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.
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
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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Walnut Side Table
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
Mid-Century Italian Nightstand or Side Table in Bamboo, Rattan and Straw, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century nightstand or side table in bamboo, Vienna Straw and hand-woven rattan wicker. This charming organic bedside table was designed in Italy during the 1960s. Thi...
Wood, Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Rattan
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
Rise Bookstand, Minimalist Bookstand or Bookcase in Wood
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
A versatile floating stand for books, records, and display. The bookstand can be used on the ground or lifted on a tabletop and is great for showcasing your favorite paraphernalia. T...
Oak
Marble Top Tulip Saarinen Style Side Table
By Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Measures 20.5 diameter with a height of 20 inch makes this a great side table with num...
Carrara Marble, Enamel, Steel
Vivai del Sud Pair of Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Mid-Century nightstands, fully hand-made in bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker, completed with a crystal glass top. These unique organic nightstands were produced...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass
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
Pair of Leon Rosen for Pace Brass Mounted Cube Side/ Drinks Tables
By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Leon Rosen for Pace Brass Mounted Cube Side/Drinks Tables USA, circa 1970s A rare find is a pair of Leon Rosen Pace Brass Mounted Cube Side/Drinks Tables, with the brass mou...
Brass
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
Tole Painted Italian Lidded End Table Marblized End Papers 1940s/50s
Located in Camden, ME
This rare and whimsical Italian end table, crafted in the 1940s–50s, takes the imaginative form of a stack of antique books, rendered in hand-painted tole. With its lively palette of...
Tôle, Tin
Vintage 1970s Drexel Parsons Black and Gold Oil Drop Lacquered Side Tables, Pair
By Drexel
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage 1970s Drexel black and gold lacquered oil drop finish Parsons rectangular wood side tables. Original finish in a distinctive oil drop technique featuring free-form gold spe...
Wood, Lacquer
Faux Marble Column End / Side Table / Pedestal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Faux Marble column base side / end table
Wood
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
Cork Topped Narrow Side Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Narrow Side Table is made of solid American walnut or white oak and features a lower shelf and your choice of a cork or bronze mirror top. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is desig...
Cork, Oak
Rosewood Parquetry Table by Arne Vodder for France & Son
By Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
Parquetry checkerboard rosewood top, on box jointed legs. Expected quality of design and construction from the recognized master Arne Vodder. Classic Danish Modern table, fully and...
Rosewood
Rare Gio Ponto for Singer & Sons Two-Tiered Side Table w/ Drawer in Mahogany
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made over 70 years ago in Italy, this side table was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponto for limited production by Singer and Sons. Like most of Ponti's designs, this model has v...
Mahogany
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in New Windsor, NY
Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...
Iron
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
Danish Modern Low Profile Side Table by Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Sleek Danish modern low profile side table by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960s. The tab;e is in very good vintage condition and measures 18.25"W x 14.25"D x 18.25"H. Very nice high qual...
Teak
Gueridon Coffee Table with 4 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made from four ceramic tiles created in the 1970s by Roger Capron, one of the most renowned ceramists of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed, and v...
Metal
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Table with Blue Glass Top
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Table with Blue Glass Top, Italy 1950's Classic Italian Wood Mid-Century Table with Glass Top. No detail has been spared ...
Mirror, 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 20th Century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Tables, Set of 2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Also great together as a small coffee tables. Angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful wood grain,...
Wood
Pair of Bamboo Rattan Round Stools or Side Tables, Franco Albini Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian midcentury rattan and bamboo stools, 1950s-1960s These eye-catching stools / footstools can be used as end tables, side tables or nightstands. They were entirely made by hand and have a nice construction and a clean design inspired in Michael Thonet bentwood stools...
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
A Pair of Eileen Gray Polished Chrome and Glass Tables
Located in Queens, NY
A Pair of Eileen Gray Polished Chrome and Glass Tables
Glass
Classic Modernist Isamu Noguchi 'Cyclone' Side Table for Knoll
By Isamu Noguchi, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Isamu Noguchi 'Cyclone' Side Table for Knoll.. Black laminate top.. Approx 25 years old
Chrome, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Vintage TV Side Table, Cabinet, Beechwood, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
TV side table from the 1960s. It was manufactured in Poland in 1960s. The table was made of beechwood, it was also full renovated. Excellent condition. Absolutely unique and rare item.
Beech
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
Vintage Ikea modulair side table by Richards Brill en A. Williams
By IKEA
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Ikea modulair side table by Richards Brill en A. Williams
Metal
Pair of Italian Midcentury Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
By Melchiorre Bega, Dassi, Gio Ponti, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s neoclassical pair of bedside tables with front flip opening and great pattern design of the walnut veneer wood and lacquered glass top. Great d...
Brass
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Side Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960s we offer this Mid-Century Modern tulip side table made in the Knoll factory that was installed in Mexico. The white pedestal base is cast aluminum. The Tulip table is ver...
Aluminum
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Side End Table
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Table is good structurally. There are some wear on the finish consistent with the age. 5mm or so section of caning is missing. There are couple of small dents on the top. Condition i...
Walnut, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Two Tiered Side End Table Adrian Pearsall for Lane
By Lane Furniture, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sculptural Mid-Century Modern octagonal side, end or drinks table by Lane Furniture. Sleek and stylish and very unique. Features gorgeous walnut wood frame with a beautiful parquetry...
