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.
Muller Van Severen Black Armchair Pillow Sofa For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen Black Armchair Pillow Sofa For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the Pillow sofa...
Polyester
Midcentury Set of 2 Model 442 Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 2 Pierre Paulin "442" Chairs for Artifort, designed in the 1960s. These lovely chairs are also fabricated in the 1960s The combination of steel and the upholster...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Bouclé, 1969, Set of 3
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” living room set for Cassina, sofa and two lounge chairs, ivory bouclé and chromed steel, Italy, 1969, set of three. 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 those lounge chairs and sofa, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Plastic, Bouclé
Larissa sofa by Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, 1970s
By Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in Milano, IT
2-seater sofa, foam padding suede upholstery (original of the period), plastic frame. Presents a small break on the cover of one armrest.
Leather, Plastic
$1,800Sale Price|22% Off
Two Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
This two-seater sofa is a distinctive example of Arne Norell's design from the 1970s. With its upholstery of patinated leather and metal frame, the sofa exudes a stylish and modern a...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Guillerme et Chambron, Elmyre, Sectional Sofa in 14 Pieces, Mid-century, France
Located in New York, NY
Dimensions listed are per "Chair Section" (Height: 31" - Width: 23.5" - Depth: 33.5"). Corner Sections are: Height: 30.75" - Width: 33.25" - Depth: 33.25" There are 14 sections in t...
Upholstery, Oak
$15,261 / set
Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970
By Wittmann
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super cool Wittmann Atrium modular leather sofa manufactured in Austria 1970. This sofa is made of dark brown leather and consists of a 2-seater and 2 sin...
Leather
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
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Dijon Velvet and Silk Fringes La Folie 180cm
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Two-Piece Cream White Sectional Sofa, 1958, Brass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional, two piece sectional sofa, c 1958. Cream on cream minimal Jacobean floral textile and solid brass. Two parts can be used together as one long sofa or as separate pieces. Gorgeous lines and minimal modern design. Single cushions for seat and back delineate each part but come together to form a sleek, neatly symmetrical (yet one-armed) sofa, comprised of a armless. Vintage Scalamandre pillows in main photo are for display only and NOT included with sofa. Settee and one arm loveseat...
Brass
Divano 'P20B Toro' Luigi Caccia Dominioni per Azucena, verde smeraldo
By Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Azucena
Located in Milano, IT
Iconico divano modello ‘P20B Toro’ disegnato nel 1973 da Luigi Caccia Dominioni per Azucena. Seduta degli anni ’80 in ottime condizioni con tessuto originale di un meraviglioso verde...
Metal
Mid Century Scandart Sofa Circa 1960
Located in Norwich, GB
Stylish mid century sofa by Scandart of High Wycombe. Circa late 1950/60s. As the name suggests, the firm's ethic was based on Scandinavian-inspired design with British craftmanship...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge by Spherical Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge by Spherical Furniture Company This stylish flip futon was designed by Frank Petersilie for Spherical Furniture Co and remains in its original upholste...
Textile, Wood
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Lapin Fur, 1971
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, black lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The search for a new shape ...
Foam, Fur
$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
Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
A Pair of 1950s Italian 1950s sofas reupholstered in linen
Located in Oxford, GB
A Wonderful pair of shapely 1950s Italian sofas. Purchased in Italy and reupholstered in the UK in a natural haze nut coloured lined produces by William Yeoward. Incredibly comfortab...
Fabric, Wood
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
Kai Kristiansen Style Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kai Kristiansen Style Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 82.5 wide x 30 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 23.75 inches Great Vintage C...
Upholstery, Teak
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
Amazing Burlwood Olivewood Milo Baughman Style Case Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wow! What an amazing piece this sofa is a feast for your eyes. The olivewood has spectacular graining and the original fabric looks fabulous. This sofa was never sat in for 50+ years...
Upholstery
"Sintra" Contemporary Modern Charcoal Dark Red Velvet and Polished Bronze Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Sintra" sofa upholstered in dark red velvet with four removable back cushions and a single long seat cushion, resting on tapered brass legs. (Available in char...
Metal, Bronze
$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
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Oak Sofa with Bouclé Upholstery, France
Located in High Point, NC
An oak three-seater sofa made in mid-20th century France. Dynamic shapes and a homey natural color palette make an effortlessly elegant impression. Warm oak with a natural finish is ...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
$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
1950's Mid-Century Modern Folding Daybed / Sofa
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Midcentury Modern foldable sofa / daybed for sale. Originally from the 1950's, and was professionally reupholstered in the 1960's. The owners ...
Silk
Henry Olko Mid Century Modern Square Series Rattan Sofa USA 1970s
By Willow and Reed, Henry Olko
Located in Stamford, CT
An exquisite and rare rattan sofa by accomplished Henry Olko for his Willow and Reed company, circa 1975. This unique sofa is from the Olko's Square series. Substantial and sturdy rattan and hardwood construction with precision cane detail. A very comfortable sofa. Cushions are in great condition. There are matching pieces available: A pair of arm chairs...
