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.
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
Selig Large 7-Piece Sectional or Modular Parsons Sofa Set, Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this 7-piece sectional sofa was produced by Selig in the early days of the company. Typically Selig is known today for importing Danish furniture and de...
Fabric
$9,125 / item
Mesa Sleeper Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sleeper Sofa is our first convertible sofa. Fully upholstered with a walnut or oak plinth base, it easily converts into a queen-sized bed, making it ideal for guests and sma...
Walnut, Upholstery
$10,275 / item
Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson-Fenning Collectio...
Upholstery, Walnut
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Coronado, CA
This "LC2 Petit Modele" sofa was originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928. This vintage example was manufactured by Cassina in the 1980s. ...
Steel
Raphael Raffel Designed Cognac Leather Croissant Sofa in Suede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 1970's, made-to-order, suede upholstered, Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Design is attributed to the famous Raphael Raffel (1912-2000). Raffel, who trained at the École d...
Suede
Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Coronado, CA
This Brazilian modernist "Earth" sofa was designed by Percival Lafer, and manufactured in Brazil in the 1970s. The incredibly comfortable settee features a "scoop" form seat with pat...
Steel
Blop Sofa Set with Coffee Table by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy
By Giuseppe Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
This set was already on my wishlist for a long time! The Carlo Bartoli Blop sofa elements was fabricated in 1972 by Rossi di Albizzate. It survived extremely...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa or Daybed
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, cognac leather, teak, Austria, 1960s. This Austrian daybed is named 'Constanze'. This item is designed by Johannes Spalt and manufactured by Wittmann. T...
Leather, Teak
14 Piece Cubed Modular Curved Pit Sofa Circa 1980s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, Steelcase
Located in Bensalem, PA
Truly amazing modular sofa you will not find another one like it circa 1980s can be arranged in numerous settings. Feel free to reach out with any questions. corner pieces are 32 inc...
Upholstery
Vintage American Walnut Six Seater Sloane ii Sofa by Vladimir Kagan Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A custom-made, slightly curved vintage Mid-Century modern American large six or seven seater Sloane II sofa with 4 pillows, settee made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed and ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
$7,300 / item
Mid Century Kidney Bean Curved Sofa Weiman Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A kidney-shaped sofa that features a nice sculptural modern design, with a curved arched back. These sofas are newly produced and have been handcrafted with a solid hardwood frame, m...
Upholstery
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa in Excellent Original Condition, ca. 1960’s
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional example of the work of Adrian Pearsall, this sofa is in excellent original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age. Rarely seen Cloud so...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
$3,930Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti N. 512 Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest by Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo, model N. 512. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The u...
Beech, Fabric
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Green Velvet & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Curved Back Sofa is a tuxedo style sofa with curved corners and features a single down-wrapped, seat cushion with 3 down-wrapped, removable back cushions and two bolsters. The ba...
Upholstery, Walnut
$12,151 / item
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa for Arflex 240cm
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Tilburg, NL
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa 1969 for Arflex, Italy. New, current production. Modular seating system, this listing is for a 3 seater 240cm. The modular seating system '9000' by Tito Agn...
Fabric
Sofa in Rosewood & Mohair by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian Modern design from the 1960s, this monumental sofa by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios embodies the movement's pursuit of architectural simplicity, master...
Mohair, Rosewood
Mid-Century Italian Two-Seater Sofa, Restored in Pierre Frey Velvet
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of mid-century Italian sofa design, this 1950s two-seater captures the sculptural elegance and innovation that defined postwar Italian modernism. Its enveloping bac...
Brass
$8,025 / item
Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ange...
Linen, Walnut
Rare Three Seat Platform Sofa, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic platform sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this three-seater sofa is ...
Walnut, Fabric
Philippe Starck Prive Sofa by Cassina: Modern Steel and Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Steel And Leather Sofa model 'Prive' designed by Phillipe Stark. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Complex and formal in its design, the Privé collection perfectly combines style and ...
Leather
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
Midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Solid Walnut Frame Sofa or Daybed
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Walnut frame long low sofa or daybed. Beautiful armless sofa with solid walnut sculpted frame and steel spring support insert. Has Orig...
Steel
MP-211 chocolate brown 3-seater sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Percival Lafer MP-211 sofa from the 1970s, crafted in Brazil and celebrated for its iconic sculptural silhouette and luxurious cognac leather upholstery. Featuring soft, over...
