sofa combines sophisticated craftsmanship with a distinctly tropical sensibility, resulting in a statement piece that is both refined and inviting. Fi...
Fabric, Rattan
Ritts and Company Three Piece. Rattan Sofa with Custom Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ritts and Co. Rattan sofa with new raw cotton upholstery. The sofas comes in three sections that are independent but form a lovely Sofa. Ritts and Co. pro...
Cotton, Upholstery, Foam
Stunning & Rare DS-85 matching sofa set in black leather by De Sede Swiss
By De Sede
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Complete De Sede DS-85 Seating Group in Original Black Leather, Switzerland, 1970s Rare complete three-piece DS-85 seating group by De Sede, comprising the convertible sofa and daybe...
Leather
Octagonal Sofa Attributed to Harvey Probber, Restored in Blue Maharam Fabric
Located in Kansas City, MO
Octagonal / round seating unit / sofa / loveseat that we are attributing to Harvey Probber. Eight walnut legs around the perimeter plus a center walnut leg. Expertly restored and reu...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,940Sale Price|40% Off
1970's Italian Tufted Leather Sofa by Ambienti Bernini
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Very comfortable lounging sofa made in Italy by Ambienti Bernini. It reminds me of the Mario Bellini "le Bambole" sofa but with tufte...
Upholstery
Amazing Burlwood Olivewood Milo Baughman Style Case Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wow! What an amazing piece this sofa is a feast for your eyes. The olivewood has spectacular graining and the original fabric looks fabulous. This sofa was never sat in for 50+ years...
Upholstery
$31,834 / 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
1970's Pale Pink Leather and Teak Ekornes Montana 2 Seat Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage 1970’s Norwegian 2 seat sofa loveseat by Ekornes, the ‘Montana’ model. Sculptural solid teak frame with pale peach pink leather cushions. Excellent vintage condition, nice pa...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Key City Furniture Striped Yellow Tufted Sofa
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Mid-Century Modern sofa by Key City Furniture Company, upholstered in a vibrant striped yellow fabric, featuring a tufted back and a unique shape. This sofa combines a st...
Fabric
Mid century modern Sofa in velvet and brass by Isa Bergamo, Italy 1950
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa 3 seats velvet production Isa Begamo, 1950, restored in beige velvet, brass feet. Works by ISA Bergamo remain: mirrors, armchairs and many furnish...
Brass
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
$3,274Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Sleep-O-Matic Sofa / Daybed by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Munich, DE
Made by arflex. Can be pulled out as bed.
Fabric
Arne Norell Mid Century Swedish Ilona Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Norell Mid Century Swedish Ilona Sofa This sofa measures: 89 wide x 32 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 30.5 inches Good Vintage Condition - A...
Upholstery, Wood
Danish Modern Sofa by Pi Langlos Fabrikker / style Illum Wikkelso Hans Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful and early P.I. Langlos Fabrikker, Stranda sofa design. I believe Rosewood legs and detailing. Design in the style of Illum Wikkelso. Original early paper tag still attached on underside. Details the product number. Following is information regarding company history from a family member of the firm. I have included an early photo form the firm. The designer of this sofa was Oskar Langlo...
Rosewood
Rare French Midcentury Sofa
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare beautiful sofa upholstered in a creme wool bouce from Dedar. Seat and backrest with springs. The sofa is very comfortable. Fully restored.
Brass
20th Century Red Velvet German Sofa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful club sofa from the 1960s, produced in Germany - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartments providing comfort a...
Velvet
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Metal
1970s Czechoslovak Modular Leather Five-Seat Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
.Modular leather sofa manufactured in Czechoslovakia in the 1980s. This versatile system consists of five individual lounge modules that can be arranged into a long sofa or used sepa...
Leather
Luciano Frigerio 'Norman' 3 Seat Sofa in Walnut and Suede, Italy, 1968
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Luciano Frigerio's Norman 3 Seat Sofa in walnut and suede exemplifies mid-century Italian elegance and craftsmanship. Renowned for his unique approach to furniture design, Frigerio's...
Suede, Walnut
Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Red Sofa For Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Bensalem, PA
Original Knoll 3 seater Barber This was acquired by the original owner and has minimal to no wear was in an office of a upscale estate.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, Beige Brochier Fabric
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, handmade in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. With an elegant design inspired by the style of the great mid-century French designers this sofa e...
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak,...
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown Suede, 1971
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing formle...
Foam, Suede
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina. In the various models of Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, the concept of modernity is expressed t...
Polyester
Guillerme et Chambron Curved Sofa Loveseat for Votre Maison, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Unusual oak sofa by Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison. The frame has the usual hallmarks of their production with the extended end and thick pencil-shaped legs with a curved back...
Velvet, Oak
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
Guillerme et Chambron Sofa with Tiled Side Table, France ca 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
The duo of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and their company, Votre Maison, denote a landmark of French mid-century design history. Robert Guillerme, who designed most of the w...
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner Style Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner Style Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 95.5 wide x 32 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.75 and arm height of 20.5 inches Good V...
Upholstery, Teak
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
An iron, dark-stained wood and blue fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Iron
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dynamic interplay of contours and a graphic silhouette. A sectional floor sofa...
Formica
Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare and desirable sofa Model 5316 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This completely original example is in very good condition. No tears, holes or stains to the o...
Aluminum
Billy Baldwin Style Two Part Cane Basketweave Parsons Sofa Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish cane basketweave two-part parsons sofa or settee made in the style and manner of Billy Baldwin. Beautifully crafted from a wood frame embellis...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Hardwood