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.
George Nakashima 'Frenchman's Cove II' Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘Frenchman’s Cove II’ dining table, American black walnut, United States of America, 1967 This striking and unique Frenchman’s Cove II ...
Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron Rectangular Coffee Table in Oak with Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, crafted in solid oak with three in...
Ceramic, Oak
Large Murano glass Chandelier - 101 turquoise tube glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 101 large turquoise glass tubes which have a slightly textured effect...
Blown Glass
Art Deco Astra Wall Light, Brass, Mid-Century Modern, Norway, 1950s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful wall mounted lamp was made in Norway in the 1950s. With its organic look made in brass this piece gives a modern as well as a midcentury look. Good vintage condition...
Brass
Pair of Lunel Sconces, Arlus Biny Era French Mid-Century Modern Lighting c.1950
By Maison Lunel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
This sophisticated pair of wall sconces is a premier example of post-war French lighting design, produced by the renowned manufacturer Lunel circa 1950. The sconces display a minima...
Metal
Large Sculptural Glass Sunburst Wall Light by Felipe Delfinger for Feders.
Located in Torquay, GB
An exceptional Mid-Century Mexican sculptural wall light designed by Felip Delfinger for Feders, handcrafted in copper and coloured art glass, circa 1960. The striking sunburst des...
Copper
1960s Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Wall Clock by Cà dei Vetrai
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Mid-Century Modern wall clock, meticulously handcrafted in Italy by the prestigious Murano glassmakers Cà dei Vetrai. This stunning wall clock features a captivating and vibran...
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Terrestre Columbus World Globe Oestergaard Berlin, Germany
By Paul Oestergaard
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An attractive vintage terrestrial globe by Columbus-Verlag Paul Oestergaard K.G., Berlin and Stuttgart, mounted on a turned wooden base with a metal meridian. Measuring 41 cm or 16.1...
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Sideboard in Oak and Ceramic with Integrated Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, ceramic, fabric, France, 1960s Distinctive sideboard designed by Guillerme et Chambron, France, in the 1960s. Cra...
Ceramic, Fabric, Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Angular Carved Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, glass, France, 1960s This exceptional sideboard is a great example where both aesthetics and functionality come i...
Glass, Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition Expertly Refinished over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that ...
Walnut
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined brass structure and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each fixture features a round brass wall plate supp...
Brass
Rare Austrian Brass Pendant Attributed to Kalmar, Loos Manner, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting, Adolf Loos
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally rare and beautifully crafted Austrian pendant lamp of museum-quality craftsmanship, executed in solid brass and inspired by the timeless design philosophy of Adolf L...
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
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a simple and well-balanced composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting. Each fixture features a round brass ...
Brass
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...
Fabric, Elm
Expertly Restored - Jens Risom Walnut Filing Cabinet
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Steel Leveling Glides. Manufacturer: Jens Risom Inc ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like b...
Steel
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France
Located in Vero Beach, FL
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France Beautiful and vibrant landscape painting in oil on canvas of the Village de Ollioules la Provence, France. T...
Canvas, Wood
Guillerme et Chambron Sideboard in Oak with Ceramic
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, sideboard, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Sideboard in oak by French designer due Guillerme & Chambron. This sideboard is equipped with two sliding-doors and...
Ceramic, Oak
Stainless Steel Freeform Coffee Table in The Style of Karl Springer.
Located in New York, NY
1980's Freeform stainless steel coffee table in the style of Karl Springer. Light surface scratches consistent with wear.
Stainless Steel
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century dome-shaped Cocoon pendant light in beige resin and steel. This gorgeous ceiling light was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960...
Metal, Steel
$1,046 / set
Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Elegant pair of wall sconces featuring a distinctive Murano glass shade. The sconce has an elongated oval shape, mounted directly on the wall. The glass showcases a highly structured...
Art Glass
Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian Sputnik chandelier in brass plated metal frame, 51 rare transparent glass tips. Murano blown glass in a traditional way. 10 light points. Period: late xx century Dimensions: ...
Art Glass
Wooden Box, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...
Wood
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...
Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...
Brass
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
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
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 ...
Fabric, Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Dining Table in Oak and Ceramic Tiles
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison dining table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s A remarkable example of French mid-century design, this dining table was created by the celebrate...
