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.
1970s Pair of Armchairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Pace Collection
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous space age brown pair of astonishing armchairs in velvet designed by Arch. Guido Faleschini for Mariani they are part of the "Pace Collection". The velvet is perfect an...
Velvet
Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Leather Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus , 1960s, Switzerland Measurements : Height: 84 cm Width: 59 cm Depth: 55 cm Seating height: 37 cm Please do not he...
Leather, Wood
Early Pair of Arne Jacobsen Swan Chairs Fritz Hansen Made in Denmark
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare early vintage set of two vintage Arne Jacobsen Swan Lounge Chairs by Fritz Hansen, made in Denmark. All original swivel chairs with alternate rare bases that have the option of ...
Upholstery
Set of 8 Dutch Mid-Century Stacking Chairs with Single Shell Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome, Mid-Century reddish teak toned dining chairs with blue enameled metal frames. Metal legs and side hooks for creating a single row of chairs. Very comfy single pressed wood ...
Metal
Set of 6 Danish Henning Kjærnulf Razor Blade Chairs of Oak + New Sheepskin 1970
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a set of 6 Danish vintage razor blade chairs in great country style. They are designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by the Danish company Nyrup Møbelfabrik/ EG Furni...
Sheepskin, Oak
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Lounge Chair Model 2 + Stool, Beech with Webbing 1970s
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Scandinavian modern easy chair and lounge chair with stool model 2 Pernilla manufactured by Dux of Sweden. Designed by architect and designer Bruno Mathsson in 1944. The frame is m...
Leather, Beech, Fabric
$9,600 / set
Set of 8 Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Set of eight suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. The vintage chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Sc...
Steel, Chrome
Two Mid Century GFM Stools in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful pair of two stools designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one...
Textile, Beech
Mid Century GFM Stool in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
Italian Four Seater Curved Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Four-seat curved Italian sofa from the 1950's. The sofa features a continuous curved backrest, four individual seat cushions, and slender tapered legs with brass-capped feet. Designe...
Metal, Brass
Original Pouffe Stool by Jindrich Halabala from 1958 - Made in Czech
Located in München, DE
Original pouf by the renowned Czech furniture designer Jindřich Halabala. Manufactured in 1958. Made in the Czech Republic. Recently professionally reupholstered in an elegant chenil...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969 It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather. The patchwork pieces are sust...
Leather, Wood
LC2 Le Corbusier Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar - Mid Century Angled Sofa - Model 5305
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Large angled sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Model 5305. White oak legs with brass sabots. New foam and taupe linen blend upholstery. Excellent condition.
Linen, Oak
Sven Ivar Dysthe Model 7001H Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Sven Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in Lutz, FL
An uncommon High Back Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman set designed by Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Mobler Norway. A well documented design however as no tags are present....
Metal
Pair of 1970s vintage low tan leather scoop lounge chairs with chrome feet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of 1970s vintage low tan leather scoop lounge chairs with chrome feet. Tufted curved armless low lounge chairs. Shows little signs of use and wear on leather. Very comfortable a...
Chrome
Set Off Two Bastiano Longue Chair By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Gavina 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Bastiano Longue Chairs By Afra & Tobia Scarpa For Gavina 1960s
Leather, Teak
12 Mid-Century Modern 401 Dining Room Chairs by Niels Otto Møller, 1970s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare set of 12 Mid-Century Modern dining room chairs. Design by Niels Otto Møller for J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. Striking Danish design from the 1970s. Solid oak frame...
Papercord, Oak
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Corner Chair, France 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Corner Chair, France 1960s Elegant oak corner or tricoteuse chair by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960s, exemplifying the designers’ hallmark blend of Fr...
Oak
$2,663 / item
Italian Bamboo and Rattan Daybed, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This daybed has a calm and well-balanced presence, defined by its generous proportions and low, horizontal profile. The backrest and armrests are set at the same height, creating an ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Edward Wormley, Armchairs, Wood, Mohair, Cane, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, cane and mohair armchairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Mohair, Cane, Wood
Johannes Andersen Capri Longue Chair 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Johannes Andersen Capri Longue Chair 1950s in original condition
Fabric
“Les Arc” Chairs Selected by Charlotte Perriand, 1970
By DalVera, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic leather and metal side chairs selected by Charlotte Perriand for the Ski resort Les Arcs in 1960, with chrome tubular frame in great condition and high quality thick leather s...
Chrome
Giancarlo Piretti Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs by Anonima Castelli
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century green fabric "Alky" armchairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy. These lovely Alky armchairs are fully original in brand...
Aluminum
$7,775 / set
Pair of French Oak Armchairs, France, 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This refined pair of French armchairs from the 1950s showcases the understated elegance of mid-century design. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature beautifully sculpted armrest...
