1950 Italian sofa attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant sofa attributed to Paolo Buffa Italy circa 1950 Original seating
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wood
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.
1950 Italian sofa attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant sofa attributed to Paolo Buffa Italy circa 1950 Original seating
Wood
ORIGINAL RESTORED VINTAGE FRiTZ HANSEN STAMPED PK31 POUL KJÆRHOLM LEATHER SOFA
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this important, one of a kind Fritz Hansen retailed Poul Kjærholm designed PK33-3 fully restored hand dyed brown leather chrome fr...
Steel, Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 91 wide x 32 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Great Vintage C...
Metal
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a ste...
Steel
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Sofa, Havane Velvet, w=240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates through its u...
Bouclé, Velvet
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa Black Leather, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Brazilian rosewood sofa black leather, 1960. Style of Percival Lafer. Completely restored and upholstered in black leather. This piece is compos...
Leather, Rosewood
MCM Style Mark Goetz for Bernhardt Design Moreau Sofa in Navy Blue Leather
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Striking mid-century modern style three-seater Moreau sofa tailored in premium deep navy blue leather, designed by Mark Goetz and manufactured by the premium brand Bernhardt Design. ...
Leather, Wood
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Mid Century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen mid century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa The sofa measures: 63 wide x 21 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 inches Great Vintage Condition -...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Italian Modernist Sculptural Sofa in Blue Tweed with Brass Tapered Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian Modern sofa in original blue tweed upholstery supported by cast solid brass tapered legs (ca. 1960s). Attractive form characterized by deeply sculpted, winged arm rests and s...
Brass
Ben Seibel Mid Century Walnut Gala Sofa
By Ben Seibel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ben Seibel Mid Century Walnut Gala Sofa This sofa measures: 94 wide x 31 deep x 35.75 inches high, with a seat height of 17.75 and arm height of 23.75 inches Good Vintage Condition...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Round Sofa, Green Velvet, w=240
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 architecture, it radiates through ...
Bouclé, Velvet
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
1970s Modular Living Room Suite Brown Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy of De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This gorgeous and remarkable living room suite modular sofa is manufactured by Ernst Lüthy . He was the founder of De Sede. After his drop out from De Sed...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Custom Mid-Century Modern Inspired Sofa
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom Mid-Century Modern inspired sofa. Clean Mid-Century Modern design with thick back and seat cushions for comfort. Featuring a textured soft to the touch fabric in a silvery cha...
Fabric, Oak
Mid Century Three Seat Sofa / Bench on a Chrome Base after Florence Knoll, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
A minimal design in original orange upholstery set on an architectural chrome base. Provides a minimum of three seats. A great piece for home or the workplace. If the upholstery is n...
Fabric
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Brazilian Walnut Frame, Beige Canvas, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-20th century sofa with veneered walnut wood frame and beige canvas fabric seats. Made in Brazil circa 1960s. The frame of the sofa has been refinished and the original fabric has...
Walnut, Canvas
$4,302Sale Price|20% Off
RESTORED DE SEDE DS17 BROWN BUFFALO NECK LEATHER TWO SEAT SOFA PART OF SUiTE
By De Sede
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored Mid Century Modern circa 1970’s De Sede DS17 two seat sofa which is part of a l...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Gondola Style Sofa Pearsall Attributed Oatmeal Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Gondola style sofa pearsall attributed oatmeal upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Handsome Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style Chesterfield Tufted Party Sofa
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Dunbar style tufted Chesterfield party sofa. We love the thick squarish rolled arms and back with ebonized black plinth base-re-upholstery is recommended.
Upholstery, Wood
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Krefeld Settee or Sofa in Dark Brown Leather for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Krefeld settee in a rich dark brown leather for Knoll. Recent 2009 production based on his 1930s designs for the Esters and Lange residenc...
Leather, Wood
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Curve Module, Green
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. 70 cm / Seat Height 42 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules t...
Foam
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
1970s Skipper Mobler Leather and Rosewood Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Skipper Mobler Rosewood Box sofa with high quality Buffalo leather. Unique cushion designs creates a wonderful design and excellent comfort. Settee also...
Leather, Rosewood
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa By Cassina 1970s LC2 Petit Comfort Chair LC Series Mid Century Modern This Original Sofa features brand new CHIC grap...
Metal, Chrome
Gorgeous Milo Baughman Signed Armless Sofa Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous signed Milo Baughman chrome base armless sofa. This piece will need reupholstery but the solid chrome frame is in great shape. The chrome base is shiny and has a mirrored ...
Chrome
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
$2,000 / set
Mid-Century Slat Back Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique two-piece sectional sofa features vintage vinyl upholstery and a sturdy American walnut frame. Each piece features one brass studded sculpted armrest, can be placed side ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Blue Green Chevron, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sho...
Leather, Fabric, Mohair, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut, Beech
1950's Organic Design Sofa Restored with New Faux Sheepskin Upholstery
By Fritz Neth
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A beautiful organic shaped 1950's sofa fully restored with love This sofa was purchased from an architects house interior in Belgium The design is very reminiscent to the works of...
Steel
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man, width 240
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Brass
McGuire bamboo and Lucite Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Bamboo and lucite Sofa.
Fabric, Bamboo, Lucite
$4,737Sale Price|20% Off
rare 1. edition osvaldo borsani d70 sofa
Located in Munich, DE
an wonderful design icon by tecno. designed to sit by the fireside or to the other side without moving the sofa. also a useful bed for two persons. mechanism works smooth. for resta...