Leather, Rosewood
Lawson-Fenning Ojai Sofa, Solid Walnut & Tan Leather Cushion, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai sofa features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a single tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los ...
Leather, Walnut
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa Piece was commissioned for a Long Island, NY estate.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Banana Shaped Sofa, Beech & Wool, Denmark, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round organic lines and iconic block feet nor...
Wool, Beech
$7,750 / item
Curved Back Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back sofa is a tuxedo style sofa with curved corners and features a single down-wrapped, seat cushion with 3 down-wrapped, removable back...
Upholstery, Walnut
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
Trä-Inn, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and floral-printed fabric sofa or love seat designed and produced by Stockholms Träinrednings AB, Trä-Inn Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consisten...
Fabric, Pine
5 Piece Sofa Set for Reupholstering, Manufactured by Isa Bergamo in the 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The sofa set was designed and manufactured by ISA Bergamo in the 1950s. The set with gold lacquered cast aluminum legs consists of a curved sofa, two armchairs, and two smaller side chairs...
Aluminum
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
Two-Seater Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Textile, Foam
Vintage Montana Leather Sofa 3-Seater by Ekornes, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Norway looked at the sofa and decided it wasn't doing enough. The result was the Montana: a solid teak frame, clean Scandinavian lines, and cushions so well engineered that "Stressle...
Leather, Teak
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson...
Upholstery, Walnut, Mohair
Italian Sofa in Vibrant Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, blue velvet, metal and brass, Italy, 1950s Elegant sofa with voluptuous armrests. These wide armrests are balanced out by the slender and delicate metal legs that have a beaut...
Metal, Brass
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
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 dy...
Formica
1970s Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa in Original Beige Corduroy Fabric
Located in Berlin, DE
A stylish Mid-Century Italian modular sofa from around 1970, retaining its original beige cord fabric. The design reflects the era’s fascination with organic forms and comfort, featu...
Fabric, Pine, Plywood
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina - Modern Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectable and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 of 2)
By Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
$1,081Sale Price|63% Off
Small Sofà Bamboo and Brass Italian Design Mid Century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small sofà bamboo and brass Italian design mid century
Brass
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa great patina Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan leather 3 seat sofa with Square beech wood stained frame and legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick light tan leather is sof...
Leather, Beech
$13,280 / item
Buriti Sofa - Large by Nikolai LaFuge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Nikolai Lafuge in Los Angeles. Created with Eileen Gray's Lota and traditional British sofas in mind, the Buriti is an inviting and plush des...
Fabric, Walnut
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and iconic 1st edition circa 1971 Mah Jong modular sectional sofa consisting of ten element pillows. The sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in this avant-garde de...
Fabric, Foam
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century Modern, 1955
By Heritage-Henredon, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This authentic 1955 mid-century sofa from the Heritage Henredon "Taliesin" collection was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It features its original streamlined sil...
Mahogany
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Irving Harper, Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ubald Klug DS-28 Cosmos Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s This stunning 7-piece sectional sofa by Ubald Klug, produced by De Sede in the 1970s, showcases a bold, organic design i...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Sofa Daybed by Miroslav Navrátil, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
This Mid Century Modern sofa / daybed was designed by Miroslav Navrátil and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. A strong example of Central European modernism, the piece bal...
Fabric, Wool, Beech
$11,700Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low sofa Swedish Design Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid-century modern Teak and soft black leather. Norell Sweden label. Very little wear and c...
Brass
Weiman 1980s U-Shaped Sectional Pit Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Weiman
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning pit sofa by Weiman
Ultrasuede
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern banana shaped sofa with curved armrests, made by Danish cabinetmaker in the earl...
Fabric
American 1940's Tufted Curved Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super stylish curved sofa. Made in the US probably in the 1940's maybe early 1950's. Designer and maker unknown. Tufted and with loose cushion. Has a bit of Hollywood pana...
Wool, Wood
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Brown Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
Lounge Sofa by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minnet, Mid-Century France
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Lounge Sofa by “Audoux-Minet” Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet met in the Provence region of France during the 1940s and began collaborating on design project...
Rush, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Leather, Walnut
1960s Italian Ombre Peacock Cut Mohair Velvet Curved Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Italian ombre peacock cut silk mohair (Astrakhan style) velvet curved sofa with wood and brass legs. Fabric sample available upon request.
Brass