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.
1950s Mid-Century Italian Walnut Inlay Chess Games Coffee Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian solid walnut games side table with inlay chess game over four classic simple legs connected to one another with central stretchers and central opening with storage ...
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
Vintage Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll 16" Side or End Tables in Calacatta Gold
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Expertly Restored-John Van Koert “Profile” Travertine Top Side Tables for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Beautiful Gilded Floral Mid-Century Side Table with Solid Glass Top by Hans Kögl
By Hans Kögl
Located in München, BY
Beautiful 1960s gilt Florentine Regency side table or nightstand. A true classic among floral-themed tables. Designed and produced by Hans Kögl. The frame features three curved legs ...
Metal, Gold Plate
$280Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
1940s Round Wood Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
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
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
Beautiful Francesco Meroni Italian Tole Side or Console Table with Drawer, 1960s
By Meroni
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Florentine Italian painted table with drawer. Perfect as a bedside table, next to a reading chair or used a small vanity table. It could also be great at the end of a narro...
Metal
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
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 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
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
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
Neoclassical Italian Walnut Inlay Tripod Chess Games or Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful Italian round 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 ver...
Wood
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
Hans J. Wegner Sewing Table, Model AT-33, 1960s
Located in Savannah, GA
A teak sewing table designed by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck, model AT-33, produced in Denmark in the 1960s. Two drop-leaf extensions, an integrated pull-out cane sewing basket,...
Teak
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
$2,526Sale 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
$421Sale Price|35% Off
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
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands in Rattan, Wicker and Brass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular pair of Mid-Century nightstands made of curved rattan and woven wicker, completed with solid brass knobs. These incredibly elegant and unique pieces were produced in Ital...
Brass
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
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
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
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
Paul Frankl Cork Top Two-Tier Side Table for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
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
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare Lo-Ta Hexagonal Bronze Side Table, USA, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
The Lo-Ta Hexagonal Table, designed by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne in the 1960s, is a striking sculptural occasional table handcrafted in engraved and patinated bronze and pewter with ...
Pewter, Enamel, Bronze
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