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.
$8,450 / item
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofas
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofas, model, 'D70', steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Nelson Daybed in Black Mohair, c. 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Sophisticated yet effortless, this vintage MCM sofa bed is the iconic Nelson Daybed, originally designed by George Nelson in 1949 for the Herman Miller Collection. One of the most in...
Steel
$3,945Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti N. 512 Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
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
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Bovenkamp Style Sofa in Ruby Red Velvet with Organic Dark Wood Arms
By Bovenkamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, three-seater sofa with organic carved dark wood arm rests and legs in a characteristic of the post-war style esthetic, reminiscent of the output of Dutch furniture...
Velvet, Wood
Patricia Urquiola Mon-Cloud Sofa, Mid-Century Modern Fabric, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Mon - Cloud Sofa For Cassina A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Mon-Cloud is an extremely elega...
Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angle Sofa, C. 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a camel-colored upholstered frame with a tufted seat, four matching loose back pillows, and short square legs. A refined example of Wormley’s sophisticated modernist aesthe...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$68,499Sale Price|27% Off
Important Adjustable 'Roll Back Day Bed' Sofa by Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very important piece of design history, and to understand why - it is all in the details, so to anyone interested in modern art and interior design, please keep reading. Vladimir Kagan’s 'Roll Back Day Bed' (model #6718) was originally conceived as a one-off design for a client in the 1950s. Valdimir Kagan selected Rosewood and Lucite, materials he had just started experimenting with at that time, blended it into a futuristic frame with a brass-capped cylindrical adjustable back cushion that can transform the sofa into a daybed and even into a double sided gallery seating system. All on top of Lucite legs giving the appearance the sofa is floating above ground. By all accounts - Vladimir Kagan advertisements, catalogues, the design community and even the team at Vladimir Kagan Designs had it documented that the design (model 6718 Roll Back Day Bed) was first put into production in 1967, however this one - this exact sofa in the photos and listed for sale, IS THE ONE that he created in the 1950s for a special one-off client. And it was later, in 1967 that he decided to bring the design into production, all based on this concept model which we have listed for sale. This is all documented with the Vladimir Kagan archives under registry 25073. They were thrilled to have found this surviving example and have added it into their archives, knowledge-base and timelines. They wrote: "We conducted a detailed review of the Kagan Archive, and we were puzzled to find that Vladimir consistently dated the release of the Roll Back Day Bed to 1967. Also based on Vladimir’s accounts, Hugo Dreyfuss retired in 1960, ending their partnership. This would mean that your example pre-dates the “earliest production date” we have on record for the Roll Back Day Bed or Roll Back Sofa...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Gerard van den Berg 'Corvette' Sofa in Natural Cognac Leather
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Corvette' sofa by Gerard van den Berg features a fully upholstered form in original cognac natural leather. Rounded, voluminous cushioning defines the silhouette — the seat, bac...
Leather
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
14 Piece Cubed Modular Curved Pit Sofa Circa 1980s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, 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
1972 De Sede DS-600 Snake Sectional Sofa Cognac Brown Leather Sofa Switzerland
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, Ueli Berger, Klaus Vogt, Heinz Ulrich, De Sede
Located in Miami, FL
A design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerland. This De Sede Modular Snake sectional sofa contains twelve pieces in original lea...
Leather, Felt
$12,223 / 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
Ligne Roset Togo 3-seater in cognac leather
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
The Togo by Ligne Roset , designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973, is an iconic design known for its unparalleled comfort and distinctive styling. This set consists of an armchair and mat...
Leather
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
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This highly sought-after early production example is distingui...
Fabric, Foam
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
$6,880Sale Price|20% Off
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Leather and Wood Sofa, C 1970s, Signed
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, produced in the United States in the 1970s. Signed with Ward Bennet Designs for Brickel Associates tag...
Wood, Leather
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
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
$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
Made To Order Classic Style Sofa with Tufting In Eden Green Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious sofa offers a modern interpretation of a classic design, distinguished by its deep, all-over button tufting across the back, arms, and front base. Upholstered in a ric...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oasis Sofa in Navy Blue Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
This iconic and very hard to find sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar was named the Oasis sofa. It debuted in the 1930s and became known as the Model 5200 sofa in the 1950s. It is supp...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli, sofa, steel, fabric, Italy, 1960s Sofa designed by Italian designer Carlo De Carli and produced by Cinova in the 1960s. The piece features a bent tubular steel frame...
Steel
$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
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Three-Seat Sofa in White Leather Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of function...
Leather
Restored 1960s Czechoslovakian Tatra Nábytok Convertible Sofa with Pouf
Located in Żory, PL
Original modular sofa set produced by Tatra Nábytok in 1960s Czechoslovakia. The set consists of a main sofa and a pouf that can be arranged as a corner sectional or used separately ...
Fabric, Oak, Plywood
Hans Jørgen Frydendal Sofa in Solid Pine and Dusty Rose Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System, sofa, solid pine, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Hans Jørgen Frydendal created a sofa that directs all focus towards the inherent quality of so...
Fabric, Pine
Vintage Italian Velvet Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Brown Velvet Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s. 30" H x 81" W x 38" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From a Long Island, New York Estate.
Velvet, Upholstery
Guillerme et Chambron Curved Oak Sofa Bench for Votre Maison, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
A fantastic curved sofa bench by French design duo Guillerme et Chambron, produced by Votre Maison, circa 1970s. This beautifully constructed piece features a sculptural waxed oak fr...
Upholstery, Oak
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Case Study daybed / sofa / couch / chaise lounge featuring iron hairpin legs with pine back suppor...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
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
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
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Platform Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960’s. Iconic, timeless design from renowned designer, Adrian Pearsall. His pieces are highly ...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood, 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
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s.
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s. Iconic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern four seater sofa designed by Hans J Wegner for Getama Denmark in 1955. Mo...
Oak
$7,916Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview USA, Circa 1980's A quietly luxurious Preview 3 piece attached 'sectional' sofa from the 1980s. This 88-inch wide, 36-inch deep, and 27-inch...
Upholstery
Percival Lafer MP-81 Leather Sofa – Iconic 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Discover a true collectible in this original 1960s Percival Lafer MP-81 three-seater leather sofa, a striking example of Brazilian mid-century modern design. Created by renowned desi...
Leather, Hardwood
Florence Knoll Sofa. Expertly redone in Charcoal Robert Allen Chenille Fabric.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armless Florence Knoll parallel bar sofa expertly reupholstered in Robert Allen Chenille fabric. Charcoal gray. Beautiful and comforta...
Steel, Chrome
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
$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
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 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 blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
$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
Carrera Sofa and Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina, 1960
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Brussels, BE
Carrera Sofa and Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for BBB Bonacina, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Tuxedo Style Sofa w/ Oak Base, 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, Oak
$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
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina, Leather, Mid-Century Modern
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
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
Soft Mid Century Modern Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy, De Sede Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede, Ernest Lüthy
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Exceptional Sofa by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s A remarkable three-seat sofa designed by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede in the 1970s, showcasing the Swiss manufacturer’s re...
Leather
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
$3,953Sale Price|30% Off
Jacquard fabric Sofa, Mario Bellini, "Le stelle" B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, produced by B&B Italia, model "La Stelle". Made with a metal frame and upholstered in the original linen and cotton jacquard fabric. The origi...
Metal
675 MARALUNGA Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, vintage
Located in Neuss, NW
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa based on the design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the early 1970s. Original cover made of high-quality black-grey striped fabric. The backrests of the two...
Fabric
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