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.
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt "Nohoga" Sofa, 2009
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Coronado, CA
This significantly proportioned and extremely rare "Nohoga" sofa was designed by Christian Liaigre and manufactured by Holly Hunt in 2009. The monumental scale gives the piece an abs...
Cowhide, Silk, Oak
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
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 Modern Reupholstered Vintage Sofa, circa 1950s
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Striking Danish style vintage sofa featuring a long, streamlined silhouette with gently rolled arms, tapered wood legs, and a button-tufted backrest. Reupholstered in recent years in...
Fabric, Wood
$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
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
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
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
$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
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 2 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
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
Exceptional Curved Cesare Lacca Sofa in Fadini Borghi Velvet, Italy, 1950s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Cesare Lacca
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional two-seater sofa was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy in the early 1950s. The elegant, rounded lines of the backrest and curved seat create a sophistica...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
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
$875Sale Price|20% Off
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
Three-Seat Shell Tandem Sofa By Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller C.1974
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Bernville, PA
Rare tandem shell seating designed by Charles & Ray Eames, USA 1974. This piece features three white fiberglass and light purple vinyl seats with Formica tables on each end sitting o...
Chrome
$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
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa Piece was commissioned for a Long Island, NY estate.
Upholstery
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
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
Italian Corner Sofa in Bright Red Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, wood, Italy, 1950s Beautiful and very spacious sofa dating back to the 1950s, crafted in Italy. This corner sofa is an eye-catching piece that has all the characteris...
Velvet, Wood
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
Rare Early All Original 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa
By Gerrit Rietveld, Metz & Co., Gerard van de Groenekan
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
$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
'Maralunga' Two-seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Zagreb, HR
Vintage 'Maralunga' two-seater sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. Introduced in 1973, the model became one of Magistretti's most recognized seating desig...
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
$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
$1,713Sale Price|20% Off
Divano in legno vintage anni 60 design Lucian Ercolani per Ercol
By Ercol, Lucian Ercolani
Located in None, IT
Divano in legno con cuscini in tessuto floreale, disegnato da Lucian Ercolani per Ercol, anni '60. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to time. SIZING: Altezza 76...
Fabric, Wood
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
Danish 1940s Curved Banana Form Settee or Sofa in Wool
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1940s curved loveseat /sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. Sol...
Wool, Beech
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and in great demand, w...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
$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
Limited Edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Tramonto A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces Cassina revisits a 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovati...
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
Adrian Pearsall Sofa with Travertine Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Original Travertines, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Travertine
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
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
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Lc2 Divano Two-Seat Sofa
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched by Cassina in 1965. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Fauteuil Grand Confort, petit modèle ...
Steel
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Italian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral fabric sofa or settee designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Moderate wear to wood consistent with age and use. Vintage fabri...
Fabric, Wood
$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
$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
$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
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
Suede Sofa by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Mobler, Norway
By Vatne Møbler, Fredrik A. Kayser
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Suede Two-Seater Sofa by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Møbler. This two-seater sofa, designed by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Møbler, exemplifies Norwegian Mid-Century Modern design. Newly ...
Suede
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
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
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
1970s Sistema 61 Giancarlo Piretti Castelli Italian Design Orange Modular Sofa
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Brescia, IT
"Sistema 41" Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli 1974 Iconic Modular sofa 8 elements in orange velvet Black plastic base Upholstery original vintage (some stains on the velvet)...
Velvet
Danish Curved Banana Sofa, Velvet Upholstery, Art Deco, Circa 1930s
Located in London, London
An early 20th century Danish curved sofa, likely dating to the 1930s, with an elegant and sculptural “banana” form. The sofa features a gently sweeping crescent shape, with a channe...
Fabric, Beech
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
Danish 1940's Loveseat or Small Sofa in Blue Wool
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming Danish 1940's loveseat. From the era of the "banana" sofas but with a more angular shape. Very plush and voluptuous. Sturdy and strong and very comfortable with coil springs...
Wool, Beech
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
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
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and rattan sofa attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.25"H x 67.75"W x 30.0"D Seat Height (inches): 15.0" A...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
$10,125 / item
Fairview Sofa by Josh Greene for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Fairview Sofa is a substantial tufted slipper sofa with matching upholstered base. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California. Reach out t...
Upholstery
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