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.
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
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Curve Module, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Curve module Measures: W. 125 cm / D. 96 cm / H. 73 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules t...
Foam
1970s Italian Tubular Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
fully restored in a nubby, wool-blend textile with new foam. The frame has wear consistent with age and use including scuffs, scratches, and paint use
Metal
Mid-Century Modern 3 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 collection is influenced by Art Deco, born under the burst of bright colors and shades, mirroring the elegance and glamour of the 1920’s and aiming to be the inspiration of life. This collection is characterized by the use of brass, a noble and sophisticated material, and the lacquered surfaces, which provide the piece with the representative shine of Art Deco. Pieces with voluptuous lines, but nevertheless comfortable and cozy, are what define Art Deco, as well as our collection. The Sublime modular sofa offers all the space you need to welcome your family and friends. A very comfortable and elegant best-seller, with fabric upholstery that can be customised according to your needs. The perfect versatile addition to your living room. The Sublime sofa...
Textile, Wood
Original Ole Wanscher Midcentury Sofa Senator Couch France&Søn
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Senator" trägt, wurde von Ole Wanscher entworfe...
Teak
Mid Century Green Velvet Sofa by Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, Italy, 1950
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This incredibly sleek and rare mid century sofa is designed by esteemed Italian, Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, 1950. Elegant lines, this piece ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, Cream Nobilis 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...
Fabric, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
With a long tradition of craftsmanship, there has always been a heightened appreciation of design throughout Scandinavia. Scandinavian design emerged as a prominent contributor to Eu...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970's Mogens Hansen Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Danish 3 seat sofa loveseat in nicely patinated light cognac Leather with beech wood legs. Made by Mogens Hansen c.1970’s. Matching 2 seat sofa available separately. Comforta...
Leather, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Beijinho Sofa, Beige Chenille, Handmade by Greenapple
By Dedar, Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Beijinho Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Beijinho sofa seamlessly combines the soft texture of high-quality che...
Brass
$27,034 / set
Living room Sofa and two armchairs from the 1970s, designed by Ennio Chiggio Habitat IDS
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and sculptural seating set designed by Ennio Chiggio for haBITAT iDS, comprising a sofa and matching armchairs. The structure is crafted in molded polyurethane with lower ba...
Leather
1970s Striped Blue Upholstery Bamboo Frame Mid Century Modern Sofa MINT!
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Brass Chrome Rectangle Base Adjustable Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp Mint!
Bamboo, Reed
Giuseppe Scapinelli. Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Caviúna Wood and Silk Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Superb four seater mid-century modern sofa made of Brazilian caviúna wood. Extremely well-made, beautiful and stylish, with a sophisticated blue silk upholstery.
Wood, Silk
Newly Upholstered Regent Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Petrol Color
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Marco Zanuso Regent 3-seater for Arflex, Italy, 1960s. The piece is on walnut glides and newly upholstered in Kvadrat steelcut fabric.
Fabric
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
Adriano Piazzesi “OKAY” Sofa in New Bouclé Upholstery, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
A rare and inviting Mid-Century Italian “OKAY” sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, newly upholstered in luxurious bouclé. This sculptural “OKAY” sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, designed and produce...
Agate, Steel
Pianura modular sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1971
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Modular sofa and armchair set by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Solid walnut timber frame and all original velvet upholstery. Circa 1970, Italy. SOFA: W 270, D 83, H 58 CM. ARMCHAIR W ...
Velvet, Walnut
Cambridge Loveseat Sofa in the Style of 1930's Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Cambridge Loveseat Sofa, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Cambridge loveseat is a refined homage to the golden age of design from the early 20t...
Brass
Knut Saeter for Vatne Møbler Mid Century Norwegian Rosewood and Leather Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Knut Saeter for Vatne Møbler Mid Century Norwegian Rosewood and Leather Sofa This sofa measures: 87 wide x 29.5 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of ...
Leather, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic clean lined sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have updated with Great Plains Mohair by Holly Hunt.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$59,474
Rare Sofa by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Rare sofa by Alvar Aalto. Finland, 1956. Provenance: Kansanela¨kelaitos (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Example provided with original label....
Brass
French Mid-Century Modern Sofa / Day Bed by A R P & Blue Fabric
By A. R. P.
Located in New York, NY
An early French Architectural Mid-Century Modernist sofa / daybed by A.R.P. Atelier de Recherche Plastique and with a fabric color. The sofa / divan presents a pure 1960 architectura...
Steel
$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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Percival Lafer rosewood and leather 3-seater S-1 sofa. The S-1 design features Brazilian exoticness paired with Scandinavian sensibility. Of Lafer's designs, the S-1 is a...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern "Soriana" Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1970
By Soriana
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Soriana" sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1970 Beige bouclette - New upholstery.
Fabric
Pair of Harvey Probber Tuxedo Sofas in Lee Jofa Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
These beautiful sofas have been completely restored. Newly upholstered in a high-quality fabric by Lee Jofa. The fabric has a beautiful pattern, a tight weave with nubby design detai...
Upholstery, Walnut
$11,213 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large,1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular...
Foam
$2,850
Modernist French Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Nice modernist French sofa, new vinyl upholstery.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Cube Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The cube sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in the 1970s. The elegance, a feature of Zalszupin designs, on this piece does not come from sculpted wood details or the...
Wood, Fabric, Faux Leather
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Velvet, Plastic
Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan Cane Brass Tuxedo Sofa
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan, Cane and Brass Tuxedo Sofa This sofa measures: 84.25 wide x 32.5 deep x 26.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm he...
