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.
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet in the Style of Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, metal, chrome, suede, glass, brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in the style of Willy Rizzo. This striking set includes a counter element and an illumi...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Scaletta bar by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Dry bar by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena. Italy, 1972. The dry bar is made of glossy black lacquered wood with two doors, internal shelves covered in laminate, stainless steel ...
Stainless Steel
1950s Swedish Drinks Cabinet in the Style of Eugen Höglund
By Eugen Höglund
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This elegant Swedish drinks cabinet dates from the 1950s and is crafted in a refined combination of beech and maple wood. The cabinet stands on slender, slightly tapered legs and fea...
Beech, Maple
Italian Midcentury Sideboard or Cabinet Bar designed By Paolo Buffa in 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant cabinet bar, designed in the 1950s, fully represents the elegant and refined language of classical origin characteristic of Buffa's works. Great executive quality, the w...
Brass
Vintage Luciano Frigerio Walnut And Green Marble Bar With 4 Stools, 1970's
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Luciano Frigerio bar with 4 pieces of stools. The semi-circular bar is created in walnut veneer with green marble top, black color parts and chrome footrest. There are 2 chr...
Marble, Chrome
Mobile Bar, 1950s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Bar cabinet, 1950s, Made in Italy. Detail Mobile Bar of Italian Manufacture, Mid-Century. The frame and body are made of wood with rosewood and exotic wood veneer. It has three open ...
Wood, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Home Bar With Cabinet and Stools in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar set including wall-mounted cabinet, counter element, and set of three barstools, walnut, metal, Italy, 1950s Elegant, playful private bar with matching wall unit and stools. A ...
Metal
Bamboo bar and 5x bar stools, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Bamboo Bar & Bar Stools, Italy, 1950s, Set of 6 The bar stools have a seat height of 78 cm. Seat diameter 33 cm, total width 44 cm. The bar is 114 cm high, 160 cm wide, and 84 ...
Synthetic, Bamboo
Sculptural Wall-Mounted Teak Console in the Style of Ico Parisi, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary and rare Mid-Century wall-mounted teak console, exquisitely crafted and evocative of the visionary work of Italian designer Ico Parisi. Strikingly sculptural and hig...
Steel
Willy Rizzo, Bar, Room Divider for Mario Sabot, 1970
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Serving as both a bar and a room divider, this piece of furniture by Willy Rizzo structures the room without closing it off. It consists of three modules: The two leather-covered sto...
Steel, Chrome
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin, Rosewood and Brass Italian Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A freshly refinished Aldo Tura dry bar cabinet, crafted in Italy circa 1950s, showcasing Tura’s signature mix of luxury materials and sculptural mid-century form. The cabinet is fini...
Brass
Müller Bar Cabinet in Metal
Located in Tilburg, NL
Müller Bar Cabinet in Metal. Germany. Design 1998, current production. Available in every RAL-color. A highlight for your office or your home: The cleverly designed bar cabinet KB 3...
Metal
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich, 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
Luigi Scremin Corner italian bar table or desk with inlays
Located in Milano, IT
Corner Bar Desk by Luigi Scremin – Italian Marquetry Masterpiece from the 1940s Exceptional Craftsmanship and Artistic Inlay This rare 1940s corner bar table or desk by Luigi Scremi...
Wood
Stunning Willy Rizzo Bar / Sideboard in Black & Stainless Steel, Italy 1969
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Oirlo, LI
This stunning bar cabinet is a true statement piece, originally designed by Willy Rizzo in 1969. Known for his luxurious and modern aesthetic, Rizzo created furniture that perfectly ...
Aluminum
Rare Paul McCobb 2pc. Bar Cabinet by H. Saks & Sons Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A unique and stunning walnut 2 piece bar cabinet with the top having a pull down door that is also a drink mixing and serving area with an aluminum surface and a upper built in light...
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet in Wood, Mirror and Glass, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cabinet in rosewood and glass with the peculiarity of being composed of two separate units. The larger one is a wall unit characterized at the top ...
Metal, Brass
1960s Lane Swivel Dry Bar Cabinet Space Age Modernism
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a rare and hard to find 1960s stylish swivel dry dar Cabinet by LANE. Walnut and chrome. Space age modernism. Top dry bar mounted in tulip base. Top swivel. M...
Chrome
Art Deco Style Reception Dry Bar Restaurant Greeter Impressive Front of House
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Deco Style Reception Dry Bar Restaurant Greeter An impressive Front of House Free Standing Bur Walnut Bar or Reception Greeter, this is a handsome piece, it has a large counter ...
Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Bar Cabinet in the manner of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant Italian mid-century bar cabinet in the manner of Gio Ponti. Distinguished by a sculptural wooden case made of rosewood, elevated on slender brass legs with mirrored interior ...
Brass
Mobile Bar vintage Hollywood Regency set from the 1970s.
