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.
1980 Bentwood Three-Seat Sofa, Ton Czechoslovakia
By TON a.s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Produced by Ton, Czechoslovakia in late 1980s. The frame is made from beech bentwood. The original cushions and the item are in good original condition.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
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. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Dimensions: 32.25” H x 85.5” W x 40” D Seat Height...
Fabric, Oak
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 42 deep x 37 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 37 inches All pieces of ...
Upholstery, Wood
Corbi Sofa Set by Klaus Uredat for COR, 1970, Customised in Orange Corduroy
By Klaus Uredat
Located in PARIS, FR
Klaus Uredat (born 1932, Germany) was a German industrial designer who came of age during the post-war reconstruction era. He began his design career in the 1960s, working primarily ...
Fabric, Foam
$2,983Sale Price|25% Off
Red Velvet Club Sofa, Hollywood Regency, Germany, 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 an...
Velvet
1970s Skipper Mobler Leather and Rosewood Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Skipper Mobler Rosewood Box sofa with high quality Buffalo leather. Unique cushion designs creates a wonderful design and excellent comfort. Settee also...
Leather, Rosewood
Charlotte Perriand MId-Century Modern LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. M...
Wood
Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Piero Lissoni Modular Sofa by Cassina, Aluminum, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni 8 Modular Sofa and For Cassina Refined minimalist shapes characterize the timeless elegance of this modular sofa that combines masterful construction and fine tailorin...
Aluminum
Mid-Century 3 Seat Sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Dimensions 85-102 x 190 x 74 41 cm (Depth x Width x Height / Seat height) This unique mid-century design sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
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
De Sede DS-88 Sectional Daybed Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather Switzerland, 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous Cognac Tan leather DS88 landscape daybed / sofa by De Sede in patchwork. The item features 8 pieces in toptal: – 2 seat elements (bottom + seat + backrests...
Leather, Foam, Wood
$14,676Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Vintage Fully Tufted Chesterfield Olive Green Leather Sofa & Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage suite of circa 1960’s Olive Green leather Chesterfield club sofa and armchair A very good looking and well made suite, th...
Leather, 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
Enzo Minotti Italian Sofa in Luxurious Velvet, 1950s
By Minotti
Located in Bochum, NRW
Large sofa, four seats, designed by Enzo Minotti, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s. Wooden structure reupholstered in luxurious Rubelli velvet. Wood feet. Angular shaped design, with comfor...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
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
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16.25 and arm height of 21 inches Good Vintage...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Style Banjo Sofa in Boucle by Mavo Atelier, Handmade in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Banjo reveals itself in two elegant sections, with or without arms, offering refined versatility for refined residential or hospitality settings. Every curve, every line, every seam ...
Chenille, Upholstery
$19,500 / set
DS-11 Patchwork Sectional Sofa for De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DS-11 seven piece burnt red leather sofa c.1970s, for De Sede, Switzerland. The modular system consists of three corner seats and four center seats all upholstered in the original pe...
Leather
Lani, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-painted wood and green fabric sofa or settee produced by Lani, Sweden, c. 1960s. Loss of yellow paint present to wood Vintage fabric in fair condition Wear consistent wit...
Fabric, Wood
Gastone Rinaldi 1950s Brushed Steel Sofa in Anni Albers Christopher Farr Cloth
By Christopher Farr, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in London, GB
A fantastic 1950s sofa by Italian designer Gastone Rinaldi. This striking piece features a refined brushed steel frame with generous upholstered cushioning, newly covered in the Anni Albers Collection “Black Mountain Indigo Weave” fabric by Christopher Farr Cloth...
Steel
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle Deux Places Durable
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle Deux Places Durable In the various models of Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, the concept of modernity is expressed through th...
Metal
Very Rare Moon sofa (serpentine) by Vladimir Kagan for Club House Italia
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very Rare Vladimir Kagan Moon Sofa for Club House Italia Documented and Labelled Kagan New York Collection Sofa from 2001 Few sofas embody Vladimir Kagan’s unmistakable organic desi...
Fabric
De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi “Carrera” Sofa for BBB Bonacina, 1969, Set of 5
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, BBB Bonacchina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi “Carrera” Modular Sofa for BBB Bonacina, Wood and Foam, Italy, 1969, Set of five Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino, and Paolo...
Velvet, Foam
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Iconic 1950's party sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This is the Model 5407 Chesterfield style sofa in black leather. Original leather. The wide arms and long le...
Leather
Studio Smania, Italian Modern, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Sofa, Italy, 1970s
By Smania
Located in Stamford, CT
Studio Smania, Italian Modern, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Sofa, Italy, 1970s An Indian cane and bamboo sofa designed and produced by Studio Smania as part of "La Palma" series in Italy c...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane
Mid-Century Walnut Italian Sofa
Located in Chireno, TX
Mid-century Italian walnut sofa upholstered in off-white linen.
