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.
Elegant Italian Sofa in White Leatherette and Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, fabric, wood, brass, Italy, 1970s This charming looking sofa owes its elegancy to the curved shape of the body and high, imposed backrest. The seat is upholstere...
Brass
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
$6,034Sale Price|30% Off
Divano vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in None, IT
Three-seater sofa with wooden frame and beige fabric cover, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare segn...
Fabric, Wood
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
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three-Seater Soriana Sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Produced by Cassina in Italy. A statement seating piece with soft, voluminous lines, created to offer a relaxed yet refi...
Metal
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
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
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
Danish Designer, Organic Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and red fabric sofa, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15" Arm Height (inches): 25.38" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Fabric, 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
Curved Egg Shape Sofa, in the Style of Ico Parisi, Pure Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb, unusual Italian egg shaped sofa, in the style of Ico Parisi. The sofa has been reupholstered in a grey (with a hint of brown) premium pure mohair fabric and is of a curved,...
Fabric, Wood
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
Vintage Sofa Ficks Reed Style 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
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s. The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Metal
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
1960's Italian Mid-Century floral sofa
Located in Diest, BE
Superbe elegant Italian Mid-Century 1960's floral sofa. Great condition.
Metal
$11,421 / 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
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
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
Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Sofa in Floral Wool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Viggo Boesen style banana shaped or curved Loveseat made in Denmark, around late 1930s or early 1940s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round volup...
Wool, 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
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
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
Tuxedo Sofa by Harvey Probber with Original Tags for Reupholstery, circa 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tuxedo Sofa by Harvey Probber with Original Tags for Reupholstery - Extra Long "you pick the fabric / make it your own" "current fabric is not the original fabric" "current fabric...
Upholstery
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa, model, 'D70', steel, brass, leather, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
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
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
GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Diest, BE
GS195 sofa to daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963 Italy in new leather upholstery
Leather, Wood
1970's Yngve Ekstrom Style Fat Pine Framed Reclining Sofa with White Upholstery
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fun 1970's, Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese style, pine sofa with large scale pine frame and original white textured upholstery. Small wheels on the piece make for easy movement! The frame...
Upholstery, Pine
"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
“Concha” Sofa in Plum Mohair Velvet & Hardwood, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and sculptural “Concha” sofa—named after the Portuguese word for shell—this piece represents a highly refined and seldom-seen expression of Brazilian modernism ...
Hardwood, Mohair
Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Black Leather, Three-Seater Sofa, Gavina
By Knoll
Located in Astoria, NY
This exceptional Bastiano sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina in the 1960s (later produced by Knoll), is a true icon of Italian modernist design. The piece is greatly preserved...
Leather, Wood
Danish Midcentury 3-Seater Sofa in Solid Oak and Wool by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and sought after sofa attributed to Danish Designer, Henning Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak, Hand carved in brutalist style seeking inspiration from art & crafts...
Brass
Danish 1950's Sofa by Kurt Olsen Teak Accents
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Curved sofa by Kurt Olsen from the 1950's. Epitome of Danish 1950's style. Made by Slagelse Møbelværk around late 1950's5800. Solid and sturdy but needs to get reupholstered. Remova...
Wool, Teak
American Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.5"H x 96.0"W x 32.0"D Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Arm Height (inches): 20.25...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern banana shaped sofa with curved armrests, made by Danish cabinetmaker in the earl...
Fabric
Brown Leather Sofa Karl Wittmann Atrium, Austria 1970
By Karl Wittmann, De Sede, Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown leather bed- sofa Karl Wittmann‚ Atrium’ in original brown leather, Austria, circa 1970 Very well preserved convertible double-seat sofa by K...
Steel
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Tan Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Tan leather long loveseat sofa with light wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful light beige cream tan leather is soft and shows little sig...
Leather, Wood
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
$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
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 36.75” H x 76” W x 35” D Seat height: 16.75”
Metal
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
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
Rare Fabric Folding Sofa by Halabala for UP. Zavody, 1953, Czechoslovakia
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
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
Marco Zanuso, Sofa, Velvet, Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and brass sofa designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1950s. Seat Height: 15.5" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for ...
Brass
The Bastiano 4seater sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1966
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in View Park, CA
The Bastiano 4seater sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1966. Hailing from the estate of multihyphenate artist and fashion icon Nadia Lee Cohen, this piece is not for ...
Bouclé, Wood
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
Sofa / Daybed "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen France & Søn, 60s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Sofa daybed from the 1960s by France and Søn made of teakwood. This piece is featuring two cushioned armrests. The piece has been restored and covered with a light grey fabric "Halli...
Wool, Teak
1964 Original 932-Quartet Leather Sofa Sectional Mario Bellini for Cassina 2pcs
Located in Basel, BS
Move over, here comes the MEGA CULT CLASSIC, and Extremely rare Bellini that you can also sip Bellini's upon like a ROCK STAR! She is an absolute show stopper for any space... An ...
Leather, Canvas
Mid-Century modern sofa attributed to Claudio Vagnoni, 1970s
Located in Paris, FR
A Mid-Century Modern style sofa attributed to Claudio Vagnoni, dating from the 1970s. . More than just a sofa, it's a design piece with enveloping curves. . A true signature piece,...
Fabric
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
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”
Fabric, Wood
Milo Baughman Ivory Cream Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There can hardly be a more emblematic Mid-Century Modern sofa than the Milo Baughman semi-circular sectional sofa circa 1970s made by Thayer Coggin. The most well known and admired o...
Upholstery
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 ...
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