Straw, Oak
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut & Boucle Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century modern sculpted walnut rocking chair beautifully marries organic form with relaxed comfort, showcasing the era’s commitment to human-centered design. The sculpted wa...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Set of 2 Mid Century Angel Pazmino Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Chairs
Located in Lutz, FL
Set of 2 Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Lounge Chairs by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960's, original metal tags on front cross stretcher and paper tags on underside of leather seat...
Leather, Fruitwood
Arne Norell “Ilona” Lounge Chair in Stained Beech and Leather, Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a mid-century Scandinavian lounge chair designed by Arne Norell. This Ilona model combines elegant form with great comfort. Crafted with a stained beechwood frame a...
Leather, Beech
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
Cassina x Louis Vuitton LC4 CP Chaise Longue Limited Edition No. 0355/1000
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Louis Vuitton, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Brussels, Brussels
An exceptional LC4 chaise longue by Cassina in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, this limited edition tribute to Charlotte Perriand was released in 2014 as part of the Louis Vuitton Icones Collection. Only 1,000 numbered examples exist worldwide. The chaise combines the iconic ergonomic silhouette of the original 1928 design with Louis Vuitton’s exclusive natural saddle leather on the mattress, headrest, and footrest. The polished chrome-plated frame and basalt-finished base elevate the luxury aesthetic. Marked on the base with the limited edition inscription and serial number, this piece is a must-have for discerning collectors of 20th-21st century design. Dimensions: Standard LC4 Edition: No. 0355/1000 Provenance: Cassina & Louis Vuitton Limited 2014 To celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand, Cassina and Louis Vuitton re-launched the 'LC4' chaise longue in 2014. The LC4 has originally been designed by Perriand in collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928. The LC4 Louis...
Steel, Chrome
French Designer, Lounge Chairs, Metal, Fabric, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bronze-painted tubular steel and fabric lounge chairs likely designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Moderate to heavy wear to metal frame. Fraying to vintage fabric. ...
Metal
Art Deco set of black lacquered "Model 81" Thonet armchairs, 1980s
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four black lacquered, bent wood "Model 81" manufactured by the renowned Gebrüder Thonet firm in Vienna, Austria. Originally created in 1904 and subsequently reissued in 1987, ...
Fabric, Bentwood
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Velvet, Wood
Hans Olsen, Set of 4 Frederik VII Dining Chairs, Oak & Leather, Mid-20th Century
By Hans Olsen
Located in Odense, DK
A refined and rare set of four mid-20th-century "Frederik VII" dining chairs, beautifully crafted in smoked oak with elegant carved details. The seat and backrest are upholstered in ...
Leather, Oak
$30,075Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Limited Edition Jaguar XK150 Sofa
Located in London, GB
Limited Edition X150 Sofa Made from Fibreglass Made in Two Halves so you can have a table in the middle Identical to Original Leather Upholstery and Wire Wheels Much Fun and a Real C...
Fiberglass
Erik Gunnar Asplund Wood Leather Dining Chairs '501 Göteborg' For Cassina Italy
By Erik Gunnar Asplund, Cassina
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of ten (10) Göteborg chairs produced by Cassina Italy 1980. Originally designed designed by Erik Gunnar in 1934-1937. Cognac brown leather, all chairs have a producer stamp and c...
Leather, Wood, Ash
Mid-Century Modern Curved L Shape Sectional Sofa & Chaise in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large vintage 2 piece sectional sofa with a gorgeous form. It features 2 sections with a low profile sculptural look. Feet are low profile 1 inch cylinders. Fabric is original and ...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Early Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, circa 1955
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and desirable pair of early Barcelona chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll during the formative years of auth...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Cognac Leather Reclining Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Rosewood, Cognac Leather This Mid-Century Modern reclining lounge chair by Göte Möbler Nässjö exemplifies Scandinavian comfort and craftsmanship from the 1970s, designed for everyday living rather than formal display. Upholstered in original cognac leather, the chair was meant to age gracefully, developing a rich patina through years of use in living rooms and reading corners. The sculpted rosewood frame provides both visual warmth and structural strength, while the reclining mechanism allows the sitter to effortlessly shift between upright and relaxed positions. Subtle button tufting and softly contoured armrests enhance long-term comfort, making this a piece intended for extended lounging rather than occasional seating. Paired with its matching ottoman, the chair becomes a functional centerpiece—perfectly suited for conversation, reading, or unwinding at the end of the day. Fun Historical Fact During the 1960s and 1970s, Swedish manufacturers like Göte Möbler focused heavily on ergonomic seating, responding to a growing cultural emphasis on comfort, wellness, and time spent at home. Reclining lounge chairs became especially popular in Scandinavian households, where long winters encouraged cozy interiors and functional furniture. Rosewood was prized during this era for its durability and striking grain, often reserved for higher-end designs. Today, original Swedish recliners...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Mohair, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, metal and yellow mohair lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Mohair, Wood
Pair High Back Rattan Armchairs Lio Carminati Italy 1950's
Located in Rochester, NY
In the style Gio Ponti, a great looking pair of large tall wing back vintage rattan armchairs in overall nicely aged original rich honey colored surface patina. Designed by Lio Carmi...
