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.
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and in great demand, w...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, Irving Harper, 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
$6,650Sale Price|30% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Modern Tweed & Mahogany Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dayton, OH
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Atomic Era Bracket Back Sofa, circa 1950s. Features streamlined track arms, original tweed plaid button tufted upholstery and two large seat cushions. The...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Italian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral fabric sofa or settee designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Moderate wear to wood consistent with age and use. Vintage fabri...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brown fabric and marble sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 9...
Marble
$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
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
Large Plumy sofa by Annie Hiéronimus for China (Ligne Roset), France, 1980s
By Cinna (Ligne Roset), Annie Hiéronimus
Located in Lyon, FR
Large Plumy sofa, designed by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna (Ligne Roset), manufactured in France in the 1980s. Exceptionally comfortable and designed for complete relaxation, the seat ...
Velvet, Foam
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Model 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Florence Knoll, model 578, produced by Knoll International in the 1950s. The design reflects Knoll’s signature balance of clean lines and f...
Metal
Thomas Thos Moser “Hartford” custom white Leather sofa
By Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Thomas Moser “Hartford “ Custom white leather Sofa circa 2016
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s 9-Piece Curved Modular Sofa Sectional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Remarkably well preserved nine‑piece modular sofa sectional from the late 1960s–1970s. The set includes seven standard modular chairs and two wedge‑shaped corner modules, offering a ...
Velvet
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Stringa Two seater black leather upholstery sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
" Stringa " sofa with original black leather upholstery on tubular chrome frame, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1965 Italy
Chrome
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
Danish 1940's Loveseat or Small Sofa in Blue Wool
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming Danish 1940's loveseat. From the era of the "banana" sofas but with a more angular shape. Very plush and voluptuous. Sturdy and strong and very comfortable with coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Le Bambole 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century Italian design. This authentic vint...
Cotton
$12,337 / item
Tito Agnoli '9000' Sofa for Arflex 240cm
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 3 seater 240cm. The modular seating system '9000' by Tito Agn...
Fabric
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Formica
Green Linen and Walnut Forster Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
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
Metal Mid Century Garden Poolside Sofa bench by Homecrest
By Homecrest
Located in New York, NY
Probably the most sought after form made by Homecrest, this settee if from the Chiquita series circa 1960's. This example is in very good, original estate condition, showing only the...
Steel
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and rattan sofa attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.25"H x 67.75"W x 30.0"D Seat Height (inches): 15.0" A...
Bamboo, Rattan
$2,315 / set
Vintage velvet modular sofa by Laauser, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Seventies olive green velvet fabric sofa with 3 seating elements. Cool shape for smaller living rooms or a waiting room, office,.. Good condition 1970s - Germany Dimensions as sh...
Velvet
$160,000 / set
Rare Paul Evans Biscuit Tufted Cityscape Sofas, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional pair of Paul Evans biscuit tufted Cityscape sofas, signed and in near mint condition. Finding one is hard, but a pair in this pristine state is near impossible. These ...
Chrome
A Two-Seater Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, 1970s France.
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
$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
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
A true icon of modernist design, the Utrecht Sofa by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld—faithfully produced by Cassina—embodies the radical spirit of early 20th-century Dutch design. Originally ...
Fabric, Wood
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa: Modular Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Sofa For Cassina Envisioned in Tokyo in 1953 by Charlotte Perriand and still remarkably relevant today, this modular system can be used as a low coffee tab...
Wood
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Stainless Steel
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
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ranst, VAN
Vintage sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s. The sofa has a teak frame and the cushions have a cream beige fabric. The sofa is in great condition. Dime...
Teak
$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
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1960's Midcentury Modern Design Boucle Wool 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Belgian Design Boucle Wool 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Belgium, 1960's period. This is custom / bespoke made by a Belgian furniture maker for the previous owners t...
Bouclé
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
$8,361Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Sofa in Brown Leather Maralunga , 1970's
Located in Milano, IT
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 3 seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With tree adjustable backrests for variable sitting positions. This piece was one of two id...
Leather, Wood
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 3 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Teak
Pair available Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House rare four-seat curved sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in South Charleston, WV
An extremely rare collectors piece, this large 97 inch wide four-seat sculptural sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House was designed and produced circa 1957 in the United States, ...
Aluminum
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition. Overall Dimension...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 2 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
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
Customizable Double-Back Sofa In Ultra Suede Fabric By José Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$7,916Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage 1980s Three Seat Sofa by Preview USA, Circa 1980's A quietly luxurious Preview 3 piece attached 'sectional' sofa from the 1980s. This 88-inch wide, 36-inch deep, and 27-inch...
Upholstery
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 Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Italy, 1960's / 70's period. Cognac leather three seat sofa with straps and buckles on the side rests. Bulbous s...
Leather
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
Martin Visser Important One-Off Boomerang Sofa in Wengé and Black Leather 1970
Located in Meer, VAN
Martin Visser One-Off Boomerang Sofa in Solid Wengé and Black Leather The Netherlands 1970 A very special and one-off boomerang style sofa by Martin Visser, one of the most renowned...
Leather, Wenge
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
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
$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
$8,925 / item
Douglas Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
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
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
Midcentury Pair of Kidney Shaped Sofas in the Style of Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of kidney-shaped sofas feature a nice sculptural modern design, with a curved arched back. These sofas are newly produced and have been handcrafted with a solid hardwood frame...
Upholstery
$2,800
Bamboo Sofa
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century Art Deco bamboo sofa with original tropical themed fabric cushions ( fabric shows wear ). The frame features a wrap around bamboo base...
Upholstery, Bamboo
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