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.
Josef Hoffmann "Cabinet" Sofa by Wittmann, Austria
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in the late 1980s by Wittmann Mobelwerkstattten Austria - Labeled by manufacturer - suitable for new upholstery - Wooden parts in good/very good condition with minor signs o...
Fabric, Wood
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
Original Rolf Benz Sento Sofa Design Couch Eckcouch grau Stoff
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel verfügt teilweise über verstelllbare Rückenlehnen und besticht durch s...
Fabric
Geraldo de Barros, 2-seater metal and upholstery sofa, c. 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in the 1970s, this two-seater sofa in tubular metal and white fabric by Geraldo de Barros is to be placed in the artistic continuity of its creators, who was an important ar...
Metal
$5,518 / item
Mood Armchair with arms Red by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, 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
Vintage McGuire Woven Rattan Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage sofa, crafted in the iconic style of McGuire Furniture, perfectly embodies the breezy elegance of Coastal Modern design. The frame is meticulously clad in ha...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Two-Seater Sofa in the Style of Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant Mid-Century Italian two-seater sofa in the style of Ico Parisi, featuring its original fabric. This piece showcases the refined design and craftsmanship typical of 1950s Italian furniture...
Brass
Brazilian Design - Liceu de Artes e Oficios, 4-seater sofa, solid wood. c. 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Liceu de Artes e Oficios 4-seater sofa, c. 1960 Solid wood and natural linen fabric 200 x 80 x 71 cm 78 37/50 x 31 1/2 x 27 19/20 in Made in the 1960s, this four-seater sofa exempla...
Linen, Hardwood
Chic Mid-Century Modern Green Leather Sofa / Loveseat by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
De Sede Two-Seat Sofa, Switzerland, Late 20th Century Upholstered in a vivid apple-green leather, this generously scaled loveseat exemplifies De Sede's signature commitment to excep...
Leather
Hand Dyed Vintage Brown Leather Large Designer Contempory Sofa Very Comfortable
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very comfortable had dyed brown leather designer styled three seat sofa A very good looking decorative and comfortable sofa, this piece cam...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare pair of settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Settees feature an armless profile complete with two mahogany "sled" like legs. These occasionally come up in so...
Bentwood
Tobia Scarpa Style Mid Century Italian Boucle and Chrome Sofa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tobia Scarpa Style Mid Century Italian Boucle and Chrome Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 40 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 20 inches Newly uph...
Chrome
Vintage black leather and chrome sofa, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage two seater sofa made from a chromed steel frame and black leather seats and armrests. Very much in the style of Pascal Mourgue's Joker chairs/sofa...
Chrome
Swiss Design Vintage De Sede DS-15 Settee, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage dark brown leather DS-15 sofa by De Sede Switzerland. The compact two-seater sofa consists of two DS-15 corner elements combined, and is upholstered in virtually indestructi...
Leather, Wood
La Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored, Gray Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley's famous La Gondola sofa. One of the best sofa designs of the entire modern design movement. Expertly refinished and reupholstered in a light to medium grey mohair. Pl...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 2-Seater Sofa in Teak and Ash Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 2-Seater Sofa in Teak and Ash Fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly source...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
Original Togo & poof (2007) in red leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset.
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
This 2007 Togo sofa boasts a stunning red leather upholstery that would be a stunning addition to any interior design. The high-quality craftsmanship and classic style of this vintag...
Leather
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Dutch Minimal 1950s Bench in Black Skai Leather Upholstery
By Wim Rietveld
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A minimal design bench in the manner of Wim Rietveld. The bench still has it's original black skai leather upholstery from the 1950's
Metal
Sofa with Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, United States ca 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Utrecht, NL
George Nelson was one of the central figures in the development of American modern design in the mid twentieth century. As design director for Herman Miller from 1945 onward, Nelson ...
Fabric, Wood
$17,012Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bamboo and Leather Sofa, France, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern bamboo and leather sofa, France 1970s. This French sofa was made of bamboo and leather in France in 1970. And would be an eye-catching addition to any interior,...
Leather, Bamboo
Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger ‘Eurochair’ in Black Leather, Switzerland, 1970
By Hans Eichenberger, Girsberger
Located in Almelo, NL
Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger ‘Eurochair’ in Black Leather, Switzerland, 1970s – Set of 2 (2 Sets Available) This striking pair of 'Eurochair' lounge chairs by Swiss designer Han...
Chrome
Borge Mogensen Spokeback Sofa 1970's
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This spoke-back sofa is one of the most representative pieces in the collection of the master Danish designer Boe Mogensen, and was exhibited at the Cabinetmakers' Guild exhibition i...
Leather, Beech
“Concha” Sofa in Plum Mohair Velvet & Hardwood, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and sculptural “Concha” sofa—named after the Portuguese word for shell—this piece represents a highly refined and seldom-seen expression of Brazilian modernism ...
Hardwood, Mohair
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-45-B Cane Sofa / 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 relationship between the legs with armrests and the backrest ensures a balanced composi...
