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.
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Rhythm” Walnut 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...
Walnut
Expertly Restored- Arthur Umanoff Vintage Spindle Side Table with Magazine Shelf
By Washington Woodcraft, Arthur Umanoff
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
Spanish Castilian Baroque Revival Side Table or Nightstand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Valencia, VC
Spanish Castilian Baroque Revival Side Table or Nightstand, Mid-20th Century Produced in Spain during the mid-20th century, this side table is an example of the Castilian Baroque Re...
Wood
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Hexagonal Drum Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Formica Tops Show Wear This pair of mid-century modern walnut hexagonal drum side tables from the 1960s offers a bold geometric presence wit...
Formica, Walnut
Spanish Rustic Side Table in Cane and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side table, cane, oak, iron, Spain, 1950s This Spanish side table from the 1950s is distinguished by its striking combination of natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship. The c...
Iron
Shell Fluted Rattan Basket Hamper and Side Table - Oak Finish
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Shell Bedside Table doubles up as a storage or laundry basket. Ideal for storing spare cushions or blankets next to the bed or sofa. The unique wavy scalloped design brings a nat...
Rattan
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
Mid Century Tile Top Wrought Iron Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century tile top table, having a stylized wrought iron base with a geometric tile top. The square top features repeating aqua, turquoise glazed square tiles. This example is in ...
Wrought Iron
Greta M. Grossman Marble-Top Side Table for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson Grossman
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
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful pair of Mid-Century nightstands in bamboo and woven rattan wicker, completed by solid brass knobs. These lovely organic bedside tables were produced in Italy during the 19...
Brass
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
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
$385Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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 Gio Ponti Side Tables in Walnut, Italy c1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of small tables by Gio Ponti, prolific Italian designer. Schirolli production, tapered legs with a slight outward splay. Sourced in Milan, Italy. Dimensions: 20”w x 12"d x 20"h...
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 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
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. Ins...
Rattan
1970s Mintjens Solid Oak Side Table with Block Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Square side table by Dutch manufacturer Mintjens is built from solid oak with a natural finish that highlights the wood's open grain. Four thick, square block legs lend the piece a b...
Oak
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Glass, Italy, 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful pair of mid-century rectangular nightstands or side tables crafted in bamboo, rattan, hand-woven wicker and crystal glass. These elegant organic tables were produced in Ita...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Glass
Pair of Contemporary Argentine Leather and Iron Nightstands
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of contemporary Argentine nightstands, masterfully crafted with rich brown leather-clad cases enclosed within sleek black iron frameworks. Inspired by the refined min...
Iron
Nelson Pedestal Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Nelson Pedestal Table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Designed by George Nelson in 1954 and produced by Herman Miller, this side table is from 2005. The table has a bl...
Aluminum
$3,484 / 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
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
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
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
French Designer, Side Table, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table or pedestal designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Wood presents with some staining and natural cracking. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Wood
Baby Side Table with a Red Dot Ceramic Tile by Roger Capron
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
These side tables feature new painted steel frames and a vintage lava tile from Roger Capron. Made in 1970s, these tiles vary in color and texture, resulting from the hand glazed pro...
Metal
Large Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Table by Vivai del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare midcentury elephant-shaped side table with removable tray fully made in hand-woven wicker. This stylish organic piece was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
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 Chestnut Wood Stools Attributed to Charles Dudouyt, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Très Chic Pair of Mid-Century Wooden Stools / Accent Tables Attributed to Charles Dudouyt A refined and sculptural pair of Mid-Century stools or side tables attributed to French des...
Wood, Chestnut
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
Spider Side Table by Jindřich Halabala, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
An elegant Spider side table designed by Jindřich Halabala, one of the most influential Czech designers of the twentieth century. Produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s, this ic...
Other
Willy Rizzo Large Coffee Table in Brass, Burl, Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large rectangular coffee table in a beautiful combination of brass and walnut burl, completed with two thick smoked glass tops. This stylish table is attributed ...
Brass
Novo Rumo, Side Tables, Wood, Metal, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
By Novo Rumo
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of metal, wood and marble side tables produced by Novo Rumo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.75"H x 21.75"W x 15.85"D Al...
Marble, Metal
$3,865Sale Price|30% Off
Bronze Catalina Side Table by Tuell and Reynolds, Sculptural Base
By Tuell and Reynolds
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Catalina bronze side table by the California studio Tuell & Reynolds features a sculptural milled steel base and reflects the studio’s interpretation of French mid-century modern design. The Catalina table...
Bronze, 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
Expertly Restored - Pair of Californian Modern Travertine Top Side Tables
By Continental Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Original Travertine Tops ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...
Travertine
French Designer, Side Table, Wood, Mirror Glass, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and mirror glass side table designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Dramatic wear to silvering. Some scratches in mirror surface. Wear consistent with age and...
Glass, Wood
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
Free form table by Charlotte Perriand, Les Arcs circa 1986
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Free-form table designed by Charlotte Perriand for the Aiguille Grive residence at Les Arcs 1800 during the 1980s. Its asymmetrical laminated solid pine top rests on two black lacqu...
Metal
Italian Brass & Glass Side Table in the Style of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant and refined, this Italian brass side table captures the spirit of mid-century design, reminiscent of the work of Gio Ponti. Crafted in Italy by an unknown maker, the table fe...
Brass
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Cane Shelves, Original Leather Tops, Brass Accent Trims ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Brass
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
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
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
$2,549Sale 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
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
Osvaldo Borsani Maple and Glass Occasional Table, Italy, 1940s
Located in London, GB
An elegant occasional table designed by Osvaldo Borsani, produced in Italy during the 1940s. Showcasing Borsani's exceptional eye for proportion and materiality, the table combines a...
Glass, Maple
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
1960s Mid-Century Czech Oak Side Table with Woven Magazine Shelf
Located in Praha, CZ
A refined and highly functional mid-century modern side or coffee table manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Boasting a clean geometric silhouette, this piece is crafted ...
Oak, Wood
Paul Frankl Cork Top Two-Tier Side Table for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking two-tier side table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture is a perfect example of his innovative approach to modern design. Featuring a natural cork top, it offers a bea...
Mahogany, Cork
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
Cristal Art Illuminated Patinated Brass & Glass Side Table, Italy, 1960s
By Cristal Arte
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cristal Art Illuminated Patinated Brass & Glass Side Table, Italy, 1960s Cristal Art Illuminated Patinated Brass & Glass Side Table, Italy, 1960s. Attributed to the renowned Turin-b...
Brass
Midcentury Pair of Side Tables in Rattan Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury pair of two bedside tables in rattan in the style of Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpex were the three leading design s...
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern French Folding Side Table, Metal, Circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
French folding table made by unknown designer. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful p...
Metal
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
"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
French Mid-Century Modern Mirror Side Table, Jacques Adnet Style, Brass, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely and elegant, petite round neoclassical tripod side or coffee table / guerdon / pedestal from the 1950s, handmade in France. In the style of Jacques Adnet. It consists of a c...
Metal, Brass, Iron