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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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Item Ships From: New York City
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Maurizio Tempestini Armchairs, Italy 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini armchairs on brass plinth, original patina.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Arredoluce Rare Ivory Lacquer Brass Lantern Pendant Ceiling Light 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce rare lantern pendant ceiling light with brass structure including tapering ivory or cream enameled metal frame and satin or acid-etched glass panel shades...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Mid Century Robert Haussmann for Stendig RH-304 De Sede Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A unique pair of RH-304 Leather chairs. designed by Robert Haussmann and manufactured by Stendig De Sede. This pair was made circa 1960. these chairs are upholstered in brown leather...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Leather Ottoman in Camel, Large, Talabartero Collection
Located in New York, NY
The leather poufs and pillows in this collection are inspired by the equestrian heritage of Colombia’s coffee growing region. Talabartero translates as ‘master saddler’, and the coll...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modernist Round Speckled Earth Tone Ceramic Vase w/ Tapered Neck
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully formed and materially sensitive Mid-Century Modernist Round Speckled Earth Tone Ceramic Vase W/ Tapered Neck originates from the United States, Circa 1960. Features ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Monix Adjustable Floor lamp, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
A Monix adjustable floor lamp in original finish with original shade Adjust 65 to 85 Shade 18” diam Base 10”
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Tall Credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century tall credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 has 1 adjustable shelves w/pins with 1 drawer on the left side and 3 drawers on the right side. Soli...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Maple

Jacques Adnet Medium Amber Mirror, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Layered mirror in clear and amber glass with copper hardware.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Copper

Mimo Italian Leather Slipper Chairs, Italy 1970's
Located in New York, NY
A large and comfortable pair of leather-covered injected foam loungers. Another pair is available.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Blonde Solid Maple 6 Drawer Dresser by Heywood Wakefield
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Blonde solid Maple 6 Drawer dresser by Heywood Wakefield. Good Vintage Condition clean inside and out. Drawers slide smooth. Very unique mid century and deco desig...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Maple

Round Rustic Oak Coffee Table, France 1940's
Located in New York, NY
A round oak coffee table with a thick top on carved legs, joined by a carved stretcher and held together with wooden keys.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Full Size Headboard with Sliding Doors Heywood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern solid maple full Size headboard with nightstands shelves. All one unit - with 2 sliding doors and 1 center open space Located in Brooklyn NYC. 55" x 12" x 38" high.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Maple

Whiskey Wall Mounted Console
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The hidden chamber for your rare bourbon collection. The base to an elegant living room. A centerpiece for those records you saved for that meditative t...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Large Cerulean Blue Crackle Glazed Lamps by Frederick Cooper Lamp Co
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of large ceramic lamps with a Beautiful Cerulean blue crackle glaze. The lamps are mounted on turned wooden and brass bases and they have been Newly rewired with adju...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Phillip & Kelvin LaVerne "Donna" Bronze Wall Plaque, 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Phillip & Kelvin LaVerne "Donna" Bronze Wall Plaque, 1950's. Acid etched and patinated. Signed lower right and on reverse. Overall great vintage condition. Slight wear along edges...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Turned Wood Lamp
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant turned wood Modernist lamp which highlights the grain of the walnut. Shade not included. 1950s, USA. 28" high total with finial, Wood body 15.5" x 4.5".   
Category

1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Midcentury Cane Brass Headboard by Paul McCobb for Calvin King
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture bed headboard #7703 in wonderful vintage condition cane shows patina. Finely crafted with brass details. Fits a King sized mattress. Bed He...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Modern Crafted Black Walnut Dresser
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A superb handcrafted American Modern cabinet in rich black walnut, dating to the 1960s. This solid, well-built piece features four exposed drawers and one open cabinet with an intern...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Brazilian Modern Set of Five Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
These chairs are made of Brazilian rosewood with leather cushions. The backrest and the seat of the chair have a natural curvature, which is a theme that is seen in many Brazilian mi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Set of 4 Black Leather Covered Dining Chairs by Arper Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 4 black soft leather covered dining chairs in good vintage condition. Labeled Arper - Made in Italy. Located In Brooklyn NYC Dimensions:  19" x 21" x 33.5" high - 18" SH
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Ekornes Stressless Lounge Chair and Ottoman with new custom upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ekornes Stressless reclining lounge chair and ottoman. Elegant mid century Scandinavian design with tubular bent chrome frame and cream bonded leather cushion. Lounge in comfort with...
Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modernist Mazzega Murano Glass Leaf Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite mid-century modernist chandelier, crafted by Mazzega, showcases the timeless appeal of Murano glass artistry. Dating back to circa 1970, this Italian chandelier featur...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Beautiful mid century malachite green oval abstract resin top coffee table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century custom made green abstract resin top coffee table. In the style of Karl springer. Mid-Century American Modern coffee table with an oval shape resting on four gr...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Resin, Wood

Round American Hooked Rug Dated 1963
Located in New York, NY
Rare American Hooked rug with a happy colorful motif. Dated 1963 and initialized IEV. Not sure whose name is in the initials Measure: 30'' round.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

Elm and Marble Table, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Dished out elm top coffee table on a travertine base.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Unique Early Coffee Table with Chinese Motif 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and early coffee table with Chinese scene on top in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with stunning enamel cloisonne in blue, green, and red by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne,...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Pewter

Set of 3 Orrefors Crystal 1960s Swedish Mid Century Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors crystal 1960s Swedish Mid Century wall lamps with aged brass X fittings. Rewired with candelabra sockets.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Versace For Rosenthal Medusa Crystal Bowl
Located in New York, NY
1980's Gianni Versace designed for Rosenthal crystal decorative bowl with medusa motif, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due t...
Category

