Skip to main content

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 legendary 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.

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.

362
9
to
26
293
71
371
371
371
362
9
1
303
31
12
139
71
25
4
1
254
239
94
82
70
331
321
15
7
5
274
1,477
1,135
1,031
938
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: George Nelson
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl. Nice and compact seat that ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare George Nelson 4 Piece King Size Headboard Night Stand Mid-Centuy Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare classic George Nelson 4 piece headboard with matching night stands. An adjustable, padded panel allows for open or closed storage on the twin headboards which make a king-size w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson thin edge for Herman Miller Rosewood 5 drawer Dresser, 1950. Restored and absolutely beautiful. The other dresser and pair nightstands is sold in separate listing. Meas...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950. Other dresser and nightstands are all sold in separate listings. Dresser measures 39.5" tall 39.75" wide 18.5" deep
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson CSS Book Shelf Wall Unit with Desk Herman Miller Circa 1955
Located in Emeryville, CA
Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage System (CSS) in 1959 and produced it until 1973. Available in various wood f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

George Nelson Thin Edge Double Dresser, Chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Palisander

George Nelson "Half Nelson" Mid Century Table Lamp Produced by Koch & Lowy 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare table / desk mid century lamp mode "Half Nelson" in enameled aluminum designed by George Nelson and produced by Koch & Lowy, USA 1960s. In good vintage and original conditi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller 72" Slatted Platform Bench, 2002
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller 72" Slatted Platform Bench, 2002. Classic and timeless, this George Nelson bench has just the right amount of 20+ years of great honey colored patina...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Long Bench
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relati...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

Dining table by George Nelson for Herman Miller F66
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
George Nelson was a pioneering modernist who ranks with Raymond Loewy, Charles Eames, and Eliot Noyes as one of America's outstanding designers. Beside being a leading designer and n...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, a four drawer cabinet in walnut, no hardware. Part # 6315324. I need to confirm the de...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #1
Located in San Diego, CA
A rosewood thin edge chest designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with exquisite rosewood grain and early original white porcelain handles.  The George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edg...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Extra Long Contract Bench with Planter Box
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Extra Long Contract Bench with Planter Box This bench measures: 101 wide x 20.5 deep x 16.75 high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Walnut Hi Boy Dresser Chest
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller hi-boy dresser. An incredible chest of drawers with simply but stunning mid century styling. This piece features a full walnut wood body constructio...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp: Designed by Lucia DeRespinis (1960) for George Nelson's office for Nessen Studio, Textured enameled metal hexagonal shaped pyramid wi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame 2-Piece Seating & Table 60s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A sleek and minimal modular steel frame 2-piece seating system and tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Circa 1960s. Sleek and functional design with built in laminate white ta...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Table with wooden top and metal base designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller in the 1960s. Wear due to time and age of the table
Category

1960s Central American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Modular Sofa Table System Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, BE
Modular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage grey upholstered Seats with buttoned backrests and a square Formica side-table t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

6 Teak Dining Chairs by Svegards Markaryd, Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great set of 6 solid teak ladder back dining chairs by Svegards Markaryd. Chairs are burnt marked Svegards Markaryd made in Sweden. Priced per chair. Multiples of 2 may be purchased. These items are located at our Los Angeles Arts District gallery...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Vintage 3 bay Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful 3 bay Omni wall unit by goerge nelson. walnut with floor to ceiling aluminum uprights.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return This desk measures: 65 wide x 84.5 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 inches All pieces of furnitur...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Electric Wall Clock,, Amazing colors,, wonderful patina,, retains original Howard Miller label,, Tested and...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson, c 1952,,, gREAT EXAMPLE, Iconic Design. Becoming increasingly harder and harder to find..Nice original condition,, Age appropri...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plywood

Herman Miller Perch Designed by George Nelson
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this George Nelson Perch, includes Herman Miller original label, circa 1980. About the Perch: Designed in 1964 as part of the flexible, open, action office program, the Pe...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Large Table by Georges Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden table with metal legs by George Nelson. Numbered on the leg. Wear due to time and age of the table.
Category

1950s Central American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic of mid-century modern design lay dormant for years, waiti...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Vintage George nelson Steel frame Side table for Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
simple and elegant black steel frame with white laminate side table on castors. designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

George Nelson "Primavera" Black Enameled Mahogany 4 Drawer Dresser, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Basic Series" / "Primavera" Four Drawer Black Mahogany Dresser, circa 1955. Featuring a rectangular paneled Mahogany Cabinet, Dresser, four drawers, ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Lucite

