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.
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa with Chrome Structure, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian sofa with chrome back details and original velvet upholstery. Overall the sofa is in good vintage condition.
Chrome
Mood Armchair with arms Latte by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
Marcel Double Sofa LL by Kazuhide Takahama Paradisoterrestre Edition
By Kazuhide Takahama, Paradisoterrestre
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Designed in 1965 - Paradisoterrestre Edition 2018 Materials: shaped polyurethane, polished aluminum brackets, removable wool fabric manufactured by Kvadrat or chenille velvet fabric...
Aluminum
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret LC/PJ-SI-41-A Pair of Advocate Chairs / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the pieces. The objects exude an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; their auratic q...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
$869
1960s Sofa
By Marco Zanuso
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Italian-made sofa from the 1960s Red-colored fabric-covered frame with brass feet. A small break on the backrest is reported. The seat structure is slatted so that the sofa turns i...
Brass
Vintage Three-Piece Modular Lounge Sectional Sofa, Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
This vintage sectional modular sofa showcases a low, architectural profile, squared track arms, and deep lounge seating. Upholstered in a tightly patterned geometric weave, the fabri...
Upholstery
Digamma Armchair by Iganzio Gardella, 1960s - Orignal edition
Located in Brussels, BE
Digamma Armchair by Iganzio Gardella, 1960s - Orignal edition
Fabric, Wood
Five-Piece Paul Frankl Style Modular Sectional in Dark Chocolate by Tochiku
By Paul Frankl
Located in Wilton, CT
A sectional celebrating the intricate craft and design of the great Paul Frankl. Furnish an entire room by creating a stunning sectional or allow the pieces to stand alone. We have t...
Wood
Yellow sofa/bed 'D70' Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, Mid-Century 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Sofa model "D70," design by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1970. The D70 features a mechanical structure that allows the seat and backrest to be tilted and transformed, offering d...
Metal
Midcentury Sofa Dreisitzer Couch Eiche Vintage danish design
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Sofa aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Dreisitzer verfügt über ein aufgearbeitetes Holzgestell aus hochwertigem, geölten Eichenholz, währ...
Oak
Three-Seater Sofa in Fruitwood & Leather by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as it is aesthetically captivating this stunningly unique mid century modern three-seater sofa by Ecuador’s Angel Pazmino is the epitome of functional art. Crafted by artisans from tropical hardwoods with hand-tooled leather slings this exquisite sofa is sure to steal the show in any space it inhabits. Ideal for both studio and home settings this truly extraordinary sofa is perfect for a myriad of design aesthetics from Spanish Hacienda...
Fruitwood
Divanetto in Pelle Anni 80-90 nero
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Divanetto, struttura in metallo, ricoperto in pelle, sedute in espanso.
Leather
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, wurde prof...
Teak
$2,805 / item
Agnes M Couch
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Upholstery, Wood
Le Jeune Upholstery Hollywood Sofa Showroom Model
Located in Miami, FL
Le Jeune Upholstery Hollywood Sofa Showroom Model Offered for sale is a Le Jeune Upholstery HOLLYWOOD S8.923 Sofa showroom model. This sofa is built...
Linen, Walnut
Mid Century Three Seat Sofa / Bench on a Chrome Base after Florence Knoll, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
A minimal design in original orange upholstery set on an architectural chrome base. Provides a minimum of three seats. A great piece for home or the workplace. If the upholstery is n...
Fabric
Midcentury Italian Lacquer Brass Living Room Set by Romeo Rega, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Paris, IDF
This three elements living room set from the Mid-Century Modern Italian Riviera period designed by Romeo Rega is bursting with nostalgia. With its impeccable design, perfect proporti...
Brass
Two seater sofa "Togo" Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Torino, IT
Two seater sofa "Togo" in alcantara, Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1960
Fabric
$7,199Sale Price|35% Off
Lacquered 3-seater sofa and leather Studio Simon by Gavina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant "Simone" Sofa Designed by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon in the 1970s. Cushions upholstered in black leather and polyester lacquered wood frame, glossy black. Sofa frame solid...
