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.
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and two regular elements. ...
Leather
Midcentury Pair of Red Wall Lamps by Paul Neuhaus, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking pair of midcentury wall lamps by Paul Neuhaus, dating from the 1960s, captures the bold yet refined aesthetic of the era. Each lamp features a square red frame with sof...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern “American Leisure” Walnut Coffee Table / Bench by Kroehler
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
Large Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Lights
Located in Rome, IT
Refined pair of Italian wall lights from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural and well-balanced composition. Each sconce features a central vertical brass stem intersected by a ...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Expertly Restored-Svend A. Madsen Floating Teak Desk w/ Bookcase for H.P. Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Teak
$139,000
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled Wall-Mounted 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans
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, United States, 1968 A very ra...
Bronze
José Zanine Caldas Tête-à-Tête Conversadeira Namoradeira Rocker Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, 'Namoradeira' - 'Conversadeira' - Tête-à-Tête - lounge chair, Vinhatico hardwood, Brazil, ca. 1980 José Zanine Caldas’s sculptural rocker, which goes by several...
Hardwood
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandeliers 220 cm/86 in
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These chandeliers carry the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Their...
Brass
Ugo Trevisan Fireplace in Hammered Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ugo Trevisan (Officina d’Arte), fireplace, hammered steel, copper, Italy, 1950s The Turin-based atelier Officina d’Arte was established by the Venetian-born metalworker and designe...
Copper, Steel
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Set with Connecting Table in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coupled lounge chairs with side table, fabric, oak, France, 1960s Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high quality solid oak furnit...
Fabric, Oak
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Giotto Stoppino, Rodolfo Bonetto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Mid-Century Long Benches in Oak and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Benches, straw, oak, Europe, 1950s An impressive set of comfortable long benches, measuring an exceptional 3.5 meters in width, combining simplicity with striking presence. Crafted...
Straw, Oak
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti, Walnut Wood, Vintage 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A stunning 1960s original playing cards box designed by the legendary Italian artist Piero Fornasetti, crafted in walnut wood. This exceptional piece showcases Fornasetti's iconic ae...
Wood, Walnut
1970s Gaetano Sciolari 37 Cube Chrome Chandelier MCM , Italia
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic Gaetano Sciolari 37 cubes chrome chandelier , Italy Prime quality material, solid construction, fine assembly and craftsmanship. Brass cubes covered by a thick chrome coat. ...
Aluminum, Chrome
RESERVED: Vintage Palmette Wall Light, Amber Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass applique. 100% HAND MADE IN MURANO. The applique are made by 9 Murano handmade amber palmette glass, for each one, in a Solid metal frame gold painted...
Art Glass
Pair of Midcentury Italian Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each Wall Sconce is co...
Brass, Metal
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Phillip Lloyd Powell Long Wall-Mounted Sideboard in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, long wall-mounted sideboard, walnut, Unites States, circa 1970 Crafted in Phillip Lloyd Powell’s New Hope studio, this wall-mounted sideboard pairs understate...
Walnut
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
$2,337 / item
Copper Louis Poulsen PH4/5 Wall Lights Circa 1970s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Copper Louis Poulsen PH4/5 Wall Lights Circa 1970s - Solid copper shade and body - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Suitable for use outside - Designed by Poul Henningsen - Made by Louis P...
Copper
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, rosewood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fa...
Fabric, Rosewood
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Low-Profile Teak Bookcase w/ Glass Doors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Glass, Wood, Teak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Console Table w/ Bookshelf
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 design...
Walnut
Ammannati & Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate 'Grandangolo' Seating Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tittina Ammannati and Vitelli Giampiero for Rossi di Albizzate, 'Grandangolo' lounge chairs, leather, metal, Italy, design 1969 A wide and seamlessly curved lounge chair designed by...
Metal
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tier Night Stands by Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Dimensions 28”H x 20”W x 19”D Table Height: 17.75" This pair of Mid-Century Modern tiered night stands, crafted in the United States during th...
