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.
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
American 1940's Tufted Curved Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super stylish curved sofa. Made in the US probably in the 1940's maybe early 1950's. Designer and maker unknown. Tufted and with loose cushion. Has a bit of Hollywood pana...
Wool, Wood
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
Carlo Bartoli Modular Sofa in Cognac Leather for Rossi Di Albizzate
By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian mid-century three-piece modular sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi Di Albizzate in original leather upholstery. Matching standalone sofa and armchairs available, sold separately...
Leather
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
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
Lawson-Fenning Ojai Sofa, Solid Walnut & Tan Leather Cushion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai sofa features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a single tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los ...
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
$13,280 / item
Buriti Sofa - Large by Nikolai LaFuge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Nikolai Lafuge in Los Angeles. Created with Eileen Gray's Lota and traditional British sofas in mind, the Buriti is an inviting and plush des...
Fabric, Walnut
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
$12,379 / item
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa for Arflex 240cm
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa 1969 for Arflex, Italy. New, current production. Modular seating system, this listing is for a 3 seater 240cm. The modular seating system '9000' by Tito Agn...
Fabric
$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
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
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
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
Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26
By Florence Knoll, 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
$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
$17,600 / set
Pair Sofas By Vivai Del Sud
Located in Round Top, TX
1970s Sculptural Rattan Sofa,Vivai del Sud A striking and highly sculptural pair of rattan sofas retailed by Casa Bella in Miami’s Design District during the 1970s, embodying the gl...
Rattan
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
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
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
$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
Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220 Papa Bear Style, 1960's
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 220. This iconic sofa has a slight curve to it ...
Wool
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
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
$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
$6,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
1960s–1970s Inspired Channel-Back Sofa, Textured Velvet With Brass Tapered Legs
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural sofa defined by rhythm, curvature, and architectural channeling. The enveloping backrest and arms are articulated with deep vertical channels that create a continuous sh...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 33 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27.5 inc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
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
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, 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
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
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
$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
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
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
Federico Munari, Curved Sofa, Fabric, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved yellow fabric and brass sofa designed by Federico Munari and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. In untouched original condition in ...
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
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
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
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin, Mario Bellini, 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
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
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
Curved sofa in wood and velvet upholstery, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A curved sofa in wood and fabric, velvet upholstery, Italian craftsmanship, in the style of Gio Ponti, 1950s. Comfort demands curved lines, and this Italian sofa perfectly meets the...
Velvet, Wood
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
Saporiti Italia "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Fratelli Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" three seat sofa. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history of Itali...
Steel
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Black Leather Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Beige Cotton, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos lounge chair brings the essence of nature indoors...
Velvet, Mohair, Alpaca, Leather, Burl, Walnut, Oak, Wood, Linen, Cotton,...
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
$9,375 / item
Isherwood Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The isherwood sofa features a channel tufted body with loose bolster cushions. The turned legs are made of solid white oak or American walnut and are inset on the sides revealing the...
Mohair, Walnut
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
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
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and lucite "Omnibus" sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”
Velvet, Lucite
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
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