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.
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and...
Fabric, Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Danish Modern Long Sofa Designed by Johannes Aasbjerg Teak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful 1955 Danish Sofa designed by Johannes Aasbjerg has original upholstery with a 4 seat design. Long 106 inch long sofa. Sits on 8 Solid teak tapered legs. Use As-Is or have i...
Upholstery, Teak
Italian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 71.25"W x 36.5"D Seat Height (inches): 13.25" All items ship from Hig...
Velvet, Wood
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and green fabric sofa, designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear to rattan consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimension...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Mid‑Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid‑Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA, circa 1970s. This sculptural masterpiece feat...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather 3 Seat Sofa Georg Thams
By Georg Thams, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan Beige leather 3 seat tufted long low sofa with Square beech wood stained legs. Designed by of Georg Thams. Nice thick light tan...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern French Sofa in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, elm, France, 1960s This sofa from the 1960s present a bold and sculptural shape, combining geometric clarity with a sense of comfort and solidity. The overall form is ...
Fabric, Elm
Vintage 1970's Mogens Hansen Cognac Leather Loveseat
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Danish 2 seat sofa loveseat in nicely patinated light cognac Leather with beech wood legs. Made by Mogens Hansen c.1970’s. Matching 3 seat sofa available separately. Comforta...
Leather, Beech
Mid Century Stacked Bamboo Ratan Sofa Daybed
By Paul Frankl
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning example of vintage bamboo. This gorgeous stacked bamboo daybed sofa has show stopping lines and will add warmth and texture to any space. It has been modernized with all new...
Fabric, Bamboo
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Sea...
Fabric, Wood
Fantastic Milo Baughman style 4 Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Milo Baughman style 4 seater sofa. This sofa is super high quality and well crafted, check out how the seat cushions are curved to accept the back cushion-nice detail ! ...
Upholstery
$1,950Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful Gray Leather 3 Seat Sofa Wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish modern Gray leather 3 seat sofa with wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Gray leather is soft and shows signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Da...
Leather, Wood
Kwok Hoi Chan Modular Lounge Chairs, Dark Blue Wool, Steiner, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
A set of Four modular lounge chairs model Chromatic, designed by Kwok Hoï CHAN for Steiner Label on the back side of each seats. Upholstered in a dark midnight blue wool cloth . C...
Fabric, Wool, Acrylic, Foam
Vladimir Kagan, Large Curved Sofa, Fabric, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved beige yellow bouclé fabric and metal sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc. Seat height: 15.5” Reupholstered in brand new bouclé fabric.
Metal
$26,490 / item
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina The encapsulation of design brilliance, business insight and made-in-Italy artisan craftsmanship, this sofa is an international bestseller steeped in timeless beauty and functionality. Its enveloping contours accentuate the comfort of this design sofa, ensured by the chain mechanism (incorporated into the foam cushion) that controls adjustment of the backrest position. The unpretentious innovation of the adjustable headrest and the reassuring appearance and simplicity of the soft padding sum up the singularity of this design by Vico Magistretti. REMOVABLE UPHOLSTERY Maralunga 40...
Fabric
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Upholstered Sofa & Arm Chair
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
A striking example of 1960s Mid-Century Modern design, this matching sofa and armchair set combines sculptural form with wonderfully preserved original upholstery. Both pieces featur...
Upholstery, Wood, 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
1970s Vintage John Mascheroni for Vecta Tappo Modular Sofa Made in Italy
By John Mascheroni, Vecta Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s vintage modular Tappo sofa designed by American designer John Mascheroni for Vecta, Italy. This four-piece example features the Tappo series’ signature rounded, sculptural for...
Fabric
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' Extra Large Sofa 354 in Leather for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' Extra Large Sofa 354 for Arflex in leather. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with leather upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
Michel Ducaroy Kashima Vintage Dark Brown Leather Lounge Chair for Ligne Roset
Located in MONTPELLIER, FR
Beautiful vintage Kashima lounge chair designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France. An iconic example of 1970s French modern design. This exceptional armchair retains its ori...
Leather
Danish 1940's Fritz Hansen Leather Sofa with New Sheepskin Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark likely, circa late 1930s to early 1940's by Fritz Hansen of Denmark. Legs made from solid beech. Comfortable and super solid with nice and s...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
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
DS-16 Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Switzerland. Full leather construction.
Leather
Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Sofa in Floral Wool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Viggo Boesen style banana shaped or curved Loveseat made in Denmark, around late 1930s or early 1940s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round volup...
Wool, Beech
$1,478Sale Price / set|53% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Real Leather Armchairs by Cinova, 1964s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs upholstered in genuine leather-colored leather were produced by the famous Italian company Cinova, in the 1960s. Cinova made use of the collaboration of great...
