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 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll 16" Side or End Tables in Calacatta Gold
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of vintage, Eero Saarinen for Knoll, signed marble top side tables. The tops are round, 16" wide. The height is 20". These tables feature the rare Calacatta Gold marble, which h...
Marble, Metal, Iron, Gold
Italian Oyster Burl Two Drawer Small Bomb'e Chest / Side Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Italian Mid-Century bomb'e chest or side / end table with Oyster Burl veneer, pull out shelf and two drawers, original bronze drawer pulls resting on elegant cabriole legs. A marv...
Bronze
Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and truly unique Mid-Century square coffee table in bamboo and brass, completed by a smoked glass top and a reversible black and white lower tier. This incredibly stylish o...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Spanish Green Onyx Gueridon / Side Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Mid-Century Modern Onyx Stone Gueridon Table Spain, 1950s Eye-catching onyx side table with column pedestal round base holding a round top. It has an amazing color in gre...
Stone, Onyx
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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, Walnut
Wooden Rush Bench or Side Table, France, 1950's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wooden Rush Bench or Side Table, France, 1950's Would fit perfectly as a side table in your living room to put books on or to sit. Please contact us for an affordable shipping quote.
Wood, Rush
Rare Lane Acclaim "Guitar Pick" Dovetail Walnut and Oak Side Table by Andre Bus
Located in San Diego, CA
An iconic and increasingly scarce example from Lane Furniture's celebrated Acclaim Collection, this sculptural side table was designed by Andre Bus and manufactured in the United Sta...
Oak, Walnut
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
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of Mid-Century nightstands in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. These lovely organic modern bedside tables were produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fully original...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Hollywood Regency Maison Jansen Faux Bamboo Side Table
Located in London, GB
Hollywood Regency Maison Jansen Faux Bamboo Side Table The curved crossed legs and segmented "bamboo" brass detailing are characteristic of 1960s–1980s Italian and French designs. ...
Brass
Expertly Restored-John Van Koert “Profile” Travertine Top Side Tables for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Original Travertine Tops, Walnut Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life,...
Travertine
Saarinen Style Tulip Table with Green Onyx Top and Black Enameled Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saarinen-style tulip table features a round green onyx top with a sculpted Dupont edge profile — a continuous curved form that requires specialized stone fabrication to execute. The ...
Onyx, Metal, Enamel
Osvaldo Borsani Italian Brass and Glass Side T1 Tables For Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chicago, IL
Osvaldo Borsani pale blue beveled glass and brass pair of side tables. A wonderful pair with a pale blue mirrored color. Original patina. T1 side table produced by Tecno. Italy c19...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of Side Tables in Solid Oak and Ceramic
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of side tables, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This side table, crafted from solid oak, displays the robust geometric language associated w...
Ceramic, Oak
Mid Century Walnut Floral Rose Tea Side Table w Pull Out Tray 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Regency and Hepplewhite style tea side table. Made of walnut featuring an inset gallery top with floral rose design, a scalloped apron, pullout tray, and tapered fluted ...
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
Romeo Rega Large Rectangular Brass and Chrome Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique Mid-Century rectangular coffee table in solid brass and chrome, completed by a smoked glass top. This incredibly stylish table was designed by Romeo Rega and pro...
Brass, Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini 'Sesann' Coffee Table for Cassina, Italy, 1968s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Coffee Table designed in 1968 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. The base is made of chromed steel legs, the mirrored table top, on the other hand, creates a visually complex yet sl...
Chrome
Pair of Terrazzo Glass Tile Wrought Iron Tables, 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An impressive pair of Terrazzo Tile and Wrought Iron End or Side Tables. The tables are have violet, cobalt, aqua, turquoise, black and white mosaic glass tiles. Each tile is a 1 in...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and unique mid-century coffee table in bamboo and brass with glass shelves. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing vintage condition and with...
Brass
Chocolate Brown Space Age Tulip Side Table Luna by Opal Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming chocolate brown lacquered circular Space Age side table with metal tulip base and glass top has been manufactured in Germany 1960s. It is in very nice condition whith ...
Metal
Small Round Italian Alabaster Marble Gueridon Side Stand Table with Pineapple
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Eye-catching versatile side Alabaster table from Italy. Charming piece that will certainly be a conversation piece wherever placed in a home whether in a living room, library, entryw...
Marble, Alabaster
Vivai del Sud Square Side Table in Bamboo, Wicker and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
orgeous mid-century small square side table in bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This stylish organic table was produced in Italy during the 1970s by Vivai del Sud. In fabulous...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Celina Decorações, Side Tables, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and marble side tables produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.75"H x 21.0"D ...
Marble
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Bleached Mahogany Sabre End Tables - Pair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Sabre Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 30 wide x 18 deep x 20 inches high Good Vintage Condition ...
