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.
Cesare Lacca Brass and Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Italian bar trolley entirely crafted in brass and wood with crystal glass tops. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Nightstands 1950's
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A pair of handmade midcentury Italian nightstands in marquetry style. Each nightstand has a drawer and a glass top. The wood used is walnut and beech with details in brass. The has b...
Brass
Set of 2 bedroom end tables by Lane
By Lane Acclaim
Located in South Charleston, WV
Set of 2. 15" deep, 20.25" tall and 26" wide. Entirely refinished and not a single mark to be found anywhere except on the side of one table. Entirely refinished in a conversion varn...
Rosewood, Walnut
Midcentury Organic Modern Live Edge Walnut Side or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An awesome studio made walnut burl side table. It features a thick cut of walnut with beautiful graining. A truly one of a kind piece.
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Mid Century Mahogany 2 Tiered Fretwork End Side Accent Table 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century two tiered fretwork accent side table. Made of mahogany featuring rectangular form with pierced / reticulated sides and tapered legs. Dimensions: 14" x 25.5" d x 24" h
Mahogany
Hand-Crafted Solid Thick Oak Faceted Side Table by Nono Fundamenta 04
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hand-crafted solid thick oak side table with faceted base and black round table top. Product made to order; some variances may apply to the final piece. —— NONO is a Mexican desi...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Pair of Dudouy End Tables With Saint Gobain Tops, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Oak and Saint-Gobain glass end tables with offset legs by Charles Dudouyt.
Glass, Oak
Vintage Italian midcentury end table thick glass top by Giuseppe Ostuni
Located in Milano, IT
Mid Century Side table in Brass and Glass modernist - Italian Design 50's The piece, preserved in very good original condition, is a wonderful and sculptural side table by Italian d...
Cut Glass
Single Tripod Hand Forged Side or Drinks Table, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Single custom tripod hand-forged side or drinks table, in stock Hand-forged iron legs, round top with lip Dark bronze patina Perfect for drinks, side, end table Ready to ship from ou...
Iron
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall “Declaration” Walnut End Table for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern side table in walnut from the Declaration collection designed by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall for Drexel Furniture Company, circa 1960's. This piece featur...
Walnut
Modernist Side Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
The side table is the ideal piece to accompany your relaxation. The raised marble top is set upon an organic three-legged sculptural design and is elegantly featured in a dark Romulo...
Marble, Aluminum
Set of 2 End Tables in Teak by Kristiansen Thomassen, Denmark, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
This refined pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern end tables by Kristiansen Thomassen showcases the clean, functional elegance that defined 1960s Da...
Teak
Heywood Wakefield Bamboo Style Side Table, Magazine Rack
Located in Miami, FL
Heywood Wakefield Side Table, ready for a new home.
Wood
Eillen Gray for Classicon Coffee Table "E1027," Italy 1990s
By Eileen Gray
Located in Naples, IT
Tavolino in metallo cromato e vetro tondo nero Eileen Gray. Questo tavolino in acciaio tubolare e vetro E1027 di Eileen Gray è stato originariamente progettato da Gray nel 1926. The ...
Steel
Pr. One Drawer Mid Century End or Side Sleigh Leg Tables by Lane c. 1950/60's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Mid Century side, or end, tables made by the Lane Furniture Company, circa 1950/60's. Then tables feature a breadboarded style top over one drawer, supported by a sle...
Wood
Pr. Mid Century Bent Plywood End Tables by Ekornes Made in Norway c. 1970's
By Ekornes
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of mid century bent plywood end, or side tables, made in Norway, by Ekornes, circa 1970's. Both table are in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition, s...
Plywood
Pair of Midcentury Travertine and Walnut End Tables
Located in Bantam, CT
Finish -Travertine; Walnut -Good vintage condition Dimensions "26" W x 32" D x 22"...
Travertine
Midcentury Smoked Glass and Chrome-Plated Tubular Coffee Table Mayen Style 1970s
By Paul Mayen
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Modern smoked glass coffee table in chrome-plated tubular in the style of Paul Mayen. A great example of 1970s design, ...
Metal
Pair of LaVerne Side Tables
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1960's American LaVerne side tables. Measurements: Height: 17" Width/Length: 18" square
Metal, Bronze
Tommaso Barbi Metal, Brass and Smoked Glass Italian Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous midcentury rectangular cocktail table in enameled metal and brass with smoked glasses. This wonderful object was designed by Tommaso Barbi in Italy in the 1970s. This stu...
Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti White Italian Carrara Marble Side Table Eros High Model
Located in Chicago, IL
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian white Carrara marble high side table in the Eros series for Skipper. Excellent condition. Angelo Mangiarotti was the master and expert at the highly sculpt...
Carrara Marble
Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Smoked Glass Rectangular Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large rectangular coffee table in solid brass and chrome, completed by a bronzed smoked glass top. This elegant piece was designed by Romeo Rega and produced in Italy durin...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Bamboo and Glass Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cube form bamboo stands with plate glass tops. Each table has cross hatch woven sides and open ends, both are in good condition, clean, sturdy, and ready to use. One gla...
Bamboo, Glass
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 34
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Telefunken Speakers by Van Ernst Dieter Hilker, circa 1960s
By Telefunken
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Telefunken Speakers Designed by Van Ernst Dieter Hilker for Omnia, Circa 1960s Feature a quintessential sleek Scandinavian style design with a beautiful t...
Metal
Henredon Parquetry Top Burlwood Walnut Campaign Nightstands End Tables, Set of 2
By Henredon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1980s Classic Campaign styling from Henredon, pair of burl wide body walnut parsons side (or end) tables having a single recessed brass pull and striking parquetry tops. The ultra ra...
Brass
Jens Risom Walnut Magazine Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model T.539 side table, designed by Jens Risom for his eponymous company in 1949. The design is defined by its sharp, wedge-shaped profile, with an angled support, broad walnut top, ...
Walnut
Vintage 3 Drawers Oak End Tables with Magazine Racks, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare set of solid oak side tables magazines racks from the 1970s. Amish crafted in Pennsylvania. Feature 3 drawers. Top drawer consists of a hot proof drink coaster and desert plat...
Oak
1963 MCM Lane Rhythm Collection Walnut Single End Table with Drawer & Brass Plat
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Lane Rhythm Collection MCM or mid-century modern walnut single end table with a drawer and brass plated pull. Lovely condition,...
Metal, Brass
Ebonized Wood and Glass Side Table Attributed to Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
Side end table composed of two shelves, the upper one in glass and the lower in wood, and a structured in ebonized wood. Attributed to Ico Parisi, Italy, circa 1950.
Glass, Wood
Pair of Chrome Side Tables
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of very nice rectangular side tables are made of chrome with glass shelves. The top glass frame is enframed into chromed elements. The quality of the tables is really good....
Chrome
Original Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Tulip Side Table Walnut Top
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, round walnut top Eero Saarinen for Knoll International tulip side table. Measures 16 D and 20.5' H. Timeless and ever copied design, that seems as modern as when it first ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lane Step End Tables with Inlaid Walnut Burl Style
Located in Topeka, KS
Amazing Mid-Century Modern pair of Lane Alta Vista step table end tables style #1927 walnut with inlaid walnut burl squares in their centers. They are in wonderful condition. The tops have been refinished with a new coat of polyurethane applied. The legs retain their original finish and are in good condition. Please see photos. Dated on bottom. One November 15,1958 and one December 14, 1957. Oh, my goodness! What an incredible pair of mid-century modern Lane step tables...
Walnut, Burl
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 36
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
Pair of Conant-Ball Side Tables by Russel Wright, circa 1940's
By Conant Ball
Located in High Point, NC
This is a gorgeous pair of mid-century modern end tables designed by Russel Wright for Conant Ball. Part of the "Modernmates" series manufactured by Conant Ball of Massachusetts, ...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Tomlinson, Pecan & Mahogany, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in Southampton, NJ
A 1960's side or end table by Tomlinson Furniture of fiery Pecan & Mahogany inlay woods in the Hexagon form. An unusual design suitable for a variety of uses.
Mahogany
Bamboo and Glass Side, End Table
By Henry Olko, McGuire
Located in New York, NY
High quality and well made bamboo end, or side, table having woven wicker trim, bamboo legs, and a glass top. In the style of Olko, Link, McGuire -Ficks Reed etc. unsigned. Please vi...
Bamboo, Glass
Guillerme & Chambron Oak End Tables, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
A pair of end tables in oak by Guillerme & Chambron, a very atypical design that rests on asymmetrical legs.
Oak
A Pair of Dunbar Three Tier Occasional Tables
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar three tier occasional tables # 4423. Refinished in dark brown walnut.
Mahogany
Ipanema round side table, Rosso levanto Marble top, light bronze Brass legs
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Modern circular side table with Rosso levanto marble top and brushed brass legs. The Ipanema side table is a refined contemporary piece defined by its pure geometry and luxurious ma...
