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.
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, Made in Italy, 1970s. This Chair is made of an electro-welded, chrome-plated steel rod. This type is in the version with genuine leathe...
Steel
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Lounge Chairs, Mohair, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige mohair lounge chair designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, 1950s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use, including minor natural wood cr...
Mohair, Oak
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Lounge Chairs, Mohair, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige mohair lounge chair designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, 1950s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Cushions reupholstered in brand...
Mohair, Oak
Pair of Powder Blue Mohair Velvet Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This pair of swiveling "Nautilus" chairs by Vladimir Kagan, crafted in America circa 1970, is a quintessential example of Kagan’s visionary design. Renowned for his sculptural approa...
Mohair, Velvet
Set of Six Giotto Stoppino Modern Metal Chrome Dining Chairs for Kartell, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Set of 6 curved chairs in faux leather with a chromed tubular frame. These chairs, as shown in the photos, require reupholstery and have some defects. While the frame and chrome plat...
Metal, Chrome
1950's Arne Vodder Attributed Wing-back Teak Lounge Chair
By Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
1950's mid-century modern high back teak wing-back lounge chair attributed to Arne Vodder, fully restored and re-upholstered in velvet fabric, with minor wear and patina due to age a...
Velvet, Teak
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
Convertible sofa Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, Italy
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Three-seater Anfibio sofa designed by Alessandro Becchi in the late 1960s and produced by Giovannetti in Italy. Fully padded with foam and upholstered in cognac full-grain leather,...
Leather
Set of Six Oak and Rush Chairs with Sculptural Legs, Europe 1940s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This exquisite mid-century dining set from the 1940s effortlessly merges historic charm with modern, organic design. Crafted from natural materials using traditional techniques, thes...
Rush, Oak
Vintage 1970s Leather Lounge Chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken
By Elsa and Nordahl Solheim, Rybo Rykken
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A pair of rare sculptural Mid-Century lounge chairs, so called "Ry-Wing", designed by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken & Co., Norway, circa 1970s. These stunning Scandina...
Leather, Beech
$2,335Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Big Italian Easy Armchair, Beige Wool, Walnut Wood, 1950s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Mid-Century Italian Easy Chair, 1950s An elegant Italian mid-century easy chair from the 1950s, featuring a beautifully sculpted bentwood frame and refined, well-balanced proportion...
Beech, Wool, Bentwood
$2,924Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Fritz Hansen Style Lounge Chair In Green Velvet With Oak Armrests. Denmark
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant mid-century Danish lounge chair from the 1950s, executed in rich green velour upholstery. The design reflects the refined and organic aesthetic associated with the Fritz Hans...
Velvet, Oak, Pine
Dialogo" chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Dialogo" chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Made in Italy, 1970. Set of four "Dialogo" chairs designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973. The feature of this "D...
Plastic, Beech
Danish 1940's Banana Sofa with Straight Back and Front
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming upholstered sofa made in Denmark sometime in the 12940's. Voluptuous organic design lines. This sofa is unique by having a straight back and front and not the curvatur...
Beech, Wool
Maison Regain, Lounge Chairs, Elm, Fabric, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of elm and grey fabric lounge chairs produced by Maison Regain, France, c. 1970s. Arm cushions in minor distress reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Elm
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Lounge Chair Model 2 + Stool, Beech with Webbing 1970s
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
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
Danish Otto Schulz style Low Mid century Lounge Chair in Oak and Shearling 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Otto Schulz style lounge chair made by unknown Danish master carpenter sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. The style is similar to that of Schulz with the typical separat...
Sheepskin, Oak
Early Pair of Arne Jacobsen Swan Chairs Fritz Hansen Made in Denmark
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
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
Pair of Birte Iversen Danish 1950's Pair of Lounge Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant pair of 1950s lounge chairs by Birte Iversen and made in Denmark sometime in the 1950's. Small scale and super elegant. Very versatile design solid and sturdy construction. B...
Mohair, Beech
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...
Leather
Vintage 1960s Brutalist Danish Oak Dining Chairs in the style of H. Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This set of six Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, crafted in the 1960s, showcases the “Baroque Modern” or Brutalist style of Scandinavian design. Often attributed to Henning K...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. Designed by Victor B Wilkins for G Plan. Maker's label on bottoms. This set is in excellent condition with brand new v...
Teak
$2,684 / set
Pair of Tacchini Mayfair Leather Lounge chairs
By Tacchini
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Tacchini Mayfair Leather Lounge chairs
Leather
Pair of Danish 1940-50s Lounge Chairs with Carved Armrests in Oak
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s pair of lounge chairs in the style of Mogens Lassen with a very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller sp...
Mohair, Beech
$5,325Sale Price / set|20% Off
Six Mid Century Shell Chairs in Blue linen fabric Arsene by Pierre Frey, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful chair type 1020 colloquially called "shell" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s in Poland. They are after full renovation upholstery and carp...
