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.
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s)
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa in ivory mohair velvet for Gavina (Italy, 1970s). Tubular rosewood frame. Extraordinarily comfortable and possibly the only one available outside Europe...
Mohair, Wood
Set of Two Patinated Leather Sofas by Gerard van den Berg for Montis Netherlands
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s A striking vintage leather sofa designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis in the Netherlands during th...
Leather, Beech
Three-Seater "Langenthal" Sofa by Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, Sweden 1960s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish designer Arne Norell’s designs gained recognition for their use of traditional materials, like fabrics and wood, combined with simple and vanguard lines. This three-seater ‘L...
Fabric, 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
$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
$3,000 / item
Four-Piece Rattan Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Mid-Century-inspired bamboo and rattan four-piece sectional sofa. Stylish vintage design, padded seats, gorgeous complementary colors, and interesting support and armrest shapes make for a fun...
Bamboo, Rattan
$15,750Sale Price|30% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Mohair, Mahogany
1950s Italian Gio Ponti Sofa for Hotel Bristol, Murano
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Italian Gio Ponti Sofa An exceptional 1950s Italian sofa designed by Gio Ponti for the Hotel Bristol, Murano. This beautifully proportioned piece captures Ponti’s distinctive sense o...
Beech
$29,000
La Gondola Sofa by Dunbar
Located in San Francisco, CA
La Gondola sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. model 5719, is representative of Wormley's best designs and work for Dunbar, this ...
Mahogany
$2,850
Modernist French Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Nice modernist French sofa, new vinyl upholstery.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Boucle, Brass, Handmade Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju swivel lounge chair embodies the perfect balance between organic design and sophisticated elegance. Inspired by the natural curves of a cashew, its enveloping silhouette and premium upholstery make it a standout piece of unparalleled comfort in contemporary interiors. A favorite swivel lounge chair among designers, Caju seamlessly combines artistry and design, becoming a timeless addition to any living space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Caju Armchair...
Brass
L.A. Studio Contemporary Lime Cotton Velvet Curved Italian Sofa
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
Curved sofa upholstered in lemon green cotton velvet. Structure made of solid wood and legs made of brass. Manufactured in Italy. Transform your living space with the stunning curve...
Brass
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Relaunched in 1988. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Gerrit Rietveld came up with the design ...
Fabric
Gio Ponti attr Velvet Loveseat
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage modern living room loveseat. The red velour upholstery and brass drumstick legs are sure to make an impression in any seating arrangement. A sleek design that featur...
Brass
De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi Ciuingam Sofa BBB Bonacina, 1967
By BBB Bonacchina, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super puffy shaped and highly comfortable so called Ciuingam 3 seater sofa designed by Jonathan DePas, Donato D'Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi and manufactured by BBB Bonacina...
Fabric, Plastic
KK 5011 - 3-seater sofa in mahogany and patinated niger leather
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5011 - 3-seater sofa in mahogany and patinated niger leather. Designed in 1935. Designed by Kaare Klint and made by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen.
Leather
$7,700Sale Price|30% Off
Pair Mid Century Erwin-Lambeth for John Stuart Botanical Lily Rolled Arm Sofas
By John Stuart Inc., Erwin Lambeth
Located in Dayton, OH
This exceptional, rare pair of vintage lounge sofas by Erwin-Lambeth, originally curated and distributed through the luxury design house John Stuart Inc., showcases a masterful blend...
Fabric, Hardwood
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1971, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chairs for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a larg...
Leather, Foam
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic long-frame sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, featuring his signature gently arcing silhouette and tapered walnut legs. Fully reupholstered in Maharam's premium "Meld" wool ...
Fabric, Walnut
$11,730Sale Price / set|40% Off
Restored Mid-Century Woven Wicker Sectional Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl style rattan blends style and vintage charm with modern comfort. The original pair of mid-century woven wicker sectional sofas features a body s...
Fabric, Wicker
Baxter ‘Arcon’ Sofa in Buffalo Leather by Marco Milisich – Italy, 1970’s
By Baxter
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Baxter Arcon Sofa by Marco Milisich – A Masterclass in Vintage Italian Luxury Elevate your living space with the unmistakable presence of the Baxter Arcon, a true icon of 1970s a...
Leather
Italian Bamboo Sofa and Stool with French Bouclé Fabric Early 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful bamboo sofa and stool from the Mid-Century Modern French Riviera era are bursting with nostalgia. The soothing design and naturalistic materials will promote tranquill...
Wool, Bamboo
$2,730Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Teak Sofa from Spain
Located in Pasadena, TX
Unique custom teak sofa from Spain. Interesting sofa with inlay teak and chrome on sides and base. We have matching lounge chairs available as well. ...
Teak
Italian Modern Sculptural Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish, sculptural loveseat in warm tan vinyl with brass tack accents and tapered legs. Impeccable Italian modern design echoes of it's mid-centu...
Faux Leather
$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
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
Metal
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, wurde prof...
Teak
Vintage Floral Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite vintage floral three‑seater sofa, beautifully framed in warm, polished wood that showcases mid‑century charm with a timeless twist. Perfect addition to any space in need of...
Wood
Vintage Custom Geometric Sectional Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage custom geometric sectional sofa is a striking embodiment of mid-century modern design, blending bold visual impact with refined crafts...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Italian Settee with Scalloped Velvet Upholstery and Brass Legs
Located in New York, NY
A decadently designed Italian 1950's settee with a scalloped or petal shaped form and luxuriously upholstered channeled back tufting. The settee has been fully restored and newly reu...
