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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
Place of Origin: Swiss
Bruno Rey Beech and Chrome Counter Bar Stools, Dietiker Switzerland, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Bruno Rey Beech and Chrome Counter Bar Stools, Dietiker Switzerland Offered for sale are 2 Bruno Rey designed beech wood and chrome bar stools ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Swiss Modern Patchwork Leather Storage Ottomans/ Stools by De Sede, 1960
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Finely Crafted Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans / Poufs / Stools / Benches by De Sede, Switzerland circa 1960. This matched pair is round / circular and features De Sede's i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Felt

Jean Prouvé Tabouret Solvay Stools in American Walnut
Located in Glendale, CA
Jean Prouvé Tabouret Solvay stool in American walnut. Tabouret Solvay bears the unmistakable signature of Jean Prouvé, reflecting an aesthetic based on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Wicker Stool by Gian franco Legler
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wicker stool attributed to Swiss designer Gian Franco Legler, manufactured during the 1950s. Made from cane with black lacquered metal frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Max Bill's Ulm Stool / Authentic Mid-Century Swiss Design
Located in Zürich, CH
Ulm stool was designed by the Swiss architect and artist Max Bill in collaboration with Hans Gugelot in 1954. It is one of the most iconic pieces of mid-cent...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Spruce

Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe Stool in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe, stool, ash, Switzerland, production 1945/1960 This stool of Swiss origin is a design by Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe and was in production from 1945 until...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe Stools in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe, stools, ash, Switzerland, production 1945/1960 This stool of Swiss origin is a design by Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe and was in production from 1945 unti...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe Stools in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe, stools, ash, Switzerland, production 1945/1960 This stool of Swiss origin is a design by Jacob Müller for Wohnhilfe and was in production from 1945 unti...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Historical Swiss German Art Deco Modern Production Swivel Stool Patinated Oak
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Historical Mid-Century Modern Swiss German Industrial swivel stool by Albert Stoll II for Giroflex Stoll, Switzerland. Ergonomic round dimpled oak seat si...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Steel

Vintage Bentwood Barstool in Manner of Alvar Aalto / Ikea, Set of 4
Located in Untersiggenthal, AG
These stools are made out of bended beech wood and are characteristic of the style of Alvar Aalto. The stools are in good condition but may show some signs of use consistent to there...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

De Sede Grande Pouf in Patinated Cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede Grande Pouf in patinated cognac leather, Switzerland, 1970s This robust patinated De Sede grande pouf ensures ultimate comfort and building quality with its solid wooden ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

De Sede Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s This De Sede pouf is made of buffalo leather and was produced in Switzerland in the 1970s. Its sturd...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

De Sede Grande Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede grande pouf in bufalo leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This robust De Sede grande pouf ensures ultimate comfort and building quality with its solid wooden frame and thick hand...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

1960s De Sede Leather Turtle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare turtle shaped ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede. Circa 1960s. Very heavy and well made. This fun and unique turtle shaped ottoman can be used as a sit...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Set of 10 Stools, Switzerland 1960's
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
10 stools in wood, seat in larch log and feet in tree branch with its natural bark. Interesting work of manufacturing of vegetable inspiration.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Modernist Organic Vintage Brown Patchwork Leather Cubus Stool DeSede 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist organic vintage leather stool or ottoman cubus like from stitched patchwork leather in cognac brown color tone by deSede 1970s Switzerland. Throughout the different brown c...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Swiss Wooden Quadripod Stool, Switzerland ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Form and function collide in this Swiss stool, a piece of furniture that is often underestimated. Designers define stools as jewels and statements in a space, and taking practicality...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Adjustable Swiss Stool in Leather Metal and Wood, 1940s/50s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern adjustable Swiss stool in leather metal and wood, 1940s/50s. New upholstery in old neck leather. Measures: Adjustable from 56cm to 72cm. Seat diameter 39.5cm...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Related Items
De Sede Dark Red Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic red leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina or varying hues of reds. Gorgeous ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

4 Vintage Bruno Rey Dining Chairs in Light Wood by Dietiker
Located in Rümmingen, BW
A set of 4. Original Bruno Rey chairs. Made by Dietiker in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland. These Swiss design classics have been a staple of Swiss interiors since 1971. Its minimal, r...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Beech

Bruno Rey Dietiker Vintage Chair Post-Modern Beechwood Switzerland
Located in Alsdorf, NW
Beautiful vintage stacking chairs by Bruno Rey for Dietiker. The chairs are in a nice and warm beechwood. Probably from the 1980s, made in Swi...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Wicker Peanut stool Ikea 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Den Haag, NL
Love this Wicker Peanut stool . Made for Ikea in the 1980s Very rare bench . Metal u shaped folding legs . Comes with a organic Wicker top . With the shape of a Peanut . Great l...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker

Wicker Peanut stool Ikea 1980s
Wicker Peanut stool Ikea 1980s
H 15.75 in W 43.71 in D 14.97 in
Midcentury Jean Prouvé Stools
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Atelier Jean Prouvé designed for the Lycée Fabert, Metz. France, 1930s. Lacquered metal base and turned plywood seat. All have markings on the underside. These wonderful stools also ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Postmodern 1970s Set of 6 Chairs by Bruno Rey for Dietiker, 1970s
Located in Basel, BS
Iconic and comfortable very UNIQUE model 1970s Swiss Designer chairs. Suitable for side chairs, accent chairs, dining chairs, etc. Original 1970s labels present. Solid beechwood-- Or...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Oak