Mahogany
$3,200 / set
Pair of Black Woven Reed Ghost Drapery Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of mid century inspired ghost drapery round stands handcrafted with a durable metal frame ambitiously wrapped in reed and painted black.
Metal
Italian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25.0"H x 23.15"W x 18.15"D All items ship from High Poin...
Wood
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
French Riviera Vallauris Modernist Wrought Iron Ceramic Tile Side Table, 1960s
By Vallauris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ceramic‑Tiled Side Table with aquatic design, Vallauris, France, 1960s A beautifully crafted piece of furniture from Vallauris, France, this 1960s Mid‑Century Modern table showcases ...
Metal, Wrought Iron
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
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
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
1960s Aztec Solid Carved Stone Game or Display Pedestal Table
Located in Bensalem, PA
Vintage solid stone Aztec style pedestal table please look at pictures and video for overall details and feel to reach out with any additional information
Onyx
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
Danish Mid-20th Century Modern, Side Table by Anton Kildeberg, Model 210, 1960s
By Anton Kildeberg, Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik
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
1970s Ekornes of Norway Stressless Triangular Bentwood End/ Coffee Table
Located in Waxahachie, TX
This vintage Stressless triangular bentwood table by Ekornes (often associated with the iconic Stressless line) dates back to the 1970s and showcases timeless Scandinavian design. Cr...
Bentwood
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
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
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
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
Expertly Restored - Knoll "Saguaro Cactus" Side Table by Lawrence Laske
By Knoll, Lawrence Laske
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, Birch
$592Sale Price|30% Off
Mid 20th Century Hexagonal Oak Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid 20th Century Hexagonal Oak Side Table Cabinet in great vintage condition. Measures 19" in width, 18" in depth and 21.75" in height.
Oak
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Walnut Side Tables
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
Joel Escalona's Solace 3: Solid Wood Side Table with Irregular Top
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural side table made of solid walnut wood, nightstand, auxiliary table solace S4 by Joel Escalona The Solace side table series, designed by Joel Escalona, is a furniture colle...
Hardwood, Walnut
$2,507Sale Price|20% Off
Charlotte Perriand style. Sculptural side table in pine wood, France, 1970s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Sculptural side table in pine wood in the style of Charlotte Perriand, 1970s. It can be used as a side table, magazine rack or seat. Made of pine wood, this piece has a hole on one o...
Wood, Pine
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
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Green Outdoor Coffee Table for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
VIDALENTA COFFEE TABLE DESIGN BY PATRICIA URQUIOLA, 2025 TABLE MODEL Square table 37x37cm, h.48 cm BASE-FRAME Moss green embossed painted metal structure TOP Glass TOP COLOUR Moss ...
Metal
$3,442 / set
Stunning pair Peter Ghyczy T18 Side Tables 1970s
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Den Haag, NL
Stunning set of T18 side tables , design by Peter Ghyczy The sand cast base of the side tables, in solid brass, features the Ghyczy logo. comes with thick Cut Glass tops ,so super ...
Bronze
Ward Bennett Inspired Pair Enameled Steel I-Beam Drink Stands or End Tables
By Ward Bennett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In creating a prototype, Ward Bennett actually cut off a section of a steel I-beam to achieve the raw aesthetic he was after. Here, a pair of solid enameled steel drink stands after ...
Enamel, Steel
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Lane Acclaim End Table, Walnut & Oak, Mid-Century Modern, 1959
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Waxahachie, TX
DOB October 5th 1959 That makes it an early Lane Acclaim piece, produced just one year after the line was introduced in 1958. This exquisite Lane Acclaim two-tier end table exempli...
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
Italian Designer, Side Table, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and rattan side table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.65"H x 18.0"D All items ship from High P...
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-Century Gueridon Table in Python Leather with Stepped Base by Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist side/guéridon table, designed by the iconic Karl Springer circa 1980, showcases his signature aesthetic of luxurious materials paired with sculptural desig...
Python
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
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
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
Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen Teak Side Table by France & Søn, Denmark
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, France & Søn
Located in Bern, CH
Danish Mid Century teak Side Table designed by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen. Beautifully made teak tabletop with lovely detailing and magazine shelf. Designer: Tove & Edvard Ki...
Teak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Floating Cantilever Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Patinated Brass, New Glass Tops This striking pair of mid-century modern side tables captures a sculptural balance of form and lightness through their distinctive cantile...
Brass
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
Mid-Century Finnish Bamboo Rattan Plant / Flower Stand Table with Frosted Glass
Located in Helsinki, FI
Finnish mid-century bamboo and rattan plant stand with frosted glass tops for placing flower pots or decorative objects. This handmade stand is beautifully crafted with five levels a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass