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.
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.
By Durlet
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s. The sofa consists of four seating elements, 2 two-seats and 2 one-seats. The elements can be attached to each other with...
Leather
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Niels Bendtsen 'Baku' Memphis Style Sofa for Montis, Built-In Table
By Niels Bendtsen, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa designed by Niels Bendtsen for Montis embodies the bold spirit of Memphis style design from the 1990s. The 'Baku' model features a black faux leather seat cushion contrasted wit...
Metal
Beka Tortuga 70s Sofa Bed in Orange Fiberglass
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic and distinctive, this Tortuga model sofa by Beka represents a perfect example of experimental design from the 1970s, where form and function come together in a bold and timele...
Fiberglass
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
Danish 1940's Finn Juhl Style Settee or Loveseat in Green Mohair
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl style sofa or settee attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark made sometime in the 1940s. Perfectly balanced lines and proportions providing for a solid ...
Mohair, Beech
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of mid-century American contract design, this three-seat tandem sofa was sourced directly from the Long Beach Airport (used in the 1950s and 60s) and embodies the ...
Steel
Sofa or Couch with wickerwork backrest by Hartmut Lohmeyer, German Design, 1950s
Located in München, Bavaria
Maße: ca. 180 × 74 × 74 × 43 cm (Breite × Tiefe × Höhe × Sitzhöhe) Außergewöhnlich formschönes und ausgesprochen seltenes Sofa aus der 400er-Reihe, entworfen von Hartmut Lohmeyer fü...
Upholstery, Wicker, Teak, Cane
San Rafael Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Upholstery, Oak
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Irving Harper, Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Sand Velvet, 1973
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Sand Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973...
Velvet
Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Walnut
Tucroma lounge chair in cognac leather by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Tucroma Cantilever Lounge Chair by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani Patinated Cognac Leather Lounge Chair on a Chrome Tubular Frame A refined expression of Italian modernism, the Tu...
Leather
Luigi Scremin, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A purple fabric and wood sofa or settee designed and produced by Luigi Scremin, Italy, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in a brand new Lupa Wool Linen from ZAK+FOX. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Fabric, Wood
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Munster, NRW
This Togo living landscape consisting of 3seater sofa, a lounge chair and a ottman was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1974. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, stunning beautif...
Leather
Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Authentic mid-century collectible with documented provenance: This spacious Florence Knoll Model 26-3KC sofa was produced in the 1960s and upholstered in an exceptionally high-qualit...
Steel, Chrome
$9,750 / item
Mohair Curved Back Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back sofa is a tuxedo style sofa with curved corners and features a single down-wrapped, seat cushion with 3 down-wrapped, removable back cushions and two bolsters. The ba...
Brass
Drexel, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained oak and white fabric sofa produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 35” H x 79” W x 30.75” D Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 28.25" All items s...
Fabric, Oak
Small 2 Seater Caesar Sofa Lacquer Italy 1950s Restored Green Velvet
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Delightful and original two-seater from the 1950s totally restored in green velvet fabric , wooden feet. Caesar Lacquer design
Velvet
$3,600 / item
Teak and Green Leather Danish Sofa by Hjellegjerde
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A perfect example of Scandinavian design. This Hjellegjerde sofa oozes style and craftsmanship, it features a channeled bucket style seat in dark forest green leather with nice pati...
Leather, Teak
$8,025 / item
Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ange...
Linen, Walnut
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Upholstery
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Padova, IT
Condition: Good condition with small signs of age and use especially on the feet The GS195 sofa, designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963, is a highly regarded Mid-Century Mode...
Fabric, Wood
Salvatore Dinucci, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced by Salvatore Dinucci, Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Casa Teo, São Paulo. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
Midcentury James Mont Style Lacquered Gondola Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic mid-century modern upholstered gondola sofa made in the style and manner of James Mont. The chic sofa features a gondola sled inspired wood frame with an ebonized black lac...
Fabric, Wood
George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) and Associates "Sling" Sofa, Model 6381, with black leather cushions on chrome-plated frame. 29" H x 62" W x 36" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: Wri...
Chrome
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three-Seater Soriana Sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Produced by Cassina in Italy. A statement seating piece with soft, voluminous lines, created to offer a relaxed yet refi...
Metal
Limited Edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Tramonto A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces Cassina revisits a 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovati...
Fabric
Red Mid-century 3-seater Leather Sofa by Edra, Italy 2000
By Edra
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A bold and sculptural seating piece, this 2000 Italian sofa by Edra brings together the brand’s unmistakable design language with a nod to mid‑century modern aesthetics. Upholstered ...
Leather
$9,125 / item
Mesa Sleeper Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sleeper Sofa is our first convertible sofa. Fully upholstered with a walnut or oak plinth base, it easily converts into a queen-sized bed, making it ideal for guests and sma...
Walnut, Upholstery
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 22" ...
Iron
Custom Sofa on Casters in Cream Boucle #1
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Custom sofa on casters in cream boucle. High quality frame with beautifully curved back and very solid, well-made frame. Sofa has a single bench cushion and offers a minim...
