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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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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
Mid-Century "Ranchboy" Stool
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Mid-Century "Ranchboy" Stool, Fur & Suede by G.F. Holloway, Barrie, Ont. Canada. The stool is made with tan suede on top and a faux fur skirt...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Fur, Suede, Walnut

Jan Vanek sculptural set of two oak stools featuring woven canvas straps, 1940s
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek sculptural set of two oak stools, crafted featuring woven canvas straps, Prague 1940s Jan Vanek's sculptural set of two oak stools, crafted from oak and featuring woven...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Canvas, Oak

"Berger" Stools by Charlotte Perriand, 1950s, set of 2
Located in bruxelles, BE
Beautiful pair of wooden stools by Charlotte Perriand, Berger model. Wear due to time and age of the stools. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Category

1950s Central American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Set Of 2 Dot Stools Model 3170 Made In Teak By Arne Jacobsen For Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 2 Dot stools, model 3170, designed by Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1950s. The stools are made of teak, which gives them a warm and classic look. The Dot s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Vintage Pair of Anton Lorenz Thonet Chrome Barstools Bar Stools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of Anton Lorenz Thonet chrome barstools bar stools. The chrome has been polished. The upholstery was as found. However, I do not see any damage to upholstery. Dimensions...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Dark Oak Stool in the Style of Hervé Bayley, France 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Rough-sawn oak in original patina
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Plywood

French Midcentury Whitewash Upholstered Curule Stool with Foliage Carved X-Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Midcentury whitewash curule stool with foliage carved X-Form base and custom upholstery. This exquisite French Midcentury curule stool captivates with its elegant whitewashe...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

Alma Brown Solid Wood Bar Stool
Located in Naperville, IL
The Alma Bar Stool is perfect for any bar or leisure area of your mom. This modern stained bar stool will help to entertain guests while adding a style functionality that you can’t m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Faux Bamboo Metal Stool
Located in Denton, TX
Faux bamboo metal stool in a bronze finish with new upholstery. There are three available.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Oversized Vintage Woven Leather and Iron Bar Stools - A Pair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of perfectly patinaed, woven leather, bar stools. Stools have beautifully worn leather for that great Industrial look. They are oversized, perfect for someone who needs just 2...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather and Steel High Stool, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Brown leather and steel high stool, 1980s High stool with rectangular seat and back in brown leather. The structure is in tubular steel. Visible black sti...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Sleek Black Leather Bench Designed by Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Clean lined bench designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Newly upholstered black leather seat; tufting and piping add visual interest. With conical gold legs. Perfect for extra...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

French Guillerme et Chambron Stool, Hungarian Oak, Wool
Located in Uccle, BE
A vintage stool upholstered in original wool fabric Designed by French designers Robert Guillerme et Jacques Chambron. Edition Votre Maison, circa 1960. Hungarian oak...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

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

1960s Upholstered Stool Uluv, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Charlotte Perriand Style High Back Chair with Rattan Seat and Black Metal Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single high back woven rattan chair with tubular black enameled metal frame. Good original condition with some wear to the enamel. Other sizes and styles available.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century German Industrial Swivel Office Stool from Schmitz, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Height -adjustable rotating stool from Schmitz. The striking star foot is a special detail. The lower area of ​​the foot is discontinued black. The seat is particularly fine and riv...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA - 1960s in all original condition with the rare brown base George Nelson (1908-1986) was an American industrial designer and architect who...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Medical Chair/Stool
Located in Malibu, CA
Midcentury chrome medical/dental stool, effortlessly swivels around. The wheels are made of a resin material, the stretcher are made of chrome. A great p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Medical Chair/Stool
Medical Chair/Stool
$626 Sale Price
30% Off
Set of Four Bar Stools in the Manner of George Nakashima
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Clean Lined Bar Stools, in the manner of George Nakashima, American, circa 1950s. These look very similar to the spindle back chairs that Na...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Ettore Sottsass Pair of Dado Stools Mod. T29 for Poltronova
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Eccentric pair of stools designed by the great designer Ettore Sottsass for the Poltronova manufacture in 1963. The sbagelli are model T29 also called Dado. Resenta product label. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Frederick Weinberg Style Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two vintage modern hair pin iron stools with vinyl upholstery and swivel bases, designed in the manner of Frederick Weinberg. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron and Rush Swivel Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fantastic set of 4 bar stools in the style of Arthur Unamoff or Danny Ho Fong feature wrought iron frames with newly upholstered, perforated vinyl seats with woven rush details. The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Stool / Tabouret in the Style of Jindřich Halabala, 1958
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, fabric - springs - good, original condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jean-Claude Duboys: Pair of A4 maple stools, France 1980
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Designed by Jean-Claude Duboys in the 1970s, Program A was created in the early 1980s by Maison Attitude. It consists of a set of solid maple furniture...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Maple

Lovely Pair of Bentwood Thonet Bar Stools + Cast Iron Cocktail Bar Top Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Thonet Bentwood bar stools with tall cast iron bar table with gallery rail. A good lookin...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Space Copenhagen Spine Stool (Low) – Metal Base
Located in Berkeley, CA
Space copenhagen spine stool (Low) – Metal Base A clean and modern visual language characterises the Spine collection, and this latest addition of a metal base strengthens the stunni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Rattan Stool. French work. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual stool is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Set of 3 Mid Century Modern Tulip Base White Fiberglass Side Dining Chairs MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Tulip Base White Fiberglass side dining chairs MINT! Nice vintage in the style of Saarinen though more similar to Lavern...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Acrylic

