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.
Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Style Stackable Stools, Bent Laminated Birch
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stackable stools in the Alvar Aalto tradition demonstrate Finnish modernist principles through bent laminated birch construction. Four curved legs formed from continuous bentwood emp...
Birch
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find George Nelson for Herman Miller vanity bench, newly reupholstered in mohair fabric. This example is in very good, clean and ready to use condition, having been reupholst...
Mohair, Wood
Mid-century Bar Stools in Pine and Soft Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar stools, pine, fabric, Europe, 1960s This striking set of European bar stools from the 1960s is a beautiful example of robust, honest craftsmanship. Executed in solid pine, the s...
Fabric, Pine
French Designer, Stool, Metal, Fabric, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed pink fabric and black-lacquered metal stool designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Losses to black lacquer as illustrated. V...
Metal
Italian Mid Century Modern Sculptural Graphic Walnut & Taupe Mohair Bench
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern walnut and taupe bench was realized in Italian, circa 1950. It features a sculptural high gloss walnut base composed of two adjoining inverse arch "v ...
Velvet, Walnut
Vintage Charles Eames Time Life Stool Model C in Walnut for Herman Miller 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames
Located in Troy, MI
Original Time Life stool model C designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 1960's example Sculptural stool or side table in solid turned walnut Acquired from original own...
Walnut
$975 / item
Brutalist Bar Stools in Dark Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Barstools, stained beech, lacquered steel, Europe, 1970s Seventies Brutalist-inspired bar stools that exhibit a distinctive, sculptural approach with a brutalist touch to seating de...
Steel
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Stool, Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A oak and green fabric stool or ottoman produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to vintage fabric consistent with age and use. Minimal wear to wood frame. Overall Dim...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 3 Cleo Baldon “Terra” Bar Stools, 1970s Architectural Iron & Sheepskin
By Terra, Cleo Baldon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and architecturally refined set of three “Terra” bar stools designed and manufactured in the 1970s by Cleo Baldon. These stools exemplify Baldon’s signature balance of s...
Steel
Krogenæs Møbler, Stool, Pine, Velvet, Norway, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and green velvet stool or small bench designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1960s. Minimal signs of wear. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensions ...
Velvet, Pine
$550 / item
French Cafe Stools in Cane and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stools, beech, cane, France, 1950s A beautiful set of stools originally used for a French café around the fifties. The seats are covered with octagonal mesh cane webbing, a materia...
Cane, Beech
Italian Designer, Stools, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, bamboo and rattan stools likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.5" Height x 23.0" Diamet...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
French, Set Of 2 Twisted Grape-vine Roots Bar Stools 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair Grape-vine Roots Bar Stools . A pair of rustic art high stools made from branches of antique vine wood that is especially old, and thick, with dramatic expressive character an...
Walnut
Mid-Century Friso Kramer Adjustable Height Drafting Stool, Blonde Plywood
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Backless drafting stool designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel features blonde plywood seat mounted on enameled metal pedestal base. Height adjusts from 16 to 23 inches via or...
Metal, Enamel
Set of Three Mid Century Swivel Bar Stools by Tropi- Cal
By Tropi-cal
Located in New York, NY
Set of three mid century swivel bar stools, made by Tropi-Cal. The stools feature angular woven wicker back rests, vinyl upholstered seat, mounted on wrought iron legs. All are ion v...
Wrought Iron
Italian Stools or Side Tables in Solid Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stools, pine, sheepskin, Italy, 1960s Charming set of stools made in Italy during the 1960s. Constructed from solid pine wood, these pieces showcase simplicity and pure design, emph...
Sheepskin, Pine
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, bar stools, model '112', walnut, leatherette, Italy, 1959 These barstools, model 112, were first created for the Stork Club restaurant in Milan. Th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Wharton Esherick Three-Legged Stool in Cottonwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wharton Esherick, stool, cottonwood, hickory, United States, 1954 This beautiful three-legged stool is a striking example of American designer Wharton Esherick’s oeuvre. The resurge...
Hickory
$960 / set
Set of Three Vintage Bentwood Bar Stools
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Bar Stools Set of Three
Bentwood
George Nakashima for Widdicomb - Ottoman
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Stool or poof designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture Company in the late 1950s. Produced in the United States circa 1958. Dating from the period following the Widdicomb...
