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.
Trä-Inn, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and floral-printed fabric sofa or love seat designed and produced by Stockholms Träinrednings AB, Trä-Inn Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consisten...
Fabric, Pine
Mid-Century Two-Seat Sofa, Senator Series, Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
Located in München, BY
Elegant Mid-Century modern two-seater sofa by Ole Wanscher, produced by France & Son (Cado) as part of the iconic Senator series. Made in Denmark during the 1960s, it is a refined ex...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
Tito Agnoli Modular '9000' Sofa for Arflex 5 Piece Serpentine Version
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Tilburg, NL
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa 1969 for Arflex, Italy. New, current production. Modular seating system, this listing is for a 5 piece serpentine version. The modular seating system '9000'...
Fabric
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, Sectional sofa model ‘Snake’ DS-600, leather, Switzerland, 1972. An amazing design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerla...
Leather
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa in Excellent Original Condition, ca. 1960’s
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional example of the work of Adrian Pearsall, this sofa is in excellent original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age. Rarely seen Cloud so...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...
Fabric, Walnut
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa Piece was commissioned for a Long Island, NY estate.
Upholstery
Sofa Simone By Dino Gavina For Studio Simon, Italie, 1970
Located in Rhode-Saint-Genèse, BE
Canapé deux places "Simone" conçu par Dino Gavina pour Studio Simon, Italie, 1970. Bois laqué noir et nouveau garnissage en velours. Sa ligne minimaliste rappelle le style japonais d...
Fabric, Wood
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Lawson-Fenning Forster Sofa, Beige Tufted Velvet & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Forster sofa is a midcentury inspired sofa with a loose tufted seat, loose back cushions, and piped details. The sofa rests atop a simple, rounded wood base...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Lawson-Fenning Ojai Sofa, Solid Walnut & Tan Leather Cushion, Modern Couch
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
Four-Seat Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood with Sculpted Slatted Back & Velvet, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This four-seat sofa by JD Móveis brings together expressive Brazilian rosewood, sculptural woodworking, and inviting upholstery. Its low, elongated frame gives the richly figured ven...
Velvet, Rosewood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Renens, CH
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s This Soriana sofa has been newly reupholstered in a warm brown Italian cotton velvet by Alessandro Bini, keeping the ...
Chrome
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Linen & Solid Walnut, Modern American Couch
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...
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
Brown Leather Convertible Sofa by Karl Wittmann, Austria, Circa 1970
By De Sede, Wittmann, Karl Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown leather bed- sofa Karl Wittmann‚ Atrium’ in original brown leather, Austria, circa 1970 Very well preserved convertible double-seat sofa by K...
Steel
Set of 2 Camaleonda armchairs and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in taranto, IT
Set of 3 modular elements from the famous "Camaleonda" collection by Mario Bellini, for B&B Italia, Created in 1970 by the ingenious mind of Mario Bellini and originally produced by...
Fabric
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
Raphael Raffel Designed Cognac Leather Croissant Sofa in Suede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 1970's, made-to-order, suede upholstered, Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Design is attributed to the famous Raphael Raffel (1912-2000). Raffel, who trained at the École d...
Suede
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Brown Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Douglas sofa is a low-slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak legs. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ang...
Mohair, Walnut
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic Italian sofa from the 1950s. Very much in the style of Gio Ponti.
Fabric, Wood
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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Italian Rosewood and Cognac Leather Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and truly one-of-a-kind custom-made three-seat Italian sofa in precious rosewood and beautiful cognac leather. This exceptional piece was commissioned and entirely custom-ma...
Metal
Stunning Milo Baughman style Circular Curved Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Milo Baughman style curved even arm sofa. This sofa is super high quality and was recently upholstered in this ivory textured fabric. The long straight 4 seater sofa in th...
Upholstery
Pierre Paulin ABCD Three-Seater Sofa for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968 and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands from 1969, the ABCD sofa is one of the most recognisable designs of the Space Age era. Rather than readi...
Fabric, Foam
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson-Fenning Collectio...
Upholstery, Walnut
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...
Steel
Vintage 1970s Three-Seater Sofa in Black Leather, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Three-seater sofa with a wooden frame and black leather upholstery, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 78 cm; Wi...
Leather, Wood
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Gondola Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 104 wide x 33 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 21 inches Good Vin...
Upholstery, Wood
RARE Alberto Rosselli Sofa Two Seater for Saporiti 'Confidential', Italy, 1970s
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Basel, BS
Alberto Rosselli Set For Saporiti 'Confidential', Italy Design, 1972 Two seater sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti-- 2 available, sold individually. Matching Ottoman (comes with ...
Steel
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style. Built on a sturdy beech wood frame and raised on solid teak leg...
Wool, Teak
Pierre Paulin, Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal ABCD sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s. Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East 63rd street, New York. R...
