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.
$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
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti 'Larissa' Sofa in Purple Black Upholstery
By Vittorio Introini, Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, three-seat sofa, fabric, acrylic, chromed metal, Italy, 1969 This eccentric sofa named ‘Larissa’ epitomizes a beautifu...
Chrome, Metal
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Sofa, Walnut, Canvas, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, beige canvas webbing and brown velvet sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. 16” seat hei...
Canvas, Velvet, Walnut
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.
By Durlet
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s. The sofa consists of four seating elements, 2 two-seats and 2 one-seats. The elements can be attached to each other with...
Leather
$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 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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates c 1960's
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two piece sectional sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The sofa features an angled section, which has a storage cabinet on its end, with a drop down door cover. The other section is straight, making it possible to use the pieces together, as shown, or placed separately if you prefer. This example is in good, vintage estate condition, usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more finished look. Specific condition report as follows. The knob on the side cabinet door has been replaced using an appropriate mid century knob...
Upholstery
Danish Rosewood Mid-Century Daybed or Sofa by Kai Winding for Hundevad
Located in Southampton, NJ
An outstanding 1960s Rosewood daybed by Kai Winding for Hundevad and Company finished on all sides with original fitted slats featuring beautiful wood grains with warm luster. Scarce...
Felt, Wood, Rosewood
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
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
Pair of De Sede DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofas by Ubald Klug, Swiss Design
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 2 DS-1025 'Terrazza' sofas designed by Ubald Klug for quintessential Swiss manufacturer De Sede. This iconic design with layered cushions makes the DS-1025 both visually stunn...
Leather
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates '2006-S' Sofa in Walnut
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, sofa, model '2006S', fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s This timeless, softly contoured sofa embodies understated elegance through its graceful curves and minimal...
Fabric, Walnut
William Hinn Attribution, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa attributed to William Hinn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.5"H x 8...
Fabric, Wood
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
Mid Century Danish Matador Leather Sofa By Aage Christiansen Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Mid Century Danish Matador Leather Sofa By Aage Christiansen Circa 1960s - Quality mid chocolate brown leather - Decorative leather stitching around the cushions and arms - 3 seate...
Leather
Rare Early All Original 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa
By Gerrit Rietveld, Gerard van de Groenekan, Metz & Co.
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and highly authentic example of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s iconic Utrecht sofa, produced by Metz & Co. in the early 1950s. Designed in 1935, the Utrecht model is a semin...
Fabric, Beech
Modular Sofa Attributed to Adriano Piazzesi Original 1970s Brown Velvet
Located in Palermo, PA
Modular Sofa Attributed to Adriano Piazzesi in Original 1970s Brown Velvet fabric. This striking modular sofa, attributed to Italian designer Adriano Piazzesi is a true statement p...
Steel
Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa, Jacaranda Rosewood, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in ...
Leather, Jacaranda
Mid-Century Style Banjo Sofa in Chenille 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
Alberto Rosselli Sofa For Saporiti 'Confidential' White Black Wool, Italy 1970
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Vienna, AT
Sofa and chair ensemble by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, “Confidential”, with an extraordinary, fluffy white wool upholstery, Italy, 1970. Very good condition. Large sofa and 2 sin...
Steel
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
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa: Modular Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa For Cassina Envisioned in Tokyo in 1953 by Charlotte Perriand and still remarkably relevant today, this modular system can be used as a low coffee tab...
Wood
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
$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
Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa or settee attributed to Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, c. 1950s. For reference study model "Mikki" for Puunveisto Oy - Träsnideri Ab, Finland. We...
Fabric, Wood
$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
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic Italian sofa from the 1950s. Very much in the style of Gio Ponti.
Fabric, Wood
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
$12,490 / item
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa for Arflex 240cm
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
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
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
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
Mid-Century 'Gondola' Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century ‘Gondola’ sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s. Iconic mid-century design with walnut accents. Long profile sofa sitting atop sculpted walnut legs. ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, 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
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brown fabric and marble sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 9...
Marble
$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 cushions and two bolsters. The ba...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Iconic Mid Century Modern Sofa in Bamboo and Leather by Vivai del Sud, Italy
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an rare and sculptural two-seat sofa by Vivai del Sud, Italy, circa 1970s. Executed in richly toned bamboo, the structure is defined by its bold archit...
Leather, Bamboo
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 3 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips 5-piece modular sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex, Italy, 1970s An iconic modular design by Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Ove...
Velvet
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...
Fabric, Walnut
$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
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
Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Walnut
Stringa Two seater black leather upholstery sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
" Stringa " sofa with original black leather upholstery on tubular chrome frame, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1965 Italy
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco- New Velvet Upholstery
Velvet
Lawson-Fenning Ojai Sofa, Solid Walnut & Tan Leather Cushion
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
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
A true icon of modernist design, the Utrecht Sofa by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld—faithfully produced by Cassina—embodies the radical spirit of early 20th-century Dutch design. Originally ...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
Rare early 20th century Sofa by Frits Henningsen
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and elegant early 20th century mahogany and leather sofa by Frits Henningsen with leather-covered back, with Neoclassical tapered legs terminating in cube feet. ca 1930s Denmark...
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Mohair, Walnut
$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
Fabulous Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Shelter Sofa 2 Ottoman Mid-Centuy Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Shelter Sofa and 2 ottomans by Milo Baughman. A true masterwork, the timeless Shelter sofa is an unparalleled modern classic. Born out of Baughman’s philosophy that furn...
Upholstery
American Designer, Large Sofa, Bamboo, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large bamboo, wood and brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Cushions reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensi...
Velvet, Bamboo, Wood
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
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
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Likely reupholstered in fairly recent history, fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
Four-Seat Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood with Sculpted Back & Warm Bouclé, JD Moveis
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian modernism, this four-seat sofa pairs architectural clarity with exceptional material warmth. Crafted in richly grained Brazilian rosewood—its base r...
Metal
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, Irving Harper, 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