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.
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 82 cm Width: 93 cm Depth: 30 cm
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass and Pink Marble Top Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 80 cm Width: 92 cm Depth: 28 cm
Marble, Brass
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Yellow Marble and Brass Italian Console
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s Mid-Century Modern console table is a masterclass in Italian-inspired elegance and slender proportions. The piece features a beautifully figured marble top with ...
Marble, Brass
Englander & Bonta, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted wood and brass console table with gilt details produced by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. From an interior commissioned by Englander & Bonta, Buenos ...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Demi lune Wood Inlay Wall Console Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian Mid-Century Modern design demi lune console side table. Standing on four typically shaped wooden legs with the top decorated by the wooden vein venee...
Wood
Moveis Teperman, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass console table produced by Moveis Teperman, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 38.0"H...
Brass
Englander & Bonta, Console Table, Wood, Formica, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted wood and wood-colored formica console table with gilt details produced by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. From an interior commissioned by Englander &...
Formica, Wood
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass console table designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 59.0"W x 20....
Glass, Wood
1950s Midcentury Italian Wood Brass Wall Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern and neoclassical design console table. The four stunning carved legs and its typical shaped white marble top give this conso...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Japanese Style Monolithic Solid Walnut 74" Console Table
By George Nakashima, Tadao Ando
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by pre-war and mid-century modern Japanese architecture, this console table combines aspects of both. Made of solid hardwood throughout, it features design sensibilities and...
Hardwood, Walnut
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted gilded wood and marble console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 35.5"W x 15.0"...
Marble
Mid-Century Italian Wood Inlay Wall Console Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian Mid-Century Modern design console side table. Standing on four typically shaped wooden legs with the front drawer decorated by the wooden vein veneer...
Wood
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass Body Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table with a Drawer, 1960s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Note: There's a tiny missing piece in the bottom right corner of the ...
Marble, Brass
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted stained wood console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Minor imperfections from normal use. Refinished in recent history. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Wood
David Ebner Wall-Mounted Console Table in Australian Lacewood Studio Craft
Located in San Diego, CA
There are furniture makers, and then there are those rare individuals who treat wood the way a sculptor treats marbel — coaxing form from the material rather than imposing it. David ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern The Fisher KX-100 Stereo Console
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Exceptional mid-century modern stereo console by Fisher, showcasing the era’s obsession with clean architectural lines, warm walnut cabinetry, and integrated high-fidelity sound (It ...
Walnut
Italian Console by Palazzi dell'Arte Cantù, Mahogany-Stained Beech, 1950s
By Associazione Artigiana Canturini del Mobile
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The console stands against the wall on a rectangular top whose front edge is gently drawn inward, lifted by four tapering legs that narrow towards the floor and end in pointed tips. ...
Beech
Franco Albini Console or Vanity Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera style console or vanity table fully made of rattan, woven wicker, and brass. This delightful and unique organic piece was designed by the mastery ...
Brass
Monolithic Lucite Waterfall Console Table, American, circa 1970s
Located in San Carlos, CA
Executed in a single continuous sheet of thick optical-grade acrylic, this waterfall console table represents the apex of the Hollywood Regency modernist moment — a period when Ameri...
Acrylic
Mid Century Post Modern Console Table att. to Lou Hodges for Mersman c. 1960/70s
By Lou Hodges, Mersman
Located in New York, NY
Post Modern, Mid Century oak, and tinted glass console table, attributed to Lou Hodges, for Mersman, circa 1970's. The console table is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use...
Smoked Glass, Oak
French Wrought Iron and Marble Top Console, Louis XV Style, Mid-Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Demi-lune console wrought iron and marble made circa 1960 in France. Few rust marks on the sides of the marble slabs, not disturbing (please see photos) Solid and sound. It can be pl...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Rare Paul Frankl Cork Top Console Table model # 5008 for Johnson Bros.
By Paul Frankl
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A smaller scale console entrance way table with cork top and dark mahogany toned winged V oak base. A rare form designed by Paul Frankl whose iconic skyscraper book shelve units are ...
Oak, Cork
Jean Claude Dresse Console Table in Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, console, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s This eccentric console design is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse. Every inch of this ...
Steel
French Riviera Étagère or Console Table in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style etagere or console table entirely made of bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was designed by Vivai del Sud ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Sculpted Sapele Mahogany Console Table in Espresso, 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
An elegant sculptural console table crafted from solid sapele mahogany, dating to the 1960s. This striking piece features a continuous flowing frame with softly tapered legs and grac...
Mahogany
Charlotte Perriand Wood Forme Libre Console Doron Table by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A functional and, at the same time, architectural object in true Charlotte Perriand style. A design console envisioned to fit in different areas of the home: from the entrance and ha...
Wood
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Wrought Iron, Marble, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wrought-iron and grey marble console table likely designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Heavy patina on metal. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Celina Decorações, Console Table, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted console table or shelf produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10.25"H x 31.5"W x 8.25"D All items ship from Hi...
Wood
Antique Console Table in Fruitwood with Marquetry and Gilded Ornaments From 1880
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique console table made in fruitwood with marquetry from around the 1880s. The table features tapered legs and decorative gilded wood ornaments typical of the furniture craftsmans...
Fruitwood
Midcentury Rattan & Bamboo Wall Shelf or Console Att. Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular wall shelf or console in rattan and bamboo attributed to Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Italian mid-century modern wall console in wood, brass and yellow glass, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wall console in wood, brass and yellow back-painted glass, 1940s Wall-mounted console table with a half-moon top in yellow back-painted glass and a dark wo...
Brass
Art Deco style design console table
Located in Henley-On-Thames, GB
Gorgeous Italian mid 20th century burl wood console table
Cocobolo
Italian Designer, Small Console Table, Wood, Laminate, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small wall-mounted wood and red laminate console table or shelf designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wood presents with dramatic wear, including natural wood cracking. Loss o...