Metal
"Croissant" Sofa by Raphaël Raffel for the Parisian Maison Honoré
Located in PARIS, FR
Conceived in 1970 by French designer Raphaël Raffel for the storied Parisian workshop Maison Honoré, the "Croissant" sofa is among the most sought-after expressions of 1970s French c...
Cowhide, Foam
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Off-White Boucle Bastiano Three Seater Sofa for Gavina, 1966
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Designed in 1966 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, the Bastiano sofa is a masterpiece of modern Italian design, combining architectural precision with inviting comfort. This origi...
Bouclé, Walnut
Jean Gillon Paddle Sofa Leather For Probel, 1960
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, in leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable sofa in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a pair of chairs available also. Gillon's ...
Leather, Hardwood
$13,090 / set
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Fabric, Foam
Viggo Boesen, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and blue floral-printed fabric sofa or settee designed by Viggo Boesen and produced by R. Wengler, Denmark, c. 1950s. Wicker wrappi...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Rare Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Brown Leather Sling Safari Kontiki Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low Brown leather sofa Swedish Design. Designed by Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid-century modern Teak and worn light brown leather. Norell Swed...
Brass
14 Piece Cubed Modular Curved Pit Sofa Circa 1980s
By Steelcase, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Bensalem, PA
Truly amazing modular sofa you will not find another one like it circa 1980s can be arranged in numerous settings. Feel free to reach out with any questions. corner pieces are 32 inc...
Upholstery
Curved Three-Seat CAPRI Sofa designed by Johannes ANDERSEN, 1965
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Three-seat Sofa designed by Johann Andersen. Sweden, AB Trensums Fatöljfabrik, 1965. The curved three-seat sofa with a metal structure, chromed minimalist metal legs and comfortable...
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron, Sofa, Fabric, Oak, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A purple fabric and oak lounge sofa or settee designed by Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and produced by Votre Maison, France, 1950s. Fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Style Curved Velvet Sofa with Ribbed Base, c. 1970s
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional, vintage-style three-seater sofa, embodies the sophisticated glamour of Art Deco-revival design popular in the 1970s. Upholstered in a rich, luxurious performance ve...
Upholstery, Velvet
"Tucroma" Sofa Designed By Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariana, Italy 1970s
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Weehawken, NJ
A striking example of Italian modernist design, the Tucroma sofa by Guido Faleschini combines sculptural chrome-plated tubular steel with rich indigo blue...
Chrome
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
$4,299Sale Price|34% 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
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Modular (9) Mah Jong ‘MISSONI’ sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer in Missoni Home Fabrics 9 pieces : 6 cushions, 3 backrests. An exceptionally vibrant and beautifully balanced Mah Jong composition, ...
Fabric
1964 Original 932-Quartet Leather Sofa Sectional Mario Bellini for Cassina 2pcs
Located in Basel, BS
Move over, here comes the MEGA CULT CLASSIC, and Extremely rare Bellini that you can also sip Bellini's upon like a ROCK STAR! She is an absolute show stopper for any space... An ...
Leather, Canvas
Alberto Rosselli 'Confidential' Sofa & Chairs, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Vienna, AT
Sofa and chair ensemble by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, “Confidential”, with an extraordinary, fluffy white wool upholstery, Italy, 1970. Very good condition. Large sofa and 2 sin...
Steel
Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey, Burnt Gold Velvet, 1960s Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi and Young in a burnt gold crushed velvet upholstery. In good vintage condition with a nice patina throughout. V...
Velvet, Walnut
$1,534Sale Price|50% Off
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Navy Jacquard Skirted Tuxedo Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
Clean mid-century modern lines meet a deep blue jacquard on this vintage track arm sofa. Low, boxy arms frame the seat, and the tailored skirt breaks into crisp box pleats along the ...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid century modern 70s italian modular sofa
Located in Palermo, PA
Step into the vibrant world of 1970s Italy with this stunning modular sofa, a true gem of mid-century design. Wrapped in its original high-quality velvet fabric, this piece boasts a ...
Metal
1970s Jacques Charpentier Velvet Two-Seater Sofa with Chrome Frame
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This stunning two-seater sofa from the 1970s by Jacques Charpentier retains its original velvet upholstery, showcasing exceptional patina and offering superior comfort. The chrome s...
Stainless Steel
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
$18,509 / item
Piero Lissoni 8 Cube Sofa, Three Seaters by Cassina
By Piero Lissoni, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Piero Lissoni in 2017. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An evolution of the iconic 8 sofa, 8 cube collection revisits and softens up the...
Steel
Large High Back Ploum Sofa by Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great Ploum Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset. This ultra coveted sofa is the epitome of comfort. Form and function. Sofa is pre-owned and in fair condition. The...
Fabric
Large vintage 1950s red velvet curved sofa Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Large curved sofa with red velvet upholstery, black metal legs with gilt brass finials, Italian design, 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Gran Confort, Grand Modèle, Trois Places For Cassina. In the various models of Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, the concept of modernity is expressed t...
Polyester