Steel
Stunning Curved Sculptural Floating Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Absolutely stunning curved floating sofa with unusual sculpted walnut legs. This is a vintage piece and is very unusual almost a mystery really as we have never seen another with the...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,537Sale Price|20% Off
Bamboo and Rattan Sofa by Maugrion for Roche Bobois - France - 1980s
By Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo and Rattan Sofa by Maugrion for Roche Bobois - Unique Piece of Vintage Design Refined bamboo and rattan sofa, made by the renowned Maugrion brand "Le rotin prestige "for Roch...
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eg...
Leather
$3,182Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Sofa Camel-Colored Leather Three-Seat, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Italian-made three-seat sofa from the 1970s. The sofa is made of camel colored leather. The peculiarity of the sofa is in its double layer leathe...
Leather
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brass and green fabric sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the...
Brass
$2,936Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Original Ultra Modern Sofa w/ Designer Retro Fabric
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning 1970s Mid Century Modern Ultra Modern Designer Sofa. Retro designer textile. Manufactured by Shawnee Penn Miami.
Fabric
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
Mid-Century Modern Tobia Scarpa White Bouclé Wool Soriana Italian Sofa, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa model "Soriana" two-seat design by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure and reupholstered in white bouclé wool fabric Italy, 1960s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935...
Wool, Bouclé, Plastic, Wood
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in New Boucle Fabric, Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In New Boucle Fabric, Italy 1970s. Adriano Piazzessi Italian 1970s generously proportioned boucle fabric lounge sofa, with curve...
Steel
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 12 (to frame) a...
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 95.5 wide x 30.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vi...
Upholstery
Two seater sofa "Togo" Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Torino, IT
Two seater sofa "Togo" in alcantara, Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa d...
Velvet
$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
$2,400Sale Price|36% Off
Mid Century Bamboo Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" sofa reminiscent of the designs of Paul Frankl. A bent bamboo frame with floral print upholstery.
Fabric, Bamboo
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Wingback Sofa by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler of Denmark, 1950's
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is spectacular! Designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler in the late 1950's, this sculptural sofa is just as comfortable as it is beautiful. With long, clean lines and arched wingback sides, the body is reminiscent of an Arne Jacobsen egg chair. The back of the sofa showcases the solid teak frame that perfectly cradles the body of the sofa. The teak frame is further accentuated with its rich color and patina that really pops off the white lower-pile fine Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Teak
$1,591Sale Price|50% Off
Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi Mid-Century Modern Italian Chiavari Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This sofa with armrests was designed by Gaetano Descalzi in the city of Chiavari in Italy, where they have been produced since then in various models. Made of mahogany stained beech...
Satin, Beech
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 Modern Pagru Modular Sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pagru' Modular sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s.
Fabric
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Curved Erwin Lambeth Sled Leg Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Erwin Lambeth curved back sled leg sofa. This sofa was reupholstered long ago in this wonderful sapphire blue crushed velvet and still looks ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sleek Barcelona Sofa, c. 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek Barcelona leather sofa, c. 1970's Dimensions: 31.5"H x 59"W x 31"D.
Chrome
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
PK-31/2 Sofa in Brown Leather by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa comes from a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leather has ...
Metal
Contemporary Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Oak Root, Cotton, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos lounge chair brings the essence of nature indoors, insp...
Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Leather, Burl, Oak, Walnut
Canapé d’angle vintage composé de 3 modules en cuir noir avec lit intégré
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Canapé d’angle vintage des années 70, en cuir noir, superbe design dans le style des éditions De Sede, Cinna ou Ligne Roset, composé de 3 modules avec lit intégré, 4 à 6 places, trè...
Leather
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
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
1960s Hans Olsen Three-Seater Sofa, completely original.
By Hans Olsen
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Danish designer Hans Olsen and produced in Denmark during the 1960s, this three-seater sofa is a refined example of Scandinavian Modern seating, combining a slender expos...
Leather, Hardwood
Russell Woodard Style Metal Garden or Porch Sofa with Matching Lounge Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Woodard inspired sofa and matching lounge chairs, handmade wrought-iron outdoor patio, garden or porch furniture featuring scrolling maple leaf design. A trademark for their durable design and construction. Simple and elegant. The set makes for comfortable and inviting seating ensemble. Garden seating, garden sofa, outdoor metal sofa...
Wrought Iron
$9,711Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Simone Modular Sofa Cotton Velvet Made in Portugal by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Nina Simone left an indelible mark on 20th-century music, renowned for her unparalleled interpretations across jazz, blues, soul, folk, and pop genres. Beyond her musical prowess, Si...
Cotton
Organic Shape Yellow Pattern Club Sofa, Hollywood Regency, Germany, 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 an...
Velvet