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.
Mid-Century Light Amber Glass Sconce Flush Mounts
By WILA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with light amber clear glass. 1960-1970 Weight: 2.00 kg / 4.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inte...
Metal
Swedish Opaline Glass & Brass Caged Lantern Pendant, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This mid-century pendant was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. The light features a lantern-style pendant with a white opaline glass shade enclosed within a polished...
Brass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Amber Ball Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a stacked ball stem design in a dark muted amber color. An etched d...
Glass
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Premium Rosso Levanto Marble Table With Tapered Solid Base, Customizable Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
ROSSO LEVANTO MARBLE DINING TABLE Type of Marble: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 72" x 36" (Custom sizes available) Leg Model: Rosso Levanto (Custom leg models available) Customization:...
Travertine, Marble
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Tambour-Door Credenza by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
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...
Wood, Walnut
Very Large Kienzle World Clock by Heinrich Möller, Vintage Brass Design, 1965
By Kienzle Clocks, Heinrich Möller
Located in Andernach, DE
Kienzle world clock, Chronoquartz, by Heinrich Johannes Möller for Kienzle, circa 1965. Polished brass case with brushed finish and domed glass, br...
Brass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 6
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a classic ribbed green stem. An etched design of grape vines decora...
Glass
Poul Henningsen Vintage PH-80 Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen Denmark 1970s
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Tilburg, NL
Louis Poulsen Vintage PH-80 Table Lamp. Denmark, 1970s. A wonderful vintage PH-80 table lamp by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen. This particular piece is an original 1970s product...
Metal
Pair of vintage Murano Rondini wall sconces – gold glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano trasparent RONDINI glasses mixed with gold powder , golden plated metal frame, condition like new. The glasses are very...
Art Glass
1990s Gorgeous "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Aquarium" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli The "Aquarium" floor lamp, is a rare collaboration between the legendary Piero Fornasetti and Antonangeli. Produced in th...
Plastic
1960 Gerald Thurston 6 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant chandelier from Gerald Thurston for Lightolier , USA. Pierced and slightly folded punched hole in an enameled aluminium shade sitting on a brass stucture . Glass diffuser un...
Aluminum, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 80 glasses - green alabaster glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 80 large green alabaster glass tube. The alabaster techni...
Blown Glass
Quadriedri Murano Chandelier, 47 Multicolored Prisms
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic vintage Murano chandelier made by 47 Murano multicolored crystal prism "quadriedri" in a nickel metal frame. The glass are in 2 different dimension: 28 bigger and 19 smalle...
Art Glass
1950s Italian Stilnovo Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, crafted in brass with black lacquered brass accents and opaline glass diffusers. The design reflects the refined ...
Metal, Brass
"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
1970s Sciolari Waterfall 7 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Waterfall 7 arms chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier , USA. 260 optical quality glass rods hanging from a thick and solid brass structure . Contain 7 regular E26 Edison...
Brass
German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and classic ribbed stems in a green color. Each glass measures 3.25"Di...
Glass
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
Gerben van Hes Ceramic Table Lamp, Twentsch Ros, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gerben van Hes and made in his own studio 'Twentsch Ros’ in the Netherlands in the 1960s. The base is signed/inscribed with Hes on the underside....
Ceramic, Fabric
Scalloped Flower Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scalloped Flower Shaped Flush Mount Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1930s-1940s. Sculptural ceiling light fixture with scalloped dome spherical plate, gilt iron, gold leaf. __________________________________________________________________________ This exquisite flower or shell style handmade flush mount light was crafted from iron. This stunning ceiling flush mount was nicely constructed featuring a shell like gilt iron semi-sphere finished in gold leaf. The central sphere is heavily hand-hammered with stripes and it shows its original gold leaf gilding with a dramatic aged patina. This piece was entirely made by hand and shows a nice hand-crafted metalwork. The central panel is heavily adorned by the hammer marks. Its design combines Art Deco inspiration and Hollywood Regency accents. It can be placed as a flush mount or as a pendant hanging from a chain at the desired height. Designed to blend timeless elegance with artisanal craftsmanship. The shell or flower like design reflects soft ambient light beautifully, making it perfect for living room, dining room, hallways or bedrooms. It will be a nice addition wherever you install it. Newly wired. Overall Measures: 31 cm diameter x 8 cm H Shell Dome Light Fixture...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Nordisk Solar Brutalist Pendant Lamps by Anton Fogh Holm & Alfred J. Andersen, 1
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A green and a purple pendant light in original patinated, superficially corroded - undisturbed conditions. Have them painted in the colors of your choice your self or use them as is ...
Iron
Mid-Century Chinoiserie Black Lacquer TV & Stereo Console with Olympic KC370 TV
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Black Lacquered Wood, Hand Painted Panels Designer: Olympic Manufacturer: Olympic This striking Olympic TV & stereo console is a tr...
Wood
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Californian Tambour-Door Credenza by Barzilay
By Barzilay
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...
Wood, Walnut
1970’s Pair of Vintage Italian Murano Wall Lights, 10 Pink Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 10 fantastic Murano pink and transparent glasses ("crostoli") in a metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Paavo Tynell
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...
Aluminum, Brass
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte
Located in London, GB
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte Opaline frosted, clear blown glass with upwards and downward blown glass leaves decor. The light bulbs a...
Blown Glass
Maison Jansen Brass and Crystal Tiny Round Bar Cart, France, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous compact Mid-Century round bar cart in solid brass and crystal glass. This elegant piece was produced by Maison Jansen in France during the 1950s. In excellent condition, th...
