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.
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Green Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mohair Douglas sofa by Lawson-Fenning. The Douglas sofa is a low slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak...
Upholstery, Oak, Mohair
Nikolai Lafuge Buriti Sofa - Large, Tweed Cushions, Modern Couch
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 design that is appealing from ev...
Upholstery
$13,967Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in its original striped fabric. The backrests are adjustable and mec...
Fabric
1970s Vintage John Mascheroni for Vecta Tappo Modular Sofa Made in Italy
By John Mascheroni, Vecta Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s vintage modular Tappo sofa designed by American designer John Mascheroni for Vecta, Italy. This four-piece example features the Tappo series’ signature rounded, sculptural for...
Fabric
Danish Midcentury 3-Seater Sofa in Solid Oak and Wool by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and sought after sofa attributed to Danish Designer, Henning Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak, Hand carved in brutalist style seeking inspiration from art & crafts...
Brass
$7,300 / item
Mid Century Kidney Bean Curved Sofa Weiman Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A kidney-shaped sofa that features a nice sculptural modern design, with a curved arched back. These sofas are newly produced and have been handcrafted with a solid hardwood frame, m...
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
1960's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Arm Paw Sofa In Knoll Textiles
By Knoll, George Nelson, Jens Risom, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid Century Modern sofa for sale. It has been professionally reupholstered in Knoll Textiles' Cato fabric in the blue colorwave that goes for $214 a yard. The fabric i...
Wool, Walnut
Brazilian Modern Sculptural Curved Sofa in Mohair and Caviúna wood, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Brazilian Modern sculptural sofa from the 1960s, defined by its sweeping curved silhouette, generous proportions, and distinctly organic presence. Conceived during one...
Mohair, Caviuna
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
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
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
Mid Century Brazilian Sergio Rodriguez Style Cognac Leather Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modern style 3 seat sofa in Cognac leather and Oak frame. Styling is a nod to Sergio Rodriguez, Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon and Arne Norell, however maker is unknown...
Leather, Oak
Lawson-Fenning Forster Sofa, Green Linen & 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. The Lawson-Fenning...
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Italian Two-Seat Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Chrome and Leatherette
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking two-seat sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi in Italy during the 1970s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian design from the period, combining sof...
Chrome
Soft Brutalist Three-Seater Sofa in Cream Wool Bouclé with Faux Fur Outer Shell
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Characterized by a striking juxtaposition of structural discipline and tactile warmth, this three-seater sofa features a monolithic, hand-carved silhouette defined by clean architect...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Faux Fur
$27,304 / item
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina The encapsulation of design brilliance, business insight and made-in-Italy artisan craftsmanship, this sofa is an international bestseller steeped in timeless beauty and functionality. Its enveloping contours accentuate the comfort of this design sofa, ensured by the chain mechanism (incorporated into the foam cushion) that controls adjustment of the backrest position. The unpretentious innovation of the adjustable headrest and the reassuring appearance and simplicity of the soft padding sum up the singularity of this design by Vico Magistretti. REMOVABLE UPHOLSTERY Maralunga 40...
Fabric
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
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
Divanotti Italian Freestanding Red Leather Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
An outstanding freestanding two-seat sofa manufactured by Divanotti, Italy. This sculptural model showcases the expressive elegance of Italian contemporary furniture design with its ...
Metal, Other
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Green Linen 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. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ange...
Linen, Walnut
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
$8,450 / item
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofas
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofas, model, 'D70', steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sofa w/End Table
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this iconic Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, a true statement of sculptural elegance and function. Crafted with a rich walnut frame, this ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Amazing Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa Designed by Percival Lafer Made in Brazil. Cube designed Shaped 3 seat fully upholstered Burnt saffron yellow color Soft leather sof...
Leather, Wood
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
Weiman 1980s U-Shaped Sectional Pit Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Weiman
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning pit sofa by Weiman
Ultrasuede
Rounded Silhouette Sofa In Ebony Wood Back & Eggplant Velvet By Jose Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Italian Contemporary Warm White Chenille and Wood Curved Conversation Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful curved conversation sofa with 4 seats with warm white chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood. It's possible to customise the fabric; in the p...
