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.
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern "Cigar" Ge-240 Sofa by Hans Wagner for Getama
Located in Palm Desert, CA
** I only ship in the Continental US ** Presented is a beautiful Scandinavian modern GE 240/3 “Cigar” sofa, designed by celebrated Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1955 a...
Teak, Leather, Oak
$3,199Sale Price / set|28% Off
Italian Mid Century Framar Therapy Day Bed Mod. 60s Yoga
By Framar
Located in bari, IT
Therapy day bed, yoga model with corner composed of black lacquered teak wood table and armchair. Seats in bordeaux sky made by Framar, 1960s n.b. a cushion has an open cut and a ...
Metal
Modern Vintage Modular Sofa Wittmann Cubus Pastel Textil 1970s Austria
By Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage three modular freestanding sofa elements Rhombos cubus like Wittmann upholstered original textil fabric 1970s Austria. A freestanding modular sofa with 3 elements cov...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid Century Three Seat Sofa / Bench on a Chrome Base after Florence Knoll, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
A minimal design in original orange upholstery set on an architectural chrome base. Provides a minimum of three seats. A great piece for home or the workplace. If the upholstery is n...
Fabric
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" Living Room Set for Gavina, Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By Cini Boeri, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" living room set, camel velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. (2 two-seater sofas + 2 armchairs) Designed in 1970 by Cini Boeri for Gavina, this armchair belo...
Velvet
Mid-Century Woven Wicker Sofa, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This 1970s French woven wicker sofa embodies elegant organic design, characterized by its deep seat and fluid, enveloping curves. Crafted from natural materials, it showcases excepti...
Wicker
BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A.
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Buffalo, NY
BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A... Classic Modernist 1970's design.. Extremely comfortable.. Superior quality and construction.Retains its o...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,290Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Sleep-O-Matic Sofa / Daybed by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Munich, DE
Made by arflex. Can be pulled out as bed.
Fabric
De sede ds 44 three seat extendable sofa in buffalo leather
By De Sede
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Switzerland Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: De Sede Era: 1970s Materials: Buffalo Leather Measurements: 73.75″ wide x 33.5″ deep x 27.5″ tall Condition: In excellent origina...
Leather
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Stamped Cassina. Seat height 37 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa for Cassina, Italy new
Located in Berlin, DE
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices may vary dependent on the chosen material/color.
Steel
Vintage High Back Sofa, Inspired by Gio Ponti Sofa, Italy, 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic Mid-Century Modern three-seater sofa in the style of Gio Ponti, circa 1960. This piece features a gracefully curved backrest extending into full, winged armrests, all resting...
Upholstery, Velvet
Ignazio Gardella Digamma Three-seater white velvet sofa for Azucena, Italy, 1957
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Three-seater white velvet sofa with metal and brass, Digamma model designed by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina in 1957. The extraordinary elegance of the Digamma three-seater sofa, created in 1957 by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina, is revealed through a surprising combination of materials and futuristic design. The carefully crafted metal structure supports the upholstered part of the sofa, creating a perfect balance between form and functionality. The distinctive signature of Ignazio Gardella, a renowned designer and visionary engineer, is evident in the curved brass terminals on which the sofa gracefully rests. His architectural conception, bridging art and design, is reflected in every detail of this unique piece. The Gavina brand introduced the Digamma collection in 1957, ushering in a new approach to seating that goes beyond traditional forms of sofas and armchairs. The series, of which this extraordinary sofa is a part, features square and rational volumes, demonstrating an exceptional level of innovation for its time. Today, the sofa is in excellent condition, meticulously restored in upholstery and adorned with a light-shaded velvet covering that enhances its intrinsic beauty. Its dimensions of 197x82,5x81 make it ideal for comfortably accommodating three people, offering a seating experience that combines style and comfort without compromise. A functional work of art, Ignazio Gardella's Digamma Sofa...
Metal, Brass
Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa in Rosewood, Leather & Textured Fabric, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Brazilian Modernism, the Millor sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the designer’s enduring belief that comfort, craftsmanship, and material richness shou...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Sofa in the Style of George Bighinello for Eurosalotto in Ivory Boucle, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Striking Italian three-seat sofa in the style of designer George Bighinello for Eurosalotto. The sculptural model features a low-profile silhouette w...
Bouclé, Wood
Directional Biomorphic Curved Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Directional biomorphic curved velvet sofa.
Velvet
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa 4 PC
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern curved sectional sofa 4 PC. Iconic Mid-Century Modern design in unique curved shape. Reminiscent of famous mid-century desig...
Wood
Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll Sling Settee Sofa Design, 1970s
By Knoll, Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Knoll sling bench designed by Hannah Morrison, black coated aluminum frame with grey wool upholstery. Some small marks on the frame but in otherwis...
