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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
Midcentury Modern Crafted Black Walnut Dresser
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This superb handcrafted American Modern cabinet, made in the 1960s, showcases the timeless beauty of black walnut. The piece features four exposed drawers and an open cabinet section...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Checker Patterned Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Black and White
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

Venini Midcentury Triedri Glass Prism Chandelier
Located in Astoria, NY
Venini Triedri Glass Prism Chandelier, 20th century, with three tiers of prisms and chrome frame. 17" H x 20" Diameter. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Mid Century low tan lounge club cube chairs walnut base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair Mid Century low tan lounge club cube chairs walnut base. Great set of low cube chairs in sand tan thick woven cotton upholstery. Floating square base in walnut. In the style of ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1960's Modernist Porcelain Vases Collection by Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
Stunning collection of 5 1970's Mid-Century Modern Rosenthal porcelain vases collection by various designers, in good vintage condition with minor wear and patina. They are all diff...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Cocoon Suspension Light for Flos, Attributed
By Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cocoon suspension light by Flos, attributed Original, designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Resin and enameled steel frame. Resin was applied to the frame with spraying techni...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Brown "Grenade" Ceramic Lamps, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of blue & brown glazed table lamps with a geometrical pattern reminiscent of a grenade. Base size only 16x8.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful solid wood coffee table. From the Planner Group line designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Retains original manufacturer’s label and guaranteed authenti...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Maple

Barovier Murano Glass Rectangular Vanity Sconce
Located in New York, NY
1 rectangular form sconce with gold glass inclusions and brass fittings. Rewired for use in the USA. Sconce utilizes four candelabra type bulbs.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Felix Agostini “Amour Ardent” Bronze Sconces, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional matched set of Felix Agostini Sconces in cast bronze with original sockets, Signed. Two matched pairs are available. Priced as a pair.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Pair of Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1969
Located in New York, NY
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Pair of Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1969 The 'Soriana' line was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. This 'Soriana' chai...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Ceramic Tile & Polished Aluminium Coffee Table by Juliette Belarti
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modern ceramic tile and polished aluminium coffee table by Juliette Belarti, the tabletop with dark mossy green black brown handcrafted ceramic tiles signed "J Belarti...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Murano Triedre Smoked Amber & Clear Glass Sconces by Venini
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by the renowned Venini in Italy around 1970, this pair of mid-century modernist sconces epitomizes elegance and artistry. Featuring hand-blown Murano glass in a distinctive s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Midcentury Recliner Lounge Chair circa 1970
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Unique reclining cantilevered lounge chair made of bent wood. This chair also swivels 360'. Green leather has some age. Leave as is or recover to your liking.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Round Dining Table in Hardwood and Metal by Jorge Zalszupin, c.1960s
Located in New York, NY
This round dining table, designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s, showcases a top made from solid Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda) with a rosewood veneer, highlighting a whimsical woo...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antonia Campi Conchiglia Pottery, Italian 1950s Lamp
Located in New York, NY
An original 1950s Conchiglia glazed ceramic lamp in the form of a conch shell. Societa Ceramica Italiana di Laveno. Signed.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century T Angle Walnut Panel coffee table or bench by Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century T Angle Walnut Panel coffee table or bench by Florence Knoll. Made if T angle Iron frame painted black with (3) Walnut panel panels. Made in USA Circa 1950. Very clean re...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modernist Hand-Carved Organic Sculpture signed Carol Setterlund
Located in New York, NY
Signed by Carol Setterlund, this sculpture reflects the artist's dedication to form and texture, embodying the essence of mid-century artistry. The natural curves and flowing lines o...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Eames for Herman Miller High Back Leather Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Sold individual. 30 available ! Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group chairs in premium plush black leather with high-backs. We have many sets that had been used as dining chairs w...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Murano Blue White and Green Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Murano blue white and green glass vase. Vintage square based vase with flared neck. Italy, circa 1960s. Dimensions: 5.75” square base x 9.25” height.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Diminutive Gio Ponti for Schirolli Stained Mahogany and Laminate Writing Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small writing table/student desk in stained mahogany with attractive mint green laminate surface by Gio Ponti for Schirolli (ca. 1950, Italy). Stylish piece with modernist details in...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