Leather, Mohair, Walnut
$775 / item
Sturdy Mid-century Bar Stools in Solid Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar stools, beech, metal, Europe, 1960s A set of sturdy bar stools made in Europe in the 1960s. Crafted from solid beech, these stools feature a sturdy construction and a timeless d...
Metal
Pair of Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stools, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour jacquard upholstery in leopard print. About the fabric: Wildlife is taking a place in your interiors through the Leopa...
Velvet, Wood
Red lacquered wood and rush stools, 1970s mid-century modern
Located in San Francisco, US
This charming French stool from the 1970s showcases the era’s dedication to functional beauty through its rich burgundy wood frame and hand-woven rush seat. The warm reddish-brown wo...
Rush, Wood, Lacquer
Bauche Chairs by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1960, Set of 6
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Set of six Bauche No.19 lounge chairs, designed by Charlotte Perriand and produced by Steph Simon in the 1950s. This model reflects Perriand's interest in natural materials and esse...
Rush, Ash
Italian Designer, Counter Stools, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cast brass and white fabric counter stools or barstools, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Reupholstered at some point in recent history. Minor imperfections on m...
Brass
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Stools in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, stools, pine, leather, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that sp...
Pine, Leather
Mid Century Burgundy Bar Stool Velvet Nouvelles Vagues by Dedar, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful, well crafted dark green upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, ...
Velvet
Italian Designer, Stools, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and beige fabric stools or ottomans designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Restored and reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.5"H x 23.5"W x 16.25"D S...
Fabric, Walnut
French Counter Chair in Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Counter chair, chrome-plated metal, velvet, France, 1970s. This counter or bar stool convinces the viewer's eye with the well-proportioned tubular frame combined with a vibrant red ...
Metal, Chrome
27-Inch Trina 3-Legged Stool in Cherry with Wedged Through-Dowels
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Trina is a classic stool for your kitchen counter. It's offered in oak or cherry and stands 27 inches high. Through-tenons are secured with wedges. The contoured seat offers comfo...
Hardwood, Cherry
Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Style Bar Stool, Slatted Beech, Black Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar stool in the Arthur Umanoff style combines slatted beech wood with a black enameled tubular metal frame and chrome footrest. The curved slatted back and seat employ 16 beech slat...
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
Pierre Chapo S31A Stool in Solid Elm, Chapo Creation, France, 2025
By Pierre Chapo, Chapo Creation
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking three-legged stool is the Model S31, designed by Pierre Chapo in 1974. It features a cross-legged base and a round seat, both crafted from solid elm wood. The stool can...
Elm
Italian BAR / COUNTER STOOL BURGUNDY RED 50s 60s Style Iron / Brass / Velvet
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian DEEP BLUE VELVET BAR / COUNTER STOOL DEEP BLUE 1950s / 1960s style Lacquered iron / Solid brass / Velvet / Upholstered
Brass, Iron
Sculptural Pair of Ash Wood Stools with Dedar Milano Bouclé Ivory by FORME
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A sculptural equilibrium of geometry, warmth and tactile refinement, this bespoke pair of stools reinterprets materiality with a soft, luminous nuance of natural wood and texture. T...
Hardwood, Ash
Set of Four Charlotte Perriand Style Wicker Counter Stools with Chrome Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, Charlotte Perriand style counter-height stools combine woven wicker with chrome tubular steel, made by Gebr. Jonkers during the 1960s. One of Dutch Mid-Century Mod...
Chrome
$2,750 / item
Pierre Chapo 'S01' Stools in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, stools, model 'S01A', solid elm, France, design 1962 This set of modernized farm stools have a robust and rustic character and showcases the characteristics of Pierre ...
Elm
2/4 MID-CENTURY-MODERN STOOLS in RECONSTRUCTION Style, France 1950
By Marcel Gascoin, Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé
Located in PARIS, FR
An interesting pair (from a set of 4 pieces) Modern stools, Mid-Century-Modern, Modernist, Constructivist, Free Form, architectural "Compas" wood structures with slightly round and b...
Wood
$375 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Orchid Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an orchid colored curly boucle fabric. Orchid is a muted purple color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
René Drouet Gilt Stool Resting on Tapered Legs, Spherical Feet, France, 1940's
By René Drouet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Attrib. To René Drouet, a part gilt and upholstered Stool resting on tapered legs with spherical feet, France, c 1940’s H: 17.5 D: 13.25 W: 21.5 in. Very heavy solid construction
Iron
Giuseppe Pagano Pair of Italian Oak and Woven Rope Stools, Italy, 1940s
By Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique pair of stools entirely crafted in solid oak and completed by beautifully hand-woven rope seats. These refined stools were designed by the mastery of Giuseppe Pa...