Brass
Expertly Restored - California Modern Floating-Top Tier Coffee Table by Ace-Hi
By ACE-HI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
MCM Green Viking Glass Ashtray
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century glass ashtray by Viking Glass. Made of thick, heavy glass in a vibrant green color. Round shape that tapers into a triangular base. Original manufacturer sticker still ...
Glass
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Coffee Table in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper and beech, Italy, 1960s. This coffee table is an absolute eye-catcher. The copper is in beautiful, patinated condition and the vibrant yet...
Copper
Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Green, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and visually arresting three-piece smoking set designed by the renowned Italian sculptor Romano Bianchi during the 1960s. This set is a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern Itali...
Alabaster
Gaetano Sciolari 5-Tier chandelier, brass & crystal, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Magnificent 5-tier Gaetano Sciolari chandelier, Italy, 1970s. This iconic mid-century masterpiece showcases cascading tiers of hand-cut crystal prisms suspended from a polished brass...
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Style Stackable Stools, Bent Laminated Birch
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stackable stools in the Alvar Aalto tradition demonstrate Finnish modernist principles through bent laminated birch construction. Four curved legs formed from continuous bentwood emp...
Birch
$3,495 / item
Massive Oversize Scoop Brass Chandelier MCM style
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold , sculptural , playfull stylish huge massive brass chandelier made of 8 fully ajustable oversize scoop. Hand crafted with prime quality brass and hardware . Solid stur...
Brass
Newly Refinished-Mid-Century Modern Walnut 6-Drawer Dresser by Bassett Furniture
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 design...
Walnut
Dior Large Magazine or Bottle Rack in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent large magazine rack in tortoiseshell-effect lucite, enriched by a solid brass rim and handle. This incredibly elegant and unique piece was made in Italy in the 1970s and ...
Brass
Mid-Century Large Beige Round Cocoon Pendant, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century Pendant with a gorgeous, uniform beige patina. This timeless and incredibly unique piece was made in Italy during the 1960s. In amazing condition, with no tear...
Metal, Steel
Brutalist Design Large 3 Armed Wrought Iron Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brutalist Design Large 3 Armed Wrought Iron Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to ...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano wall lights - 12 "rondini" green glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in the manner of Mazzega. Wall lights have 6 glass petals "rondini" (green) in a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 13,40 in...
Art Glass
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
$2,600 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a sculptural composition in brass with contrasting material details. Each sconce features tw...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and elegantly structured Italian chandelier from the 1950s, defined by a clean geometric composition in brass paired with opaline glass shades. The chandelier features a c...
Metal, Brass
$1,001Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mazzega Wall Sconce PAIR Bicolore Murano Glass, Italian Design, 1970
Exceptional wall lighting large bicolore glass Murano with structure . The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design . This unique mazzega wa...
Murano Glass
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Aluminium Lighted Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
1960s Poul Cadovius large RS 50 brushed and lacquered aluminium lighted planter pendant . Contain one E26/27 ceramic socket rated at 40 watt. Actual set up is a plug in with 15...
Aluminum
Bernt Petersen 'Kludestolen' Oak Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1970s — Set of 3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three 'Kludestolen' lounge chairs by Danish designer Bernt Petersen, produced in Denmark in the 1970s. Each chair features a solid oak frame with a natural hand-wax finish and...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern Credenza by Brown Saltman
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
Modern MCM Style 5 Arms Oversize Scoop Chandelier in Raw Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold oversize scoop chandelier handmade with prime quality material and rigorous craftmanship. Light bounce inside the brass scoop giving out a warm cosy light in any given spac...
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti Style Solid Brass Wall Mirror
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This mirror is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern Italian design, heavily inspired by the work of the legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti. Its notched, scalloped t...
Brass
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
Rare Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp, coated aluminum and brass, brass, marble, Italy, design circa 1954 An exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by the acclaimed lighting des...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
Sergio Mazza for Artemide Rare Chandelier in Glass and Nickel-Plated Brass
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, rare chandelier, nickel-plated brass, lacquered metal, crystal glass, Italy, 1960s An exceptionally rare design by the acclaimed Italian architect and vis...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
André Sornay Rare Sideboard with Double-Sliding Doors in Blue and Black
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, sideboard, teak, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare cabinet is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: ...
Wood, Teak