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.
Bentwood Wicker Cane Side Table Thonet Style
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern bentwood and cane top stool or side drinks table, in the style of Thonet, circa early to mid-20th century, Europe, possibly Austria. ...
Cane, Bentwood, Wicker
Pair of Red Lacquer Side Tables with Qing Dynasty Stone Garden Tiles
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese vintage side tables from the mid 20th century, with red lacquer, Qing Dynasty period stone garden tiles tops and horse hoof legs....
Stone
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous and incredibly rare midcentury blue "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in spectacul...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Side Table with Tray Faux Bamboo Silvered Brass by Maison Bagues, France 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing side table with tray in silvered brass (charming patina on the brass) attributed to Maison Baguès. Made in France in the 1970s. Maison Baguès is renowned for fin...
Metal, Brass
Max Sauze Isoceles Pair of Black Metal and Glass Side or Coffee Tables, France
By Max Sauze
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Max Sauze Isoceles black metal and glass side, end tables or coffee tables for Attro France. Circa 1970. The geometric shape gives the name to the tables. Very graphic in d...
Metal
Heywood Wakefield Chestnut & Rattan "Step" End Table
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Heywood Wakefield Step Table with Rattan details. End Table. Side Table. Nightstand. Featuring solid Chestnut three-tier rectangular form with wrapped Rattan accents and Faux Bamboo ...
Bamboo, Chestnut
Pair of Modern Burl Round Accent Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
A sleek and sophisticated accent piece that blends natural textures with contemporary elegance. Featuring a richly patterned mappa burl veneer, this table showcases a warm, organic a...
Wood
French Designer, Side Table, Metal, Glass, Brass, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal, glass and brass side table designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Glass has surface scratches from normal use. Underside of glass near one of leg posts...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Stringray Glass top Wood Base End Table
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century side, or end table, designed by Adrian Pearsall, having an amoeba shaped glass top and a sculpted walnut base. This example is in very good, original, clean and r...
Glass, Walnut
1960's Vintage Side Table from Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage wooden coffee table that was commonly used as a TV table in the 1960's.
Wood
Italian Dark Sofa Table with Colorful Hand Painted Motives on Table Top, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This sofa table was designed in the 1950s. The table frame is made of lacquered iron and brass, the angular table top is hand-painted. Various strong col...
Metal, Brass
Campaign Tray Tables by Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, 1960s, Refinished, Signed
By Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Renowned designers Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart created the folding campaign tray table for Drexel Furniture Company in the 1960s as part of the 'Declaration' line of furnitur...
Walnut
Tomlinson Sophisticate Collection Faux Tambour Door Walnut Side Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern faux tambour split door walnut side table with great lines and details, rippled faux tambour design, brass hardware, butterfly ...
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
Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen Brass Table, French
By Guy Lefevre
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury French bronze cocktail or side table with smoked glass top by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen. Minor scratches to finish shown i...
Brass
Lane Vintage MCM Walnut and Burl Side End Table
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of A Vintage Lane MCM...
Brass
Pair of Step End Tables by C. E. Waltman for Tonk Mfg.
By C.E. Waltman, Tonk Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hanover, MA
Stunning pair of walnut freeform, biomorphic side or end tables with 2 tiers of heavy tempered glass with flared edges secured by solid brass hardware. Top tier is 20 inches high; main tier is 15 inches high. Designed by C. E. Waltman for Tonk Manufacturing...
Brass
Set of Two Mid-Century Vintage Night Tables, Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Set of two bedroom night tables from the 1960s. It was manufactured in Poland. They was made of wood, it was refreshed and fully renovated. Very good vintage condition.
Wood
Italian Mid Century Modern Osvaldo Borsani Side Tables
Located in Red Lion, PA
Vintage 1950s square mahogany side tables designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo. Mahogany wood Good vintage condition consistent with age and use
Mahogany
Castiglioni Rochetto Stool or Table by Kartell
By Kartell, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1969 by the Castiglioni brothers, the "rochetto", or "spool" stool is a wonderful design. Two identical forms are fastened together giving it the distinctive hourglass sp...
Upholstery, Plastic
Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table by Lane, Altavista, Virginia
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid century walnut coffee table by Lane, Altavista, Virginia Measures: 28.5" square x 20.5" high Minimal distress to the original finish Very good condition.
Walnut
1950s 'Minerva' Side Table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Two tiered 'Minerva' Side Table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son, Denmark. In good vintage condition with some small scattered abrasions and a ...