Alma Black Counter Ash Solid Wood Stool
Located in Naperville, IL
This modern stained counter stool will help to entertain guests while adding a style functionality that you can’t miss. Made with ash wood, the Alma Counter Stool will last generatio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

French Midcentury Tripod Stool, a Pair
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Fantastic wood stool from France. Made in the 1960s with three legs. No hardware. Good vintage condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Pair of Mid Century Modern Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Lucite Pyramid Stools 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of Lucite stools in Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet circa 1960s Acrylic pyramid bases with round seat pads upholstered in new old stock Nazca velvet designed by Don Wight for Jack Len...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite, Velvet

Midcentury French Whitewash Stool with Curving Legs and Custom Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Midcentury French whitewash stool with curving legs, side stretchers and new custom upholstery. This delightful Midcentury French stool charms us with its elegant whitewashed finis...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

Modernist French Bar Stools
Located in Austin, TX
Bar stools from France in the Modernist style. We love the strong construction of the steel bases and black lacquered feet. Each features a foot rest and has been newly reupholstered...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Marzio Cecchi Pair of Italian Red Rope High Stools
Located in Milano, IT
Fascinating pair of high stools designed by the great Italian 1970s designer Marzio Cecchi. The pair of stools through its gear is also swivel. Their great peculiarity is the seat made of red rope...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic stool or ottoman or footstool from rattan and black lacquered metal frame 1950s Austria. While the slightly curved seat shows wonderful organic ra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair Of French Black Mid-Century Benches With Brass Accents By Jacques Tournus
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French black Mid-Century benches by Jacques Tournus, featuring cast aluminum bases with circular brass medallions, and newly upholstered squared seats in striped black and charcoal gray fabric interspersed with gold threads. The best of of Mid-Century style with a nod to Neo-classical design, these stylish and sleek stools...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Guillerme et Chambron Oak Stool for Votre Maison, France 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Form and function collide in this stool, a piece of furniture that is often underestimated. Designers define stools as jewels and statements in a space, and taking practicality into ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Vintage Danish Teak and Bouclé Stool by Spøttrup, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak stool by Spøttrup 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern ottoman in solid teak and bouclé by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Stolefabrik, Denmark. Round slightly tapered leg...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf Mustard Cotton Brass Beech Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Grand pouf is a versatile piece that combines elegance with functionality. Its curved, sculptural d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Pierre Jeanneret Stool
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very rare modernist stool by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project circa 1956 Model PJ-SI-68-A These stools are incredibly rare and are...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Pierre Jeanneret Stool
Pierre Jeanneret Stool
$20,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Brown Leather and Chrome Bench
Located in Queens, 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

Metal, Chrome

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

Pair of Mid-Century x Stools
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-century X stool, inspired by traditional Spanish ironwork, the base is fabricated from steel and finished in a light, champagne patina. The box cushion se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Barstool with Black Leather Seat and Walnut Frame, Bensen
Located in Tulsa, OK
Torii barstool with walnut frame and midnight blue B leather seat. This barstool is a simple yet sophisticated design with an arched back rest. The minimal lines and simple construct...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Stool in Mohair
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful stool designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Stool has been reupholstered in a high quality mustard colored mohair. Stool is bronze and bears Art-Metal Knoll label.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Oversized Shearling and Brass "Poufs" by Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage oversized brass “Poufs” designed by Marge Carson in the United States, circa 1980s. These poufs have a minimalist design where the cubic shape of their structure and the comfort of their use stand...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Beige
Located in Manhasset, NY
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

Primitive Asian Birthing Chair Inspired Bar Stools Upholstered In Cowhide, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Primitive Asian Birthing Chair Inspired Bar Stools Newly Reupholstered in Cowhide - Pair These tripod-base Sergio Rodrigues style bar stools are unique and stunning! Their seats are...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cowhide, Wood

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Stools / Benches Attributed to Andre Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical benches or stools with needlepoint seats attributed to Andre Arbus. The benches are in the curile form with and an X-frame leg structure.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Max Bill Ulm Laminated Wood Stool, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool designed by Max Bill for Ulm School manufactured by Zanotta, circa 1960. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Gray Bottega Counter Stool
Located in Hudson, NY
This leather-wrapped stool engineered for support and sophistication. The modern design creates a simple harmony. Lightly padded for added comfort, this stool is a beautiful addition...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Footstool / Thonet, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, fabric - Original upholstery - Good, original condition.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Dining Room Set, Bossche School, Dom Hans van der Laan, Jan De Jong
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dining Room Set, Bossche School, Dom Hans van der Laan, Jan De Jong Table and stools designed by Dom Hans van der Laan and his apprentice Jan De Jong in the Netherlands in the 196...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Vintage Pair of Leather Seats or Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual pair of seats or stands crafted with wood frames in a classic hourglass form and clad in lush brown leather.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Willy Rizzo Inspired Counter Stool
Located in New York, NY
Made to order, custom counter and bar stool in the manner of Willy Rizzo with upholstered leather. Custom dimensions, finishes and COM are available. Please inquire with Venfield for...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Stool in Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton Office, folding stool or ottoman, leather, steel, Italy, 1985. This stool is designed for the office of the clothing brand Benetton by Afra & Tobia ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool
Located in Highland, IN
A Paul McCobb classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Danish Teak Stool 1950s
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Mid-century Rattan Stool in Style of Franco Albini
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage rattan stool or footrest in style of Franco Albini. Good original condition. 2 pieces available.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

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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