Cane, Teak
Bastiano Set of 2 sofas and 2 armchairs tobia scarpa for simon gavina
By Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Bastiano seating set, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina in the late 1960s, stands as one of the absolute masterpieces of 20th-century Italian design. This beautiful composition...
Velvet
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored 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. Color is listed as "Dijon"...
Mohair, Mahogany
Knoll Brown Leather Fabricius Sofa
Located in Rochester, England
The Fabricius Sofa embodies timeless luxury and modern sophistication. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted from the finest materials, it is a true statement piec...
Steel
Danish Modern, Banana Sofa, Beechwood, Green Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Danish Mid-Century Modern, Banana Sofa, Beechwood, Green Fabric, Denmark, 1930s Danish modern banana sofa in the manner of Flemming Lassen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk c. 1930s. This exa...
Fabric, Beech
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Pedestal Cube Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Pedestal Cube Sofa The sofa measures: 93 wide x 32 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches and ...
Upholstery, Wood
Suede and Steel Sofa by Jacques Charpentier (attr.), France 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the 1970s, the power of television sparked a profound shift in households and a sofa became a "must-have". Sofas became the core of the "Les Contemporains...
Steel
$8,085Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Cotton Velvet, w=200
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Round Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic a...
Bouclé, Velvet
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Teak Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam __________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the MP-13 Four-Seat Sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous ...
Chrome
1960s Mid Century Walnut & Vinyl Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut & vinyl sofa designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s.This sofa boasts a beautiful black vinyl upholstery that sits at...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Arne Vodder Three Seat Sofa in Teak
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Arne Vodder
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arner Vodder Manufacturer: Glostrup Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, wool Measurements: 73? wide x 30? deep x 30.5? tall Condition: In excellent origina...
Teak, Wool
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
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
Located in Vicenza, IT
Le Bambole two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is part of the celebrated L...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Octagonal Sofa Attributed to Harvey Probber, Restored in Blue Maharam Fabric
Located in Kansas City, MO
Octagonal / round seating unit / sofa / loveseat that we are attributing to Harvey Probber. Eight walnut legs around the perimeter plus a center walnut leg. Expertly restored and reu...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Tobia Scarpa White Bouclé Wool Soriana Italian Sofa, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa model "Soriana" two-seat design by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure and reupholstered in white bouclé wool fabric Italy, 1960s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935...
Wool, Bouclé, Plastic, Wood
Mid-Century Modular Sofa Serie Deca by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Serie Deca by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery Corner dimension : 90 x 90 x 64h cm Armchair : 70 x 90 x 64h cm
Fabric
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Restored 6-Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Corner Sectional Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired Mid-Century six-strand square pretzel rattan Corner Sectional sofa with six seats. This sofa features a...
Rattan
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exciting T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing for Widdicomb Curved Sculptured Wood Edge Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
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
$6,850
Zanine Sofa
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful angular sofa, fully reupholstered with Zanine label on underside.
Upholstery, Wood
Lara Sofa by Roberto Pamio & Noti Massari & Renato Toso for Stilwood
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Incredible so-called 'Lara' sofa designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a lovely geo...
Fabric, Bouclé
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
$4,265Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sofa Sapporo for Mobil Girgi in brown fabric
By Sapporo
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant two-seater sofa designed by Sapporo for Mobil Girgi - Italy, 1970s This extraordinary two-seater sofa represents a perfect balance between constructive rigor and comfort, an...
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 "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in New Boucle Fabric, Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In New Boucle Fabric, Italy 1970s. Adriano Piazzessi Italian 1970s generously proportioned boucle fabric lounge sofa, with curve...
Steel
Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Armchair for L’Atelier Brazil - Brazil, 1970.
Located in London, GB
These 1970s Cubo chairs take cuboid forms and scoop out their core. They were designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been inspired by the works o...
Fabric, Wood
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Black Leather, Italy, 1962
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Black Leather, Italy, 1962
Metal
$2,400Sale Price|63% Off
Curvy Silhouette Lutece Sofa by Richard Himmel
Located in Dallas, TX
Curvy silhouette Lutece sofa by Richard Himmel. The sofa is in good vintage condition with wear from use and some cosmetic imperfections. New upholstery is...
Upholstery, Wood
Coronado Two-seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa in Cognac Leather, 1969
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, Mobilplast edition, Spain. Upholstered in cognac leather.
Leather
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Leather
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Angular Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
The best design characteristics of Guillerme et Chambron meet in this beautiful, artistic oak sofa. The duo’s designs are exceptional for a wide array of reasons, starting from the u...
Oak, Fabric
$7,900Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Sofa by Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, stunning Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa with modern neoclassical influences by Gio Ponti for Editions ISA, Bergamo, circa 1955. This sofa features a high back, wingback ...
Mohair, Upholstery, Hardwood
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1960s Sofa Couch MINT!
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1950s U-150 Sofa Couch MINT!
Walnut, Linen
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor version Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): L 170cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Assise H 42cm Modular sofa: asse...
Foam