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.
Rosewood and Lacquered Copper Side Table by Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lacquered copper patchwork mosaic side table designed by Percival Lafer. Base made of Brazilian Rosewood with exposed metal hardware. Two available, sold separately. Percival Lafer ...
Copper
Pair of Vintage Minimalist Side Tables - Brass and Granite
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of vintage side tables with minimalist design featuring steel legs with heavily worn brass finish and charcoal granite tops. Brass trim inlay frames the perimeter of each grani...
Granite, Steel
Pair Vintage Turned Solid Teak Drum Side Tables or Stools, Studio Made
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made after the style of American artist Chris Lehrecke, this pair of side tables began life as solid logs of teak. They were then placed into an enormous industrial lath...
Teak
Large Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Table by Vivai del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury elephant-shaped side table with removable tray fully made in hand-woven wicker. This gorgeous object was designed by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 1970s. In...
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
Eero Saarinen White Marble Side Table for Knoll, 1960
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Vienna, AT
Original side table with a marble top by Saarinen for Knoll International, Mid century. Early version, marked Knoll International (bottom of base) Elegant side table designed by the...
Marble, Aluminum
American Designer, Side Tables, Maple Burl, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of maple burl side tables likely designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.5"H x 18.0"W x 18.0"D All items...
Wood, Maple, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Round Lane Rhythm Walnut Side Tables - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
These beautiful Mid-Century Modern round Lane Rhythm walnut side tables showcase the refined craftsmanship and sculptural elegance that define the Rh...
Wood, Walnut
Ico Parisi, Side Tables, Wood, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1954
By Ico Parisi
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, brass and glass side tables designed by Ico Parisi and produced by De Baggis, Cantù, Italy, c. 1954. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.25"H x 17.75"W x 11.0"D All ite...
Brass
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 Jax Side Table by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates c. 1960's
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century Jax side table, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960's. The table features a Jax form sculpted walnut base, with original tempered glass to...
Glass, Walnut
American Designer, Side Tables, Rattan, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A near-pair of rattan and brass side tables with magazine holders likely designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Rattan presents with very light breakage and fraying consistent w...
Brass
21st Century French Abstract Teakwood Stool - Small Square Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, small French Mid-Century modern style square stool or side table made of hand crafted solid Teakwood, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 21st Centur...
Teak
Large Side Table, Kidney Shaped, Black-White Stripes, 3 Elegant Legs, 50s Style
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of one large kidney shaped side table. Very decorative in black-white colored stripes. These tables are a high-quality new production after original models of the 1...
Brass
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
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
Conant Ball, Side Table, Birch, Rattan, USA, 1950s
By Conant Ball
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and rattan side table produced by Conant Ball, USA, c. 1950s. Minor natural cracking to tabletop surface. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Rattan, Birch
Bought from the original owners granddaughter, this historic piece of furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom made in the 80s - this is such a beautiful and rare stone. Matching coffee table in my other listings. Rosa Marinace Granite is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants a t...
Granite
Italian Modern Sculptural Table By Osvaldo Borsani
By Vittorio Dassi, Ico Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Sculptural Table By Osvaldo Borsani. Offered is a lovely Italian mid century modern coffee table or side table in the manner of Gio Ponti. This versatile round table o...
Fruitwood
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): 19.4"H x 19.75"W x 19.75"D All items ship from High Point, North Carol...
Marble
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
Single Tripod Hand Forged Side or Drinks Table, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Single custom tripod hand-forged side or drinks table, in stock Hand-forged iron legs, round top with lip Dark bronze patina Perfect for drinks, side, end table Ready to ship from ou...
Iron
Jorge Zalszupin, Side Table, Cavuina, Formica, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A caviuna wood, metal and white formica side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced for Hotel Nacional, 1960s. With a metal plate indicating the commission. Dimensions: 29...
Formica, Wood
Warren Platner Custom Telephone Table
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Warren Platner custom telephone table for Knoll International, USA, circa 1970. A rare example of Platner’s refined modernist design, this piece features a green leather-wrapped body...
Steel, Chrome
ExpertlyRestored - Peter Pepper Products Tripod Resin Side Table w/ Peace Symbol
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 precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Metal
Vintage Cotswold School Wine Table, English, Walnut, Side, Lamp, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Cotswold School wine table. An English, walnut side or lamp table, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. An exceptional example with rich colour, fine craftsm...
Walnut
Danish Side Table of Solid Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish side table and bedside table with drawer made of oak with handles of iron. Made by a Danish Furniture Factory in the 1970s, most likely EG Møbler The fine natural surface an...
Iron
John Stuart, Side Tables, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By John Stuart
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and brass side tables or nightstands produced by John Stuart, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.25"H x 28.0"W x 23.0"D All items ship from High Point,...
Brass
Small Kidney Shaped Side Table, Flower Table, Black/White, Chrome, 50s Style
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of one small kidney shaped side table. With a silver chrome edge liner (you also can get it in Gold in another offer) Offer without decoration! Very decorative with...
Brass
Large Rattan and Wicker Elephant Side Table by Vivai del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury elephant-shaped side table with removable tray fully made in hand-woven wicker. This stunning organic piece was designed by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 197...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
French Designer, Side Tables, Pine, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine side tables or nightstands, designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.625"H x 21.75"W x 12.25"D All items ship from High Point, Nort...
Wood, Pine
Brazilian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A marble and wood side table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 13.75"H x 27.875"W x 27.875"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Marble
Industrial Drink Table / Side Table / End Table, Aluminium and Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Aluminium and iron spanish drinks table, 1960s Rectangular aluminium top with black painted iron tripod base. Originally used as hairdresser work stand tripod table by Henry Colomer ...
