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.
Vintage Italian Snail Butter Dish, Silver-Plated, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful Italian silver-plated snail butter dish, 1970s. Featuring a whimsical snail-shaped body with textured shell lid in polished silver-plate, opening to reveal a clear insert b...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Green Large Flush Mount or Ceiling Lamp by Erco, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Green Large Flush Mount or Ceiling Lamp by Erco, 1950s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitabl...
Brass
Iron Metal Spider with Murano Glass, Sconce Wall Light Sculpture, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Italian “Spider” Wall Lamp with opaline Murano Glass, 1970s Striking and sculptural, this mid-century Italian wall sconce—often referred to as a “spider” lamp—features a...
Metal
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso Art Deco Bar Cabinet Cherry Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fratelli Barni Mobili d'Arte Seveso, cabinet, cherry, mirrored glass, brass, glass, Seveso, Milan, Italy, 1940s This extremely elegant Italian bar cabinet features decorative woode...
Brass
Pair of Round Wooden Table Lamps with Original Lampshades, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of French wooden table lamps dating from the 1970s, featuring beautifully rounded spherical bases with a warm brown finish and visible natural wood grain. Each lamp is topped wi...
Wood
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, wood wrapped in leather, United...
Bronze
1960s Stunning Grey Ashtray/Bowl/Catchall By Flavio Poli for S
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous grey ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in italy. This piece exemplifies the iconic sommerso (submerged) glass technique. Fe...
Murano Glass
$3,800 / set
1950s Italian Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, featuring a refined mid-century modern design with a clean horizontal composition. Each applique is built around a round brass wa...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern “Vega” Walnut Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, featuring a round brass wall plate, gently curved brass arms, black lacquered metal elements, and white opaline glass shades. The design is light ...
Brass
Pair of William Haines Mid Century Modern Klismos Lounge Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of William Haines Mid Century Modern Klismos Lounge Chairs.
Linen, Wood
Greco Illuminazione 'Feltre' Set of Eight Wall Lights in Brass Steel and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, set of eight 'Feltre' wall lights, steel, brass, glass, Italy, 1960s These 1960s wall lamps, model ‘Feltre’, were produced by Greco Illuminazione. Their glass s...
Brass, Steel
Italian Mid-Century Dining Table in Bright Purple Plexiglass, Aluminum and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Round dining table, aluminum, plexiglass, mahogany, Italy, 1960s This Italian dining table from the 1960s brings together many materials in a fresh and fun design. It has a dark mah...
Aluminum
Small round alpaca astray around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Small round alpaca astray around 1950s Only polished
Alpaca
Charming Italian Pink & Ice Clear Murano Glass Ceiling Fixture, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount, made in Italy during the 1970s–1980s. This charming fixture features a gorgeous textured glass shade accented by a delicate pink-colored glass r...
Metal
Christian Dior Tortoiseshell Lucite Magazine Holder Rack, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed for the prestigious Christian Dior Interior Collection and crafted in France circa 1970, this rare, exceptional magazine rack embodies timeless luxury and impeccable mastery...
Resin, Acrylic, Lucite
Italian Sideboard in Walnut with Open Side Compartments
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small chest of drawers or sideboard, walnut, Italy, 1960s/early 1970s This walnut sideboard has a charming, slightly quirky design. Six drawers with round wooden knobs are arranged ...
Walnut
Erté, Alcazar de Paris, Original Signed and Numbered Lithograph 12/120, 1970
By Erté
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare and Original 1970 lithograph by Erté, the professional name of Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990), created for the celebrated Alcazar de Paris cabaret. The composition is highly cha...
Glass, Wood
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Greige Belgian Linen, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in our greige linen, its tailored slipcover gives the sofa a...
Linen
Pair of large French gilt metal 5 armed wall lights
Located in London, GB
Stunning pair of large five armed gilt metal wall lights reminiscent of Jean Royere. Bespoke shades, rewired & Pat tested.
Brass
Large Adjustable Brass Keos Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz
By Adolf Loos, Wiener Werkstätte, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Florian Schulz, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
A beautiful brass pendant lamp from the 1970s. The lamp produces a truly beautiful lighting effect. Its design and exquisite details create a sophisticated and pleasant light. The la...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. The sconce features a robust design with materials including lacquered black metal and brass, complemented...
Metal, Brass
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of Twelve Elegant Rustic Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Oak and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, oak, rush, Europe, 1950s/1960s This large set of twelve dining chairs combines a rustic character with a clean, modern design. The oak frames feature ge...
Rush, Oak
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s
Located in Gloucester, GB
German Pharmacy Cabinet Circa 1940s - Pine with steel handles - Glass sliding doors - Original key and lock - German ~ 1940s Dimensions Whole cabinet - Width 292cm x height 196cm ...
Steel
Isa Bergamo Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Isa Bergamo, lounge chairs, metal, fabric, Italy, 1950s These 1950s Italian lounge chairs by isa Bergamo are characterized by their sculptural curved form and elegant mid-century pr...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
Mid Century Large Yellow Lucite Grape Cluster, 1960s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in shades of yellow. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic leaves tuck...
Lucite, Wood
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
Scandinavian Jacquard Blue Textile Wall Hanging Roosters Fight
Located in Bochum, NRW
Ingalill Sjöblom Wall Hanging for Borås Jacquardväveri, Sky Blue & Dark Blue Dimensions: Height 85 cm; Width 130 cm Features: Original paper label; hanging included Condition: Vi...
