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.
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Greta M. Grossman Marble-Top Side Table for Glenn of California
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Crema Marfil Stone Marble ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Marble
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
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
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
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
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Dassi, Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega
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
Wrought Iron Branch Table Glass Top, Belgium, circa 1960
By René Drouet
Located in Vienna, AT
Wrought iron and glass table, Belgium mid-century modern. Extravagant artisan wrought iron side-table with 19" table top from glass. Composition in wrought iron, dated circa 1960s, ...
Wrought Iron
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
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
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
By Heltborg Møbler, Tue Poulsen, Erik Wørts
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
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
Mid Century Side Table with Pull Out Side Table Drawers after Edmund Spence
By Paul McCobb, Edmond J. Spence
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
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
Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
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
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
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
Expertly Restored - Adrian Pearsall "Stingray" Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
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, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A cerused oak side table or gueridon likely designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75" Height x 21.85" Diamete...
Oak
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Halabala Style Round Side Table by Kozelka & Kropacek, 1947
By Interiér Praha, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Halabala style round side table by Karel Kozelka and Antonin Kropacek, circa 1947. Oak frame holds inset glass top above integrated wood shelf in light brown finish. Part of a set th...
Glass, Oak
Expertly Restored-John Van Koert “Profile” Travertine Top Side Tables for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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...
Travertine
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
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
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
Sergio Asti for Poltronova 'Zelda' Coffee Table in Walnut
By Sergio Asti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 'Zelda' coffee table, walnut plywood, Italy, 1962. Geometric side table designed by Sergio Asti. Crafted from walnut, the table showcases striking cubist...
Walnut, Plywood
Pair of Lane Furniture Hexagonal Mid-Century Walnut Side Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern hexagonal side tables by Lane Furniture. Featuring brass handles and two swinging doors on each, these well-constructed side tables have retained their ric...
Brass
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
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
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
$858Sale Price|35% Off
Mid-Century Modern Vintage TV Side Table, Cabinet, Beechwood, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
TV side table from the 1960s. It was manufactured in Poland in 1960s. The table was made of beechwood, it was also full renovated. Excellent condition. Absolutely unique and rare item.
Beech
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
1950s Rattan and Iron Catch-All Side Table w/ Removable Tray
Located in Oakland, CA
Rattan and iron catch-all tray side table. Handmade removable woven rattan tray that rests on a black wrought iron stand. A simple yet elegant design that blends a Mid-Century minima...
Iron
$2,569Sale 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
Mid-Century Modern Georges Briard Mosaic Glass and Wood Side Tables, 3 pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
A trio of coffee, side, or accent tables designed by Georges Briard. Mid-century modernist glass mosaic and walnut tables with slender conical legs. The tabletop is composed of light...
Foil
$2,379Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Gabriella Crespi Style 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, clearly in the style of Gabriella Cres...
Brass
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Mosaic Tile Top Side Table, Multicolor Glass Tile, Iron Base
Located in San Diego, CA
A charming and highly decorative mid-century modern mosaic tile side table, featuring a vibrant grid of hand-set multicolor glass tiles in an abstract geometric composition. The pale...
Iron
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
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
Mid-Century Style Flute Rattan Side Table with Hidden Storage - Oak Finish
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Flute Bedside Table features beautifully woven rattan in a wavy pattern, reflecting the timeless design of our signature shell collection. Inside, there is hidden storage, making...
Rattan
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
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
$1,284Sale Price|20% Off
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
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
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