Mid-Century Modern Seating

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Beige Velvet

$6,950 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Beige Velvet

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved ba...

Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chair in Cherry Wood and Beige Fabric 1950s

$6,950

Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chair in Cherry Wood and Beige Fabric 1950s

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Lounge chair, cherry wood, fabric, Europe, 1950s This wingback chair pairs sculptural elegance with outstanding comfort. Upholstered in a beautifully textured neutral-toned fabric a...

Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs from the 1960s, made of wood and floral fabric

$1,529 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs from the 1960s, made of wood and floral fabric

Located in Palermo, IT

A stunning pair of vintage modernist armchairs, dating primarily from the 1960s and featuring a solid wooden frame and fabric upholstery with floral and damask patterns. This design ...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pierre Chapo 'L09' Bench in Solid Elm

$23,800

Pierre Chapo 'L09' Bench in Solid Elm

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09', oak and fabric, France, 1960s This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Eames Time Life "Lobby" Chair - Caramel Leather - 1st Generation Model 675

$6,850

Eames Time Life "Lobby" Chair - Caramel Leather - 1st Generation Model 675

By Charles and Ray Eames, Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Decatur, GA

Time Life Lobby Chair by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1960. Rare 1st Gen fully restored in brand new Edelman All Grain "Butter" leather. Swivels with a fixed pitch/...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Jens Risom Solid Walnut Occasional Chair with New Cognac Leather Upholstery

$1,335

Jens Risom Solid Walnut Occasional Chair with New Cognac Leather Upholstery

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Decatur, GA

Jens Risom Solid Walnut Occasional Chair with New Cognac Leather Upholstery An elegant Jens Risom occasional chair, embodying the understated sophistication and impeccable craftsman...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Black Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair

$34,000 / set

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine curvy cloud sofas for Directional, circa 1970's. These highly collectible and desirable sculptural modern designer sofas f...

Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood

Set of 4 Gastone Rinaldi Chairs for RIMA Design Italia, 1970s Mid-Century Modern

$1,918 / set

Set of 4 Gastone Rinaldi Chairs for RIMA Design Italia, 1970s Mid-Century Modern

By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi

Located in Palermo, IT

Iconic Sets of 4 Vintage folding chairs made of chrome-plated steel tubing from the 1970s, designed by the renowned Italian designer Gastone Rinaldi for the RIMA company. This model...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid century Brazilian Leather Safari Sling Low lounge Chair by Michel Arnoult

$3,000

Mid century Brazilian Leather Safari Sling Low lounge Chair by Michel Arnoult

By Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon, Michel Arnoult

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Brazilian modern Michel Arnoult leather sling with Brazilian wood frame Safari Sling Lounge Chair. Brazilian Modern jacaranda hardwood frame safari sling chair with light...

Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

2 John Risley 1960s Sculptural Welded Steel Mr. & Mrs Figural Peoples Chairs MCM

$8,500

2 John Risley 1960s Sculptural Welded Steel Mr. & Mrs Figural Peoples Chairs MCM

By John Risley

Located in Dayton, OH

Pair of Iconic John Risley anthropomorphic chairs, part of a series created by John Risley in the 1960s, known as the People chairs. These brutalist style chairs are constructed fr...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

Chrome 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools

$880Sale Price / set|20% Off

Chrome 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools

By Kinetics

Located in Toronto, ON

Very cool chrome stools made in the 1970s by Kinetics. Referred to as 'k700' stool, the tubular stool was originally designed by Philip Salmon ans Hugh Hamilton. This midcentury mode...

Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio

$12,709 / set

Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...

Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech

Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1960s

$11,800 / set

Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1960s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of wood and green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally reupholstered. O...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Mid Century Modern faded tan Leather 3 seat Sofa Sigurd Ressell Norway

$3,250

Mid Century Modern faded tan Leather 3 seat Sofa Sigurd Ressell Norway

By Sigurd Ressell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Scandinavian modern light tan low deep leather 3 seat sofa on 2 front ball casters and 2 back wooden legs. Beautiful light tan soft leather is soft and shows signs of use...

Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ico Parisi, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

$12,600 / set

Ico Parisi, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

By Ico Parisi

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of teal fabric and wood lounge chairs designed by Ico Parisi and produced by MIM, Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Restored and reupholstered in recent hist...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1960s

$8,600 / set

Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1960s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of dark-stained wood and beige fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered. Overall ...

Category

1960s Argentine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paolo Buffa, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1950s

$14,600 / set

Paolo Buffa, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of yellow brown velvet and wood lounge chairs designed by Paolo Buffa for Hotel Bristol, Merano, Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair to ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Floral Upholstery

$12,700 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Floral Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of lounge chairs, floral fabric, beech, Europe, 1950s A charming pair of mid-century club chairs, distinguished by their inviting, sculptural form and vibrant floral upholstery...

Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery

$12,400

Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery

$10,800

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 ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Tufted Blue Upholstered Library Club Lounge Chair & Ottoman

$2,800

Mid Century Tufted Blue Upholstered Library Club Lounge Chair & Ottoman

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

This vintage mid-century lounge set, attributed to the master craftsmen at Baker Furniture, features a skirted club chair and matching rectangular o...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

George Nelson Style Mid Century Modern Slatted Wood Bench Daybed Tufted Cushion

$1,800

George Nelson Style Mid Century Modern Slatted Wood Bench Daybed Tufted Cushion

By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen, Ingvar Hildingsson, George Nelson

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Large oversized minimalistic modern slatted deep bench or daybed in the style of George Nelson. This mid-century style modern bench features slatted teak stained wood with tapered l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Four Mid Century Bumerang Chairs, Tiger Speaking Velvet - Dedar, Poland, 1960s

$4,236 / item

Four Mid Century Bumerang Chairs, Tiger Speaking Velvet - Dedar, Poland, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech

De Sede DS600 'Nonstop' 30-Piece Sectional Sofa Set, Curry Nappa Leather

$28,500 / item

De Sede DS600 'Nonstop' 30-Piece Sectional Sofa Set, Curry Nappa Leather

By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

15-piece De Sede DS600 sectional sofa. Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for De Sede, the DS600 consists of individual modular units that zip together ...

Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Felt

Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests

$8,700 / set

Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests

By Gianni Vigorelli

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...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Plywood

1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style

$3,250

1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style

By Gerard Van Den Berg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Manufactured by Mondileder in the 1970s, this large three-seat sofa features a frame built from thick, dark-lacquered Manou bamboo, bent and stacked into horizontal rails that form t...

Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Lacquer, Rattan, Bamboo, Upholstery

Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1970s

$9,800 / set

Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of green floral-printed fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric with staining, ideally reupho...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

De Sede DS-76 Style 5-Piece Natural Leather Modular Sectional

$6,750

De Sede DS-76 Style 5-Piece Natural Leather Modular Sectional

By De Sede

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Five-piece modular sectional in natural tan leather, configured as two corner pieces and three straight sections arranged in an L-shape. Each module measures 36 inch wide by 37.5 inc...

Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Cleopatra Wide Daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Auping

$1,695

Mid-Century Cleopatra Wide Daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Auping

By Auping, A.R. Cordemeijer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cleopatra daybed designed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Royal Auping, featuring sculpted solid teak end panels, a near-black enameled metal frame with perforated side rails, and four tapere...

Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Illum Wikkelsø Model 380 Leather Ottoman for Mikael Laursen

$685

Illum Wikkelsø Model 380 Leather Ottoman for Mikael Laursen

By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by A. Mikael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark, the Model 380 ottoman features a solid oak frame with a lightly refinished stained finish. Four round...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Oak

Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats

$6,000 / set

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 ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Straw, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Arm Chair in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall

$2,200

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Arm Chair in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A sexy sculptural lounge chair designed by Adrian Pearsall in the 1960's. It features the original floral fabric on the back rest but the seat cushion was redone at some point. Solid...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Walnut

Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970

$2,400Sale Price|20% Off

Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970 in the style of Hans Wegner. Manufacturer in Denmark with solid pine wood frame and legs with original cushi...

Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Italian Brass Bar Stools/Chairs

$9,296 / set

Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Italian Brass Bar Stools/Chairs

Located in Vilnius, LT

Set of 4 pcs. vintage Italian bar stools. The base is made of brass and steel with brown natural leather upholstery. Leather is in very good condition, no cracks or other defects. Fl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Attributed Chrome & Dark Brown Leather Chairs, Cidue

$2,450 / set

Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Attributed Chrome & Dark Brown Leather Chairs, Cidue

By Willy Rizzo, Cidue

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of four cantilever armchairs attributed to Willy Rizzo, produced by Italian manufacturer Cidue. Each chair features a continuous thick tubular chrome frame that forms the cantile...

Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin

$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...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm

$19,500

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...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates

$5,895

Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

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...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut

Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

$6,943 / set

Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech

Rare Gio Ponti for Cassina '811' Lounge Chair in Original Upholstery

$52,000

Rare Gio Ponti for Cassina '811' Lounge Chair in Original Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Gio Ponti for Figli di Amadeo Cassina, lounge chair, model ‘811’, chestnut, original fabric, rubber, coated metal, Italy, 1957 Conceived in 1957, this rare Model 811 lounge chair by...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Illum Wikkelsø Model 380 Brown Leather Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s

$3,450

Illum Wikkelsø Model 380 Brown Leather Three-Seat Sofa, 1970s

By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century Danish three-seat sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by A. Mikael Laursen in Aarhus. The solid wood frame features rounded legs and horizontal rails with a ligh...

Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Oak

Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s

$18,400

Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A curved organic wood and floral-printed fabric sofa or corner sofa, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Fabric distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia

$6,800 / set

Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia

By Eero Aarnio

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1950's Brass And Crushed Velvet French Ottoman

$2,500

1950's Brass And Crushed Velvet French Ottoman

Located in New York, NY

1950's solid brass French ottoman newly re-upholstered in crushed velvet, the brass is in vintage original condition, with some wear and patina due to age and use.

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt

$2,750

Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt

By Frits Henningsen, Peter Hvidt

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Elegant 1950s small scale lounge chair attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark between ca. 1950. The chair exhibits the rolled armrest detail and tapered front le...

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Beech, Wool

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin

$3,250

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin

By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats

$3,500 / set

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...

Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Rush, Cherry

American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance

$11,100 / item

American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance

By JLC

Located in New York, NY

A study in streamlined design and understated elegance, this modern sofa is engineered with a robust solid wood frame construction. The interior features a multi-density polyurethane...

Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood

Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair

$189,000

Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut Pierre Frey Mohair

By Phillip Lloyd Powell

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...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s

$9,473 / set

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...

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet, Beech

1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine

$26,400 / set

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 ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Pine

Argentine Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s

$4,600

Argentine Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s

Located in High Point, NC

A wood and beige fabric lounge chair or slipper chair designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26...

Category

1970s Argentine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio

$11,768 / set

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...

Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech

Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt

$3,750

Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt

By Peter Hvidt

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Wool, Beech

Vintage Eames lounge chair set with ottoman by Charles&Ray Eames for Vitra

$10,473 / set

Vintage Eames lounge chair set with ottoman by Charles&Ray Eames for Vitra

By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Vilnius, LT

Vintage Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman designed by Charles & Ray Eames, creaded in 1956's. Manufactured by Vitra edition in 1994's. Marked with labels both on armchairs and ottom...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Chaise Longue LC4 for Cassina

$6,943

Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Chaise Longue LC4 for Cassina

By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina

Located in Vilnius, LT

Vintage Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand chaise lounge LC4 created in 1928's. Manufactured by Cassina edition circa late 1990's. Signed on chrome and legs base: Ca...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé

$34,500

Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé

By Adrian Pearsall

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...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

$12,600

American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A black-lacquered iron and orange velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Some staining on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in hi...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements

$2,750 / item

Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements

By Rossi di Albizzate

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...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak

$2,950 / set

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...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating

Materials

Teak

Mid-century Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern seating 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 seating 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, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Knoll, Herman Miller, and Charles and Ray Eames. 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.

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Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.

Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home

The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.