Laminate, Wood
1970 Burr maple Console table Art Deco style
Located in Henley-On-Thames, GB
Stunning and elegant Italian burl wood console table from the 1970's would make any scheme pop.
Maple
Vintage French Console Table, Iron and Marble, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Austin, TX
Console table from France with a rectangular marble top in gray and cream tones. The marble is supported by an iron base with an h-shaped stretcher holding the four legs together. Th...
Marble, Iron
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Wood Italian Console
By Gio Ponti
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1950s Italian console table perfectly embodies the sophisticated, sculptural elegance of the Mid-Century Modern era, heavily drawing inspiration from the iconic styl...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Italian Console Table by the Consorzio La Permanente Mobili
Located in London, GB
Vintage Italian console table by the Consorzio La Permanente Mobili (circa 1960s). Impeccably restored, this console table will delight just about everyone. Quintessentially Mid-Cent...
Brass
Contemporary Modern Treku Media Console Cabinet Mid Century Modern Style
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Treku media console cabinet. This is a lovely contemporary made cabinet in the styling of a classic mid century modern piece. It takes many notes from the classic design features o...
Wood
$2,340Sale Price|51% Off
Brass and Glass Console Table Romeo Rega, Italy, 1970
By Romeo Rega
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass and chrome console table with a glass top, Italy mid-century Very well preserved console table with inwards turned bundle pillar feet. Very good overall condition, no chips ...
Brass, Chrome
Signed 1974 Lucite Console Table by Charles Hollis Jones, Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional Lucite console table designed and handmade by Charles Hollis Jones in Los Angeles, California, signed and dated 1974. A striking example of Jones’s innovation and craftsm...
Lucite
Italian Console Table 1950s In Ebonized Wood And Verde Alpi Marble
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant Italian console table from the 1950s, crafted from solid wood with an ebonized finish and featuring a fine “Verde Alpi” marble top. The demilune profile of the top, combined ...
Wood
Mid-Century Wrought Iron Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Wrought Iron Marble Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 51 cm Width: 64 cm Depth: 23,5 cm
Marble, Wrought Iron
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Cocktail Console Table after Franco Albini, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning console table in bamboo and rattan. This amazing piece was produced in the style of Franco Albini in Italy during the 1960s. Fully handmade, perfect example of Italian ma...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$13,412Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bench Table Sereno No61, Minimalist Wooden Piece by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Bench Table Sereno No61, Minimalist Wooden Piece by Joel Escalona — Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Sereno Colle...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sideboard, Walnut & Maple, Circa 1940-1960
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, large vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian freestanding sideboard made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Walnut and Maplewood, in good condition. The console table, credenza is composed with a clear floating glass top, composed with two upper drawers and two doors, enhanced by detailed wood grains, carvings, standing on four curved wooden spider legs. The interior of the cabinet is featuring two shelves, consisting its original hand crafted ceramic door handles...
Ceramic, Glass, Maple, Walnut
Contemporary Furniture by NONO, Sereno No36 Sculptural Console
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Furniture by NONO, Sereno No36 Sculptural Console Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Sereno Collecti...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Giacometti Style Sculpture Bronzed Console with Limestone Top, c. 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s mid-century console table in the sculptural style of Diego Giacometti. The aluminum frame is finished in patinated bronze, with a new limestone top.
Limestone, Aluminum
Eros Console Table by Angelo Mangiarotti, Carrara Marble, Italy, 1960s
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian freestanding console table made of hand crafted Carrara marble, designed by Angelo Mangiarotti and produced by Skipper in good condition. The hal...
Marble
Italian Mid-Century Walnut & Brass Console Table with Glass Top
Located in Troy, MI
This refined Italian console balances warmth and modernism with its dark walnut frame, precision brass corner hardware, and inset glass top. A lower shelf with glass inserts and a sl...
Brass
Utö Library Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Rare and authentic Utö library table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. Wear consistent with age and use, including surface scratches, m...
Pine
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown pink-colored mirror glass, painted wood and brass console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Some spots of heavy wear to mirror silvering. Overall wear consiste...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Console or Sofa Table by Leon Rosen for Pace
By Leon Rosen, Pace Furniture Company, Pace Collection
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple and modern looking Classic designed by Leon Rosen and produced by Pace Furniture company in the 1960s. This console table features glass construction with brass bracket deta...
Brass
Midcentury Gold Brass and Glass Italian Console Table in Romeo Rega Style, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century gold brass and glass console table. This marvellous piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s. This fantastic piece is in golden brass, chromed metal and sm...
Brass, Chrome
Mid Century Rattan Modern Faux Split Reed & Bamboo Console Table or Sofa Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An usual vintage console table from the 1970's. Geometric design in split bamboo clad. In the style of Danny Ho Fong.
Wood, Laminate
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Chrome & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L ...
Brass, Chrome
Brazilian Mid Century Modern Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Brazilian Mid Century Modern Console Table, Brazil, circa 1950s. When we first saw the sculptural angular lines of this table, we tho...
Wood
Display Console Sereno No19, Contemporary Wooden Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Display Console Sereno No59, Contemporary Wooden Design by Joel Escalona — Sereno Collection Design by Joel Escalona for NONO When practicality becomes art, the result is the Seren...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Charlotte Perriand Wood Forme Libre Table Basse by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soft, enveloping shapes characterise the design low table authored by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. A low version of the ‘en forme libre’ dining table...
Wood
Mid-century marble and brass console table, Italy, 1950s
Located in Argelato, BO
A refined mid-century Italian console table featuring an elegant, slender crescent shape. The top is crafted from a striking marble with warm reddish hues, embellished with bold vein...
Marble, Metal, Brass