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.
3-Seater Sofa Made In Dark Green Leather With Chrome Legs From 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
The 3-seater sofa in dark green leather with chrome legs from the early 1970s is a period and stylish piece of furniture that exudes a special elegance and luxury. The deep green col...
Chrome
1950s sofa with teddy bear upholstery still original
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
1950s sofa with black painted iron frame and brass feet. Original red bear cover. For better performance of this furniture we recommend replacing the upholstery and padding.
Iron
Danish Modern, Banana Sofa, Stained Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
Danish Modern, Banana Settee or Sofa, Stained Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1930s A substantial curved two seater sofa or settee produced by an unkno...
Fabric, Beech
Bastiano Set of 2 sofas and 2 armchairs tobia scarpa for simon gavina
By Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Bastiano seating set, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina in the late 1960s, stands as one of the absolute masterpieces of 20th-century Italian design. This beautiful composition...
Velvet
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
Guillerme et Chambron Sofa with Tiled Side Table, France ca 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
The duo of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and their company, Votre Maison, denote a landmark of French mid-century design history. Robert Guillerme, who designed most of the w...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern "Zelda" Sofa by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Sergio Asti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Zelda" Sofa by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1960s
Leather, Wood
Camaleonda Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Renens, CH
The Camaleonda sofa was designed by the architect Mario Bellini in the early 1970s. Conceived as a fully modular seating system, it quickly became an icon of Italian design after bei...
Wood, Leather
Sofa bed by Rito Valla for IPE Bologna, Italy 1960s.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Sofa bed by Rito Valla for IPE Bologna, Italy 1960s. With one simple movement, you can turn this sofa in to a bed. Metal frame and reupholstered with a bei...
Metal
Canapé Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Amoreira Wood, Cane, Mid-Century Modern, C.1960
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) is known as the “father” of Brazilian modernism, being one of the pioneers, with a work that reflects a refined coexistence of traditional values and mod...
Cane, Wood
Le Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 2 seater
Located in Ghedi, IT
Icona intramontabile del design italiano degli anni Settanta, il divano Le Bambole di Mario Bellini continua a rappresentare uno dei capolavori più sensuali e accoglienti della stori...
Velvet
Muller Van Severen Black Armchair Pillow Sofa For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen Black Armchair Pillow Sofa For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the Pillow sofa...
Polyester
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Sofa This sofa measures: 91.25 wide x 29 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 15.5 and arm height of 22 inches Fair Vin...
Metal
Tight Back Sofa by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in Maharam wool
Wool
$9,500 / item
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
Steel
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-48-B Sofa / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
Sculptural qualities define this object. A vivid dynamic between the different volumes and surfaces, showing different qualities from different angles. Its expressive form offers a c...
Foam, Teak
$8,544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Milo Sofa, Cranberry/Chesterfield Velvet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Marie Burgos has expanded on the design concept for her acclaimed Milo lounge chair and created the newly introduced Milo sofa. She uses a molded wooden frame to support the...
Fabric
Custom Warren Sofa by MC Home, Hand-Crafted, Wool Fabric, USA
Located in New York, NY
New to the MC Home custom collection is the Warren sofa, shown here. Featuring clean lines and low profile, the contemporary sofa is made with solid wood frame, feather wrap foam be...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa by GETAMA, Oak Frame, Wool, Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with Divina wool in 100 % New Zealand wool. Original Epeda cushions. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/3, produced by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Italian sofa features sculpted armrests as well as splayed metal legs. The royal blue upholstery covers thick padded seating, ensuring maximum comfort. This unique pie...
Metal
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
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
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Single Blossom
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
Tecno D120 three-seater sofa by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti, 1966
By Valeria Borsani & Alfredo Bonetti, Tecno
Located in Premariacco, IT
A stunning and rare Tecno D120 sofa, designed by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno, conceived in 1966 and produced in the late 1960s and 1970s. A notable example of Ital...
Steel
Danish Modern, Banana Sofa, Beechwood, Green Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Danish Mid-Century Modern, Banana Sofa, Beechwood, Green Fabric, Denmark, 1930s Danish modern banana sofa in the manner of Flemming Lassen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk c. 1930s. This exa...
Fabric, Beech
Mid Century 2-Seat Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
Stunning Mid-Century Modern 2-seat sofa, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in the 50s. This lovely sofa is just restored with new Italian bouclé fabric, it is in perfect conditio...
Wood, Fabric
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
Divano Fiandra Vico Magistretti per Cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Magnifico divano Fiandra a due posti, disegnato da Vico Magistretti per Cassina negli anni '70, in eccellenti condizioni vintage. Rivestito in tessuto bianco panna, emana eleganza e ...
Textile
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Camel Leather, Handmade by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Caramulo swivel lounge chair was designed to offer unparalleled comfort ...
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Danish Brown Shearling Curved Sofa, Attributed to Flemming Lassen
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Danish curved sofa, attributed to Flemming Lassen, circa 1940s. Beautiful condition. Newly upholstered in dark brown European shearli...
Wool
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
La Pianura Lounge Chairs and Coffee Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian vintage walnut and leather armchair set All in original conditions This Pianura set by Mario Bellini for Cassina is a refined example of 1970s Italian design. Designed in ...
Leather, Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Emilio Sala & Giorgio Madini in New Teddy Upholstery.
By Emilia Sala and Giorgio Madini
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Emilia Sala and Giorgio Madini in New Teddy Upholstery, Italy, 1950s Emilia Sala and Giorgio Madini designed this exceptional mid-century modern sofa in I...
