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.
$14,800 / item
Contemporary Madda Sofa Sectional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Madda is a contemporary interpretation of the Classic club chair. The metal base fully wraps around the chair, as if to squeeze it into its plump and comfortable upper seating ar...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Spanish Sofa in Ash and Yellow and Green Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, ash, cane, leatherette, metal, Spain, 1950s. Joyful Spanish two-seater sofa with soft organic lines. This settee features a stained ash frame of which a dynamic grain patte...
Faux Leather, Cane, Ash
Piero Lissoni Modular Sofa by Cassina, Aluminum, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni 8 Modular Sofa and For Cassina Refined minimalist shapes characterize the timeless elegance of this modular sofa that combines masterful construction and fine tailorin...
Aluminum
$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 Italian Tropical Chic Loveseat by Vivai del Sud, Rattan & Bamboo
Located in Catania, CT
This is an exceptional and highly sought-after Mid-Century Italian loveseat settee manufactured by the celebrated Roman design house, Vivai del Sud, circa the 1960s. The piece exempl...
Bamboo, Rattan
PK 31/2 - Sofa in original leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/2 - 2-seater sofa in original, red leather on frame in steel. Designed by Poul Kjærholm and made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ubald Klug DS-28 Cosmos Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s This stunning 7-piece sectional sofa by Ubald Klug, produced by De Sede in the 1970s, showcases a bold, organic design i...
Leather, Wood
Christian Liaigre "Augustin" Sofa in Linen and Charcoal Mohair Back Pillow
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Christian Liaigre "Augustin" Sofa embodies the refined simplicity and effortless luxury that define Liaigre's iconic aesthetic. Upholstered in beautiful oyster Belgian Linen with...
Mohair, Linen
Argentine Designer, Sectional Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A striped fabric, wood and brass sectional sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Age-appropriate pa...
Brass
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition. Overall Dimension...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Industrial Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This three-seater leather sofa was manufactured during the 1960s. The upholstery is crafted from thick, genuine leather in a warm, cognac-colored shade of brown, with visible, subtle...
Leather, Wood
Limited Edition Notturno A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Notturno A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces DESIGN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS The New York skyline in a sofa,...
Fabric
Danish Mid-Century Style 4-Seat Green Woven Upholstery Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century style 4-seat sofa in a blended green tweed upholstery with a curved back and teak accents on the arms and base
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Some sofas sit in a room. This one floats in it. Released by Dunbar in 1957 as a limited edition piece, the La Gondola is arguably Edward Wormley's most iconic design ~ and coming f...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
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
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed designed by Miroslav Navratil, 1960s.
By Miroslav Navratil, Interiér Praha
Located in Praha, CZ
- very iconic sofa - adjustable - confortable - rare colored
Fabric, Wood
Banana Shaped Curved Loveseat or Sofa Covered in Lambswool Denamrk 1940's
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved two-seat sofa or loveseat made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room despite its smaller size. Beautiful...
Wool, Beech
Vintage American Walnut Six Seater Sloane ii Sofa by Vladimir Kagan Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A custom-made, slightly curved vintage Mid-Century modern American large six or seven seater Sloane II sofa with 4 pillows, settee made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed and ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
Set of 2 Sofas with Fabric by Fede Cheti, Italy 1940s
By Fede Cheti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two sofas was designed in Italy in the 1940s and 1950s. It is covered with fabric by Fede Cheti. The colourful fringes hide the wooden legs...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Green Corduroy
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...
Fabric, Foam
Vintage Trellis Rattan Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage sofa is a long, low frame built from honey-toned rattan poles, with an airy diamond trellis filling the back and both sides. Slender canes cross in a lattice of open dia...
Rattan
Maralunga sofa in alcantara original fabric vico magistretti cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Iconico divano Maralunga 3 posti disegnato da Vico Magistretti per Cassina (marchio originale, completo di targhetta).Rivestimento in Alcantara ruggine di grande effetto, un colore c...
Velvet
Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. MADE IN ITALY UPHOLSTERED in St Germain Fabric by Metaphores, Color: Fondant M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Har...
Velvet
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
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
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Sofa after Marco Zanuso, circa 1960s Divano Sleep-o-Matic
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian sofa or daybed. New upholstery vintage Bordeaux wine color mohair, brass and metal legs, pule up mechanism handle on the back of the sofa converts the sofa in to the bed. US ...
Metal, Brass
Michael Taylor Sofa for Baker Furniture Co. - Far East Collection - circa 1950s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer Michael Taylor designed four seat sofa from his Far East Collection by Baker Furniture Co. Dark brown Shoji style stained frame, seat and back cushions are down filled. This...
Upholstery, Walnut, Down
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa or Daybed, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Fabric,Wood,Metal Daybed has dimensions:Height-33cm,Depth-206cm,Width-133cm Seat height is 38cm Good Original condition.
