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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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: Mid-20th Century
Mid century brass German arc floor Flex lamp By München Werkstätten, 1960s
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid century brass German Arc floor Flex lamp By München Werkstätten, 1960s The frame is made of brass, with flex arm Height: 147 cm Diameter: 50 cm...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Beethoven Sculpture Mask, 1950s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in this Beethoven Sculpture Mask, reminiscent of the style of Franz von Stuck and dating back to the 1950s, offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of timeless artistic ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plaster

French Togo Sofa in Black Leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset.
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The Togo collection features an ergonomic design with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Foam

Floor Lamp in Chrome with two Arms, by Dominici, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This mid-20th century floor lamp features a sleek design typical of the era, with a focus on functional simplicity and the use of modern materials such as steel and chrome. The lamp ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

4 Mid Century German teak and rattan chairs by Georg Leowald for Wilkhahn
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century German teak and rattan chairs by Georg Leowald for Wilkhahn, 1960s, Set of 4 The chair frames are made from solid teak and rattan sits, in good vintage condtion, however...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Pair of Rare Table Lamps in the Style of Maison Baguès, France, 1950s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare pair of clear glass and bronze flower table lamps in the style of Maison Baguès, France, circa 1950s. Socket: each 1 x E27 or E26 (US) ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

'Odilon' Lounge Chair, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Odilon lounge chair is a robust and elegant piece of furniture that embodies the distinctive design characteristics of the Brazilian furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues. It featu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Original vintage foldable dining chairs by Niko Kralj (1920-2013) for Stol, 1950
Located in Denventer, NL
Original vintage folding beech armchairs/dining table chairs designed in the 1950s by the Slovenian architect Niko Kralj (1920-2013) for Stol. The chairs consist of solid beech seats...
Category

1950s Slovenian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Mid 20th Century Modern Folding Screen by J. Baumann, 1950s
Located in Brugge, BE
1950s France Pine 180cm high, 200cm wide, 2cm deep
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Single Lunel Uplight Swing Arm Sconce in Brass & Steel, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Dynamic sconce in brass, enameled steel, and aluminum with multiple adjustments.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Cut Steel, Brass

Red Iron Double Sconces After Jean Royere, France 1950
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sconces in red painted steel, nice patina. Reminiscent of the creations of Jean Royere. Two pairs are available.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Firewood Holder, Italy 1950s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Rare Italian fireplace wood holder in iron and brass, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Lampade da soffitto Vistosi, set di 2
Located in Baranzate, IT
Elegante coppia di plafoniere in Vetro di Murano degli anni '50. Grazie al loro design senza tempo e alle ottime condizioni, queste lampade da soffitto italiane sono ideali in ambie...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of 4 Lulli Chairs, Carlo Ratti, Curved Woods Industry, 1950s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of 4 Lulli chairs, conceived by Carlo Ratti in the golden age of Italian design in 1950, embodies timeless elegance and structural innovation. Masterfully crafted by Curved W...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

1 of the 4 Leola Sculptural Brass 5-Light Ceiling or Wall Flush Mount, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gorgeous Sciolari style ceiling or wall flush mount by Leola. Made with polished brass, Germany, 1960s. Can be used as ceiling flushmount or as expressive wall light. The light fix...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

12 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. We have 12 chairs in total available.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Rush, Oak