Chenille, Wood
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
$13,874Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Sofa Model "Värend" Carl Malmsten, 1942
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This Rare model” Värend” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The sofa has been reupholstered. Stained elm, back with ribs, loose back cushions and upholstered seat, cove...
Elm
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
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
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina, Leather, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
Leather
1972 De Sede DS-600 Snake Sectional Sofa Cognac Brown Leather Sofa Switzerland
By De Sede, Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, Klaus Vogt, Heinz Ulrich
Located in Miami, FL
A design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerland. This De Sede Modular Snake sectional sofa contains twelve pieces in original lea...
Leather, Felt
1970s Elegant Wood Frame Sofa – Newly Reupholstered, Mid-Century Design
Located in Krefeld, DE
Elegant 1970s sofa featuring a beautifully wooden frame and refined fabric upholstery. The piece showcases the distinctive design language of the era, quality craftsmanship, and a ti...
Fabric, Wood
Rattan Wicker Corner Pretzel Sofa Paul Frankl Style, Italy, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rome, IT
Pretzel corner rattan sofa designed in the manner of Paul Frankl. This unique sofa features a bent rattan base with four-strand square pretzel arms and it is a solid single curved ra...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Brown Leather
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...
Leather, Fabric, Foam
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
$24,866 / item
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina An innovative upholstered seating system, supported by a beam that allows sectional elements to be combined i...
Foam
RARE Alberto Rosselli Sofa Two Seater for Saporiti 'Confidential', Italy, 1970s
By Saporiti, Alberto Rosselli 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
Noa Curved Sofa with Integrated Side Pod By Mondo Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural chaise sofa is conceived as a continuous, flowing form—where seating becomes landscape and furniture reads as an object in space. Its generous, asymmetric silhouette ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Mid century 2 seater Design Sofa/daybed in mahagony - 1970 / Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia - original good condition - refreshed, upholstery cleaned - mahagony jr
Chrome
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Brass
Rare Lou Hodges Three-Seat Sling Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly rare and iconic 1970's Sling sofa by Lou Hodges for California Design Group has been restored and is in beautiful condition. As comfortable as it is striking, this ic...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Curved Back Sofa, Tuxedo Style Sofa w/ Oak Base, Modern 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...
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage Nelson Daybed in Black Mohair, c. 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Sophisticated yet effortless, this vintage MCM sofa bed is the iconic Nelson Daybed, originally designed by George Nelson in 1949 for the Herman Miller Collection. One of the most in...
Steel
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Daybed Sofa France and Sons Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Rare Extra Long Danish modern Minerva Daybed Sofa. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart circa 1960's. Beautiful sleek Mid Century Design. Rare extra long size...
Teak
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and iconic 1st edition circa 1971 Mah Jong modular sectional sofa consisting of ten element pillows. The sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in this avant-garde de...
Fabric, Foam
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
Nikolai Lafuge Buriti Sofa - Large, Performance Fabric Cushions, Modern Couch
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
Mid Century Italian Curved Sofa in Cotton Velvet, 1950s
Located in London, London
Italian Curved Sofa in Cotton Velvet, 1950s A beautifully proportioned Italian sofa dating from the 1950s, distinguished by its elegant sculptural form and refined organic lines. Th...
Velvet
Charlotte Perriand LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This daybed is part of a faithful reproduction of a student room in the Maison du Brésil...
Wood
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
Danish Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat Early 1950s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant 1940s curved two-seat sofa from the 1940s. Often called banana sofas by the Danes due to the curved shape. This sofa has slightly more straight backrest an...
Brass
Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reupholstered in plaid fabric with leather trim.
Leather, Fabric
Marenco Seat System Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Green velvet fabric.
Velvet
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler 'Divina' Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler, 'Divina' sofa, fabric, stained beech, Sweden, late 1950s This 'Divina' sofa is designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell. The seat is characterized ...
Fabric, Beech