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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
Mid-Century Camel Boucle Vintage Stool, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s. The stool consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Stool was designed by Edmu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Stools Mod. “687”, Design Gio Ponti, Cassina Production, Italy, 1950s
Located in Napoli, IT
Bibliography: Archivio Gio Ponti; Gio Ponti in Paris. Arredi di design 1930-1970, catalogo della mostra, Galleria Deposito A, Verona; Galleria Regards Sa...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

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

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Beech

Four Green Painted Metal Bar Stools with Intricate Metal Work
Located in New York, NY
Four green painted Metal bar stools with intricate metal work. Measures: 16" x 17" x H 44" x SH 30".
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Cedar Bar Stools Style Mid Century a
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Cedar wood bar benches with r leather seats. This piece is a reproduction of a 20th century design. Contact us to know and agree on the variations you requir...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Cedar

Sun Cabinet Co BL1 Three Danish Style Teak Papercord Benches MidCentury Inspired
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A great trio of well made solid teak construction stools or benches, with paper-cord seats. These small personal benches fit comfortably in a room o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Teak

Pall Stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, 1970s
Located in London, GB
A pall stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, 1970s, often attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth. In very good original condition with minor signs of use and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Stool in Oak Wood and Rope, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant wooden stool from the Mid-Century Moden era. Produced in Czechoslovakia in 1960s. The stool is made of hard oak wood in blond color. The seat is made of original wooden rope ...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rope, Oak

Kartell Charles Ghost Large Stools in Smoke Grey by Philippe Starck, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
The Ghost stool is built from a single block of smoky grey polycarbonate which makes it indestructible and allows it to survive anywhere. It is suitable for both closed and open spaces and embraces all types of furniture and culture. A wonderful minimalistic stool that adapts to both indoor and outdoor settings. An evolution of iconic postmodern design, the Charles Ghost...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic

Mid-Century Style Camel Boucle Triangle Medium Stool, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools inspired by 60s style. Beautiful boucle upholstery in light cream white color. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. They are absolutely unique. We can prepare them also in another wood and boucle color.
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Bouclé

Le Corbusier LC14 Nantes Reze Wood Stool
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool designed by Le Corbusier in 1952-1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This stool/low table was created for the children’s rooms in the Unité d’Habita...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Verano Space-Age 5 Black Folded Lucite Acrylic Swivel Bar Stools 1970s Originals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
For your consideration is this super cool Space-Age styled acrylic or lucite bar stool set of five, by Verano, in rarely seen solid black. The genius of this original design is the f...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Carved Hand Stool, Mexico 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Carved hand stool in the manner of Pedro Friedberg. 3 sizes are available. This is the medium one.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fruitwood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Black Metal and Yellow Plastic Footrest or Stool 1960
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern black metal and yellow plastic footrest or stool, 1960s Footrests or stools with legs in black metal with a round section ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Retro 1960s Wooden Seat with Metal Frame Tomado Stools
Located in Markington, GB
Retro 1960s wooden seat with metal frame Tomado stools set of 4.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Style Camel Boucle Triangle Stool, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools inspired by 60s style. Beautiful boucle upholstery in light cream white color. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. They are absolutely unique. We can prepare them also in another wood and boucle color.
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet, Wood

Jordi Vilanova Desk and Stool Set in Wood, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of desk and stool designed by Jordi Vilanova, circa 1960. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: ...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair of Beautiful Rare Original 1960's Italian Bamboo Stools
Located in München, DE
Pair of beautiful original 1960s bamboo stools. Made in Italy. Beautiful design and very comfortable to sit on. Manufactured entirely from bamboo in a very elaborate process. Very...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bamboo

Rattan Stool, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Italian rattan stool, Wear due to time and age of the stool.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan

Early 20th Century Rustic French Stool in Wood
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic French stool. By unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materi...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Adjustable Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern style swivel stools with adjustable feature. Great shape and function for home use. Please confirm location.  
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff Style Swiveling Slatted Bar Stools with Solid Iron Bases
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 3 slatted bar stools believed to be Arthur Umanoff. Solid Iron bars which support the swiveling seats. Seats & back painted white. In excellent vintage condition with...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of Two Camel Boucle Triangle Medium Stools, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools inspired by 60s style. Beautiful boucle upholstery in light cream white color. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. They are absolutely unique. We can prepare them also in another wood and boucle color.
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Velvet, Wood

