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
Vintage Charles Eames Time Life Stool Model C in Walnut for Herman Miller 1960s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray 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
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
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
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
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
$960 / set
Set of Three Vintage Bentwood Bar Stools
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Bar Stools Set of Three
Bentwood
$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
Set of 3 Cleo Baldon “Terra” Bar Stools, 1970s Architectural Iron & Sheepskin
By Cleo Baldon, Terra
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
$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
$2,795 / set
Pair of Emerald Green Glazed Garden Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming pair of mid-century elephant garden stools or side tables, finished in a vibrant emerald green ceramic glaze. Rich in color and beautifully detailed, the sculpted forms ca...
Ceramic, Terracotta, Paint
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
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
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
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Stools in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$623Sale Price / item|35% Off
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
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
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
$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
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
Guillerme et Chambron Set of Two Solid Oak Stools, France, 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
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
$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
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
2/4 MID-CENTURY-MODERN STOOLS in RECONSTRUCTION Style, France 1950
By Jean Prouvé, Marcel Gascoin, Le Corbusier
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 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
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
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
Mini Heart Stool, Gray Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Small stool called "Heart" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat in beautiful velvet italian fabric. This stool can be customized to your specificatio...
Fabric, Jacquard, 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
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four black-painted iron and rattan counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and moderate use. Overall Dimensions (i...
Iron
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
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
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
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 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
$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
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
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
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Fabric, Teak
$658 / 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
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
Sculptural Pair of Ash Wood Stools with B.V. Waxed Dark Brown Leather by FORME
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A sculptural ode to texture and proportion, these handcrafted stools embodies the perfect fusion of architectural rigor and sensual tactility. Its solid ashwood base — bold, geometri...
Hardwood, Ash, Leather
George Nakashima for Widdicomb - Ottoman
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
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
Italian Contemporary Creamy White Fabric, Brass and Bamboo Style Wood Stool
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful stool upholstered with creamy white fabric, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood, with brass trimmings. The legs represent a false bamboo. It is an o...
Chenille, Wood