Rattan, Cane
Set of Six Dining Room Chairs Attribuited to Gio Ponti, Italy, 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An elegant and restrained group that captures the spirit of Italian post-war design, where proportion, lightness and architectural clarity take precedence over ornament. These chairs...
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sofa or Bench by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Frõscher, 1970s
By Fröscher Sitform, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern sofa or bench. Design by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Frõscher KG Germany. Striking Danish design from the 1970s. Solid rosewood and original rosewood ...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Upholstered Lounge Chair ca. 1950
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Nice large Danish Lounge chair probably made around 1950. Made after older methods with coils springs in the backrest and seat but with a loose cushion added which became popular aro...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Pernilla Armchair by Bruno Mathsson for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
Pernilla 69 lounge chair by DUX Sweden, circa 1970 laminated and steam-bent beech, canvas webbing chair: 38½ h × 29½ w × 35 d in Condition: Good overall condition. General wear exi...
Bentwood
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Knoll Vincent Cafiero Tan Leather executive office desk chair
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century vintage Tan/Sand Leather Cafiero Executive Desk Chair Model 187-DSBS designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. Features light Tan tufted leather upholstery with pipi...
Chrome
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculptural Rocking Wave-Form Chaise Lounge
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Adrian Pearsall, this chaise was made by Craft Associates early in Pearsall's career, around the 1950s. Featuring the now-classic wave form seat and a two-stage carved wa...
Upholstery, Walnut
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic example of mid-century modern design, this Finn Juhl No. 48 open armchair dates to the 1950s and was manufactured by Baker Furniture, USA, one of the few American firms lic...
Teak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful black Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Tan leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great...
Leather, Oak
Mid Century GFM 64 Armchair, Drawing Jacquard Velvet Dedar, Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM 64 designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...
Textile, Beech
Set of 4 Dining Chairs Wood Curved Leather Beige Mid-Century Modern Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Four Midcentury Modern wooden chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship give them an iconic and refined look. The chairs fea...
Leather, Wood
Gijs van der Sluis Style Beech Wood and Metal Stacking Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Gijs van der Sluis style stacking armchair exemplifies Dutch Mid-Century Modern design with its blend of natural materials and industrial functionality. The pressed beech wood s...
Metal
Danish 1950's Wingback Lounge Chair in with Open Armrest by Soren Willadsen
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool low swung Danish wingback lounge chair by Soren Willadsen. Great dramatic angles and proportions with carved wooden armrests and legs made of varnished oak wood showing gre...
Beech
Early Original MR10 Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Bononia, Italy, pre-1968
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful early MR10 cantilever dining chair, crafted in thick black saddle leather and supported by elegant tubular chromed-steel frames. The leather has developed a refined, natu...
Steel
Danish Modern, Sofa with Vintage Patterned Upholstery by Søren Lund, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
This classic Danish modern sofa features a clean, timeless design with loose cushions and visible light wooden round legs, characteristic of Scandinavian furniture from the mid-20th ...
Fabric, Textile, Beech
Mid-Century Sofa in the style of Harvey Probber
Located in Bantam, CT
Elegant sloped arm sofa, comfortable proportions. Sofa was reupholstered in a Maharam wool tweed. Shows minor wear, general good condition.
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset TOGO Footstool Ottoman in Tiger Mountain by Dedar
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This iconic ottoman is part of the legendary Togo collection designed in the 1970s by Michel Ducaroy for the French manufacturer Ligne Roset. Revolutionary at the time of its creatio...
Velvet
Set of 4 Model 60 Razorblade Dining Chairs in Solid Oak by Henning Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very sought after set of 4 Danish oak dining chairs Model 66 by Henning Kjærnulf made in the 1970's by Nyrup Møbelfabrik Very typical of Kjærnulf.'s designs as he was known for comb...
Wool, Oak
Marcel Breuer Red Canvas Wassily Lounge Chair by Knoll Studio
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Vilnius, LT
Wassily lounge chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, circa 1925. In red canvas upholstery, chromed steel tube frame. Marked/stamped on the metal frame: KnollStudio with Marcel Breuer sig...
Chrome
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