Rope, Wood, Oak
Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour jacquard upholstery in leopard print. About the fabric: Wildlife is taking a place in your interiors through the Leopa...
Velvet, Wood
American Mid Century Wrought Iron Oak Swivel Bar Stools by Cleo Baldon, 2 Avail
By Cleo Baldon
Located in San Diego, CA
Very rare swivel bar stool by female American architect, Cleo Baldon for Inca California circa 1970s. In excellent condition with minimal use. Original naugahyde, powder-coated frame...
Iron
27-Inch Trina 3-Legged Stool in Red Oak with Wedged Through-Dowels
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Trina is a classic stool for your kitchen counter. It's offered in oak or cherry and stands 27 inches high. Through-tenons are secured with wedges. The contoured seat offers comfo...
Hardwood, Oak
Riazór, Counter Stools, Metal, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three black-lacquered metal and off-white vinyl counter stools or bar stools produced by Riazór, São Paulo, Brazil, c. 1950s. Vintage upholstery ideally replaced. Overall ...
Metal
Guillerme et Chambron Set of Two Solid Oak Stools, France, 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare set of two stools by the iconic French designer duo Guillerme et Chambron, crafted in solid oak in the 1960s. These stools are a perfect example of the designers’ mastery of f...
Oak
Original Italian BAR / COUNTER STOOL 1950s Solid Brass rosé Velvet upholstered
Located in Landshut, BY
The stool is of Italian origin and was produced in the 1950s. It is composed of solid brass, velvet, and new upholstery. The new upholstery consists of high-quality foam and is co...
Brass
27-Inch Trina 3-Legged Stool in White Oak with Wedged Through-Dowels
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Trina is a classic stool for your kitchen counter. It's offered in oak or cherry and stands 27 inches high. Through-tenons are secured with wedges. The contoured seat offers comfo...
Hardwood, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Stool in Beech Wood and Yellow Chenille Seat, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching Scandinavian Style Beechwood Stool with Mustard Yellow Velvet Upholstery, 1950s New upholstery. This Mid-Century Modernist rectangular stool or small bench was handcrafte...
Wood, Beech, Fabric
$657 / set
Ikea Frosta Stools set of Three 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Den Haag, NL
Frosta Beech Stools .by Ikea 1980s Good condition . not in the assortment anymore . stack able .
Beech
$375 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Denim Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a denim blue colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
Mid Century Wool Ram Sheep Stool Sculpture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A beautiful mid century ram sheep sculpture, most likely of Scandinavian origin. These sheep sculptures are beloved for their whimsical wooly appearance. They make great conversatio...
Wool, Hide
1/3 MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST tripod STOOL, by PIERRE FAUCHEUX, France 1950
By Pierre Faucheux, Charlotte Perriand
Located in PARIS, FR
One singular and charming (of a set of 3, 2 other pieces being on sale as a pair in our other sales) single tripod stool, Mid-Century Modern, Modernist, Rustic Modern, Brutalist, sol...
Wood
Set of Two Blue Velvet 20th Century Triangle Stools, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour upholstery in blue color. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, charac...
Velvet, Wood
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four black-painted iron and blue velvet counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to metal. Wear consistent with age and u...
Iron
Brazilian Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet stools designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.876"H x 14.0"W x 14.5"D Seat Height (inches): 30.25" All upholste...
Velvet, Wood
Sculptural Ash Wood Stool with Dedar Milano Bouclé Ivory by FORME
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A sculptural ode to texture and proportion, this handcrafted stool embodies the perfect fusion of architectural rigor and sensual tactility. Its solid ashwood base — bold, geometric,...
Hardwood, Ash
Midcentury Violet Purple Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful red and orange high quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, character...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Green Pluff Italian Folding Stool Chair by G. Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1960
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning "Pluff" folding stool chair in chrome and green colored polyurethane seat. The super rare and iconic "Pluff" was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli and prod...
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-Century Roger Tallon Folding Oak Stool for Sentou
By Robert Sentou, Roger Tallon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roger Tallon designed this folding stool for French manufacturer Sentou during the height of Mid-Century innovation in multipurpose furniture. The piece employs an X-shaped leg confi...
Oak