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.
$3,847Sale 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
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Leather Daybed Sofa 711 - Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a sofa model 711 designed by Tito Agnoli for Cinova. Italy circa the 1960s. The sofa can be transformed into a daybed. Tan leather (original) with vintage pat...
Leather
Mid-Century Sofa with Sheepskin Upholstery, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
As new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionised the production process in the postwar period, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialisation. Thi...
Sheepskin, Wood
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and lucite "Omnibus" sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”
Velvet, Lucite
American Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Velvet, Wood
Danish 1940's Loveseat or Small Sofa in Blue Wool
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming Danish 1940's loveseat. From the era of the "banana" sofas but with a more angular shape. Very plush and voluptuous. Sturdy and strong and very comfortable with coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Matching Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Wave Sofas
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Matching Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Wave Sofas
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Danish Brown Leather & Rosewood Sofa
By Galvano
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Simple Mid Century Danish Sofa with an executive sort of feel. Manufactured by Soda Gavano Sofa is dark chocolate leather with a rosewood base. Sofa is well loved. Leather shows ...
Leather, Rosewood
Luigi Tiengo No. 500-13 Sofa in Chocolate Mohair for Cimon Montréal, 1960's
By Cimon
Located in Culver City, CA
Prepare yourself for a sofa that’s truly out of this world: a rare, Luigi Tiengo gondola masterpiece that’ll make your heart skip a beat! This sculptural marvel, crafted by Montreal’s very own Cimon in the early 1960s, is the No. 500-13 sofa...
Mohair, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Beige Cotton, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos lounge chair brings the essence of nature indoors...
Velvet, Mohair, Alpaca, Leather, Burl, Walnut, Oak, Wood, Linen, Cotton,...
limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 50 limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina For the three-seater sofa, the padded skyscrapers are upholstered in an exclusive fabric with a raised t...
Fabric
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno 'Sir' Sofa in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 'Sir' sofa, model 'D73', mahogany, fabric Italy, design/production 1966 Eugenio Gerli's design, model D73, exemplifies the quintessential Italian Mid-Centur...
Fabric, Mahogany
$9,750
James Mont Style Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Theatrical 1950's Hollywood Regency sofa in the Orientalist modern taste with sculpted greek key arms, shaped back cushions, black lacquered wood trim and Asian style upswept armrest...
Upholstery, Walnut
RARE Alberto Rosselli Sofa Two Seater for Saporiti 'Confidential', Italy, 1970s
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, 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
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
Carlo Bartoli Modular Sofa in Cognac Leather for Rossi Di Albizzate
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian mid-century three-piece modular sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi Di Albizzate in original leather upholstery. Matching standalone sofa and armchairs available, sold separately...
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
Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modernist tufted sofa in brown aniline leather designed by Percival Lafer. Constructed with molded foam, rosewood, and nylon straps. Some original straps have been replaced or repair...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Diest, BE
GS195 sofa to daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963 Italy in new leather upholstery
Leather, Wood
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
Custom Sofa on Casters in Cream Boucle #1
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Custom sofa on casters in cream boucle. High quality frame with beautifully curved back and very solid, well-made frame. Sofa has a single bench cushion and offers a minim...
Fabric, Hardwood
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Thomasville Walnut & Faux Leather Sofa & Chair 20thC
By Thomasville
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid Century Danish Modern seating set by Thomasville includes settee and chair and offers walnut frame with leatherette upholstered seats, backs and arms, Founders as labeled, 20th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Italian Four Seater Curved Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Four-seat curved Italian sofa from the 1950's. The sofa features a continuous curved backrest, four individual seat cushions, and slender tapered legs with brass-capped feet. Designe...
Metal, Brass
Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Chaise Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare find, the Tangent sofa with an open chaise feature by Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Sofa for Preview is an exquisite addition to any mid-century modern collection. This sofa bo...
Alpaca, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa new Soriana Sofa or Lounge Chair or Chaise Longue by Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The price is dependent on the chosen size, material and color. Available as a lounge chair, two-seater, three-seater. a chaise longue or a stool. Lounge chair = 95 x 105cm, two-sea...
Metal
Vintage 5 pc leather DS46 modular sofa by De Sede, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century thick Buffalo neck leather sofas by Desede consisting of 5 elements. Desede stands for pure quality of leather. This modular sofa has a very thick leather upholstery w...
Leather
Rare Howard Keith Sofa, Harrods London, 1970s – Original Earth-Toned Upholstery
By Howard Keith
Located in Hammarö, SE
A rare and highly expressive 1970s sofa by Howard Keith, retailed through Harrods, London. Preserved in its original upholstery — a richly textured, earth-toned fabric that perfectl...
Textile
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Sofas in Camel Brown Leather & Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' three and four seat sofa, leather, oak, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of func...
Leather, Oak
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric
Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Paradiset Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Paradiset sofa from the Triva collection was designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden. The characteristic Hörlin-Holmq...
Fabric, Beech
$4,328Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Swedish 1980s Convertible Sofa Lounge Chairs built in Table Daybed
Located in Basel, BS
This unique midcentury design sofa/daybed / Lounge chairs with a table in between is incredibly versatile and minimal! A beautiful functional design because this piece of very cool...