1st Generation Eames ESU 220-C for Herman Miller, in Red, Blue, Yellow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original 1st generation ESU, model 220-C storage unit, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Inspired by industrial warehouse shelving, this first-generation ESU from ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modernist Venetian Glass Mirror W/Raised Scalloped Border & Beveled
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist Venetian glass mirror showcases the timeless artistry and craftsmanship synonymous with Italian design. Crafted circa 1950, its understated elegance is hig...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form Crystal Bowl by Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form crystal Bowl by Orrefors originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. Featuring an elegant and gently twisted composition rising from the modest octagon...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Audoux Minet Rope Barstools, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Barstools in wrought iron, the stem wrapped in thick natural rope on wooden ball feet.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Florence Knoll Cabinet Walnut Checkerboard Black and White
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful and practical credenza for living or office space. Checkerboard sliding doors with leather pulls reveal a 4 drawers position and 3 adjustable shelf sections. Perfect for yo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Brutalist Patinated Steel Ribbon Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic and graphic pair of table lamps were realized in the United States, circa 1960. They feature contorting ribbons of patinated steel threaded with a cylindrical rod in th...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Custom Pair of Gaston Plaster Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of Gaston plaster sconces. Please note that the sconces takes E-12 candelabra bulbs, 40 watts. These sconces can be ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Custom Modernist Minimalist Polished Nickel Rectangular Andirons
Located in New York, NY
This refined pair of andirons were custom fabricated by artisans in New York State, exclusively for us. They feature a minimalistic rectangular front panel presented in polished nick...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Modern Milano 4-Door Buffet with Walnut by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Milano Buffet by Ercole Home, with 4 touch latch doors within a Natural Walnut case. The doors feature hand-cut and hand-painted glass mosaic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Walnut

Aldo Londi Bitossi for Raymor Cordova Bookends, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi for Raymor Cordova Bookends, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Signed. Small scale stacked, rectangular form, bookends from Aldo L...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Oval “Rascasse” Fish Dish, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Colorful fish tray with an abstract Rascasse motif. Signed.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Russel Wright Iroquois Casual Pink Set with Underplate
Located in Riverdale, NY
Russel Wright Iroquois Casual Pink Set with Underplate. Sugar with creamer with underplate. 1950's USA. Tray 13" x 9".
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Modernist Brass Spider Chandelier, Italy, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Italian modernist spider nine-arm chandelier in patinated brass and ivory white lacquer; the central brass fitting support the scrolled brass sweeping arms terminating with creamy la...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Bitossi Rosenthal Netter Horse, Ceramic, Cyan Blue, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi Rosenthal Netter Horse, Ceramic, Cyan Blue, Signed. Large horse sculpture glazed in an electric blue with matte chocolate brown hooves. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Sirmos 'Colette' Table Lamps, White Matte Resin, After Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Sirmos 'Colette' Table Lamps, White Matte Resin, After Giacometti. A pair of tall slender sculptural table lamps modeled after Alberto Giacometti's iconic designs. The lamp bodies me...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Resin

Custom Pair of Two-Arm Plaster Sconces in the Giacometti Manner
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of two-arm plaster sconces in the Giacometti manner. Please note that the sconces takes E-12 candelabra bulbs, 40 watts. Lead Time is 8-10 weeks. Please inquire about c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Jacques Adnet Brown Leather Coffee Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Blackened wrought iron and original stitched leather coffee table with a smoked glass insert.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 10 Orange Blenko Bottles
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic mid-century 10 piece set of Blenko Art Glass in vibrant orange tones. Tallest being 19.75 inches x 5 inch diameter.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Eames for Herman Miller High Back Aluminum Group Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ask for custom shipping quote An icon of Mid-Century Modern design that continues to be produced today. Manual height and tilt. 50th anniversary addition premium black leather that ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Hand Woven Caned Rattan Table Lamp, France 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Interesting shape. Lovely color. Newly wired to US standards. Shade not included.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wicker Rattan Stool in the Style of Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
A round white wicker rattan stool in the style of Italian designer Franco Albini, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, perhaps from Europe/Italy. Piece works as a stool, footstool, or as a side/drinks table providing there's a book or tray in place. Shown with books, seashell and coral in several images. Dimensions: 17.5" Diameter x 16.25" Height. Italian Murano art glass bowl/ashtray shown, search 1stdibs ID#: LU131428040583 (SOLD.) Black and gold sculpture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

