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.
Adrian Pearsall Walnut “Gondola” Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
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
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
Danish Midcentury Sofa with Legs and Accents in Teak by Georg Thams Denmark 1957
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super cool and elegant sofa by Georg Thams for Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik. Designed and produced around 1957. Epitome of Danish 1950's style by one of the iconic designers. Solid and...
Wool, Teak
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Mohair, Walnut
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
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
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
$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
American Designer, Sofa, Wood, Leather, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown leather sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s. Very dramatic patina to leather. Dramatic patina on wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensi...
Leather, Wood
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina - Modern Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
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
$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
Zweisitzer Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator teak
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher, ist bekannt u...
Fabric, Teak
“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
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back rest of the divano is slightly inclinated with a button-tufted back and two straight arms, supported by a hand crafted Walnut frame, standing of four small curved wooden feet. Newly upholstered in an orange velvet. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1955, New York, United States. Seat: 18.5" H x 44.5" W x 19.5" D Pillows: 20" H x 20" W x 7" D Jens Risom was a Danish, American furniture designer born in 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark and passed away in 2016, in New Canaan, United States. He finished his apprenticeship as a designer at the Copenhagen School...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
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
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa in Burgundy for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen size and color. Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collectio...
Steel
Serpentine Style Sofa with Chrome Feet by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, curved "Serpentine" style sofa by Directional Furniture. This left arm facing sofa with polished chrome feet, has been reupholstered by Venfield in a white Holly Hunt, indoo...
Chrome
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC2 Sofa Pro in Light Blue
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the color and material. Available in fabric or leather. Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched by Cassina ...
Steel
$1,258Sale 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
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Dark Mocha Leather by Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1970s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with the original dark mocha colored leather, almost black. The legs are made of solid teak with oil treatm...
Leather, Foam, Feathers, Teak
Kazuhide Takahama Three-seater Sofa for Simon Gavina, Black Leather, 1965
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Kazuhide Takahama Three-seater Sofa for Simon Gavina, black leather, Italy, 1965 A study in proportion and restraint. Designed in 1965 by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, this th...
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
$21,406 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, White
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
Two-Seater Togo Sofa 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
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
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
Minerva sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard for France & Søn, 1960s
By Fredericia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s - Made in Denmark - Good original condition - New black upholstery - Wooden parts refreshed - Very good condition ! - Marked by maker.
Upholstery, Teak
Divano Maralunga di Vico Magistretti per Cassina 2 posti velluto verde
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano a 2 Posti: Dimensioni 168 cm (lunghezza) x 95 cm (profondità) x 72/100 cm (altezza), con altezza della seduta di circa 43 cm. La struttura è in acciaio tubolare con cinghie el...
Velvet
Two-seater Sofa 'Bambole' in Upholstered Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in Hellouw, NL
A key figure in postwar Italian design, Mario Bellini created the Bambole series for B&B Italia to challenge traditional ideas of structure and comfort. The Bibambola, a two-seater f...
Leather
Diesis 3-seater sofa, by Antonio Citrerio for B&B Italia dark gray-dove leather
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Diesis 3-seater sofa, B&B Italia. This 3-seater sofa features two rectangular cushions in dark gray-dove leather, matching the backrest. Cylindrical cushions on the seats complete th...
Brass, Steel
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
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
1930s Danish Art Deco Sofa In Cuban Mahogany By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A striking Danish 3-seater sofa in Cuban mahogany by Frits Henningsen. In competition with his teacher Kaare Klint, Henningsen was one of the outstanding designers of the early 20th...
Wool, Hardwood
Kanz Sofa Brown & Light Brown Striped (Set of 3) by Hermhaus–Modular Sofa
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kanz Sofa by Hermhaus is a serene and contemporary modular sofa set, featuring elegant green and white striped upholstery that adds freshness and sophistication to any modern int...
Velvet, Wood, Oak
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
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Teakwood Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Teakwood Sofa. Maintains the Danish Furniture control sticker. No Makers Marks. Overall great vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Sofa has been reupholstered with an off white boucle fabric. Two Boucle throw pillows...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Teak
$2,270Sale Price|57% Off
Mid-Century Orange Velvet Curved Sofa Made in Italy 1950s Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century orange velvet curved sofa made in Italy, 1950s
Velvet
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Low Table, Bench or Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Low table that can also be used as a sofa or bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufac...
Wood
Italian Two seater sofa in leather 1970s.
Located in bari, IT
Two-seater sofa with red lacquered tubular frame seats and leather in an elegant cognac colour, late 1970s Italian production.
Metal
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Brass, Iron
Togo Sofa 2 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. 2-seater Sofa - manufactured in France. Made by Ligne Roset about 1990 in France, beautiful original condition in soft black leather...
Leather
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and in great demand, w...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Alpaca
Vintage Scandinavian Sofa / Day Bed by Ingmar Relling
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very well made vintage Scandinavian sofa / day bed by Ingmar Relling. This was made in Norway by Ekornes Svane, it dates from the 1960’s. The frame is mostly made from...
Bouclé, Birch
Italian Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Light Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1950s. Simplistic Italian sofa with clean lines and a high back. The sofa features small tapered wooden legs. The high back embraces the sitter in com...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Italian Distressed Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage rustic, rich, Italian distressed leather sofa will be a comfy addition to your living room. This three-seat sofa is beautifully d...
Leather
Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Large Scale Sofa 118" Width Reupholstered
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Sofa, designed by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1940s. This sofa is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. Simply send us 14 yards of you...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Modular Ganging ELYSÉE Sofa Unit Sectional by Steelcase
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Steelcase
Located in Bensalem, PA
Great six piece Steelcase modular sectional sofa
Upholstery
Poul Kjaerholm 'PK31' Sofa in Black Leather
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, three-seat sofa model PK 31, leather and metal, Denmark, 1958. Beautiful PK31 sofa in patinated black leather by P...
Metal
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
Soriana 2 seater sofa by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 60s, 70s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
Soriana is an iconic seat designed in 1969 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and awarded a Compasso d’Oro at the time. Cassina is pleased to propose from its archives a version that is attent...
Metal
Custom Made Classic Style Sofa In Rich Bronze Brown Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This luxurious sofa offers a modern interpretation of a classic design, distinguished by its deep, all-over button tufting across the back, arms, and front base. Upholstered in a ric...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Swiss Original Vintage De Sede DS-11 Modular Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Renens, CH
De Sede five-piece modular sofa DS-11 in beautiful crème colored leather: The leather is a patchwork design made from soft, cream pigmented aniline leather, which typically gives a v...
Leather
Original as found Edward Wormley Dunbar Janus line sofa
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus sofa model 6329 introduced in 1957 . Decorator designer special . Before I invest in expensive restoration and upholstery that may not be desireable ...
Wood
Alberto Rosselli “Confidential” Modular Sofa for Saporiti, Black Leather, 1972
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Saporiti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Alberto Rosselli “Confidential” Modular Sofa for Saporiti, black leather, Italy, 1972, set of three. Alberto Rosselli designed this model for Saporiti in 1972. One of the first modu...
Leather
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
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 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