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.
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce Rare Wall Light in Brass with Off-White Shades
By Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittoriano Viganó for Arteluce, wall light variation on model '190', brass, lacquered aluminum, Italy, ca. 1951 A study in refined simplicity, this wall light, a variation on model ...
Aluminum, Brass
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...
Aluminum
Mussel Shell Vide-Poches in bronze, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry display sculpture designed in Italy in the 1970s. Bronze structure depicting a mussel shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will d...
Bronze
Set of Six 1950s Italian Brass, Darkened Steel and Opaline Glass Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
This set of six Italian table lamps from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact geometric composition. Each lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder ris...
Brass
Hermes, Paris - Rare Fish Magnifying Glass c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rarely seen magnifier in an "Angel Fish" form made from silver plate and sitting in it's original presentation case printed on the cream silk "Hermès, 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Par...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...
Brass, Chrome
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet 'Thierry' in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cabinet, model 'Thierry', oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This model 'Thierry' case piece is designed by Guillerme and Chambron. It features geom...
Ceramic, Oak
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Cart in Cherry-Red Goatskin, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in München, BY
Rare 1960s Aldo Tura serving bar cart crafted from wood, clad in cherry-red goatskin and finished with a thick, clear lacquer coating. The high-quality frame is made of brass. A hig...
Brass
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Large Italian multicolored Murano glass chandelier
By Gio Ponti
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large, two-armed ceiling lamp made of mouth-blown Murano glass. The style clearly references Gio Ponti and Venini. Excellent condition. A total of 8 lamps are available (in vari...
Murano Glass
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
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Kisses" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli, Follia Pratica
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this "Kisses" floor lamp was designed by Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in the 1990s. Part of the...
Plastic
German Mid-Century "Cocoon" Wave Chandelier by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, hypnotic and unique German "Cocoon" wave Chandelier. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten. Body di...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Custom-Made Architectural Wall Unit in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, glass, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Exceptional Italian wall unit from the 1950s, crafted from richly grained mahogany wood with elegant glass details. Its architectural compos...
Glass, Mahogany
Fantastic pair of Murano Glass Tube wall sconces - 13 wisteria rust alabaster
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 13 large wisteria rust albaster glass tubes in a star shape...
Blown Glass
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' L 01 I Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L 01 I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (192...
Fabric, Elm
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...
Brass
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
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
Drexel “Declaration” Walnut Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Brass Hardware ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Brass
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Huge Contemporary MCM Style Antique Brass Pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Gino Sarfatti
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
MCM style BRASS pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights ( youre choice , same price ) . Concave and convex disc are hand spun with prime quality brass . Solid sturdy hardware and c...
Brass
Thalia Rattan Floor Lamp - Double Head Handcrafted Woven Rattan Standing Lamp
Located in Oxford, GB
Thalia — Floor Lamp Designed by Bill Parry for Rattanology There is a moment, just after dusk, when a room needs only one thing. The Thalia knows what it is. Drawing from the lang...
Brass
Cocoon resin. Large Brutalist pendant light by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, George Nelson, Goldkant Leuchten, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Large Space Age and Brutalist style pendant lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Composed of a large metal frame in the shap...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO Coffee Table w/ Stingray Glass Top
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO coffee table for Craft Associates is a striking example of American Mid-Century Modern design, with a sculptural walnut base that feels more like functio...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
"Californian" armchair FRANCE - 1960s
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Jacques Charpentier , a French decorator and editor trained at the École Boulle, this armchair reflects his work of the 1960s. It rests on a stainless steel base, a signa...
Metal
1950s Italian Brass Table Lamp with Spherical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
This Italian table lamp from the 1950s features a clean, modern design built around a compact, geometric composition. The lamp is structured as a solid brass cylinder rising from a f...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces manufactured in the 1950s, featuring slender angular brass arms supporting tapered satin opaline glass shades. The minimalist asymmetric structur...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chandelier 'Eptaclinio' in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model ‘Eptaclinio’, nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features seven opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix “epta,” Greek for seven. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Hollywood Regency handmade pink Scallop Shell chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Ferro Art, Tiffany Studios, Longobard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach Regency style Scallop Shell waterfall chandelier, Italy, 1960s. The whole pendant light is made of pink Scallop Shell leaded with golden brass in the...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti 'Sapo' Coffee Table in Concrete and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti, coffee table 'Sapo', glass, concrete, chromed steel, aluminum, Italy, 1972 Modern, sculptural coffee table designed by Sergio and Giorgio S...
Concrete, Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
1950s Axel Einar Hjorth Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century writing desk in solid oak, designed in the style of Swedish architect and designer Axel Einar Hjorth. The wide rectangular top features softly rounded edges/ On the left,...
Oak
Stunning Pair of Pink Glass "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces by Barovier and Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso (Italy, 1950s) – Pair An exceptional pair of mid-century wall sconces crafted in Murano, Italy, and attributed to t...
Metal
Luxury Handcrafted Murano Glass Vase by Maestro del Vetro, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Luxury green handcrafted vase in Murano glass by Maestro del Vetro. Made in Italy. The item is in excellent condition. This vase is handmade in blown glass. Dimension: diam 7,0...
Murano Glass
1950s Italian Chandelier in Brass and Frosted Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s Elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s, crafted from beautifully patinated brass and delicate frosted glass shades. The refined brass struc...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Sculpted Walnut Dresser
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...
Walnut
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Dramatic patina brass. Some spotting on silvering consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x ...
Brass
Cast Iron "Naughty Nellie" Woman Boot Jack
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage cast iron "naughty nellie" boot jack in the shape of a reclining woman. Measures 3.75"W x 9"D x 2.25"H
Metal
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, C1940's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Havana Moustache Models, Circa 1940’s This is an extremely good-looking pair of chairs. The chairs themselves are of a good quality an...
Leather
Kristian Vedel, set of black leather Modus furniture, Denmark 1960s
By Kristian Solmer Vedel, Søren Willadsen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Kristian Vedel set from 1960s Denmark exemplifies timeless Scandinavian modern design with its sleek black leather finish and functional modularity. This set contains two easy c...
Leather, Rosewood
Rare Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass - pink glasses
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic and fabulous of vintage Murano Italy art glass ceiling light. The rare lamp is made of 24 mouth-blown hand-formed leaf-form pink glass panels plus a huge glass as a bottom....
Art Glass
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca & wood, Mexico, circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. A beautiful item to display i...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Newly Refinished - Kipp Stewart “Declaration” Walnut Dresser for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
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
Seguso Large Pair of Murano Glass, Gold and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of wall sconces in ribbed mouth-blown Murano glass with gold dust inclusions and brass. These refined and unique sconces were designed by Seguso and p...
Brass
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Italy 1980s
Chrome
Large Walnut Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and very rare large coffee table in beautiful walnut wood, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and in amaz...
Wood, Walnut
Cigarette Dispenser vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Cigarette Dispenser vienna around 1960s Open: 26cm hight Closed: 16cm hight Original condition
Brass
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair For THONET 1978
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair for THONET 1978
Chrome
Mid-Century Italian Chandelier in Brass with Amber Glass Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s captures the warmth and refinement of mid-century design. Crafted in brass with a beautifully a...
Brass