Marble, Brass
Karl Springer Goatskin Tulip Side/End Table, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Tulip Side/End Table, 1980’s. Original Measures 22.25” tall 24.5” diameter
Goatskin
Tole Painted Italian Lidded End Table Marblized End Papers 1940s/50s
Located in Camden, ME
This rare and whimsical Italian end table, crafted in the 1940s–50s, takes the imaginative form of a stack of antique books, rendered in hand-painted tole. With its lively palette of...
Tôle, Tin
Mid-Century Verner Panton Pantonova Wire Cube for Fritz Hansen (Two Left)
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Mid-Century Verner Panton Pantonova wire cube for Fritz Hansen. They can be used as a stool or side table. Multiples can be configured into a ...
Steel, Chrome
Studio-Made Solid Teak Root Heavy Cube Side or End Tables Mid-Century Inspired
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of stunning solid teak cube form end or side tables. These are vintage beauties with dramatic graining and a warm patina. Each has a hollowed core with walls that are roughly ...
Teak
Bespoke Cerused Oak and Parchment Table in the Dupre Lafon Manner
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Bespoke Cerused oak and parchment table in the Dupre Lafon Manner. Please note that this table can be completely customizable with a lead time of 8-10 weeks. The parchme...
Oak, Parchment Paper
Lacquered Horn Nightstand or End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lacquered horn nightstand or end table, American, circa 1980s. It is constructed of lacquered horn with beautiful color and graining. It is a versatile size and can be used as a nigh...
Wood, Horn
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
1950s Pacific Iron Works Style Iron and Glass Side Table
By Arbuck, Freda Diamond, Frank & Son, Pacific Iron, Milo Baughman
Located in New Windsor, NY
Iron frame and glass top table reminiscent of Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron Works. Featuring two glass tops with a nice flared leg frame. A nice ac...
Iron
Art Deco Oak Side Table with Barley-Twist Pedestal, Attributed to Charles Dudouy
Located in TARBES, FR
A Sculptural Piece in the Spirit of Charles Dudouyt We proudly present this remarkable guéridon (or accent table) in solid wood, whose powerful, rustic modernist design is clearly a...
Wood, Oak
Basic Witz Pair Mid-Century Walnut Olive-Burl Restored Nightstands or End Tables
By Basic Witz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of super elegant, professionally & fully restored, walnut cases & olive-burl handle areas with metal trim, 2-drawer nightstands or end-tables. All drawers work well and have cle...
Walnut, Burl
1940s End Table, Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s End Table, Side Table. Great quality, heavy duty. Original condition.
Wood
Pair Mid Century John Keal Brown Saltman Walnut & Glass End Side Tables 1950s
Located in Troy, MI
Unique pair of side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman circa 1950s Square walnut pedestal bases with decorative reverse painted glass surfaces in mottled gold tones Both...
Glass, Walnut
End Table / Bedside table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 1960's
By Guillerme et Chambron, Boleslaw Danikowski
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
End table / bedside table by Guillerme and Chambron for Edition Votre Maison, France, 1960's. In oak, the top is made of polychrome earthenware tiles made by the artist Boleslaw Dani...
Oak
Pr Mid Century Wrought Iron End Tables att. to Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co., Avard
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, architectural pair of wrought iron and metal mesh side, or end tables, attributed to The Woodard Furniture Company, in the style of Avard, McCobb, Salterini etc. This ...
Wrought Iron
Warren Platner for Knoll International Wire Side Table, circa 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful original production wire side table by Warren Platner for Knoll International, designed in 1966 and this example circa 1970s to 1980s. From Warren Platner's iconic coll...
Metal
Pair of MCM Walnut "Rhythm" Series End Tables by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of American MCM walnut with oak accent end tables from the "Rhythm" series by Paul McCobb Lane Furniture, circa 1970s. Beautiful craftsma...
Oak, Walnut
Wooden Side Table with Glass Top by Renè Gabriel, France, 1940's
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant side table designed by René Gabriel and produced in France in the 1940s. This piece reflects Gabriel’s functional and humanistic design approach, developed in the ...
Oak
Two Mid Century Bamboo Side Tables
Located in New York, NY
Two bamboo and glass side tables, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only minor signs of age and use, normal and consistent with age. The tables match ...
Bamboo, Glass
Sears Pacesetter Hexagonal Table ca' 1971
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A stylish hexagonal side table by Sears from the Trendsetter Collection ca' 1971. Opens to reveal storage, travertine top.
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional tables with Natzler tiles from the Janus Collection. Custom ordered from Dunbar, tiles described as "Jade." Mahogany construction ...