Leather
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
Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Black Lacquered Wood Leather Two-Seater Sofa 1977
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in bari, IT
Disegnato da Kazuhide Takahama per la divisione Studio Simon di Gavina negli anni '70, questo divano biposto appartiene al corpus di mobili laccati nato dalla collaborazione di Takah...
Wood, Animal Skin
$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
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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Lauriana’ Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1978
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant ‘Lauriana’ sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in 1978, representing the designers’ sophisticated approach to Italian postmodern furniture. This striking exam...
Steel
Nikolai Lafuge Buriti Sofa - XL, Tweed Cushions, Modern Couch
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 design that is appealing from ev...
Upholstery
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Dunbar 4-Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Baltimore, MD
An Exceptional Vintage Mid-Century Modern 4-Seat Sofa – Sleek Architectural Silhouette, designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Measuring an impressive 93" long, this ra...
Fabric, Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa by GETAMA, Oak Frame, Leather
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with pure aniline leather. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/3, produced by GETAMA.
Leather, Oak
$3,999Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage 1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-300/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa Rare model GE300/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer solid light oak solid wood frame and legs with original patina has original sp...
Upholstery, Oak
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
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
Bocca Sofa – Studio 65 for Gufram, 1986, in red fabric
By Gufram Furniture, Studio 65
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Bocca sofa, designed by Studio 65 and produced by Gufram since the 1970s, is one of the most iconic pieces of 20th-century Italian design. This specific example was produced in ...
Fabric
$10,175 / item
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Armchair for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ardys Armchair for Cassina. AN AESTHETIC THAT ENVELOPS THE GAZE Patricia Urquiola designs Ardys, a low-slung sofa that expresses softness as a visual quality as much as a tactile o...
Upholstery
Hämeen Kalustaja, Sofa, Pine, Leather, Finland, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and brown leather sofa designed and produced by Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s. Seat height 14”. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Leather, Pine
Gerard van den Berg 'Corvette' Sofa in Natural Cognac Leather
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
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
Vladimir Kagan Mid Century Tiger Maple Floating Curve Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan Mid Century Tiger Maple Floating Curve Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 38 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Excellent Vintage Condition....
Upholstery, Maple
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
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sleeper Sofa, Corduroy with Walnut Base, Modern Sofa Bed
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
DS 44 Two Seater Sofa in Buffalo Brown Leather by De Sede
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
De Sede DS 44. Upholstered in brown buffalo leather. Softly padded, cubic frame with rounded armrests. Backrest with vertical quilting. Extendable seat
Leather, Wood
$1,591Sale Price|50% Off
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with a solid wood frame and green velvet upholstery, brass legs, and black lacquered metal. It is recommended to replace the worn uphol...
Metal, Brass
Cerdá, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Velvet, Spain, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and green velvet sofa produced by Cerdá, Spain, c. 1950s. Cushions reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.75"H x 75.0"W x 29.5"D Seat ...
Velvet, Bamboo, Rattan
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
Tage Poulsen TP633 Oak and Leather Two-Seater Sofas for CI Designs
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tage Poulsen's TP633 two-seater sofa for CI Designs is built around a solid oak frame with a distinctly rectilinear structure. Slatted side panels on each arm, squared block legs, an...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Rare Lou Hodges Three-Seat Sling Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly rare and iconic 1970's Sling sofa by Lou Hodges for California Design Group has been restored and is in beautiful condition. As comfortable as it is striking, this ic...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Rare Gio Ponti Attributed Sofa by Casa E Giardino, Italy, 1940s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Gio Ponti attributed sofa for Casa e Giardino, Italy, 1940s. Structurally sound but reupholstery required. We can assist with reupholstery in customers choice of fabric if requi...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern black Leather 3 seat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern Black leather 3 seat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Danish Modern ...
Leather, Oak
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 95 wide x 39.5 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Good Vintage Condition. We take o...
Upholstery
Thomas Thos Moser “Hartford” custom white Leather sofa
By Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Thomas Moser “Hartford “ Custom white leather Sofa circa 2016
Leather, Wood
$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
DS-1025 Cognac Leather Terrazza Sofa's by Ubald Klug for De Sede, 1980s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of two DS-1025 Terrazza Landscape sofa elements in light cognac leather, by Ubald Klug for De Sede in the 1980s. The design is built up from distinctive layered leather sections...
Leather
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System, Foam Upholstery, Mid-Century Style
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina An innovative upholstered seating system, supported by a beam that allows sectional elements to be combined into custom arrangements, ...
Foam
1970s Chrome Clad Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Dressed in beautiful deep plum mohair, this incredible steel clad sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin is a true classic. The tufting and mirrored chrome finish make this piece a...
Chrome