Chrome
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Niels Bendtsen 'Baku' Memphis Style Sofa for Montis, Built-In Table
By Montis, Niels Bendtsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa designed by Niels Bendtsen for Montis embodies the bold spirit of Memphis style design from the 1990s. The 'Baku' model features a black faux leather seat cushion contrasted wit...
Metal
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Upholstery
$17,100Sale Price|22% Off
Warren Platner Bronze Wire Sofa for Knoll International, c 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An original Warren Platner for Knoll International sofa, designed in 1966 and produced in the late 1960s–1970s. Part of Platner’s iconic collection that transformed industrial steel rods into sculptural furniture forms, this rare loveseat / sofa features the elusive bronze wire frame, far less common than the nickel-plated versions, and no longer in production. The curved architectural silhouette is formed from hundreds of vertical steel rods, welded with horizontal rings to create a structure that is at once airy and monumental. The base is finished in the original bronze patina, lending warmth and depth that distinguishes it from later reproductions. Knoll ceased production of the Platner sofa...
Bronze
1960's Mid-Century Modern Leather & Walnut Sofa
By Grete Jalk, John Stuart, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid century Modern lounge couch for sale. It has been professionally restored, and is in excellent condition. It has a solid frame in mahogany, and was refinished in w...
Brass
Limited Mah Jong 50 Year platform edition by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Roche Bobois
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Roche Bobois Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer 50 Year Anniversary Platform Edition (2021) Kenzo Takada Edition on Asymmetrical Architectural Platform Base Designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer, th...
Fabric
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Curve Module, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Curve module Measures: W. 125 cm / D. 96 cm / H. 70 cm / Seat Height 42 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules t...
Foam
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Lc2 Divano Two-Seat Sofa
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand 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
George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) and Associates "Sling" Sofa, Model 6381, with black leather cushions on chrome-plated frame. 29" H x 62" W x 36" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: Wri...
Chrome
Small 2 Seater Caesar Sofa Lacquer Italy 1950s Restored Green Velvet
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Delightful and original two-seater from the 1950s totally restored in green velvet fabric , wooden feet. Caesar Lacquer design
Velvet
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s. Organically shaped Mid-Century Modern sofa made by Danish master carpenter in Denmark in the 1940s or 1950s. Striped ...
Wool, Oak
Curved Egg Shape Sofa, in the Style of Ico Parisi, Pure Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb, unusual Italian egg shaped sofa, in the style of Ico Parisi. The sofa has been reupholstered in a grey (with a hint of brown) premium pure mohair fabric and is of a curved,...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, Beige Brochier Fabric
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern French Style Sofa, handmade in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. With an elegant design inspired by the style of the great mid-century French designers this sofa e...
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak,...
Muller Van Severen Two-seater Pillow Sofa In Leather For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen Two - seater Pillow Sofa In Leather , White, Black, Mint Green For Bd Barcelona Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS ...
Foam
Vintage Sofa Ficks Reed Style Patio Furniture Rattan Vintage Sofa Palm Beach
Located in Rochester, NY
Ficks Reed style 3 seater sofa in immaculate condition. Part of a set including another armchair. DM for details on set! But this piece is gorgeous and in immaculate vintage conditi...
Rattan, Wood
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 22" ...
Iron
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. C&B,...
Fabric, Wood
“Anfibio” leather sofa bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti 70s
By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Padova, IT
Alessandro Becchi (1946–1987) – The Iconic Designer He was an Italian designer whose work helped define the "Radical Design" movement of the 1970s. Most Famous Work: The "Anfibio" So...
Leather
$3,525Sale Price|25% Off
Ib Kofod-Larsen Selig Mid-Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Sofa & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Ib Kofod-Larsen Scandinavian Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa and ottoman / footstool for Selig. The ottoman measures 25"x 20.50" x 17" high with cushion. Both are marked Selig. If y...
Wood
Poul Kjaerholm 'PK31' Sofa in Black Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, three-seat sofa model PK 31, leather and metal, Denmark, 1958. Beautiful PK31 sofa in patinated black leather by P...
Metal
Swedish Modern, Freestanding Two Seater Sofa / Bed in Pine & Lambswool, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
A gorgeous compact two-seater sofa from the 1950s, handcrafted by a Swedish carpenter featuring a solid pine frame with beautiful natural grain. This substantial, heavy piece is desi...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Pine
Salvatore Dinucci, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced by Salvatore Dinucci, Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Casa Teo, São Paulo. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
Limited Edition Notturno A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Notturno A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces DESIGN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS The New York skyline in a sofa,...
Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga 50"' 2.5 -seater sofa For Cassina XL
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 2 and a half-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests c...
Fabric
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 71.75 wide x 26.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Teak
DS-16 Cognac leather sofa by De Sede, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
DS-16 leather sofa by De Sede, Switzerland, dating from the 1970s.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Kidney Shaped Curved Serpentine Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern biomorphic kidney shaped sofa. This long tailored cloud sofa features an elongated removable single seat cushion with a curved tight back. Original neutra...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s. The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Metal
$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