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.
San Rafael Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael Sofa is a generously proportioned sofa that excels in comfort. The plush wide-channel tufted cushions are tailored beautifully to interlock with the expertly crafted ...
Upholstery, Oak
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
Stringa Two seater black leather upholstery sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
" Stringa " sofa with original black leather upholstery on tubular chrome frame, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1965 Italy
Chrome
Mid-Century Style Banjo Sofa in Chenille by Mavo Atelier, Handmade in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Banjo reveals itself in two elegant sections, with or without arms, offering refined versatility for refined residential or hospitality settings. Every curve, every line, every seam ...
Chenille, Upholstery
1970s Danish Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good/very good condition with minor signs of use - sturdy and stable.
Leather
$23,534 / set
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
De Sede DS-31 Terracotta Leather Three-Seat Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Rødding, DK
Iconic three-seat DS-31 sofa produced by De Sede in Switzerland during the 1970s. The sofa is upholstered in rich terracotta-colored leather that has developed a beautiful natural p...
Steel
Mid-Century Folding Sofa or Daybed, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid-century folding sofa or daybed, 1960's. Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa or Daybed
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, cognac leather, teak, Austria, 1960s. This Austrian daybed is named 'Constanze'. This item is designed by Johannes Spalt and manufactured by Wittmann. T...
Leather, Teak
Vintage Italian Sofa in Brown Leather Maralunga , 1970's
Located in Milano, IT
Maralunga Sofa in Brown Chocolate Leather - Best Italian Sofa Vico Magistretti Maralunga 3 seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With tree adjustable backre...
Leather, Wood
Perfect patinated Le Bambole original leather sofa by Mario Bellini - B&B Italia
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Perfect patinated Cognac/Brown Leather Lounge Sofa with Sculptural Soft Form Designed in 1972, Le Bambole stands as one of t...
Leather
Charlotte Perriand LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This daybed is part of a faithful reproduction of a student room in the Maison du Brésil...
Wood
$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
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Round Sofa in Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century large round sofa with a low curved partial backrest and emerald green velvet upholstery with a button tufted removable seat cush...
Metal, Brass
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti 'Ellypse' Sofa in Grey Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti, 'Ellypse' sofa, fabric, lacquered wood, chrome, Italy, 1970s Mauro Lipparini, an Italian designer, has created the 'Ellypse' sofa for Saporiti, which s...
Chrome
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Sofa in cognac leather
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge sofa in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970...
Metal
$2,224Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
Coronado 3- Seater Sofa in Black Leather by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1976
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly sought-after Coronado 3-seater sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia and made in 1976, an icon of Italian modern design. The piece is upholstered in black l...
Leather, Beech
Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Chaise Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare find, the Tangent sofa with an open chaise feature by Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Sofa for Preview is an exquisite addition to any mid-century modern collection. This sofa bo...
Alpaca, Wood
Midcentury Italian Two-Piece Asymmetric Sofa circa 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural 2-piece asymmetric sofa, midcentury Italian, circa 1950. Each piece can serve as stand-alone seating. Seat and back upholstered in blush fabric, self-welted, carved wood t...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
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
Vintage 1980s Three Seater Sofa by Weiman Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1980s three seater sofa manufactured by Weiman Furniture. The piece has beautiful sculptural lines and retains the original fabric and Weiman Tag. Measurements: 92 inches w...
Wood, Upholstery
1960 Kho Liang Ie Model 070 Corner Sofa Set with Marble Side Table for Artifort
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Awesome 'Model 070' corner sofa set with daybed by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s. Kho Liang Ie was born in 1927 in Magelang, Dutch East Indies. After Indonesia's independence in 1...
Marble, Metal
1950s Italian 2-Seater Sofa , Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered in Velvet fabric - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
Morrison Naugahyde Sofa, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Morrison Naugahyde sofa, 1960. Original naugahyde. Measures 93" long, 32" deep overall height 32", seat height 16", seat depth 22" arm height 21".
Naugahyde
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
$2,630Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Upholstered Bench with Wavy Backrest in the style of Paolo Buffa 50s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
Give yourself a comfortable and very stylish place to sit. This vintage Bench is functional and comfortable in an entryway, in an office or bar waiting room, or dotting the end of y...
Velvet, Beech
De Sede DS-1025/09 Terrazza Ubald Klug, Customised in White Nubuck
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1973 by Swiss architect Ubald Klug for de Sede, the Terrazza (DS-1025) was conceived as a landscape rather than a sofa — a stepped, terraced form inspired by the alpine v...