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and Dresser
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and Dresser, Model 4112 Desk and Model 4014 Dresser, Angled Steel White Frames with Walnut drawer ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson For Herman Miller First Generation Coconut Chair and Ottoman
Located in Seattle, WA
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Unlike the later editions, the first generation has a...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #2
Located in San Diego, CA
A rosewood thin edge chest designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with exquisite rosewood grain and early original white porcelain handles.  The George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edg...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Early Foil Label Original George Nelson Herman Miller Swag Leg Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful example of this iconic design in nice vintage condition. A nice early Herman Miller Foil Strip label attached to underside. Acquired a 2nd identical table with the same Foi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

1950's George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic George Nelson design for Herman Miller gate leg table. 2 fold wide wood hinged tops with double gate legs. The odd discoloration of one le...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson CSS Book Shelve System Circa 1960s for Herman Miller
Located in Emeryville, CA
Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage System (CSS) in 1959 and produced it until 1973. Available in various wood f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

CSS library by George Nelson for ICF De Padua 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Wall-mounted bookcase requiring wall anchorage, with open shelves and storage elements, aluminum uprights, enameled metal. Good conditions.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Table or Desk
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk The Action Office desk or conference table was designed by American designer and architect George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. A substantial piece, It features a beautifully grained walnut top mounted on a streamlined, polished stainless steel base. The desk top edge is trimmed in black rubber. to protect it against bumps and bruises. Two small desk drawers slide out from beneath the table top. The drawers can be removed if desired. The desk top has been recently restored and is in excellent condition. Action Office was originally designed as a set of components that could be combined in multiple ways and changed as needed to evolve with the office over time. George Nelson was one of the founders of American Modernism. From 1946 until 1972, Nelson was director of design at Herman Miller. While there, Nelson introduced several important innovations in office furniture design, such as the Swagged Leg Group, which included the DAF and MAA chairs...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson "Half Nelson" Adjustable Table Lamp for Koch and Lowy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Half Nelson table lamp, designed by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. A thoughtful design, featuring a pivoting shade made from spun aluminum, that offers customizable illumination. T...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Aluminum, Metal

George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller, Model 4617
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller model 4617. Handsome bedside cabinets/nightstands, purchased by Solo Modern, from the estate of famed Mad Magazine cartoonist, Mort Drucker...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Zinc

Rare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for Omni
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for Omni, One case features Four drawers in walnut and sliding door storage, and the other unit is mostly open for Display. They are finished...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful early example of the Action Office Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Desk features: Walnut roll top (4) action drawers Ebonized black side pane...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Pair Restored Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Large Original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for Howard Miller Clock Company (A)
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wire, Metal

Original Large George Nelson Bubble Lamps for Howard Miller (B)
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wire

George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1952
Located in High Point, NC
An early "Saucer Bubble" Pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1952. Small tear to plastic cover. Dimensions o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Triple Bubble Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
A hard-to-find triple bubble chandelier by Geore Nelson. Includes the cigar bubble measuring approximately 32" H, a ball bubble and a smaller cigar. Original wood fixture with chande...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wire

Arthur Umanoff Desk Clock, George Nelson & Associates, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
George Nelson & Associates table clock. Howard Miller Clock Company, USA. Rosewood, steel. Measures: 4.25 W x 3 D x 5.5 H inches. Signed with decal manufacturer's label t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 82 wide x 33 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and ar...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

1950s Modern Gray Sofa George Nelson Herman Miller New Upholstery
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Modern Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Early label design 1950s 28 h x 91 w x 30 d Seat 15.5 Retains Herman Miller label. Sofa has chrome plated legs, pati...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock #4766
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice vintage mid century modern George Nelson for Howard Miller 4766 Clock in working condition. The clock has an alarm function that is working as well. The clock bears a Treadway...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Georges Nelson, CSS Library, 1970
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Unique version of the CCS bookcase by Georges Nelson in white melamine and American oak, published by Mobilier international, 1970. The fronts and shelves have been redone in solid r...
Category

1960s Central American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

1970s desk George Nelson for ICF De Padova
Located in Genova, IT
Desk designed by George Nelson in the 1970s produced under license in italy by ICF de padova. Original condition, preserved. High-thickness black laminate top, front panel covered in...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

1950's Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Chronopak 4765 Clock
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful example of a mid century design by George Nelson for the Howard Miller clock company, this Chronopak Model 4765A clock is in beautiful condition and running well and keep...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa This sofa measures: 87 wide x 32 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 23 inc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Ball Pendant Bubble Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Ball Pendant Bubble Lamp This mid century modern George Nelson Bubble Lamp will add a touch of softness and luminosity to you interior. Ci...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

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, Knoll, Fabio Ltd, and J.T. Kalmar. 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.

More Mid-Century Modern Inspiration

Recently Viewed

View All