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.
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, 1980s
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud, Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Directional 1980s. The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional. The original Directional produ...
Upholstery
Alessandro Becchi, Anfibio Sofa, Giovannetti, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovanetti
Located in Krefeld, DE
Alessandro Becchi Anfibio sofa bed by Giovannetti Collezioni, Italy, 1970s. Designed in 1970 by Florence-born Alessandro Becchi, the Anfibio is one of the most iconic convertible des...
Fabric, Wool
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey, Burnt Gold Velvet, 1960s Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi and Young in a burnt gold crushed velvet upholstery. In good vintage condition with a nice patina throughout. V...
Velvet, Walnut
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
$14,000 / item
James de Wulf Black Walnut Daybed
Located in Paia, HI
For lovers of symmetry and squish. Built solid of black walnut and the finest upholstery, the James de Wulf daybed will center the room in cozy comfort and style. A pair can be arranged in an L-formation for a large sofa set. Singly sized for twin extra large comfort. Each daybed includes a frame, two back cushions, side bolster, and ball cushion...
Maple
$6,832Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Lou Hodges Three-Seat Sling Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly rare and iconic 1970's Sling sofa by Lou Hodges for California Design Group has been restored and is in beautiful condition. As comfortable as it is striking, this ic...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Mid Century Modern 1960s Sofa by Viko Baumritter
Located in New York, NY
This floating 1960s sofa was manufactured by Viko Baumritter , an American furniture Company that later became Ethan Allen. The sofa has a metal frame and metal splay legs with a fau...
Metal
Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reupholstered in plaid fabric with leather trim.
Leather, Fabric
$7,900Sale Price|50% Off
Curvaceous L Shaped Sofa in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine)
Located in Hanover, MA
BG SUMMER SALE Curvaceous L shaped mid-century modern style sofa custom made and upholstered in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine). Brand new, never used. Includes 7 throw pillows...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Leather sofa Designed by Tim Bates for Pieff, England, circa 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- UK, circa 1970s - marked by manufacturer - good original condition with patina - renovated and repaired pillows, down parts completely changed,see the pictures - one rubber part no...
Steel, Chrome
American Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and green fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Wear to rattan consistent with vintage age and normal use. Cushions reupholstered in brand ...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
Rare George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 in Rohleder Velvet
Located in Culver City, CA
An extraordinary, true museum-grade rarity for the serious 20th-century design collector. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1963, the Sling Sofa (Model 6832...
Chrome
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
De Sede DS-85 Daybed & Sofa, Patinated Black Leather & Chrome, Switzerland 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, De Sede, B&B Italia, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Sofa, Daybed & fold-out queen bed. We present the De Sede DS-85 in chrome and original patinated black leather; the versatile version of the De Sede snake sofa...
Chrome
$3,616Sale Price|20% Off
Circa 1980s Custom Upholstered Three Seat Sofa In The Manner of Donghia
By Donghia
Located in Chicago, IL
Colorful custom upholstered three seat sofa in the manner of Donghia. New upholstery was ordered custom and the work facilitated by Orange Chair Company LLC. Orange Chair provides th...
Upholstery, Wood
Tone Armchair by Hermhaus, Velvet & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
TONE The graphic arrangement of horizontal lines merges with the statuesque power of solid cylindrical legs. It is a design of strong character that alters the entire aura of a room ...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
Italian Sofa in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic Italian sofa from the 1950s. Very much in the style of Gio Ponti.
Fabric, Wood
Saporiti Italia Two Seater "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" two seat sofa / settee. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history o...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Tellus Sofa by Folke Jansson for Sm Wincrantz, 1950s
By SM Wincrantz 1, Folke Jansson
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
The stylish Tellus two-seater sofa was designed by Folke Jansson and manufactured for SM Wincrantz Möbelindustri AB Skövde in 1955, features beech legs with original brass details. ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Midcentury James Mont Style Lacquered Gondola Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic mid-century modern upholstered gondola sofa made in the style and manner of James Mont. The chic sofa features a gondola sled inspired wood frame with an ebonized black lac...
Fabric, Wood
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Tobia Scarpa Sofa with Upholstered Cushions Bastiano, 1960s
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Basel, BS
Attributed to Knoll by Tobia Scarpa, no label is present. Incredibly beautiful design, and original designer upholstery make this stunning piece shine in any space. Original fabric i...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage De Sede DS-31 Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in London, GB
An amazing vintage De Sede DS-31 leather sofa, made in Switzerland and dating from around the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, only the finest quality materials were used when co...
Chrome
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson...
Upholstery, Walnut, Mohair
Novo Rumo, Sofa, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
By Novo Rumo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Novo Rumo Sofa Wood, Velvet Brazil, 1960s Matching Pair of Armchairs Available Offered by RAFA gallery
Velvet, Wood
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Lc2 Divano Two-Seat Sofa
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, 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
Cocker leather sofa, Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Cocker model sofa designed by Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau in Italy in the late 1970s. Fully upholstered in cognac full-grain leather, it is defined by its low and deeply enve...
Leather
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
ISA Bergamo Italian Sofa in Brass and Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, brass, Italy, 1950s This sofa exemplifies the iconic Italian design of the 1950s, characterized by its organic and sculptural form that defies minimalism. This two-sea...