Brass
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge by Spherical Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge by Spherical Furniture Company This stylish flip futon was designed by Frank Petersilie for Spherical Furniture Co and remains in its original upholste...
Textile, Wood
Sintra Sofa in Charcoal Gray Velvet, Brass Legs, Contemporary Style
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Sintra" sofa upholstered in charcoal gray velvet with four removable back cushions and a single long seat cushion, resting on tapered brass legs. (Available in...
Bronze, Metal
Rare No. 853 Daybed / Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Munich, DE
Back can be turned to use the complete seating area as daybed.
Metal
Fantasy Island 2-Seater Sofa by Kurt Beier, Germany, 1980s/1990s
By Kurt Beier
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sculptural 2-seater sofa was designed by the German designer Kurt Beier. It is part of the 'Fantasy Island' collection and has the model name "Eiserne Jungfrau". It is made out ...
Steel
Nuvolone Lounge Chair by Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova – Italy, circa 1970
By Mimo Padova
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Nuvolone lounge chair by Rino Maturi for MIMO PADOVA. The fabric is made of thick high-end beige/creme wool. It has been cleaned professionally and is in very good condition with min...
Wool
1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in rosewood and black leather
Located in Victoria, BC
This Amazonas sofa was designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Wood Art in Brazil during the 1960s. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, with a strong architectural frame defi...
Leather, Cord, Wood
$1,975
Italian, Two seater sofa
Located in London, GB
c.1960s Bamboo H84 x W125 x D75 cm
Bamboo
Mid-Century 3 Seat Sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany, 1950s
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 85-102 x 190 x 74 41 cm (Depth x Width x Height / Seat height) This unique mid-century design sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Isamu Noguchi Freeform Sofa & Ottoman – Vitra, Raf Simons for Kvadrat Vidar 4
Located in Dronten, NL
Few designs balance art and function as seamlessly as Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa. Originally conceived in 1946 and produced in very limited numbers today by Vitra, this is not jus...
Wool, Ash
Art Deco Five-Strand Square Pretzel 3-Seater Sectional Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco era five-strand Paul Frankl-inspired square pretzel style, three-seat sectional sofa. This sofa features the famous five-strand square pretzel side arms and stacked rattan b...
Wicker, Rattan
Reupholstered 3-Seater Sofa by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer for Pilastro
By Friso Kramer, Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This rare 3-seater sofa is a combination of designs by Tjerk Reijenga and Friso Kramer, produced by Pilastro in 1965. The seat was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel 1959 ...
Metal
1960s Bernhardt Boucle Professionally Upholstered Sofa
This is one very cool cat. Epic renovation just back from the Upholstery Masters and wrapped in the most sophisticated Boucle you’ve ever seen, from Kravet. White and dark charcoal. It’s brilliant. Spectacular lines. Just a wonderful piece. Very special. Low profile. Flair companion chairs...
Bouclé
1970s Sofa, de Sede DS-12, Vintage
By De Sede
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic sofa from the 1970s. Model DS-12 by de Sede with the striking original cover made of cognac-colored buffalo leather with a beautiful patina and coarse stitching. Very good w...
Leather
Custom Tete-a-tete Sofa Bench in Grey Velvet with Walnut Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tete-a-tete sofa bench in grey silk velvet with American walnut wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different fabrics, colors, sizes and woods. ...
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret LC/PJ-SI-41-A Advocate Chair / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The object exudes an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; its auratic qual...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
$14,104Sale Price|25% Off
Rare Maja sofa by Emilio Guarnacci & Felix Padovano for 1P 1971
By Emilio Guarnacci, Felix Padovano
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Raro divano 3 posti modello Maja disegnato da Emilio Guarnacci e Felix Padovano per 1p industria chimica per l' arredamento nel 1971. Struttura in acciaio, poliuretano espanso indefo...
Steel
Svend Ellekær Three Seat Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Svend Ellekær Manufacturer: Rolschau Møbler Era: 1960s Materials: Rosewood, Leather, Wool Measurements: 78.75? wide Condition: In excellent origina...
Leather, Wool, Rosewood
$3,438Sale Price|35% Off
French 20th Century High Back Sofa, Fabric Upholstery
Located in Barcelona, ES
20th century sofa by unknown manufacturer from France. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Reupholtsered. Materials: Wood...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa with Ottoman for B&B Italia, 1971
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The searc...
Fur, Foam
$2,355Sale Price|20% Off
Paolo Buffa Vintage Sofa in Wood and Floral Fabric 'Attr.'
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful vintage floral sofa designed in the 1950s and attributed to the craftsmanship of Paolo Buffa, of fine Italian manufacture. The sofa has...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Cleo Baldon Handcrafted 8' Leather Sofa for Terra, circa 1965
By Terra, Cleo Baldon
Located in Camden, ME
Cleo Baldon leather upholstered "saddle bag" sofa designed in 1965 for her furniture company, Terra. This elegant studio crafted sofa has a frame of hand hammered and wrought iron s...
Iron
1950’s Oak Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Chicago, IL
1950’s French oak sofa designed by Guillerme et Chambron. New upholstery. Arm height 22
Upholstery, Oak
Mid Century Modern Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an iconic piece of design - Sesann sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This is the first edition if the iconic sofa which features tubula...
Steel
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. ...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Leather 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi with Walnut Legs
By Illum Wikkelsø, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather 'Croissant' sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI with walnut legs. Playful, voluptuous and expertly crafted, the newly reimagined Croissant Collection from GUBI makes a powerful ...
Steel