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.
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 Giltwood Pedestal Side Table with Rope Twist Gallery
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Giltwood Pedestal Side Table with Rope Twist Gallery. Good vintage condition and measures 18" in width, 18" in depth and sya...
Hardwood, Giltwood
Warren Platner Custom Telephone Table
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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
Mid-20th Century Italian Brass and Glass Side Table, End Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid twentieth century Italian side table is constructed of brass with a glass top. The sides of the table are detailed with knotted rope loops that join together its simple roun...
Brass
Signed Silas Seandel Bronze Side Table / Drink Table
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Silas Seandel Bronze Side Table / Drink Table
Bronze
Travertine Toppped Prospect Coffee Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The prospect coffee table features a stone top that rests atop a sculpted American walnut or white oak base with two cutouts for drum tables on either end. The Lawson-Fenning Colle...
Travertine
Meret Oppenheim Traccia Sculptural Table
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Meret Oppenheim Traccia sculptural table Manufactured by Cassina in Italy In 1971, Dino Gavino launched what he called “l’opera d’arte funzionale”, or functional artworks, in so doing inaugurating a new approach of furnishing where surreal objects were adapted for everyday use. This led to the creation of the Ultramobile collection. These pieces, that went beyond (ultra) furniture (mobile) engaged the imagination, complementing rational intelligence with a sense of wonder, where geometry interacted with fantasy. One of these pieces was the low table that the Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim designed in 1929 for Leo Castelli’s avant-garde gallery, dubbing it the “Bird Leg Table...
Steel
Iron Centre or Side Tables Style Maison Charles Golden Palm Trees, circa 1955
Located in Vienna, AT
Iron centre or side tables style Maison Charles, circa 1955 Mid century Iron centre or side tables style Maison Charles, circa 1955. Rare and elegant 28" high iron palm tree tables with a floating 20" glass top. Heavy and detailed cast foot...
Iron
Pair of Spanish Round Stools / Side Tables in Rattan with Cane Top, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spanish Modernist handcrafted stools with wicker wire top, rattan, bamboo. Spain, 1960s-1970s. This cool rattan round stools feature a bamboo structure with a canage top. Thi...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Trio of French Round Nesting Tables by Jacques Adnet, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A trio of French round nesting tables by Jacques Adnet dating back to the 1950s, crafted in patinated metal with understated brass detailing and inset glass tops. The graduated forms...
Metal
Heritage One Drawer Walnut Burl Side Tables, circa 1960s, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful pair of Heritage one drawer walnut burl side tables. Good condition. Wear appropriate with age and normal use. Measure 22.5"W x 26"D x 22"H W5.
Walnut
Pair of Side Tables in Verre Églomisé, Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen
Located in Meer, VAN
Guy Lefevre Pair of Side Tables in Verre Églomisé and Patinated Metal for Maison Jansen, France, 1970s. This is a stunning pair of side tables in ‘verre églomisé’ and metal by Guy L...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Pair of Italian Night Stand / Side Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
This is a pair of coffee tables, but the right height to also be used as bedside tables. These items were made in Italy in the Riviera di Circe area, a few km from Rome, around the ...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Italian Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Side Table
Located in Red Lion, PA
This elegant piece is consistent with an Italian Mid-Century Modern brass and glass tripod side table, often referred to as a gueridon or drinks table. It is characterized by its min...
Brass
California Modern "Plus" Chrome Side Tables by West Coast Industries
By West Coast Industries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These California Modern Plus chrome side tables by West Coast Industries are standout examples of late 20th-century modern design that blend mid-century influences with a touch of 19...
Steel, Chrome
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
French Riviera Style Rattan and Woven Wicker Coffee or Side Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century round coffee or side table entirely hand-made of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This charming French Riviera style table was produced in Italy duri...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Angelo Mangiarotti White Italian Carrara Marble Side Table Eros High Model
Located in Chicago, IL
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian white Carrara marble high side table in the Eros series for Skipper. Excellent condition. Angelo Mangiarotti was the master and expert at the highly sculpt...