Leather, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Boomerang curved grey velvet Sofa mid-century modern Italian
Located in Barcelona, ES
Curved sofa Manufactured by l’Atelier di Varedo, Italy. Italy, 1947 Chesnut and upholstered in grey velvet Measurements 225 cm x 130 cm x 85h cm. 88,5 in x 51,18 in x 33,46h in. Li...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,857 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Manufactured in Italy. The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Metal
B&B Italia Erasmo Modular Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Italian modern blue/brown very soft fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s This modular sofa model Erasmo has an injection molded foam frame covered i...
Fabric
Osvaldo Borsani D70 daybed sofa Tecno Italy 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful D70 daybed/sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani D70 and manufactured by Tecno in Italy in 1954. This comfortable daybed/sofa is truly unique....
Metal, Brass
Gaetano Pesce UP 2000 Sofa, Black Fabric, Italian Radical Design, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Iconic and sculptural, the "UP 2000" sofa designed by Gaetano Pesce in the 1970s is a bold example of Italian radical design. With its sensuous, organic form, the piece reflects Pesc...
Fabric, Wood
Two-Tone Blue Mohair Paulo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Sculptural Sofa
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Italian blue mohair sculptural sofa by Paulo Buffa. Very nice Mid-Century Modern form sofa.
Mohair
Kill International Leather Sofa Design by Rudolf Glatzel, 1960s
By Kill International, Rudolf Bernd Glatzel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Black leather sofa by Rudolf Glatzel manufactured by German manufacture Kill International. Great design from the 1960s. We also have 2 armchairs that fits well to this sofa.
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Three-Seater Sofa by Franz Köttgen for Kill International, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Three-Seater Sofa by Franz Köttgen for Kill International, Leather and Marble, 1960s
Marble
Celina Decorações, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and yellow fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing one original wood screw cap. Small imperfection...
Fabric, Wood
Celina Sofa by Muniz Zylberberg, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil, 1966
Located in Antwerp, BE
"Celina" Sofa by Muniz Zylberberg, a stunning piece of Brazilian Modernism designed in the 1960s. This exceptional three-seater sofa features a highly geometrical structure in massi...
Marble
De Sede DS-600 “Non- Stop” Sofa (16 segments)
By Eleonore Peduzzi Riva, Ueli Berger, De Sede, Klaus Vogt, Heinz Ulrich
Located in Renens, CH
De Sede DS-600 “Non-Stop” or “Tatzelworm” modular sofa model in red leather. This large modular sofa consists of 16 pieces, and was designed by Ueli Berger and Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva...
Leather, Wood
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
An iconic Soriana sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in the 1970s. The generous, softly gathered cushions are elegantly embraced by a chrome-plated metal frame, cre...
Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa By Cassina 1970s LC2 Petit Comfort Chair LC Series Mid Century Modern This Original Sofa features brand new CHIC grap...
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Coastal Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa After Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace coastal sophistication with this Vintage Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa, reminiscent of iconic designs by Frankl. Crafted with American flair, its elegant four-strand construct...
Upholstery, Rattan
Stylish Harvey Probber style Sofa Mid-century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish Harvey Probber style mid-century modern sofa. Handsome dark walnut base with slightly flared boxy arms and straight back-very mid-century. The fabric is an interesting pais...
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s Couch model 801 in wood and fabric. The frame is wooden and the legs are turned. Metal feet. Upholstery ...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS 46 Loveseat Neck Leather Sofa Modul Brown
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede DS 46 neck leather sofa. It´s a Sofa for 2 persons. This DS-46 sofa was manufactured in Switzerland by De Sede and is upholstered in 3-5 mm thi...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
1970s Mid Century Modern Chrome Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century chrome & leather sofa designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s. This stunning sofa features a white leather upholstery that sits on top of two chrome le...
Chrome
Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s
By Paolo Piva
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very rare vintage 3-seat sofa in its original black leather. Stunning patina. Designed in the 1990s by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss. Very good condition with normal signs of use...
Leather
Stunning Milo Baughman style Tuxedo Sofa Walnut Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning milo Baughman style tuuxedo sofa with walnut details. The original vintage Jack Lenor Larsen crushed velvet still looks great-you could easily use as is. We love the chunk...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
$4,600
Mid-Century Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Combining curving forms with bright upholstery and chrome legs, this vintage sofa in the style of Vladimir Kagan is a bold statement pie...
