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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
Handmade Oak Barstools with 31" H, S/3
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Set of handmade oak barstools in oak with X shaped stretcher supports. No maker's marks, believed to be handmade. These would be great reuphol...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Mid Century Modern Bar Stools Black Leather & Chrome, Italy 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of four Mid-Century Modern bar stools in the Mid Century Modern Bauhaus Style of Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer and friends. Made in Italy in 1970 with light and attractive patina f...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Eero Saarinen Early Tulip Stool by Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
An amazing early example of Saarinen's 1957 "Tulip" design by Knoll, this stool has a white upholstered seat supported by the iconic and elegantly sculpted aluminum pedestal. We hav...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of postmodern chrome and metal bar stools, 1980s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Post modern bar stools consisting of a black metal and chrome frame with black fabric seats. The use of chrome and black metal gives it and extra touch creating a two tone colour sc...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Hand Woven Rope Rattan Stool or Side Table, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stool with Arms / Throne Stool, Rattan, Rope Hand-Braided rope and rattan rectangular stool or side table. Spain, 1960s. Rare find. On a rattan and bamboo...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Bamboo, Cane, Rope

French Vintage Curule Stool
Located in Austin, TX
Curule stool from France made with a hand-carved solid mahogany base and original tufted leather upholstery. The upholstery features the original brass nailhead trim as well. We love...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Erik Buch Rosewood Bar Stools by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Erik Buch Bar Stools Model OD-61, crafted by the renowned Danish furniture manufacturer Oddense Møbelfabrik, are a striking embodi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

French Wood and Rush Stool
Located in Long Island City, NY
French wood and rush stool. There are 4 available.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rush, Wood

E016 Embrace Footstool in Oak with Loke 7150 Black Leather & Black Edging Strip
By EOOS
Located in Burlington, NJ
Austrian trio, EOOS, designed the E016 Embrace Footstool. The footstool radiates a casual elegance with its solid wood frame and soft, upholstered surface. Part of the Embrace series...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

'Tractor' Stools in Silver Colored Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tractor stools, silver colored metal, Europe, 1970s. Great set of silver colored industrial stools. The bent chrome frame holds the structure of the seat, creating a fun, ergonomic...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Moder Time Life Stool by Charles & Ray Eames
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Early example of a Time Life stool by Charles and Ray Eames. Influenced by Rays background as a sculptor. Designed in the 1960s for the Time Life building. This is a very early examp...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

1970'S Wrought Iron Bar Stools Pair/Original Vinyl Seats
Located in Malibu, CA
Vintage retro tall iron barstools. The seats are removable, covered in the original vinyl. Beautiful construction. Refinished in matte black. Hand made in Los Angeles.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

stool in the Baguès style, Jansen, high quality brass base
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
stool in the Baguès style, Jansen, high quality brass base
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Brass

Solid Walnut Carved Seat Dowel Legs Bar Stool chair MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Walnut Carved Seat Dowel Legs Bar Stool chair MINT!
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Set of Three Vintage Steel Bar Stools
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very well made set of three vintage steel bar stools. They were made in England, they date from the 1950’s. The quality is supe...
Category

1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Tall Modernist Phillipe Starck inspired Dark Stained Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extra tall modernist bar stool with dark walnut stain. These stools have a short backrest and elongated legs with a helpful footrest, that is 13.375” off the ground. In original cond...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool T29, Poltronova completely original example, 1960
Located in Argelato, BO
Ettore Sottsass, Dado T29 stool, Poltronova production, Italy, 1960s It is one of the most iconic works by the famous Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass. The wooden ba...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Mid-Century Bar stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six mid-century modern bar stools, made of strong iron frames and vinyl swivels seats. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century 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

Small Mid Century Stool In Fabric, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
This is a really cute item! Original vintage foot stool from the mid-century era of design. produced in Czechoslovakia in 1960s. The stool is in a...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Textile