By Regency, Willy Rizzo
Located in Palermo, IT
Furniture bar design hollywood Regency attr. to Willy Rizzo 1970s. His cocktail and bar designs are among his most prolific and therefore most sought-after items. Questo particolar...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s 1 stool
Metal
Vintage Traditional style Dry Bar Storage Cabinet by Lane Furniture Company
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Vintage Traditional style Dry Bar Storage Cabinet by Lane Furniture Company. Doors open to reveal bottle/ glass and supply storage. Very good condition. Miami Beach estate pur...
Walnut
Vintage Italian Cocktail Bar by Osvaldo Borsani, Circa 1940-1960
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large vintage Mid-Century modern Italian cocktail bar with a counter made of hand crafted polished Mahogany and Rosewood, designed most likely by Osvaldo Borsani, in good condition...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Rare Mahogany Root Swivel Bar Cabinet "MASTRO CAPPELLINI" 1970s
Located in Manzano, IT
Extraordinary vintage bar cabinet from the 1970s, a masterpiece of Brianza art craftsmanship produced by Mastro Cappellini (Meda/Carugo area). A piece of the highest cabinetry that...
Mahogany
Bar Trolley Swivel Italian Design, 1960 Mahogany Woos Round Brass Midcentury
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Made of mahogany wood and brass parts, the tray and swivel open wide its width is 80 cm. Elegant detail. And rare piece, something original for your beautiful home.
Brass
Art Deco Bar Cabinet, 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
This is a modernist midcentury cocktail drinks cabinet in the form of a globe, circa 1940 in date. The hinged top section opens to reveal a fitted interior with spaces for glasses an...
Wood
Paolo Buffa Dry-Bar Cabinet, Italy, circa 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare Paolo Buffa, Italy, circa 1950 mahogany cabinet with molded front panel, rectangular top and dentil carved moldings. (A pair available; the other a drop-down ...
Brass
Danish Teak Mid Century Bar Cart or Drinks Trolley in the Style of Dane Decor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Expertly crafted from high-quality Danish teak, this mid-century bar cart or drinks trolley is the perfect addition to any home. Its sleek design and functional features make it easy...
Teak
Aldo Tura mobile bar 1960 mid-century.
By Aldo Tura
Located in Palermo, IT
Special product given its mid-century characteristics and condition 1960 Aldo Tura "Organetto," lacquered goat parchment cocktail bar cart with gilt brass hardware, key and wheels. T...
Brass
Brutalist Italian 1970s Small Wood and Glass Dry Bar on Wooden Wheels
Located in Milan, IT
Brutalist Italian 1970s Small Wood and Stained and Textured Yellow Glass Dry Bar on Wooden Wheels. Provenance: Monticello Golf Club. Designed by Architect. Luigi Caccia Dominioni 1974.
Glass, Wood
Harvey Probber Flip-Top Bar Cabinet, 1950s, Refinished
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique flip-top bar cabinet by Harvey Probber, circa 1950s, is packed full of useful features and is beautifully crafted from bleached Mahogany, doors with contrasting grain whi...
Formica, Wood, Lacquer
Italian Dry Bar in Black Murano Glass & Brass Inspired by Gio Ponti, 1950s style
By Gio Ponti
Located in Guazzora, IT
This Italian dry bar, inspired by Gio Ponti's iconic 1950s style, is a stunning piece of mid-century modern furniture. Crafted by the skilled artisans at JustFurnituress, it combin...
Brass
Midcentury Danish Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Oakland, CA
Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen expanding midcentury rosewood bar cabinet with two sections that slide out to reveal a stylish interior with...
Rosewood
Mid Century John Stuart Buffet Server / Bar Cart. Circa 1960s.
By John Stuart
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century John Stuart Buffet Server / Bar Cart. Circa 1960s. Features a quintessential sleek Mid Century Modern Design, two side cabinets, a top drawer, a expandable white...
Formica, Wood
Mid Century Italian Riviera Rattan Tiki Bar
Located in Winter Park, FL
A Mid-Century Modern rattan tiki bar from Italy. Good quality and craftsmanship, with sturdy frame and bent vertical rattan reeds tacked to the front. Tiered countertops with faux wo...
Bamboo, Rattan, Plastic
Vladimir Kagan Custom Hydraulic Bar Cabinet Sideboard for JFK TWA, 1960s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary 1960s custom commission by Vladimir Kagan, signed with a Vladimir Kagan Designs - New York signature label, and created for the iconic JFK TWA Flight Center (designe...
Brass
Dunbar styled Mid Century Rolling Bar Cart
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted smaller sized Mid Century rolling bar cart in a well grained mahogany with black wheels . The cart has one upper drawer ,lower inset shelve and bottom platform sh...
Mahogany
Rare Mid Century Mexican Woven Bar and Stools Set, Attributed to Edmund Spence
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this beautiful and rare mid century Mexican woven bar and stools set. Attributed to Edmund Spence. Made first class mahogany wood.
Mahogany
King Size Dry bar Green Murano Glass & Brass Gio Ponti-inspired Made in Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Guazzora, IT
The King Dry Bar by JustFurnituress, inspired by Gio Ponti's design style, combines innovative aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship. As both designer and manufacturer, JustFurni...
