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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
Creator: Arthur Umanoff
1960s Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Bar Stools - set of 7
Located in Houston, TX
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard bar stools, c.1960s. We love the contrasting yet perfectly complementary materials on these: iron frames, walnut stained birched backs, and olive vel...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN RUSTIC BAR STOOL CHAIR, by ARTHUR UMANOFF, RAYMOR, USA 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing high bar chair with adjustable seat, Modernist, Free Form, Dansk, Scandinavian, black lacquered wrought iron structures, swivel seat on its axis in strips of folded wo...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Bar Counter Swiveling Stools by Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 Granada bar stools in all original finish and condition. Designed by Arthur Umanoff for The Scott Boyeur Collection in the early 1960s. In...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Architectural Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Stool c 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated architectural mid century stool deigned by Arthur Umanoff, for Washington Woodcrafts, circa 1960's. This example is in very good, clean original, ready to use condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Slat Stools - a Pair
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Arthur Umanoff's vintage bar stools feature a wooden slat design supported by a sturdy steel rod frame.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modern Bar & Counter Stools w Raffia & Maple & Iron - Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 iron framed bar stools with raffia wrapped backs and maple slatted seats. They swivel also! In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, plastic glides on all...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Bar Stools Set of Four
Located in Highland, IN
This clean set of four Umanoff bar stools feature seats and backs of wood slats with swivel function supported by iron bases. 42"h X 17"w X 17"d seat: 30"
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Bar Height Wood Slat Stools by Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Unusual set off bar height stools designed by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950's. The stools feature slatted backs and seats with solid wrought iron frames, on dowel form legs with exposed...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Enameled Iron Stools by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver-Howard Inc.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage enameled iron stools designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver-Howard Inc., in the USA, circa 1960s. These handcrafted pieces, also known as model F-34, are a testament t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Pair of Arthur Umanoff Bar Stools
Located in Stamford, CT
The swinging 1960s! Two 1960s wrought iron stools by Arthur Umanoff, Rye and Gin with orange vinyl seats. Seat height is 29.5 inches.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Bar Height Swivel Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We have 2 of these rare rotating, counter height stools by Arthur Umanoff. These stools are thoughtfully crafted with a steel frame, birch seat, and jute wrapped around the seat back...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cut Steel

Arthur Umanoff "Granada Group" Bench by Shaver Howard
Located in Highland, IN
Part of Umanoff's "Granada Group" for Shaver Howard, this rare "Princess Bench" features the signature scroll work at the top of the campaign stool form. With it's great graphic qual...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Rare Set of Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Iron Bar Stools
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare and strikingly modern set of bar stools designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, c.1975 Mid-century modern icon and master of iron, American designer Arthur Umanoff brin...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of 4 Arthur Umanoff Rush Seat Wire Bases Bar Stools circa 1970s Near Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Arthur Umanoff rush seat wire bases bar stools circa 1970s near mint!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Arthur Umanoff, Set Of Stools, Enameled Iron, Leather, Shaver Howard, USA, 1968
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 3 enameled iron and leather stools designed by Arthur Umanoff and produced by Shaver Howard, USA, 1968.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage bar stools by Arthur Umanoff. Wood slat design over a solid steel rod frame. 30" seat height. Sold as a pair.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of 3 Umanoff Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage set of bar stools by Umanoff combine painted wrought iron frames with upholstered seats. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Mid Century Iron Bench with Nesting Stools
Located in Countryside, IL
Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Mid Century Iron bench with Nesting Stools This bench measures: 60 wide x 15 deep x 16 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Mid Century Iron and Wood Barstools, Set of 4
Located in Countryside, IL
Arthur Umanoff for Raymor mid century iron and wood barstools - set of 4 This chair measure: 18 wide x 17 deep x 39 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 28 inches ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

American Mid Century Atomic Age Iron & Wicker Barstool by Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Atomic age single barstool designed by Arthur Umanoff original fabric and condition swivel great lines.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Stool
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely little stool by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft has sculptural spindles that create visual movement as your perspective on the stool c...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Slat Bar Stools in the Style of Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
A cool pair of mid-century slat bar stools in the style of Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950s. The stools have a great look and are in well worn condition with a nice patina on the wood as ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools, Reupholstered
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful pair of reupholstered Arthur Umanoff wrought iron stools. These stools have been reupholstered using Crypton finished off-...
Category

1860s American Antique Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

1950s Arthur Umanoff Wicker & Steel Rod High Chair, USA
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare all wicker (back & seat) high chair from Arthur Umanoff. Well designed ergonomically and very comfortable. Solid, sturdy construction made of thick enameled steel rod lace...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pair of Arthur Umanoff Swivel Slat Stools for Raymor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Arthur Umanoff tall swivel bar stools designed for Raymor in the 1960s. These iconic stools feature an iron base with bentwood slatted s...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid Century Modern Iron with Maple and Raffia Bar Stools Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Set of Two bar stools with maple slatted seats, raffia backs on a hand welded iron frame, painted black. Seats swivel for comfort. Priced individually at 450 ea. Original plastic fee...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Rush Bar Stools by Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage bar stools by Arthur Umanoff. Wood slat seat and rush backrest over a solid steel rod frame. 28.5" seat height. Sold as a pair.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Wicker & Wood Slat Bar Stools for Raymor - Restored
Located in St. Louis, MO
Arthur Umanoff midcentury bar stools, for Raymor priced per stool, total of 6 available, wood slat seats, iron frames with wicker ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Spindle Stools, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
A set of spindle stools by Arthur Umanoff in walnut, upholstered in wool. Priced by the pair. Two pairs available.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Mid Century Iron Bar Stools
Located in Countryside, IL
Pair of Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Mid Century iron bar stools - 3 combinations available Each barstool measures: 19 wide x 22...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Mayan Sun Bar Stools
Located in Stamford, CT
A set of four mid-century Mayan sun face back iron bar stools by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. Two seats are red and white vinyl. Two seats are yellow an...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Umanoff Stool
Located in New York, NY
Rare cow horn back, swivel stool, on wrought iron base, designed by Arthur Umanoff. This is a hard to find form, with the sculpted wood backrest, cord seat, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Arthur Umanoff Set of 4 Rattan Wrought Iron Bar Stools with Matching Bar
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff wrought iron and rattan bar and bar stools.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Midcentury Chrome and Smoked Bronze Gauffraged Velvet Stool by Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of stool was realized by the esteemed American designer Arthur Umanoff in the United States, circa 1960. It features circular polished chrome frames with six verti...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful pair of Arthur Umanoff stacking stools from the 1964 Grenada Collection for Boyuer Scott, Shaver Howard collections. This pair is in wonderful vintage condition with a love...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Vintage Arthur Umanoff Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern slat stools with rush backs. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).   
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Hoop Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Refinished pair of Mid-Century Modern stools by Arthur Umanoff. Features hoop back with rattan, metal frame has been given a bare metal look. (Please co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Danish Modern Arthur Umanoff Three-Piece Bar and Pair of Stools
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a 3-piece slat wood dry bar set designed by Arthur Umanoff. Includes two slat stools and a dry bar. The bar has a Formica top with rear shelving and wrought iron legs and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Three Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Walnut Spindle Base, Leather Seats, Excellent
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 3 stools designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1950s. Expertly refinished and reupholstered with new off white / ivory leather tops. Together they also make a nice substitute for a benc...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Umanoff Slatted Wood and Iron Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stools designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, in good original condition. Both show some cosmetic wear to finish, normal and consistent with age, measures seat H 28 inches.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Slat Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two vintage-modern stools featuring iron bases and slat wood seat and back, designed by Arthur Umanoff. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

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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