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.
Oscar 2-seater Sofa, in COM fabric, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Sofa, in COM fabric, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR sofa allures for its sensual and free-flowin...
Fabric, Wood, Fur, Leather, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Upholstery
Art Deco Five-Strand Square Pretzel 3-Seater Sectional Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco era five-strand Paul Frankl-inspired square pretzel style, three-seat sectional sofa. This sofa features the famous five-strand square pretzel side arms and stacked rattan b...
Wicker, Rattan
$3,134Sale Price|50% Off
Federico Munari Mid-Century Modern Italian Curved Velvet Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful sofa designed by Federico Munari in the early 1950s. The upholstery has been redone in velvet. A pair of armchairs is also available The armchairs measure: cm W 81 x D...
Brass
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Harvey Probber Style Curved Even Arm Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Harvey Probber attributed curved even arm sofa. This sofa retains its original red faux leather in nice vintage condition. It shows light wear but it is very presentable as ...
Faux Leather
$1,980 / 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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2408-S Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2408-S Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 102 wide x 33 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Sofa with Ebonized Base and Sunburst Fabric
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century sofa with orange, yellow, and gold sunburst patterned upholstery, resting on an ebonized wooden sled base. (HARVEY PROBBER) Scuffing...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Ebony
$6,611Sale Price|20% Off
Vtg 'Onda' Sofa by De Pas D’Urbino + Lomazzi for Zanotta 1980s Cream + Chrome
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Zanotta
Located in Basel, BS
The ultimate squiggle!! Superbly stylish Italian design. Very rare textile version of this piece. Upholstered in fantastic postmodern textured textile, in a beautiful cream color! ...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
The Anton Curved Sofa in Deep Teal by Van den Akker
By Van den Akker
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Studio Van den Akker, the Anton curved Sofa is where the sophistications of Mid-Century Modern design meets contemporary glamour. It features understated yet bold sweepin...
Alpaca, Cotton, Velvet, Ash
$14,647 / set
Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970
By Wittmann
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super cool Wittmann Atrium modular leather sofa manufactured in Austria 1970. This sofa is made of dark brown leather and consists of a 2-seater and 2 sin...
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' Loveseat. Italy , 1972
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This comfortable Flowers fabric settee is bulky and playful, shaped as if it is merely a large cushion and the accompanying feeling is the same. It is designed by Mario Bellini and w...
Fabric, Foam
Mid-Century Walnut Italian Sofa
Located in Chireno, TX
Mid-century Italian walnut sofa upholstered in off-white linen.
Steel
Fantastic Milo Baughman Style Rosewood Case Sofa with Chrome Base Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Milo Baughman Rosewood style case sofa with chrome base. This sofa is spectacular, to say the least! Just look at the amazing deep rich rosewood color and graining. It retains its original nubby woven crimson fabric which looks like it could clean up but as with all older fabric we do recommend reupholstery. We do believe this is an original piece by Milo Baughman but the solid chrome frame looks like a Florence Knoll base...
Chrome
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
1960s Three-Seat Sofa by Knut Sæter for Vatne Møbler in rosewood
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Knut Sæter and produced by Vatne Møbler in Norway during the 1960s, this three-seat sofa reflects the material quality and restrained proportions associated with Norwegia...
Fabric, Rosewood
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Hand-Woven Fiber, Modern Design
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 exoske...
Metal
Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordini in 2019. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A sophisticated haute couture design featuring elegant details reminiscent of classic fine tailoring. S...
Fabric, Foam
$1,374Sale Price|51% Off
Small Sofa Italian Mid-Century Design Green Velvet Cesare Lacca, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
A small sofa with a pleasant shape, design and elegance, restored with a good petrol green velvet.
Velvet, Wood
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Dark Rust Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
LC 2 set 1978 - Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand - Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Exceptional LC-2 matching set in its original black leather. First owner (1979) with original invoices & delivery papers. Low numbers : 003528 & 003559 Designed by Le Corbusier, Pier...
Leather
20th Century White Sheepskin Divano - Vintage Italian Beech Sofa by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage half-rounded Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat sofa or divano made of Beechwood. Designed by Paolo Buffa in good condition. Newly upholstered in white natural sheepskin...
Animal Skin, Sheepskin, Beech
1970s Danish Brown Leather 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern yellow divano, designed most likely by Paolo Buffa in good condition. The seat backrest has a floating back with gently outstretched arms. The large Ital...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
Metal
Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sofa folding model D70 of the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani published by Tecno in the 60s. Black lacquered metal structure and solid brass adjustment elements. Seat covered with bl...
Metal, Brass
$7,751Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern American Sofa, Brown Velvet, Wooden Legs, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Imposing brown velvet American sofa embodies elegance and comfort in perfect balance. circa 1950s-60s. The recently refreshed velvet envelops the frame with its soft and refined text...
Velvet, Wood
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
Customizable Double-Back Sofa with Brushed Brass Plinth By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa This sofa measures: 100 wide x 36 deep x 23.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height of 23....
Leather, Wood
Kazuhide Takahama Naeko sofa (daily bed), metal structure, 1957, Gavina
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Naeko sofa (daily bed) by Kazuhide Takahama, first model manufactured by Gavina. Supporting structure in metal, polyurethane foam padding, original upholstery, slightly elastic woode...