Mid-Century Flying Saucer Adjustable Red Desk Lamp, Italian
Located in London, GB
The sleek flat base, a hallmark of mid-century aesthetics, provides stability and a sense of balance to the lamp's unique form. Adding a touch of elegance to the design is the beauti...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Ceramic advertising figure by W. Bosse for the Karlsruhe Majolika. 1940 - 1950
Located in CADALSO, ES
Rare advertising figurine from Fernkabel Rastatt Germany. The company Deutsche Fernkabel Gesellschaft Rastatt was merged into Nokia Siemens Netwo...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage hanging lamp with cylindrical white glass shade, 1950s
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
The white glass shade has vertical lines which gives a nice playful effect. Height: 80 cm. Ø: 20 cm. Glass shade height: 41 cm. This lamp has a new large bulb holder (E27) and threa...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Advertising Glass Sign "Trink Coca Cola - Coke". 1950 - 1959
Located in CADALSO, ES
Great condition
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Ceramic centerpiece from the Karlsruher Majolika. 1950 - 1960
Located in CADALSO, ES
Perfect condition
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Occupied Japan Porcelain Lobster Cabbage Leaf Sugar Bowl Jam Condiment Dish 6"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century porcelain sugar bowl /jam jar / condiment dish featuring cabbage / lettuce leaves forming the base and lid, glazed in green and brown, with a red lobster perched o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century ceramic vase from Karlsruher Majolika by F. Glatzle. 1956
Located in CADALSO, ES
Great condition
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Finnish Three-Seater Sofa Model “Susanna” by Oiva Parviainen
Located in London, GB
This comfortable three-seater sofa “Susanna model” was designed in the 1950s by Oiva Parviainen and manufactured by Lahti Lepokaulusto. The sofa is presented on a minimalistic elegan...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Rare Isamu Noguchi Mid Century Modern Paper First Edition 75D Akari Japan Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover the timeless allure of the Isamu Noguchi Akari Lamp, model 75D, a pendant lamp designed around 1950 and manufactured by Ozeki & Co. Ltd. in Japan. This mid-century modern ma...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Gio Ponti Style Gilt Wood Mirror by Max Welz Vienna, Austria, 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Austrian modernist wall mirror with a lovely curved gold-plated lime wood frame from the 1940s. Manufactured by Max Welz Vienna, Austria. In very good condition with char...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Walnut Sideboard / Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and well made vintage walnut sideboard / chest of drawers. This was made in the USA, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is excellent, this is beautifully designed ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1950s Swedish Brass With Beech Five Arm Chandelier With Frosted Art Glass Shades
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Swedish Chandelier made of brass and beech attributed to Hans Bergstrom For ASEA Sweden. Each arm has a beautiful frosted art glass shade with golden details / arrows. Five screw fit...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

1950s Italian coffee table attributed to Paolo Buffa
Located in London, Lambeth
A round, vintage mid -century modern Italian coffee table with a engraved glass top ,made of hand crafted in good condition .The small sofa, side table was designed by Paolo Buffa,s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ash

Lounge chairs and sofa set by Rob Parry
Located in PARIS, FR
An extremely rare set designed by Dutch designer Rob Parry, with a very elegant shape with a combination of rosewood, chrome metal and a seat, as if suspended in this structure. This...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Lino Sabattini For Christofle Circular Cocktail Tray c.1950
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning modernist circular cocktail tray designed by the world famous Lino Sabattini for famous Orfevrerie Christofle, a magical combination of quality and minimalist design. Jus...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

'MP-79' Center Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP79 center table, designed by the illustrious Percival Lafer, stands as a paragon of mid-century modern Brazilian design, reflecting an era where functionality met elegance in a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Aldo Tura Decorative Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass, Macabo, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful bar set in carved wood and brass. This lovely set was designed by Aldo Tura and produced by Macabo in Milano, Italy during the 1950s. The set consist of a pitcher, 6 glass...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage black and white 5-armed chandelier, 1950's/1960's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This is a very elegant chandelier from the 1950's or 1960's. It has black painted arms holding 5 opaline glass chalices that gives a beautiful diffused illumination. It is very likel...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Limburg 1 of a Pair Geometric White & Clear Glass 1970s Flush Mount Lights Lamps
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of a pair of vintage, minimalist German made wall or ceiling flush mount light fixtures by Glashütte Limburg, circa 1970s. The simple, yet striking, clean lined minimalist design...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Charles & Ray Eames EA219 Office Chair in Chrome and Aubergine leather, Vitra
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful office chair EA219 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Exceptional comfort is guaranteed with the ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Frederic Weinberg Abstract Bronze Libra Zodiac Wall Sculpture
Located in Troy, MI
A rare Frederic Weinberg zodiac series wall mounted sculpture circa 1950s Cast bronze modernist Libra figure with brutalist texture and subtle holes f...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 'N' Lounge Chairs, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "N" armchairs by Zanine Caldas stand as quintessential artifacts of mid-20th century modern Brazilian design, each piece retaining its original upholstery. These chairs are a tes...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Plywood, Leather

Dry Bar Coated in Leather with 3 stools, by l'Atelier, Brazilian Mid-Century
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This dry bar with accompanying stools, a creation of the 1960s by l'Atelier, which was under the aegis of Jorge Zalszupin, is a distinguished example of mid-century Brazilian design....
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

