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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 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.

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Item Ships From: Chicago
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Guido Gambone Ceramic Animal Italian Sculptures Figurines Set of Four
Located in Chicago, IL
Charming set of ceramic animal sculpture figurines from the great master and innovator of Modern Italian Ceramics, Guido Gambone. Signature and famous donkey mark on bottom of each ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and walnut Square Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic design from one of periods giants. Bleached rosewood top and walnut frame, parsons coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. This piece is timeless. It would easil...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a fine example of mid-century modern religious art, handcrafted by an unknown European studio pottery artist. The piece is marked by a minimalist silhouette ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Scissor Chair by Ward Bennett in Original Brown Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Chrome frame scissor chair by designer Ward Bennett, in brown leather, piece is marked.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Five Senses Still Life, Collection of Original Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste - we are all familiar with the five senses. Artist Andrew Conklin has brought together various objects to illustrate these senses. Rich colors...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Paint

Monumental Oak Cabinet or Counter with 16 Drawers, Belgium 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1940s Belgian haberdashery cabinet or counter constructed with beautifully grained oak wood. This monumental piece has incredible scale and features 16 drawers with sleek hand carv...
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

3-Piece 'Gilda' Sofa with Ottoman by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1972
Located in Chicago, IL
A French ‘Gilda’ sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1972. This piece is modular; when the curved units are aligned, it creates a circle. This ‘Gilda’ sofa includes th...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Acrylic

Virgin Mary, Mid-20th Century Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating ceramic wall sculpture of the Virgin Mary epitomizes the ingenuity of mid-century European studio pottery. Handcrafted by an anonymous artist, this devotional artwor...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Virgin Mary
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ceramic representation of the Virgin Mary is a superb example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, hand-formed by a skilled European studio pottery artist. The figure ca...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Luzern Handgemalt Vase EM #549P, Swiss
Located in Chicago, IL
Luzern Handgemalt Vase EM #549P, Swiss. Vase is stamped on bottom and is in excellent condition. Measures 6.75' tall, top 5" wide 4" deep
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 4 Les Arcs Chairs Attributed to Charlotte Perriand, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 4 Mid Century Les Arcs chairs attributed to Charlotte Perriand. These chairs feature tubular chrome frames with stitched cognac leather seats and backs, which attach to the ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Madonna and Child Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This Madonna and Child sculpture is a distinctive piece of mid-century modern ceramic art, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist. The sculpture presents a stylized depictio...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This distinctive mid-century modern ceramic wall cross represents a unique fusion of religious symbolism and the aesthetic principles of the mid-20th century European studio pottery ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Sculptural Goatskin Console Table Style Karl Springer, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Goatskin Console Table Style Karl Springer, 1970. Original condition. Measures 72" long, 20" wide 29.5" tall
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Mid-Century Modern Flame Motif Ceramic Cross320
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic cross is a dynamic representation of mid-century modern artistry, crafted by the skilled hands of a studio pottery artist in Europe. The cross's design features a centra...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mogens Koch Bookcases, Set of Ten
Located in Chicago, IL
Mogens Koch Bookcases, Set of Ten for Maker, Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Denmark, c. 1960 lacquered elmwood Overall as shown: 150 h × 60 w × 11 d in Each unit: 30 h × 30 w × 11 d in P...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Elm