Brass
Rare Early All Original 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa
By Gerard van de Groenekan, Gerrit Rietveld, Metz & Co.
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and highly authentic example of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s iconic Utrecht sofa, produced by Metz & Co. in the early 1950s. Designed in 1935, the Utrecht model is a semin...
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Two-Seat Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
A midcentury modern Brutalist two seat sofa in the style of Guillerme et Chambron. A typical French 50s style and craftsmanship in solid oak with camel leather cushions, ergonomic su...
Leather, Oak
$3,012Sale Price|20% Off
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
Guillerme & Chambron Grand Repos Sofa in Oak and Orange Upholstery
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, sofa grand repos, fabric, oak, France, 1960s This sculptural carved oak two-seat sofa is designed by Guillerme and Chambron. The design duo is...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
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
A Classic Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa With Rosewood Legs Model 4907
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa, model 4907, with six rosewood legs. Nine feet long.
Upholstery, Rosewood
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...
Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Oak, Walnut, Burl, Alpaca, Mohair,...
Togo Sofa + Lounge Chair - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset Leather Mid Century Modern
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Munster, NRW
This Togo living landscape consisting of 3seater sofa, a lounge chair and a ottman was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1974. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, stunning beautif...
Leather
Ficks Reed Style Sofa 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
$2,235Sale Price|57% Off
Mid-Century Orange Velvet Curved Sofa Made in Italy 1950s Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century orange velvet curved sofa made in Italy, 1950s
Velvet
Italian Sofa in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, red fabric, wood, metal, Italy, circa 1960 This Italian two-seat settee features a soft red color and can be placed in an entryway or bring a touch of elegance to any room. ...
Metal
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...
Steel
Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Orange Red Upholstery
By Theo Ruth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, The Netherlands, 1970. A Dutch two-seat sofa in orange red colored fabric by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backwards and ...
Steel
Thomas Thos Moser “Hartford” custom white Leather sofa
By Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Thomas Moser “Hartford “ Custom white leather Sofa circa 2016
Leather, Wood
Eccentric Sofa with Geometric Carvings in Solid Oak and Light Beige Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, solid oak, fabric, Europe, 1960s This elegant yet eccentric sofa, crafted in Europe during the 1960s, embodies both flair and comfort. Its distinctive design showcases a uniqu...
Fabric, Oak
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Mario Bellini, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
$44,997 / item
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina A 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovation and creativity of Italian design and one of its masters, Gaetano Pe...
Polyester
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Leather, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown leather sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s. Very dramatic patina to leather. Dramatic patina on wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensi...
Leather, Wood
1970s Sofa Set with Jack Lenor Larsen Cotton Velvet Fabric and Chrome Trim
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is an outstanding set of two Mid-Century Sofas by Selig, having chromed-steel trim and brightly colored upholstery. The upholstery fabric is printed cotton velvet, designed by...
Steel, Chrome
Sofa or Couch with wickerwork backrest by Hartmut Lohmeyer, German Design, 1950s
Located in München, Bavaria
Maße: ca. 180 × 74 × 74 × 43 cm (Breite × Tiefe × Höhe × Sitzhöhe) Außergewöhnlich formschönes und ausgesprochen seltenes Sofa aus der 400er-Reihe, entworfen von Hartmut Lohmeyer fü...
Upholstery, Wicker, Teak, Cane
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Three-seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy, 1970's
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa in Original Mohair Velvet for Simon, Italy, 1970's. Rare early production three-seater Cornaro sofa by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, designed in 1973 f...
Velvet, Wood
Camaleonda Modular Sofa in Bordeaux by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This Camaleonda set, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia , consists of two seating elements and two poufs, upholstered in a burgundy fabric. This version has been produced by ...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage e...
Velvet, Plastic
Italian Modern Two-Seat "Confidential" Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Note that this listing is for the 2-seater sofa/loveseat alone (matching 3-seat sofa and lounge chair are available separately). Two-piece "Confidential" Sofa/Loveseat designed in 19...
Metal
$3,012Sale Price / set|20% Off
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and in great demand, w...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
1960s Organic Modern Custom Sheepskin Sofa with Birch Legs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking and sculptural, this 1960s organic modern sofa embodies the expressive forms and tactile materials that defined avant-garde interior design of the period. The sofa features ...
Sheepskin
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...
Fabric, Walnut
$357,723Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Sofa prototype by Marzio Cecchi Model Serpente with certificate
Located in Milano, IT
Marzio Cecchi was an Italian designer of great talent and innovation who left an indelible mark on the world of design. He was an assiduous participant in the artistic and cultural movements of his time, and unfortunately died prematurely in a tragic car accident in New York. Prominent among his most iconic and futuristic achievements is the Serpente sofa prototype with certificate, a work of art consisting of several modules held together by a tube and totally swiveling. This sofa is extremely rare and has reached high quotations in the world's most important auction houses. We are dealing with a piece of exceptional importance, as it is a prototype that never entered the market and always belonged to the designer's family. The sofa is certified and documented and has a certain provenance. Moreover, it is in perfect original condition, never restored and carefully preserved in its original condition. A unique and extraordinary piece of historic Italian design of the 1900s, with great historical importance and with room for growth even at the investment level. The sofa is made of leather and consists of 6 modules for a total of 6 seats. It is a work of art of Italian...
Leather