Expertly Restored - Poul Hundevad “Gold Hill” Teak & Leather Folding Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic “Gold Hill” folding stool designed by Poul Hundevad for Vamdrup Stolefabrik in Denmark circa 1950s. This beautiful Danish Modern stool is known to be inspired in a design date...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Vintage Stools, Set of Two, Italy 1960s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Stools, Set of Two, Italy 1960s 1960s Iron stools with skai cover. The structure has been repainted by taking original colour. The cover is still the original one. In excelle...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Gilbert Rhode for Troy Sunshade "Flamingo" Chrome Line Stool, 1940's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Gilbert Rohde attributed Chrome and Leather Flamingo Chrome Line Stool. Featuring a strong circular four legged Chrome framework, 12.5 W corner to corner leg measurements, new black ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Barstools, Made in Spain, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four barstools in solid wood. Designed and made in Spain. Great original condition. Perfect for a bar or kitchen use.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Supreme x Artek Stool 60, New Old Stock/New In Box
Located in Centreville, VA
Supreme x Artek Artek has joined forces with cult brand Supreme to develop collaborative product: Alvar Aalto’s Stool 60, with a Supreme-designed checker pattern, manually applied b...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bentwood

Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Beige
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Beige Contemporary organic form tri-pod stool or ottoman. New comfortable foam cushioning and beige genuine shearling...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin

Solid Carved Seat Oiled Walnut Chair on Dowel Legs Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Carved Seat Oiled Walnut Chair on Dowel Legs Mint!
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Josef Hoffmann attributed stool from the collection of JF Chen
Located in Skokie, IL
Attributed to Josef Hoffmann 19th century modernist stool from the collection of JF Chen collection exhibited at Marta, Los Angeles Materials: Paint...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid century rattan stool by Jan Kalous for ÚLUV, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Czechoslovak rattan stool designed by Jan Kalous for ÚLUV in the 1960´s. Very simple and elegant design. In good Vintage condition, showing signs of age and using. Height: 40 cm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Beautiful extraordinary original 60s Italian bamboo rattan stool
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, very rare original 1960s bamboo rattan stool. Made in Italy. Unusual Italian design, very decorative. Very elaborately made of bamboo with a metal frame for stability. Ver...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

"Mezzadro" Stool in Yellow by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1957 / c. 1970
Located in Skokie, IL
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni "Mezzadro" yellow stool for Zanotta Italy, 1957 / c. 1970 Additional Information: Materials: Enameled steel, chrome-plated steel, beech Dimensio...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Woven Rush and Wood Stool, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
From Charlotte Perriand to Axel Einar Hjorth, stools have been staples in European design history. Modernist stools, like this organic model, stem from one of the earliest forms of s...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rush, Wood

Midcentury French Riviera Pouf Stool in Rattan and Woven Wicker, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely midcentury pouf fully made in curved rattan and woven wicker. This stunning and rare piece was produced in Italy during the 1960s and is attributed to Bonacina. The craftsman...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Bamboo

Sergio Rodriguez Mocho Stools Brazil Pair c1954
Located in Chicago, IL
The very first piece of furniture designed by master Sergio Rodrigues, the 'Mocho' stool takes aesthetic and functional cues from a traditional milking stool and features a seat and ...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Imbuia

Squirrelman Oak Dish Top Adzed Stool by Wilf Hutchinson Squirrelman Joint Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Squirrelman Oak Dish Top Adzed Stool by Wilf Hutchinson A Squirrelman Oak Joined Stool by Wilf Hutchinson with a raised prominent carved squirrel with a...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Style Blue Velvet Triangle Medium Stool, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Comfortable and stabile triangle stool. They are contemporary stools inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as a bar stools. Stool was designed by Vintola Studio, a Polish brand...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Bouclé

Swedish Designer, Stool, Shearling, Oak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige shearling and oak stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. seat height: 18.25
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

