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.
$10,009 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
Amanta Mario Bellini per B&B 4 Poltroncine modulari in velluto
Located in Ghedi, IT
4 splendide poltrone Amanta, disegnate da Mario Bellini, icona del design italiano. Realizzate in velluto azzurro, queste poltrone modulari si distinguono per le loro condizioni ecce...
Velvet
Nordic Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Oy Boman Ab, Finland 1940s
By Boman OY
Located in Utrecht, NL
Oy Boman AB was a prominent Finnish furniture manufacturer in the early to mid 20th century. The company was known for producing finely crafted seating that balanced traditional Nord...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Rosewood "Amazonas" Sofa by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning vintage "Amazonas" sofa designed by Jean Gillon for Italma. Gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood frame with knotted rope supports with upholstered cushion seat. Matching chair avai...
Fabric, Cord, Rosewood
Danish Modern Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Danish Modern Oak Frame Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Ivory Sheep’s Wool Shearling by Ib Kofod-Larsen Elegant Danish modern sofa designed by renowned architect and furniture designer ...
Oak
De Sede DS 63 Lounge Chair in Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 63 lounge chair in leather, Switzerland 1970s Robust DS-63 lounge chair. This De Sede lounge chair ensures ultimate comfort and building qu...
Leather
1960s, Pair of Rare Armchairs with Stools in Oak, Finland
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered in quality 100% recycled KIRGBY fabric. - Wooden parts have been carefully refurbished. - Foostool: H 41, W 53, D 39.
Fabric, Oak
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
Italian Mid-Century Pink and Grey Fabric Sofa Giubba by Cuneo for Arflex, 1980s
By Arflex, Marcello Cuneo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century pink and grey fabric sofa Giubba by Cuneo for Arflex, 1980s Two seater sofa mod. Giubba fully padded and covered in fabric. The s...
Fabric
Maralunga armchair by Cassina, reupholstered in black leather
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly upholstered in refined black leather. Originally introduced in 1973, the Maralunga has becom...
Velvet
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with Hallingdal from Kvadrat. Original Epeda cushions. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/3, produced by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Custom Tufted Blue Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base in blue velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different sizes, colors and fabrics or a different metal for the base.
Brass
Kill International Leather Sofa Design by Rudolf Glatzel, 1960s
By Kill International, Rudolf Bernd Glatzel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Black leather sofa by Rudolf Glatzel manufactured by German manufacture Kill International. Great design from the 1960s. We also have 2 armchairs that fits well to this sofa.
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eg...
Leather
Ilmari Lappalainen "Laila" Sofa for Asko, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Laila” models from the series by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as Mid-Century Modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Finnish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. This sofa is from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic Mid-Century Modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. As an essentially Finnish modern piece, this sofa is built around the core characteristics of the era: gently rounded edges, tapered wooden legs, and a generous, fully upholstered body. The style was modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with three large tufted buttons. In the absence of ornamentation, the three large tufted buttons on the back stand out, creating depth as they sink into the textured green fabric. The design has the “Classic Nordic look”, which explains the contemporary popularity of this sofa both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. This sofa was created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila...
Fabric, Wood
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
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 2, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 2 (1x medium, 1x ottoman classic): Measures: L170cm / P96cm / H70cm / Assise H42cm Modular sofa: assemble diffe...
Foam, Wool
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Okay" Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, 1960s Adriano Piazzesi was a renowned Italian designer born on November 4, 1923, in Florence, Italy. He was a visionary who revol...
Metal
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Terracotta Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 140cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, La Folie exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let yourself be drawn by this flirtatious feeling of...
Silk, Velvet
1960s MP 13 Sofa by Percival Lafer in Brazilian rosewood and grey fabric
Located in Victoria, BC
The MP-13 sofa was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s and produced in Brazil. The design is defined by its horizontal lines and exposed solid Brazilian rosewood frame, with the ...
Fabric, Wood
Original Florence Knoll Sofa Modell 65a Couch Knoll Intenational
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Sofa von Knoll International zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Florence Knoll Bassett und ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung 65a. In un...
Steel
Gerard van den Berg rattan leather double sofa for Montis, The Netherlands 1970s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This rare and very comfortable mid-century 'Rock' style sofa was designed in the style of the famous Rock by the famous Dutch designer Gerard van den Berg for Montis. The Netherland...
Leather, Rattan
Vintage Sofa Italian 2-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 Zweisitzer verfügt über verstellbare Kopfstützen und zeichnet sich durch seinen äuße...
Leather
Italian Midcentury Modern Shell Sofa, Velvet, Circa 1940
Located in Hudson, NY
An Italian midcentury modern clam shell sofa with a striking silhouette. The arched channel back and curved seat are upholstered in a soft brown velvet, finished with round tapered l...
Velvet, Wood
$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
Three seater sofa / bed in leather
Located in Torino, IT
Three seater sofa / bed in leather
Leather, Teak
Curved Sofa by Frederico Munari Italy, 1960's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A stunning and lovely curved Italian sofa by Federico Munari, original from the 50's. This amazing sofa has a deep, highly comfortable seat and a gracefully sloping back. The or...
Metal
Danish Mid-Century Design 'GE 290/3' Sofa by Hans Wegner
Located in London, GB
Mid-century design sofa by Hans Wegner, circa 1950s, with wool upholstery and oak. Model 'GE 290/3' sofa, for Getama. Dimension: H 71 x D 84 x W 180 cm.
Oak, Wool, Wood
$2,261Sale Price|25% Off
3. Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
The three-seater sofa in brown patinated leather with a metal frame, designed by Arne Norell in 1970, is a distinctive example of Scandinavian furniture design from the 20th century....
