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.
$4,330Sale 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
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
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
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa Piece was commissioned for a Long Island, NY estate.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, this refined mid-century Italian sofa exemplifies the designer’s signature balance of architectural clarity and functional elegance. Designed in the 19...
Brass, Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa and ottoman in light tobacco leather by Cassina in aniline leather. The ottoman is ...
Chrome
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
$2,164Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Scala sofa set by Dreipunkt international, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Model 'scala' sofa set consisting of 2 two seater benches and an armchair. Solid beech wooden frames with brown chocolate leather cushions and straps. Beautiful and timeless desig...
Leather, Beech
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
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of four (two corners + two easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furn...
Velvet, Foam
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
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
American Midcentury Sofa Done by W. Platner
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
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
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
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
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of six (two corners + four easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Velvet, Foam
Milo Baughman Tuxedo Sofa for Thayer Coggin c. 1970s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A chocolate brown 1970s sofa designed by one of the most iconic Mid Century Modern Designers Milo Baughman and made by Thayer Coggin. Modern....
Upholstery, Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional Adrian Pearsall platform sofa showcases the renowned mid-century modern designer's signature floating aesthetic with integrated walnut end tables elegantly positione...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
21st Century Oscar Sofa, in COM fabric, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Sofa, in COM fabric, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR sofa allures for its sensual and free-flowin...
Fabric, Wood
$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
Vintage Italian Modern Walnut Divan Sofa Bed Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural sofa/divan bed/sofa bed attributed to Paolo Buffa (Italy, ca. late 1940s/early 1950s). Composed of a straight rail back connecting elegantly curved arms above x-form slats...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960's
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
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s Magnificent Italian mid-century sofa original from the 1950s. Equipped with the original stiletto metal feet painted...
Metal, Brass
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
1970s Orange Leather Sofa, Lafer Inspired
Located in Corby, GB
I have for sale a gorgeous two-seater sofa, designed in such a way it could almost be a Percival Lafer, but also perhaps Mario Marenco. Fantastically comfortable, it sits nicely lo...
Leather
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll 'Bastiano' Sofa
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-Century Modern 'Bastiano' sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll. This vintage three-seater sofa features a sturdy oak frame and upholstered in a beautiful turquoise fabric, Italy, 1960s...
Fabric, Oak
Minerva Sofa / Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen in Teak, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Halle, DE
Iconic Minerva sofa by renowned Danish design duo Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s. Manufactured by France & Daverkosen (later France & Son). The sofa impresses with its so...
Fabric, Teak
Anfibio Sofa + Bed Alessandro Becchi 1971 by Giovannetti Vintage Cognac Leather
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovanetti
Located in Munster, NRW
We are offering you the extremely rare opportunity to purchase an original vintage Anfibio sofa in cognac leather. It comes from first ownership, ...
Leather
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Michael Taylor Schiaparelli Sofa
Upholstery
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
5-piece modular sofa in zebu leather by Mario Bellini, Le Bambole model. Stamped under the seats. Seat height: 46 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE T...
Leather
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
Three-Seat Sofa Attributed to Franco Albini, 1940s
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful three-seat sofa from 1940 attributed to Franco Albini in rosewood. The fabric used for the padding of the sofa Franco Albini is original of t...
Fabric, Walnut
Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2912 Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery, in perfect condition. Gavina label. Gavina manufacture, circa 1970.
Leather
Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1980s
Located in LYON, FR
Michel Ducaroy Sofa, Ligne Roset Edition Vintage Brigantin sofa by Michel Ducaroy, designer of the famous Togo sofa for the same manufacturer. Removable velvet upholstery in terraco...
Velvet
Rare Fabric Folding Sofa by Halabala for UP. Zavody, 1953, Czechoslovakia
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
1953 rare wooden folding couch made by Halabala for UP Zavody, in fomer Czechoslovakia. Made of fabric and wood. Repolished, cleaned, shows signs of use and age (mainly the fabric an...
Fabric, Wood
$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
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
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
$11,471 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
20th Century , Yellow 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
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
Model "GE-300" Four-Seater Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Denmark ca 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Utrecht, NL
Hans Jørgensen Wegner was one of the central figures of Danish modern design, known for combining rigorous craftsmanship with an almost effortless sense of comfort and proportion. Wo...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Velvet Brown / Green Modular Sofa, 3-elements
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This modular sofa was made in Germany in the 1970s. It features three elements covered in brown / green velvet fabric which is in an overall good clean vintage condition.
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall American Mid-Century Orange Upholstered Platform Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century orange nap upholstered platform sofa with floating walnut frame and end tables on both sides (ADRIAN PEARSALL) Torn Upholstery, Not Good Shape
Weiman 1980s U-Shaped Sectional Pit Sofa
By Weiman, Milo Baughman
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning pit sofa by Weiman
Ultrasuede
Italian Mid Century Wooden Pine Sofa by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and iconic Italian mid century two seater sculptural wooden sofa in Russian pine from the from the " Mobili nella Valle" series produced by Poltronova Italy, 1973. In very good ...
Pine
Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century leather and rosewood model no. MP-211 by Percival Lafer. Made circa 1970s, Brazil. A gorgeous mix of materials and incredible design showcase why Lafer is one of our favo...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam, Rosewood
Italian Multi-Sectional Suede Couch by Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A bold and stylish Italian multisectional sofa upholstered in vibrant orange suede, manufactured by Roche Bobois. Featuring modular design for versatile seating configurations, clean...
Suede
Woven Rattan Oval Shaped Couch, ca. 1999
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully formed and encompassing tightly woven oval rattan couch, supported on an iron frame. Measures: 86 W x 47 D x 30 / 16 H.
Rattan
Pair available Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House rare four-seat curved sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Grosfeld House
Located in South Charleston, WV
An extremely rare collectors piece, this large 97 inch wide four-seat sculptural sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Grosfeld House was designed and produced circa 1957 in the United States, ...
Aluminum
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Curve Module, Grey
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
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
American Designer, Sofa, Rattan, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, rattan and green velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, 1950. Seat Height (inches): 16.5” Arm Height (inches): 24" All items ship from High Point, N...
Iron
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa after Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern sofa in a hexagonal form circa 1970's. It features a two section design with low profile feet. Fabric is original and needs recovering...
Fabric
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Sofa and Loveseat Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A matching set, sofa and loveseat designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in original Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera fabric. The channeled and flared arms hug the seat cushions. Ev...
Velvet
$2,693Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Modern Design Boucle 3 Seat Sofa, Italy 1970's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Has a brand logo on the inside of the cushions and back. Brown / Beige Boucle wool woven fabric th...
Wool, Bouclé
Mid-Century ‘Gondola’ Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century ‘Gondola’ sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s. Iconic mid-century design with walnut accents. Long profile sofa sitting atop sculpted walnut legs. ...
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Wood, Walnut