Settee In The Manner Of Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern armless settee in the style of Florence Knoll. Chrome base with angled rear legs and tufted black vinyl upholstery.
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.
Settee In The Manner Of Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern armless settee in the style of Florence Knoll. Chrome base with angled rear legs and tufted black vinyl upholstery.
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Stendig, New Luxurious Boucle, Switzerland, 1950s
By Stendig Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Sofa by Stendig, Switzerland, New Sheepskin Boucle, Mid Century Modern, Labeled. A rare Mid Century Modern sofa by Stendig, made in Switzerland, in a new sheepskin style boucle, thick and rich with fully redone cushions. The box form mid century modern design is supported by a group of heavy chrome circular disk like feet. This sofa has a matching pair of box chairs, fully redone to match, sold separately. Seat height 18 inches. lhSX Stendig Co. played a pivotal role in introducing modern European furniture to the American market, thanks to the business acumen of founder Charles Stendig. Around 1950, the Brooklyn, New York–born Stendig (b. 1924) worked for Raymor, a purveyor of modern china and accessories that is best known for distributing designer Russel Wright’s American Modern line of ceramics. While at Raymor, Stendig focused on the company’s less popular pieces that were made in Italy and Scandinavia, recognizing their potential for the American market. In 1955, he left the company and decided to establish Stendig Co. In 1956, the first Stendig Co. showroom opened in Manhattan. A year later, during a trip to Zurich, Stendig came across a Bauhaus–inspired furniture store featuring pieces by Swiss designers Kurt Thut, Hans Eichenberger and Robert Haussmann, the store’s co-owner. Following a meeting with Haussmann, Stendig became the retailer’s exclusive U.S. distributor. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Stendig Co. imported and sold furniture...
Chrome
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa This sofa measures: 88 wide x 43 deep x 38 inches high, with a seat height of 17 inches All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,789 / 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
Eames Sofa Compact for Herman Miller, Alexander Girard Maharam Fabric, 2 Avail
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard
Located in Detroit, MI
This classic mid century modern Eames Sofa Compact Model S-473 produced in 2005 has been professionally reupholstered in a Maharam limited color reissue of Jacob's Coat, a beautiful ...
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage Patchwork Leather 2-seater Beanbag / Sofa In Style of De Sede
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This comfortable vintage sofa was made around the 1970s in Germany. It was upholstered with brown/cognac patchwork leather and filled with polystyrene beads. The sofa / beanbag remai...
Leather
French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span
By Free Span
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French midcentury "Jour et Nuit" oak sofa or daybed by Free-Span.
Oak, Fabric
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
Illum Wikkelso ML90 sofa Mikael Lauersen Denmark 1956
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
ML90 sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Mikael Lauersen in Denmark, 1956. This remarkable piece of Danish modern design embodies the refined balance between sculptur...
Fabric, Oak
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Ultra Rare Milo Baughman James Inc. 4 Seater Sofa Brass Legs Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Ultra rare 4 seater sofa designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc. We just love the sleek brass legs with the classic 4 seater design. The original fabric still looks pretty good wi...
Brass
Sofa "Cado" by Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF, Italy, 1970s
By Gunnar Gravesen, David Lewis
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa "Cado" by Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Velvet
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
Pair Adrian Pearsall Kidney Shaped Curved Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs curved kidney shaped sofas. Sofas retain their original upholstery in not bad condition but we would recommend they get new upho...
Upholstery
Nice brutalist sofa, circa 1960, France
By Jacques Couëlle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie canapé d’architecte, vers 1960.
Berlin Iron
Large Modern Mid-Century Italian Canapè or Sofa attr. to Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant three-seat sofa newly upholstered in luxurious Acid green velvet, featuring a distinctive high, gently curved backrest and sculptural upholstered sides. The backrest is artic...
Wood
Mid-20th Century Coastal Bent Rattan Sofa by Ficks Reed With Houndstooth Upholst
By Ficks Reed
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Classic bent rattan meets graphic drama in this Mid-20th Century three-seat rattan sofa by Ficks Reed. Featuring an arched apron design and curved rattan arms, the frame has been pre...
Upholstery, Rattan
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - Sold Individually - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa,1960s - Sold Individually - New Upholstery 3 different colors available Each piece is sold individually
Fabric
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
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
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa d...
Velvet
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
Baxter ‘Arcon’ Sofa Large in Buffalo Leather by Marco Milisich – Italy, 1970’s
By Baxter
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Baxter Arcon Sofa by Marco Milisich – A Masterclass in Vintage Italian Luxury Elevate your living space with the unmistakable presence of the Baxter Arcon, a true icon of 1970s a...
Leather
20th Century Sofa by Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen
Located in Allerum, SE
20th Mid-century two person sofa by Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen for France & Daverkosen, model 117 in oak and teak with new upholstery. Denmark 1950s
Oak, Teak
Henry P Glass 'Intimate Island' Sofa for Richbilt Furniture
By Richbilt MFG, Henry P. Glass
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
$7,767Sale Price|20% Off
Large Modern Mid-Century Italian Canapè or Sofa attr. to Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing Mid-Century Italian Canapè or Sofa with wood legs and arms . Acid green new upholstery in perfect condition.
Wood
Sofa by Branco & Preto circa 1960, Brasil
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare banquette par la manufacture brésilienne Branco & Preto Branco & Preto est une entreprise de mobilier créée en 1952 par les architectes d’avant-garde Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruch...
