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Mid-Century Modern Stools

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color:  Beige
Jacques Tournus Pair of Black Metal & Brass Tripod Stools, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of stools in enameled cast aluminum and brass with upholstered tops.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Pair of Tubular Steel Stools, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stools with a bent tubing frame, enameled finish with upholstered top.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pair of Midcentury Style Circular Italian Bar-Stools Upholstered in Dedar Fabric
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Mid-Century Modern style circular Italian bar stools. The base has been made of brass and the seat has been upholstered in a satin cotton pattern fabric, model “Serpentino”, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Fiberglass Shell Swivel Bar Stool, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This pair of vintage midcentury fiberglass shell seat swivel bar stools feature a retro charm. The bucket seats are made of durable fiberglass, exuding classic elegance. The chrome s...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman Ottoman measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Italian Bamboo Sofa and Stool with French Bouclé Fabric Early 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful bamboo sofa and stool from the Mid-Century Modern French Riviera era are bursting with nostalgia. The soothing design and naturalistic materials will promote tranquill...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Bamboo

Pair Vintage BKF Hardoy for Knoll Cream Leather Butterfly Stool
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic butterfly ottoman in stunning cream leather, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy and produced by Knoll. An essential companion to the butterfly ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Restored Stick Rattan Bar Stools in the Manner of Albini, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored pair of stick rattan bar stools in the manner of Albini featuring a spiraling stick rattan seat with pole rattan legs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Vladimir Kagan Rare Unicorn Stool in Aluminum and Ivory Bouclé, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vladimir Kagan for Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. very rare Unicorn triangular stool with ivory bouclé upholstered cushion on cast and polished aluminum...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stools, Set of 4
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut stools - Set of 4 Each stool measures: 20 wide x 16 deep x 16.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches Al...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery

George Nelson Vanity Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic model 4672 vanity stool designed by George Nelson. Plush rectangular seat gracefully perched on a brushed aluminum base. Minimal design and compact size makes it an attractiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé

"Xanto, " Bronze Benches by Alexandre Logé
Located in New York, NY
"Xanto," bronze benches by Alexandre Logé. Studio-built base of hammered bronze with great details. Hand-applied gold patina. These studio made pieces a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bronze

Custom Upholstered Metal Vanity Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Metal bench with upholstered seat in your fabric or we can provide generic linen fabric. Perfect as vanity stool or entry hallway bench. We can size it to your needs. Different finis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Italian Vintage Brass Stool
Located in Austin, TX
Italian tripod solid brass stool in the style of Gio Ponti. It has been newly upholstered in a gray velvet blend.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Benches, Style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical benches / stools in the style of Jean Michel Frank. The pieces are in a classic curile form in gilt wrought iron with the seats...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Counter Chair with Celadon Velvet and Polished Brass Odisseia
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Odisseia counter chair embodies the aesthetic spirit of the space age, a new kind of discreet luxury and comfort inspired by a futuristic era created by new visual experiences and co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Contemporary Sculptural Bar Stool, Aged Brass Metal & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Waterfall Lucite Stool or Bench with Faux Cheetah Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This bench or stool features a thick Lucite design with a waterfall design newly upholstered in faux cheetah fabric. It rests on castors which would make it well suited as a vanity s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Animal Skin, Lucite

Russel Woodard Spun Fiber Glass Resin Set of 4 Outdoors Bar Stools
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern set of four Russel Woodard bar stools.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Counter Chair with Terracotta Soft Velvet and Brass footrest Odisseia
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Odisseia counter chair embodies the aesthetic spirit of the space age, a new kind of discreet luxury and comfort inspired by a futuristic era created by new visual experiences and co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Beige Mid Century Armchair with Foot Stool Made in the 1960s, Refurbished
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Armchair with foot stool, midcentury, Czechoslovakia Period: 1960-1969 Material: Oak Stool dimensions: Height 37cm (14.57 in) Width 52cm (20.47 in) Depth 52cm (20.47 in).
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Oak

Modern Black Lacquered Iron and Patterned Cotton 1970s Italian Stool
Located in Madrid, ES
Footstool with black lacquered iron structure and legs ending in brass sleeves. Upholstered in Pierre Frey Patterned cotton fabric. Italy, 1970s. Every item LA Studio offers is chec...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Iron

Charles Hollis Jones "Mathis" Swivel Bar Stools in Polished Brass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four "Mathis" bar stools with a swivel mechanism designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The bar stools are made of brass-plated steel and upholstered in the origina...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Brass Barstools by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and rare sate of four bar-stools designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The bars-stools are executed in brass and they have beautiful architectural lines, the sea...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Italian Gio Ponti Style Bar Stool
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of vintage Italian bar stools, in the style of Gio Ponti. Original Patent Leather Seat. Base are newly restored and refinished.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Swedish Designer, Organic Stool, Oak, Deep Beige Sheepskin, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained oak and sheepskin stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Pair of French 1930s Modern Neoclassical Stools by Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of rare painted wrought iron stools or benches with a cross-hatched iron work pattern on the seat by Jean Charles Moreux. Measurements provided without cushions. P...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Charles Hollis Jones "Empire" Style Pair of Benches in Nickel and Naugahyde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones. The benches were designed in the 1960s and they are just as influential today. Measuremen...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Set of 3 Maison Jansen Style Gilt Metal Stools with Black Leather Seat Pads
Located in London, GB
A set of 3 1970s Maison Jansen style gilt metal stools with black leather seat pads, each one has a back and foot rest.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Vintage Brass Stools Attributed to Paul McCobb with Hair on Hide
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of brass stools attributed to Paul McCobb and upholstered in Moore and Giles hair on hide. Please note that the brass legs are not perfectly strai...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial and organic steel wire stool by Warren Platner from the Platner Collection for Knoll, after 1966. Newly upholstered in a creamy, textural wool. In excellent condition. Cur...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Restored Single Stand Arched Rattan Bar Stool
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage 1950s single strand leg Rattan bar stool with padded seat. Custom cushions C.O.M. (Costumers Own Material) are included in the price. Simply supply the fabric and we have the...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Pair of Midcentury Italian Stools with Brass Armature and Upholstered Seats
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern brass stools with new linen upholstery. Each of this pair of vintage Italian stools features a rectangular linen-covered seat, resting on an Art Deco style brass armature. The clean lines of the base are delicately accented by urn shaped motifs marking the longer sides of the stretcher. The ensemble is raised on four straight legs. The linear Silhouette softened by the rounded shape of the urn motifs, combined with the golden hue of the brass, make this pair of 1950s Italian mid century stools...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Rare 1970s Off-White Plastic Children Desk with Stool, circa 1970
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Polyester

