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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
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

Early 21st Century Set of 4 Charles Ghost Bar Stools by Philippe Starck
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 21st century set of 4 Charles Ghost patio bar stools by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Light scratching commensurate with age & use. 11 3/8" dia. seat. 16.75" x 16.75" at floor, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite

Vintage 1960s Gordon Keeler Leather Walnut Stool Mid-Century American Modernism
By Gordon Meech Keeler
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonder and simple American craftsman made stool.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

Tony Paul Attributed Stools, Woven Wicker, Solid Beech, United States, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Set of three stools with a handwoven wicker top and solid beech legs attributed to the famous American designer Tony Paul. Produced in the late 1950s these stools are in their ori...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Beech

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

Vintage Italian Modernist Gold Stools
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Italian vintage benches with flaring brass legs. We love the unique and striking curved shape of the seats and the quintessential Italian mid-century details. They have been ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

French Primitive Tripod Stool
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Fantastic wood stool from France. Made in the 1960s, no hardware. Lovely primitive look. Good vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Rare French Mid-Century Gilt Wrought Iron Stool / Bench by Rene Drouet
Located in New York, NY
A Rare French Mid-Century Gilt Wrought Iron Stool / Bench by Rene Drouet, France, 1940. Drouet was one of the most important pre WWII creators in France and this work was emblematic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 4 Alvar Aalto model 60 stools in birch and black laminate, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1930s, manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in Finland, and retailed ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Laminate

Midcentury French Walnut Stool, Jean Touret-Inspired, 1960s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a fantastic midcentury wooden stool, crafted in France during the 1960s. This piece is constructed without the use of hardware, boasting an elegant round seat, flared leg...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Set of Three Mid-Century Rattan Stools, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 3 1950s bentwood rattan swivel stools in three different colored vinyl seats. Seats are in great condition. The rattan has a few areas wher...
Category

1950s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Suite of Four Bar Stools, Stained Beech, Steel and Faux Leather, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Suite of four bar stools, stained beech, steel and faux leather, circa 1970. Need a new upholstery.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Sunday Stool walnut cream boucle
Located in Plymouth, GB
Part of the Sunday collection exclusive to Alexander & Ellis, and designed by Founder Oliver A-J, the Sunday Stool was designed and handcrafted in house with the finest Walnut and Bo...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Sunday Stool walnut cream boucle
Sunday Stool walnut cream boucle
$1,808 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of Circular Mid Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools, Italy 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of beautiful vintage bamboo stools. They feature circular seats, completely made of bamboo, as well as a foot...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bamboo

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

Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf Stainless Beige Linen 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

Stainless Steel, Brass

Small 1930s Stool by Otto Schulz with Great Patina
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian Modern footstool by Otto Schulz for Boet with scrolled design in original vintage condition. beech, brown leather and brass nails, Measures: Length 25.5", width 13.5", h...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Italian Mid-CenturyModern Brass & Cotton Vanity Chair Attributed to Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern vanity chair attributed to Marco Zanuso The piece defines Italian 1950s design with it sleek lines a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

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

Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
Located in Berlin, DE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Features a sculpted pine seat with signature central split and black lacquered birch legs. Branded stamps on the underside confirm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

1960s Pair of Ash Stools, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered pillows - Carefully refurbished
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Ash

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

Mid-Century French Burl Elm Stool
Located in High Point, NC
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern burl elm stool from France. The top measures 14.5 inches in diameter, and is a thickly hand turned and solid piece of burl elm. The stool is supported on ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Elm, Burl

AP 30 - Piano stool in oak by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 30 - Piano stool in oak with seat in patinated black leather. Stamped from manufacturer AP Stolen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Midcentury Bar Stool, Czechoslovakia 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condicion Made in Czechoslovakia 1970s Seat diameter 31 cm
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Woodard Footstool
Located in Richmond, VA
Mid century aluminum stool by Russell Woodard, circa 1960. Original condition with black vinyl seat and original label intact underneath.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Chrome Soda Shop Dinner Bar Stool, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Mid Century 1950s Chrome Diner Bar Stool featuring an all-chromed steel design with a black vinyl seat. The stools have a nice patina to them with s...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Three Bar Stools by Dan Wenger, US
Located in Berlin, DE
These bar stools are designed by Dan Wenger from the 1970s and are newly manufactured by the artist himself.      
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pair of Multi Adjustable Steelcase Swivel Bar Stools in Girard Style Fabric
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Steelcase co. adjustable operator bar counter stools. Upholstered in Alexander Girard attributed brown and gold striped textile. Excellent condition through out chrome and upholstery. Stools are multi adjustable. Seat height is listed at 35...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Henry P Glass Stool with Hidden Storage Compartment, US 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Henry P glass stool with hidden storage compartment. The stool has a new aniline leather upholstery. The stool can also be used as storage space and features a removable top.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Faux Leather Pink Five Bar Stools 1960 Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage up to five bar stools designed 1960s Austria from solid brass and faux leather in bold pink color tone. The brass frame was polished some times ago and get...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Alvar Aalto Stool X600 X-leg or "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to detail. The X-leg or ...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Oak