Metal
Frits Henningsen Blue Upholstered Sofa
Located in London, GB
This refined blue upholstered sofa by Frits Henningsen is a beautiful example of understated mid-century elegance. The sofa features a gently curved high backrest with subtle button ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Two seater sofa "Togo" Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Torino, IT
Two seater sofa "Togo" in alcantara, Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
Fabric
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Taupe/Umber Velvet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Marie Burgos has expanded on the design concept for her acclaimed Milo lounge chair and created the newly introduced Milo sofa. She uses a molded wooden frame to support the...
Fabric
$6,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Unusual Pair of Weiman Ruched Kidney Shaped Curved Sofa
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual pair of Weiman kidney shaped curved sofas-Vladimir Kagan style. We especially love the original ruched fabric in a soft grey-very KWID indeed! The fabric does have a bit of w...
Upholstery
Ico Parisi Curved Back Sofa Manufactured by Ariberto Colombo
By Ico Parisi
Located in North Miami, FL
As documented by Phillips Auction House - Design Masters Sale on December 17, 2014. Very sculptural details and perfectly restored to its original glo...
Chenille, Wood
$4,156 / item
Mood Lounge armchair 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
Mid 20th century 2 seater barrel back club sofa c1940
Located in Batley, GB
A large mid 20th country house barrel backed club sofa. Newly upholstered by us in Amara Caramel cotton by Ada & Ina with new feather cushions.
Cotton
$7,912Sale Price|20% Off
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
$3,018 / item
Agnes M Couch 2-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
Blop Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Blop Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy, 1970s D: 79 cm (31.10") H: 69 cm (27.17") W: 131 cm (2 seater ) W. : 71 cm ( 1 seater)
Fabric, Plastic
$1,600
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Eye-catching patterned seats and backs are complemented by a rich wooden frame in this vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa. Perfect for adding a u...
Wood
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from the 1960’s. This is of extremely high qualit...
Bouclé, Beech
Móveis Calisti, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and wood sofa produced by Fábrica de Móveis Calisti, Brazil, c. 1960s. Provenance: Verniz, São Paulo. Minimal signs of use. Reupholstered in recent history. Overall...
Fabric, Wood
$12,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Solid Walnut Arden Riddle White Four-Seat Sofa, USA, 1967
By Arden Riddle
Located in Berlin, DE
Hard to find four-seat by Arden Riddle made in 1967 with new high quality Mark Alexander fabric in excellent condition.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Faux Bamboo Sofa Attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage faux bamboo sofa attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings. A very high quality vintage piece. Wood Frame has been repainted. May be desirable t...
Wood
$4,000
Vintage Italian Sofa
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish Italian sofa. Deep blue velvet upholstery with tufted backrest. Sculpted arms. Splayed brass legs. Please confirm item location with dealer (NJ or NY).
Brass
Pair of Modern Modular Sofas with Bouclé Upholstery, Europe Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
During the mid-20th century European designers turned their attention to rethinking domestic comfort, exploring how new ideas of form and proportion could transform the experience of...
Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by Elite Leather
By Elite Leather
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by of Elite Leather...
Leather
Stylish Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Sofa Miid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa. This sofa measures 27"t x 87"l x 30"d with a seat height of 17"t
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s sofa with teddy bear upholstery still original
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
1950s sofa with black painted iron frame and brass feet. Original red bear cover. For better performance of this furniture we recommend replacing the upholstery and padding.
Iron
$2,850
Modernist French Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Nice modernist French sofa, new vinyl upholstery.
Fabric
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
1940s Danish Banana Style Sofa in Taupe Leather and Chocolate Bouclé
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Flemming Lassen
Located in New York, NY
This 1940s Danish sofa in the style of Flemming Lassen and Slagelse Mobelvaerk is a one of a kind addition to any home. Designed with a curved backrest in newly reupholstered chocola...
Leather, Bouclé, Mahogany
Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi Mid-Century Modern Italian Chiavari Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This sofa with armrests was designed by Gaetano Descalzi in the city of Chiavari in Italy, where they have been produced since then in various models. Made of mahogany stained beech...
Satin, Beech
Ennio Chiggio 'Environ One' Sofa for Nikol International, Italy, 1970s
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The Environ One Sofa by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1970, is a rare vintage piece of furniture that exemplifies the best of Mid-Century Modern desi...
Wool
ViNTAGE BROWN LEATHER ROCHE BOBOIS MID CENTURY MODERN CONTEMPORARY SOFA
By Roche Bobois
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very cool and highly collectable Roche Bobois Mid Century Modern aged brown leather two seat sofa Ple...
Leather
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Curved Walnut Four Seat Sofa, From Calvin Group mid 50s.
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This is a very rare and early piece from the Paul McCobb range and not only that but it's also extremely elegant with wonderful yet simple lines and flourishes throughout. The walnut...
Textile, Walnut
Mid-century Modern Italian Bamboo Two-Seat Lounge Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Two-seat Italian mid century modern Lounge Sofa Bamboo A beautiful very well made bamboo sofa from the 1960's. A great stylish piece for in or outdoor use. The velvet is in good con...
Metal
De Sede DS 63 Two-Seater Sofa in Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 63 two-seater sofa in leather, Switzerland 1970s Robust DS-63 modular two-seater sofa. This De Sede sofa ensures ultimate comfort and build...
Leather
Maralunga 2-seater sofa, reupholstered in black velvet, Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga 2-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly reupholstered in a elegant black velvet. This iconic Italian design from the 1970s blen...
Velvet
Stendig Living Room, Sofa, Pair of Cube Chairs, New Boucle, Switzerland, Labeled
By Charles Stendig, Stendig Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Sofa & Pair Cube Chairs by Stendig, Switzerland, New Sheepskin Boucle, Mid Century Modern, Labeled A rare Mid Century Modern living room ret in prist...
Chrome