Set of Three Midcentury Tractor Seat Bar Stools, Restored
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fully restored set of three vintage Mid-Century Modern tractor seat bar stools on a tripod base with original glides. They have been sandblaste...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Pair of Brass with Steel Stools by the Weiman Co. Upholstered in letters textile
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of brass with steel upholstered stools by the Weiman Co. Upholstered in Gunnar Aagaard Andersen Maharam letters textile .
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Knoll Saarinen Stool, Yellow, White, Swivel, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Knoll Saarinen stool, yellow and white, swivel, signed. Late 1960's early 1970's pedestal stool with swivel collar. Base was likely re-painted. Some signs of wear to the finish on the edges the base. Great period "Pop Art" lemon yellow vinyl seat cushion. Remnants of a Knoll Park Avenue label on underside of the cushion. Stamped BR...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Pink Ombre Leather Ottomans on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Mid-Century Modern set of rolling ottomans. Featuring their original soft pink ombre leather upholstery outfitted on casters. The footstools are in very good condition and ha...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery

French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Bench in the style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Custom Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style gilt iron bench in the style of Maison Ramsay. The piece is unique in design and construction: a stunning 6-leg gilt iron ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Beige Midcentury Oak Stool, 1960s, Original Preserved Condition
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Midcentury beige stool, Original preserved condition. Period: 1960-1969 Material: Oak Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia).
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Oak

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical X-Frame Iron and Leather Stools Raymond Subes
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style X-frame benches in the style of Raymond Subes. These hand wrought iron stools / benches in the late French Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical taste have perfect form...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Matched Pair Hollywood Regency Designer Leather Stools Benches / Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched Pair of Hollywood Regency Designer leather Stools Benches. In the style of Parzinger. Very high quality. The seat alone is 18.75" ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Vintage Charles Hollis Jones Barstool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bar-stool designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970's, this design is a blend of his Metric collection and the Waterfall line, and as you can see the blend was executed ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Nickel

Nickel Silver X-Stool and Side Table Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This hand-hammered period stool and or small side table was once abut 10 years ago nickeled silver over the original brass. It has criss cross straps on this X-stool. This versatile side table and small...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Plastic Organic Stool in White, circa 1970
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Chrome & Brass X-Form Stool in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist X-form stool in the manner of Karl Springer was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It features brushed cylindrical chrome legs banded...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Brass and Lucite "Empire" Style Benches by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two sets available, one in polished brass and one in polished nickel. Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones. The benches were...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Carved Olive Wood & Goatskin Benches / Stools
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sensual pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern carved solid olive wood benches / stools with long hair goat skin seats. References: Gio Ponti, O...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Goatskin, Olive

Pair of X-Frame Benches in Solid Brass by Charles Hollis Jones, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently we have one pair in brass, one pair in black nickel and one pair in polished nickel). Stunning and minimalistic benches designed and m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Stool in Lacquered Metal and Fabric, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Stool in lacquered metal and fabric, circa 1950.
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Charles Hollis Jones Brass Benches, "Box" Line
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The benches are upholstered in white Naugahyde and they are in excellent original condition. ...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Platinum Velvet Upholstery & Wrapped Brass Base
Located in New York, NY
This striking Mid-Century Modern Ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1970. With its clean lines and luxurious materials, it embodies the qualities that collectors of the...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Charles Hollis Jones Barstools from the Metric Collection, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of four bar-stools designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970s, This design is a blend of his Metric collection and the waterfall line and the design was executed bea...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Two French Parchment Benches in the Style of Marc du Plantier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of midcentury style stools / benches with wrought iron frame and parchment seats exhibiting the influences of French Art Deco, modernism and a sober neoclassical spirit....
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Midcentury Ottoman or Stool with Creme Leatherette Straps and Seat
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s midcentury Ottoman or stool with original crème leatherette straps and cushion, refinished in dark brown espresso on walnut base with X-stretcher supports. Can be reupholstered...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Mid-Century Modernist Waterfall Lucite Stool with Faux Bronze Metallic Python
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid-Century Modernist clear lucite bench or vanity stool in a waterfall design with chrome banding on the base that support chrome castors. The top cushion has been newly uphols...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Chrome & Brass X-Form Stool in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist X-form stool in the manner of Karl Springer was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It features brushed cylindrical chrome legs banded...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid-century Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Charlotte Perriand, Lawson-Fenning, Knoll, and Cassina. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $132 and tops out at $133,498 while the average work can sell for $1,746.

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