Metal
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti for Casa E Giardino, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian sofa in the style of Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1950s. Dimensions: H= 82 cm; W= 160 cm; D= 65 cm; H seat= 45 cm.
Velvet, Wood
KK 5011 - 3-seater sofa in mahogany and patinated niger leather
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5011 - 3-seater sofa in mahogany and patinated niger leather. Designed in 1935. Designed by Kaare Klint and made by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen.
Leather
Bastiano Sofa And Armchair By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in PAU, FR
Super Nice set of afra & Tobia scarpa Rare in white Wood and black leather Super confortable
Leather
Tobia Scarpa Mid-Century Modern Bouclé Fabric "Soriana" Italian Sofa
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-Century Modern four-seat sofa model "Soriana" designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited by Cassina. Made of chromed steel structure, reupholstered in white bouclé fabric. Made in Italy...
Steel, Chrome
Danish Modern Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Danish Modern Oak Frame Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Ivory Sheep’s Wool Shearling by Ib Kofod-Larsen Elegant Danish modern sofa designed by renowned architect and furniture designer ...
Oak
Handcrafted Mid-Century Modern Sofa by MAJJ Studio, Turkey, 2022
By MAJJ STUDIO
Located in Istanbul, Kağıthane
The sofa is handcrafted and has an amorphous form. It is suitable for use with dining table.
Fabric
FINE 1960's BORDEAUX LEATHER RESTORED CHESTERFIELD CLUB THREE SEAT SOFA SETTEE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, fully restored Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Tufted Club sofa with ornately hand c...
Leather
Velour Two-Seater Sofa with Solid Wood Legs, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The designer of this sofa evidently attached great and equal importance to form and function. With an open design profile, this two-seater sofa carries with it some of the fundamental characteristics and ideals of mid-century modernism. Clutter-free and disciplined, this low sitting sofa...
Fabric, Wood
$4,337
1950s Daybed, Guest Bed
Located in Neuss, NW
Rare daybed from the 1950s. High-quality solid teak frame with the original colorful nylon covering. The original spring core has been reupholstered and covered with a high-quality f...
Fabric, Nylon, Teak
Brazilian Modern "Concha" Loveseat in Metal & Brass-Toned Fabric, Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma Móveis in 1955, the Concha loveseat is one of the most recognizable and sculpturally expressive seating designs of the Brazilian Modern...
Steel
Reupholstered Mid-Century Italian Sofa by Paola Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Embrace the beautiful uniqueness of legendary Italian designer Paola Buffa with this fantastic petite wingback sofa. Dating to the 1950s, this charming...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Woven Leather Sofa, Metal Frame, UK, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Woven leather; Sculptural sofa; Metal frame; Settees; Two-seater; Living room set; United Kingdom; UK; sculptural; 1950s; Sculptural sofa made of woven brown leather. The subtle ...
Metal
Guillerme et Chambron “Grégoire” Oak Settee for Votre Maison, France 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Grégoire” settee by the French designer duo Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron is a stunning blend of soft form and geometric linear structure. The fluid lines thoughtfully ...
Fabric, Oak
Maralunga armchair by Cassina, reupholstered in black leather
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly upholstered in refined black leather. Originally introduced in 1973, the Maralunga has becom...
Velvet
Mid-Century 'Scoop' Sofa and Chair Set with Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage matching sofa with lounge chair features uniquely shaped chrome frames, tufted upholstery and a stylish matching ottoman. Wonderful moder...
Chrome
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a ste...
Steel
Custom Purple Velvet Sectional Sofa with Maple Wood Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom midcentury style sectional sofa in plush velvet in lavender purple with maple wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, colors and fabr...
Velvet, Maple
Baxter ‘Arcon’ Sofa Large in Buffalo Leather by Marco Milisich – Italy, 1970’s
By Baxter
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Baxter Arcon Sofa by Marco Milisich – A Masterclass in Vintage Italian Luxury Elevate your living space with the unmistakable presence of the Baxter Arcon, a true icon of 1970s a...
Leather
Contemporary Verona Sofa with Brass Detailing and Wooden Base
Located in Freamunde, PT
Verona sofa embodies the essence of Italian elegance and timeless charm. With its clean lines and luxurious fabric, it captures the spirit of the romantic city it’s named after, brin...
Metal, Brass