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.
1950s Italian Brass and Red Lacquered Chandelier with Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century pendant chandelier from the 1950s, characterized by a light and geometric structure that combines slender brass rods with red lacquered metal elements. The fixtur...
Metal, Brass
beautiful Cute Brass Monkey Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking brass metal sculpture was most likely produced in Italy during the 1980s. Crafted from blackened brass, the piece reflects the clean lines and sculptural presence assoc...
Brass
Cute Petite Ceramic Shade Pendant Light, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite ceramic pendant light. Made in Italy, circa 1960s by a ceramic Company. The combination of the brass, white cord and a cream colored ceramic shade makes the pendant lamp a gem...
Brass
1950s Italian Modern Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with opaline glass diffusers. The design is sculptural and minimal, characterized by a compact wall structure and a soft...
Metal, Brass
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy This striking side table by the iconic Italian designer Piero Fornasetti dates to the 1970s and featur...
Metal
Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1960 , France
By Roger Capron
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Roger Capron "Shogun" Coffee Table, 1960s French Design, Ceramic & Wood, Japandi Style Description: This iconic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, created in France during ...
Ceramic, Wood
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Walnut Neoclassical Pierced Accent Twin Size Pineapple Post Bed
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid Century walnut twin size bed featuring Neoclassical styling with floral and ribbon crested headboard, brass pineapple posts, and fluted columns with tapered legs and large castor...
Walnut
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with opaline glass diffusers. The design is simple and well balanced, combining a gently curved brass arm with a softly ...
Metal, Brass
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table from the 1960's. Simple lines with tapered legs and 2 extensions which greatly elongates the size. Inlaid border around top sur...
Wood
greek vintage VASE by nikos dazelidis, 1960s/70s, signed, space age
Located in Mannheim, DE
Vintage Space Age ceramic vase by the Greek ceramic artist Nikos Dazelidis. 1960s to 1970s. Sculptural form with a hole, matte rough surface. Signed on the bottom. Very good conditi...
Ceramic
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser by Harmony House
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 design...
Brass
Italian Long Midcentury Set of Three of Murano Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega 1946, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long Italian Set of Three clear amber Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Ve...
Metal
Mid-Century Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, Teak, Integrated Desk
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Cadovius designed this two-section wall-mounted shelving system for Royal System in Denmark, combining functional storage with elegant Danish Modern design. The unit features bl...
Metal, Enamel
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
Beautiful large mid-century metal ceiling lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern metal ceiling lamp by Emil Stejnar. Manufacturer: Rupert Nikoll. Made in Austria. The entire lamp is made of metal. The shade is decorated with glass flo...
Metal, Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
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
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
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
Palwa wall lamp by Ernest Palm, 1960, Spain
By Ernest Palme
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Rare palwa wall light designed by ernest palm and produced in the 60s in barcelona. Brass structure composed of cut crystals in perfect condition. Rare design object that will illumi...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Set of Four Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous and stunning Set of Four Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 light so...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury French Riviera Rattan and Wicker Chandelier, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful hand-crafted chandelier in rattan and wicker with chain with round rattan links which can be shortened to adjust it to the desired height. Made in Italy in the ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Rattan
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
One Large Angular Ice Glass Sconce by Hillebrand, Germany, 1960s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
Single Gorgeous angular glass sconce with brass holders by Hillebrand Leuchten, Germany, circa the 1960s. It takes two x E14 bulbs (max. 40 watts for each bulb Light bulbs are not i...
Murano Glass
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
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
1970s Sciolari Waterfall 7 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
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
Venetian Modern Rectangular Wall Mirror with Brass and Giltwood Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with round corners and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a triple mirror and giltwood frame with rectangular shape and roun...
Metal, Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass L484
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s characterized by a compact and balanced mid-century design. Each fixture is composed of a round brass wall plate measuring 10 cm in diamet...
Brass
$5,316 / item
Adjustable Orion Glass Pendant Lamp from Staff
By Peill & Putzler, Glashütte Limburg, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Staff Leuchten, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
Extremely impressive Orion pendant lamp from the 1960s. Extraordinary design and a real highlight for every design lover. The lighting effect of the lamp is extremely comfortable. ...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Modern German Alunda Cocoon Floor Lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century modern Cocoon floor lamp by Goldkant Leuchten with a distinctive shade pattern. The drum-shaped lampshade is mounted on a slender metal shaft and can be adjusted in...
Metal
Fine Venetian Murano Pendant Light Mouth Blown Blue Color Smoked Glass in Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful Sapphire color and practical size Italian fixture with mouth blown glass in a metal frame. If you are looking for a rare and stylish Murano light fixture to grace your ho...
Iron
Original 1960's Fallout Shelter Sign Type FS 2 Cold War Era Galvanized Steel
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare Original 1960s Fallout Shelter Sign: Type FS-1 Aluminum Cold War Era, DOD OCD Issue A stark and unforgettable artifact of the atomic age, this original Type FS-1 Fallout Shelt...
