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.
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precisi...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
By De Sede
Located in Čelinac, BA
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
Leather
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Mid-Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Brown Leather Birch frame Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes leather teak sofa. Great dark brown leather with solid Blonde birch wood frames. Beautiful condition and very comfortable. Great Norwegian d...
Leather, Birch
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Pair of 'Edouard' Lounge Chairs in Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Edouard' lounge chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1970s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, an...
Fabric, Oak
$6,395 / item
"Californian" armchair FRANCE - 1960s
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Jacques Charpentier , a French decorator and editor trained at the École Boulle, this armchair reflects his work of the 1960s. It rests on a stainless steel base, a signa...
Metal
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mahogany Brown Leather Executive Swivel Desk Chair, 1970s
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Mohair, Walnut
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
Chrome
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s - Price is for the pair - Bent Beech frames - New cream Boucle fabric - Designed By Frantisek Jirak - By Tatra Nabytok - ...
Bouclé, Beech
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, C1940's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, Circa 1940’s This is an extremely good-looking pair of chairs. The chairs themselves are of a good quality an...
Leather
Expertly Restored - Pair of Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Slipper Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tittina Ammannati and Vitelli Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate, 'Grandangolo' lounge chairs, leather, metal, Italy, design 1969 A wide and seamlessly curved lounge chair designed by...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Wool, Mahogany
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
Kristian Vedel, set of black leather Modus furniture, Denmark 1960s
By Søren Willadsen, Kristian Solmer Vedel
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Kristian Vedel set from 1960s Denmark exemplifies timeless Scandinavian modern design with its sleek black leather finish and functional modularity. This set contains two easy c...
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair For THONET 1978
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair for THONET 1978
Chrome
Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva For Wittmann 1980
By Paolo Piva
Located in Čelinac, BA
Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva for Wittmann Austria 1980
Fabric
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Giotto Stoppino, Rodolfo Bonetto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Isamu Kenmochi No.80 Chair / Japanese mid-century Bentwood / Black Stained Beech
By Isamu Kenmochi, Akita Mokko
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Originally designed in 1964 by legendary Japanese designer Isamu Kenmochi, the No.80 Chair stands as one of the most important examples of postwar Japanese modern furniture design. T...
Beech
Pair of chrome lounge chairs by Thonet, mid 20th century
By Thonet
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of mid century modern thick tubular chrome lounge chairs by Thonet, upholstered in olive green, circa 1960. Extraordinarily comfortable, these chairs have been newly upholster...
Chrome
Thonet, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood settee or bench produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. From a group along with two chairs, one carrying Thonet paper label. Minimal signs of use. Re...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Elm & Tweed Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Elm Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Elm
Set Of Two Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Lawson-Fenning Large Bosque Sofa, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bosque started with a question - How do you make a sofa that anchors a room without dominating it? The answer was in the proportions: broad, low, deliberately grounded. A profile...
Upholstery
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fabric...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
Guillerme & Chambron 'Jose' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak and Beige Wool
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, easy chair, model ‘Jose’, oak, wool, France, 1960s Characteristic Jose armchair by French designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. While the fr...
Wool, Oak
De Sede Buffalo Leather DS 50 Longue Chair And Ottoman
By De Sede
Located in Čelinac, BA
De Sede Longue Chair DS 50 And Ottoman
Leather
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931). The sofa is a "Composition Missoni" featuring dramati...
Fabric, Foam
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By Komfort, H.W. Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Eames Time-Life Executive Desk Chair - Herman Miller - Brown Leather - 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Decatur, GA
1970s Eames Time-Life Executive Desk Chair in Brown Leather An iconic mid-century modern executive chair designed by Charles Eames and Ray Eames for Herman Miller as part of the cel...
Aluminum
Gae Aulenti 4x Lounge Chairs by Knoll, Black Steel, Leather Cushions
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Vienna, AT
Collectors set of 2x two Gae Aulenti for Knoll International lounge chairs-Priced as a pair This set of two times two lounge armchairs is constructed of black lacquered steel frames...
Steel
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s This is an exquisite pair of original and iconic Havana moustache models. These chairs have been bea...
Leather
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Set with Connecting Table in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coupled lounge chairs with side table, fabric, oak, France, 1960s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high quality solid oak furnit...
Fabric, Oak
Gio Ponti for Cassina '811' Lounge Chair in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Figli di Amadeo Cassina, lounge chair, model ‘811’, chestnut, fabric, rubber, coated metal, Italy, 1957 Made in 1957, this rare lounge chair model 811 is designed by G...
Metal
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for 'Artigianato' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for Emilio Paoli, 'Artigianato' lounge chair from the Monofilo series, lacquered iron, nylon, Italy, design 1953, made 1954/55 During...
Iron
Guillerme & Chambron 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Petit Repos' lounge chair, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, ...
Fabric, Oak
Lawson-Fenning Bosque Sectional w/ Chaise, Fully Upholstered, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sectional version of the Bosque Sofa, built to the same logic: broad proportions, low profile, plush cushioning over a substantial frame. Designed to define the landscape of a ro...
Upholstery
Super Rare Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut & Orange X-Base Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare, possibly unique armchair designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by Craft Associates in the 1960s. While other variations of this design reached mass production and still se...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Walnut
Pair of 1950s Lounge Chairs in Burgundy Red Fabric and Walnut Frames
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, burgundy red fabric, walnut, Europe, 1950s These elegant lounge chairs embody a sophisticated appearance of 1950s design. Crafted from richly toned walnut, th...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Lou Hodges Lounge Chairs, Oak, Walnut, 1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Round Rock, TX
Pair of Lou Hodges Lounge Chairs in Chocolate Mohair. An exceptional pair of sculptural lounge chairs designed by Lou Hodges, showcasing the California designer’s signature balance...
Mohair, Oak, Walnut
Danish 1940s Large Lounge Chair with Organic Rounded Proportions Yellow Mohair.
By Mogens Lassen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s highback lounge chair in the style of Flemming Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller sp...
Wool, Beech
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