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.
$880Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Signed Cleo Baldon Terra Wrought Iron Bar Counter X Stools Mid Century Modern
By Cleo Baldon, Terra
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
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
Pair of Chromed Steel 'Cube' Stools by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in London, GB
A pair of chromed tteel 'Cube' Stools by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen. Each formed from a continuous chromed steel wire frame with a loose upholstered cushion. The design was orig...
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Set of 2 Padova Counter Height Stools by Hank Loewenstein, Italy, c. 1970s
By Roy McMakin, Hank Loewenstein
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
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
Time Life Walnut Stool by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
A fine lathe-turned wood stool model C designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. Perfect condition, marked with label. Charles and Ray Eames, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, revo...
Walnut
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
$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
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Birch Stacking Stools by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 and manufactured by Artek, the Model 60 stool is built around the L-leg — a laminated birch leg bent into an L-shape that connects directly to the cir...
Birch, Bentwood
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
$960 / set
Set of Three Vintage Bentwood Bar Stools
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Bar Stools Set of Three
Bentwood
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
1/3 MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST tripod STOOL, by PIERRE FAUCHEUX, France 1950
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Faucheux
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 Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Set of Three Designs for Leisure Swivel Barstools
Metal
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
2/4 MID-CENTURY-MODERN STOOLS in RECONSTRUCTION Style, France 1950
By Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé, Marcel Gascoin
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
Italian Cognac Leather Cube Pouf or Side Table, Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1970s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Refined Italian cube-shaped pouf, ottoman or side table with wheels, entirely upholstered in soft cognac-colored Italian leather. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the ...
Metal
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
Pair of Wooden Stools by Pierre Gautier Delaye, France, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
A pair of vintage solid wood stools designed by Pierre Gautier Delaye, manufactured in France during the 1960s. The design features a distinctive molded seat composed of two distinct...
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
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
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 ...
Mohair, Wood
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
$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
$1,850 / set
Daystrom Chrome Bar Stools 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
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
Vintage Mid Century Umanoff Style Children's Swivel Stool
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a cute little children's swivel stool attributed to Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. It has been painted a vibrant blue for that certain pop of color. This robust little chair ...
Steel
Set of Four Rustic French Mid-Century Modern Counter Bar Stools in Solid Oak
Located in Den Haag, NL
Set of Four Rustic French Mid-Century Modern Counter Bar Stools in Solid Oak with Rush seats.
Rush, Oak
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Z-Frame Bar Stools in Gold & Natural Shearling - Pair
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
A sophisticated pair of 1970s "Space Age" bar stools featuring an iconic cantilever Z-frame. This architectural silhouette combines minimalist geometry with high-end glamour, making ...
Steel
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
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
Mid-Century Grass Green Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful fresh green color velvet upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this pair also in another color of fabric...
Velvet, Beech
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
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, Beech, Bouclé
Mid-Century Tall Modernist Phillipe Starck Inspired Dark Stained Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modernist extra tall bar stools with dark walnut stain. These stools have a short backrest and exaggerated legs with a footrest measuring 13.375” off the ground. In original conditio...
Wood
$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
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
Set of Two Faux Leather Brown Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful brown high quality faux leather. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic o...
Fabric
Italian BAR COUNTER STOOL vibrant deep blue 50s 60s Style Iron / Brass / Velvet
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian DEEP BLUE VELVET HQ UPHOLSTERED BAR / COUNTER STOOL DEEP BLUE VELVET 1950s / 1960s style Lacquered iron / Solid brass / Velvet / Upholstered
Brass, 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
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite Waterfall Vanity Bench Stool on Wheels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite Acrylic Waterfall Vanity Bench Stool on Wheels with Faux Ostrich Print Upholstery. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 19.5" W x 12...
Lucite
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
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
Set of 3 Paperclip Model 'K700' Bar Stools by Kinetics in Grey Enamel
By Kinetics, Hugh Hamilton & Philip Salmon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1960s by Canadians Hugh Hamilton and Philip Salmon, these chairs were produced by Kinetics, which was eventually acquired by Haworth, who continues to produce re...
Enamel, Steel
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern stools by Alvar Aalto, made in the 1940s-50s. The ingenious stacking design has made these stools a timeless favourite and one of Aalto’s most end...
Birch
$375 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Persimmon Boucle
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
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
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
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
Pair of 20th Century Light Blue Velvet Pattern Stools, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velvet blue upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic ...
Velvet, Beech
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
Jens Risom Inspired Accent Stool with Black and Red Webbing and Wooden Frame
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Jens Risom style stool with original red and black webbing. The seat frame has a slight curve to it, beautiful dovetail and peg construction, and the legs are tapered. In origi...
Wood
Japanese chestnut wood Stool Inspired by French Stereotomy Craftsmanship
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This stool is crafted from Japanese chestnut wood by a Japanese carpenter who studied French stereotomy (L’art du Trait), a geometric drafting tradition passed down among French maso...
Wood, Cherry