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.
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
$2,600 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a sculptural composition in brass with contrasting material details. Each sconce features tw...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and elegantly structured Italian chandelier from the 1950s, defined by a clean geometric composition in brass paired with opaline glass shades. The chandelier features a c...
Metal, Brass
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
Jean Rispal style. Mid-Century Modern rhodoid floor lamp, France, 1970s
By Jean Rispal, Mathieu Matégot, Arredoluce, Stilnovo, Estiluz Lighting
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century Modern style floor lamp in the style of Jean Rispal's designs for Maison Rispal. Silver chrome metal structure with a cast iron black lacquered base. Space Age style lamp...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Cat Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Bitossi Ceramic Sculpture by Aldo Londi, Rimini Blu, Italy, 1960s An exceptional Mid-Century Italian ceramic sculpture by Bitossi, designed by Aldo Londi in the 1960s. This rare piec...
Ceramic
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut
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
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
André Sornay Rare Sideboard with Double-Sliding Doors in Blue and Black
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, sideboard, teak, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare cabinet is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: ...
Wood, Teak
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Ivory Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Extendable 'L'Italienne' Dining Table in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, dining table, model 'L'Italienne', solid oak, France, 1960s This L'Italienne dining room table is designed by the acclaimed French designer d...
Oak
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Black Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Rare Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp, coated aluminum and brass, brass, marble, Italy, design circa 1954 An exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by the acclaimed lighting des...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
Sergio Mazza for Artemide Rare Chandelier in Glass and Nickel-Plated Brass
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, rare chandelier, nickel-plated brass, lacquered metal, crystal glass, Italy, 1960s An exceptionally rare design by the acclaimed Italian architect and vis...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
$1,741 / set
Pair of cocoon sconces with pine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Cocoon wall sconces, designed and crafted in Italy during the 1970s, epitomizes Italian design innovation. Hand-applied resin over a metal structure creates a captivating coc...
Pine
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this doub...
Hickory, Walnut
Signed Vintage Curtis Jere “Sea Gulls” Brass Wall Hanging Sculpture, c.1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition An iconic expression of movement and form, this vintage “Sea Gulls” wall sculpture by Curtis Jere captures the effortless grace of birds in fl...
Brass
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (Pequi), Brazil, 1970s This exceptional hand-carved coffee table embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: a deep ...
Hardwood
White alabaster vanity box by Romano Bianchi, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb white and black alabaster box designed and produced by romano bianchi in italy in the 1970s. Handcrafted alabaster box with chromed metal structure. Decorative object that wil...
Alabaster
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a clean and understated composition in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a slender, ...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza
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...
Teak
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970s, characterized by a richly veined veneer, likely burl, offering a particularly expressive natural design. Its surface displays a warm palette of...
Wood
Ekornes Montana 3 Seat Sofa, Teak and Leather
By Ekornes
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage 1970’s Norwegian 3 seat sofa by Ekornes, the ‘Montana’ model. Sculptural solid teak frame with butterscotch leather two tone cushions. Frame is in overall good condition with...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Marble Owl Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition A charming pair of mid-century modern marble owl bookends, thoughtfully carved from richly veined stone and mounted on solid marble bases. The ...
Marble
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a graceful and sculptural composition entirely in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce is structured around a...
Brass
Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Vases, Set of 3, Italy, 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural set of three Murano glass vases designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Italy, circa 1950. Exemplifying the mastery of the Sommerso (“submerged”) t...
Murano Glass
$7,500
The Showcase Dresser
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Showcase Dresser is a celebration of the incredible, wonderous, endless beauty found in nature. We believe that each piece of lumber has a story it wants to tell, and a perfect ...
Hardwood
Alvar Aalto Paimio Chair 41 - Vintage Modernist Bentwood Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Decatur, GA
Paimio Chair or Chair 41 by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Originally designed in 1931 for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. Aalto aimed to create a chair that promoted patient well-being th...
Birch, Plywood, Lacquer
Expertly Restored - Arthur Jacobs Model-1695 Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co., Arthur Jacobs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Arthur Jacobs Manufacturer Modeline Dimensions 33.25in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 24in H x 10in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece o...
Brass
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
Large Italian Wardrobe in Teak with Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, teak, maple, brass, Italy, 1950s This exquisite large Italian wardrobe from the 1950s is a striking example of mid-century design. This piece is crafted in rich teak wood ...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
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
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
Midcentury Pair of Clear "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces attributed Barovier & Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Incredible mid century Murano crystal glass leaf wall sconce with brass fixture. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy attributed to Barovier & Toso during the 1950s. Each s...
Metal
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth yes
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1983. With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined ...
