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.
Piero Lissoni Met Sofa for Cassina, Aluminum Frame, Mid-Century Style
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piero Lissoni Two Seater Met Sofa For Cassina. A design sofa with sleek, pure, geometric lines that, in its utter simplicity, embodies comfort, versatility a...
Aluminum
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
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
Reupholstered Yugoslavian Mid-century Modern Teak Daybed
Located in Medina, OH
Yugoslavian Mid-century modern teak daybed refinished and reupholstered in a Crypton gray tweed from Greenhouse Fabrics. This piece is in perfect condition and is ready to be an addi...
Fabric, Wood
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
1970s Swiss De Sede DS 66 Leather Sofa Dark Brown Mid Century Modern
By De Sede
Located in High Point, NC
Designed by De Sede of Switzerland, this 1970s DS.66 sofa reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to exceptional materials and modular design. Known for its precision craftsmans...
Leather
Oscar 2-seater 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, Fur, Leather, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Upholstery
Vintage Mid Century "Tuxedo Series" Sofa by J & J Brook Limited, 1962
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a rare 3-seat sofa by J & J Brook Limited, purchased originally in 1962. The design firm of John and Joanne Brook was based in Toronto, Canada from about 1952 to 1976. The Br...
Chrome
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
Set of 2 Armchairs and 1 Sofa from "806" Series, by Carlo de Carli, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of armchairs and a sofa from the "806" series was designed by Carlo de Carli in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The set consists of a total of two...
Fabric, Wood
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 166cm or 190cm width. The three-seater is available in 238cm or 274cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. Cassin...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Early Vintage Eero Saarinen Womb Settee Sofa for Knoll Restored in White Leather
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Troy, MI
An early production Womb settee designed by Eero Saarinen Knoll circa 1960's Black enameled steel frame with new white leather upholstery Original label intact to underside 62 inch...
Steel
New Mohair Upholstery Sofa Bed Model 470 By Hans Bellman, Wilkhahn, Germany 1964
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960s The sofa comes in a beautiful solid Teak wood frame and has been completely restored with new foam ...
Mohair, Velvet, Teak
$1,246Sale Price|63% Off
Giovanni Offredi Leather Sofa by Saporiti Italia, Curved Design, 1970s
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather sofa comes in very good condition. The black leather is soft and supple and shows hardly any signs of wear. There are 2 dents in the leather on the back of the sofa, but...
Leather
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
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chair in original velvet (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original red velvet 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B...
Metal
Swedish Maker, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and beige fabric Empire-style sofa designed and produced in Sweden, first half of 19th century. Some fabric trim missing. Wear consistent with age and use, including som...
Fabric, Mahogany
De Sede DS-88 Landscape Sectional Sofa in Cognac Tan Leather, Switzerland 1970's
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing this gorgeous center piece Cognac Tan leather DS88 sofa in patchwork by De Sede. The sofa is sectional so it can be set-up in different ways to your own liking. The sofa...
Leather
Mid-Century 3-Seat Sofa or Daybed, Jitona, 1970's
By Jitona
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood, leatherette Daybed :Height- 87 :Depth-136 Original condition.
Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
$5,977Sale Price|20% Off
Canapé d’angle vintage composé de 3 modules en cuir noir avec lit intégré
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Canapé d’angle vintage des années 70, en cuir noir, superbe design dans le style des éditions De Sede, Cinna ou Ligne Roset, composé de 3 modules avec lit intégré, 4 à 6 places, trè...
Leather
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 136 wide x 66 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 12.5 inches Fair Vintag...
Upholstery, Walnut
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa in beige for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extreme versatility. The rounded arm-rests curve to meet the back, the shape expressing the crafts excellence synonymous with Cassina’s crafts expertise, more evidence of which can be seen in the upholstery edge-stitching that delineates the lines of the various elements. The sofa is composed of single units that have been conceived as if they were tiny sculptures...
Metal
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Three-Seat Sofa in White Leather Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of function...
Leather
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Brazilian Modern Two-in-One Rosewood Sofa & Daybed in Deep Olive Mohair, Celina
Located in New York, NY
A rare and intelligently engineered two-in-one sofa and daybed by Celina Decorações, Brazil, circa 1960—an exceptional example of Brazilian modernism where material nobility meets sp...
Mohair, Hardwood
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
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
Expertly Restored - Early Hans J. Wegner JH-555 Teak Sofa for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
$21,253 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa
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
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
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips 5-piece modular sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex, Italy, 1970s An iconic modular design by Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Ove...
Velvet
Corner-Seater Togo Sofa with pouf 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
Italian Turquoise Velvet Sofa by Cesare Lacca, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant two-seater sofa designed by Cesare Lacca in Italy during the 1950s. This sculptural piece embodies the refined balance between organic form and architectural precision typica...
