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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: Harry Bertoia
1980s Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Bar Stools With Original Cushion
Located in Boston, MA
Pair of authentic Bertoia bar stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, circa 1988. Black powder coated frame with original tan colored seat pad that snaps securely to the fra...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia - 3x Wire Barstool Chair, Stool - 1952 for Knoll International
Located in Munster, NRW
Set of 3x Bertoia Bar Stools - Designed by Harry Bertoia, 1952 for Knoll International. The Bertoia Barstool is part of Harry Bertoia’s iconic 1952 w...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Vintage Knoll Bertoia Counter Height Stool, Model 426C
Located in West Reading, PA
This is a single Bertoia Counter Stool, model 426C, designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. This particular stool was manufactured by Knoll in the...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Chrome Bar Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century classic and iconic Bertoia for Knoll stools in a high chrome finish. Architectural design, clean original condition, ready to use. Very solid and sturdy showing no loss t...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Barstool in Chrome & Black Leatherette
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Deisgned in the early 1950s by genius up-and-coming designer Harry Bertoia, this chair stands today as part of an entire line produced by Knoll. Accompanied by Bertoia's Diamond chai...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Barstool in Chrome & Black Leatherette
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Deisgned in the early 1950s by genius up-and-coming designer Harry Bertoia, this chair stands today as part of an entire line produced by Knoll. Accompanied by Bertoia's Diamond chai...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 6 Harry Bertoia Bar Stools for Knoll
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Set of 6 bar stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. A beautiful and classic design by one of the most notable Mid Century designer and artist. Each one retains its original white powder ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Bar Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of bar stools designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, USA. Fully upholstered version in orange leather and polished chrome steel bases. Signed.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

American Midcentury Black White Metal High Stools by Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century Black and white metal High stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s Set of 4 high bar stools with seat and back made of a white ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Brown Leather and Chrome Bench
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a two section chocolate brown leather upholstered seat resting on a square chrome tube frame. (HARRY BERTOIA FOR KNOLL ASSOCIATES).  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Mid-Century Modern Knoll Bertoia Wire Bar Counter Stool
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Single Knoll bar stool by Harry Bertoia. Seat pad labeled with tag and printed into the fabric Knoll. Has some loss to vinyl coating, pictured. Very ti...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Bertoia for Knoll Stool
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bertoia design counter stool manufactured by Knoll International, circa 1950s-1960s. This example is in very good original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early Fiberglass shell and Metal Bertoia Bar Stools, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early fiberglass shell and metal Bertoia bar stools, Harry Bertoia for Knoll, structurally sound, wear to original black molded fiberglass tops, retain original early KNOLL labels.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions
Located in Saint Louis, MO
How would you like to show these? Hollywood Regency Palm Springs Parker Hotel? Mid Century Modern Minimalist? Perhaps interchange both. This pair of bar stools came about in 1950 when Italian Sculptor and Furniture Designer Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods to create practical art. Bertoia's bar stool has a filigree appearance that contradicts its strength and durability. In his own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.” Made of bent metal frames finished in chrome with bends and curves to support all of yours, these sexy mid century modern bar stools are comfortable. Photographed along with custom made cushions inspired by Norma's Restaurant at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Custom Cushions add comfort and a cozy experience while traditional Knoll yellow...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Green Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods retaining the original woven green wool upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

1960s Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A barstool with a black fiberglass shell on splayed, painted legs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Red Barstool by Harry Bertoia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods, retaining the original red upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, manufac...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Wire Bar Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s
Located in Lasne, BE
Black metal stool. Seat height 77cm. Wear due to time and age of the stool.
Category

1970s Central American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Vintage Harry Bertoia Bar stools , 1980s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage metal wire bar stools designed by Harry Bertoia in the 1950s. The stools have a white lacquered metal frame and black fabric covers. They can also be used without the fabric...
Category

1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

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Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Side Chairs Tan Leather Mid Century Modern
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Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
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Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
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Harry Bertoia for Knoll Large Diamond Chair
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KEM Weber Counter Height Chrome Stool
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Mid Century Modern Set of 4 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs
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Bird Chair + Ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
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c. 1960s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Wire frame, good for indoor or outdoor use.
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Cherner Under Counter Stool, Bar Height
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Set of 6 Harry Bertoia Bar Stools for Knoll
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Set of 6 bar stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. A beautiful and classic design by one of the most notable Mid Century designer and artist. Each one retains its original white powder ...
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Amuneal’s Leather Stool (Counter Height)
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Mid-Century Modern Knoll Bertoia Wire Bar Counter Stool
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Single Knoll bar stool by Harry Bertoia. Seat pad labeled with tag and printed into the fabric Knoll. Has some loss to vinyl coating, pictured. Very ti...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items
Set 4 Knoll Bertoia bar stools in black frame upholstered black boucle, New
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Knoll Bertoia bar height stools in black frame with black "onyx" Knoll boucle upholstery. New, never used. The Bertoia collection remains ...
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Steel

New Knoll Bertoia bar stools in black frame with upholstered black boucle, pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 2 Knoll Bertoia bar height stools in black frame with black "onyx" Knoll boucle upholstery. New, never used. The Bertoia collection remains ...
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Steel

Set of Five
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Harry Bertoia Counter Stool for Knoll White Powder Coated Steel with White Leather Cushions seats and backs. This set of five counter stoo...
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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 Set of Five
 Set of Five
H 41 in W 20.5 in D 17.5 in
Harry Bertoia for Knoll, White Counter Stool Pair, Indoor-Outdoor, Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for a pair (2) of Harry Bertoia for Knoll White Counter Stools. Featuring delicate filigreed construction that's supremely stron...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Enamel, Steel

Vintage Bertoia Bar Stool for Knoll, Manufactured by De Coene Belgium
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Vintage Bertoia bar stool for Knoll, early edition, manufactured by De Coene Belgium. De Coene was licence holder for the manufacturing of Knoll furni...
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Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Chrome

Midcentury Chrome Counter Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century classic and iconic Bertoia for Knoll stools in a high chrome finish. Architectural design, clean original condition, ready to use. Very solid and sturdy showing no loss t...
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Black Lacquered Slat Bench
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a black lacquered slat wood seat resting on two Y-shaped black iron legs. (HARRY BERTOIA FOR KNOLL ASSOCIATES).  
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Metal, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Black Wire Bar Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic design by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. It features a black powder coat frame with blue suede seat cushion. Manufacturer stamp on frame.
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1990s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Satin Chrome Bar Stool from the 1990's. In good shape, little wear on foot rest area in front as seen in photo.
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1990s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Chrome

Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stool
Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stool
H 39 in W 21 in D 22.5 in
A pair of Harry Bertoia Bar stools for Knoll, set of 2 with black pads
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Harry Bertoia Bar stools 428-C for Knoll with black seat pads. Chrome-plated steel 29" seat height Knoll manufacturers paper label t...
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Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

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Steel, Chrome

Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modern contemporary Harry Bertoia (Italian/American 1915-1978) for Knoll chrome metal bar stool chairs with lattice seats and backs and original Knoll cushions...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Bertoia Barstools for Knoll 428C
Located in San Antonio, TX
Set of 4 Harry Bertoia Barstools for Knoll in satin chrome. The seat and base are welded steel rods and seat pads snap directly onto the frame. The Be...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

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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