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.
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
Pair of Jean Royere Mid-Century 'Ondulation' Metal & Glass End / Side Tables
By Jean Royère
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Mid-Century \"Ondulation\" form end / side tables with dark gold/brown powder coated metal S-curved frames supporting three glass shelves with mirrored edges. (PRICED ...
Glass
Paul McCobb, Side Tables, Brass, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and mahogany side tables designed by Paul McCobb and produced by The Irwin Collection, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.9"H x 20.1...
Brass
Mid-Century Wim Rietveld Nightstands for Auping, Grey & Red, Pair
By Wim Rietveld, Auping
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matched pair of nightstands attributed to Wim Rietveld for Auping showcase the clean geometry and functional approach of Dutch Mid-Century design. Red wood frames encase the body wit...
Metal, Enamel
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Teak Side or End Tables
Located in Nantucket, MA
A pair of Mid-Century Modern teak side or end tables. Carved and curved fluted front doors with left and right entries. Also a recessed shelf above the cabinet portion along with t...
Teak
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
Vintage Three-Tier Free Form Japanese Hardwood Side Table or Plant Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Japanese Three-Tier Free Form Hardwood Japanese Side Table or plant stand in very good vintage condition. Measures 24" in width, 14" in depth and stands 27.5" tall. Bottom t...
Hardwood
Severin Hansen, Side Tables, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rosewood side tables designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Signs of fading to table tops as illustrated....
Rosewood
FORNASETTI Playing Cards Side Table
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original round table with transfer-printed wooden top depicting a set of imperial playing cards, it can be used as a side table or center table / made in Milan Italy by Forna...
Wood
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
Midcentury Design Cantilevered Glass & Chrome Side Coffee Table GEBRA, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - practical - marked by label
Chrome
Pair of Bertha Schaefer Sculptural Walnut Travertine Top Step Side End Tables
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is an exquisite and rare set of side tables designed by Bertha Schaefer. Each table features a removable travertine top and a walnut wood frame, showcasing exceptional craft...
Travertine
Small Gilt Iron Drinks Table with Twisted Stem
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome Spanish gilt iron drinks table, recently crafted to our design and specifications, is a unique and charming piece that will surely catch the eye. This small side table fea...
Metal, Iron
1970s French Side Tables Square Glass and Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Brass and Glass Side Tables French Vintage Modern elegance 18.5 Tall (top. of brass finial) x 15 x 15 17 H to top of glass Original Unrestored Vintage Condition. Please refer to the ...
Brass
Alvar Aalto Birch Wood Side Table for Artek, Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Alvar Aalto L leg rectangular side table for Artek. Bentwood laminated-birch legs. Original black linoleum top. Can be used as coffee table, console or child desk. Nice patina.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Farmer Series Side Table by Gerd Lange for Bofinger, 1960s
By Bofinger, Gerd Lange
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Farmer Series Table by Gerd Lange for Bofinger. - Special design classics from the Bofinger Farmer Program - Designed by Gerd Lange from the 1960s - Dismantleable furnit...
Canvas, Wood
Vintage Bow Back Tortoise Bamboo Folding Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of 1970s tortoise bamboo folding chairs in black. Good vintage condition. Measure 18"W x 24"D x 39.5"H. Seat interior width is 15" and sea...
Wicker, Rattan
Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Table for Knoll in Verdi Alpi Marble
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simply gorgeous Eero Saarinen tulip side table. Executed in white powered coated base and stunning Verdi Alpi green Italian marble. Normal minor wear but no...
Marble
Meret Oppenheim Traccia Sculptural Table for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Price varies dependent on the choice of material and size. Meret Oppenheim Traccia sculptural table Manufactured by Cassina ...
Bronze
Gabriella Crespi Style Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and unique mid-century coffee table in bamboo and brass with glass shelves. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s, clearly in the style of Gabriella Cres...
Brass
Brutalist Midcentury Illuminated Resin Coffee Side Table from Accolay, France
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Brutalist. Midcentury illuminated resin coffee side table from Accolay, France. Naturalistic illuminating coffee table made by D'accolay in France during the 1960s. The crackled ...
Copper
Sculptural Round Side Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee or side table, walnut, Europe, 1970s This beautiful table, influenced by the artistic sensibilities of the Art Deco movement with a post-modern twist, is distinguished by its...
Walnut
Original Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Tulip Side Table Walnut Top
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, round walnut top Eero Saarinen for Knoll International tulip side table. Measures 16 D and 20.5' H. Timeless and ever copied design, that seems as modern as when it first ...
Steel
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
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
Coffee Table "Amanta" Fiberglass Black by Mario Bellini for C&B, Italy, 1960
Located in Roma, IT
This side table or coffee table is made of fiberglass (Fiberlite) in Black. It is square with an indented tabletop. It was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in the 1960s. Thi...
Fiberglass
Pair Reversible Teak Flittop End Side Tables Stools by Erik Buch for OD
By Erik Buch, O.D. Møbler A-S, Domus Danica
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive pair of fliptop stools or end tables, designed by Erik Buck in 1957. Crafted in beautiful teak with black vinyl leatherette by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri / Domus Danica. Highl...
Wood, Faux Leather, Teak
Jean Prouvé Tabouret Solvay / Bois Stool in Solid Natural Walnut by Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Tabouret Bois (Solvay) is designed by Jean Prouvé and manufactured by Vitra. The design of the Tabouret Bois clearly bears the signature of Jean Prou...
Metal
Midcentury Modern Wood Side Drinks Cocktail or End Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A small pair/set of Midcentury Modern rectangular wood veneered side, end, drinks or cocktails tables, circa mid-20th century. This pair/set is versatile as side tables, drinks table...