Acrylic, Textile
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light designed by French designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials m...
Glass, Oak
Expertly Restored - Jack Cartwright Credenza w/ Cane Doors for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Cane Front Doors, New Leather Pulls ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing hi...
Leather, Cane, Wood, Walnut
"Italia" Ball-Shaped Lantern, 1950; Murano-style glass in the Venini style; brass frame"
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Murano glass ball-shaped lamp with fabric shade, brass frame, Italy, 1950.
Brass
Henning Kjærnulf Oak Corner Storage Cabinet with 3 Paneled Doors Danish Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This corner storage cabinet features a triangular profile with three compartments. The facade is detailed with carved paneling and a drop-down door. Its silhouette beautifully embodi...
Oak
Willy Rizzo Large Bar Cart in Chrome, Brass and Smoked Glass Trays, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and truly one-of-a-kind large Italian serving bar cart with removable trays, entirely crafted in a combination of chrome, brass, and smoked bronze glass. This incredibly ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Theo Ruth Olive Green Velvet Wing Chair for Artifort
Wingback lounge chair by Theo Ruth, produced by Artifort in the Netherlands. The rounded high back rises into gently flared wings, with the seat and back reupholstered in olive green...
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern KU14 Armoire by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1960s
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern KU14 Japanese Series armoire or wardrobe. Design by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Original teak veneered woo...
Metal
Danish Modern Expanding Teak Dining Table by Faarup Mobelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 28.50in H x 68in W - 105in W x 35.50in D 2x Extension Leaf 18.50in ________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern ...
Wood, Teak
Danish Sofa in Hamaca Rojo Fabric by Angelo Donghia, 1960s, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Sofa from the 1960, expertly recovered in Hamaca Rojo Fabric by Angelo Donghia. 100% Cotton. Spring webbing in back and seat area. Stained wooden feet. Ready for a new home. ...
Cotton, Wood
Vintage Murano Glass Square Bowl by G. Campanella & C., Italy, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking vintage Murano glass bowl by G. Campanella & C., made in Murano, Italy. The substantial square-form vessel features a clear glass body with rich emerald green and amber-gold...
Murano Glass
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
German Mid-Century Flower "Cocoon" Chandelier by Linus Boop, 1970s
By Linus Bopp
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Flower German "Cocoon" Chandelier by Boop Leuchten. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Adjustable height up to 125 cm. Origi...
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass and Opaline Globe Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, combining a sculptural brass structure with spherical opaline glass diffusers in a distinctive mid-century modern design. Each vintage fi...
Brass
David Marshall Brutalist Ashtray, Bronze & Aluminium, Spain 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautifuk ashtray or brutalist vide-poches designed and produced by the artist david marshall in the 70s in spain. Structure in bronze and aluminum. Rare design object that will deco...
Aluminum, Bronze
Italian Mid-Century Iridescent Murano Glass Wall Sconce, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Italian Iridescent Murano glass Wall Sconce. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy. This Sconce is equipped with two light sockets ...
Metal
1950s Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Stilnovo, Nikolay Diulgheroff
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
Carmel Sofa by Bloom Home Inc - 100% Belgian Linen, Slipcovered
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Carmel Sofa Slip Covered in 100% Belgian Linen 85″ L x 36″ d x 34″ H / 29″ h at the corner Arm Height 25″ Seat Height 19″ / Seat Depth 27″ / Seat Width 74″ Leg Height 2″ / Removable...
Linen
Italian Mid-Century Modern Highboard with Illustrated Fabric Panels in Chestnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Highboard, chestnut, illustrated fabric, Italy, 1940s/1950s This remarkable Italian highboard is characterized by its warm chestnut construction and richly decorated front. Six pane...
Fabric, Chestnut
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
Luna Coffee Table by Bloom Home, Solid Reclaimed Elm, Vintage Style
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Luna 50″ Coffee Table. A heavy thick top with vintage style pommel legs. This coffee table is constructed from solid elm wood in our natural elm finish. Please note this item is ha...
Elm
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Parisian Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Spice Linen, Pleated Skirt Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Parisian Sofa Slip Covered in Belgian Spice Linen 84″ x 36″D x 29″H Arm Height 24″ Seat Height 17.5″ / Seat Depth 24″ with back cushion / 30″ without back cushion / Seat Width 77″ L...
Linen
Mid Century Modern Textured Olive Green Murano Glass Bud Vase Italy 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Unsual finish in this blown Murano Glass Bud Vase from the 1960s. The peblle like finish was attained when the hot glass was blown into a mold, the mold seams seem to be part of the...
Blown Glass
Lyon Sofa by Bloom Home Inc, Belgian Linen, Spice Color, Modern Design
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Meet the Lyon Sofa —a relaxed, timeless piece designed to bring warmth and effortless comfort into your home.Slip covered in a rich, earthy spice-toned linen, its tailored slipcover ...
Linen
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Biscuit Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s wall mirror in the style of legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti boasts a captivating "biscuit" (biscotto) silhouette. Defined by its organic, gently flare...
Brass
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and bentwood sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches and a...
Wood, Velvet
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home Inc in Greige Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Table Lamp by Jack Haywood for Modeline
By J & G Haywood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking table lamp by Modeline exemplifies mid-century modern artistry with its sculpted korina wood base and elegant, elongated form. The fluid curves and open design create a...
Brass