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Mid-Century Modern Furniture

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Edward Wormley
Creator: Giovanni Pasotto
Round Dining Table in Brazilian Rosewood by Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Round dining table in Brazilian rosewood designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1960s (Dunbar tag on bottom).
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

12 Foot Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Twelve feet long! Custom made Dunbar sofa designed by Edward Wormley. This was reupholstered 10 years ago and has seen very little use since. We have refinished the base since these ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Elegant Leather Office Chairs 10 Available
Located in Hudson, NY
10 available- Priced per chair Absolutely stunning butter soft leather Roger Sprunger for Dunbar office chairs on smooth gliding casters. All original chairs are in very good condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
Located in Denton, TX
Two Edward Wormley cabinets with corrugated wood sliding doors and center drawer section in a grey brown finish Each cabinet is 20" deep by 49" wide by 31.25 high.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Lightolier Pendant Lamp chandelier Brass and Lacquer 1950s
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A simplistic form from Edward Wormley for lightolier. The white cup allows for light to diffuse through perforations as well as directs light up which bounces and diffuses off the l...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass, Ash Wood and Glass Tulip Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare variation of the more commonly seen tulip end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Where as the original iteration of this table utilizes wood risers, this version uses brass. A ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Mahogany Twelve-Drawer Chest / Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century dresser/chest of drawers, model #5272A, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, USA). Composed of a rich walnut-stained mahogany chest (Dunbar factory finish 'M...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pendant lamp in polished brass attributed to Harry Gitlin for Ledlin Lighting Inc. Brass ring allows for easier function and adds decorative appeal. Perforated shade.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Edward Wormley For Dunbar Petite Bi-fold Door Server.
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic petite server/sideboard designed by Edward Wormley and Marketed by Dunbar. Wormley’s time with Dunbar was prolific and ground breaking. When the rest of the design world was ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
Located in LEWES, GB
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Étagère Shelf
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Étagère Shelf This etagere measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 79 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Side Table USA - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Dunbar Side Table. Nice inlay and solid Brass support connections. beautifully detailed.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
Very rare four-door mahogany credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring striking brass basket weave front panels. The center doors open to reveal a spacious shelf, while the si...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Sculpted solid walnut frames, with orang...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterful three-sectioned wardrobe in bleached mahogany. Having a central seven-bank of drawers and flanking closets-one with adjustable glass shelves, the other with shelving and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Green and Beige Striped Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 3-seat sofa with beige, light green, and brown striped upholstery with three back and three seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY).  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Return
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley desk and ensuite return, label, currently being refinished, desk. Measures: 72 W x 36.5 D x 29 H. Return 60 W x 30.5 D x 29 H.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Walnut and Mahogany Sideboard, Model 4579, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1945, this exquisite sideboard, model 4579, appeared in the 1997 exhibition "The Other Face of Modernism." With its bold brass hinges and pul...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Club Chairs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning pair of oak framed chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, referred to as “Edward’s Chair”. New fabric and great original finish. Chairs...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Edward Wormley, Game Table, Wood, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood game table designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 31.0"W x 31.0"D All items ship from High Point, North Caro...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Round Wooden End / Side Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century round wooden side / end table with a circular top with beveled edge resting on three vertical rectangular supports connected to a triangular scooped side base. (...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co Walnut and Natzler Tile Eight-Drawer
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut eight-drawer chest comprised of a narrow set of drawers on the left and a wider set of drawers on the right , all with drawer pulls made of brass and Natzler ceramic half-moon burgundy tiles...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Sideboard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Wormley for Drexel, his Precedent collection sideboard-buffet, originally designed in the late 1940s. Center drawers with end cabinet doors and interior shelves. P...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Elm

Mid-Century Hand-Rubbed Walnut Drop Leaf Bar Cart by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist Walnut Drop Leaf Bar Cart was created by the illustrious designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar originating from the United States, Circa 1950. Featuring a lov...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Glass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 84.5 wide x 31 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15.25 and arm height of 23 inches All pieces...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA). Angu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany

Ebonized Mid-Century Modern Executive / Campaign Desk by Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
Commanding and practical this impressive campaign-style desk by Dunbar has recently undergone a complete restoration. Designed by the inimitable Edward Wormely at the zenith of Dunba...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toad Stool Tables
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Gorgeous pair of rare "Toad Stool Tables" designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960's. In keeping with his design philosophy these tables encompass traditional and modernist ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Dunbar Walnut Coffee or End Table Model # 3374 by Edward Wormley
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Elegant Dunbar walnut coffee or end table with triangle legs and black polished laminate top, model # 3374 designed by Edward Wormley. Original sticker with serial number under the...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Armchairs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-l...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather Ottomans Model 5314, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Leather Ottomans, Model #5314, 1960’s. Original burnt sienna color leather with beautiful patina, as shown in pictures. Measure 30” x 30” 16” tall
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Ebonized Dining Set in Olive Velvet by Edward Wormley, Dunbar, 1950's
Located in Culver City, CA
This set is absolutely divine! Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950's this set was manufactured to be of the absolute highest quality, and to last forever... which it ki...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Well Designed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Very stylish Edward Wormley Dunbar sofa with fabulous solid walnut details . This sofa has bold interesting legs that are rounded at the feet. Reu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A wall mounted floating credenza consisting of a walnut case, 4 doors accentuated with Chinese printers block and an accent of continuous rosewood face...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
Located in Southampton, NJ
Sofa designed by Ed Wormley for Dunbar model 4906 reupholstered in Maharam Kvadrat grey wool textured hopsack. Backrests are down & seat is high quality foam with hand tied frame spr...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Wood

Dunbar Magazine Tree #5336 Designed by Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar magazine tree in walnut with four cantilevered shelves that get deeper as the order descends from top to bottom. A rare model introduced in 1953 and was onl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dallas, TX
Coffee/cocktail table model #313 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar constructed of walnut & brass..
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Bracket Back Sofa, Dunbar
Located in Raleigh, NC
Classic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley produced by Dunbar. Newly upholstered in mohair velvet with new foam.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Restored Bachelor Chest by Edward Wormley, 1940's
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful bachelor's chest by Edward Wormley for his "Precendent" Collection designed for Drexel in 1947. One of the few collections Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised over 100 pieces for each room of the home, featuring proprietary curled bar...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wormley Designed Precedent Credenza by Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Impressive credenza, sideboard, server, designed by Edward Wormley, made by Drexel as part of the classic Precedent line. The cabinet features center bank of five drawers, flanked by...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Dunbar Wingback Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of Dunbar Wingback Model 6016 lounge chairs in sculpted mahogany and woven cane designed by Edward Wormley. An updated take on the classic wingback design, delivering an ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Cane, Wood

Edward Wormley, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany chest of drawers or dresser, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Listen-To-Me Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant chaise lounge with an undulating cushion in vintage upholstery with a cherry and maple base and solid brass supports. Model: 4873.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Edward Wormley Lounge chairs model 4872A for Dunbar, 1948. Gray, Brass Legs
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948. Expertly reupholstered in a light gray wool blend fabric. The original legs are made of solid brass. T...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Sheaf Of Wheat Table With Glass Top
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sheaf of wheat side table. Original 1950’s label. Comes with 3/4” thick 24”glass. Could be used with stone or...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ash

1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
Located in St. Louis, MO
From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s Round or Oval Dining Table
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s mahogany 50" round dining table that opens up to 74" oval with 24" leaf. Legs are flush with 3" apron, retains...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Janas Coffee Table with Tiffany Glass Tiles for Dunbar
Located in San Diego, CA
Janas Coffee Table with Tiffany Glass Tiles by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stunning Solid Walnut Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Made with Louis C. Tiffany glass inlayed in...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Long John Tables
Located in New York, NY
Very rare pair of Long John tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Both have been professionally refinished, each has a drawer with the Classic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/Credenza in Black Lacquer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful multi-purpose case piece by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Wonderful design allows for use as a chest, buffet or credenza. Restored in black lacquer to provide co...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Floral Print Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa of English inspiration, retaining the original dark olive, coral, brown and beige mock-Asian floral print linen upholstery, on straight dark walnut legs.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Wood and Brass Tube Writing Desk
Located in Queens, NY
"American Mid-Century writing desk with a rectangular top with a wooden frame and deep brown laminate desktop with three drawers with circular brass drawer pulls, resting on a brass ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-century Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Fabio Ltd, Knoll, and Edward Wormley. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

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