Metal, Brass
Reupholstered Walnut Sofa by H. Brockmann Petersen for Randers
By H. Brockmann-Petersen, Randers Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Blurring the lines between furniture and sculpture, this exceptional carved walnut sofa exemplifies classic mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. Designed by H. Brockmann Petersen ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Yellow Fabric Sofa, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian yellow fabric sofa, 1960s European Reupholstered.
Fabric
Alberto Rosselli Confidential Sofa Set by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
Located in PARIS, FR
Alberto Rosselli was among the defining figures of Italy's postwar industrial design revolution. Trained as an architect in Milan, he co-founded the influential journal Stile Industr...
Leather, Wood
Sofa Settee with Weaved Texture and Lamb Fur Single Man
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sofa settee with black and white weaved texture natural lamb fur in taupe color, solid wood frame and polished brass fittings. Includes 3 decorative cushions like in the pictures. Ne...
Brass
Two-Seater Sofa Model “Satan” By Bernard Govin For Ligne Roset, France 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Two-Seater Sofa Model “Satan” By Bernard Govin For Ligne RosetThe French designer Bernard Govin is known for his wide range of futuristic designs for, for example, Ligne Roset. Far a...
Leather
Henry P Glass 'Intimate Island' Sofa for Richbilt Furniture
By Henry P. Glass, Richbilt MFG
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by Henry P Glass for Richbilt Furniture, C.1960s, USA. The sofa features a sculpted walnut frame and has been recently reupholstered in a beige chenille fabric along the backres...
Wool, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
$1,906Sale Price|20% Off
ViNTAGE HERITAGE BIKER BROWN LEATHER HALO SOHO SOFA WHICH IS PART OF A SUITE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable, Timothy Oulton Halo Soho, Heritage Biker brown leather sofa which is part of a suite...
Leather
Patinated Leather Sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1970s
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
Stunning Signed Paul McCobb Long Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Paul McCobb sofa made by Custom Craft. Great looking solid walnut legs with down filled back cushions. The upholstery is original and show some wear and fading to the...
Upholstery, Walnut
De Sede DS-125 Two-Seat Sofa by Gerd Lange, Swiss Design, 1978
By De Sede, Gerd Lange
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Two-seat sofa from the iconic DS-125 collection, designed by German architect Gerd Lange for De Sede, Switzerland in 1978. This sculptural model is known for its fluid, monolithic sh...
Leather
1980 Bentwood Three-Seat Sofa, Ton Czechoslovakia
By TON a.s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Produced by Ton, Czechoslovakia in late 1980s. The frame is made from beech bentwood. The original cushions and the item are in good original condition.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Custom Tufted Pink Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base, in apricot pink velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different colors and fabrics or a different metal for the ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa, 1970s – Sculptural Form in Cognac Brown Add an iconic statement to your interior with this striking Mid-Century Modern 3-seat leather...
Leather, Beech
Vintage Swedish Cocktail Sofa
Located in London, GB
An incredibly beautiful and extremely well made vintage Swedish cocktail sofa. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from around the 1950’s. The quality is outstanding, t...
Bouclé, Wood
$4,320Sale Price|40% Off
Sofa in Linen and Down Upholstery and Bun Feet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly upholstered sofa in neutral linen. This vintage sofa is very well built with hand tied springs - The newly upholstered cushions are down filled and wrapped - a very nice pie...
Upholstery
DS-95 Buffalo Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Switzerland. Full buffalo leather construction.
Leather
$38,608 / set
ABCD Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD set, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This amazing set consist of one 2-seat sofa and two 1-seat sofa's. The sofa's are composed of three...
Bouclé
$9,760 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L 300cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modular sofa: assemble ...
Foam, Wool
Large Howard Keith ‘Diplomat' Sofa for HK Furniture in Off-White Velvet, 1970s
By Howard Keith
Located in Echt, NL
Impressive large ‘Diplomat sofa in excellent condition. Designed by Howard Keith for HK Furniture in the 1970s. This exceptionally large and deep ‘Diplomat’ sofa finds itself at t...
Metal, Chrome
Unusual Milo Baughman Style Tufted Even Arm Tuxedo Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Milo Baughman style W & J Sloane tufted even arm tuxedo sofa. We love the thick chunky walnut legs-very interesting for sure! W. & J. Sloane furniture store in NYC set the na...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,756 / item
Mid-Century Style Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mid-century style leather sofa with a distressed oak base. This contemporary sofa is upholstered in traditional brown leather with a button-tufted interior and sides. Dimension...
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
Kazuhide Takahama Marcel Double Sofa DD Kvadrat wool or velvet Paradisoterrestre
By Paradisoterrestre, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1965 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2018 Materials: shaped polyurethane, polished aluminum brackets, removable wool fabric manufactured by Kvadrat or chenille velvet fabric...
Aluminum
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
Custom-Made Mid-Century Modern Velvet Three-Seater Sofa from Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Three-seater sofa with wooden base and padded velvet upholstery. Made by Officina Antiquaria, custom-made.
Velvet
Mid 20th century Scandinavian elm show frame sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century Scandinavian elm show frame sofa circa 1960. Stylish piece of Swedish design from the 1960's. Shell back shaped back rest with complimentary piping, button back de...
Fabric, Elm