Steel
$818Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Japanese Handmade Abacus – Circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
This exquisite handmade Japanese abacus, crafted circa 1940, is a stunning representation of traditional craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Known as a "soroban" in Japan, thi...
Wood
Sculptural Italian Mid-Century Pendant Lamp with Brass and Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in Milano, IT
The structure is composed of black lacquered metal with brass elements forming a delicate, rhythmic cage around the diffuser. The central body in satin opaline glass softly diffuses ...
Metal, Brass
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
Poul Henningsen Vintage PH-80 Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen Denmark 1970s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
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
Mid-Century Ceiling Lamp Model 51143 in Brass & Rattan, Idman, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful Mid-century ceiling pendant model 51143 manufactured by Idman, the leading lamp manufacturer in Finland in the 1950s. The lamp features 5 brass arms for light topped with r...
Brass
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
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
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
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
1970s Museum-Grade Italian Avant-Garde Wool Rug The Epithet of Space Age Luxury
Located in Milano, IT
1970s unique museum-grade avant-garde rug, this is not merely a rug; it is a profound statement of 1970s Italian radical design. Hand-tufted in Italy during an era of bold experimentation, this piece represents the pinnacle of "Space Age" aesthetics. Featuring a hypnotic, interlocking geometric motif in a sophisticated palette of deep chocolate, ochre, and cream, it perfectly captures the kinetic energy of the avant-garde movement. 100% Made in Italy in high-quality wool. it's in excellent condition. It has been professionally washed and disinfected and is ready for use. Preserved in extraordinary condition, maintaining its original plush pile and vibrant tonal transitions. Style: A rare intersection of Optical Art (Op-Art) and high-end functionalism. Dimension: 104,33 x 65,74 inches cm 265 x cm 167 Cinematic Elegance: The visual language of this rug evokes the ultra-sophisticated interiors seen in 1970s cinematic masterpieces. Its sweeping curves and architectural lines wouldn't be out of place in the visionary sets of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange or the high-glamour, Italian-designed lounges of a James Bond villain’s lair. It is a piece that demands a room centered around it, echoing the luxurious, "total look" interiors of architects like Joe Colombo or Willy Rizzo. Why it belongs in your collection In an era of mass production, this unique Italian wool rug...
Wool
Modell 2133 Ceiling Lamp by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1972
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This stunning Model 2133 pendant light duo by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce (1972). It is a masterful study in minimalist design—a fluted white lacquered aluminum disc, suspended effort...
Metal
$1,463Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp After Isamu Noguchi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp After Isamu Noguchi By unknown manufacturer, circa 1990. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Paper
$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
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
1950's Arne Vodder Attributed Wing-back Teak Lounge Chair
By Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
1950's mid-century modern high back teak wing-back lounge chair attributed to Arne Vodder, fully restored and re-upholstered in velvet fabric, with minor wear and patina due to age a...
Velvet, Teak
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
Thonet Bentwood Cafe Chairs with Carved Floral Seats, Set of Four
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Thonet bentwood cafe chairs exemplify the revolutionary steam-bending process pioneered by Michael Thonet in the 1850s. Each cha...
Beech, Bentwood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778, Solid Cherry, 1970s Italy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778 for Cassina, Italy 1970s – Square Solid Wood Italian Modern Design A rare and elegant 1970s dining table, designed by Afra & Tobia...
Cherry
Dialogo" chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Dialogo" chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Made in Italy, 1970. Set of four "Dialogo" chairs designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973. The feature of this "D...
Plastic, Beech
Set of Three Glass Wall Sconces by Vinicio Vianello for Vistosi, Italy, 1957
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare set of three wall sconces designed by Vinicio Vianello for Vistosi, Italy, 1957. This sculptural ensemble exemplifies Vianello’s refined approach to mid-century lighting, whe...
Metal, Brass
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Silk Wall-Lamp with a Pulley Shanghai, Re Edtion
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Extraordinary wall-lamp with a pulley, measures up to the clients request. Comes as well with no pulley. Different kind of shades are available Most components according to the UL ...
Brass
Very Large Leather and Vellum Italian Chandelier, Max Ingrand, Italy 1940s
By Max Ingrand
Located in Roma, IT
Majestic and unique large chandelier made in a charming combination of parchment and hand-stitched leather, completed by a rope cord and wooden canopy. This fantastic piece was produ...
Leather, Rope
"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
Mid-Century Vases - Dino Martens - Murano Glass - Zanfirico Spiral Decoration
By Aureliano Toso, Dino Martens
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of three Mid-Century Murano glass vases attributed to Dino Martens for Aureliano Toso, Italy. These elegant conical vases feature delicate zanfirico spiral canes enca...
Glass
$712Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Gorgeous Sky Blue and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade. Made
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous sky blue and white chess set in Volterra alabaster handmade. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. This chess set is stunning a true piece of modern ar...
Alabaster