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.
Vintage Bambole sofa in dark brown by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This "Le Bambole " sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, is a true icon of Italian design history. In 1979, Bellini was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro f...
Fabric
$3,990 / item
Beige Bouclé Upholstered Armchair, Model Miles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miles is a series of furniture designed by MER Arkitekter, a Stockholm-based architecture firm. Miles Armchair Boucle is an armchair characterized by its large cushions, rounded corn...
Spruce, Plywood
Wood and leather set of 3 LP sofas designed by Ricardo Blanco, Argentina, 1970.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and leather set of 3 LP sofas designed by Ricardo Blanco, Argentina, 1970. Dimensions of the LP large sofa: 67 cm height, 120 cm width, 70 cm depth. Dimensions of the LP small ...
Leather, Wood
Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé concha by Joaquim Tenreiro circa 1950, La tapisserie n’est pas dans une belle condition.
Wool, Wood
Mid Century Modern Black Vintage Leather Sofa Bench circa 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern black vintage leather sofa or bench attributed to Johannes Spalt circa 1960 Vienna. The freestanding black leather sofa s...
Metal
Large two-seater sofa in checkered pattern made in France, 1980s
Located in Lyon, FR
A delightful and sculptural two-seat sofa crafted in France in the 1980s, fully reupholstered in a fresh and playful checkered fabric in mint green and white. The sofa features gene...
Fabric
Illum Wikkelsø "Capella" Three Seat Sofa in Rosewood + Blue Sharkskin Wool
By Neils Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Illum Wikkelsø Manufacturer: N. Eilersen Era: 1960s Materials: Rosewood, wool Measurements: 75" wide x 27" deep x 28.5" tall Condition: In excellent...
Wool, Rosewood
$5,961Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Set of Four Armchairs and a Sofa in Wood and Green Fabric, Italy 60s
Located in Catania, CT
Great vintage condition with normal trace of age and use. The set consists of 4 armchairs and a two-seater sofa, made from wood and green fabric. Produced in Italy during the 60s. Me...
Fabric, Wood
$3,006Sale Price|30% Off
Thayer Coggin Sectional Sofa in Black Linen
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Mid Century Modern Low Profile...
Linen
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-Seater Sofa in Teak and Papyrus Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-seater sofa in teak and papyrus fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly so...
Wood, Teak, Fabric
$4,959Sale Price|30% Off
Blue "PALMARIA 709" 2-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ITALY 1980
Located in DE MEERN, NL
BLUE "PALMARIA 709" 2-SEATER SOFA BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR CASSINA, ITALY 1970S Introducing the stunning Palmaria 709 2-seater sofa by renowned Italian de...
Leather
Theo Ruth f815 Sofa by Artifort, Netherlands, 1958
F815 sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1958. This is are rare, amazing and sophisticated center-piece. The sofa is upholstered in a wool fabric which has some fading. ...
Metal
$14,933 / item
Mood 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
“Sapporo” Sofa by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, Italy, 1970s
Located in MADRID, ES
Sofa designed by Italian designer Mario Marenco for the Mobil Girgi home in Italy in 1970. Solid walnut frame and original yellow leather upholstery. Length: 208 cm Width: 85 cm He...
Wood, Leather, Walnut
Sity Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1986
Located in Premariacco, IT
Classic of Italian design, this Sity sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia presents itself in its elegance and refinement with a two-seater section, a corner section and a single s...
Fabric, Plastic
Mid-Century Marco Zanuso Lady Divano Sofa with original ocher yellow upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Marco Zanuso "Lady" Sofa with original ocher yellow upholstery and patinated brass feet, Italy, 1950s. For sale is an exquisite "untouched" Lady lounge sofa, originally...
Brass
George Nelson 1950s Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller Vintage Mid-Century
Located in Monrovia, CA
This Is A Vintage 1950s George Nelson Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller. Original Gray Upholstery, Fabric For Herman Miller. Low, Thin...