Wood
Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Side Tables
By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century modern Hollywood Regency brass and glass side tables or nightstands By Leon Rosen for Pace Collection USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 24.75"W x 15"D x 16...
Brass
Pair of Teak Architectural Frame End Tables by Henning Norgaard
Located in Denton, TX
Teak geometric side tables with glass tops by Henning Norgaard for Komfort.
Glass, Teak
White Washed Oak Sur Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White washed oak sur table by Lawson-Fenning. The Sur Table features a series of geometric shapes stacked on top of each other with solid wood details. Available in American walnut o...
Oak
Stan Bitters Ceramic Mushroom Stool / Side Table
By Stan Bitters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom stool or side table by Stan Bitters, USA. This piece features a round glazed ceramic top with floral motif and an unglazed stoneware base. Perfect as a petite side table, fo...
Ceramic
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Side Table and Storage Cabinet in Mushroom for Verpan
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Glendale, CA
Verner Panton 'Barboy' side table and storage cabinet in mushroom for Verpan Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His innovat...
Chrome
Expertly Restored - Paul Frankl Cork Top Side Table for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
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...
Brass
Italian Modern, Rattan, Bamboo, Cane, Side Table, Italy, 1960s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern, Rattan, Bamboo, Cane, Side Table, Italy, 1960s A modernist rush, rattan, and debarked wood side table designed and produced in Italy in the second half o...
Bamboo
Small 1960s Teak Plant or Side Table in Teak & Wire-Steel - Guitar Pick Shape
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small side, lamp or plant table featuring a guitar-pick shaped table top in teak with brass alloy accents and bed wired steel legs. A very graphic look due to its simple constructi...
Aluminum, Steel
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
Pair of Brazilian Mid-Century Nightstands in Caviúna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
This refined pair of nightstands was produced in Brazil during the 1950s by an as-yet unidentified designer, and stands as a quiet yet compelling expression of early Brazilian modern...
Brass
Mid-Century Metal and Glass Ashtray Vide Poche Side Table, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb side table with a glass vide poche was crafted in France circa 1950. The rare geometric three-foot stand features its original black-painted metal, with chromed metal bal...
Metal
Art Deco Fontaine Console Table, Macassar Ebony, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Fontaine Console Table, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Fontaine console table is named after Jean de La Fontaine, the renowned Frenc...
Onyx, Marble, Travertine, Brass, Stainless Steel, Gold Leaf
Spanish Rattan Stool or Small Bench with Cane Seat
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching handcrafted bamboo and woven wicker cane stool / side table. This Mid-Century Modernist bamboo and woven rattan / wicker rectangular stool or small bench was handcrafted ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Austrian Midcentury Beechwood Side Table with Cord and Glass Top by Max Kment
By Max Kment, Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment
Located in Vienna, AT
Amazing Austrian midcentury side table or coffee table designed by the Austrian Architect Max Kment and manufactured by his Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte in Vienna in the early 1950s. ...
Cord, Glass, Beech
Giacometti Style Brutalist Side Table, Metal & Glass, Mid-Century
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking mid-century brutalist side table featuring forged metal designed base with sculptural baluster-form legs and an elegant stretcher design, topped with a thick beveled glass...
Metal
Lane AltaVista Two Tiered Round Side Table, c. 1956
Located in Ross, CA
Lane Alta Vista two tiered round side table. The table has a band of gold metal connected by four brass accents. The table was hand crafted in Virginia in 1956.
Fruitwood
1940s Pair of Bedside Tables by Jindřich Halabala , Czechoslovakia
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - good original condition - cleaned - polished
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Teak Night Stand Side Table with Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Modern nightstand from Sweden, circa 1960. This Scandinavian teak side table has a slight curve at the edge of the tabletop, turned tapered legs, and a small drawer with a mid-mod pull. This Swedish Modern table is perfectly sized for use as a Minimalist bedside table...
Teak
Pair of French pierced metal side tables
By Rene Malaval
Located in London, GB
Pair of stripped pierced metal side tables. These tables have At some point been painted and there are some minor traces of paint left. They can stack and are ideal and very smart si...
Metal
Pair Mid Century Lane "Monte Carlo" Side or End Tables - Walnut + Mosaic Tile
By Lane Furniture, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Decatur, GA
PAIR of Lane "Monte Carlo" side or end tables, circa 1960s. American black walnut and warm gray ceramic mosaic tile. Mortis and tenon joinery. Fully restored and in excellent, ready ...
Ceramic, Walnut
A & P.G.Castiglioni for Kartell Rocchetto Side Table, Italy 1960s
By Kartell, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Naples, IT
Rare coffee table Mod. "Rocchetto," designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Kartell and made of ivory ABS plastic. "Rocchetto" means "reel" in Italian which serves as the ...
Plastic
Paul McCobb Mahogany Side Table with Brass X Cross Stretcher c. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Smart and elegant mid century modern mahogany side table with sexy brass X cross stretcher designed by none other than top furniture designer of the time Paul McCobb. Simple lines ma...
Brass
Pair of 'Arra' Organic Rattan Side Tables
Located in Oxford, GB
Gracefully balanced off centred 'Arra' Organic Rattan Side Table, they come as a pair. Featuring a drum base, with intricate rattan overly and organic leaf and floral patterns. The b...
Rattan