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.
Brutalist French Cabinet in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed sideboard embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled Wall-Mounted 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, United States, 1968 A very ra...
Bronze
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Poul Cadovius Vintage 1960s Royal Teak Wall System with 4 Cabinets
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
Look at this stunning hanging Wall System . Super warm Teak Color . Iconic design by Poul Cadovius . Signed . 4 Cabinets . One rare high Cabinet . comes with two Thick Glass shelves...
Teak
Low Brutalist Sideboard in Oak, Danish Mid Century, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A charming low-profile sideboard crafted in oak and designed in the style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s. The piece features beautifully sculpted cabinet fronts with geometric d...
Brass
Vintage Danish 1960s Mid-Century Modern Illuminated Bar Cabinet
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Presenting a unique example of mid-century craftsmanship, this sculptural cabinet showcases the warmth and depth of richly figured wood, likely rosewood, with beautifully flowing gra...
Wood
Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio Early and Rare Loop Cabinet in Verdigris Copper
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, ‘Loop’ wall-mounted cabinet, welded copper with applied verdigris patina, steel, brass, painted wood, United States, circa 1968 Made around 1968, t...
Brass, Copper, Steel
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcases in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcases, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1957 These library units, crafted from walnut, are the work of Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Fabric, Walnut
Giuseppe Rivadossi Pyramid Shaped Cabinet in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, sideboard, stained chestnut, Italy, 1960s This striking cabinet by Giuseppe Rivadossi pleases the eye by all means. Rivadossi, an Italian sculptor and furniture ...
Glass, Chestnut
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid stained oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming large sideboard is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. This p...
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Brutalist Chevron Oak Cabinet, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This exceptional Danish modern brutalist cabinet, dating from the 1960s, is in the style of renowned designer Henning Kjærnulf. This oak piece features his signature geometric, relie...
Oak
Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of chests was made in the 1960s by American of Martinsville. Each dresser features three drawers with the classic Gershun louvered look, almost ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Panasonic Stereo Console Record Player in Walnut Cabinet
By Panasonic
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A sleek and sophisticated Mid-Century Modern Panasonic stereo console showcasing clean architectural lines, warm walnut cabinetry, and classic 1960s–1970s hi-fi styling. Designed wit...
Wood
Danish teak cabinet with sliding tambour doors
Located in Ranst, VAN
Charming Danish vintage cabinet in teak featuring a sleek tambour door and two wooden shelves. With its compact design and warm wood finish, this piece offers both style and practica...
Teak
1960s Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Wood Cabinet, Honey & Walnut
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Beautiful mid-century modern cabinet dating from the 1960s, featuring an exceptional dramatic wood grain veneer with rich honey and walnut tones. The striking mirrored grain pattern ...
Wood
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Curved China Display Cabinet Curio Tambour Doors
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional Vintage Scandanavian Modern Breakfront, Made in Denmark. Features a curved form made teak with a divided and illuminated back lit curio showcase along the top over a...
Glass, Teak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet w/ Chrome Legs
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...
Chrome
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Edward J Wormley Manufacturer: Dunbar Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Metal Accents Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, this exceptional cabi...
Metal
Teak Stereo Record Expandable 2 pc. Entertainment Cabinet and Desk Denmark (A)
By Viborg Stolefabrik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An expandable stereo record cabinet with one door having an adjustable shelve, 3 record slots and an open storage area with one adjustable shelve for your stereo equipment. The other...
Teak
French Pair Nightstands Charlotte Perriand Style Bedside Tables Pine circa 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
French side cabinets nightstand of 1970s. A pair of solid pine nightstands in a modernist mountain style, likely inspired by Savoyard furniture from the 1970s and 1980s, in the spiri...
Pine
Cubical Cabinet in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, Oregon pine, Europe, 1970s Concise in design, this cabinet is a versatile piece for various settings or interiors. It could serve as a practical storage solution for an off...
Pine
André Sornay Cabinet or Wardrobe with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s This tall cabinet, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary...
Wood, Mahogany
Franz Xaver Sproll Hand-Crafted Large Cabinet in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franz Xaver Sproll, large cabinet or wardrobe, pine, Switzerland, 1960s Swiss furniture maker Franz Xaver Sproll is known for his high-quality, handcrafted solid wood furniture, de...