Mid-Century Ceramic Crucifix with INRI Inscription
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a distinctive artifact of mid-century European studio pottery, highlighting the period's unique blend of traditional religious motifs with modern artistic se...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Travertine Console Table in Tuscany Beige
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Travertine Console Table in Tuscany Beige, The 54.50" polished bullnose edged top sits on a 20" wide marble pedestal height is 28.75"
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking mid-century modern wall cross, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist, is a significant representation of the era's design principles, which favored simplicity...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Brutalist Mid-century modern Wall Sculpture, Handmade Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking wall sculpture exemplifies the innovative spirit of mid-century modern European studio pottery. Crafted with a deep understanding of ceramic materials, this piece prese...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vladimir Kagan Illuminated Omnibus Coffee/End Table, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Illuminated Omnibus Coffee/End Table, 1970. Excellent condition. Measures 34" long, 18" deep, 16" tall
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Mid-Century Serenity Dove Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This serene ceramic cross is a distinguished example of mid-century modern studio pottery from Europe. Embodying the innovative spirit of that era, it ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Sculptural Parsons Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Parsons Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1970's. Newly reupholstered in a dual tone red with orange backing velvet. Measure 30" tall to crown of back pillow, 29" wide, 29" deep. Se...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Italian Secretary Desk in Birch and Walnut, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning 1950s Italian secretary desk constructed with birch and walnut. This piece features a sculptural profile with a channeled trim detail and angled, tapered legs. A uniquely ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Mid-Century Oak and Woven Rush Dining Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These dining chairs feature an oak frame with woven rush seats and backs. They have a slight similarity to Charlotte Perriand or Vico Magistretti designed chairs. They are unmarked...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rush, Oak

Verdant Mid-Century Ceramic Maltese Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This robustly glazed ceramic Maltese cross represents the confluence of religious symbolism and mid-century modern aesthetics, crafted by the hands of European studio pottery artists...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Artisanal Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a profound representation of mid-century modern European studio artistry. Handcrafted with precision and care, it reflects the era's characteristic blend of ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Warren Platner for Knoll Easy High Back Lounge Chair w/Ottoman, Model 1725
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Production of the Warren Platner Easy Chair for Knoll High back Lounge Chair w/Ottoman, Model 1725. Newly reupholstered in gr...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Ceramic Wall Cross with Dove
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern ceramic cross showcases the bold, expressive aesthetic that was prevalent among European studio pottery artists during the 1950s to 1970s. The vivid red glaze...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Cherry Console with Rosa Del Portogallo Marble Top by Pierluigi Giordani
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning Italian console table designed by Pierluigi Giordani (1924-2011) and produced by Pozzi in the 1950s. This table features a sculptural cherry wood base with elegantly curve...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Marble

Yrjö Kukkapuro Chairs in Shearling
Located in Chicago, IL
Model number 415 for Haimi c. 1960s, Finland. Both the bases and seats have been fully restored although there is still some vintage wear left on the frames. These have been redone i...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

Parsons King Size Bench style of Milo Baughman, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Parsons King Size Bench style of Milo Baughman, 1960. Fits great at the end of your king size bed. Newly reupholstered in mohair multi dimensions, 2 ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mohair

Michael Ducaroy “Togo” Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This version is authentic and was produced by Airborne / Arconas in the 1970s. It does not have its’ original tag although the imprint from it is left underneath the sofa. However, t...
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Tea Trolley by Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936
Located in Chicago, IL
An earlier edition of the Alvar and Aino Aalto Tea Trolled for Artek. Using new technology to bend birch wood, the dynamic design duo created a heritage piece that has stood the test...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Style of Adrian Pearsall, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Style of Adrian Pearsall, 1960. Original velvet upholstery. Upholstery recommended. Measures 70" long, 31" wide, 25" tall to top of pillow, 21" tall at back,...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Italian Lounge Chairs, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
fully reupholstered in sherpa boucle, excellent condition. Price is for the set of two 
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric

George Mulhauser Chair & Ottoman for Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s with original suede upholstery. There are some stains and wear present, but we like the look of used suede. Please refer to the photos for additional information Ottoman - ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross with Abstract Motif
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating mid-century modern ceramic cross is a fine example of the era's innovative approach to traditional religious symbolism. Crafted by European studio artists, the cross...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mid Century Modern Eames Herman Miller Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Eames Herman Miller Table This small table would is a cute stand that you can display statues, drinks, or other s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Ceramic Framed Mirror In The Abstract Image of a Bird or Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming ceramic framed mirror in the abstract image of a bird or fish or bird. Shown with its companion mirror. Signed. Overall size: 11"w x 1'd x 9.5"h. Mirror opening: 7"w x ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Mirror

