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.
Brown Leather 3 Seater Sofa with Tapered Wood Legs Vintage 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic three-seater sofa features a streamlined silhouette with gentle curves and a relaxed seating profile. The tailored cushions and sweeping armrests highlight timeless craf...
Leather
$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
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
Modular Sofa in Emerald Green Velvet Fabric and Chrome Frame by Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This is a Mid Century Modern upholstered in a rich emerald green velvet fabric. The sofa's distinctive shape features a gently undulating design, ideal for creating a statement in la...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970s, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970s, set of 3 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it ...
Velvet, Plastic
$4,198Sale Price|60% Off
Mid-Century Modern Saturno Sofa by Gastone Rinaldi, 1958, Italy
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed in 1958, the Saturno Sofa was one of the most iconic designs by Gastone Rinaldi, a prominent figure in Italian design alongside Gio Ponti, Ettore...
Steel
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
$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
$14,960Sale Price|24% Off
Rare Adrian Pearsall Sofa with End Tables Displayed at Habitat 67, Expo 67
Located in New York, NY
A special edition of a couch designed by Adrian Pearsall for Cimons, Canada and displayed at Habitat 67 for Expo 67, Montreal, Canada. The sofa features two Ro...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
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
Swedish Modern Sofa, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The term “Swedish Modern” was quickly established as a reinterpretation of the Modern style during the 1940s, where functionalism was replaced by a freer and more artistic ideal. Swe...
Fabric, Wood
$18,498 / item
Mogensen 2333 Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2333 3-seater sofa with rectangular sides was the last piece of furniture Børge Mogensen designed. The geometric design was the conclusion of Mogensen’s minimalist exclusive upholstered furniture...
Oak
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
Chesterfield Custom Sofa Sally Sirkin Lewis
Located in Westport, CT
Velvet soft Toupe /Grey Chesterfield sofa,circa 1970 with large ball feet,heavy construction custom made "Sally Sirkin Lewis.
Velvet, Walnut
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
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
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 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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” two-seater sofa for Cassina, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. The most notable feature of this couch, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Bouclé
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
Original Florence Knoll Sofa Modell 65a Couch Knoll Intenational
By Knoll, Florence 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
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
$9,777 / item
Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Renens, CH
Iconic two seater sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, originating from the 1980s. (Two available, price per item) We have selected Musco, a dark blue mohair from De Ploeg, the Ne...
Metal
Kazuhide Takahama Marcel Double Sofa DD Kvadrat wool or velvet Paradisoterrestre
By Kazuhide Takahama, Paradisoterrestre
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
Custom Tufted Charcoal Brown Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base in charcoal brown velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different colors and fabrics or a different metal for the ...
Brass
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
$4,726 / item
Frida Settee 2-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
A fine and delicate work of textured seaming, as if a geometric embroidery was made, makes this settee detailed and rich. An astonishing surprise, to perceive how embellished a space...
Upholstery, Wood
DS-95 Buffalo Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Switzerland. Full buffalo leather construction.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Frame Sofa
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long sofa with simple Mid-Century Modern Knoll inspired design. Three seats on chrome frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Chrome
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
6.5FT Stow Davis Sofa
By Stow Davis
Located in Pasadena, TX
Classic lines with a trim in rich walnut with ivory upholstery. Measure: 6.5FT.
Walnut
'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
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina in red, magenta or white
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the color, size/model of the sofa. Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay: a modular sofa that embodies the timeless elegance and st...
Fabric
Large Modular Sofa GE 280 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Oak Blue Grey
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Very large modular sofa model: GE-280 by the famous Danish design grandmaster Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA. Wonderful Minimalist design, very comfortable sofa due to its high back. The...
Wool, Oak
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
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 2 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
$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
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
$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
Ekornes 1970s Three-Piece Suite in White Fabric, Norwegian A Bespoke Design
By Ekornes
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Mid 20th Century Norwegian Ekornes Prototype Three Piece Suite. Comprising Of A Three Seater Sofa & Two Armchairs. The previous owners of the Ekornes suite ran a furniture shop i...
Brass
Curved Four-Seat Italian Sofa with Brass Legs and Ivory - White Bouclé
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Crafted in Italy, this curved four-seat sofa features a solid wooden frame with brass legs and is upholstered in white bouclé wool. Designed for both durability and modern aesthetic ...
Brass
$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
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
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
$29,592
Osvaldo Borsani Boucle Sofa
Located in Milano, MI
Very rare Osvaldo Borsani sofa in walnut and white bouclé fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Sophisticated Erwin Lambeth Curved Walnut Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart, Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sophisticated and stylish curved mid-century modern sofa designed by Erwin Lambeth. The handsome solid walnut sides are very well preserved in their vintage condition. Just gorgeou...
Walnut, Upholstery
Finn Juhl Style, Danish Modern, Wood, Beige Fabric, Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stamford, CT
Finn Juhl Style, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Wood, Beige Fabric, Sofa or Settee, Denmark, 1950s A modernist sofa in the manner of Finn Juhl, designed and produced in Denmark in the m...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
$14,737Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Vintage Fully Tufted Chesterfield Olive Green Leather Sofa & Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage suite of circa 1960’s Olive Green leather Chesterfield club sofa and armchair A very good looking and well made suite, th...
Leather, Walnut
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Bouclé Fabric "Soriana" Italian Sofa
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-Century Modern four-seat sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure, reupholstered in white bouclé fabric. Made in Italy...
Steel, Chrome
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 31 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inches Fair Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Linen
Sofa in Caviúna Wood and Off-White Bouclé by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A rare and highly sculptural sofa by Giuseppe Scapinelli, one of the most celebrated figures of Brazilian mid-century modern design, this exceptional 1950s example embodies the desig...
Bouclé, Caviuna
McGuire bamboo and Lucite Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Bamboo and lucite Sofa.
Fabric, Bamboo, Lucite
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric, bamboo and rattan sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1960s. In very good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. Age-appropriate patina...
Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric
Mid-Century Pine Sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970
By Charlotte Perriand, Sven Larsson, Yngve Ekström
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Mid-century pine sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970. Mid-century brutalist solid pine lounge chair with new upholstery in it's original brown velvet. Elegant design and great comfor...
Fabric, Oak
Original de Sede DS44 Dreisitzer Büffelleder Sofa Design Couch
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein hochwertiges DS44 Dreisitzer Sofas von de Sede mit wunderschöner Patina zum Verkauf an. Der Schweizer Traditionshersteller de Sede ist bekannt für seine außerordentlic...
Leather
$3,460Sale Price|20% Off
Guillerme et Chambron oak sofa "Édouard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A 3 seats sofa in oak and fabric perfect condition by guillerme and Chambron
Oak
Leather and Teak Midcentury Danish Modern Floating Sofa
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sharp Danish Mid-Century Modern teak and leather floating low profile sofa.
Leather, Teak