Steel
Set Larissa Divano 2 posti Poltrone design iconico Vittorio Introini per Saporit
By Vittorio Introini, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Ghedi, IT
Raro e affascinante salotto vintage firmato Saporiti Italia, modello Larissa, progettato negli anni ’70 dal celebre designer Vittorio Introini. Questo set comprende un elegante divan...
Leather
$1,703Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, German design, 2 seater sofa, leather, chrome steel.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, German design. Original 2 seater sofa in black leather. Chrome steel legs. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Made by German furniture manufacturer in augu...
Steel
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Superb 1958, 3 Seat, Gianfranco Frattini, '872' Leather Sofa, Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Superb and very rare 1958 '872' sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy. This 3 seat sofa has been newly upholstered with new Pantera TM foam and finished in superb dark brow...
Nickel
AP 18 - 3 seater sofa in textile by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 18 - Reupholstered 3 seater sofa in Nalia textile (colour: 250 & 220) with legs in beech. Designed by Hans J. Wegner and made by AP Stolen.
Fabric
Danish Modern Two-Seater Sofa with an Accent Pillow, Denmark ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
While Danish design was also influenced by international exchanges and therefore trends, its modern qualities are timeless virtues originating from national traditions of simple func...
Bouclé, Wood
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed in style of Knoll, Germany, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - width of the unfolded daybed
Fabric, Wood
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-Seater Sofa in Teak and Charcoal Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-seater sofa in teak and charcoal fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly s...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Terracotta 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
Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Sofa Made with Lacquer, Velvet and Textile, Handmade
Located in Seroa, PT
The Cocktail collection is inspired by the homologous drink which consists of a mixture of different drinks. This collection is, in itself, a conglomerate of shapes and materials, an...
Textile, Velvet, Lacquer
Butterfly Sofa in Leather by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, Netherlands, 1980's
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Butterfly sofa, designed by Gerard van den Berg for Montis, is known for its distinctive and organic shape that resembles a butterfly’s wings. Launc...
Metal
$5,596Sale Price|30% Off
Custom Italian Leather & Alligator Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
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 usually ship it for less and get it to you faster. Click on "Ask The Seller" and send us your zip code for a quote. Offering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of an exceptional and very comfortable, Italian custom-made real leather and Alligator sofa...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Set 'Malù' by Diego Mattu, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Sofa Set "Malù is an original design item realized in 1960s by Diego Mattu for 1P. This very rare sofa consisting of 4 standard modules, two of which wi...
Formica
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Evergreen/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
1950s Mid Century Leather Safari Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century leather safari sofa designed and manufactured in the United States 1950s. This stunning sofa features a black leather upholstery that s...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of “Sapporo” armchairs by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, Italy, 1970s
Located in MADRID, ES
Pair of “Sapporo” armchairs by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, Italy, 1970s. Original butter-colored leather upholstery and solid walnut frame. Length: 87 cm Depth: 85 cm Seat height...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Three-Seater Mid-Century Sofa with Beech Legs, Europe Mid-20th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-century design is typically characterised by clean, simple lines and the honest use of quality materials. It also generally includes the minimal, tasteful use of decorative embel...
Fabric, Beech
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Yellow Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
Luciano Frigerio Dragoni sofa made in Italy 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Extremely rare and extraordinary lounge sofa designed by Luciano Frigerio and manufactured by his own company Frigerio di Desio in Italy in 1970. This sofa has a sturdy construction ...
Leather, Hardwood
Midcentury 2-Seat Sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning and comfortabele 2 seat sofa designed by Kho Liang Ie. Manufactured by Artifort in the 1960s. Very solid and high quality, made with the best materials. The sofa ha...
Metal
Simone Sofa - Ufficio Progetti Gavina- Simon International
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Simone two-seat sofa by Simon International, 1970s. Structure in lacquered multilayered wood. Padding in polyurethane and synthetic wool. Origi...
Leather
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-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 void between becomes an important part of the item itself. It demonstrates different vi...