His and Hers Pair of Easy Chairs Newly Upholstered, 1950s Swedish
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century elegant His and Hers pair of easy chairs with a large comfortable backrest and a smooth birch wood frame with elegant curves, “His” chair is 3 cm higher than “Hers”. The ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Roger Capron - Whisky bottle
Located in PAU, FR
Roger Capron Vallauris, bottle Whisky, circa 1950 Stanniferous earthenware White enamel background Signed and numbered below “Capron Vallauris D20"
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

FRANCO ALBINI for POGGI Folding chair
Located in Baranzate, IT
Folding chair with solid wood frame. Seat and backrest made of plywood. Prod. Poggi, Italy, 1952 Bibliography Exhibition catalog, Franco Albini & Franca Helg Design, April 30, 2009.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1964, Dark Blue, Large
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1964. Stoneware with rabbit's fur glaze. Signed. H: 24 cm Diameter: 27 cm Berndt Friberg was born in the southern Sweden town of...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Midcentury Murano Glass Ashtray in Frosted Glass with Blue Accents
Located in Milano, IT
Many are the different types of glass created by master makers on the Venetian island of Murano. From air-thin vases to expressive sculptures, also massive objects with deep and vivi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass

bottle vase with long neck by Roger Capron
Located in PAU, FR
Roger Capron Vallauris, Bottle vase with long neck, circa 1950 Stanniferous earthenware White enamel background Signed and numbered below “Capron Vallauris S52”
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Box By Roger Capron
Located in PAU, FR
Roger Capron Red glazed ceramic scroll box. Signed in the ass Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1950s/60s Italian Hand-Carved Tree Shaped Large Dining Table Base by Bartolozzi
Located in London, GB
This is a sustainable exceptional dining/centre table base handcrafted from a reclaimed Austrian pine tree by Bartolozzi e Maioli. The table is one of a kind with beautifully carved ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Framed Painting by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1960s, Ink on Paper, Abstract
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1960s. Ink on paper, framed. Signed. Artwork dimensions: H: 45 cm W: 58 cm Frame dimensions: H: 63 cm W: 72.5 cm D: 6 cm
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

Vintage French Cherry Wood Glass Top Side Table
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and well made vintage French cherry wood glass top side table. This was recently imported from France, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding and this i...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Cherry

Big Opalescent Vase in Hand Blown Murano Glass, Blue Purple Gold Iridescent
Located in Milano, IT
This (very) big Murano vase is a sight to behold. With its unusual shape and matte surface finish, it's already quite not common; but what makes it tru...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Murano glass vase with handle by Carlo Moretti. Italy 1960 - 1970
Located in CADALSO, ES
Great colors and condition
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Coppia di Applique da parete Vetro di Murano di Carlo Nason per Mazzega anni 60
Located in Catania, IT
Coppia di applique da parete in vetro di Murano disegnate da Carlo Nason e prodotte da Mazzega negli anni '60. La struttura delle applique è in acciaio cromato e hanno quattro sfacce...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Ebonised wood sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1950s, signed
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ebonised wood sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1950s. Signed. Ebonised wood.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Móveis Cimo, Brazil - set of 4 rare Dinner Chairs, 1960s
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
These 4 rare hardwood dining chairs were manufactured in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer of Brazilian furniture manufacturing that existed from 1921 to 1982...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Linen, Hardwood

4 chairs by Arne Vodder model 422
Located in PARIS, FR
4 chairs in solid rosewood and original leather, by the great Danish designer Arne Vodder. Their graphic shape, both refined and assertive, as well as their beautiful leather patina ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Palisander

pair of 1950s armchairs designed by Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Milano, MI
this pair of armchairs by Silvio Cavatorta were used both as bedroom armchairs and as living room armchairs. They can be purchased individually or in pairs. They were reupholstered w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Iron & ceramic umbrella stand in the style of Mathieu Matégot, France 1950s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Umbrella stand circa 1950 in the style of Mathieu Matégot, made out of iron painted black and an unfolded perforated sheet adorned with glazed ceramic cabochons. I good overall con...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid Century, Danish Occasional Chair
Located in Bristol, GB
A beautifully minimalist Danish occasional chair with a welcoming curved back that contrasts wonderfully with the clean, straight lines of the rosewood armrests and legs. Newly uphol...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric

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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