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.
'Gran Visir' Modular Sofa by Luciano Frigerio Italy 1971 Choose Your Own Fabric
By Luciano Frigerio, Luciano Frigerio di Desio
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Incredible and important 'Gran Visir' modular sofa by Luciano Frigerio Italy 1971 with the unique opportunity to choose your own upholstery colour and type of fabric!! The modules c...
Cotton, Foam, Plywood
Modular Three-Seater Fiandra Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Cassina - Original Fabric
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Modular Three-Seater Fiandra Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Cassina, Italy, 1970 - Original Fabric
Fabric
Marzio Cecchi Serpente Sofa Black Vinyl, 1972
Located in Padova, IT
"Serpente - Snake" sofa designed by Marzio Cecchi in the seventies and produced by the brand of the architect own brand "Studio Most". 18 elements with wooden frame covered in glos...
Plastic, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Serpentine Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This elegant vintage Serpentine sofa, designed in the style of Vladimir Kagan for Directional, beautifully captures the sculptural sophistication that made Kagan’s work so iconic in ...
Brass
Maison Regain Living Room Set, France 1970s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
French, modernist, sleek, elegant, French, Maison Regain, large sofa, modern, contemporary Elevate your living space with the exquisite Maison Regain sofa...
Wood, Oak, Fabric, Linen, Elm
Vico Magistretti three-seater sofa in lacquered wood
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2421 Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Three-seater sofa in lacquered wood with wavy backrest. Perfect original condition, cushions in progress. Model Carimate, Italy, 1959. 190 x...
Wood
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
RESTORED DE SEDE DS47 RECLINING BROWN BUFFALO NECK LEATHER SOFA PART OF A SUiTE
By De Sede
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored Mid Century Modern circa 1960’s De Sede DS47 sofa which is part of a larger col...
Leather
Stunning Paul McCobb Style Bowtie Design Sofa Splayed Leg Midcentury
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Paul Mccobb style bowtie back sofa with splayed legs. Wonderfully designed sofa with gorgeous walnut splayed legs on front and back.
Upholstery, Walnut
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
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Curved Erwin Lambeth Sled Leg Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Erwin Lambeth curved back sled leg sofa. This sofa was reupholstered long ago in this wonderful sapphire blue crushed velvet and still looks ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric and stained birch sofa, model "Nya Berlin", designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair conditi...
Fabric, Birch
Unique William Plunkett Sofa
Located in Munich, DE
There are many William Plunkett sofas around, but i never saw this model before and found no info about. Purchased 1969 at heals in London - poss...
Aluminum
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth, and detail. Wormley attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926. After attending there he worked for Marshall Field`s Design Studio in 1930, and then a year later he began working for Dunbar. His collaboration with Dunbar made him a household name for decades. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. He was given a contract under which he would produce two lines of furniture each year, one traditional and one modern 5526 Knowland vintage 6 ft midcentury Dunbar armless sofa...
Wool
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
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, France
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa from the 1970s in original condition Leather cushions over a brushed steel base Designer Jacques Charpentier Sofa is convertible in a bed , mattress missing.
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Pagru Modular Sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pagru' Modular sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s.
Fabric
1980s Vintage Red Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 1980s Red Leather Chesterfield This 1980s American Chesterfield sofa is a stunning example of vintage grandeur. Wrapped in rich, red tufted leather, it features deep-button...
Leather
Rare Curved Italian Mid-Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso, 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa / Divan/ Couch by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. The piece is in it's original Ultra-marine faux leather / vinyl upholstery and Features a rare, subtle, curved form and recessed cushions. The slightly curved form sets it apart from other Zanuso Triennale sofa...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
1960s Vintage Tufted Leather Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage leather Chesterfield sofa designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s. This stunning sofa features a leather tufted upholstery that gives it a classic and time...
Leather
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 7, Barnum Bouclé 3
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 6 (4 x curve ): Measures: D. 220 cm / H. 70 cm / SH. 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules to cre...