Pair of Vintage Rosewood Stools by Cantù Móveis, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Produced by Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. in the 1960s, these Stools are made of solid Rosewood, turned with rounded edges and pointy feet, giving the pieces a lightweight appearance. The seatings are made of black leather with "U" shaped cuts. Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda., a notable player in Brazilian modern design during the 1960s, was led by architects Jorge Jabour Mauad...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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 one of...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Pierre Jeanneret Stool
Pierre Jeanneret Stool
$20,800 Sale Price
20% Off
A Pair Of Vintage Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools ca' 1970'sq
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic pair of three-legged "fan" leg stools by Alvar Aalto. Purchased in the 1970's. ICF labels-this pair has a nice vintage patina.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Benches or Stools, style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical style benches or stools in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank.The hand made frames have a classic, X-form design typical of JM Frank are in wrought ir...
Category

2010s French 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

Norman Cherner Bar Stool Chair Black
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Norman Cherner bar stool from 2004. Beech plywood in black lacquered colour and chrom feet. Classic iconic design in the bar stool variation.       
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Lacquered French Stool
Located in Jersey City, NJ
French pair of stools made in solid wood, lacquered with gold . Beautiful design with faux leather seat. Note it is priced for one.
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial and organic steel wire stool by Warren Platner from the Platner Collection for Knoll, after 1966. Newly upholstered in a creamy, textural wool. In excellent condition. Cur...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

1970s Patinated French Wood Stool Solid Pine
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Patinated Stool Solid Pine Wood Painted White No label acquired in Mexico City. Inspired by Jean Prouve Charlotte Perriand and Mouille french designs. 16.5 height x 12.5 in dia...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

Round Rattan Low Stool by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1965-66
Located in Tokyo, JP
An authentic mid-century piece from Pierre Jeanneret’s legendary Chandigarh commission. Teak frame with hand-woven bamboo-rattan seat.
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Stool in Lacquered Metal and Fabric, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Stool in lacquered metal and fabric, circa 1950.
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

White Metal Curule Stool in the manner of Mategot
Located in Austin, TX
Stool made of painted metal from France. This piece has a curule style structure and a perforated top in the style of Mategot. The stool in excellent vintage condition.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Stool in Rio Rosewood by Edvard & Tove Kindt-Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stool in Rio rosewood with three legs and seat in patinated leather.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

French Custom Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Bench in the style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Custom Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style gilt iron bench in the style of Maison Ramsay. The piece is unique in design and construction: a stunning 6-leg gilt iron ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Woven Leather Backed Bar Stool in Oak and Caramel Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the Woven Leather Backed Counter stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Midcentury Bentwood Stools with New Bouclé Fabric by Ludvik Volak 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Midcentury Bentwood Stools with New Bouclé Fabric by Ludvik Volak 1960s These midcentury stools were designed by Ludvik Volak in Czech Republic in the 1960s. They are made bentwood ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Bentwood

Midcentury Stool or Side Table Trio, Olaf Von Bohr for Gedy, Italy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- marked - rare from 1970 /original model/ - very practical.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Swiss Design Eternit Concrete Stool by Ludwig Walser, Special Edition
Located in Renens, CH
Handcrafted Eternit stool or Hocker designed by Ludwig Walser in 1959, introduced during the horticultural exhibition (G59) in Zürich in that same year. This footstool is consider...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Concrete

Cast Aluminum Stool with Arms and Fresh Leather Upholstery
Located in Alhambra, CA
Elegant McM "futuristic" bar stool, made of cast aluminum and newly upholstered stormy-brown leather cushions. Shelby Williams "Gazelle" chair inspired design. We also have another m...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Vintage Metal Stool 1970´s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A sculptural unique stool. Made in metal sometime in the 1960-70´s.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Dillingham "Horseshoe" Cantilevered Burnt Orange Counter Stools
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century American "Horseshoe" cantilevered, metal bar stools with burnt orange plush upholstery and silver metal frames. (DILLINGHAM)(PRICED AS PAIR) (Other examples in di...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Stool
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Midcentury Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Stool features a hand-tanned leather seat supported by a sturdy wooden base. The warm tones of the Brazilian rosewood complement the na...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Sergio Rodrigues Stool "Mocho" Stool for Oca, Brazil
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Sergio Rodrigues "Mocho" stool for Oca, Brazil, 1954. Sublime in its simplicity and comfort, in very good original condition, stamped.
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Guillerme et Chambron Sculptural Oak Stool, France, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Guillerme et Chambron for Edition Votre Maison solid oak stool with elegant sculptural form, France, 1950s. The stool's composition is playfully graphic with the top composed of slig...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Sergio Rodrigues, Oscar Dining Chair by LinBrasil
Located in Renens, CH
Sergio Rodrigues set the standard for Modern furniture in Brazil during the 1950s. His works have become a reference for Brazilian design, which often use indigenous wood species su...
Category

Early 2000s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood, Cane

Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-68-A Sewing Stools Chandigarh India
Located in London, GB
A pair of wildly stylish original Pierre Jeanneret 'sewing' stools. Model PJ-SI-68-A low stools Chandigarh, India, c1950s. Solid t...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

1960s Oak Stool with Sheepskin Fabric, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered - quality imitation of sheepskin fabric made of synthetic fiber - wooden parts in very good condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Fabric

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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