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.
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Rare Three Seat Platform Sofa, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic platform sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this three-seater sofa is ...
Fabric, Walnut
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
Cini Boeri - Leather Sofa "Gradual" for Knoll International, 1970s
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Cini Boeri “Gradual” Sofa for Knoll International, Italy, 1972 Rare “Gradual” sofa designed by Cini Boeri for Knoll International in 1972. Upholste...
Leather
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s. Iconic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern four seater sofa designed by Hans J Wegner for Getama Denmark in 1955. Mo...
Oak
Vintage 1961 Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Kroehler, Chicago
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and fully documented example of early 1960s American modernism, this Kroehler sofa carries an extraordinary provenance detail: the original purcha...
Upholstery
$2,778Sale Price|20% Off
Two-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
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, 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
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa in Moss Green Velvet and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, brass, Italy, 1950s This gorgeous sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalistic. Equipped ...
Brass
Soriana Sofa, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa both studied at the Venice Institute of Architecture. Their pieces are exhibited in...
Steel
$3,554Sale 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
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Cow Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 122.5 wide x 31 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches Good Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Walnut
American Designer, Large Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large curved green fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in the US, 1950s. Seat height: 16” Reupholstered in brand new fabric. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Fabric, Wood
$25,131 / item
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Sofa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ardys Sofa for Cassina. AN AESTHETIC THAT ENVELOPS THE GAZE Patricia Urquiola designs Ardys, a low-slung sofa that expresses softness as a visual quality as much as a tactile one. ...
Upholstery
$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
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
$16,949 / set
The GS195 Sofa by Gianni Songia, Italy, Set of 3
Located in PARIS, FR
Gianni Songia was an Italian furniture designer, best known for the GS195 sofa/daybed he designed for Sormani in 1963. It's a sculptural piece with a rosewood sliding frame and leath...
Leather, Wood
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa, Steel, Rope and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collection full of playful...
Steel
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,...
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Grey/Green Velvet Knole Sofa with Floral Cushions, 1950s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A beautiful example of the traditional Knole sofa, featuring grey/green velvet upholstery and floral-patterned, reversible cushions. In good vintage condition with only a little wear...
Velvet
$3,013Sale 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
$13,062Sale Price|25% Off
Luigi Caccia Dominioni Sofa, circa 1960, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Luigi Caccia Dominioni sofa, L4 "Chesa Laria" model, Azucena Edition circa 1960, Italy.` Model created in 1959, small production. Sculptural walnut wo...
Metal
Metal Mid Century Garden Poolside Sofa bench by Homecrest
By Homecrest
Located in New York, NY
Probably the most sought after form made by Homecrest, this settee if from the Chiquita series circa 1960's. This example is in very good, original estate condition, showing only the...
Steel
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
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Viliam Chlebo, Brown Upholstery, 1980
Located in High Point, NC
A Mid Century Modern sofa by Viliam Chlebo for Kodret Myjav, its brown upholstered cushions set within a slender, tubular chrome metal frame that immediately signals the era of its d...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Tellus Sofa by Folke Jansson for Sm Wincrantz, 1950s
By Folke Jansson, SM Wincrantz 1
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
Gorgeous Butternut Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Organic modern iconic Cloud Sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980s. The sofa is upholstered in a vibrant butternut color velvet. The sofa is charact...
Upholstery, Lucite
Drabert Lobbytop Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf, Black, Modern Design, 1970
This Lobbytop three-seater leather sofa is upholstered in soft, high-quality leather and is in very good condition. The black, smooth leather shows a slight patina on the seat cushio...
Leather
$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
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Likely reupholstered in fairly recent history, fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style. Built on a sturdy beech wood frame and raised on solid teak leg...
Wool, Teak
Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
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
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and floral printed beige fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1980s. Lower left side post, right center post, and right corner arm rest wicker fraying. ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Lara sofa Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso Stilwood 1958
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning so-called ‘Lara’ sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a striking ...
Fabric
Guillerme & Chambron Grand Repos Sofa in Oak and Orange Upholstery
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
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
$18,609Sale Price|20% Off
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Designed 1964, price on request.
Leather
Jori Dark Brown Leather Two Seat Sofa, Belgium, 1990s
By JORI
Located in Praha, CZ
Original two-seat sofa by Jori, manufactured in Belgium during the 1990s. Upholstered in premium thick full-grain leather over a solid wooden frame with generous padding, this model ...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelso Teak & Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
An Illum Wikkelso teak sofa for Soren Willadsen. Model no. 50-4. A four-seat sofa with a solid teak frame raised on six tapered cylindrical legs. Reupholstered in new velvet fabri...
Velvet, Wood, Teak
$2,450 / item
Kho Liang Ie for Artifort Sofas in Black Upholstery
By Kho Liang Ie
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, sofas model 'C683', fabric, coated steel, The Netherlands, design 1968 A classic midcentury sofa designed by Indonesian-Dutch designer Kho Liang Ie (1927-...
Steel
Saporiti Italia "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" three seat sofa. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history of Itali...
Steel
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Brown Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Douglas sofa is a low-slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak legs. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ang...
Mohair, Walnut
Vintage Florence Knoll Sofa in Original Woven Ivory Wool with Bronze Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates, circa 1960s. Upholstered in its original heavy weave textured ivory wool fabric, the sofa features Florence K...
Bronze
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
Leather 2-seater sofa Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Italy ca. 1960
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An iconic piece of Italian mid‑century design, this Coronado two‑seater sofa, created in the 1960s by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by B&B Italia, embodies the designers’ ce...
Leather
Patricia Urquiola Mon-Cloud Sofa, Mid-Century Modern Fabric, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Mon - Cloud Sofa For Cassina A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Mon-Cloud is an extremely elega...
Fabric
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
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
Vintage Serpentine Sofa with Plinth Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Serpentine Sofa with Plinth Base, a timeless addition to any living space. Crafted with utmost attention to d...
Textile, Wood
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa in Brown Leather, Honoré Paris, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel, Honoré Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Raphael Raffel (1912-2000) and produced by Honore Paris in the 1970s, the Croissant Sofa takes a fully sculptural crescent form upholstered in natural leather. Low-slung ...
Leather
Soriana sofa in leather upholstery by Afra&Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Italy 1969
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Soriana sofa 2 seater designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 1969, Reupholster in new leather. Polyuretane, leather, steel. Excellent condition. A true icon of style, Soria...
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
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
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin, Mario Bellini, Stilwood
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
CAMALEONDA SOFA BY MARIO BELLINI FOR B&B ITALIA - ITALY 1970s
Located in BREDA, NL
Designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, the Camaleonda stands as one of the most iconic and influential sofa designs of the twentieth century. Celebrated for its innova...
Leather
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi ‘Ciuingam’ Sofa for BBB Emmebonacina, 1967 Italy
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Bonacina
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Iconic three-seat ‘Ciuingam’ sofa designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for BBB Emmebonacina in 1967. The sofa is characterised...
Leather