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 Wooden Frame Sofa
By Lawrence Peabody, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk, Baumritter, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage black wooden frame sofa. The frame features a slat back design that showcases the bright orange upholstery underneath. Equipped with fin armrests.. The frame has been painted...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B. Project from 1960s The sofa can come as a living room set together with its pair ...
Velvet, Wood
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Linen
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa
By Wittmann
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 160 wide x 36 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inch...
Leather, Wood
$9,500 / item
Parallel Bar Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A "parallel bar" frame sofa with a button tufted back on chromed steel legs.
Steel
$23,660Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Móveis CIMO, 1960's
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, this sofa structure is entirely made of solid imbuia, including the wooden partitions on both the armrests and backrest, s...
Velvet, Imbuia
$3,600Sale Price|47% Off
Spectacular and Special Curvy Silhouette Lutece Love Seat Sofa by Richard Himmel
Located in Dallas, TX
Curvy silhouette Lutece sofa by Richard Himmel. Re-upholstery required.
Fabric
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-59-B Bench Seat / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The sofa is a one-of-a-kind piece - unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quali...
Cane, Wood
Mid Century Vintage Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa, Denmark circa 1960-70
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century modern brown leather three-seat sofa with removable cushions and hard wood frame. The years of use are revealed in the aged patina of the leather, including impressions, ...
Leather, Wood
3-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The sofa is in good original condition and is covered wit...
Fabric, Wood
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s Three-Seat Sofa by Knut Sæter for Vatne Møbler in rosewood
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Knut Sæter and produced by Vatne Møbler in Norway during the 1960s, this three-seat sofa reflects the material quality and restrained proportions associated with Norwegia...
Fabric, Rosewood
Marthe Armitage X Sigmar, Kaare Klint 4118 Sofa
Located in London, GB
This reupholstered Kaare Klint 4118 sofa is the centrepiece of our recent collaboration with Marthe Armitage Prints for London Design Festival 2023. ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Three-Seat Sofa by Russell Wright, Black Frame and Light Grey-Silver Fabric
Located in Kansas City, MO
Russel Wright for Conant Ball sofa. Black lacquered wood frame and newly upholstered in a beautiful light grey or sliver fabric.
Wood
$30,649
Osvaldo Borsani Boucle Sofa
Located in Milano, MI
Very rare Osvaldo Borsani sofa in walnut and white bouclé fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Red Velvet Sofa, 1950s Vintage Red Velvet Sofa, 1950s 4 Vintage Red Vel
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Charming red velvet sofa from the 1950s with classic mid-century lines and a rich, vibrant tone. Upholstered in original velour fabric, this piece o...
Velvet
Knoll Florence Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this iconic two-seater reflects her architectural approach to furniture—restrained, geometric, and timeless. With softened proportions and deeper ...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
20th Century, Ico Parisi for Cassina Blue Velvet Sofa mod. 975
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ico Parisi was an Italian architect and designer, born in Palermo in 1916. His activity, marked by continuous experimentation, consists in an incessant research in the fields of arch...
Steel
Corner sofa, Italy, circa 1950s.
Located in Palermo, PA
Fascinating corner sofa of Italian design, production circa 1950s. Very special piece, not very common. It comes with fabric in very good condition, very stable structure, wooden fee...
Fabric, Wood
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16.25 and arm height of 21 inches Good Vintage...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Aage Sattrup, Beech, Fabric, Rare Floating Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
By Sattrups Polstermøbelfabrik
Located in Stamford, CT
Aage Sattrup, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Beech, Beige Fabric, Rare Floating Sofa, Denmark, 1950s Very rare sofa designed by Aage Sattrup and manufactured by Sattrups Polstermøbelfab...
Fabric, Beech
$4,374 / item
Agnes S-Couch 3-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Upholstery, Wood
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Thayer Coggin Directional Black Velvet Sectional Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Thayer Coggin directional black velvet sectional sofa. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a luxurious black velvet...
Velvet, Wood
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass legs. Model 4906. This piece retains its original fun fur teddy bear fabric in usable condition. The foam in cushions ...
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa Set, Chandigarh
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa Set, Chandigarh Upholstered bridge sofa/chair set, Mid-Century Modern, Model PJ-SI-42-B and PJ-SI...
Fabric, Teak
1970s Danish Brown Leather 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Leather
$13,160 / item
Large Curved Modern White Velvet Sofa
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
This large curved sofa was inspired by midcentury Italian design. Upholstered in white crushed velvet. The sofa features a single cushion with foam, dacron, and down. Its tight back ...
Velvet, Foam, Maple, Down
Confidential Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Set Sofa
By Saporiti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Rare full set of two armchairs and a three seater sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti. The "Confidential" is one of the first modular sofas ever produced for private homes. Polyure...
Leather
Guillerme et Chambron, Bench circa 1970, Edition "Votre Maison"
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Guillerme et Chambron, oak bench composed of three removable elements. Wool fabric to change Edition "Votre Maison", circa 1970. Votre maison : a style, a concept, a mindset. The ...
Oak, Wool
Børge Mogensen Two Seater Sofa for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Freestanding two seater sofa with legs of oak. Sides, back and loose cushions upholstered with natural tanned ox-hide. Model 2208. Manufactured and marked by Fredericia Stolefabrik.
Leather, Oak
Danish Cabinetmaker Upholstered Sofa, Denmark Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Danish cabinetmaker sofa comes from a moment in mid-20th-century Denmark when craftsmanship and comfort were treated with equal seriousness. Cabinetmakers played an important ro...