Velvet, Wood
Two Seat Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, Europe, 1960s. This two-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothness and underl...
Leather
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
Midcentury 2 seater Teak Sofa by Juul Kristensen, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very confortable - rare type
Fabric, Teak
$1,600Sale Price|60% Off
American Modern, Tropical Fabric, Monumental Custom Sofa, USA, 20th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
American Modern, Tropical Fabric, Monumental Custom Sofa, USA, 20th c. A large custom made sofa dressed in a tropical printed fabric. Having three removable seat cushions. Fabric, ...
Fabric
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Leather
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, Sectional sofa model ‘Snake’ DS-600, leather, Switzerland, 1972. An amazing design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerla...
Leather
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Smoked Pewter Velvet & Ebonized Walnut by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern sofa was realized by the legendary Jules Leleu in France circa 1960. It offers the clean silhouette, attention to detail and timeless (yet perennially...
Velvet, Walnut
Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Original Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, in original black and white fabric, wood, The Netherlands, 1950s. This sofa is an iconic example of an Artifort sofa designed by Theo Ruth in the 1950s...
Fabric, Wood
Italian mid-century sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern black leather and wood sofa Bastiano by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 1960s Three-seater sofa model Bastiano with seat, backrest and armrests made of p...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelso Sofa Model 10 in Wool and Rosewood by Soren Willadsen, 1960's
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Impressive 1960's sofa by Danish Design Icon, Illum Wikkelsø as Model 10 for Cabinet Maker, Soren Willadsen. Sofa with armrests and tapering legs of rosewood. Upholstered with light ...
Wool, Rosewood
Large circular wooden sofa, Italian Mid-Century Style
Located in Argelato, BO
The circular sofa features an elegant design in the Italian mid-century style, featuring an oval base with a warm amber-toned wood frame. The slender, curved legs, joined by a centra...
Fabric, Wood
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid-Century Modern Tuxedo Sofa, Circa 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tuxedo sofa By Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin USA, Circa 1970s White laminate case, with upholstered seat and back cushions. Measures: 90.25"W x 3...
Upholstery, Laminate
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
$3,047Sale Price|20% Off
Stouby Danish modern brown leather beechwood sculptural two-seater sofa 1980s
Located in Lisboa, PT
Danish two-seater sofa by Stouby, made in the 1980s. Compact yet visually impactful, this piece is fully original, upholstered in rich chocolate brown leather with a solid beechwood ...
Leather, Beech
1980s Modular Ganging ELYSÉE Sofa Unit Sectional by Steelcase
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, Steelcase
Located in Bensalem, PA
Great six piece Steelcase modular sectional sofa
Upholstery
$3,560 / set
De Sede DS44 sofa set, 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of gorgeous leather DS44 sofas from De Sede consisting of a 2 and 3 seater sofa. De Sede, renowned for using the best quality leather has created some wonderful sofas. These ar...
Leather
Adrian Pearsall Walnut “Gondola” Sofa for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The vintage walnut "Gondola" sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s, is a stunning piece that embodies mid-century modern elegance. This model 2404-S fea...
Fabric, Walnut
Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Confidential Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy,1970s - New Beige Upholstery
Fabric
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
$473Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Sofa from Two Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very comfortable - Rare type - Can be upholstered (customer request).
Fabric, Wood
Sofa/Daybed Piglet by Marzio Cecchi, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa/Daybed Piglet by Marzio Cecchi, Italy, 1970s
Brass
Adrian Pearsall Style Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 92 wide x 35 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21 inches All pieces of fur...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,360Sale Price|25% Off
Stylish 1960’s Scandinavian 4 Seater Leather Sofa
Located in Bern, CH
Stylish 1960’s Scandinavian 4 Seater Leather Sofa. Original black leather upholstery in near immaculate condition. Three minimal legs with plsat...
Metal
$27,649 / item
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina The encapsulation of design brilliance, business insight and made-in-Italy artisan craftsmanship, this sofa is an international bestseller steeped in timeless beauty and functionality. Its enveloping contours accentuate the comfort of this design sofa, ensured by the chain mechanism (incorporated into the foam cushion) that controls adjustment of the backrest position. The unpretentious innovation of the adjustable headrest and the reassuring appearance and simplicity of the soft padding sum up the singularity of this design by Vico Magistretti. REMOVABLE UPHOLSTERY Maralunga 40...
Fabric
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
Located in Centreville, VA
Freeform Sofa Designer: Isamu Noguchi Design Year: 1946 Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa blends sculpture and function in a fluid, organic form. Inspired by natural shapes, its asymme...
Beech, Maple
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dynamic interplay of contours and a graphic silhouette. A sectional floor sofa...
Formica