Walnut
Philip and Kelvin Laverne Ming side table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Ming, low table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne in pewter and bronze circa 1960s . nicely patinated, and engraved with hand painted enamel in red and green… Signed PK Lav...
Bronze, Pewter
Mid-Century Modern Maison Jansen Brass Drinks Trolley, France 1950s
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This very elegant neoclassical style bar cart is made of brass , glass and mahogany . This is a work likely by famous French designer Maison Jansen, circa 1950. Great for displaying...
Brass
Kent Coffey Perspecta Mid Century Side Tables - Pair
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kent Coffey Perspecta Mid Century Side Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 30 wide x 24.75 deep x 20.25 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Smalls Scratches and Nicks Througho...
Wood
Knoll Saarinen Side Table
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Saarinen Table. Sturdy, cast-aluminum base. A timeless modern classic in continuous production since 1956. A marvelous addition to your home.
Aluminum
Large Round Rope and Wood Coffee Table in the Style of Audoux Minet, circa 1970
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This large round coffee table is made of wood and of a very nice and fine rope work. This is a French work in the Style of Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet (Audoux Minet). Circa 1970.
Rope, Wood
Pair of Industrial Drink Tables / Side Tables / End Tables in Iron and Aluminium
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of aluminium and iron spanish drinks tables, 1960s Rectangular aluminium tops with black painted iron tripod bases. Originally used as hairdresser work stand tripod tables by He...
Metal, Iron, Aluminum
Mastercraft Bronze and Suede Side Table, USA, circa 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mastercraft Bronze and Suede Side Table, USA, circa 1970s This elegant Mastercraft side table exemplifies the refined Hollywood Regency aesthetic for which the firm is celebrated. P...
Bronze
Two French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side Tables, Style Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
2 Elegant and Timeless French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Style End or Side Tables/ Nightstands /Gueridons in an exquisite, balanced tripod form. The tables are composed of hand-...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
Pair of Midcentury Walnut Plinth Base Side Tables Attributed to Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low, cube end / side tables in walnut with an ebonized plinth-base (circa 1960s, USA). Finished on all sides, each with different walnut grain. Refinished condition; only minor wear ...
Wood, Walnut
Early Marcel Breuer Side Table by Gavina, Italy, 1960
By Marcel Breuer, Gavina
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare early production side table designed by Marcel Breuer and manufactured by Gavina, Italy, circa 1960. This elegant piece captures Breuer’s iconic blend of functional clarity an...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Mid Century Side Tables in Bamboo, Metal and Glass The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Pair of Mid Century Side Tables in Bamboo, Metal and Glass, The Netherlands, 1960s. This is a lovely pair of round side tables (or bedside tables) in bamboo, textured glass and meta...
Metal
Pair of Mid-20th Century Modern American of Martinsville Side Tables
Located in Charleston, SC
Mid 20th Century American of Martinsville midcentury Side Tables With Drawer Newly refinished Mid-Century Modern side tables manufac...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Style Gold Vintage Coco Chanel Style Coffee Table France 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Hollywood regency Style gold vintage coffee table or side table designed and executed France 1970s. Inspired by nature the designer of the small, amazing, gilded coffee table created a gilded steel base in sheaf of wheat form and a clear round glass plate with a thickness of 6 mm. The gold plating is beautiful with patina, while the glass plate has no scratches or signs of use. Coco Chanel used...
Glass
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Triangular Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern sculpted walnut triangular coffee table or occasional side table By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Measures: 36" W x 32.5" D x...
Walnut
Peter Ghyczy T24 Pioneer Glass and Cast Brass Square Coffee or Side Table
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Peter Ghyczy 'T24 Pioneer' vintage square end or coffee table in cast brass. Designed by Hungarian born designer Peter Ghyczy circa 1975 featuring his pioneering casting techniques a...
Brass
Lucite Floor Lamp Side Table
By Neal Small, Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice striking looking Lucite floor lamp, side table.
Lucite
Brazilian Designer, Side Tables, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and marble side tables designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18.5"H x 18.5"W x 18.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Marble
Pair of French Mid-Century Iron and Leather Banded Side Tables, Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of end tables or Gueridons in the style of Jacques Adnet. The tables are composed of wrought iron bases sitting on tripod legs ending in brass ball feet. The tabletop...
Michael Taylor for Baker Chinoiserie Rosewood Cocktail Table or Side Table
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie two-tier cocktail table or occasional side table By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East" Collection USA, 1...