Brass
Baker Furniture Mid-Century Modern Campaign Rosewood Bar Cabinet, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Campaign style bar cabinet By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Beautiful rosewood, with original brass hard...
Brass
Witco Hacienda Bar and Three Stools
By William Westenhaver / Witco
Located in Hanover, MA
25% Discount Sale Price - includes bar and three stools Original Witco Hacienda bar (model X265) and THREE stools (model K-55B) by William Westenhaver. Hand and chainsaw carved. No two are identical. Indulge in some cultural appropriation and add this Mid-Century Modern Polynesian Tiki...
Wood
Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell Gold Leaf and Walnut Studio Cabinet, 1963
By Phillip Lloyd Powell, Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
This early studio craft 23 Karat gold leafed cabinet was made as a collaboration between Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell in the mid 1960s. The upper storage compartment unlatches to reveal two adjustable felt-lined shelves. The center compartment conceals a vanity complete with three mirrors embellished with torch-cut brazed discs flanked by two vertical rows of lightbulbs. Behind the mirror is a secret hidden storage compartment. Below this feature is a drop-front laminated tray and an open storage compartment. The bottom of the cabinet boasts a bank of five hand-carved solid walnut drawers and the left side has a cut-out with a hidden outlet and a slate surface which would provide a convenient smartphone charging station...
Slate, Brass, Gold Leaf
Bronze Mirrored Bar Cabinet by Ello
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A two-part mirrored cabinet on chest, perfect for a bar. Two mirrored doors above three mirrored drawers with modern inset brass campaign handles, on a brass base with brass sides. G...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
Brass
Baker Styled Walnut Mahogany Bar / Sever Cabinet
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted two piece four door cabinet with book matched wood grained fronts opening to revel two glass and two wooden adjustable shelves with two smaller drawers one with d...
Brass
Vintage Italian World Globe Dry Bar, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1960s Italian dry bar is perfect for adding a touch of classic European flair to your home. The globe design is made of wood, giving it an authentic and timeless look. T...
Wood
Art Deco Burl Wood Bar Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece marrying classic inspiration and modern allure. The figured rustic mappa burl exterior, complemented by curved corners and brass-finished plate feet, exudes timeless lu...
Marble, Metal
Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant Italian dry bar, crafted from dark wood with a high-gloss finish. The bar features two mirrored doors that reflect the surrounding space, adding a touch of brightness and ...
Glass, Wood
Italian Bar or Cart in Walnut, Venice Print and Light, Italy, 1950s Signed Sarti
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Italian bar trolley or 1950s dry bar in lacquered walnut, bright white inside. Attributable to Cesare Lacca Outside there is a Venice press. The bar automatically switches on when...
Brass
Cocktail Cabinet Credenza Dry Bar by Beautility
By Beautility
Located in Fulton, CA
A burl walnut drop-front dry bar by Beautility. England, circa. 1950's. Beautiful book-matched walnut veneer. Glass interior marked "Beautility". Two drawers, two cabinet doors and d...
Walnut
Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff, Professionally Restored, Like New
Located in Kansas City, MO
Freestanding wrought iron wine rack / holder designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1960s. Professionally restored and powder coated in a black satin finish. The only evidence of any wear are t...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Cabinet Drop Leaf Desk Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
Good things do come in small packages! In a great size to fit almost anywhere, this multifunctional cabinet gives you shelf space, drawers and ...
Mahogany
Danish Modern Teak Bar Cabinet by Arne Wahl-Iversen for IKEA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Teak bar designed by Arne Wahl-Iversen for Ikea in the 1960s. 39.5w 18d 44.5h
Mirror, Wood
Art Deco Dry Bar Cabinet by Meroni & Fossati Gio Ponti attributed, Briar of Elm
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Small cabinet buffet, dry bar, Art Deco period 1940 , Gio Ponti attributed per Meroni & Fossati, veneered in briar of elm with interior in mahogany . Original handless of the period....
Walnut, Burl
Drexel Flip Top Serving Sideboard Bar on Wheels Chinoiserie Style Black Lacquer
By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel Flip Top Serving Sideboard Bar on Wheels Chinoiserie Style Black Lacquer MINT!
Hardwood, Lacquer
Dry Bar with Stool in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1950s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century organic dry bar in a gorgeous mix of bamboo, curved rattan, woven wicker and formica. This stylish bar was designed by Tito Agnoli and made in Italy during the ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Formica, Wood
Dry Bar in Teak w/ Leather Top by Knud Bent for Dyrlund, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Knud Bent
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Danish-made dry bar designed by the incomparable Knud Bent for Dyrlund. This sculptural and highly functional dry bar, is a refined example of Danish craftsmanship...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Folding Bar Cabinet, Italy circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
An Italian modernist folding bar cabinet. Bar folds open in the middle and is finished on all sides to be free standing. Mahogany, teak, patinated...
Mahogany
Curious Mid-Century Italian Bar Cabinet Fireplace 1940 ' by Luigi Brusotti
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and unusual chimney-shaped bar cabinet, tessellated in black opaline glass outlined by aceso profiles, the 45-degree closing door opens to a mirror mosaic interior, the t...
Wood