Metal
$3,072Sale Price / set|44% Off
Geraldo de Barros, pair of tubular metal armchairs, 1970s
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
Geraldo de Barros (1923–1998) was a pioneering Brazilian artist whose influence extended across various artistic disciplines, including painting, photography, and furniture design. B...
Metal
P40 Osvaldo Borsani Easy Chair For Tecno 1950s
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
The ‘P40’ Easy Chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani, a leading figure of Italian Modernism in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as his masterpiece, which he commissioned the Italian furnit...
Iron
$3,704Sale Price|50% Off
Luciano Frigerio Mid-Century Modern Italian Wood and Suede Sofa "Ussaro", 1970s
By Luciano Frigerio, Luciano Frigerio di Desio
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This sofa was designed by Luciano Frigerio. It is made of wood with brass friezes, the upholstery is in suede and the bands that support the cushions are in leather. This model is pa...
Brass
Martin Visser SZ04 Lounge Chairs Sofa 't Spectrum, 1964
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare set of 3 lounge chairs model SZ04 designed by Martin Visser and manufacturer by 't Spectrum, The Netherlands 1964. These lounge chairs can ...
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Curved Bamboo, Maple and Leather Italian Sofa, White Fabric, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century organic sofa, fully made in bamboo, leather, and maple wood. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1960s. with chestnut e and leather finishes. ...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Chestnut, Maple, Fabric
Vintage Sofa by Drexel Heritage, Postmodern, 80s, Velvet, Hollywood Regency
By Drexel
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vintage Sofa by Drexel Heritage, Postmodern, 80s, Velvet, Hollywood Regency, Couch, Mid Century Vintage from the 1980s Measurements: 88" L x 39" D x 32" H Seat height: 18.5" Arm he...
Velvet
Krogenæs Møbler Attribution, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Norway, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and off-white fabric sofa or bench attributed to Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.625"H x 62.375"W x 24.0"D Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Al...
Fabric, Pine
Modular Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The “Modular” sofa represents Zalszupin’s most architectural approach to seating — a system conceived for flexibility, comfort, and elegant functionality. Constructed on a linear jac...
Marble, Metal
Mood Armchair with arms Latte 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
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
Italian Mid-Century Three-Seater Sofa in Red Velvet, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Italian sofa from the 1950s exudes timeless charm and elegance. Cloaked in rich red velvet, this three-seater sofa visually demonstrates why the appeal of Italian mid-century fu...
Brass
Theo Ruth Sofa, Model 115 in Dedar Bouclé and Beech, Artifort, Netherlands, 1958
This striking sofa was designed by Theo Ruth in 1958. This model numbered 115 was produced by Artifort in the Netherlands. The design is marked by the rounded lines of the upholst...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
“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
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa Loveseat (2 of 2)
By Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans, Craft Associates
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa or loveseat blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich blac...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
$912Sale Price|19% Off
Sofà Mid-Century Italian Design Velvet and Brass
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sofà Mid-Century Italian design velvet and brass, Isa Bergamo production. The velvet is original from its 1950s and below it has a photo that has been rep...
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Sleeper Settee by Peter Hvidt, Teak Frame
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century expandable sleeper Settee with a teak wood frame with caned sides, a solid seat cushion and two wedge-shaped removable back cushions in light and dark gold pattern...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Pierre Paulin, Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal ABCD sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s. Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East 63rd street, New York. R...
Metal
Tone Armchair by Hermhaus, Velvet & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
Vintage Ficks Reed Sectional Sofas Walnut with Rattan
By Ficks Reed
Located in Denton, TX
Rare combination of walnut with rattan love seats by Ficks Reed that can be used as one long sofa or as a corner unit or a pair Measurements with ou...
Walnut
Lavender Ultra Suede Cloud Sofa Chaise Lounge by Weiman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lavender Ultra Suede Cloud Sofa Chaise Lounge by Weiman Kagan decor.
Upholstery
Bastiano Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
Located in Brussels, BE
Bastiano Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy, 1962
Wood, Leather
Mid-Century Green Leather Two-Seat Sofa, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid-century two-seat sofa produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s, featuring a solid beech wood frame and original dark green leather upholstery. The sofa is defined by its clean...
Leather, Wood, Beech
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
Fritz Hansen, Model "Canada", Almue Painted 3-Seater Sofa, Danish Modern, 1939
By Christian E. Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Such a charming example of the "Canada" sofa, designed by Christian E. Hansen for Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The sofa is made of wood, later painted in a Swedish "Almue" style, with ...
Fabric, Beech
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Harvey Probber 4-Seat Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Harvey Probber 4-seat sofa. This stylish sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and still looks great-light cleaning recommended.
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti for Casa E Giardino, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian sofa in the style of Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1950s. Dimensions: H= 82 cm; W= 160 cm; D= 65 cm; H seat= 45 cm.
Velvet, Wood
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Guillerme & Chambron Settee in Oak, France, c 1960's
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in New York, NY
This settee was designed by the iconic French design duo Guillerme et Chambron. The high quality and distinctive skeletal open frame construction features a beautifully crafted spind...
Oak
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Single Blossom
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 the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Brown Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Dark Brown Leather and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian...
Leather