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.
French Tripod Stool by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minnet, Oak, 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A beautifully sculptural French tripod stool attributed to Audoux-Minet, dating from the 1950s. The three broad oak slats form a simple yet remarkably graphic structure, supporting a...
Oak
Sculptural Bar Stools, Counter Stool in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Bar or Counter Stool in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Available seat height is 26" - 30". Made in the USA. Price is for ...
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
$1,400 / set
Postmodern Brass 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools
By Kinetics
Located in Toronto, ON
Very cool postmodern brass stools made in the 1970s by Kinetics. Referred to as 'k700' stool, the tubular stool was originally designed by Philip Salmon ans Hugh Hamilton. This midce...
Chrome
Set of 3 Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-22-A Teak and Iron Stools, Authentic Chandigarh
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A set of three Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-22-A stools, designed for Chandigarh and dating to circa 1965–66. The stools feature thick, round slightly concave seats carved from solid teak,...
Iron
Argentine Designer, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Argentina, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green mohair stool likely designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Slight warping to shape and angle of seat. Reupholstered. Overa...
Wood, Mohair
Italian Designer, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green mohair and wood stool likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Age-appropriate patina to wood. R...
Wood, Mohair
$4,800 / set
Null, Stools, Pine, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of carved stained pine and red fabric stools or ottomans produced by Null Manufacturing, Maiden, North Carolina, USA, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear c...
Fabric, Pine
Dutch Mid-Century Charlotte Perriand Style Black Stool with Woven Rope Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black stained wood stool in the style of Charlotte Perriand, featuring four legs with square block corner caps and base with a stretcher. The seat is woven natural rope in a grid bas...
Rope, Wood
Mid-Century Pierre Chapo Style Tripod Milking Stool
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid wood milking or foot stool with four splayed, square-section legs and a thick rectangular seat with softly rounded corners. The deep brown wood shows strong grain across the se...
Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Mohair, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and beige brown mohair stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 23.0"W x 10.3"...
Mohair, Pine
Sculptural Bar Stools, Counter Stool in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Bar or Counter Stool in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Available seat height is 26" - 30". Made in the USA. Price is for ...
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
$1,100 / set
Chrome 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools
By Kinetics
Located in Toronto, ON
Very cool chrome stools made in the 1970s by Kinetics. Referred to as 'k700' stool, the tubular stool was originally designed by Philip Salmon ans Hugh Hamilton. This midcentury mode...
Chrome
George Nakashima Style Saddle Stools with Trestle Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark wood saddle stools influenced by the work of George Nakashima, each featuring a gently curved seat formed to a saddle-like profile. The wood displays natural variation throughou...
Wood
Dutch Mid-Century Charlotte Perriand Style Red Stool with Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Red-stained wood stool with a woven rush seat, produced in the Netherlands in the Mid-Century period. The square frame is built from wood, painted a deep red, with four legs braced ...
Rope, Wood
Charlotte Perriand Style Rattan Bar Stool by Dirk van Sliedregt
By Rohe Noordwolde, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven rattan bar stool produced by Rohe Noordwolde and designed by Dirk van Sliedregt in a style closely associated with Charlotte Perriand's iconic rattan seating. The seat and back...
Metal
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige brown mohair and wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.5"H x 22.3"W x 14.5"...
Wood, Mohair
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
Signed Cleo Baldon Terra Wrought Iron Bar Counter X Stools Mid Century Modern
By Terra, Cleo Baldon
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of rare Campaign style / X-Bar or Counter Stools (model number XBS-35) by Southern California architect/designer Cleo Baldon/Terra Furniture. Designed in 1964, constructed of wr...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Model GS60 Stool, Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s
By Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model GS60 stool, design Peder Kristensen, manufactured by Glyngøre Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Teak frame, seat made of woven papercord. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patin...
Papercord, Teak
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
1960s Belgian Fritz Hansen Style Stacking Stools by Tubax, Pair
By Tubax, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century stacking task stools manufactured by the Belgian post-war furniture maker Tubax in the 1960s. Each stool features a circular wood seat in a warm amber tone set at...
Metal, Enamel
Dirk van Sliedregt Rattan Bar Stools in Charlotte Perriand Style
By Dirk Van Sliedregt, Charlotte Perriand, Rohe Noordwolde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven rattan bucket-style bar stools designed by Dirk van Sliedregt for Rohe Noordwolde, produced in the Netherlands in a design influenced by Charlotte Perriand's iconic wicker seat...
Metal
Vintage Eames for Herman Miller ' Applecore ' Time Life Stool
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Vintage Eames for Herman Miller ' Applecore ' Time Life Stool
Walnut
Pair of 1950s French Stools in the Style of Charlotte Perriand Wood Woven Straw
By Charlotte Perriand, Steph Simon
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of 1950s French Stools in the Style of Charlotte Perriand – Wood & Woven Straw Seats Description: This pair of French stools from the 1950s is crafted in the unmistakable rusti...
Wood, Straw
Pair of Benches 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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Stool in Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, folding stool or ottoman, leather, steel, Italy, 1985. This stool is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia ...
