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.
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
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
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
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare signed example of the 'Mole' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, produced by OCA Brazil in the 1960s (see image gallery for a photo of the OCA stamp). This Mole sofa has an expansive am...
Rosewood, Leather
$357,520Sale 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
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,005Sale 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
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
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Teak
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
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
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Stressless Tan Leather Teak Wood Reclining Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, sculptural reclining leather sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful so...
Leather, Wood
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
$15,053Sale Price|20% Off
Iconic Anfibio sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti 1970
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Iconic 3 seater sofa/bed designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970. The sofa is in original leather, very good condition, smaal sign of aging, small hole( about2 mm) in the...
Steel
$3,999Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage 1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-300/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa Rare model GE300/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer solid light oak solid wood frame and legs with original patina has original sp...
Upholstery, Oak
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
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. ...
Fabric, Wood
$11,700Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low sofa Swedish Design Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid-century modern Teak and soft black leather. Norell Sweden label. Very little wear and c...
Brass
$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
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, Italy, 1950s
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, wood and velvet, Italy, 1950s This curved sofa is by Federico Munari, produced in Italy around 1950. Its asym...
Velvet, Wood
20th Century , Brown Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small...
Fabric
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
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
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
1960's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Arm Paw Sofa In Knoll Textiles
By Hans J. Wegner, Jens Risom, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid Century Modern sofa for sale. It has been professionally reupholstered in Knoll Textiles' Cato fabric in the blue colorwave that goes for $214 a yard. The fabric i...
Wool, Walnut
$44,896 / 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
Tobia Scarpa Bastiano 2 seater sofa, leather and wood, 1968, Knoll
By Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Bastiano 2 seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa. Two piece available. Supporting structure in solid oak. Flying cushions with polyurethane bottom and top in feather on covered steel...
Leather, Oak
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
$2,234Sale 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
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Sergio Asti and produced by Poltronova in 1962, the "Zelda" living room set—comprising a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs—is one of the finest expressions of Ita...
Leather, Wood
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
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
Warren Platner Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Zebra Wood & Leather, 1960s
Located in Houston, TX
Warren Platner (June 18, 1919 – April 17, 2006) was an American architect and interior designer. Platner produced a furniture collection that has proved to be a continuing icon of 19...
Leather, Zebra Wood
Le Bambole 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century Italian design. This authentic vint...
Cotton
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa in Burgundy for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen size and color. Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collectio...
Steel
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 "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa - Mid-Century Modern Fabric Upholstery
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Willo Perron Sausage Sofa For Bd Barcelona The Sausage Sofa is BD’s latest addition by designer Willo Perron. First released in a limited edition in collaboration with Our Legacy W...
Fabric
Federico Munari, Curved Sofa, Fabric, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved yellow fabric and brass sofa designed by Federico Munari and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. In untouched original condition in ...
Brass
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintag...
Velvet, Plastic
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
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
Midcentury Roche Bobois Style Denim Platform Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic mid-century modern style denim sofa in the manner of Roche Bobois. The sofa features a case or tuxedo style shaped frame with wide arms and back mount...
Steel
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s. Dimensions: H= 80 cm; W= 207 cm; D= 85 cm; H seduta= 40 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Fabulous Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Shelter Sofa 2 Ottoman Mid-Centuy Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Shelter Sofa and 2 ottomans by Milo Baughman. A true masterwork, the timeless Shelter sofa is an unparalleled modern classic. Born out of Baughman’s philosophy that furn...
Upholstery
Pair of Chrome Framed Grey Velvet Loveseats Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of vintage 1970's chrome framed cantilevered loveseat sofas in the style of Milo Baughman and similar to seating groups of the period by Selig and Bernhardt's Flair division. T...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Leather, Walnut
Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Fabric, Oak
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
Art Deco Style "Presidents" Stick Reed Rattan 2-Seat Settee Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored striking Nantucket settee features classic stick rattan framing with tightly woven wicker wrappings, offering both form and function. Each arm includes thou...
Rattan
American Designer, Sofa, Walnut, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Minor imperfections throughout wood frame consistent with normal use. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. ...
Velvet, Walnut
Rare Restored Campaign Sofa by John Wisner for Ficks Reed, circa 1954
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous restored vintage Campaign style sofa from a difficult to find series by John Wisner for Ficks Reed. Exceptional rattan and hardwood construction with Cane back panels. Bra...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa By Rowe Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa was produced by Rowe Furniture Co. in the 1950s designed in the style of Adrian Pearsall's gondola sofa model 2640-S, the hottest sellin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Danish Curved Sofa in Camel Shearling, Mid-Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Danish sofa is defined by its sculptural, enveloping form and upholstered in richly textured camel shearling upholstery that enhances its inviting character. Gently rolled arms...
Sheepskin, Wood
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
De Sede DS-19 model 'Pagoda' modular Sofa in Cognac Leather
By De Sede
Located in Amsterdam, NL
High-quality modular Sofa DS-19, model 'Pagoda', designed by De Sede in the 1970s, Switzerland. Two corner elements that can be set up as a two-seater or as separate seating elements...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Kidney Shaped Curved Serpentine Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
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
Three-Seater Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Textile, Foam