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.
$3,834Sale 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
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Reupholstery recommended. Heavy wear on fabric (fraying on top of back rest and top of seat cush...
Fabric, Wood
$3,644Sale Price|57% Off
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn, Teak and Cane, 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
1950s sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. Filigree teak frame with a bast backrest. New upholstery with a coarse weave high quality fabric. Excellent condition with signs of age.
Wool, Rattan, Teak
$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
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Sofa in Teal Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, beech, Europe, 1960s Organic shaped sofa made in Europe in the 1960s. This piece shows fluidity and an ergonomic sitting experience. The arms rise gently from the seat...
Fabric, Beech
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and cream-white fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 62.0"W x 36.5"D Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Arm Heigh...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Curved sofa in wood and velvet upholstery, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A curved sofa in wood and fabric, velvet upholstery, Italian craftsmanship, in the style of Gio Ponti, 1950s. Comfort demands curved lines, and this Italian sofa perfectly meets the...
Velvet, Wood
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
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern..Amazing design.. lines. Retains its original finish / patina as well as its original spring cushions and original...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
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,...
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
Red Mid-century 3-seater Leather Sofa by Edra, Italy 2000
By Edra
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A bold and sculptural seating piece, this 2000 Italian sofa by Edra brings together the brand’s unmistakable design language with a nod to mid‑century modern aesthetics. Upholstered ...
Leather
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
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
Danish 1950s Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1950s curved two-seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. The 5...
Wool, Beech
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
$10,000
1980s Vintage Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely my favorite sofa I’ve ever had. I keep thinking I’m going to keep it for myself:) am sure most dealers feel this way for their most darling items. Love love this handsome...
Mohair
Restored 1960s Czechoslovakian Tatra Nábytok Convertible Sofa with Pouf
Located in Żory, PL
Original modular sofa set produced by Tatra Nábytok in 1960s Czechoslovakia. The set consists of a main sofa and a pouf that can be arranged as a corner sectional or used separately ...
Fabric, Oak, Plywood
Green Linen and Walnut Forster Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Forster sofa is a midcentury inspired sofa with a loose tufted seat, loose back cushions, and piped details. The sofa rests atop a simple, rounded wood base. The Lawson-Fenning...
Linen, 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
Italian Corner Sofa in Bright Red Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, wood, Italy, 1950s Beautiful and very spacious sofa dating back to the 1950s, crafted in Italy. This corner sofa is an eye-catching piece that has all the characteris...
Velvet, Wood
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Stainless Steel
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
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
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.
Leather
Four-Seat Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood with Sculpted Back & Warm Bouclé, JD Moveis
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian modernism, this four-seat sofa pairs architectural clarity with exceptional material warmth. Crafted in richly grained Brazilian rosewood—its base r...
Metal
Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220 Papa Bear Style, 1960's
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 220. This iconic sofa has a slight curve to it ...
Wool
1970s Sistema 61 Giancarlo Piretti Castelli Italian Design Orange Modular Sofa
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Brescia, IT
"Sistema 41" Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli 1974 Iconic Modular sofa 8 elements in orange velvet Black plastic base Upholstery original vintage (some stains on the velvet)...
Velvet
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
$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
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
1950s Italian Mid Century Corner Sofa
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Italy Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Wool, Beech Measurements: 78.75″ wide x 25.5″ deep x 31.5″ tall Condition: In good original condition wit...
Wool, Beech
Englander & Bonta Attribution, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-brown velvet, wood and brass sofa attributed to Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 100.0"W x 42.0"D Seat Height (inches): 18.5" ...
Brass
1970s Swiss De Sede DS 66 Leather Sofa Dark Brown Mid Century Modern
By De Sede
Located in High Point, NC
Designed by De Sede of Switzerland, this 1970s DS.66 sofa reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to exceptional materials and modular design. Known for its precision craftsmans...
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
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
Midcentury Pair of Kidney Shaped Sofas in the Style of Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of kidney-shaped sofas feature a nice sculptural modern design, with a curved arched back. These sofas are newly produced and have been handcrafted with a solid hardwood frame...
Upholstery
$6,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
1960s–1970s Inspired Channel-Back Sofa, Textured Velvet With Brass Tapered Legs
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural sofa defined by rhythm, curvature, and architectural channeling. The enveloping backrest and arms are articulated with deep vertical channels that create a continuous sh...
Brass
$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
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
Italian Contemporary Warm White Chenille and Wood Curved Conversation Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful curved conversation sofa with 4 seats with warm white chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood. It's possible to customise the fabric; in the p...
Chenille, Wood
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Black Leather Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
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
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Corner Sofa for Ariberto Colombo, 1950s
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
L corner sofa designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantù. The sofa, as shown in the photo, is L-shaped, has a depth of 165cm and a length of 240cm...
Fabric, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
By Dino Gavina
Located in Brussels, BE
Simone Sofa by Dino Gavina for Studio Simon, 1971
Fabric, Wood
'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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Brass
$17,600 / set
Pair Sofas By Vivai Del Sud
Located in Round Top, TX
1970s Sculptural Rattan Sofa,Vivai del Sud A striking and highly sculptural pair of rattan sofas retailed by Casa Bella in Miami’s Design District during the 1970s, embodying the gl...
Rattan
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 33 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27.5 inc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
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
“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
Upholstered Sofa with Channel-Tufted Back & Plinth Base By José Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This elegant and contemporary sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and sculptural design. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the latter of which is defined by a series o...
Bouclé, Upholstery
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 18.75" Arm Height (inches): 22.5" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon...
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,...
Vintage English Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision transforming your living space with this remarkable vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, a true masterpiece of mid-20th century British craftsmanship. This sofa is more than j...
Brass
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