Ceramic, Oak
Pair of Elephant Nightstands or Side Table in Rattan, Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare pair of Mid-Century elephant-shaped side tables with removable trays, fully made in hand-woven wicker. These stylish organic pieces were designed by Vivai del Sud ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta Large 'Bramante' Table in Maple
By Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 'Bramante' dining or studio table, maple, Italy, design 1950, production 1980s A remarkable and cutting-edge design by the celeb...
Maple
Vintage 1960s Danish Low Back Lounge Chairs in Light Oak, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A stunning mid-century set of Danish lounge chairs in the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, crafted in the 1960s/70s by an unknown Danish cabinetmaker. Built from solid oak and retain...
Wool, Oak
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Architectural Mid-Century Sideboard in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, mahogany, Italy, 1960s Striking Italian sideboard executed in rich mahogany. The design is characterized by its strong architectural presence, featuring a broad overhangi...
Mahogany
1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style
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...
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' 3-Seat Leather Sofa for Montis, 1970s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Oslo sofa, designed by Gerard van den Berg for Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an architectural oak platform frame with a large, organicall...
Leather, Oak
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...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror, Handcrafted in Spain, Dated 1989
Located in Valencia, VC
Octagonal wall mirror with a brass-mounted frame combining iridescent and mirrored glass panels. The frame is composed of two borders: an outer border of iridescent mirrored glass in...
Metal, Brass
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...
Brass
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1980s. Silver plated box depicting a shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will decorate your inte...
Metal, Silver Plate
Three-Tier Swivel Chrome and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Milo Baughman
Located in Torquay, GB
A stylish three-tier swivel coffee table in polished chrome with inset glass tops. Inspired by the clean architectural lines of Milo Baughman's celebrated 1970s designs. The rotati...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 82 cm Width: 93 cm Depth: 30 cm
Marble, Brass
Two large Beetle Bug Miniature Figurines, Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two larger decorative miniature figurines dating to approximately the 1960s. These charming vintage pieces are crafted from metal, possibly brass, and display an attractive ag...
Metal, Brass
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
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Artek Alvar Aalto 400 Style Lounge Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This supercool chair is unmarked and appears to be a reproduction of Alvar Alto's famous tank chair model 400 probably made sometime in the 1970's. The original was only made in wood...
Chrome
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...
Chrome
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...
Beech, Wool
$604Sale Price|35% Off
Kinetic Sculpture in Iron and Foam, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Originating from France and created around 1990 by an unknown artist, this captivating kinetic sculpture embodies the essence of motion and creativity. Constructed from a combination...
Metal
Mid-Century Cleopatra Wide Daybed by A.R. Cordemeyer for Auping
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...
Metal, Enamel
Italian Midcentury Pair of White Murano Leaf Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long pair of Italian White Clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. Ea...
Metal
Pairs of Murano wall/table lamps by Attr Albano Poli, 1960s–1970s
By Poliarte, Albano Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
Produced in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s. Two table or wall lamps, with a clear Murano glass shade. This is a pair of vintage bubble-glass table or wall lamps. Made of heavy, handcr...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Hexagonal Drum Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Formica Tops Show Wear This pair of mid-century modern walnut hexagonal drum side tables from the 1960s offers a bold geometric presence wit...
Formica, Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Coffee Table in Oak and Blue Ceramic Tiles
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron, crafted in solid oak and featuring a striking inset...
Ceramic, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, 1 Minor Chip Shown in Pic Materials: Italian Travertine Stone, Original Glass Top, 1 Minor Chip on Glass
Travertine
Large Mid-Century Modern Valinte Table Lamp in Brass & Rattan, Finland 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking and unusually large Finnish Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Valinte, manufactured in the 1950s. Elegant in its simplicity yet sculptural in its form, the lamp is defined ...
Brass, Metal
French Vintage Garden Table Set of Four Chairs and Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vintage French garden table and four coordinating chairs will make an irresistible spot to linger al fresco in a garden or patio having recently been powder-coated a refreshing ...
Metal
Gerard van den Berg Oslo Leather Loveseat for Montis, 1970s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerard van den Berg designed the Oslo loveseat for Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairing an organic, envelope-style leather cushion with a sculptural laminated plywood fram...
Leather, Laminate, Wood