60’s Poul Hundevad ‘’Guldhøj’’ Folding Stool
Located in Madrid, ES
This piece is a replica of bronze age stool found in a grave outside Vamdrup in Jutland dated 1300 B.C. and thus the oldest preserved piece of furniture in ...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

1950s Arturo Pani Set of 3 Sculptural Bar Stools Bronze & Metal Mexico City
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Set of 3 High Bar Stools. Custom made Mexico 1950s attributed to Arturo Pani Mexico City Unmarked Pot metal with wrapped bronze. Very comfy. P...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Alvar Aalto Style Side Table or Stool by Thonet
By Thonet, Joe Atkinson, Alvar Andersson
Located in Ferndale, MI
This laminated wood stool or side table by Thonet, New York and attributed to Joe Atkinson as designer. A circular top and three bentwood legs made of plywood. Perfect mid-century mo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

Italian Mid-Century Pair of Stools in Brown Faux Leather
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful italian mid-century pair of stools with a brown faux leather. These loving stools have a comfortable seat. Vintage good conditions. Perfect conditions of padding and faux l...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather

Milo Baughman Style Pair of Round Chrome Stools with Blue Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of beautiful low stools with chrome frames and blue upholstered cushions manufactured in Columbus, Indiana by the Cosco Home Products company in the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Tito Agnoli, Pair of Stools, Rattan, Bamboo, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan or bamboo stools designed and produced by Tito Agnoli, Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Vintage Danish Teak and Lambskin Stool, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak and Lambskin stool, 1960s Elegant footrest with curved lambskin covered seat, handles in teak and round tapered legs in beech. Manufactured in Denmark in the 196...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lambskin, Teak

French Brutalist Handcarved Tripod Stool, a Pair
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Fantastic wood stool from France reminiscent the work of Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles. Made in the 1960s with three legs. No hardware. Good vintage condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Poufs Black White Eyes Black Stool Cushions, 1970s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice set of 4 poufs or stools, circa 1970 Well preserved set of small poufs with a cool black and white eye prints, very unique in its making. All are in overall in good condition...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric

Designs for Leisure Chic Pair of Bar Stools with Upholstered Seats 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully made bar stools in brushed aluminum with swiveling upholstered seats by Designs for Leisure, American 1970's. These bar stools are very comfortable and very chic. Metal has been professionally cleaned and buffed. Seats have been newly reupholstered in a beautiful fabric by Lobel Modern.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Contemporary Italian Reeded Bamboo Stool
Located in London, London
Stool Pentagonal Reed bamboo base Upholstered top Made to order and upholstered in choice of fabric One in stock Italy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

Pair of White Washed Bamboo Bar Stools
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of white washed faux bamboo bentwood bar stools or counter stools. The stools have black cushions. Great proportions for comfort and style. The rounded barrel back gives great s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bentwood

American Mid Century Atomic Age Iron & Wicker Barstool by Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Atomic age single barstool designed by Arthur Umanoff original fabric and condition swivel great lines.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-Century Modern Solid Wood, Black Metal Brass Medium Size Bench 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid century modern solid wood, black metal and brass medium size bench, 1960s. Very simple bench with medium-sized structure, seat in solid wood and rectangular section legs in black metal, with brass tip. 1960s Good state of conservation. Measurements in cm 191...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Brass

Hans J. Wegner AP-30 Music Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Obscure and very rare piano bench designed by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen. Known as the "Music Stool," this minimal design originates from 1957. Our examp...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Teak

A Vintage Side Table in Mahogany by Josef Frank for Svenkt Tenn, Sweden 1970s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful side table or stool by Swedish designer Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, c. 1970s. This fine piece of furniture is made entirely out of massive Mahogany which makes it rathe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Rattan Vanity Set with Matching Stool in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky rattan set with a nod to the Art Deco period from the 1970s. It features bent rattan construction, with mirror and upholstered stool. Price includes set as shown.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Rattan, Mirror

