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 attr Velvet Loveseat
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage modern living room loveseat. The red velour upholstery and brass drumstick legs are sure to make an impression in any seating arrangement. A sleek design that featur...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Model V11 Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst working...
Leather, Wood
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Sofa attributed to Paul McCobb.. Amazing lines.. Sleek elegant design.. Reupholstered (within the last 15 years)..in an ivory mattelasse fabric.. Nice useable condi...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Style 4-Seat Green Woven Upholstery Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century style 4-seat sofa in a blended green tweed upholstery with a curved back and teak accents on the arms and base
European Cabinetmaker Upholstered Three-Seater Sofa, Europe, circa 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-Century Modern is to-the-point and no-nonsense, much like the straightforward interior style, which championed notions of functionality, ease and modern simplicity. This three-se...
Fabric, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional sofa on tapered legs with round brass stretcher from front to back and side to side. Drop arm detail, older floral upholstery ne...
Upholstery, Wood
$10,980
A Sofa by Bertil Fridhagen
Located in London, GB
A three-seat sofa by Bertil Fridhagen for Bröderna Andersson. Sweden, mid 20th Century 83 cm high by 180 cm wide by 60 cm depth, seat height: 48 cm
Upholstery, Wood
Model DS-47 Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
De Sede has originated as a small saddlery workshop in Klingnau Switzerland, with highly skilled using traditional methods. The company exploded on the furniture scene in 1964 produc...
Leather
Malatesta & Mason Three-Seater Mid-Century Italian Sofa in Pierre Frey Velvet
Located in New York, NY
An iconic expression of postwar Italian design, this rare three-seater sofa by Malatesta & Mason embodies the sculptural refinement and modern elegance that defined the 1960s. Combin...
Velvet, Oak
Original Knoll Brigadier Zweisitzer Leder schwarz Cini Boeri 1980
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von Knoll aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ciri Boeri, einer der einflussreichsten Möbeldesignerinnen des 20....
Leather, Wood
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
Italian mid-century modern sofa LP34 by Franco Albini Franca Helg Poggi, 1966
By Poggi, Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa LP34 by Franco Albini Franca Helg Poggi, 1966 Couch model DV33 with wooden frame and fabric upholstery. The seat, backrest, and armrests are padded an...
Fabric, Wood
Liceu de Artes & Ofícios Brazilian Chairs, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
These two lounge chairs are a stunning representation of midcentury Brazilian design, produced by the esteemed design collective Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. The chairs' frames are craf...
Brass
$12,000
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Dunbar sofa can be paired as a sectional with matching chaise longue 5525 we have offered in another listing.
Upholstery
Mid Century Danish Black Leather Sofa in Style of Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Danish modern black leather three-seat sofa in the style of Arne Norell is circa 1970. This beautiful couch is well-built and sturdy with a clean, minimalist...
Leather, Wood, Beech
$1,807Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Folding Design Sofa, Studio Couch - 1970 / Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia - original condition with minor damages - leatherette jr
Textile
Tobia Scarpa Style Mid Century Sofa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tobia Scarpa Style mid century sofa The sofa measures: 83 wide x 30 deep x 26 high, with a seat height of 14 inches and arm height of 22 inches All ...
Upholstery, 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
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973 Listed price is per module (4 modules available). The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian a...
Metal
Wood and fabric set of 3 LP sofas designed by Ricardo Blanco, Argentina, 1970.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and fabric set of 3 LP sofas designed by Ricardo Blanco, Argentina, 1970. Dimensions of the large LP sofa: 67 cm height, 1119 cm width, 71 cm depth. Dimensions of the small LP ...
Fabric, Wood
$4,364
Mid-Century Italian Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Lovely Mid-Century Italian grey sofa from the 1950s. Three seater, newly reupholstered with a soft grey bouclet.
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
1960’s Italian Pencil Reed Sofa by Arpex
Located in Chicago, IL
1960’s Italian pencil Reed sofa with new upholstery.
Upholstery, Bamboo
Divano 'P20B Toro' Luigi Caccia Dominioni per Azucena, verde smeraldo
By Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Azucena
Located in Milano, IT
Iconico divano modello ‘P20B Toro’ disegnato nel 1973 da Luigi Caccia Dominioni per Azucena. Seduta degli anni ’80 in ottime condizioni con tessuto originale di un meraviglioso verde...