Metal
Tobia Scarpa Coronado Sofas in Cognac Leather, B&B Italia, 1975, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 'Coronado' two seat sofas in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by the Italian firm, B&B Italia, circa 1975. The seating are made with a then revolutionary kind of molded polyurethane foam for excellent support and comfort. The 'Coronado', was the first ever seating to be built using this new technique: the foam molds were assembled around an iron frame, resulting in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable product. The present pair consists of the two seater sofas offered in their original cognac leather upholstery preserved in excellent condition. Labels affixed on both pieces read 'Coronado' designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. Afra and Tobia Scarpa designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, accompanied with modern and refined aesthetics. During the 1960's, the couple designed the Bastiano sofa and the Vanessa bed...
Leather
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé Sofa in Black or Petrol for Cassina, Italy - New
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material and size. Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the original mode...
Metal
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
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
Pair of Large Kidney Shape Silk Upholstery Sofas c1970s Custom Design
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Large Kidney Shape Silk Upholstery Sofas c1970s Custom Design. Kagan attributed pair of vintage sofas.
Silk
Customizable Double-Back Sofa with Brushed Brass Plinth By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Purple Upholstery Serpentine Sofa c1990s MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Purple Upholstery Serpentine Sofa c1990s MINT!
Upholstery
$6,209Sale Price|27% Off
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Leather and Wood Sofa, C 1970s, Signed
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, produced in the United States in the 1970s. Signed with Ward Bennet Designs for Brickel Associates tag...
Wood, Leather
Milo Baughman Kelly Wearstler Coquette Alabaster & Black Tuxedo Sofa
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a bold marriage of iconic design and modern artistry, a vintage Milo Baughman sofa reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Coquette fabric in Alabaster...
Cotton, Hardwood
Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli, sofa, steel, fabric, Italy, 1960s Sofa designed by Italian designer Carlo De Carli and produced by Cinova in the 1960s. The piece features a bent tubular steel frame...
Steel
Cuingam Sofa, De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi - Upholstered in leather (or nubuck)
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Ciuingam collection, designed in 1967 by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi, is one of the icons of Italian Pop Design, embodying the ironic, experimental, and unconventional approach...
Leather, Fabric, Rubber, Hardwood
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia ...
Leather
1970s Elegant Wood Frame Sofa – Newly Reupholstered, Mid-Century Design
Located in Krefeld, DE
Elegant 1970s sofa featuring a beautifully wooden frame and refined fabric upholstery. The piece showcases the distinctive design language of the era, quality craftsmanship, and a ti...
Fabric, Wood
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
Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen Prisma Sofa, Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark, 1963
By Raf Simons, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Ludvig Pontoppidan, Kvadrat
Located in The Hague, NL
This extremely rare sofa named Prisma was designed by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen in 1963. It was produced by the cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark. The distinct design is m...
Fabric, Wenge
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-20th Century MCM Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa Orange Velveteen Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage MCM or Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa composed of sculptured wood front legs, slightly tapered shorter back legs, and carved wood back trim de...
Fabric, Foam, Polyester, Wood
Pair of Elegant 1950s Curved Sofas - Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare chance to own a pair of elegant matching 1950s curved sofas, attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar, on six thick mahogany legs. American made and quality built, but these sofa...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Black Leather 3 Seat Sofa birch Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Black Long leather 3 seat sofa Birch legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in ni...
Leather, Birch
LC5 Sofa by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy, Original Kvadrat fabric. Cushions all removable. Signed. Tagged.
Metal
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
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
Hans Jørgen Frydendal Sofa in Solid Pine and Dusty Rose Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System, sofa, solid pine, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Hans Jørgen Frydendal created a sofa that directs all focus towards the inherent quality of so...
Fabric, Pine
Brazilian Modern Sculptural Curved Sofa in Mohair and Caviúna wood, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Brazilian Modern sculptural sofa from the 1960s, defined by its sweeping curved silhouette, generous proportions, and distinctly organic presence. Conceived during one...
Mohair, Caviuna
Mid-Century Modern Blue 3-Seat Sofa on Wood Base
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa on a wooden base with three seat cushions. The cushioning is in good condition, but needs to be reupholstered. The sofa is structurally s...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Danish Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good/very good condition with minor signs of use - sturdy and stable.
Leather
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By Hans Elli, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, sofa or settee, model 'sz18', chrome-plated metal, fabric, The Netherlands, 1970-71 This sofa is designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. A rare model, as th...
Chrome, Metal
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.
By Durlet
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s. The sofa consists of four seating elements, 2 two-seats and 2 one-seats. The elements can be attached to each other with...
Leather
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
Michel Ducaroy Togo 3-Seater Sofa for Ligne Roset in Cognac Leather, France
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage three-seater Togo sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. Originally introduced in 1973, the Togo is one of the most recognisable designs of 20th-century French furn...
Foam