Rosewood, Walnut
Mersman Tiered Mahogany Inlay Oval Side Table W/ Protective Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid century Mersman Tiered Mahogany Oval Side Table With inlays and Protective Glass Top with Gallery. Measures 23" in width, 16" in depth and stands 26.75" tall. Lower tier clear...
Glass, Mahogany
Midcentury Yew Low Table Stool Perriand Manner
Located in Norwich, GB
A charming midcentury yew alpine inspired low table/stool, in a Charlotte Perriand manner. circa 1960. Very tactile feel, made in solid ye...
Yew
Cantilevered Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered side table with a glass top and chrome frame.
Chrome
Pair of Steel and Ebonized Wood Circular Tables, Style of Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York City, NY
A Minimalist pair of tulip design, splay leg end tables in steel and lacquered wood. The austere and streamline design make this pair appealing...
Steel
Franco Albini Pouf Stool or Side Table in Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century round stool or side table in bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This delightful organic piece was designed by Franco Albini and produced in Italy duri...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Black Lacquered Faux-Bamboo Side Tables by Gasparucci
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of side tables is made of black lacquered faux-bamboo. This is an Italian work signed by Gasparucci. Circa 1970.
Wood
Lawrence Peabody Side Table for Richardson Nemschoff
By Richardson Nemschoff, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Richardson Nemschoff Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Elm This Lawrence Peabody side table for Richardson Nemschoff are in...
Elm
Pair of Oak Inverness Nightstands by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inverness Nightstand features two drawers with carved pulls and one open section on solid wood plank legs. Wall mounted version available. Spe...
Oak
Vintage Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Feet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This small scale Spanish iron side table from the 1950s measures 19 inches in height and 11 inches in diameter, making it the perfect size for your morning coffee or end of day cockt...
Iron
French Modern Neoclassical Parchment End or Side Table, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Chic French End table / Side table / bench in the modern neoclassical Spirit of Jean Michel Frank with a timeless X-frame form and covered in parchment. Literature: Similar Tabl...
Parchment Paper
Mid-Century Norwegian Siesta Glass Side Table by Ingmar Relling, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare side table by Westnofa from the Siesta Chair Collection by Ingmar Relling. The table has a clear glass tabletop, which rests on the rubber on a frame, which resembles the Siest...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Pierre Cardin Inspired Side Tables, Lacquered Fiber-Cloth
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pierre Cardin Inspired Side Tables, Lacquered Fiber-Cloth Offered for sale is a pair of mid-century modern Pierre Cardin inspired side tables which are covered in...
Gesso, Wood, Paint, Natural Fiber
Augusto Romano Attribution, Side Table, Wood, Rush, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and rush side table attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1940s. Moderate imperfections on tabletop surface. Mild to moderate wear to rope edge, legs, and feet. Overall Dime...
Rush, Wood
Rare Vintage Swivel Molar Coffee Table by Wendell Castle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare orange color swivel coffee table from the Molar Group manufactured by Beylerian, circa 1969. The table is one of the only designs in the molar group that is adjustable by swiv...
Fiberglass, Rubber
Vintage Boho Burl Wood Block
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the pure, organic beauty of this exquisite vintage burl wood cube table. A stunning example of 1970s minimalist design, this solid block form serves as the perfect canvas for...
Burl
Large French Turned Oak Pedestal, France, 1940s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Beautiful carved wooden pedestal/side table, made in France, 1940s, dark stained wood. This piece is sleek and modern. The pedestal has a lovely patina, adding to its charm, and is in very good condition. It would be perfect for creatively filling any corner. It's big enough to be noticeable but slender enough to fit in any room. It's ideal for showcasing an art sculpture or hanging plant. This piece combines brutalism with sculpturalism and would be perfect for any contemporary, minimalist, wabi-sabi, Axel Vervoordt, or Vincent Van Duysen style interior. In the manner of Charles Dudouyt, sourced in the south of France. Check out our Daddy Deco...
Wood, Oak
Hanging wood side tables by Lars Johan Claesson
Located in Malibu, CA
Hanging wood side tables by Lars Johan Claesson. Sweden, early-mid 20th century
Wood
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 21 wide x 27 deep x 24.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear on Top Tabl...
Walnut
Midcentury Modern Ejvind Johannson Teak Sewing Table for FDB Mobler, 1960s
By FDB Møbler, Ejvind A. Johansson
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design sewing cart Ejvind Johannson designed this sewing cart for two factories. Both FDB Møbler and Vitre have produced this sewing cart in several different wood types like ...
Teak