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

Pair of Rattan Bar Stools by Tito Agnoli for Bonacina, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent pair of Mid-Century bar stools in curved rattan and wicker. These stunning stools were designed by Tito Agnoli for Bonacina in Italy in the 1950s. The stools feature a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Friso Kramer Height Adjustable Drafting Stool with Footrest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Friso Kramer drafting stool with Birch seat. Both the seat and the foot rest are height adjustable. In original condition with visible patina including some enamel wear and ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Italian Petineuse Stool, Italy 70s
Located in Lucija, SI
White Petineuse Stool, with lacquered drawers, was made in Italy in '70s. It is made of wooden frame with drawers and leather seat. This gorgeous piece makes a perfect addition to yo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Alvar Aalto Stool 60, 1960's, Artek Finland
Located in Turku, FI
Iconic Aalto three-legged stool. Stool 60 was officially unveiled to an enthusiastic public in London at a Finnish furniture review in November 1933. The stool’s revolutionary L-leg ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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 re...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Pair of Roger Tallon TS Folding Stools for Sentou, France 1970s
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful pair of foldable stools in great condition that were designed by Roger Tallon and produced by Sentou in France during the 1970s. The TS stools were fully made in ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Mushroom Table and Stools by Stan Bitters for Hans Sumpf Company, USA 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare mushroom table and stools set by noted Californian ceramicist, Stan Bitters for Hans Sumpf company. As a pioneer of the organic modernist craft movement in the 1960s, Bitters has been producing rough-hewn ceramic birdhouses...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Concrete

Pine Wood Charlotte Perriand Stool for Les Arcs, France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pine Wood Charlotte Perriand Stool for Les Arcs, France, 1960s This pine wood stool was designed by Charlotte Perriand for the Les Arcs ski resort in France around 1960. It is a sim...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of Four Mid Century Bar Stools by Finer Chrome Products Co. Inc. c 1950/1960
Located in New York, NY
Cool set of four bar height, commercial grade Mid Century stools, made by noted manufacturer Finer Chrome Products Co. Inc. The stools feature steel frames, with a chrome foot rail, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome, Steel

French Brutalist Tripod Stool
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Exquisite Vintage French Wooden Stool: A Rustic Gem from the 1960s Step into the rustic allure of 1960s France with this captivating wooden stool. Crafted in a truly rustic style, t...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Falcon Leather Lounge Chair by Sigurd Ressel for Vatne Møbler, 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 80cm W, 80cm D, 45cm Seat, 81cm H Condition: Good Designer: Sigurd Ressel Manufacturer: Vatne Møbler Model: Falcon Material : Leather , Wood
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Swedish Designer, Stool, Oak, Shearling, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and shearling stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Seat height: 17.5”
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Charles and Ray Eames, Time Life Stool, Walnut, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A turned walnut "Time Life" stool designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1960s.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid Century Pair of Green Fabric and Wooden Legs Poufs or Stools, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern pair of green fabric and wooden legs poufs or stools, 1960s. Pair of poufs, of northern European origin, with wooden legs and rectangular upholstered seat...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Daystrom Bar Stool, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed for rebels with a penchant for comfort (or BDSM), these seats don't just come with an attitude - they bring the party to your counter or bar. - 38.5”h, 25.5”w, 20”d, 29” se...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Vintage Two Original Leather Selected by Charlotte Perriand Stools for Les Arcs
Located in Markington, GB
These are the rarest tallest stools by Charlotte Perriand available! Sought after 2x leather Charlotte Perriand stools for Les Arcs, 1960. Two Charlotte Perriand stools from Franc...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Charlotte Perriand LC8 Stool Tabouret tournant durable for Cassina, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Charlotte Perriand LC8 stool by Cassina. Prices vary dependent on the chosen color and material.    
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Le Corbusier LC14 Cabanon Wood Stool for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Stool designed by Le Corbusier in 1952-59. Relaunched in 2010. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the size and material. Also available in 43 x 43 x 27 cm.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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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