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.
$19,177 / item
Piero Lissoni 8 Cube Sofa, Three Seaters by Cassina
By Piero Lissoni, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Piero Lissoni in 2017. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An evolution of the iconic 8 sofa, 8 cube collection revisits and softens up the...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form in Cognac Brown Add an iconic statement to your interior with this striking Mid-Century Modern 3-seat leather...
Leather, Beech
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
Martin Visser "BR03" for Spectrum Dutch Minimalist Daybed, Sofa, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Wonderful Dutch Minimalist modern design sofa / daybed model ''BR03'' designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum 1960s, The Netherlands. Magnificent Minimalist design with black metal f...
Metal
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
Mel Smilow Mid Century Walnut Case Sofa
By Mel Smilow
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mel Smilow Mid Century Walnut Case Sofa This sofa frame measures: 84.5 wide x 31 deep x 22.75 inches high, with a seat height of 12 and arm height of 22.75 inches All pieces of fur...
Walnut
$2,850
Modernist French Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Nice modernist French sofa, new vinyl upholstery.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover the captivating charm of this striking mid-century modern teak sofa, a true gem from Denmark in the 1960s. This piece embodies Scandinavian design principles, blending funct...
Brass
Mid Century Brazilian Sergio Rodriguez Style Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modern style 3 seat sofa in Cognac leather and Oak frame. Styling is a nod to Sergio Rodriguez, Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon and Arne Norell, however maker is unknown...
Leather, Oak
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
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bench by Paolo Buffa, Italy, Circa 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian two-seater bench made of hand crafted Rosewood, attributed to Paolo Buffa in good condition. The backrest of the small divanetto is s...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Rosewood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Alpaca, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, two-tone alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of six "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Velvet, Plastic
De Sede "DS-11" Modular Sofa, Natural Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede "DS-11" Modular Sofa, Leather, Switzerland, 1970, Set of 4 The De Sede “DS-11” modular sofa exemplifies the great art of craftsmanship and design of the 1970s. The in-house...
Leather
$1,785Sale Price|22% Off
Two Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
This two-seater sofa is a distinctive example of Arne Norell's design from the 1970s. With its upholstery of patinated leather and metal frame, the sofa exudes a stylish and modern a...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Butter Alpaca, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, butter alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it ...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
Vintage Italian Leather and Jute Pod Sofa
Located in Fall River, MA
Expertly crafted, the Lorenzo mid-century leather and rope sofa makes a stunning statement piece for any space. Its timeless design features rich leather upholstery complemented by e...
Chrome
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous White Leather Cloud Sofa Weiman, 1980s
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous white leather cloud sofa, circa 1980s. The original owner had this sofa recently re-upholstered in a durable thick white leather and looks great.
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
$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
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Bouclé Fabric "Soriana" Italian Sofa
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-Century Modern four-seat sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure, reupholstered in white bouclé fabric. Made in Italy...
Steel, Chrome
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Space-Age Tubular Chrome 2-Seat Sofa with Table Ingmar Relling Style
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Space Age chrome tubular 2-seat sofa with attached table in the style of Ingmar Relling. This piece is a bit of a mystery as to designer but by the shear quality and craftsmanship they shout that the designer is someone important. This sofa settee was purchased from a super high end car dealership from the 1970s. The interior of this car dealership was very futuristic in design with many pieces like this and pieces from the fiberglass steelcase floating furniture...
Chrome
$6,714Sale Price|25% Off
Kupe 2-Seat Sofa Model 2432 Made In Black Leather By Børge Mogensen From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Kupe 2-person sofa, model 2432, is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1970s, created by the renowned designer Børge Mogensen in collaboration with Fredericia Furniture...
Leather
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
De Puydt Three-Seater Sofa with Upholstered Cushions, Belgium 1970s
By De Puydt
Located in Utrecht, NL
Technical ingenuity and mastery are indispensable, and fuel each other to achieve equally sublime and atmospheric results in De Puydt furniture. This three-seater sofa is an exceptio...
Wood
Weiman/Preview 3 Piece Sectional/Sofa w/ Boucle Upholstery, Circa 1970
Weiman/Preview boucle upholstery, circa 1970. Original with brown boucle fabric. Measures 30” tall 120” long 90” deep at long end 34” deep from arm t...
Fabric, Bouclé
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$10,013 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic long-frame sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, featuring his signature gently arcing silhouette and tapered walnut legs. Fully reupholstered in Maharam's premium "Meld" wool ...
Fabric, Walnut
$9,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ward Bennett Tufted White Leather Sofa (two available)
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
Stunning 7ft Ward Bennett tufted sofa on walnut plinth base. Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them Rare restored Ward Bennett sofa in a rich white leather, by GARRETT...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa Cannes, Beige Leather, Handmade Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern 2-seat leather sofa Cannes, Mid-Century Modern Sofa, handmade in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. With an elegant design inspired by the style of the great mid-ce...
Fabric, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut, Burl
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Edward Wormley Style Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
Dunbar Style Chesterfield tufted sofa in Suede Sofa in Grey suede on a plinth base. Traditional button tufting. Reupholstery recommended. Measures: Seat Height 17", 7.5FT.
Suede
1950's Organic Design Sofa Restored with New Faux Sheepskin Upholstery
By Fritz Neth
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A beautiful organic shaped 1950's sofa fully restored with love This sofa was purchased from an architects house interior in Belgium The design is very reminiscent to the works of...