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Striped Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This spacious Dunbar style sofa features deep upholstered seats with unique vintage striped fabric. The cutaway armrests and well-proportioned design add to the Mid-Century appeal of...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy,1970s - New White Upholstery - 2 Available
Fabric
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
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
Sofa Daybed in Green Upholstery, Seng Company, Germany, 1930s
By Seng
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Settee; Couch; Daybed; Green Upholstery; Fabric; Seng Company; Germany; German Design; Mid-Century Modern; Sofa-Sleeper; Sofa daybed in green upholstery, made in West-Germany in the 1930s. Pull out sofa bed...
Metal
Vita Leather Sofa by Nanna Ditzel for Soren Willadsen (Denmark)
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Nanna + Jørgen Ditzel in the 1950s, this elegant model was manufactured by Søren Willadsen, is known as the Vita sofa. The silhouette pulls from traditional forms but is ...
Leather, Oak
$6,780Sale Price|25% Off
Kupe 2-Seat Sofa Model 2432 Made In Black Leather By Børge Mogensen From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Kupe 2-person sofa, model 2432, is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1970s, created by the renowned designer Børge Mogensen in collaboration with Fredericia Furniture...
Leather
Italian Two-Tone Velvet Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani, circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
An Italian sofa by Osvaldo Borsani, dating to the early 1950s, distinguished by its winged back, slender tapered legs, and remarkably balanced silhouette. The line is restrained yet ...
Metal, Brass
Rosewood Two-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley, three-seat sofa polished brass leg from Wormley Weston Ct estate. Chenille fabric, model 5512.
Brass
Midcentury Set of 2 Model 442 Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 2 Pierre Paulin "442" Chairs for Artifort, designed in the 1960s. These lovely chairs are also fabricated in the 1960s The combination of steel and the upholster...
Steel
CIRRUS Sofa, Peter Maly, COR
By Peter Maly
Located in Neuss, NW
CIRRUS Sofa by Peter Maly for COR from the 1980s. High quality solid stainless steel frame with the original leather cover in cream white. The sofa can be transformed from an open so...
Stainless Steel
Simone Sofa - Ufficio Progetti Gavina- Simon International
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Simone two-seat sofa by Simon International, 1970s. Structure in lacquered multilayered wood. Padding in polyurethane and synthetic wool. Origi...
Leather
Three seater sofa / bed in leather
Located in Torino, IT
Three seater sofa / bed in leather
Leather, Teak
Italian Sofa Upholstered With Blanck and White Dedar fabrik , 1950s
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This 1950s Italian sofa features a sleek metal frame. Its cotton fabric upholstery, with Dedar's distinctive 'Tiger Mountain' design, adds a touch of unique and timeless style. Meas...
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A true icon of mid-century modern design, this exceptional sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of the...
Fabric, Teak
1980s Wittmann's Leather Bedside Bench
By Wittmann
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Wittmann's leather bedside bench Elegant stylized design in a green finish by the renowned workshop.
Leather
Italian Seven-Piece Mid-Century Seating Set in Checkered Upholstery & Steel, 70s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Elegant vintage Italian modular seating set from the 1970s features seven upholstered elements in a distinctive checkered brown and beige fabric with chromed steel bands at the base....
Steel, Chrome
Modernist Sofa / Daybed, Black Wood and Fabric, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Modernist Sofa / Daybed, Black Wood and Fabric, 1960s
Fabric, Wood
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Model 333 Three-Seater Sofa in Solid Beech by Schou Andersen, Denmark, c. 1980s
Located in Deland, FL
This elegant Model 333 three-seater sofa by Schou Andersen embodies the refined simplicity of Danish Mid-Century Modern design from the 1980s. Crafted from solid beech, the frame showcases the wood’s smooth texture and warm, honeyed tones, with clean lines and subtle curves that highlight its Scandinavian aesthetic. The original floral upholstery, featuring a delicate pattern in soft, earthy hues, adds a touch of vintage charm while complementing the beech’s natural beauty. The sofa’s slatted backrest and ergonomic design ensure both comfort and style, making it a versatile piece for a modern living space or a collector’s curated interior. Produced by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, this sofa reflects the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless design, capturing the essence of late 20th-century Danish furniture. Schou Andersen, often associated with the broader legacy of Danish furniture design, refers to the work produced by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, a prominent manufacturer in Denmark during the mid-to-late 20th century. While specific details about an individual designer named Schou Andersen are scarce, the name is tied to the company’s output, which often featured collaborations with renowned designers like Kai Kristiansen. Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik was known for producing high-quality furniture, including dining chairs, tables, and sofas, that exemplified the Danish Modern movement’s emphasis on functionality, minimalist forms, and natural materials like teak, rosewood, and beech. Their pieces, including the Model 333 sofa, gained recognition for their durability and elegant design, contributing to the global popularity of Scandinavian furniture. Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, established in Denmark during the mid-20th century, was a respected manufacturer known for its role in the Danish Modern movement. The company produced a wide range of furniture, often collaborating with notable designers such as Kai Kristiansen, who designed iconic pieces like the Model 42 dining chairs for them. Operating primarily from the 1950s through the 1980s, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik specialized in crafting furniture from premium woods like teak, rosewood, oak, and beech, focusing on clean lines, ergonomic design, and meticulous craftsmanship. The Model 333 sofa, manufactured by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, reflects their dedication to creating functional yet aesthetically refined pieces that remain cherished by collectors today. The company’s legacy endures through its timeless designs, which continue to be celebrated in the vintage furniture market. ---Dimensions--- Width: 72 in / 182.88 cm Depth: 27 in / 68.58 cm Height: 31 in / 78.74 cm Seat Height: 18 in / 45.72 cm Arm Height: 30 in / 76.2 cm This splendid three-seater sofa by Schou Andersen is in 100% original, vintage condition and has aged to perfection. The solid beech legs and frame are in excellent shape showing only minor nicks (the worst of which can be seen in the detail photos provided) but showing no deep scratches, stains or gouges whatsoever. The upholstery too is in very good condition showing only minor areas of subtle discoloration as well pin...