Fabric, Rattan, Cane, Hardwood
$13,120Sale Price|20% Off
Arflex L Shape Black Lacquered Sofa with Light Suede Orange Cushions
By Arflex
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Arflex black lacquered L shape design sofa with newly professionally reupholstered suede cushions from Italy. Arflex is a well-known Italian furniture manufacturer that has been i...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Illum Wikkelsø, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and oak sofa, model ML-140, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Mikael Laursen, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in recent h...
Fabric, Oak
Sleek Four-Seat Danish Sofa in Black Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, metal, Denmark, 1960s. This four-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothne...
Metal
$14,845 / item
Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer Vintage MP-25 Sofa Brazil, 1967 *Matching Armchairs Available* The MP-25 model, designed by Percival Lafer in 1967, combines elements from earlier models: the MP-13 ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Dijon 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
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
Sculptural Oak Lounge Sofa by Guglielmo Pecorini, Italy, the 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Sculptural oak Lounge Sofa by Guglielmo Pecorini, Italy, the 1950s This describes a midcentury sculptural sofa designed by Guglielmo Pecorini in...
Linen, Oak
Italian Two-Seater Sofa with Longhair Sheepskin, Italy ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Italian furniture from the mid-century era is defined by an elegant design aesthetic, perfect execution, and exclusivity. The era’s seating models - including this sofa - were create...
Sheepskin, Wood
$1,710Sale Price|20% Off
Munari sofa
By Bruno Munari
Located in Catania, IT
Sofa with elegant lines that reflect the classic Italian furniture of the 50s, attributable to Bruno Munari.
Fabric, Wood
Scandinavian Modular Leather and Canvas Sofa by Overman
By Overman
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very rare sofa, model 008 by Overman, Tranås, Sweden 1970s. This sofa consists of six pieces, made of molded fiberglass, and upholstered in canvas and cognac-colored leather. The fi...
Leather, Canvas, Fiberglass
Finn Juhl 'Jupiter' Sofa for France & Son, Denmark 1965
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A collectible mid-century statement, the "Jupiter" sofa offers both artistic presence and functionality.
Leather, Rosewood
Five-Piece Paul Frankl Style Modular Sectional in Dark Chocolate by Tochiku
By Paul Frankl
Located in Wilton, CT
A sectional celebrating the intricate craft and design of the great Paul Frankl. Furnish an entire room by creating a stunning sectional or allow the pieces to stand alone. We have t...
Wood
J Robert Scott Pair of Tufted Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century tufted brown / tan tufted leather chesterfield 3 seater sofas (J. ROBERT SCOTT)(PRICED AS Pair) VARIOUS WATER STAINS AND DISCOLORATION
Leather
$2,450
1970s Vintage Teak Sofa
Located in Victoria, BC
Solid teak sofa produced in the 1970s, characterized by broad block arms and horizontal sling construction. Strong, grounded proportions with softened edges, typical of the period’s ...
Teak
Settee Luc with Soft Velvet and Natural Rattan 3 Seater
Located in Lisbon, PT
When it comes to Luc settee, the playing field is the cross-section where functional design and craftsmanship of the highest quality meet art. This settee is made of solid oakwood st...
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Kontiki Three-Seater Sofa by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Kontiki Three-Seater Sofa by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Papillon Sofa by Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
By Giovanetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Papillon Sofa by Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
Fabric
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Earth/Chesterfield 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 w...
Fabric
Mid-Century Brown Leather Two-seater Sofa, Italy 1970
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Title: Vintage Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa - Classic Italian Design Indulge in timeless elegance with our Vintage Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa, crafted with meticulous attention to d...
Leather
Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley, three-seat sofa polished brass leg from Wormley Weston Ct estate. Chenille fabric, model 5512.
Brass
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
$4,125Sale Price|44% Off
Hans J Wegner "GE236/4" Sofa by GETAMA in Original Patched Leather Denmark 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J Wegner "GE236/4" sofa by GETAMA in original patched leather, Denmark, 1950s Hans J Wegner "GE236 / 4" sofa - by GETAMA in original patched leather upholstery - Denmark 1950...
Teak, Leather
Mid-Century Bambino Sofa by Howard Keith
By Howard Keith
Located in London, England
Mid-Century Bambino Sofa by Howard Keith, produced by HK Furniture. Solid beech frame, newly upholstered in boucle and re-finished show wood. Circa 1950. H 97cm x W 130cm x D 80cm Pl...
Beech
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 6. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Leather, Plastic
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
Vintage De Sede DS-68 Leather Brown Sofa
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Original DS-68 model by renowned Swiss manufacturer De Sede, designed around the late 1970s and produced mainly in the 1980s. Crafted from high-quality natural leather, typical of th...
Leather, Wood
$9,500 / item
Tone Armchair Beige by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Evergreen/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 w...
Fabric
Flemming Lassen Style, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Curved Sofa, Boucle, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Flemming Lassen Style, Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Sofa, Beige Boucle, 1940s Beautifly organic shaped Danish sofa similar to works by Flemming Lassen. This sofa ...
Bouclé
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Violet/Chesterfield 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
Organic Modern Off-white Bouclé Malibu Sofa with Red Cotton Velvet, w=200
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 un...
Bouclé, Velvet