Foam, Bouclé
Sleek Barcelona Sofa, c. 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek Barcelona leather sofa, c. 1970's Dimensions: 31.5"H x 59"W x 31"D.
Chrome
Forma S.a Rare Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Ca 1954 Midcentury Brazil
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This rare sofa was designed in 1955 and produced by Forma, a company directed by Carlo Hauner (1927- 1996) and Martin Eisler (1913- 1977). This piece is an icon and illustrates some ...
Leather, Rosewood
"Dominique" Two-Seater Sofa by Guillerme et Chambron, France Mid-20th Century
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
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
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exciting T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbing for Widdicomb Curved Sculptured Wood Edge Sofa
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare T. H. Robsjon-Gibbings for Widdicomb sculptural wooden edge sofa. Just look at that sexy curved teak edge along with tall tapered legs-so well designed! This sofa measures 29" T...
Upholstery, Teak
Paul McCobb for Directional Two-Piece Cream White Sectional Sofa, 1958, Brass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional, two piece sectional sofa, c 1958. Cream on cream minimal Jacobean floral textile and solid brass. Two parts can be used together as one long sofa or as separate pieces. Gorgeous lines and minimal modern design. Single cushions for seat and back delineate each part but come together to form a sleek, neatly symmetrical (yet one-armed) sofa, comprised of a armless. Vintage Scalamandre pillows in main photo are for display only and NOT included with sofa. Settee and one arm loveseat...
Brass
Knoll- Antimot Walnut Three Seat U-Vorm Sofa by Walter Knoll, Germany
By Walter Knoll, Knoll Antimott
Located in Antwerp, BE
A unique set of three armchairs and a three-seater sofa in the original setting with a walnut U-Shape frame and the original upholstery in woven wool. A beautiful living room set de...
Wool, Walnut
Stunning Vintage Fully Tufted Chesterfield Olive Green Leather Sofa & Armchair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage suite of circa 1960’s Olive Green leather Chesterfield club sofa and armchair A very good looking and well made suite, th...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 11
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eleven. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Bouclé, 1969, Set of 3
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” living room set for Cassina, sofa and two lounge chairs, ivory bouclé and chromed steel, Italy, 1969, set of three. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. The most notable feature of those lounge chairs and sofa, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Plastic, Bouclé
Flemming Lassen Style, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Curved Sofa, Boucle, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Flemming Lassen Style, Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Sofa, Beige Boucle, 1940s Beautifly organic shaped Danish sofa similar to works by Flemming Lassen. This sofa ...
Bouclé
Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
The M3 sofa by Branco & Preto, crafted in solid wood and recently reupholstered with suede. Founded in São Paulo in 1952, Branco & Preto became a landmark in the history of...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian 2-Seat Sofa, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning and comfortabele 2 seat sofa, manufactured in Italy in the 1980s. Very solid black wooden structure. Amazing multicolored fabric. We work with professional packers and sh...
Fabric, Wood
$721Sale Price|50% Off
Two-seater sofa in wood and skai by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Catania, IT
Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1960s. Wooden frame, wooden inserts with skai seat.
Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained beech and fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Vintage fabric in fair condition consistent with age and use L...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Barbara Barry for McGuire Boxback Sofa
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Dallas, TX
Limited edition McGuire boxback sofa by Barbara Barry. This timeless design is classic in form and scale, with a gunmetal wood frame and a gracefully curved back that ensures comfort...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
$10,224 / item
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
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
Shearling Sheepskin Sofa, Made in Denmark
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sheepskin sofa, handcrafted in Denmark and upholstered with New Zealand shearling wool. The style is reminiscent of Flemming Lassen's Ingeborg Sofa, a rediscovered modernist gem des...
Sheepskin, Walnut
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
Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Mid Century Italian Saturno Sofa
By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Mid Century Italian Saturno Sofa The sofa measures: 75 wide x 33 deep x 28 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 14 inches...
Metal
Mid Century ABCD 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural two-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments characterized by the wave-shaped curves. ...
Fabric
Pointed Back Italian Sofa, New Grey Velvet Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Pointed back Italian sofa, new grey velvet upholstery.