Steel
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
Mid Century Triangle Stool, Green and White Art Deco Jacquard, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful jacquard upholstery in white and green color. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downw...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Spanish Rattan Stools or Small Benches with Woven Cane Seats
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching handcrafted bamboo and woven wicker cane stools / side tables These stunning Mid-Century Modernist bamboo and woven rattan / wicker rectangular stools or small benches we...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
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
Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Italian Brass Bar Stools/Chairs
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pcs. vintage Italian bar stools. The base is made of brass and steel with brown natural leather upholstery. Leather is in very good condition, no cracks or other defects. Fl...
Metal, Brass
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
pair of Stools BELGIUM - 1970s
Located in Forest, BE
Christophe Gevers embodies a true architecture of detail. His work is defined by precise lines, balanced proportions, and a constant dialogue between aesthetics and function. Every e...
Metal
Argentine Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three dark-stained and hand-carved wood counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (in...
Wood
Handmade Taupe Boucle Mushroom Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern Style, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a taupe colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
Three Legs Beech Half-Moon Shapped Stool, France circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Three-legged cowherd’s stool made of turned beech, France, circa 1960 French cowherd’s stool made circa 1960 from solid beech stained brown. It features a thick, half-moon-shaped se...
Beech
Set of 2 Padova Counter Height Stools by Hank Loewenstein, Italy, c. 1970s
By Hank Loewenstein, Roy McMakin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 2 "Post-Modern" Padova Counter Height Stools by Hank Loewenstein, Italy, c. 1970s ( in the style of Roy McMakin ) Yellow Lacquer Beech Frames with Original Rush Seats and Cu...
Rush, Beech, Lacquer
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 ...
Mohair, Wood
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
Set of Three Bruno Rey for Dietiker Light Birch Bar Stools with Chrome Footrests
Set of 3 beech bar stools designed by Bruno Rey for Dietiker. Small backrests and round, chrome footrests. Historically, created from the most successful Swiss chair ever produced, 'the 3300 chair...
Chrome
Set of 4 'Razorblade' Bar Stools in Solid Oak and Rush 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 4 Razorblade Bar Stools in Solid Oak and Rush 1960s This is a wonderful set of unusual mid century bar stools in solid oak and rush. They feature a very interesting design w...
Rush, Oak
Mid Century Triangle Stool, Green and White Art Deco Jacquard, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful jacquard upholstery in white and green color. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downw...
Velvet, Wood
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Stool Pouf Attributed to Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful stool pouf or side table attributed to Tito Agnoli. This fantastic Stool was made in Italy during the 1960s. The workmanship of these stools is exceptional, th...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Saber Leg Benches or Stools for Widdicomb 1950's
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of sabre leg stools designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Model #2702 Widdicomb, USA circa 1950's Dark stained mahogany frames with graceful sabre ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Tony Paul Large Pair of Stools or Side Tables in Wicker and Wood, USA, 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of organic stools or side tables fully made in hand-woven wicker and beech wood. These stylish stools were designed by Tony Paul and produced in the US during the 50s. ...
Wicker, Rattan, Beech
Pair of Midcentury Leopard Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard high-quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this stools also in another option of fabric and wood. Please check the last pictures with color samples.
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Bench in Camel Boucle 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 designed by Vintola...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
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
Set of Two Mid Century Vintage Beige Melange Stools, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful beige high quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of t...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Set of Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Set of Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bar Stools by Daystrom Set 3
Located in Fulton, CA
A set of 3 Mid-Century Modern bar stools by Daystrom Furniture. Circa. 1970's. Polished chrome frames with well-padded seats for extra comfort. Footrest with wooden inserts add addit...
Chrome
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 Early Stool #60 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Sweden by Artek. During the war period Artek opened factories in neutral Sweden where supplies were still available...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer
Light Creme Boucle Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Stool was designed by Edmund Homa...
Bouclé, Beech
Börje Johanson Barstool in Red Velvet Upholstery
By Börje Johanson, Johanson Design
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Börje Johanson for Johanson Design, barstool as part of 'Johanson Jupiter Collection', metal, leatherette, Sweden, 1970s. Highly comfortable high barstool in red velvet upholstery. ...
Metal
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Fabric, Teak
Jordi Vilanova Desk and Stool Set in Wood, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of desk and stool designed by Jordi Vilanova, circa 1960. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: ...
Wood
Set of 3 Prototype Elephant Stools attributed to Sori Yanagi, 1950s
By Sori Yanagi
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Set of 3 Elephant Stools attributed to Sori Yanagi, 1950s Probably Prototypes. They are made of a plastic mixture and appear to be prototypes or molds.
Plastic
IKEA Frosta Stools Set of 3, Beech Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By IKEA
Located in Den Haag, NL
Frosta Beech Stools .by Ikea 1980s Good condition . not in the assortment anymore . stack able .
Beech
Mushroom Ottoman in Persimmon Red Boucle, Handmade Mid-Century Style Pouf, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a red-orange colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric