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.
Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Sofas for Reupholstery
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Parlor Sofas on Chrome Bases in Original Burgundy Leather - Set of 2 Item does not have maker's label. Selling for reupholstery.
Chrome
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
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Børge Mogensen Model 211 Three Seats Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Børge Mogensen Model 211 Three Seats Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik. Manufactured in the 1950’s in Denmark. It is made of solid oak...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa in light gray for Cassina Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen fabric/size. Also available with a top (shown on last picture).
Steel
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee
By Ward Bennett
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee This sofa measures: 61 wide x 29 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches Great Vintage Condition - Mohair h...
Upholstery, Wood, Mohair
Midcentury Leather and Teak Sofa "Gotland" Ikea, Sweden, 1967
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This sofa that was designed and manufactured in 1966 for Ikea and designed by Åke Fribýter. It has the name Gotland and refers to one of Sweden’s counties. It made as a quality state...
Leather, Teak
Three-Seat Sofa, Model 303, Designed by Andreas Hansen, 1979
By Brdr. Andersen, Andreas Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
The three-seat sofa, model 303, designed by Andreas Hansen in 1979 and manufactured by Brdr. Andersen furniture factory, is a timeless piece of furniture that reflects the design sen...
Leather, Oak
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Blue Leather, Handmade by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Caramulo swivel lounge chair was designed to offer unparalleled comfort ...
Leather, Oak
Sofa Designed in the Manner of Illum Wikkelso
Located in San Francisco, CA
A black, three seater leather sofa by an unknown designer, in the manner of Illum Wikkelso. Features very sleek, angular lines, and petite, mahogany legs.
Leather, Mahogany
George Nelson & Irving Harper Marshmallow Sofa for Herman Miller, 1956
By Herman Miller, Irving Harper, George Nelson
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic “Marshmallow Sofa,” model 5670, designed in 1956 within George Nelson Associates, with Irving Harper and George Nelson, and produced by Herman Miller in the United States. On...
Iron
Sculptural Arcadia Sofa in Velvet & Leather, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Freamunde, PT
Arcadia sofa is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, where modern design meets timeless serenity. Its sleek curves and plush cushions evoke the tranquility of an idyllic retreat, inv...
Metal
Custom 1960s Italian Style Velvet Sofa or Bench with Brass Base by Adesso Import
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom 1960s Italian style sofa or bench with handmade brass base upholstered in light pink velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different colors, fabrics an...
Brass
Newly Upholstered Regent Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Petrol Color
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Berlin, DE
Marco Zanuso Regent 3-seater for Arflex, Italy, 1960s. The piece is on walnut glides and newly upholstered in Kvadrat steelcut fabric.
Fabric
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Superb 1958, 3 Seat, Gianfranco Frattini, '872' Leather Sofa, Cassina, Italy
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
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
$11,070
Danish cabinet maker, Sofa
Located in London, GB
c.1950s Item has been reupholstered in Tibor fabric with beech legs H84 x W190 x D80 cm
Fabric, Beech
Set Mod. Togo Designed By Michel Ducaroy For Ligne Roset
Located in Madrid, ES
Set mod. Togo designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. Upholstered in brown leather. France 70's. Double armchair size: W 120 x D 100 x H 35 / 70 cm Corner sofa: W 100 x D 100 x ...
Leather
Vintage 1970s two-seater beech sofa
Located in Premariacco, IT
Vintage 1970s sofa made of beech wood and cushions upholstered in matching fabric. Very elegant and streamlined, with a modern design and compact proportions that make it placeable ...
Fabric, Beech
Restored MCM Rattan 4-Strand Reverse Pretzel Sofa & Lounge Chair Livingroom Set
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored living room set features a 4-Strand, 3-seat Reverse Pretzel sofa and a set of two lounge chairs. Each piece features sleek mid-century 4-strand "Reverse Pre...
Fabric, Rattan
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green 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...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
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
Nordiska Kompaniet, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1974
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and floral-printed fabric sofa retailed by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1974. Acquired at Nordiska Kompaniet, Göteborg, Sweden, c. 1974. Fabric designed b...
Fabric, Rattan, Bamboo
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 86 wide x 29 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.75 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Vatne Mobler Teak Sofa by Knut Saeter or Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen, Vatne Møbler, Knut Sæter
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Vatne Mobler Teak Sofa by Knut Saeter for Vatne Mobler Beautiful Lines on this teak sofa. Just requires new upholstery as the pillows are no ...
Teak
"Straccio" by De Pass, D'Urbino, Lomazzi for Zanotta Three Seater Sofa Cognac
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Zanotta
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This stunning rare three seater Leather Sofa was designed 1968 by Design Team De Pas , Donato d’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi. They created one of the most iconic objects in Italian Desig...
Leather
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Shell / 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
Stendig Living Room, Sofa, Pair of Cube Chairs, New Boucle, Switzerland, Labeled
By Stendig Co., Charles Stendig
Located in Stamford, CT
Sofa & Pair Cube Chairs by Stendig, Switzerland, New Sheepskin Boucle, Mid Century Modern, Labeled A rare Mid Century Modern living room ret in prist...
Chrome
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 8
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Leather
$4,454 / item
Mood armchair 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
1940s Danish Settee by Alfred Christensen in Tan Shearling
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in New York, NY
Charming 1940s Danish settee designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk. The frame is characterized by Christensen's signature curved paddle arms, complemented by the backrest comprised of traditional round spindles. The piece is newly lacquered and reupholstered in luxurious tan shearling...
Sheepskin, Wood
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by Elite Leather
By Elite Leather
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 sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Contemporary Top Grade Leather Sofa by of Elite Leather...
Leather
Mario Bellini Midcentury Modern Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. Excellent...
Foam, Walnut, Velvet
FINE 1960's BORDEAUX LEATHER RESTORED CHESTERFIELD CLUB THREE SEAT SOFA SETTEE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, fully restored Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Tufted Club sofa with ornately hand c...
Leather
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
Curved Emerald Velvet Sofa with Bronze Plinth Mid-Century Italian Modern Style
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered in sumptuous emerald green velvet, this elegant curved sofa is a refined interpretation of classic Italian modern design. Its sweeping, wraparound silhouette is defined b...
Metal
$4,200Sale Price|27% Off
Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa In The Style Of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian, Mid-Century Modern, upholstered sofa in the style of MarCo Zauso features a curved profile with the striking combination of solid brown molded arms and multi-color striped s...
Fabric
Italian Midcentury D-70 Sofa / Bed by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno, New Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in New York, NY
An important statement in the history of Modern design: the Italian Mid-Century Modern D 70 sofa, couch or bed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Tecno was one of the ...
Brass, Steel
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
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret LC/PJ-SI-41-A Advocate Chair / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The object exudes an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; its auratic qual...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
Italin Mid-Century Superonda Sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, 1967
Located in MIlano, IT
Italin mid-century superonda sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, 1967. Modular sofa "superonda" model, composed of two S-shaped shapes in glossy...
PVC
Cambridge Loveseat Sofa in the Style of 1930's Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Cambridge Loveseat Sofa, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Cambridge loveseat is a refined homage to the golden age of design from the early 20t...
Brass
TIMOTHY OULTON ViNTAGE AGED BROWN HERITAGE 134CM WIDE SOFA STUNNING PATINA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Timothy Oulton Aged Brown heritage leather sofa Please note the delivery fee listed is...
Leather
$6,396Sale Price|38% Off
Kandidaten Three Seat Sofa in Knoll Bouclé by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Olof Person
Located in Deland, FL
This Kandidaten three-seater sofa was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured in Sweden by Olof Person in 1962. Constructed from solid teak this iconic design features cylindric...
Teak
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" Armchair for Gavina, Camel Velvet, 1970
By Cini Boeri, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Cini Boeri “Gradual System” armchair for Gavina, camel velvet, Italy, 1970. Designed in 1970 by Cini Boeri for Gavina, this armchair belongs to the iconic “Gradual System”—a groundb...
Velvet
$22,466Sale Price / set|40% Off
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Sofa & Armchairs Lounge Set, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Whitstable, GB
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler midcentury sofa and armchairs; 1950s Sofa designed for their manufacturing company, Forma around 1955. This model is an icon of Brazilian midcentury design and was used to illustrate some advertisements for Forma in the 1950s. We offer the set of sofa and matching armchairs. They are stunning together. The set has been newly reupholstered in beautiful blue velvet, feet in imbuia wood, lacquered finish. Sofa Dimensions: H28.35, W76.78, D30.32 in H72, W195, D77 cm Armchairs Dimenions: H 28.35, W30.32, D30.32 in H72, W77, D77 cm The creative duo were the leading designers behind the Brazilian furniture company Forma, and produced many celebrated pieces of Brazilian midcentury design. Martin Eisler (1913-1977) was born in Vienna, and studied architecture in his country. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Buenos Aires, where he settled and worked as an architect and designer. There here...
Velvet, Hardwood
Very Rare Daybed by Domus / Schwaigheim
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful daybed with nice mechanism. original fabric. the last 3 pictures show the sofa with new latex foam.
Fabric, Wood
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
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Sofa Set, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Stamford, CT
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Sofa Set, 1950s Modernist seating arrangement including a sofa and two lounge chairs designed and produced by ISA Berg...
Brass
Børge Mogensen Two Seater Sofa for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen freestanding two seater sofa mounted on walnut legs. Sides, back and loose cushions upholstered with natural tanned leather. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture in 1974.
Leather, Walnut
Original Leolux Tango Sofa Design Couch Stoff blau Italy
By Leolux
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei-/ Dreisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Leolux zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung "Tango", besticht du...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofas by Georg Thams, Danish Design
By Georg Thams
Located in San Francisco, CA
Extra long Danish sofas with original leather upholstery that are very comfortable. One of the sofas has a different cushion from the other 8, though it appears to be a close match. ...
Leather, Rosewood
1st edition Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970s
Located in Aachen, NW
Impressive 1st edition and all original "Alpaka Brown" Camaleonda modular element sofa including 7 elements. This is no later reupholstered or copy edition, the sofa comes from its 1...
Velvet, Wood
Mid Century Modern Walnut Base Tufted Sofa
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Walnut Base Tufted Sofa Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Upholstery in very good vintage condition. Very little wear, no tears, very little...
Walnut, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Sofa After Harvey Probber, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking mid-century modern chrome sofa, inspired by the iconic designs of Harvey Probber and crafted in the United States during the 1960s, captures the perfect balance of refi...
Chrome
Bastiano Sofa And Armchair By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in PAU, FR
Super Nice set of afra & Tobia scarpa Rare in white Wood and black leather Super confortable
Leather
$1,899Sale Price|50% Off
De Sede DS-66 Brown Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Rochester, England
Exuding timeless sophistication, the De Sede DS-66 Brown Leather Sofa is an iconic piece from the 1970s, crafted in Switzerland to showcase unparalleled quality and design. Upholster...
Leather
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1960s Sofa Couch MINT!
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1950s U-150 Sofa Couch MINT!
Walnut, Linen
1970s Vintage Brutalist Wood, Brass, and Striped Upholstered Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking 1970s mid-century modern safari-style sofa combines bold architectural structure with quintessential vintage warmth. Defined by its robust cylindrical wood post legs, p...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Italian Sofa
Located in Chireno, TX
Mid-century Italian walnut sofa upholstered in off-white linen.
Steel
$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