Fabric, Hardwood
Midcentury 1965 Illum Wikkelsø – Model V11 Three-Seater Leather Sofa - Denmark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and highly collectible Model V11 three-seater sofa is a signature piece by Illum Wikkelsø, one of Denmark’s most celebrated mid-century modern designers. Originally crafted...
Leather
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Danish Modern Long Sofa Designed by Johannes Aasbjerg Teak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful 1955 Danish Sofa designed by Johannes Aasbjerg has original upholstery with a 4 seat design. Long 106 inch long sofa. Sits on 8 Solid teak tapered legs. Use As-Is or have i...
Upholstery, Teak
William Hinn Attribution, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa attributed to William Hinn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.5"H x 8...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy. In a gorgeous burnt orange leather upholstery with a beautiful age commensurate patina throughout. As comfort...
Steel
Vintage MCM to Modern Yellow & Chartreuse Plaid Tuxedo Sofa by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern (a.k.a. MCM) to modern tuxedo sofa by Henredon comprised of a fully upholstered frame including three loose seat & three l...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kidney Shaped Curved Serpentine Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern biomorphic kidney shaped sofa. This long tailored cloud sofa features an elongated removable single seat cushion with a curved tight back. Original neutra...
Upholstery, Wood
Blop Sofa Set with Coffee Table by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, Italy
By Giuseppe Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
This set was already on my wishlist for a long time! The Carlo Bartoli Blop sofa elements was fabricated in 1972 by Rossi di Albizzate. It survived extremely...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern..Amazing design.. lines. Retains its original finish / patina as well as its original spring cushions and original...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Reupholstery recommended. Heavy wear on fabric (fraying on top of back rest and top of seat cush...
Fabric, Wood
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti 'Ellypse' Sofa in Grey Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti, 'Ellypse' sofa, fabric, lacquered wood, chrome, Italy, 1970s Mauro Lipparini, an Italian designer, has created the 'Ellypse' sofa for Saporiti, which s...
Chrome
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
Saporiti Italia Two Seater "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Fratelli Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" two seat sofa / settee. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history o...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Sofa in Teal Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, beech, Europe, 1960s Organic shaped sofa made in Europe in the 1960s. This piece shows fluidity and an ergonomic sitting experience. The arms rise gently from the seat...
Fabric, Beech
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Mario Bellini, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin, Stilwood
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa, Jacaranda Rosewood, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in ...
Leather, Jacaranda
1960's California Studio Walnut Sofa Bench
By Sam Maloof
Located in Oakland, CA
1960’s California studio-craft walnut sofa hand carved of solid walnut with sculptural arms, fine joinery, slatted back, and two built-in tapered side tables. Raised on round tapered...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern 1960s Sofa by Viko Baumritter
Located in New York, NY
This floating 1960s sofa was manufactured by Viko Baumritter , an American furniture Company that later became Ethan Allen. The sofa has a metal frame and metal splay legs with a fau...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa By Rowe Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa was produced by Rowe Furniture Co. in the 1950s designed in the style of Adrian Pearsall's gondola sofa model 2640-S, the hottest sellin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Restored 1960s Czechoslovakian Tatra Nábytok Convertible Sofa with Pouf
Located in Żory, PL
Original modular sofa set produced by Tatra Nábytok in 1960s Czechoslovakia. The set consists of a main sofa and a pouf that can be arranged as a corner sectional or used separately ...
Fabric, Oak, Plywood
Danish 1950s Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1950s curved two-seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. The 5...
Wool, Beech
Four-Seat Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood with Sculpted Back & Warm Bouclé, JD Moveis
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian modernism, this four-seat sofa pairs architectural clarity with exceptional material warmth. Crafted in richly grained Brazilian rosewood—its base r...
Metal
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
$10,000
1980s Vintage Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely my favorite sofa I’ve ever had. I keep thinking I’m going to keep it for myself:) am sure most dealers feel this way for their most darling items. Love love this handsome...
Mohair
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Leather Daybed Sofa 711 - Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a sofa model 711 designed by Tito Agnoli for Cinova. Italy circa the 1960s. The sofa can be transformed into a daybed. Tan leather (original) with vintage pat...
Leather
$9,750
James Mont Style Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Theatrical 1950's Hollywood Regency sofa in the Orientalist modern taste with sculpted greek key arms, shaped back cushions, black lacquered wood trim and Asian style upswept armrest...
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian Corner Sofa in Bright Red Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, wood, Italy, 1950s Beautiful and very spacious sofa dating back to the 1950s, crafted in Italy. This corner sofa is an eye-catching piece that has all the characteris...
Velvet, Wood
1970s Sistema 61 Giancarlo Piretti Castelli Italian Design Orange Modular Sofa
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Brescia, IT
"Sistema 41" Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli 1974 Iconic Modular sofa 8 elements in orange velvet Black plastic base Upholstery original vintage (some stains on the velvet)...
Velvet