Fabric, Wood
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa, Steel, Rope and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of outdoor life with a high-impact product inspired by the little trampolines found in the gardens of homes in Greenland. Trampoline is a striking and elegant love bed...
Steel
1960s Leaving Room Set, Sofa & Armchairs in leather by Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately 1960s Leaving room set in massive Wood, real leather, attributed to Afra and Tobia Scarpa designers These are particular famo...
Leather, Fir
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967
Located in New York, NY
Designed as the “MP-13” model, this sofa reflects the disciplined material dialogue characteristic of Brazilian modern seating in the 1960s. The composition is anchored by a structur...
Chrome
Confidential Lounge Chairs by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Italia, 1970s
By Saporiti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Dark brown leather armchairs with plastic feet by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti. Model: Confidential. Stamped Saporiti. Seat height 31 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPP...
Leather, Plastic
Le Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 2 seater
Located in Ghedi, IT
Icona intramontabile del design italiano degli anni Settanta, il divano Le Bambole di Mario Bellini continua a rappresentare uno dei capolavori più sensuali e accoglienti della stori...
Velvet
$6,860 / item
Mid-Century Modern Dune Sofa Handmade by Elbra Home
Located in Freamunde, PT
Dune sofa captures the essence of natural elegance and serene sophistication, inspired by the tranquil beauty of sandy landscapes. With its soft, sweeping lines and sumptuous upholst...
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century MCM Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa Orange Velveteen Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage MCM or Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa composed of sculptured wood front legs, slightly tapered shorter back legs, and carved wood back trim de...
Fabric, Foam, Polyester, Wood
$2,357Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Black Imitation Fur Sofa
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous vintage sofa made in the 1950s, Italian manufacture. The sofa is totally covered in black faux fur, very whimsical. The shapes are very simple and sinuous. There are 4 fee...
Fur, Faux Fur
$5,700Sale Price|40% Off
Dunbar Jack Larsen Gray Velvet Cut Down Floating Plinth Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Kanz Sofa Black & White Striped (Set of 3) by Hermhaus – Modular Designer Sofa
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kanz Sofa by Hermhaus is a serene and contemporary modular sofa set, featuring elegant green and white striped upholstery that adds freshness and sophistication to any modern int...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Wooden Two-Seater with Leather Cushions, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
French; Sofa Set; Living Room Set; leather cushions; 1960s; armchair; Club Chair; Lounge Chair; Loveseat; Two-Seater; Settee; Sofa; Footstool; Ottoman; Coffee Table; French Design; ...
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s "Pod" Three-Seater Sofa by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden
By Carl Eric Klote, Overman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic example of Scandinavian modern design, this rare 1960s "Pod" three-seater sofa was designed by Carl Eric Klote for Overman of Sweden. Celebrated for its sculptural silhouet...
Leather
Sesann Three-Seat Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Hilversum, NL
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the early 1970s, the Sesann sofa is a classic example of Italian design from the period. The design is characterised by its exposed chr...
Aluminum
Mid-Century American Rust Velvet Upholstered Two Seater Fringed Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (Mid-20th Century) two-seat sofa upholstered in rust velvet having roll form arms with 2 seat cushions and a fringed apron in woven strands of beige, yellow a...
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, Beige Brochier Fabric
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, handmade in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. With an elegant design inspired by the style of the great mid-century French designers this sofa e...
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak,...
Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa by Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs
Located in Karlstad, SE
Three-seat sofa model "Trienna" by Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs, 1950s. Stunning sofa made of oak with leather straps supporting the backrest...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 3-seat sofa with beige, light green, and brown striped upholstery with three back and three seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY).
Fabric, Upholstery
Mario Bellini "Tentazione" Leather Sofa or Loveseat for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge two-seat sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina manufacture in 1970s period, Italy. Model No: 685, Creme color leather original upholstery, steel frame ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Style 2 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime co...
Textile, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Plush Mohair
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful plush lustrous mohair fabric. Light blue gray.
Lucite, Mohair
Custom Tufted Aqua Blue Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base in aqua blue velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different colors and fabrics or a different metal for the base.
Brass
$8,044Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
This splendid Milord sofa, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 1950s, is a masterpiece of mid-century Italian design, perfectly balanced between elegance, innovation, and fun...
Brass
$10,000
Charles Eames Sofa Compact
Located in Pasadena, TX
A very rare and rather exceptional sofa compact by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. This example is special for a few reasons. It is a very early model as evidenced by the centre me...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Cubic Sofa in Kvadrat Fabric by Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern cubic sofa in the style of Giancarlo Piretti. This sofa has been newly upholstered in Kvadrat fabric and features three seats with clean geometric lines. The sofa sits atop an oak plinth base. This semi modular sofa can be arranged with our cube block table and two sofa seats to create an L shaped seating...
Oak, Upholstery
Fantastic Signed Milo Baughman Chrome Three-Seat Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic signed Milo Baughman chrome leg 3 seater sofa. I love the style of the long thin arms along with the fabulous chrome frame. This piece is perfect for a restyle or to use ...
Chrome, Steel
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
Kanz Modular Sofa Green & White Striped (Set of 3 with Daybed) by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kanz Sofa by Hermhaus is a serene and contemporary modular sofa set, featuring a stylish green and white striped upholstery that brings a fresh and elegant touch to modern interi...
Velvet, Wood, Oak