1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Jules Leleu- A French 1950s 3 Drawer Walnut Writing Table with Brass Details
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu - A fine French Mid-Century three drawer walnut desk with brass details. A similar desk is shown page 137 of the book "Jules et Andre Leleu" by Vivianne Jutheau - Edited...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Howard Miller Iconic Clock by George Nelson
Located in Riverdale, NY
Iconic and classic Howard Miller ball clock from the 1950's by George Nelson. Wonderful Atomic style with a central clock motif with 50's styl...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Ico Parisi Rosewood Coffee Table, Italy 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Solid rosewood coffee table with an architectural base and brass hardware, vintage anis glass.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Abalone Seashell and Acrylic Bar Kitchen Table Trivet
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful abalone seashell and two-tone acrylic bar, table or kitchen trivet, circa mid-20th century, USA. Colors include beautiful pearl pink and gr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Abalone, Acrylic

Pair of Chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner, designed in 1949 and manufactured by Johannes Hansen in Denmark. This pair has wear and tear to the frame and rattan (please see ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple sculpted King Size Headboard Heywood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern solid maple King Size headboard. All one unit sculpted design Located in Brooklyn NYC. 84" x 3" x 38" high. Headboard only - no rails or footboard.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Maple

Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchair for Cassina, 1972
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchair for Cassina, argilla fabric and wood, Italy, 1972. The “Pianura” living room set is a great expression of the minimalism and elegance of Mario Belli...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mahogany and Brass Captain’s Chair Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany and brass captain’s chair bar stool. Vintage swivel weighted bar stool of rich mahogany and unlacquered brass with molded conforming seat and brass ring footrest on heavy ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Caviuna & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli, c. 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern Coffee Table designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli in in Brazil in the 1950s is a showstopper! This coffee table features a stunning frame crafted f...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Candlestick Holder Tommi Parzinger Style
Located in New York, NY
A substantial double candlestick holder, Modernist/Midcentury Modern design period, in the style of German designer Tommi Parzinger, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. A double brass pla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Small Petite Danish Midcentury Bookcase in Walnut
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Nice proportions in the walnut bookcase on tapered legs with original finish and nice patina. Has sliding glass doors that can be removed. Inside height 21". Single shelf is adjustab...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Rug in Beige-Brown and Red Retro Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
A 9 x 12 rug from Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Collection, hand knotted in a unique wool and silk blend. A bold rug design in collaboration with modern artist Jenn Ski, exploring...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Italian Murano Fruit Sculpture Archimede Seguso
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous and relatively large Modern/Midcentury Modern Italian Murano art glass pear sculpture, circa mid-to late-20th century, Italy. Piece is signed "Archimede Seguso" and "Muran...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Jacques Quinet Leather Chest, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Leather-clad chest of drawers with four drawers, leather stitched details and brass hardware. Restored, original photos available.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Indian Blue Dhurrie Rug Doris Leslie Blau
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Indian Dhurrie Rug Doris Leslie Blau Size: 4'8" × 7'6" (142 × 228 cm) This striking vintage Indian Dhurrie rug from the 1955 is a vivid example of traditional flatweave craft...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Mid Century Modern Brass Framed Mirror, Italy, 1950
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brass Framed Modernist Mirror, Italy, 1950's
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Brown Leather French Moustache Club Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern style leather dining chairs made in France. The chairs have a distinct shape with a slightly angled back and a seat that appears to be wide, and black painted wood...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Cast Iron “Ripple” End Table, Belgium 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Solid cast iron table on a cross base, the top has a motif reminiscent of a water ripple effect.
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Danish Teak Side Chair by Preben Schou Andersen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home textbook mid-century Scandinavian design with this wonderful Danish teak side chairs designed and manufactured by Preben Schou Andersen. Featuring a funky profile with a b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Bentwood

Small Black Ceramic Mirror, France, c. 1950
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small Black Ceramic Mirror, France, c. 1950 Gendarme Curved Top
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Ekornes Leather Stressless Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Burnt Orange
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman. Leather cushions in burnet orange on chrome metal swivel bases. No tears in leather. Normal signs of use. Minor creasing/losses t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Danish Modern 3 Seat 205 Sofa by Børge Mogensen Sofa Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern 3 seat sofa by børge mogensen sofa. Great Scandinavian Modern Borge Mogensen model 205 low slung three-seat sofa. Manufactured by Frederica Stolefabrik in 1...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Restored Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair with Custom Blue Leather
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A restored vintage signed and authentic Herman Miller Eames lounge chair and ottoman in rose wood with custom new blue leather cushions with smooth and comfortable finish. The wood i...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Italian Leather Jewelry Tray
Located in New York, NY
An Italian leather and suede jewelry tray, Modern/Midcentury Modern design, made exclusively for B. Altman & Co. New York, NY, circa mid-20th century or e...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Suede

Mid-Century Conical Frosted Glass & Brass Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
This striking Mid-Century Modernist sconce, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, epitomizes sophisticated Italian design from the 1960s. The sconce features a conical frosted gl...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Thonet Style Leather Covered Armchairs
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Thonet Style Turquoise Leather Covered Arm Chairs, with brass nail head trim and covered armrests. 29.5" H x 26" W x 24" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From a New York City Coll...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Pair of Mid-Century Danish Teak Reclining Chairs for Advance Design by John Boné
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully made Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Danish Teak Reclining Lounge Chairs for Advance Design by John Boné originates from Denmark, ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and elegant Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks origiantes from the United States, C. 1998. This piece features a well balanced rectilinear b...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Custom White Leather
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous Eames lounge and ottoman in brand new white leather. New shock mounts installed in seat panel ($600 value). All adjustable feet intact. Chair swivels smoothly. Chair and ott...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

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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