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.
Pair of French Red/Black Tripod Gueridon Tables, Emilio Terry Style, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Emilio Terry
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of side tables/gueridons was produced in France in the 1950s. Each table features a welded steel rod construction with sculptural red scrolled tripod bases and b...
Steel
Pair of 1960s Charlotte Perriand Inspired Pine Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of two petite, Dutch Mid-Century, pine side tables or nightstands. This beautiful pair is inspired by the work of Charlotte Perriand for her groundbreaking 1960s Les Arcs ski r...
Wood
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands or Side Tables in Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful pair of mid-century rectangular nightstands or side tables crafted in bamboo, wicker, and hand-woven rattan. These elegant organic pieces were produced in Italy during the ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Danish Mid-20th Century Modern, Side Table by Anton Kildeberg, Model 210, 1960s
By Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, Anton Kildeberg
Located in Odense, DK
This refined side table is a classic example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design from the 1960s by Anton Kildeberg for Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, showcasing the clean lines, elega...
Oak
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega, Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables with simple and elegant wooden squared structure completed by the central handle. Those side tables or...
Wood
Side table with drawers designed by Gio Ponti for BNL, Genoa, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Side table with drawers designed by Gio Ponti for the BNL offices, Genoa, Italy, 1950s. Crafted in wood, the piece features a compact and well-proportioned structure with three drawe...
Wood
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Side Tables w/ Bookshelves
By Mersman
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
Neoclassical Italian Biedermeier Walnut Inlay Tripod Chess Games or Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful Italian walnut side table with great details and frames shaped in Victorian, Napoleon III, Louis XV style with chessboard on the top and the tripod feet legs. A very eleg...
Wood
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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...
Brass
Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top Materials: Chrome Metal, Original Smoke Glass Top Product Description This striking pair of postmodern side tables by Milo Baughman for the Design Inst...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides and door...
Brass
Mid Century Side Table with Pull Out Side Table Drawers after Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Mid Century side table cabinet, having three " drawers" the top being an actual drawer, the lower two are small folding side tables. The case is in good, overall condition, f...
Wood
Antique “Jaguar Petite” Stool by Mario Lopez Torres - Mexico, circa 1970
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Sculptural “Jaguar Petite” zoomorphic stool designed by Mario Lopez Torres, a leading figure in 20th-century Mexican design working with natural fibers, circa 1970. The piece featur...
Iron
Expertly Restored - Adrian Pearsall "Stingray" Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of Adrian Pearsall “Stingray” side tables for Craft Associates exemplifies mid-century modern design with dynamic organic form and s...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side and feet with open she...
Wood
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
'Butterflies' Drinks Table / Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional and highly collectible ‘Farfalle’ (Italian for “butterflies”) occasional table by Piero Fornasetti is a striking example of the designer’s poetic and surreal approac...
Brass
Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll 20" Tulip Side Table in Rare Calacatta Gold & Iron
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by iconic Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, this table was produced by Knoll. This is a very early and unique example, featuring a solid cast iron base and an exceed...
Marble, Gold, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Inspired Side Table by Lane Furniture. Early 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist-Inspired Side Table by Lane Furniture, from the early 1970s Features plenty of storage, clean brutalist-inspired lines, a wood-block design at t...
Walnut
Italian Pair of Nightstands in Poplar Burl and Brass, Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and unique pair of nightstands in poplar burl wood and solid brass. This incredibly elegant pair of nightstands was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced in Italy during the 1...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Oak Round Tier Side Table by Lane
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...
Oak, Walnut
Italian Post Modern Travertine Stone & Brass Side Table by Artedi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top Shows Minor Scratches Throughout But No Chips, Very Good Original Condition on Stone, Patinated Brass Materials: Travertine, Patinated Brass, Original ...
Travertine, Brass
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s Minor blemish to table finish. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 25.5"D All ite...
Birch
Oval side table designed by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn 1920 circa
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Oval side table designed by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn, model no. 960/2, circa 1920s. Crafted in wood, the table features a refined oval top paired with a lower shelf, both ...
Wood
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Side Tables w/ Magazine Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Brass
Bertil Söderberg, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood side table or coffee table designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Svensk Hemslöjd, Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2...
Wood
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
By Tue Poulsen, Erik Wørts, Heltborg Møbler
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Square coffee table by Danish artist and ceramist Tue Poulsen (born 1939) and Danish furniture designer Erik Wørts (1916-97). Made ca 1960s. The coffee table has handmade tiles on to...
Ceramic, Wenge
Mid-Century Modern Side Table, Iron & Ceramic, Roger Capron Style
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
French small iron and ceramic tiled topped side table. Wear conducive to age. Small bend to one leg but does not affect the stability of the table. Great character and look.
Metal
Pair Andre Bus - Lane 'Acclaim' Walnut Oak Cube Side Tables Castors Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the 1960s by Lane for their Acclaim line of furniture, this pair of side tables was designed by Andre Bus, who was responsible for all Acclaim pieces at the time. This design...
Laminate, Walnut
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular Mid-Century side table / bench from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Enzo Mari for Driade 'Cugino' Table in Glass and Steel
Enzo Mari for Driade, table 'Cugino', glass, steel, Italy, 1973. A pure and understated design by Enzo Mari for Driade. This table features a clear construction. The base consists o...
Steel
Midcentury Pair of Bed Side Tables Nightstands in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful pair of bed side tables or nightstands in bamboo and rattan with drawer and bottom shelf . Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Sculptural Curved Display or Side Table in Cerused Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large side or coffee table, cerused oak, Europe, 1960s This eccentric large display table or coffee table is made in a precise manner, implementing geometrical shapes and straight l...