Carrara Marble
Mid-Century Mersman Teak and Formica Top Three-Tier Side Table
By Mersman
Located in Germantown, MD
1960s Mersman Furniture three Tier Formica top and Teak table. May be used as coffee table, Side Table, Center Table. Rare formica top in excellent condition. Two shelves with 6" cle...
Formica, Teak
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
Sur Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Sur table features a series of geometric shapes stacked on top of each other with solid wood details. Available in American walnut or white oak. The Lawson-Fenning Collection i...
Walnut
Rainier End Table by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Rainier End Table is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The Rainier End Table features a solid wood top and four pedestal legs connected ...
Oak
Carlo Hauner, Side Tables, Iron, Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron and rosewood side tables designed by Carlo Hauner, Brazil, c. 1960s. Provenance: Adesso, Los Angeles
Iron
Pair of Bamboo and Glass Tables
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cube form bamboo stands with plate glass tops. Each table has cross hatch woven sides and open ends, both are in good condition, clean, sturdy, and ready to use. One gla...
Bamboo, Glass
1960s Danish Teak Mid Century Side Table
Located in Praha, CZ
Authentic 1960s Danish Mid Century side table crafted from teak wood with teak veneer top. The table features a minimalist square silhouette with refined rounded corner details and b...
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Side Table, Iron & Ceramic, Roger Capron Style
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
French small iron and ceramic tiled topped side table. Wear conducive to age. Small bend to one leg but does not affect the stability of the table. Great character and look.
Metal
1960s Paul McCobb Linear Side Table for Calvin Walnut & Aluminum
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage Side End table Designed by Paul McCobb Linear for Calvin Furniture Co. Linear designs with drawer Walnut and aluminum label present 24 h x 21 x 21...
Aluminum
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Teak Side Table by Hans C. Andersen for Artek 1960s
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern occasional side table. Designed by Hans C. Andersen and manufactured by Artek, Denmark, 1960s. Marked beneath the plate: Made in Denmark by Artek...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Magnavox Entertainment Center /Accent Table. circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Magnavox Entertainment Center /Accent Table, circa 1960s. Features a midcentury Hollywood Regency Walnut Cabinet / Accent Table with doors...
Stone
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 34
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Walnut Side Tables - Set of 2 - Refinished!
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern Lane walnut side tables, beautifully refinished to highlight their rich wood grain and timeless design. Featur...
Wood, Walnut
Alberts Tibro Swedish Teak Side Table with Brass Base
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A refined Swedish mid-century side table produced by Alberts Tibro, featuring a beautifully grained teak circular top set on a sculptural three-point brass base with turned wooden ba...
Brass
Cedric Hartman Side or End "Model AE" Table Black Granite & Bronze Finish 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the 1970s, this table was designed by architect and edgineer Cedric Hartman. In the beginning of his career, he made a name for himself with the iconic 1UWV floor lamp, but s...
Granite, Metal, Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Tomlinson, Pecan & Mahogany, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in Southampton, NJ
A 1960's side or end table by Tomlinson Furniture of fiery Pecan & Mahogany inlay woods in the Hexagon form. An unusual design suitable for a variety of uses.
Mahogany
Italian Mid-Century Modern Carrara Marble & Brass Coffee/Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Mid-Century Modern carrara marble & brass coffee/side table, with beautiful variegated Carrara marble top resting on a satin brass stylized Curule base. The marble top is rem...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Capitola Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The capitola table features a series of geometric shapes stacked on top of each other with solid wood details. Available in American walnut or white oak...
Oak
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Circular Cocktail by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic an elegant Classic designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture. It features an ebony finish along with a beautifully grained teak top. Metal Baker tag on underside. Will wo...
Wood
Midcentury Modern red Plastic Table by Emma Gismondi for Artemide Italy
By Emma Gismondi Schweinberger, Artemide
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming red plastic side table was designed by Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide Milano Italy , model Giano Vano in the 1970s. It is in very nice original condition with...
Plastic
Italian Pair of Wooden Side Tables or Bedside Nightstands, Italy 60s
Located in Lucija, SI
Very nice pair of Italian Mid Centure side tables. Also you can use as a bedside tables or nightstands Made in Italy in the late 60s Perfect condition
Wood, Lacquer
Carl Auböck Four Rare Midcentury Rattan Couch Tables, 1980s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful and rare rattan top coffee or side tables, manufactured by Carl Auböck Werkstätte in the 1980s, Vienna. The frames are made of black lacquered steel with woven rattan top. ...
Metal
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
French Designer, Side Table, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Staining, surface imperfections on lower shelf. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.0"H x...
Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Night Tables by Piet Hein
By Piet Hein
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Night stands attributed to the Dutch designer Piet Hein. Unique and rare to find. Case sits on and is framed by a bent & turned ...
Brass
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
Giuseppe Scapinelli side table made in Brazil 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A highly rare and elegant side table designed by Brazilian-Italian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli in the 1950s, this piece is a striking example of mid-century Brazilian design infused...
Brass
Fontana Arte Illuminated Patinated Brass & Glass Side Table, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fontana Arte Illuminated Patinated Brass & Glass Side Table, Italy 1960s Description: A refined illuminated side or occasional table attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 196...
Brass
Side Table, Stool or Nightstand in Solid Wood Finish, Auxiliary Table Socle 36
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle side table, auxiliary table, night stand Socle is a small solid wood table designed by the NONO design team. Made of solid wood, its elaborated...
Wood, Hardwood
20th Century, Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Glass Table mod. 1817/1
Located in Turin, Turin
Some notes about the author Max Ingrand: a famous French master glass worker and decorator, he was artistic director of FontanaArte for one decade, starting from 1954. During that ti...
Crystal, Brass
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
1950s Mid-Century Ceramic Mosaic Sunburst Pair Side or End Tables Brass Frames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the style of Gordon & Marshall Martz, Edward Wormley, or Samson Berman, this pair of truly vintage side tables is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The ...
Brass
Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool, made in natural woven and iron structure, the eyes are made in brass. It has details on one ear and on the legs.
Iron
1950 Cesare Lacca De Baggis Italian Midcentury Design Side Table
By Angelo De Baggis, Cesare Lacca
Located in Brescia, IT
Cesare Lacca prod. De Baggis Italy, 1950 Side table with paper label "De Baggis". Excellent condition.
Wood
Guillerme & Chambron, Side Table, Oak, Ceramic, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and painted ceramic tile side table designed and produced by Guillerme & Chambron, France, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 17.25” H x 16.125” W x 16.125” D
Ceramic, Oak
Spanish Drinks Table Gueridon / End or Side Table in Black Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martini Table // Gueridon // Side Table // End Table // Drink Table // Floor Ashtray Elegant hand-hammered iron drinks end table /floor ashtray standing on tripod base. Spain, 1950...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lane Step End Tables with Inlaid Walnut Burl Style
Located in Topeka, KS
Amazing Mid-Century Modern pair of Lane Alta Vista step table end tables style #1927 walnut with inlaid walnut burl squares in their centers. They are in wonderful condition. The tops have been refinished with a new coat of polyurethane applied. The legs retain their original finish and are in good condition. Please see photos. Dated on bottom. One November 15,1958 and one December 14, 1957. Oh, my goodness! What an incredible pair of mid-century modern Lane step tables...
Walnut, Burl
Square Smoked Glass and Steel Coffee or Side Table with Four Nesting Stools, 197
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage square smoked glass and steel coffee table with four nesting stools. A beautiful low table for living room in a beautiful vintage style, ideal for a cocktail or coffee. Vintage style coffee...
Chrome
Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles Coffee or Side Table Vallauris, France
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron ceramic tiled coffee or side table. This style was often done by Capron during the 60's which was less literal and more abstract, with the emphasis on the beauty of the...
Iron
Burlwood Side Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Live edge burl wood side table on tripod tapered legs.
Burl
Small Side Table, Kidney Shaped, Black-White Stripes, 3 Elegant Legs, 50s Style
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive offer of one SMALL kidney shaped side table. The LARGER you will find in another offer. Very decorative in black-white colored stripes (see other offers: optional in 4 diff...
Brass
American Designer, Side Tables, Mahogany, Glass, Metal, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bleached mahogany, glass and metal side tables designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.875"H x 26.0"W x 16.0"D All items ship from High...
Metal