Eero Saarinen Knoll Tulip Stool, Swivel, Blue, White, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Stool, Swivel, Blue, White Signed. According to Steven and Linda Rouland's 1999 book: "Knoll Furniture, 1938-1960", the tulip stool was originally called the pedestal stool (152 S) and was described as "foam rubber upholstered cushion on Aluminum base with fused plastic finish". Retains 320 Park Avenue label on the underside of the seat in addition to being stamped "BR 51...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Two ( 2) Waterfall Shaped Lucite Barstools in Bouclé After Charles Hollis
Located in Deland, FL
Equal parts elegance and aesthetically captivating this extraordinary set of barstools is the epitome of Hollywood Regency. Constructed from solid pol...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff "Grenada" Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three swivel stools with a strong iron frame desgined by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard's "Grenada" collection. Decorative scrolled seat back and round footrest. Measures: Adjusts ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron, Metal, Chrome

Set of Five (5) Karl Springer Grey Lacquered Goatskin Bar Stools
Located in East Hampton, NY
Karl Springer set of five JMF grey goatskin lacquers clad bar stools, 1980s. In original preserved condition. Lacquered Goat Skin Clad over Wood. Not signed. Stored 20+ years in a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

1970s Postmodern Design for Leisure Pink Bar Stools
Located in Staten Island, NY
Glamorous chrome pastel pattern counter or bar stools manufactured by Design for Leisure in the 1980s. An opulent style with Art Deco influence, these stools feature rounded seats. S...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

XXth century wood stool center of France circa 1950 traditional design
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Center of France Traditional all wood french stool Original perfect condition Height 48 cm Large total 55 cm Seat height 48 cm Seat large 20 cm
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Northern European Mid Century Green Fabric Pouf or Footrest and Bench Legs 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Northern European mid-century modern green fabric pouf or footrest and bench legs 1960s Bench or footrest of northern European origin, with rectangular sea...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair, French Modern Craftsman Hand Carved Chestnut Benches Attr. Alexandre Noll
Located in New York, NY
A rare and exquisite pair of French Mid-century Hand Carved Chestnut Benches or Stools in the Modern Craftsman style and attributed to Alexandre Noll. The benches are composed of thi...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chestnut

Green faux Leather ottoman 1950s England
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice authentic foot stool. Green Faux Leather upholstery. Mahogany legs comes with Brass feet. Great looking stoo. Normal wear and tear.
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather

Mid Century Stool or Tabouret Tulip, Germany, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

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

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome, Metal

1960s Leather Stool, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian 1950's Maple Wood Stool/Bench with Mongolian Sheepskin
Located in New York, NY
An elegantly appointed Italian 1950's maple wood stool or bench with gracefully tapered and angled legs; the top newly upholstered in a luxurious creamy/white long haired Mongolian s...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Maple

5x Solid Oak Stools in Style of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1960's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak stools in style of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1960's. 5 Pieces available.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Howard Meister, "The Kata Bench" Stool, Brushed Aluminum, USA, 1988
Located in High Point, NC
A brushed aluminum stool, mod. "The Kata Bench", designed and produced by Howard Meister, United States, 1988.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

1970s Yasuaki Sasamoto Tractor Seat on Drummers Throne Stool Base by Dulton Co
Located in St. Louis, MO
1970s stainless steel molded tractor seat on drum set throne stool base by Japanese designer Yasuaki Sasamoto and produced by Dulton Co. Rare early design...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stunning Set of 4 Thick Bent Lucite Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set of 4 Mid-Century Modern thick bent Lucite bar stools. They measure 33.5"T x14.5"W x 32"D with a seat height of 27" T.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite

1930s, Rare Chrome Bauhaus Stool, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- The wooden seat has been refurbished. - Chrome parts with signs of use.
Category

1930s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Charlotte Perriand, Lawson-Fenning, Knoll, and Cassina. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $132 and tops out at $133,498 while the average work can sell for $1,746.

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