Cane, Teak
$2,362Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Black Imitation Fur Sofa
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous vintage sofa made in the 1950s, Italian manufacture. The sofa is totally covered in black faux fur, very whimsical. The shapes are very simple and sinuous. There are 4 fee...
Fur, Faux Fur
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bent Wood Sofa After Gilbert Rohde
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this stunning Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bent Wood Sofa, inspired by the iconic designs of Gilbert Rohde. Featuring a gracefully curved bent wood frame...
Wood
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s Three-seater sofa with seat and backrest composed by squared cushions upholstered in floral fabric. The structure, legs a...
Fabric, Rattan
Illum Wikkelsø Model V11 Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst working...
Leather, Wood
Stunning Paul McCobb Style Bowtie Design Sofa Splayed Leg Midcentury
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Paul Mccobb style bowtie back sofa with splayed legs. Wonderfully designed sofa with gorgeous walnut splayed legs on front and back.
Upholstery, Walnut
2 Seater Sofa Model 118 Made With a Teak Frame By Grete Jalk From 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Lejre, DK
This 2-seater sofa from around the 1960s is a rare beauty designed by Grete Jalk and manufactured by France & Søn in Denmark. It is made of beautiful teak wood and has newly upholste...
Teak
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Ocean/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
Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sofa folding model D70 of the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani published by Tecno in the 60s. Black lacquered metal structure and solid brass adjustment elements. Seat covered with bl...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tan Leather Oak Frame Sofa by Ranch Oak
By Ranch Oak
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oak frame tan supple leather upholstery Mid-Century Modern sofa. Artistic adze cut wood finishing technique presence detail.
Leather, Oak
Soriana Two-Seater Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Soriana two-seater sofas by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a celebrated icon of 1970s Italian design. These pieces feature the signature plush, voluminous form cinched by a p...
Velvet
$9,950 / set
Elegant Harvey Probber Two-Part Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
A well-tailored, nicely proportioned and architecturally clean-looking design this two-piece sectional sofa by Harvey Probber. With even arms, tufted seat cushions and six loose cush...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Wormley Dunbar Style Curved 4 Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Edward Wormley style 4 seater curved sofa. We actually love the original light blue zig-zag fabric still in clean usable condition. It measures 29" T x 96.5" L x 32" D with ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$8,043Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern American Sofa, Brown Velvet, Wooden Legs, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Imposing brown velvet American sofa embodies elegance and comfort in perfect balance. circa 1950s-60s. The recently refreshed velvet envelops the frame with its soft and refined text...
Velvet, Wood
DOOQ Sofa Settee with Soft Kiwi 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
Salmon Midcentury Modern Sofa Made and Designed in 1962 by Miroslav Navratil
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Czechoslovakian Mid-Century Modern sofa Completely restored. New fabric and upholstery, 1962.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Magnificent Harvey Probber Style Long Low Curved Four-Seat Sofa, Midcentury
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Harvey Probber style long low curved four-seat sofa. This sofa has an Erwin Lambeth label on underside. Just look at those wonderful solid walnut oval shaped stubby feet ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb.. Amazing lines.. Sleek elegant design.. Reupholstered (within the last 15 years)..in an ivory mattelasse fabric.. Nice useable condi...
Fabric, 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
C815-2 Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1958
The C815-2 Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, designed in 1958, is a rare and highly sought-after statement piece that embodies the elegance of mid-century Dutch design. Sculptural, ref...
Metal
2 Piece Mid-Century Bamboo Loveseat & Lounge Chair
Located in Pomona, CA
Mid-century bamboo loveseat and lounge chair. The cushions have been recovered. Lounge Chair Dimensions: 31"W, 32"H, 35"D, seat 16"H.
Bamboo
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
Paradiset Sofa by Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist
By Triva, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Kirsten Horlin-Holmquist Manufacturer: Triva Era: 1950s Materials: Beech, Wool Measurements: 73.75″ wide x 33.5″ tall
Wool, Beech