Aluminum, Steel
Ekornes 1970s Three-Piece Suite in White Fabric, Norwegian A Bespoke Design
By Ekornes
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Mid 20th Century Norwegian Ekornes Prototype Three Piece Suite. Comprising Of A Three Seater Sofa & Two Armchairs. The previous owners of the Ekornes suite ran a furniture shop i...
Brass
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Sharp, modern...
Wool, Walnut
Sofa by Gösta Jonsson, ca 1940. Jönköping, Sweden
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine sofa by Swedish designer, Gösta Jonsson, upholstered in sheepskin. ca 1940 produced in Jönköping, Sweden. Gösta Jonsson (1902-1958) was a Swedish furniture designer and archite...
Wood, Sheepskin
1960s Yellow "Throw-Away" Sofa, Willie Landels for Zanotta, Reupholstered, 1968
Located in Zagreb, HR
1968 Space age "Throw-Away" sofa, designed by Willie Landels for Zanotta, Italy. Reupholstered in yellow faux leather. Super comfortable, light and easy to move, 'Throwaway' sofa w...
Faux Leather
Vivai del Sud Italian Sofa in Curved Bamboo and Leather with White Fabric, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century organic sofa, fully made of bamboo, knotted leather, and chestnut wood. This incredibly elegant and unique sofa was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in It...
Brass
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
$2,742Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Fabric & Metal, Italian Design, 1960s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Three-seater 1960s sofa with foam padding and new fabric upholstery with enameled metal legs.
Metal
Freestanding Sofa in Rattan, Beech and Reupholstered Fabric, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Sofa in Rattan, Beech and Reupholstered Fabric, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rattan, beech and reupholstered fabric Style: ...
Rattan, Fabric, Beech
Handsome Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style Chesterfield Tufted Party Sofa
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Dunbar style tufted Chesterfield party sofa. We love the thick squarish rolled arms and back with ebonized black plinth base-re-upholstery is recommended.
Upholstery, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Moreno Sectional, Bench Cushion & Chaise, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 piece Moreno Sectional sits deep and spacious with a beautifully curved silhouette. This sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified for eit...
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exciting T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing for Widdicomb Curved Sculptured Wood Edge Sofa
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare T. H. Robsjon-Gibbings for Widdicomb sculptural wooden edge sofa. Just look at that sexy curved teak edge along with tall tapered legs-so well designed! This sofa measures 29" T...
Upholstery, Teak
Early 20th Century Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 20th century Danish curved sofa upholstered in velvet. Most likely made by Fritz Hansen. Ca 1930s Denmark.
Velvet
Studio Smania, Italian Modern, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Sofa, Italy, 1970s
By Smania
Located in Stamford, CT
Studio Smania, Italian Modern, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Sofa, Italy, 1970s An Indian cane and bamboo sofa designed and produced by Studio Smania as part of "La Palma" series in Italy c...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane
George Nelson Atr Wedge Back Mid Century Modern Sofa MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nelson Atr Wedge Back Mid Century Modern Sofa MINT!
Upholstery
$3,206Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Sofa Camel-Colored Leather Three-Seat, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Italian-made three-seat sofa from the 1970s. The sofa is made of camel colored leather. The peculiarity of the sofa is in its double layer leathe...
Leather
$877Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Three Seater Adjustable Sofa / LEDA LUX, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - The pillows have stains on one side - Manufacturer Hikor Písek 1987 - Seat height 44 cm - Dimensions when unfolded, depth 1...
Fabric, Wood
AN Italian "Anfibio" Sofa Bed By Alessandro Becchi For Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
One of the rarest of mid-century design sofas, the “Anfibio” sofa bed was a design by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni in 1972. The Anfibio is a cult item of its genre. I...
Fabric
Camaleonda Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Renens, CH
The Camaleonda sofa was designed by the architect Mario Bellini in the early 1970s. Conceived as a fully modular seating system, it quickly became an icon of Italian design after bei...
Wood, Leather
1980s Wittmann's Leather Bedside Bench
By Wittmann
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Wittmann's leather bedside bench Elegant stylized design in a green finish by the renowned workshop.
Leather
Rare DS-707 Sofa & ottoman in original leather by Philippe Malouin for De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
De Sede DS-707/03 Sofa with Matching Ottoman by Philippe Malouin, Switzerland Exceptional DS-707/03 three-seat sofa with matching DS-707/05 ottoman, designed by Philippe Malouin for ...
Leather
1940s Danish Settee by Alfred Christensen in Tan Shearling
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in New York, NY
Charming 1940s Danish settee designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk. The frame is characterized by Christensen's signature curved paddle arms, complemented by the backrest comprised of traditional round spindles. The piece is newly lacquered and reupholstered in luxurious tan shearling...