Metal, Brass
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier, 78 Glasses, Pink Fuxia Silk
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large pink fuxia silk glass tubes in a star shape. Per...
Blown Glass
1970s Gorgeous Verner Panton Style "Quadrat" Geometric Space Age Op Art Rug.
Located in Milano, IT
1970s This gorgeous space age "Quadrat" model rug in whool embodies the distinctive style of Verner Panton, featuring a mesmerizing geometric design that commands attention. A true w...
Wool
Cocoon Table Lamp Gatto by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos Italy 60s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Palermo, IT
A masterpiece of Italian mid-century design, the “Gatto” table lamp was created by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This sculptural lamp features a diffu...
Metal
French Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and white opaline glass wall lights designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 7.0"H x 3.4"W x 6.85"D...
Brass
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce – green triedri - Column model
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 green prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The wall lamps can be inst...
Art Glass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Cartier in Excellent condition.
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Paper
Mid Century West German Pottery Vase by Bay Keramik - Red and Blue
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century West German Pottery vase by Bay Keramik. Finished in a two toned red and blue glaze with a brown interior. Serial number on the base and marked Bay, W-Germany.
Pottery
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Union Made Carpenters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Lampshade shows signs of moderate wear consistent with age and use. Dimens...
Brass
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
Pair of brass small Decorative brass birds figurines, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of small, finely crafted decorative brass birds, dating from the 1950s and of French origin. Each bird features a stylized body covered in a design punctuated with colorful cabo...
Brass
Pink Murano Glass Spiral Table Lamp, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
A sculptural table lamp executed in pink Murano glass, attributed to Seguso Vetri d'Arte. The piece features a twisted, ribbed conical silhouette. The glass incorporates an internal ...
Murano Glass
Expertly Restored-Adrian Pearsall Model 2450TK Coffee Table 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 precis...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Vintage Silver Cutlery Set for 12 people, Italy, 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This amazing set of 51 cutlery pieces in 800 silver plated is an authentic expression of the Italian silverware tradition. Made in Italy in the 1960s. Each piece is marked with the "...
Silver
Italian vintage Murano chandelier in the manner of Mazzega - 75 CARAMEL glass pe
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 75 glass petals (caramel and white “lattimo”) in a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 65 inches (165 cm) height with cha...
Art Glass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativ...
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Birdseye Maple
Pair Foo Dog Bronze Figure Statues Paperweight, Asia Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of Vintage Foo Dog Sculptures in Brass or Bronze This elegant pair of vintage Foo Dog sculptures was acquired from an estate sale in Bologna, Italy. Handcrafted in brass or bro...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of glass wall sconces - 6 acid-etched alabaster glass discs
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 6 acid-etched alabaster glass discs. Bronze/gold painted metal frame. Period: late 20th century Dimensio...
Art Glass
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
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 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass, Green Metal and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with green lacquered metal elements and opaline glass shades. The design is clean and architectural, built around a stro...
Metal, Brass
Wood Dining Table Round by Moscatelli for Meroni Mid-Century Modern Italy 1964s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century dining table by Giulio Moscatelli for the Meroni company. This Italian design piece, dating back to 1964, is crafted from fine wood with visible grain on the circular top...
Metal
Ufo Design Brass Body & Printed Glass Large Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Ufo Design Brass Body & Printed Glass Large Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy **Handcrafted brass ornate frame, hanging stick and top-down details. Lampshade is in good condition and very ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1970s. Minor small stains on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Brass
$813Sale Price|33% Off
Spanish solar Crown Sunburst fixture with lighting in Gilt Metal , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf motifs surrounding a central frosted glass dif...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Beautiful, Very Rare, Five Midcentury Heavy Brass Table Ashtrays by Carl Auböck
Located in München, DE
Beautiful very rare five midcentury heavy brass table ashtrays. Designed by the world famous Austrian designer Carl Auböck. All solid brass ashtrays are bronzed inside and outside. Great timeless midcentury design. Very good condition with few signs of wear. Have been used very little. No damages. No ash residue. Price is for all five pieces together. Three flat large ashtrays: 11.5 x 9 cm 4.5" x 3.5" Height: 1.5cm 0.6" Two tall ashtrays...
Brass
Pair of Large Sculptural Mid Century Pendant Lamps in Opaline Glass 1960
Located in Meer, VAN
Mid Century Pendant Lamp in Opaline Glass, The Netherlands, 1960. A wonderful and large mid century pendant lamp in opaline glass. A sculptural organic modern design arranged in a v...
Glass, Opaline Glass
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier - 24 glasses - "Bubbles" Model
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier in Vistosi style. The structure is composed of a series of glass squares with raised glass hemispheres at their centers, arranged in a geometric pa...
Art Glass
Studio Kastilia Silvi, Italian White & Cream Vanity Table with Blue Seat, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century transformable Kastilia vanity table in a charming and unique ivory-white and cream color completed by blue upholstered chair. This stunning piece was designed i...
Metal
Vintage 1960/70s Danish Brutalist Light Oak Low Sideboard / Crezenda
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A seminal Danish Mid-Century sideboard in Nordic oak, it has been attributed to the iconic designer Henning Kjærnulf. This piece exemplifies his distinct "Danish Brutalist" vernacula...
Brass
Floor Lamp Moonstone, 1970s designed by Andre Cazenave
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury modern 1970s André Cazenave floor lamp model Moon Rock Lamp. Designed around 1970. Handcrafted polyester resin and marble powder a beautiful decorative light object for yo...
Fiberglass