Textile, Wool, Velvet, Beech
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 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs Danish Midcentury
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of 6 model #42 dining chairs also known as the "Z" chair designed by Kai Kristiansen manufactured by Schou Andersen in the 1960s. One of the most iconic and coveted chairs to com...
Wool, Teak
Mah Jong 27 Piece Kenzo Missoni Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic large Roche Bobois Mah Jong modular 27 piece sectional sofa designed in the mid 20th century by Hans Hopfer (German b. 1931). The dramatic 21st century sofa features Kenzo Tak...
Fabric, Foam
$8,876Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ten Mid Century Shell Chairs in Beige Velvet Capri II by Pierre Frey, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful chair type 1020 colloquially called "shell" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s in Poland. They are after full renovation upholstery and carp...
Textile, Wool, Velvet, Beech
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
$728Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$364Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$38,500 / set
Lovö Chairs Axel Einar Hjorth Pine Wood, 1940
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Vienna, AT
Two pairs of “Lovö” easy chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, executed in solid pine and defined by a robust, deliberately rustic character. The expressive construction is complemented by wr...
Pine
Mid Century Danish Modern black soft Leather 3 seat Sofa oak legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern Black leather 3 seat sofa with oak wood legs and armrest cushions. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows very little signs of use but very comfortable. ...
Leather, Birch
Bench Attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich in Blonde Maple and Bouclé Upholstery, 1940
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A refined Italian bench attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich, dating to the 1940s, embodying the designer’s distinctive balance between structural lightness and sculptural elegance. The f...
Bouclé, Maple
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
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. This set consits of 4 pcs. chairs with and 2 pcs. with amrests. The chairs are with new black color ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Ingmar Relling Siesta Ottoman for Westnofa, Black Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ingmar Relling designed the Siesta ottoman as the companion piece to his renowned Siesta lounge chair, both produced by Norwegian manufacturer Westnofa....
Leather, Bentwood
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
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
1940s Open Arm Lounge Club Chairs Attributed to Fritz Hansen Danish Midcentury
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930-40s with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch with great grain and patin...
Wool, Oak
Mid Century Upholstered English Klismos Dining Chairs with Black Frames - Set 12
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this set of 12 dining chairs date from approximately 1950. Frames have painted black satin finish and have a klismos shaped style with cantered legs. Currently uph...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$1,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Cantilever Chrome Chairs with Cushions Gastone Rinaldi 'Sabrina'
Located in Toronto, ON
Set of four Cantilevered chrome chairs attributed to as the 'Sabrina' chairs by Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA. They feature a removable cushions on all four chairs. Please note, the chai...
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
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chair, Wood, Cowhide, Brazil, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige cowhide rocking lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1970s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and moderate use. Reupholstered in brand new cowhide...
Cowhide, Wood
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on the frame: Cass...
Chrome
1970s Vintage Director's Chairs, Salmon Chenille & Brass
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage pair of director's chairs in salmon chenille with a brass x-base frame and wooden arm rests. Retain manufacturer's original label.
Brass
$13,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid Century Sabre Leg Lounge Chairs by Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare and Iconic pair of Mid Century Sabre Leg Lounge Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. These chairs are authentic, classic mid century beauties. I'm not sure that the...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair Mid Century Italian Arm Chairs Attrib to Gigi Radice
By Gigi Radice
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this pair of armchairs attributed to Luigi Gigi Radice dates from the 1950s. Walnut and metal frames with two tone upholstery. Original upholstery is oxblood colored ...
Metal
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
Gaylord Brothers, Dining Room Chairs, Wood, Mohair, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four wood and beige mohair dining room chairs produced by Gaylord Brothers, USA, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on wood frame. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.25"H x 16.0"W x 1...
Mohair, Wood
$1,261Sale Price|40% Off
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
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, white leather upholstery. Marked/engraved on the frame: ...
Chrome
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
$3,363Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Mid Century GFM 64 Armchairs, Drawing Velvet by 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
Very Elegant Mid Century Armchair in Wool and Beech Europe 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Elegant Mid Century Armchair in Wool and Beech Europe 1950s An incredibly elegant armchair in wool and beech. Mid 20th century, Europe. This chair truly is one of the most ele...
Wool, Beech
Czech Bentwood Armchairs by Kozelka & Kropáček, Texel Sheepskin, 1940s
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
A sculptural pair of Czech bentwood armchairs by Kozelka & Kropáček, newly upholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin. Warm brown patinated frames meet rich natural wool, creating a ra...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
$3,550Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Mid Century Shell Chairs in Burgundy Angkor by Pierre Frey, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Set of Four Beautiful chairs type 1020 colloquially called "shell" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s in Poland. They are after full renovation uphols...
Textile, Wool, Velvet, Beech
"Kurul" Armchair in Oak & Lambswool, Henning Kjærnulf, Mid Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine and elegant armchair in solid oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s. Model “Kurul.” The chair has been reupholstered in high-quality shearli...
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
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