Brass
Bibambola Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini Upholstered With Colored Arty fabric
Located in Madrid, ES
Mario Bellini Bibambole Sofa in White Bouclé for B&B Italia, 1970s, Signed Iconic Bibambole modular sofa designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini (b. 1935) for B&B Italia...
Cotton, Wood
X-leg Easy Sofa 3-Seater by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1960
Located in Tokyo, JP
An authentic mid-century piece from Pierre Jeanneret’s legendary Chandigarh commission. Teak frame with fabric upholstered seat & back.
Fabric, Teak
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
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous White Leather Cloud Sofa Weiman, 1980s
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous white leather cloud sofa, circa 1980s. The original owner had this sofa recently re-upholstered in a durable thick white leather and looks great.
Leather
Harvey Probber Impressive 16 Foot Angle Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has a wow factor. The upholstery is actually good and we think the seat cushion could be flipped to show the unfaded section. It can also be reupholstered to update. This s...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Three Seater Sofa by Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Møbelfabrik - Design
By Svend Åge Eriksen, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Torino, IT
This three-seater sofa, designed by Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, is a refined expression of the most cultured and measured Danish modernism. Eriksen, kno...
Fabric, Teak
3-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
De Puydt Three-Seater Sofa with Upholstered Cushions, Belgium 1970s
By De Puydt
Located in Utrecht, NL
Technical ingenuity and mastery are indispensable, and fuel each other to achieve equally sublime and atmospheric results in De Puydt furniture. This three-seater sofa is an exceptio...
Wood
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
1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s tuxedo even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5138. The sofa floats on a solid mahogany base and is upholstered with new foam and a high end green wool fabric from...
Wool, Mahogany
$7,957Sale Price|20% Off
Large Modern Mid-Century Italian Canapè or Sofa attr. to Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing Mid-Century Italian Canapè or Sofa with wood legs and arms . Acid green new upholstery in perfect condition.
Wood
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in patinated original reddish aniline leather with frame in chromed steel. Designed in 1958 by Poul Kjærholm, made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Guillerme et Chambron Sofa
Located in London, GB
A solid oak sofa designed by Guillerme et Chambron in the 1970s. The sofa features the duo’s signature bold design and has been newly reupholstered in wool fabric, combining durabili...
Wool, Oak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-48-B Sofa / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
Sculptural qualities define this object. A vivid dynamic between the different volumes and surfaces, showing different qualities from different angles. Its expressive form offers a c...
Foam, Teak
European Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Statement Sofa, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This three-seater mid-century modern sofa is a timeless statement piece. In the world of interior design, few furniture pieces captivate the imagination quite like the mid-century mo...
Fabric, Wood
Ray Kappe RK4 Sofa in Red Oak by Original, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Berlin, DE
Ray Kappe RK4 sofa in red oak by Original in Berlin, Germany, 2020 This sofa can be used as a free standing bench or a Sofa. The piece is made out of sol...
Fabric, Oak, Fir
Vintage Heavy Gage Thick Bamboo and Leather X-Base Sofa Frame
By McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative solid thick bamboo midcentury sofa frame.
Leather, Bamboo
Italian Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa, Three-Pillow Design, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
The sofa is made out of high quality leather. The back and sit of the sofa is composed from three pillows. Armrests are covered with leather and have a so...
Leather
“Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in 3 Segments by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1971
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through 5 decades of design history as a true icon. The modules of the sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, thanks to its great success both in terms of the public and critics. It is constantly featured in most international design museums and in the film sets that have defined the collective imagination. The elements that have made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The seven generous segments of the “Camaleonda” was manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The seven modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.” Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The three pieces have all been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 98.42 in W x 37.40 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 13.77 in 250 cm W x 95 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 35 cm Literature: Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341. About the designer: Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina. He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design. His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs...
Metal
Pair of c1970s Vintage Massive Thick Bamboo Bases Loveseats MINT
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of c1970s Vintage Massive Thick Bamboo Bases Loveseats MINT
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane
Directional Biomorphic Curved Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Directional biomorphic curved velvet sofa.
Velvet
Restored Six-Strand Square Pretzel Sofa & Lounge Chair Livingroom Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired mid-century rattan living room set includes a matching 3-seat sectional sofa and lounge chair. Both feature the famous six-strand squar...
Rattan
Divano Fiandra Vico Magistretti per Cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Magnifico divano Fiandra a due posti, disegnato da Vico Magistretti per Cassina negli anni '70, in eccellenti condizioni vintage. Rivestito in tessuto bianco panna, emana eleganza e ...
Textile
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Leather
Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé concha by Joaquim Tenreiro circa 1950, La tapisserie n’est pas dans une belle condition.
Wool, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Upholstered in Turquoise and Abstract Patterned Velvet
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
This luxurious Mid-century Modern designed Sofa is upholstered in a unique combination of deep turquoise and an exuberant abstract pattern from Osborne & Little's Palazzo velvet coll...
Velvet, Maple, Wood
Custom Curved Channel Back Leather Sofa by Carrocel
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom curved channel back sofa by Carrocel. Displayed with a textured light wood platform and luxurious Italian leather material. Featuring unique channel back design with removable...
Leather, Wood
Kazuhide Takahama “Marcel” Modular Sofa for Gavina, 1965, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Kazuhide Takahama “Marcel” Modular Sofa for Gavina, Velvet and Steel, Italy, 1965, set of five. Introducing the "Marcel" modular sofa by Kazu...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mid-Century Walnut Italian Sofa
Located in Chireno, TX
Mid-century Italian walnut sofa upholstered in off-white linen.
Steel