Oak
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Two-Tier Side Tables by Lane
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...
Elm, Walnut
French Designer, Side Table, Walnut, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
Minor imperfections in tabletop surface, siding, and footer. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.75in x 23.5in All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Walnut
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
American Designer, Side Tables, Bamboo, Rattan, Marble, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bamboo, rattan and green marble side tables designed and produced in the US, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and moderate use. Replaced marble tops. Serpentine Green M...
Marble
Scarce original kangourou side table by Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare originale table d’appoint dite : « Kangourou » par Mathieu Matégot, circa 1950.
Metal
Set of two Nesting Tables, Black / White Stripes, 50s Style, Kidney Shaped
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of a set of two nesting tables, kindney shaped. In the style of the 50 s. Very decorative in black-white colored stripes. Also avaiable in other colors. These tabl...
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables by George Ciancimino, France, c.1970
Located in London, GB
Pair of tall black metal and tinted glass side tables by George Ciancimino. Fantastic quality.
Metal
Round Crystal Glass Side Table, 1940s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Round Crystal Glass Side Table, 1940s Elegant round side table from the 1940s, crafted in crystal glass and refined with subtly burnished brass elements. A stylish, light-catching pi...
Brass
A pair of Handcrafted mid-century modern wine racks / Side tables. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Vintage Handcrafted mid-century modern wine racks / Side tables. Circa 1960s Features two different-height solid-wood wine rack bases with black-laminated tops, making wine...
Formica, Wood
Henning Kjærnulf Style Oblong Coffee Table of Solid Oak 1970s Danish Crafted
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish oblong brutalist style coffee table with wavy apron made of solid oak. Handcrafted by Danish carpenters in the 1970s The fine natural surface and patina with a warm glow has...
Oak
Tony Paul Large Pair of Stools or Side Tables in Wicker and Wood, USA, 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of organic stools or side tables fully made in hand-woven wicker and beech wood. These stylish stools were designed by Tony Paul and produced in the US during the 50s. ...
Wicker, Rattan, Beech
1970s Olivewood Burl Side Table Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista
By Lane Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Olivewood Burl Side Table attributed to Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista Virginia 27w x 22d x 20h Preowned good condition remains as unrestored vintage Nic...
Composition
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
20th Century Small Inlaid Side Table with Jewelry Compartment and Music Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Italian 20th century small rectangular wood side or end table with decorative inlaid top, cabriolet legs, private jewelry compartment and music box. It is approx. 2.63" dee...
Metal
$10,500 / set
Sculptural Round Side Tables in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee or side tables, walnut, Europe, 1970s These beautiful tables, influenced by the artistic sensibilities of the Art Deco movement with a post-modern twist, are distinguished by...
Walnut
Mid-Century Space Age Parsons Side Table from Syroco, 1960s
By Syroco
Located in Hamburg, DE
Schlichter Beistell- bzw. Couchtisch des US-amerikanischen Herstellers Syroco. Ein minimalistischer Entwurf, der in seiner Formgebung auch in die Postmoderne zuhause wäre. Der Tisch...
Plastic
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century “Marcuso” square coffee in chrome plated metal completed by a thick square shaped glass. This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in ...
Crystal, Chrome
Jacques Adnet Square Occasional Table, Thick Top & Nickel Spacers, France, 1930
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) Small Square Occasional Veneer Table, Thick Beveled Grill Top and Nickel Plated Spacers, France, c. 1930 Documented with dining Suite H: 24 D: 15.75 D: 15.7...
Nickel
A MODERNIST Ceramic COFFEE TABLE by JEAN & ROBERT CLOUTIER, France 1950
By Cloutier Freres, Roger Capron
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare coffee table or side table or console, Modernist, Geometrical Abstraction, Lyrical Abstraction, Forme-Libre; dynamic structure in thin streamlined wrought iron, with a pictori...
Lava, Enamel, Wrought Iron
Pair Vintage Rattan Wrapped Tables with Glass Tops, 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Pair Vintage Rattan Wrapped Tables with inset light gray glass tops. Some wear to finish as shown in photos. Measurement Good overall sturdy condition, with few scratches to glass tops
Rattan, Glass, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Table for Knoll Oval Emperador Marble Top
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Eero Saarinen tulip side table for Knoll with oval Emperador marble top. There has been a repair, older restoration done by a professional. I didn't even notice it I took pho...
Marble, Aluminum
French Designer, Side Table, Oak, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained oak side table or guéridon designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.5"H x 19.75"W x 19.75"D All items...
Oak
Mid-Century Italian Rattan & Bamboo Two-Tier Side Table
Located in Troy, MI
A charming Italian rattan side table with a striking concentric spiral pattern tabletop and matching lower shelf. Bamboo legs are joined with wrapped rattan bindings in the tradition...
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage French Side Table, Iron and Marble, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Austin, TX
Side table from France with a square marble top in cream and pink tones. The marble is supported by an iron base with an x-shaped stretcher holding the four long legs together. The s...
Marble, Iron
Mid-Century two-tier Walnut Side Table attributed Ico Luisa Parisi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant Italian Two-tier Modernist Side Table, circa 1950's Finely constructed of walnut hardwood with two tiers supported by elongated tapered legs ending in solid brass sabots, a...
Walnut
Danish mid-century teak side table with drawer by Salin Nyborg, circa 1960s
By Salin Møbler
Located in München, DE
Original side or coffee table made of solid teak. Mid-Century Modern. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. Manufacturer: Salin Møbler Nyborg. Manufacturer's stamp on the underside. Beautifu...
Teak