Jean Prouvé French Painted Wood and Iron Stool, France, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
A Jean Prouvé painted four-legged wooden stool with wrought iron adjustable corkscrew mechanism in the center. Industrial in form and practicality, while remaining chic in design, ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Dietiker Rey Counter Stool with Back, Mid-Century Modern, by Bruno Rey, 1971
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Referred to as "the most successful piece of Swiss Furniture of all time" by the Swiss Museum of Design in Zurich, the Rey chair is a Swiss design icon since 1971. This is the count...
Category

2010s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Bar Stools After Jean Prouve
Located in South Charleston, WV
5 circular backless bar stools. 29.5" tall and settling to about 29" when seated, 19" wide (at the foot ring, which is set 13" from he floor) . Produced to an industrial and commerci...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Senufo Tabouret in Burned Walnut by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Senufo Tabouret in burned walnut by Arno Declercq Dimensions: W 34 x D 34 x H 45 cm Materials: burned and waxed African walnut and oak Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art de...
Category

2010s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Jean Prouvé Tabouret Solvay / Bois Stool in Solid Natural Oak by Vitra
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Tabouret Bois (Solvay) is designed by Jean Prouvé and manufactured by Vitra. The design of the Tabouret Bois clearly bears the signature of Jean Prouvé. The shape is based on the...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Charlotte Perriand LC9 Tabouret Stool for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen material. Stool designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1927. Relaunched by Cassina in 1973/2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Designed by Charlott...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items
Bruno Rey Beech and Chrome Counter Bar Stools by Dietiker Switzerland Set of 4
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Order for 4 Counter Bar Stools Bruno Rey Beech and Chrome Counter Bar Stools with Backs by Dietiker Switzerland Offered for sale are 4 Bruno Rey designed beech wood and chro...
Category

2010s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Special Listing For Adrienne - One Custom Swiss Stool In Tan Shearling
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tripod stools or side tables, solid oak, fabric, Switzerland, 1960s-1970s. Beautiful crafted oak stools originating from the exhibition centre in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The seats ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Bruno Rey bar stools for Kush & Co, set of 5
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage beech wooden bar stools designed by Swiss designer Bruno Rey for Kush & co Timeless design. Very good condition with their original 1980s fabric. 1980s - Switzerland Dime...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Bruno Rey bar stools for Kush & Co, set of 5
Bruno Rey bar stools for Kush & Co, set of 5
H 39.38 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Michel Péclard, Set of 3 Plywood Stacking Stools for Horgen-Glarus, Swiss 1960s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
A set of rare stacking stools designed by Michel Péclard in 1960 and manufactured by Horgen Glarus in Switzerland. A friend of the sculptors Jean Tinguel...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plywood

Pair Geometric Pleated Mid-Century Modern Beige Suede Poufs Ottomans or Stools
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair Geometric pleated Mid-Century Modern Beige Suede poufs ottomans or stools. Soft Suede Pleated stools. Great light tan Beige in color. Circa 1970s In...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Suede

Bruno Rey Stool, Dietiker Switzerland, 1970s
Located in Bruxelles, BE
stool by Bruno Rey for Dietiker, made in Switzerland. The stools are solid, robust and comfortable possibility of stacking The version offered here is in stained wood in a deep olive...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Swiss Tripod Stools in Solid Oak Upholstered in Shearling
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tripod stools or side tables, solid oak, fabric, Switzerland, 1960s-1970s. Beautiful crafted oak stools originating from the exhibition center in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The seats ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Fabric

De Sede DS 47 Cognac Leather Ottoman, Stool, Swiss Design, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
De Sede DS 47 cognac leather ottoman, stool, Swiss design, 1970's. Cognac leather ottoman by Swiss manufacturer De Sede. The DS models are tr...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Bruno Rey Brown Leather and Beech Bar Stools for Stendig, 1970s, Set of Three
Located in Miami, FL
Rare set of three Bruno Rey bar stools with brown distressed leather seats on beech wood frames and tubular chrome foot rests. These chairs were ma...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

20th Century De Sede Blue Patchwork Leather Pouf and Chest 1970
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
De Sede blue Patchwork Leather Pouf and chest designed and manufactured by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970.
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

20th Century De Sede Blue Patchwork Leather Pouf and Chest 1970
20th Century De Sede Blue Patchwork Leather Pouf and Chest 1970
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H 13.78 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
20th Century Pouf Patchwork De De Sede, 1970
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Set of 2 brown patchwork leather poufs by De Sede, 1970 Beautiful patina.
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Pierre Jeanneret, Pair of Stacking Stools/Coffee Tables, 1960's
Located in London, GB
1960's pair of stacking stools/coffee tables attributed to Pierre Jeanneret Inspired by Pierre Jeanneret's modernist designs, these stacking stools are a minimalist piece, making i...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

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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