Pine, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern 1950s Italian Cabinet in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, mahogany, mirrored glass, glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming cabinet stands out with its graphical door panels, featuring carved horizontal lines that add character ...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Wardrobe in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or wardrobe, oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the graphical de...
Brass
Studio B.B.P.R. Large Library in Walnut and Glass
By Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio B.B.P.R. (Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Enrico Peressutti, Ernesto Nathan Rogers), library, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, late 1960s. This wonderful bookcase is designed b...
Brass
French Riviera Organic Cabinet in Woven Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1970s
By Dal Vera
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century organic cabinet fully made of bamboo and pressed woven rattan. This delightful and unique French Riviera style cabinet was produced in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Lane Staccato Mid Century Modern Oak Brutalist Nightstand Cabinet Side Table
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Dayton, OH
1970s Vintage Lane Furniture Staccato collection Brutalist style Oak nightstand cabinet. 568-32. The cabinet base showcases Lanes iconic cubed brutalist form with two doors that tha...
Oak
USM Haller Cabinet by Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer, 1980s Chrome Steel
By Usm Haller, Fritz Haller, Paul Schaerer
Located in Ljubljana, SI
USM Haller Cabinet with shelves storage by Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer 1980s. Label: USM Haller Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer Material: Steel chrome plated with white and blue met...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s Danish Oak Low Cabinet / Sideboard, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This commanding oak sideboard is a masterful homage to the iconic “Baroque Modern” style of Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf. Exemplifying the Brutalist-inspired furniture movement o...
Oak
George Nakashima Dressing Table, Vanity, Origins, Widdicomb - Mueller, 1957
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Culver City, CA
People might see this piece and think: “oh, cute… a little dressing table," but this is an extremely rare masterclass in design. This is a rare George Nakashima Origins dressing tab...
Wood
French Riviera Organic Cabinet in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century cabinet fully made in bamboo and woven rattan. This wonderful organic two-door cabinet was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and with a c...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Rare Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Sideboard in Green Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' sideboard, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, hired BBPR to design their New York showroom on Fifth Avenue and to create their first series of office furniture, called Spazio (1959/60). This line included chairs, shelving, cabinet systems, and desks, just like the one shown here. It won the Compasso d'Oro Award in 1962. The cabinet contains compartments with drawers secured on both sides. The top is furnished with dark brown vinyl which adds a sturdy touch the overall industrial appearance. Studio B.B.P.R. was an Italian architectural partnership founded in Milan in 1932 by Gianluigi Banfi (1910-1945), Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso (1909-2004), Enrico Peressutti (1908-1976) and Ernesto Nathan Rogers (1909-1969) who had studied at the Politecnico di Milano. B.B.P.R. was thus an acronym formed from the first letters of their family names. The architects found each other in their opposition to fascism in Italy in the 1930s and 1940s during Mussolini's autocratic regime. The architects therefore believed in developing a style that would have no references to contemporary politics. During the Second World War, they all joined the resistance. However, Rogers, a Jew, fled to Switzerland and both Belgiojoso and Banfi were deported to the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, where Banfi died in 1945. Despite the immense loss of Banfi, their architectural practice continued in the same name as before after...
Steel
Leon Martin Rare Console from French Dental Cabinet Office circa 1920 Paris
By Léon Martin 1
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
A sensational early 20th century Dental Cabinet from Paris , France . Beautifully manufactured in iron with 8 drawers metal background and 1 doors. The top is black glass. A fabulous additional for any office or used as console Leon Martin...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
2 Mid Century Modern American of Chicago Neoclassical Pedestal Tables Cabinets
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Mid Century Modern Somno Style Pedestal Tables or Sculpture Stands by American of Chicago, circa 1969. Features a round corinthian column ...
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Dry Bar
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Bar USA, circa 1950s A refined and increasingly scarce diminutive cabinet designed by Paul McCobb f...
Brass
USM Haller Custom White and Glass Bookshelf Cabinet Mid Century Modern
By Usm Haller
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Custom Bookcase, made by USM Haller, Swiss, circa 1990s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with four glass shelves on the right side, and a storage compartment or planter to the left. The shelf space measures 13"h x 29.5"w. The planter measures 14"h x 19"w x 13"d. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a bookshelf or bookcase, media cabinet, bar, or vitrine. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for another USM Haller black...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet by Carlo Jensen
By Carlo Jensen, Hundevad & Co.
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...