Leather, Foam, Wood
1960s Long Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Tuxedo Sofa in Style of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Elkton, MD
A stunning oversized tuxedo sofa featuring original Jack Lenor Larsen polychrome velvet upholstery with a bold repeating geometric motif. Designed in the Paul McCobb style, this mid-...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edition using...
Velvet, Plastic
$3,600 / item
Teak and Green Leather Danish Sofa by Hjellegjerde
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A perfect example of Scandinavian design. This Hjellegjerde sofa oozes style and craftsmanship, it features a channeled bucket style seat in dark forest green leather with nice pati...
Leather, Teak
Ligne Roset Model "Marsala" Space Age Sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy, 1970s
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Antwerp, BE
Seventies low three-seater lounge sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy. Manufactured by Ligne Roset. Model "Marsala" sofa shows Ducaroys characteristic style and innovative approach to de...
Plexiglass
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
$32,948 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rodolfo Dordoni Dress-Up Sectorial Sofa For Cassina A sectional sofa envisioned as a custom garment, with sophisticated details reminiscent of bespoke tailoring and a wide selectio...
Foam
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
Ingvar Stockum "Monte Carlo" Three-Seater Sofa for Futura Möbler, Sweden 1960s
By Futura Möbler, Ingvar Stockum
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare sofa model was designed by Ingvar Stockum in 1965 for Futura Möbler, but was only in production for two years before it was discontinued as a result of high production cost...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Vintage Undersea Printed Three Seat Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the serene charm of the seaside with this captivating vintage three-seat sofa, featuring a whimsical undersea motif. The upholstery showcases a balanced composition of vibran...
Upholstery, Wood
Vatne Mobler Knut Saeter Rosewood Leather Sofa Danish Modern MCM
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960’s 4 seater sofa designed by Knut Saeter in black leather and rosewood. Minimalist design with the suspended profile and flared arms, each se...
Leather, Rosewood
Togo Sofa 3 seater - Michel Ducaroy Ligne Roset black Leather made in France
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Munster, NRW
Togo Sofa - Michel Ducaroy 1974 for Ligne Roset. 3-seater Sofa - manufactured in France. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, beautiful original condition in soft black leather...
Leather
Kazuhide Takahama, 4 Seat or Large 3 seat Suzanne Sofa. Gavina Edition, 1965.
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and elegant large three-seat sofa model "Suzanne" designed by Kazuhide Takahama and manufactured in Italy by Gavina in the 1960s. This important sofa shows an impressive curved...
Chrome, Iron
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
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
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
De Sede Ds-47 Brown Neck Leather Sofa from Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-47 neck leather sofa from Switzerland, 1970s Presenting a De Sede DS-47 Neck Leather Sofa from Switzerland, crafted in the 1970s. This sofa is a sturdy and comfortable ...
Leather, Beech
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
Copacabana 3-seater Sofa, Darkened Oak Wood Base, COM/COL option, Portugal
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
21st Century Copacabana Sofa, in Darkened Oak, by Duistt With a bohemian look, the Copacabana sofa is the perfect blend of unique style and cozy comfort. Inspired by the sidewalks o...
Velvet, Bouclé, Mohair, Wool, Leather, Fabric, Oak, Wood
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New Linen Upholstery Three Seater Sofa Bamboo Sofa & Pair of Club Chairs MINT! sofa dimensions: 32" x 64" x 33" lounge chair dimensions: 32" x 27" x 33"
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan, Linen, Bamboo
Umberto Asnago Sofa For Giorgetti Progetti Italy 1980
Located in Čelinac, BA
Giorgetti Progetti Sofa By Umberto Asnago Italy 1980
Fabric, Wood
Howard Keith “Diplomat” Sofa in Original Sereno Striped Upholstery, UK, 1970s
By Howard Keith
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare oversized “Diplomat” sofa designed by John Home for Howard Keith Furniture, United Kingdom, 1970s. Retaining what is believed to be its original black and ivory “Sereno” strip...
Velvet
Eks Malmö, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red velvet and wood sofa or loveseat produced by Eks Malmö, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.5"H x 49.0"W x 30.0"D Seat Height...
Velvet, Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Funky Sculptural Sofa made by Artifot
By Artifort
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super groovy well built sofa made by Artifort in the Netherlands. Fabric is original & in poor condition. Needs a basic recovering to be excellent.
Chrome
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
Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood and Camel Mohair by Móveis Provenzal, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian modernism from the golden era of furniture design, this rare sofa by Móveis Provenzal captures the quiet sophistication and architectural refineme...
Mohair, Rosewood
Thick Bamboo Frame Mid Century Modern c1970s Loveseat Sofa MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Thick Bamboo Frame Mid Century Modern c1970s Loveseat Sofa MINT
Bamboo, Cane
"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
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
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