Leather, Imbuia
Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
An Important Italian Midcentury Modern 'Sleep-o-Matic" model sofa / couch in Tan Calf Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1951. The divan / canape is composed of a metal structure, s...
Brass, Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Leather
Italian Mid-Century Curved Arm Loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern sofa features unique sculpted armrests and a metal base. A stylish and comfortable design with thick padded seating covered in decorative floral upholste...
Metal
Jens Risom Tufted Back Sofa in Off White. Expertly Restored
By Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
This Jens Risom high back tufted back sofa has been expertly restored and reupholstered in an off white fabric. Like new and ready to ship.
Upholstery
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
Guillerme et Chambron Two-Seater Oak Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison and Guillerme et Chambron significantly influenced French design history. From every angle, this sofa’s design has unique ...
Oak, Bouclé
American Mid-Century Modern "Marshmallow” Sofa, George Nelson, 1956
Located in New York, NY
Designed by George Nelson and Irving Harper in 1956, the Marshmallow Sofa is known for its construction of individual, circular upholstered discs mounted on a steel frame. The discs ...
Metal, Steel
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
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
Arne Norell Ilona sofa from the 1970´s
By Arne Norell
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ilona Two-Seat Sofa – a timeless blend of elegance and comfort. Designed by renowned Swedish architect Arne Norell in the 1960s for Norell Möbel AB
Leather
Mid-Century 3-Seater Sofa, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in germany - Made of leather - Has some signs use - On the right side, the elbow rest has collapsed - Good, original condition.
Leather
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa by GETAMA, Oak Frame, Wool, Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with Divina wool in 100 % New Zealand wool. Original Epeda cushions. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/3, produced by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Modular Sofa, Original Brown Velvet, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Modular sofa, original brown Velvet, 1960s.
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
Stunning Splayed Walnut Legs Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful sofa with magnificent splayed walnut legs. We love everything about this sofa from its winged back and swooped arms to its original striped velvet upholstery. Just look at ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
New Gold Linen Upholstery Bamboo 2 Part Sectional Sofa c1970s MINT!
By John Wisner, Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New Gold Linen Upholstery Bamboo 2 Part Sectional Sofa c1970s MINT!
Upholstery, Rattan
Unique William Plunkett Sofa
Located in Munich, DE
There are many William Plunkett sofas around, but i never saw this model before and found no info about. Purchased 1969 at heals in London - poss...
Aluminum
$9,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ward Bennett Tufted White Leather Sofa (two available)
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
Stunning 7ft Ward Bennett tufted sofa on walnut plinth base. Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them Rare restored Ward Bennett sofa in a rich white leather, by GARRETT...
Leather
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
William Plunkett White “Kingston” Sofa, 1967
By C.J. Plunkett & Co
Located in Chicago, IL
William Plunkett "Kingston" Sofa, 1967. Restored and reupholstered.
Stainless Steel
$800Sale Price|55% Off
Mid-Century American Modern Cream Embroidered Floral Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant 1950s American mid-century sofa composed of an off-white upholstery with a pale taupe floral motif (it appears slightly pink in some of the images but is not). Clean lines w...
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,071Sale Price / set|45% Off
Amanta Modular Sofa in Orange Leather for C&B Italy, from Mario Bellini 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mario Bellini Amanta modular sofa in orange leather for C&B Italy, 1960s. Four separate elements can be used as lounge chairs or sofa. The shells are white fiberglass and the s...
Leather, Fiberglass
Modernist Luigi Tiengo Sofa in Walnut /Ultra Suede for Cimon Montréal, 1963
By Luigi Tiengo, Cimon, Raf Simons
Located in Buffalo, NY
This rare Classic Mid-Century Modern sofa was designed by Luigi Tiengo and produced by the Canadian manufacturer Cimon in 1963. The sculptural shape of the elongated arms, the winged...
Fabric, Walnut
European Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Sofa with Bouclé Cushions, Europe circa 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Inspired by the cultural examples of the European country manor and rustic styles, European cabinetmakers’ furniture were endowed with a creative simplicity, with a feeling for the w...
Bouclé, Wood, Fabric
George Nelson Atr Wedge Back Mid Century Modern Sofa MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nelson Atr Wedge Back Mid Century Modern Sofa MINT!
Upholstery
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 2 Seater Sofa
By Wittmann
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 2 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 80 wide x 36 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inches All pieces of furniture can be had...
Leather, Wood
Hans J. Wegner, Three-Seat Sofa, Model 290, Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa made of black lacquered oak. Upholstered with striped fabric. Model 290, made by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
$6,840Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous Robert Ebel Postmodern Weiman Curved Cloud Sofa Chaise
By Robert Ebel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Robert Ebel for Weiman Preview cloud sofa. This sofa retains its original upholstery which is quite dated and shows wear-we do recommend reupholstery. This fabulous sofa...
Upholstery
Midcentury Curved Sofa in the Style of Edward Wormley for Reupholstering
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hanover, MA
Midcentury curved sofa (front and back) with half track arms, on six distinctive V-form walnut stained legs artfully positioned on a rakish angle, circa 1960. Two split notched edge ...
Restored Quad Pole Rattan Sofa, 3-Seater, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare "R" arm rattan 3 seater sofa with "Quad Pole" design featuring 4 strand rattan arms, legs, and 4 pole base. 1950, United States Sofa: 33in. H x 7...
Rattan
Very Early and Rare No. 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Designed in 1954. Original condition. should be re-upholstered. the base can be disassemble for more economic shipping.
Fabric