Wood
Pair of Italian Midcentury Steel and Brass Side Tables with Marble Tops
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of Italian midcentury side tables combines neoclassical influence with sleek modernist sensibilities. Each table features a round white marble top with subtle veini...
Marble, Brass, Steel
Pair of Japanese Samurai Saddle Leather Tables with Gold Checkerboard Motif
Located in Troy, MI
A pair of modern tables made from 18th - 19th Century Japanese saddle flaps (Aori) Surfaces crafted of inlaid antique Samurai saddle pads in black lea...
Leather, Wood
Gio Ponti Occasional Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.5"dia x 29"h Designer: Gio Ponti Material: Wood Italy, c1950s
Walnut
Warren Platner for Knoll glass top on nickel plated steel base side table
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Ferndale, MI
Warren Platner designed collection for Knoll was introduced in 1966 . The frame of the Platner table collection features vertical steel wire rods welded to circular horizontal and ed...
Nickel, Steel
Alvar Aalto, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded birch side table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Hedemora, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H ...
Wood, Birch
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
Bamboo and Glass Side, End Table
By Henry Olko, McGuire
Located in New York, NY
High quality and well made bamboo end, or side, table having woven wicker trim, bamboo legs, and a glass top. In the style of Olko, Link, McGuire -Ficks Reed etc. unsigned. Please vi...
Bamboo, Glass
Cees Braakman TM04 side table for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Beautiful small side table designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. You can also use it as a serving-tray or as a magazine-rack. It is in very good condition.
Metal
FORNASETTI Butterfly Square Side Table
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original square table with transfer-printed wooden top in the design of butterflies, it can be used as a side table or center table / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s...
Wood
Magazine/Side Table Model 667 by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, 1960s
Located in Karis, Nyland
Sculptural magazine or side table model 667 designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro and manufactured by Haimi in Finland during the 1960s. Executed in black-finished fiberglass, the table feature...
Plastic, Fiberglass
Jens Risom Walnut Magazine Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model T.539 side table, designed by Jens Risom for his eponymous company in 1949. The design is defined by its sharp, wedge-shaped profile, with an angled support, broad walnut top, ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table T1 by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV & Tecno, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table T1 by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV & Tecno, 1950s
Brass
Vintage Rattan Side Table with 3 Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century side table with 3 shelves. Made in the USA circa 1970's. Perfect in any room as well as next to a sofa or in any bathroom. Measures; 33 1/2" H x 17" W x 13" D
Rattan
French Mid Century Triangle Black & Red Metal Tables by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare pair of French mid century triangular side tripod tables in black and red lacquered metal with decorative and patinated brass feet by Mathieu Matégot for Steph Simon Paris, 19...
Metal
Celina Decorações, Side Table, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and marble side table produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c. 1960s. Moderate discoloration to one of the support bars. Crack in marble top as illustrated, ...
Marble
Nesting Coffee Tables in Travertine Stone from the 1970s, Set of Three
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful set of three elegant nesting tables of three different sizes in order to be put one below the other. Hand-Crafted in Italy in the 1970s of full Travertine of very elegant m...
Travertine
Ebonized Wood and Glass Side Table Attributed to Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
Side end table composed of two shelves, the upper one in glass and the lower in wood, and a structured in ebonized wood. Attributed to Ico Parisi, Italy, circa 1950.
Glass, Wood
Aldo Tura Bar Cart or Side Table, Italy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Aldo Tura Bar Tiered Cart, Italy Made from malachite dyed goatskin to resemble marble with brass legs and casters, signed.
Brass
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Folding Tray Side Table by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versatile Danish Modern tray table designed by H. Engholm & Svend Åge Willumsen for Fritz Hansen in Denmark circa 1950s. This extraordinary and practical table design features a sculpted teak wood base with a spider leg base and a rounded teak tray...
Teak, Wood
Oak 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. Shown here in ebonized oak and wh...
Oak
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
A Lacquer Blue Carved Wood Side Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This sculptural side table, beautifully refinished in a bold blue lacquer, combines organic forms with modern elegance. Its unique texture and vibrant finish make it a striking accen...
Wood, Lacquer
Rare Midcentury Space Age Style Side Table, Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - practical
Glass, Plastic
Guillerme & Chambron Oak End Tables, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
A pair of end tables in oak by Guillerme & Chambron, a very atypical design that rests on asymmetrical legs.
Oak
Pair of Italian Bamboo Rattan Stools in the Style of Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian midcentury rattan and bamboo stools / side tables, 1950s-1960s Handcrafted These eye-catching stools / footstools can be used as end tables, side tables or nightstands. They have a nice construction and a clean design inspired in Michael Thonet bentwood stools...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Unique Pair of Triangular Coffee or Side Tables, 1960s
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Remarkable pair of side tables produced in France around 1960. The tops in triangular shape are made of a nice green formica and the decorative legs have a beautiful patina. A very p...
Formica, Wood
21st Century Bossa Side Table in Mahogany Solid Wood, Handcrafted by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Bossa Side Table in Mahogany Solid Wood, Handcrafted by Duistt The “Bossa” collection is inspired by the subtlety, particular charm, and harmonious simplicity of the Brazilian music...
Wood
Oval side table designed by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn 1920 circa
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Oval side table designed by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn, model no. 960/2, circa 1920s. Crafted in wood, the table features a refined oval top paired with a lower shelf, both ...
Wood
Bauhaus Side Table by Marcel Breuer, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
This Bauhaus side table, attributed to Marcel Breuer and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s, represents an iconic example of early modernist furniture design. The piece comb...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 'Gibran' Side Table by Lance Thompson, USA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Custom made to order any size, or finish.
Walnut
Vintage Danish Teak Side Table, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak side table, 1960s Elegant Danish Mid-century modern side or coffee table with underlying shelf. Table top with wrapped gri...
Teak