Pair of Oak X Detail Nightstands, France 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of 1950s nightstands sourced in France. Crafted of oak wood, these feature decorative side stretchers and a single drawer for storage. These are inspired by forms of Jacques A...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Polished Red Onyx Bowl, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Polished Red Onyx Bowl, Mexico 1970. Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Measures 12" diameter, 4" tall
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Onyx

Ash Wood + Glass Coffee Table Attributed to Marco Zanuso for Poggi, Italy 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Italian coffee table attributed to Marco Zanuso for Poggi. This table features a gorgeous grid motif base in ash wood with four block legs. It has an inset glass tabletop wit...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Natale Sapone for Rosenthal Vase #21/500, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Natale Sapone for Rosenthal Porcelain Vase #21/500, 1970's. Large vase by Rosenthal Studio-Line designed by Natale Sapone limited edition. Signed on bottom edge of vase and also stam...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Ref: Cross 89 - 2023
Located in Chicago, IL
This evocative piece of mid-century modern religious art represents a fusion of traditional iconography with the abstract, minimalist sensibilities of the period. Handcrafted by a Eu...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Travertine Side Table in The Form of A Fluted Column Hand Carved
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved Travertine marble fluted column side table. Origin France. The table is hand carved all around and then features a side that is purposely rough carved to appear as if the...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Ateliers Marolles Rooster "Coq" Sculpture Hand Forged Iron by Francis Dewaele
Located in Chicago, IL
Ateliers Marolles France hand forged iron rooster or “coq” with black patina. Hand forged by Francis Dewaele ,who was the iron artisan at Ateliers Marolles.circa 1950's/
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large 20th Century Quality Abstract Expressionist Painting 37” x 49”
By (after) Jackson Pollock
Located in Chicago, IL
Quality abstract 20th century oil on canvas painting in the style of Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and Janet Sobel. The artist was a was a practitioner of a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern wall cross is a quintessential example of European studio pottery from the 1950s. Handcrafted by a skilled artisan, it showcases the raw beauty of ceramic art...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Barbini Black Murano Bowls, Italy 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Barbini Black Murano Bowls, Italy 1960. Excellent condition and tagged on bottom. Measure Large bowl 7" tall, 6" wide, 5.25" deep Small Bowl 5.5" ta...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Weiman Black Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Weiman black leather sofas. Label underside Weiman. Vladimir attributed
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Figurative Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This handcrafted ceramic cross is a vibrant exemplar of mid-century modern design, infused with the characteristic playfulness and colorfulness of the ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mid Century Modern Illuminated Globe on Mahogany Stand By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Illuminated World Globe on Mahogany Stand By Edward Wormley for Dunbar This light up globe is perfect for anyone searching for eclectic light sources. This soft light will make any living room or waiting area cozier. American designer Edward Wormley was inspired by sleek Scandinavian modernism with this wood stand. This is a great for history buffs, as the globe displays mid...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Walnut Dining Table with Blue Back Painted Glass Top, Italy 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A Mid Century Italian dining table sourced in Italy. This table features an original 1960s back painted glass top in a beautiful blue hue with a dark walnut base. At a versatile size...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Figurine on Heart, 15-Inch
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating ceramic wall decoration from the mid-20th century is a unique piece of European studio art, handcrafted by a skilled pottery artist. It features a stylized female fi...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chubby Lounge Chairs by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in a jacquard fabric from Fishman’s. Designed by Jules Heumann for Metro Furniture.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Jacquard

Leather + Travertine Top Coffee Table Attributed to De Sede, Switzerland, 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful vintage coffee table attributed to De Sede featuring a gray leather clad frame with a rectangular pedestal base and stitch d...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Jacques and Dani Ruelland French Ceramic Bottle in Pale Mauve Glaze
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic bottle form by the French ceramic artists Jacques and Dani Ruelland. A pale mauve glaze. Signed. Literature: Pierre Staudenmeyer, La Ce´ramique Francaise des Anne´es 50, P...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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.

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