Metal, Aluminum, Iron
Earl Mid-Century Modern White Oak Bedside Table
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Open up its two floating slow closing drawers to stow away all your bedside essentials. This nightstand is solid wood constructed, with turned legs, and hand...
Ash, Oak, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Mahogany
Les 2 Potiers Michelle and Jacques Serre Deux Potiers French Ceramic Side Table
By Les 2 Potiers, Jacques Serre
Located in Chicago, IL
Important piece unique ceramic side table or small coffee table by Les 2 Potiers France, circa 1956. The table has a green blue glazed ceramic tiles with the iconic unusual textured ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Multicolored Étagère / Flower Stand, 1950s/60s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern brass tubular steel étagère / flower stand, 1950s/60s. Very good condition, light wear of usage.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Rolling Cube Side Table with Storage
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Rolling Cube Side Table Offered for sale is a Mid-Century Modern cube side table or end table, possibly of Danish design. The table features open shelves suitable...
Wood
Vintage French Riviera Wicker and Bamboo Side Table, Handmade, 1960s
Located in Valencia, VC
Vintage French Riviera Wicker & Bamboo Side Table France, circa 1960s Excellent Condition Handmade in France in the 1960s, this vintage side table features a clean, sculptural ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Italian Angelo Mangiarotti Low Eros Side Table in Black Marquina Marble
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Angelo Mangiarotti vintage low Eros side table in Marquina Nero marble. Mangiarotti was an expert at the highly sculptural use of marble in the entire Eros collection. Each p...
Marble
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
Maison Jansen pair of two-tier side tables brass green lacquer 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful pair of two-tier side tables by Maison Jansen was produced with solid brass and lacquered tops in the early 1970s. Its brass balls on the top, and clean lines, are typ...
Brass
Vivai del Sud Midcentury Large Italian Coffee Table in Bamboo and Rattan, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century rectangular coffee table fully made in curved bamboo, woven rattan and wicker. This stylish organic cocktail table was designed by Vivai del Sud in Italy in the ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
TH Robsjohn Gibbings Pair of Saber Leg Side Tables for Widdicomb, circa 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Troy, MI
Pair Robsjohn Gibbings Sabre Leg Side Tables 1950s Model 3335 for Widdicomb USA circa 1950 Petite side tables in bleached mahogany with rare double cross stretcher base and sabre le...
Mahogany
French Folding Table – Circa 1960, Manufactured in France by Unknown Designer
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Folding Table – Circa 1960, Manufactured in France by Unknown Designer This elegant French folding table, crafted circa 1960, embodies both practicality and timeless design. ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Lane Walnut Side Tables - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Lane Walnut Side Tables. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular top, long modern legs, bottom shelf for storage, brass caps on...
Brass
Pierre Chapo Special Black Wood Edition T23 Side Table
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Side table designed by Pierre Chapo in 1960s. Manufactured in France by Chapo Creations in 2021. Stamped by the manufacturer. Special black edition. In good original condition, with...
Wood
50s Style Side Table, Console, Black / White, 3 Elegant Legs, new
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of one large side table. Very decorative in black-white design. With three high wooden legs. This makes the table more of a console and can be used, for example, in ...
Brass
20th Century Italian Pair of Vintage Mahogany Bed Side Tables by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian pair of bed side tables made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany, designed by Paolo Buffa in good condition. The nightstands are c...
Metal, Brass
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
By Heltborg Møbler, Erik Wørts, Tue Poulsen
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 Pierre Chapo T07 Bedside Tables in elm wood by Chapo Creations
By Pierre Chapo, Chapo Creation
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Pierre Chapo T07 Bedside Tables in elm wood by Chapo Creations, Excellent Condition and ready to go.
Elm
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous round table by Piero Fornasetti depicting in gold color "Sun King" (Louis XIV) on the black lacquered wood top, with black metal base and hexagonal brass connectors, t...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sideboard, Wood, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
TV side table/sideboard from the 1960s. It was manufactured in Poland. The table was made of wood, it was refreshed. Very good original vintage condition.
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
G Plan Teak Floating Nightstands/ End Tables
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Very stylish pair of teak vintage floating bedside tables. These were made by G- Plan and their date of birth is March 1967. The condition is excellent for their age, they are clean,...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut 3-Tier Side Table with Brass Tapered Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage three-tier walnut side table with a sculptural stepped design that works perfectly in a corner or next to a sofa or lounge chair. Great for plants, a lamp, books, fun sculptu...
Walnut
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
One of Two Anaconda Tables, Chrome Smoke Glass, 1970
By Strässle International, Paul Tuttle
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two vintage "Anaconda" coffee or cocktail tables by Paul Tuttle for Strässle International, Switzerland. The table were manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (1960s-1970s)....
Chrome
Chromed Steel and Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Square Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century square Italian coffee table in chromed steel with a stunning tortoiseshell-effect lucite top. This gorgeous and unique piece was designed in Italy during the 19...
Steel, Chrome
Tomlinson Furniture Mid-Century Rosewood and Walnut Square Side Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Germantown, MD
Tomlinson Furniture Mid-Century Rosewood and Walnut Square Side Table Measures 27" in width and 24.5" in height and 27" in depth.
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stained Mahogany Cube Three Tiered Side / End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Side/end/occasional table in mahogany with caramel finish (model #4776) designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950, Indiana, USA). Practical, stylish design composed of a cube-f...
Mahogany