Beech
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Modular Sofa for Cassina, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa. It features a brown velvet upho...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
European Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Statement Sofa, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This three-seater mid-century modern sofa is a timeless statement piece. In the world of interior design, few furniture pieces captivate the imagination quite like the mid-century mo...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Baxter ‘Arcon’ Sofas in Buffalo Leather by Marco Milisich – Italy, 1970s
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
Sofa by Móveis Giacomelli, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rare 1950s sofa by Móveis Giacomelli captures the utilitarian elegance that defined much of Brazil’s early modern production. Characterized by a tubular metal frame and gently c...
Metal
Custom 1960s Italian Style Velvet Sofa or Bench with Brass Base by Adesso Import
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom 1960s Italian style sofa or bench with handmade brass base upholstered in grey silk velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, fabrics and...
Brass
1970s Mid Century Modern Chrome Sofa Attributed to Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern chrome sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall and manufactured by Craft Associates in the United States circa 1970s. This beautiful sofa features two square chrome legs,...
Chrome
GE290 Three-Seater Sofa in Oak by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Iconic GE290 three-seater sofa designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Getama in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted in solid oak with Wegner’s signature angled frame and armrests, ...
Fabric, Oak
Vintage Imbuia Sofa by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This Imbuia sofa reupholstered in a stunning velvet was manufactured in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer in Brazilian furniture industrialization. Cimo Sofa is very charming, presenting the seat and backrest as a single piece that seems to float over the Imbuia structure. It is a very comfortable piece of furniture and has many details to be in love with. It is worth highlighting the wooden partitions...
Velvet, Imbuia
Reupholstered Midcentury Velvet Orange 3-Seat Sofa from CFC Silkeborg, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Very elegantly lined curved vintage design sofa that has taken in some of the design signatures of Finn Juhl and Kurt Olsen. Although no make mark...
Teak, Velvet
Mid-century Three-Seat Sofa Model ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø for Laursen, 1950s.
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Dublin 8, IE
An original Illum Wikkelsø ML-140 three-seater sofa, freshly reupholstered in a soft light blue velvet, blending vintage charm with contemporary style. Designed by the iconic Danish ...
Velvet, Oak
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
Original Ole Wanscher Midcentury Sofa Senator Couch France&Søn
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Senator" trägt, wurde von Ole Wanscher entworfe...
Teak
"Dominique" Two-Seater Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron, France Mid-20th Century
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron are celebrated for their distinct contributions to postwar French design, championing a unique blend of rustic warmth and modernist functionalit...
Oak, Fabric
Custom Tufted Charcoal Brown Velvet Sofa with Brass Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom tufted sofa with handmade brass base in charcoal brown velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be made in different colors and fabrics or a different metal for the ...
Brass
George Nelson for Hermann Miller Modular 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Naples, IT
Modular 3-seater sofa designed by George Miller in 1956. The sofa incorporates a system of modules that allows you to choose the seating arrangement, the coffee table and chest of dr...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Móveis CIMO, 1960's
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, this sofa structure is entirely made of solid imbuia, including the wooden partitions on both the armrests and backrest, s...
Velvet, Imbuia
Knoll Brown Leather Fabricius Sofa
Located in Rochester, England
The Fabricius Sofa embodies timeless luxury and modern sophistication. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted from the finest materials, it is a true statement piec...
Steel