Birch, Rosewood
Poul Cadovius hanging Royal Wall System 1950s Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this iconic Royal System by Poul Cadovius 1950s in the rare African Bonkonko Wood Beautiful warm light color . 4 uprights 2 Cabinets 12 shelves ....
Wood
1970s Modular Plastic Cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original pair of cylindrical cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell, modular with vertical overlap was designed for every room. A true pieces of italian design. The items are in...
Plastic
1950s Italian Sideboard in Green Lacquered Wood with Oak Interior and Black Legs
Located in Rome, IT
Italian sideboard from the 1950s, restored and restyled with great attention to craftsmanship and modern proportions. The structure is made of solid wood, finished with a green shell...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Modern Handcrafted Cabinet Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful, handcrafted cabinet is made from elm veneer. Excellent carved and curved legs as well as wonderfully veneer that gives this cabinet a luxury’s feeling. Good vintage ...
Elm
Guillerme & Chambron Buffet in Stained Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboard, stained oak, France, 1960s This sculptural cabinet is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. The piece is executed in solid,...
Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Ceramic Handles
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, highboard or cabinet, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This wardrobe is based on a well-designed structure where aesthetics and functionally go hand in hand. The d...
Oak
Vintage Josef Frank Style Swedish Cabinet, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vintage Swedish cabinet, after Josef Frank. Wildflower front with a grounded frame. The loose botanical motif echoes the Svenskt Tenn aesthetic with a nice balance of movement. Solid...
Textile, Beech
Italian Contemporary Mid-Century Paolo Buffa Style Geometric Wood Cabinet
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful cabinet designed and handcrafted by us with structure and interior in solid beechwood, 2 rectangular leg , 2 folding doors with vertical and orizontal geometric moldings (...
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Cabinet or Highboard, Belgium ca. 1970
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1970 / Cabinet / wood and aluminum / Mid-Century / Brutalist A striking example of Belgian Brutalist design from the 1970s, this sculptural cabinet combines bold geometry ...
Aluminum
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1960s by Poul Cadovius, this 2nd generation wall unit was produced by Cado during the same time period. Cado as a company was founded when Poul began selling his...
Glass, Rosewood
William Watting High Cabinet in Walnut with Elegant Tambour Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
William Watting sideboard, walnut, lacquered wood, brass, Europe, 1940s This exquisite cabinet, designed by William Watting, is a rare and elegant piece from the 1940s. Crafted in E...
Brass
Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet by Aksel Kjersgaard Odder. This 2-piece standing storage unit contains 5 slide pull drawers below a ...
Birch
Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Cabinet
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' side table cabinet, metal, plastic, fabric, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, th...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Hutch China Cabinet Morganton Furniture CopenArt Line
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern hutch China Cabinet from the Morganton Furniture "CopenArt" line. Minimalist Danish Modern inspired profile. A handsome example of American craftsmanship. Stunning...
Glass, Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Broyhill Brasilia line is extensive, spanning multiple rooms across more than 30 models. Throughout our multi-decade experience in this industry, we have seen and handled nearly ...
Walnut
Charles Flandre Cabinet in Solid Elm and Wrought Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, cabinet, solid elm, pine, wrought iron, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this exquisite elmwood high cabinet beautifully blends rustic ...
Iron
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Chair with Storage in Oak and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, lounge chair and cabinet, oak, leather, France, 1960s This is a remarkable piece of furniture by Guillerme et Chambron. The whole construction is based on a seating area and a unique, custom-made cabinet. The armrest is beautifully shaped and contains an engraved...
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Tall Filing Archive Cabinet in Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Filing cabinet, lacquered steel, metal, Germany, 1960s This filing cabinet from the 1960s is unusual because of its cylindrical shape. Instead of the usual boxy, rectangular form w...
Metal, Steel
French Designer, Cabinet, Mahogany, Brass, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and brass cabinet or sideboard designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Mild to moderate imperfections on top surface from normal use. Minimal scratches on side panels...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet 'Thierry' in Black Lacquered Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cabinet, model 'Thierry', lacquered oak, ceramic, France, 1960s. This elegant sideboard evokes the European Gothic Revival period of the nine...
Oak
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror glass, standing on its antique brass wheels...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Two-Door Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Efficiently-sized two-door storage cabinet. Composed of rich rosewood veneer, brass hairpin legs, & brass handles, the overlapping doors open to reveal adjustable shelving, making th...
Brass, Magnets