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
$1,470Sale Price|30% Off
Patrician Furniture Company Mid Century Chrome Sleigh Leg Tufted Sofa
Located in Esperance, NY
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage sofa featuring a sleek design and resting on stylish chrome sleigh legs.
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Gondola Style Sofa Pearsall Attributed Oatmeal Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Gondola style sofa pearsall attributed oatmeal upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 2-Seater Sofa in Teak and Papyrus Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 2-Seater Sofa in Teak and Papyrus Fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly so...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor version Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): L 170cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Assise H 42cm Modular sofa: asse...
Foam
Mid-Century Bambino Sofa by Howard Keith
By Howard Keith
Located in London, England
Mid-Century Bambino Sofa by Howard Keith, produced by HK Furniture. Solid beech frame, newly upholstered in boucle and re-finished show wood. Circa 1950. H 97cm x W 130cm x D 80cm Pl...
Beech
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Grey Modular Sofa, Set of Three
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be confi...
Fabric
$22,248 / item
Mogensen 2213 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2213 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for his own home in 1962. With generous proportions, modest aesthetic, a choice of materials and execution secon...
Oak
Arne Vodder for Vamo Møbelfabrik Model 6 Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Vamo Møbelfabrik, Arne Vodder
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Vodder for Vamo Møbelfabrik Model 6 Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 74.75 wide x 30 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.75 and arm height of 20.5...
Upholstery, Teak
Custom Tufted Pink Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base, in apricot pink velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different colors and fabrics or a different metal for the ...
Brass
Mid-Century Weiman for Preview Cloud Sofa, Nautilus, American, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century Weiman for Preview Cloud Sofa, Nautilus, Kidney-Shape, American, 1970s. Organic form sofa, by Weiman for Preview, Labeled, in original '...
Textile
$3,298Sale Price / set|28% Off
Italian Mid Century Framar Therapy Day Bed Mod. 60s Yoga
By Framar
Located in bari, IT
Therapy day bed, yoga model with corner composed of black lacquered teak wood table and armchair. Seats in bordeaux sky made by Framar, 1960s n.b. a cushion has an open cut and a ...
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Curved Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A handsome Mid-Century French sofa with generous proportions and an inviting, softly curved form. The rounded scroll arms, deep seat and buttoned back cushions give it a relaxed el...
Upholstery
$4,951Sale Price|20% Off
ViNTAGE BROWN LEATHER ROCHE BOBOIS MID CENTURY MODERN CONTEMPORARY SOFA
By Roche Bobois
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very cool and highly collectable Roche Bobois Mid Century Modern aged brown leather two seat sofa Ple...
Leather
$4,946Sale Price|30% Off
Blue "PALMARIA 709" 2-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ITALY 1980
Located in DE MEERN, NL
BLUE "PALMARIA 709" 2-SEATER SOFA BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR CASSINA, ITALY 1970S Introducing the stunning Palmaria 709 2-seater sofa by renowned Italian de...
Leather
Roberto Matta Malitte Outdoor Seating System, Paradisoterrestre
By Paradisoterrestre, Roberto Matta
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1966 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2019 The outdoor version of Malitte by Surrealist artist Roberto Matta. Materials: polyurethane for outdoor use, Ginostra fabric by MARI...
Fabric, Foam
Vintage Mid Century Modern Black Wrought Iron Arthur Umanoff Style Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Black Wrought Iron Arthur Umanoff Style Sofa. Circa Mid 20...
Wrought Iron
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Charles Eames Sofa Compact
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very rare and rather exceptional sofa compact by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. This example is special for a few reasons. It is a very early model as evidenced by the centre metal bracket. It is also a folding example. Later pieces were fixed in place. This sofa also retains the original vintage Alexander Girard "giant stripe" textile. A very rare thing as most were reupholstered of originally upholstered in a basic vinyl or wool . This textile and construction dates the sofa to approx. 1959. This is most likely the best example of a vintage Sofa Compact available for sale. A true museum example. From Herham Miller website: Why “compact” for a sofa that’s six feet wide and seats three? The clean profile of the Eames sofa compact...
Metal
$4,360Sale Price|73% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in the Manner of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Plainview, NY
A timeless Mid-Century Modern style Sofa in the manner of Finn Juhl ( Danish 1912- 1989). The sofa features sculptural shape inspired by the Modern free art. The seat and back of the...
Upholstery, Wood
Chic Mid-Century Modern Green Leather Sofa / Loveseat by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
De Sede Two-Seat Sofa, Switzerland, Late 20th Century Upholstered in a vivid apple-green leather, this generously scaled loveseat exemplifies De Sede's signature commitment to excep...
Leather
Large circular wooden sofa, Italian Mid-Century Style
Located in Argelato, BO
The circular sofa features an elegant design in the Italian mid-century style, featuring an oval base with a warm amber-toned wood frame. The slender, curved legs, joined by a centra...
Fabric, Wood
"Camaleonda" Sofa modular by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in green fabric. There are 4 large pieces and an ottoman. Seat height: 35 cm. Dimensions of one piece: H: 65 cm W: 93 cm D: 93 cm Dimensions of the ottoman : H : 35 cm W : 93 cm...
Fabric
$10,095 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Green
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 3 (2x large, 1x small, 2x armrest): L 300cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble...
Foam, Wool
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
Børge Mogensen Two Seater Sofa for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen freestanding two seater sofa mounted on walnut legs. Sides, back and loose cushions upholstered with natural tanned leather. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture in 1974.
Leather, Walnut