Upholstery, Beech
Saratoga Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Saratoga Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Grey Velvet & Fiber by Jorge Zalszupin, 1973, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available now, the VIP sofa was conceived to attend Brazil’s growing market of office furniture in the seventies decade. The sofa fits two comfortably and consists of a fiberglass structure with smooth gray velvet. Not only beautiful and well designed, this piece is also known for its comfort. The base has been refinished and the sofa has been re-upholstered in silky velvet. This futuristic looking sofa effortlessly flexes into any Mid-Century Modern, modern, Danish modern or contemporary environment. This sofa is currently displayed in the gallery with two Ax chairs from Peter Hvidt and looks spectacular. The last two images are vintage publications showcasing the piece Dimensions: H27.6, W63, D33.5 (in) H70, W160, D85 (in) About Jorge Zalszupin a native of Warsaw, Poland, studied architecture at Bucharest’s Ecole des Beaux Arts. While working as an architect in Paris, he found inspiration in articles about Brazilians Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx and immigrated to Brazil. His work as an architect created a demand for decoration and furniture proposals that suited the style of his projects and, for many years, Zalszupin designed and executed them for his clients. The demand was as great as the desire to grow and expand his business, and he then decided to found Atelier Móveis...
Fiberglass, Velvet
Tommi Parzinger Parzinger Original Vintage Sofa
Located in Westport, CT
Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger original custom sofa , from Parzingers accountant , in off-white chenille and dark walnut legs.
$12,785 / item
Mid Century Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a long tight upholstered backrest, and a boxed cushion seat, with low profile arms, raised on six square tapered legs. Proudly made in the USA, each piece boasts traditional 8-...
Leather, Wood
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
Robin Day Club Sofa for Hille in Black Vinyl and Teak, 1962
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Blue Leather, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Caramulo Swivel Lounge Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Caramulo swivel lounge chair was designed to offer unparalleled comfort ...
Leather, Oak
Knoll Two Seater Relax Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in relaxation and comfort - the Two Seater Relax Sofa by Knoll. Crafted with high-quality materials, this sofa combines luxury with sophistication. Its sleek...
Steel
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee
By Ward Bennett
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee This sofa measures: 61 wide x 29 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches Great Vintage Condition - Mohair h...
Upholstery, Wood, Mohair
Guillerme et Chambron Sculpted Oak Two-Seater Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960
Located in Utrecht, NL
This oaken “Grand Repos” sofa deserve its title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo, Guillerme...
Fabric, Wood
Large Limited Edition Sofa "La Gondola" by Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A limited edition "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, produced in 1957. Model 5719 is part of the Janus Collection, seen by man...
Mahogany
Rare Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa No. 703
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design up...
Metal, Chrome
1960s Jean Gillon “Rodeio” Sofa in Original Leather for WoodArt, Brazil.
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Romanian-born Brazilian designer Jean Gillon during the 1960s, the Rodeio sofa is a distinctive expression of Brazilian modernism, combining an exposed hardwood structure...
Hardwood
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
Long 3 Seater Sofa Milo Baughman Style on Chrome Cantilever Base, USA, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
An exquisite design and exceptional craftsmanship. This three seat sofa features well kept vinyl that mimics the color and texture of leather. If this color or texture isn't to your ...
Leather
Excellent Milo Baughman attributed Curved Chrome Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Excellent Milo Baughman curved chromed leg sofa. Very unusual curved chrome legs on either side give this sofa tremendous mid-century appeal-very sexy! This sofa retains it's origina...
Chrome
Guillerme et Chambron, Two-Seat Oak Sofa, France, Mid-20th Century
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in New York, NY
This elegant midcentury polished oak sofa by the celebrated French designer Robert Guillerme was created as part of a line of design he produced for the company Votre Maison. Guil...
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Sofa Bed, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian red brown coated bamboo sofa bed. This sofa bed comes with its original metallic bed net and needs a mattress of cm. 80 x 190 (about inch. 31.50 x 74.80)....
Bamboo, Rattan
De Sede DS-101 Cognac Leather Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
Two-seater sofa, model DS-101, by the De Sede, designed and manufactured in Switzerland in the 1970s.
Leather, Wood
$12,000 / set
Gorgeous Pair of Mid-Century Modern Serpentine Sofas
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous pair of sculptural modern sofas. These sofas are breathtaking in person-sure to make a huge statement. Please note that these sofas are exactly the same-not bookmatched-see ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Mid Century Paul Mccobb 4 seat Walnut Base Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
This spacious 4 seat Paul McCobb Sofa rests on a walnut base with tapered legs. The upholstery is velour fabric. It has straight lines and is very sleek in design. Paul McCobb was on...
Fabric
Vintage Bambole sofa in dark brown by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This "Le Bambole " sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, is a true icon of Italian design history. In 1979, Bellini was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro f...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Sofa in Teddy Fabric, The Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Sofa in Teddy Fabric, The Netherlands, 1960s This beautifully proportioned mid-century modern lounge sofa, produced in the Netherlands during the 1960s, ca...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Sand Beige Leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra S...
Leather, Plastic
Ole Wanscher Leather 2 Seater Sofa 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This two-seat leather sofa was created by Scandinavian furniture design master Ole Wanscher in the 1950s. It is characterised by its elegant and refined form, which seems to embody h...
Leather, Oak
Original Midcentury Dreisitzer Sofa Couch Arne Norell Mexico Leder
By Arne Norell
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Dreisitzer Sofa von Arne Norell aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa wurde professionell gereinigt und aufgearbeitet. In unseren anderen Anzeig...
Leather, Wood
$4,729 / item
Frida Settee 2-Seat
Located in Lisbon, PT
A fine and delicate work of textured seaming, as if a geometric embroidery was made, makes this settee detailed and rich. An astonishing surprise, to perceive how embellished a space...
Upholstery, Wood