Sheepskin, Wood
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb.. Amazing lines.. Sleek elegant design.. Reupholstered (within the last 15 years)..in an ivory mattelasse fabric.. Nice useable condi...
Fabric, Wood
MASSIMO VIGNELLI Mod. Saratoga White and Red Sofa, 1964
Located in Roma, Lazio
Historic sofa mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful red-purple fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything...
Wood, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Three-Cushion Sofa with Wood Base, Custom
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
This mid-century modern inspired sofa features a clean, transitional silhouette with sleek track arms and three loose seat cushions. The example shown is upholstered in velvet and si...
Velvet, Maple
Afra e Tobia Scarpa Mastro Daybed Molteni 1981
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Molteni & C
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare and beautiful 'Mastro' daybed sofa designed by duo Afra e Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Molteni 1981. This super shaped daybed has a ...
Metal
Original Knoll Brigadier Dreisitzer Leder weiß Cini Boeri 1980
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, weißes Dreisitzer Sofa (Modell: Brigadier) von Knoll aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ciri Boeri, einer der einflussreichste...
Leather, Wood
$3,729Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Design Italian Sofa in Bouclé
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Base made of plywood. - Measure: height of seat 40 cm.
Bouclé, Plywood
MiD CENTURY RESTORED BRAZILLIAN HARDWOOD 1966 MODEL NO SM7008 THREE SEAT SOFA
By Tendo Mokko, Isamu Kenmochi
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored Isamu Kenmochi (1912-1971) for Tendō Mokkō 'Haco' three seater sofa, circa 196...
Leather, Hardwood
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments, characterized by the lovely wave-shaped curves...
Metal
Sofa / Daybed Constanzebank in Teak, Steel and Leather by Johannes Spalt, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa / Daybed Constanzebank in Teak, Steel and Original Patinated Natural Leather by Johannes Spalt, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Teak, steel and original patinated natu...
Steel
Mint green Mantilla Sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Mantilla sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina. The Mantilla's name comes from the mantle which covers it. The idea comes from the memory of protecting the furniture of holiday ...
Velvet
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Black Leather, 1974, Set of 2
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofas for De Sede, black leather, Switzerland, 1974, set of two. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landsca...
Leather
Modern Tufted Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This statement leather sofa reinvents MCM designs with fine materials and a neutral palette. The low sofa is upholstered in a lush Napa leather with pale taupe color and a wonderfull...
Leather, Wood
Divano a due posti, manifattura italiana, anni 50
Located in Firenze, IT
Divano a due posti, della fine degli anni ’50, provenienti da una casa fiorentina progettata dall’Architetto Cencetti, che curò anche tutti gli arredi. Ha una struttura in legno zebr...
Fabric, Wood, Zebra Wood
Vintage Sofa Italian 3-seater Design Couch Leder schwarz 1980
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes italienisches Vintage Sofa aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Dreisitzer verfügt über verstellbare Kopfstützen und zeichnet sich durch seinen äuße...
Leather
De Sede DS-1025/09 Terrazza Ubald Klug, Customised in Black Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1973 by Swiss architect Ubald Klug for de Sede, the Terrazza (DS-1025) was conceived as a landscape rather than a sofa — a stepped, terraced form inspired by the alpine v...
Leather, Foam, Wood
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Jack Larsen Colorful Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, colorful, Dubar x Larsen textile sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocal...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Two Seat Mohair 'California' Sofas, Jacques Charpentier, Paris, 1970
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Superb and exclusive pair of two seat Mohair Velvet 'CALIFORNIA' sofas freshly reupholstered with Italian luxury Mohair Velvet fabric from Dedar Milano with inset stainless steel bases by Parisian high society designer Jacques Charpentier. This plush mohair pile...
Stainless Steel
Vintage De Sede Two-Seat Sofa, DS47, Patinated Leather
By De Sede
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Highly comfortable DS47 sofa patinated leather by De Sede. The design is simplistic, yet very modern. A tight and cubic outside with a soft and curved inside, which emphasize the com...
Leather
Sity Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1986
Located in Premariacco, IT
Classic of Italian design, this Sity sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia presents itself in its elegance and refinement with a two-seater section, a corner section and a single s...
Fabric, Plastic
Eames Sofa Compact for Herman Miller, Alexander Girard Maharam Fabric, 2 Avail
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard
Located in Detroit, MI
This classic mid century modern Eames Sofa Compact Model S-473 produced in 2005 has been professionally reupholstered in a Maharam limited color reissue of Jacob's Coat, a beautiful ...
Aluminum, Steel
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Metal