Walnut
$1,080Sale Price|24% Off
Large Spanish Crown Sunburst fixture in Gilt Metal curve Glass , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass We have in stock few colors of Glass ! greeen ; white ; orange ; , Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pend...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$7,750 / item
Bernini Italian Bookcases in Walnut and Glass
By Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bernini, bookcases, walnut, glass, metal, brass, Italy, 1970s Pair of Italian Bernini bookcases from the 1970s, made in walnut with glass doors. The design is tall and straightforwa...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Black Lacquered Metal Chandelier with Opaline Glass Shad
Located in Rome, IT
Italian chandelier from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, characterized by a dynamic and geometric composition combining brass, black lacquered metal, and opaline glass. The struct...
Metal, Brass
Murano Chandelier Original Palmette, Pink Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 58 Murano pink glasses in a gold metal frame. The chandelier has also a Murano glass ball in the end of t...
Art Glass
Pair of vintage Murano trasparent Felci wall sconces
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano trasparent Six-Tier Felci for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late xx century Dimensions: 18,50 inches he...
Art Glass
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Artichoke Pendent By Sven Åge Holm Sørensen
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Svend Aage Holm Sørensen pendant chandelier, model 6435 (Holm Sørensen & Co.)—often referred to as the “Artichoke.” This striking Brutalis...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Californian Modernist Dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman
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
Three-Tier Murano Glass Tube Chandelier, 48 Pink Glasses
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 48 large pink glass tubes. The glasses have a beautiful color, object...
Blown Glass
Green glazed ceramic lamp, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included. A US adapter is provided. An elegant vintage French ceramic lamp from the 1960s, characterized by a vase-shaped base with soft, balanced lines. Its nuanced green glaze, punctuated with speckled patterns, offers a rich and vibrant texture that subtly captures the light. The contrast between the glossy base and the light fabric shade gives the lamp a warm and timeless aesthetic. Perfect as an accent lamp on a console table, bedside table, or sideboard, it brings an authentic, handcrafted touch to any interior. Features Period: 1960s Origin: France Material: Glazed ceramic Color: Variegated green with a speckled effect Shade: Light fabric (likely replaced or original) Use: Table lamp / Accent lamp Condition: Good vintage condition with slight signs of age Style Vintage Mid-century French ceramic 1960s design Keywords vintage ceramic lamp green glazed lamp mid-century table lamp 1960s lighting french ceramic lamp vintage lighting decor green pottery lamp mid-century modern lamp vintage green ceramic lamp...
Ceramic
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Enameled Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A sculptural pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a dynamic and expressive interplay of curved brass, colored metal, and opaline glass. Each sconce features a flu...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Laurel Floor Lamp w/ Removable Magazine Holder & Tray Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 53.50in H x 18in W x 18in D Shade: 13.25in H x 17in W x 17in D Table Height: 20.50in
Linen, Wood, Walnut
Charles Flandre Naturalistic Dining Table in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, dining table, solid elm, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this solid elm dining table reflects a careful balance between rustic strengt...
Elm
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and etched glass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 13.5"H x 17.5"D Stem Length (inche...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a refined and sculptural silhouette. Each sconce features a gently curved arm in brass with a darkened patina, ...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
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 that can seamlessly be incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 This pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands embodies a clean, architectural simplicity that feels both timeless and functional. Crafted in walnut, each piece features two smoothly integrated drawers, offering practical storage while maintaining a minimal, uncluttered façade. Subtle details—like the exposed dovetail joinery and softly tapered legs—speak to the craftsmanship behind their construction without overwhelming the design. The proportions are thoughtfully balanced, giving them a light, elevated presence that works beautifully in both modern and classic interiors. Expertly refinished, the wood has been restored to a rich, even tone, highlighting the natural grain and ensuring a clean, cohesive presentation throughout. Fun Historical Fact Nightstands as we know them today became widely popular during the mid-20th century, as homes shifted toward more casual, functional living spaces. Designers began simplifying forms, moving away from ornate bedroom furniture...
Walnut
Contemporary Italian Upholstered Bench in Hunter Green Bouclé, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary Italian Upholstered Bench in Hunter Green Bouclé with Ash Tapered Legs Sleek contemporary bench, studio built in Italy, featuring solid ash wood tapered legs and uphols...
Fabric
$1,825Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Birch Bench, Artek, Finland, 1950s, Scandinavian Modern
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Birch bench designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland in the 1950s. This piece represents an earlier production model, featuring a structural variation with outward-positioned legs c...
Birch
Model PH5 Pendant Light By Louis Poulson Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model PH5 Pendant Light By Louis Poulson Circa 1960s - Price is per light (3 available) - Comes with 120cm of cable - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - White with blue and red details - Mad...
Aluminum
Rosewood and Leather Bastiano Chair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s “Bastiano” model club chair designed by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Italy. Solid Rosewood frame with original tan/beige leather cushions. A comfortable and attractive desig...
Leather, Rosewood
1950s Italian Curved Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a light and organic composition that combines brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a circular brass wall pl...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Wall Unit with Vitrine in Walnut
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' highboard consisting of cabinet with vitrine, walnut, burlwood, lacquered wood, brass, glass, leather, Italy, 1975/1979 This substantia...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Set of Three Leaf Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long Italian Set of Three amber and clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Maz...
Metal