Velvet
$4,249 / item
Gia Sofa 2-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
Round, smooth lines, with a combination of smooth and sculpted fabric, with its upholstered back texture carefully sewed and brass base, Gia’s delicate balance is unmistakable. A spirit of class and tranquility emanates from this comfortable settee...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sofa/ Sofa Bed, Italy, New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa/ Sofa Bed, Italy, New Upholstery
Fabric
Danish Three-Seater Sofa with Stained Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
20th century Denmark was a mid-century design hotspot. Simplicity, functionality, and elegance - these are the basic principles of Danish design. From furniture, to architecture, fas...
Fabric, Beech
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Stendig, New Luxurious Boucle, Switzerland, 1950s
By Stendig Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Sofa by Stendig, Switzerland, New Sheepskin Boucle, Mid Century Modern, Labeled. A rare Mid Century Modern sofa by Stendig, made in Switzerland, in a new sheepskin style boucle, thick and rich with fully redone cushions. The box form mid century modern design is supported by a group of heavy chrome circular disk like feet. This sofa has a matching pair of box chairs, fully redone to match, sold separately. Seat height 18 inches. lhSX Stendig Co. played a pivotal role in introducing modern European furniture to the American market, thanks to the business acumen of founder Charles Stendig. Around 1950, the Brooklyn, New York–born Stendig (b. 1924) worked for Raymor, a purveyor of modern china and accessories that is best known for distributing designer Russel Wright’s American Modern line of ceramics. While at Raymor, Stendig focused on the company’s less popular pieces that were made in Italy and Scandinavia, recognizing their potential for the American market. In 1955, he left the company and decided to establish Stendig Co. In 1956, the first Stendig Co. showroom opened in Manhattan. A year later, during a trip to Zurich, Stendig came across a Bauhaus–inspired furniture store featuring pieces by Swiss designers Kurt Thut, Hans Eichenberger and Robert Haussmann, the store’s co-owner. Following a meeting with Haussmann, Stendig became the retailer’s exclusive U.S. distributor. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Stendig Co. imported and sold furniture...
Chrome
1960s Rectangular Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro in Antique Rose Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This rare four-seat Rectangular sofa was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and produced in Brazil during the 1950s, a decisive decade in the formation of Brazilian modern furniture. Tenre...
Velvet, Hardwood
$4,422
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Børge Mogensen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Mid-Century sofa combines simple yet elegant lines with striking vintage upholstery. Unique yet subtle vintage Danish design makes this a wonderful addition to any mod...
Fabric, Upholstery
$9,382Sale Price / set|35% Off
Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Padova, IT
Exceptional Saratoga set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella, produced by Poltronova, Italy 1960s. A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) and...
Leather, Wood
Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, Model 131
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dunbar Furniture bracket back sofa, Model 131 designed by Roger Sprunger. Rare smaller version sofa or loveseat that is perfect for two people. Solid mahogany "L" bracket supports gi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
ViNTAGE BROWN LEATHER ROCHE BOBOIS MID CENTURY MODERN CONTEMPORARY SOFA
By Roche Bobois
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very cool and highly collectable Roche Bobois Mid Century Modern aged brown leather two seat sofa Ple...
Leather
$10,366 / item
Modular Couch Rubik with Soft Velvet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Rubik is a customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, Rubik S, Rubik M and Rubik L and a great range of materials to choose from. Made to order. ...
Upholstery
Frits Henningsen Style Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen style settee in collaboration with Elizabeth Law of Elizabeth Law Design. Born and raised in South Carolina, Law draws inspirat...
Upholstery, Beech
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculpted Exoskeleton Walnut Sofa for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Paraty Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A refined expression of Rodrigues’ mastery of proportion and comfort, the Paraty sofa combines architectural clarity with inviting warmth. The gently curved backrest and subtly flare...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern, 1950
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
This exceptionally rare Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa embodies everything that made Kagan (1927–2016) a pioneer of American modernism: fluid lines, sculptural silhouettes, and an unwav...
Walnut