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.
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa or Daybed
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, cognac leather, teak, Austria, 1960s. This Austrian daybed is named 'Constanze'. This item is designed by Johannes Spalt and manufactured by Wittmann. T...
Leather, Teak
Sofa in Rosewood & Mohair by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian Modern design from the 1960s, this monumental sofa by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios embodies the movement's pursuit of architectural simplicity, master...
Mohair, Rosewood
Mid Century Sofa Daybed by Miroslav Navrátil, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
This Mid Century Modern sofa / daybed was designed by Miroslav Navrátil and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. A strong example of Central European modernism, the piece bal...
Fabric, Wool, Beech
1960s Italian Ombre Peacock Cut Mohair Velvet Curved Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Italian ombre peacock cut silk mohair (Astrakhan style) velvet curved sofa with wood and brass legs. Fabric sample available upon request.
Brass
Ligne Roset Togo 3-seater in cognac leather
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
The Togo by Ligne Roset , designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973, is an iconic design known for its unparalleled comfort and distinctive styling. This set consists of an armchair and mat...
Leather
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
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 of 2)
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
De Sede "DS-11" Modular Sofa, Patinated Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 8
By De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
De Sede "DS-11" modular sofa, patinated cognac leather, Switzerland, 1970, set of 8. The De Sede “DS-11” modular sofa exemplifies the great art of craftsmanship and design of the 19...
Leather
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
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,216Sale Price|57% Off
Mid-Century Orange Velvet Curved Sofa Made in Italy 1950s Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century orange velvet curved sofa made in Italy, 1950s
Velvet
Mid-Century Italian Two-Seater Sofa, Restored in Pierre Frey Velvet
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of mid-century Italian sofa design, this 1950s two-seater captures the sculptural elegance and innovation that defined postwar Italian modernism. Its enveloping bac...
Brass
Percival Lafer MP-91 Sofa: Jatoba Wood & Caramel Leather, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A solid jatoba and leather sling sofa by Percival Lafer for Brazil Industries circa 1970’s. This model MP-91 sofa is newly upholstered in a carmel leather showing a great pebbled gr...
Leather, Wood
Maralunga 2-seater sofa, reupholstered in black velvet, Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga 2-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly reupholstered in a elegant black velvet. This iconic Italian design from the 1970s blen...
Velvet
Midcentury Roche Bobois Style Denim Platform Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic mid-century modern style denim sofa in the manner of Roche Bobois. The sofa features a case or tuxedo style shaped frame with wide arms and back mount...
Steel
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
$19,971 / item
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of outdoor life with a high-impact product inspired by the little trampolines found in the gardens of homes in Greenland. Trampoline is a striking and elegant love bed...
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
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
$1,078Sale Price|63% Off
Small Sofà Bamboo and Brass Italian Design Mid Century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small sofà bamboo and brass Italian design mid century
Brass
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ubald Klug DS-28 Cosmos Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s This stunning 7-piece sectional sofa by Ubald Klug, produced by De Sede in the 1970s, showcases a bold, organic design i...
Leather, Wood
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
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
Soft Mid Century Modern Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy, De Sede Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede, Ernest Lüthy
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Exceptional Sofa by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s A remarkable three-seat sofa designed by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede in the 1970s, showcasing the Swiss manufacturer’s re...
Leather
Soriana Sofa, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited in...
Steel
Alessandro Becchi, Anfibio Sofa, Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovanetti
Located in Krefeld, DE
Alessandro Becchi Anfibio sofa bed by Giovannetti Collezioni, Italy, 1970s. Designed in 1970 by Florence-born Alessandro Becchi, the Anfibio is one of the most iconic convertible des...
Fabric, Wool
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Lc2 Divano Two-Seat Sofa
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched by Cassina in 1965. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Fauteuil Grand Confort, petit modèle ...
Steel
$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
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectable and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Case Study daybed / sofa / couch / chaise lounge featuring iron hairpin legs with pine back suppor...
Metal
$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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintag...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage e...
Velvet, Plastic
$3,733Sale 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
Guillerme & Chambron Curved Sofa Set with Table in Oak and Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, curved sofa, solid oak and fabric, France, 1960s. This sculptural seating ensemble by Guillerme and Chambron features two curved sofas connec...
Fabric, Oak
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Likely reupholstered in fairly recent history, fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
$11,700Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low sofa Swedish Design Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid-century modern Teak and soft black leather. Norell Sweden label. Very little wear and c...
Brass
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Leather, 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
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century Modern, 1955
By Frank Lloyd Wright, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This authentic 1955 mid-century sofa from the Heritage Henredon "Taliesin" collection was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It features its original streamlined sil...
Mahogany
$3,548Sale Price|57% Off
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn, Teak and Cane, 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
1950s sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. Filigree teak frame with a bast backrest. New upholstery with a coarse weave high quality fabric. Excellent condition with signs of age.
Wool, Rattan, Teak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa This sofa measures: 80.5 wide x 38 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 24 inches Fair V...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
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
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
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
Pair of Finnish Design Curved Armchairs in Red Velvet, Attr to Boman Circa 1940s
By Boman OY
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning pair of vintage Scandinavian armchairs from the 1940s, attributed to Boman Oy. Featuring plush upholstery in a luxurious red fabric. The chairs feature a beautifully sculp...
Metal
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Mario Bellini, Stilwood, Pierre Paulin
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
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Tobia Scarpa Sofa with Upholstered Cushions Bastiano, 1960s
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Basel, BS
Attributed to Knoll by Tobia Scarpa, no label is present. Incredibly beautiful design, and original designer upholstery make this stunning piece shine in any space. Original fabric i...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,832Sale Price|20% Off
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
Tone Armchair by Hermhaus, Velvet & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
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
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
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$4,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Superb Mid Century Modern Pfister Cube sofa by Knoll in Parchment Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Vintage all original Knoll cube 3 seat sofa. Simple cubist form with clean lines, set atop a seemingly floating base that are characteristic of Knoll's design aest...
Steel
$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
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