No. 634 Dining Chairs by Carlo De Carli for Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Walnut, fabric. Sculpted wood structures with upholstered seats & backs. Many chairs retain their original Cassina metal labels. There are 12 chair...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mid century Danish modern 6 drawer long low dresser Nils Jonsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern 6 drawer long low dresser or credenza by Nils Jonsson. Danish Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers in excellent unrestored condition. Perfect vintage example...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch, Teak

Flared Oak Console, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Solid oak console with flared legs.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

One Authentic Knoll Brno Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe in Black Leather
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
One black leather Brno chair with tubular frame and thin pad seat and back as was the original design. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe by Knoll. Beautiful showing very little use. 800 per ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Rug & Kilim's Hand Knotted Mid-Century Modern Rug in Yellow and White Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
Made with unique blend of hand knotted New Zealand wool, all natural silk, and exotic proprietary yarns as a 6 x 6 square rug, this Mid-Century Modern...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk, Yarn

Pair Extra Large 1960's Gold Wall Sconces / Flush Mounts ( 6 Pairs Available )
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large 1960's Gold Space Age Wall sconces / ceiling flush mounts by Cosack. The Golden brass fixture has been Newly rewired for the US and has a single standard light source t...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

'Holebid’ Low Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass
Located in New York, NY
‘Holebid’ Low Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection, featuring a stacked wood detail with different color hues, executed in plastic laminate and briarwood. In...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plastic, Laminate, Wood

Denis Cospen Biomorphic Stool in Laminated Wood, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Stunning stool in laminated wood made by layering thin slices of wood atop one another in different shapes to achieve the form desired.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Midcentury Chair Ladislav Rado for Knoll Drake
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Very rare and beautiful side chair designed by Ladislav Rado for the short lived one year collaboration between Knoll + Drake, c. 1955. Featuring white enameled cantilevered frame wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Stunning MidCentury Minimalist Rosewood Dining Table 1 Leaf by Georg Petersens
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful rare dining table featuring Brazilian rosewood on a rectangular form table top on chrome legs. Dining table has 1 leaf that is removable ans stows away under the table. Lea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Aluminum Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mid-century aluminum lamps. Pair vintage sleek, quiet modern lamps in aluminum with new paper shades; newly rewired with black silk cords and switches. American, late 1960s ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury classically styled candlesticks with a square base stylized column and engraved drip plate. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, signature stamp on bottom. Polished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Grand 1960s Custom Monteverdi Young Mid CyCoffee Table
Located in New York, NY
A very large and grand custom cocktail table designed by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi Young. The table is composed of walnut and oak and ebony inlay. American
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Oak, Walnut

French Mid-Century Style Plaster Chandelier /Pendant, style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant and Timeless French Mid-Century Modern Style Plaster Chandelier / Pendant in the style of Jean Michel Frank.
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb 4 Drawer Cabinet on Brass Base
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb rare 4 drawer dresser Irwin Collection by Calvin- Irwin Collection. Walnut Chest on a brass base. In wonderful original condition showing nice grain patterns an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul Mayen Aluminum Planter for Habitat
Located in New York, NY
Great looking architectural planter by Paul Mayen for Habitat circa 1970s. This minimalist postmodern aluminum design is a great addition for your home . Paul Mayen was born in Spain...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

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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