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.
$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
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 Studio, George Nakashima
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
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
$1,734 / 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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Art Glass, Small Lamp by Po Ström for Alsterfors
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A handblown hooped glass table lamp by P.O. Ström, widely regarded as one of Sweden’s most accomplished glass designers. His work is represented in museums and galleries worldwide an...
Glass
1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Italian chandelier from the 1950s defined by a refined and architectural composition combining brass, green lacquered metal, and opaline glass. The structure develops vertically fro...
Metal, Brass
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
Alvar Aalto Birch Bench, Artek, Finland, 1950s, Scandinavian Modern
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 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
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
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
Set of Four Platner Armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Velvet, 1960s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Glasgow, GB
This set of four Platner armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, designed in the 1960s, represents a defining example of American mid-century modern design. Each chair is constructed ...
Steel
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
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
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
$19,400 / set
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Rare Pair of Table Lamps
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, pair of table lamps, model '12398', enameled aluminum, brass, Italy, circa 1952 Arredoluce captures it perfectly: “One of Lelii's many inventions that p...
Aluminum, Brass
$39,500
Monumental Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Oak with Diamond Shaped Colored Panels (560cm/220in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large wall unit/shelve unit, oak, lacquer, Italy, 1950s It is rare to encounter a piece as striking and monumental as this Italian wall unit from the 1950s. With an impressive width...
Oak, Lacquer
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and three regular element...
Leather
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
Post-Modern Large Modular Sofa in Forest Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, wood, Europe, 1970s This generous modular sofa from the 1970s captures the relaxed elegance and bold character of European design from the period. Composed of ...
Fabric, Wood
George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Walnut
Cocoon resin. Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Castiglioni, Italy, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Achille Castiglioni, Estiluz Lighting, Tobia Scarpa, George Nelson
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Friedel Wauer’s German designs for Goldkant Luchten, and of the Castiglioni’s creations, Italy, 1960s. Brutalist and Scandinavian vibe with a p...
Metal
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
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce ‘Televisione’ Floor Lamp in Brass and Aluminum
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp ‘Televisione’, model '12627', polished brass, lacquered aluminum and steel, Italy, circa 1956 This 'Televisione' floor lamp, designed by Ang...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Knot candlesticks, brutalist design, bronze, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist candlestick in the shape of a knot, designed and produced in italy in the 1970s. Bronze candlestick. Magnificent decorative object that will bring a real design t...
Bronze
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
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Alabaster Chess Set, Sky Blue & White, Italian Art, 1970s
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
Trä-Inn, Lounge Chair, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and floral-printed fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Stockholms Träinrednings AB, Trä-Inn Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (...
Fabric, Pine
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Max Ingrand, J.T. Kalmar, Ernest Palme
Located in München, DE
Beautiful frosted glass wall lamps from the 1960s. The frosted glass creates a very pleasant lighting effect, spreading an elegant, sparkling play of light throughout the room. Wonde...
Metal
Bench in Dedar Lilaz Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
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
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
1950s Italian Mid-Century Wall Sconces in Brass, Black Lacquer and Opaline glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s defined by a refined mid-century composition combining brass, black lacquered metal, and opaline glass. Each fixture is structured around ...
Brass
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
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An etched glass and brass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.5"H ...
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Italian Burl Wood Bar Cabinet Credenza
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Mid-Century Art Deco bar cabinet credenza in burl veneer wood with great details such as the handes and framed top. The typical aestetic, shape, design with the ...
Brass
1970s French Beechwood Double Wall Sconces, Set of Three with Shades
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined suite of three French double wall sconces from the 1970s, crafted in solid beechwood and showcasing a sculptural, architectural design. Each sconce is built around a centr...
Burlap, Beech
$6,450 / set
Artisanal Mid-Century Dining Chairs in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, oak, Europe, 1950s This set of four dining chairs, crafted in solid oak, reflects a clear balance between rustic simplicity and modern restraint. Their straightforwar...
Oak
Ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pink ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — Atelier des Cyclades, France, circa 1970 - Era Ruelland Elegant ceramic table lamp by French ceramist Roland Zobel, from the Atelier des C...
Ceramic
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
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
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 26 pink glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 26 glass petals (pink and white “lattimo”) in a nickel plated metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 47,250 inches (120 cm) height...
Art Glass
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
Expertly Restored - Arthur Jacobs Model-1695 Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.
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
Italian Mid-Century Barbie Lilac Murano Pair of Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
Pretty, beautiful and long Pair of Italian Lilac Murano glass Wall Sconces. These Wall Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzeg...
Metal
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
Stunning Aluminum Outdoor Sofa by Restoration Hardware, Modern Seating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking outdoor three-seat sofa, designed and manufactured by Restoration Hardware and part of the "Catalina" collection. The sofa showcases refined architectural lines and a timele...
Aluminum