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.
Rattan Conical Stool / Side Table with Braided Acrylic Blue Red Accents
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Modernist handcrafted stool, Rattan, Bamboo. Spain, 1960s-1970s. Rare find. This cool rattan round stool features a conical structure made of rattan rings topped by a woven r...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Acrylic, Cane
Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Step Side Table Blonde Birch M1527G
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid-Century Modern Heywood-Wakefield Step Side Table, Model M1527G A beautifully crafted mid-century modern step table by Heywood-Wakefield, model M1527G. Made from solid birch in t...
Birch
Italian Modern Brass And Glass Table
By Gio Ponti, Romeo Rega
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Brass And Glass Table. Offered is a stunning Italian mid century modern Gio Ponti inspired brass and glass table. This Italian table has a thick glass base with a twis...
Brass
Side Table in Metal, Crystal and Carrara Marble by Magistretti, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and very rare Mid-Century side table designed by Vico Magistretti and produced in Italy during the 1970s. A superb example of Magistretti’s minimalist and architectural desi...
Crystal, Carrara Marble, Metal
Mid Century Tessellated Stone Inlay Square Tapered Shape Decorative Pedestal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Signed Paul Evans City scape polished chrome double pedestal Mid-Century Modern.
Marble, Stone
2 Mid Century Modern Hourglass Shaped Sculptural Pedestal Side Tables Boho Chic
Located in Dayton, OH
Unique pair of hourglass shaped pedestals or side tables. Each is made from inlaid slivers that are patterned in a swirl shape and lead to a painted top, affixed with glass. Dimens...
Glass, Hardwood
Andrianna Shamaris Sculptural Teak Wood Side Table or Stool
Located in New York, NY
A century old teak wood mortar originally used to grind rice, is repurposed into a one of a kind sculptural side table or stool. We first turned this ancient piece upside down and sm...
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Pair of "Positano" Nightstands by Ico Parisi & Gino Sarfatti for MIM, Italy 1958
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Positano illuminated nightstands in rosewood, black enameled brass and steel designed by Gino Sarfatti and Ico Parisi and produced by MiM Roma in Italy during the late 1950s. The iconic nightstands are fully original, complete and in amazing conditions. They are signed inside. These incredibly rare and unique pair of bedside tables are in amazing conditions, made in rosewood and black enameled brass. These nightstands were designed by Parisi using Gino Sarfatti spot...
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Italian Modern Iron And Bronze Table
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Iron And Bronze Table. Offered is a handsome Italian mid century iron and bronze table, drink table, side table or lamp table with a thick travertine top. This table i...
Travertine, Bronze, Iron
Pair of Walnut One Drawer Bottom Shelf Rectangle End Tables Mint Condition
By Mersman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of walnut one drawer bottom shelf rectangle end tables mint condition.
Walnut
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
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Spring Festival Hexagonal Side Tables, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of 1960s Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Spring Festival Hexagonal Side Tables. From the incredible father/son duo Philip and Kelvin LaVerne are these rare and extremely so...
Brass, Enamel, Pewter
Vintage Italian Nightstands by Paolo Buffa, Mahogany & Glass, 1940s
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
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Trefoil Trifoliate Clover Pedestal Drum Table
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Mastercraft trefoil trifoliate clover shaped pedestal drum table base in original lacquered faux parchment finish with double band o...
Brass
Three Cedric Hartman Side Tables in Three different Finishes. Granite Tops.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Cedric Hartman end / side / occasional tables. One is frame is brass, one is bronze (photos look too dark on that one. It's a beautiful finish) and one is chromed plated brass. Al...
Brass, Bronze, Chrome
Sculptural Side Table in Hardwood & Marble, Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural side table reflects the organic formal language that defined Brazilian modernism in the mid-20th century. Executed in solid Caviúna (Brazilian hardwood), the table ar...
Marble
Pair of Borsani Style Gueridons
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of elegant side tables or gueridons. Tripod bases with pie shaped tops.
Metal
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
Gueridon Coffee Table with 4 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made with 4 ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed and varied...
Metal
Pair of Side Tables Primavera by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass, Ultima Edizione
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Iconic pair set of side end low coffee cocktail bedside nightstand tables or gueridon model Primavera by the italian designer founder of the Memphis Group Ettore Sottsass for the man...
Marble, Metal
Rohe Noordwolde (attr) Mid-Century Bamboo Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attributed to Dutch manufacturer Rohe Noordwolde, this Mid-Century side table pairs a rectangular clear glass top with a bamboo frame whose rounded corners are wrapped in cane bindin...
Bamboo, Glass
Mid-Century Tony Paul Stool or Side Table in Wicker, Wood, United States, 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Tony Paul wicker stool or stylish side table, produced in the United States in the 50s. This iconic and sturdy stool is in fabulous condition and with a charming warm color...
Wicker, Rattan, Beech
Zigara Side Table With Integrated Bookshelf In Travertine Marble
Located in Freamunde, PT
Zigara side table is a statement of artistry and precision, blending luxurious materials with functional elegance. Its striking top is crafted from stainless steel with a warm brass ...
Marble, Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti set of 2 Nero Marquina marble consoles for Skipper Italy 1970
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Almelo, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti set of 2 Nero Marquina marble consoles for Skipper in Italy 1970s This is a set of two black marble console tables called "Eros" designed by Angelo Mangiarotti fo...
Marble
Andrianna Shamaris Natural Teak Wood Round Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Impressive four inch single slab coffee table made from century old teak wood. We added three legs with wooden dowels and finished the top with a natural oil revealing the beautiful ...
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
Vladimir Kagan Unicorn Occasional Tables, Pair, Polished Cast Aluminum and Glass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Vladimir Kagan unicorn occasional tables, pair. Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. USA, 1959 / circa 1990. Cast and polished aluminum, glass. Very good condit...
Aluminum
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
Severin Hansen, Side Tables, Teak, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak side tables designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s. Minor imperfections to tabletop surfaces; wear consistent with age and use. Overall...
Teak
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
1960´s Table or bench by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Original phone bench from Denmark. Designed and produced in the 1960s by Peter Løvig Nielsen. It has minor veneer scratches but is in a good condition, with only one previous owner
Wood
Henredon Scene Two Olive Burl Square Parsons Table Mid Century Baughman
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A square parsons style table from the Iconic Henredon "Scene Two" line. The top is a patchwork of nine square burl tiles. Often attributed to Milo Baughman, the piece is unmarked an...
Burl
Antwerp Bedside Table by DeMuro Das in Ivory Carta and Antique Bronze
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
The sculptural legs and handles of the Antwerp bedside table contrast the soft color shifts in the Carta sheathing the table's body.
Bronze
Vintage Chrome & Glass Side Table, Germany 1970s, Mid Century Modern Round End T
Located in Hannover, DE
Side table from the 1970s made of chromed metal and glass. German manufacturer. Only 1 available. Good vintage condition. Stable chrome-plated metal frame with no wobbling. The glas...
Metal
Philippe Starck Style Metal and Acrylic Side Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Italian coffee table or bedside table of variable height with steel frame, base with black moulded shell and black acrylic top. The shape of the table immediately defines the aesthet...
Metal
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
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
Maison Jansen pair of two-tier side tables brass black leather 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful pair of two-tier side tables by Maison Jansen was produced with solid brass and black leather tops in the early 1960s. Its brass gallery edges and clean lines, are typ...
Brass
Modern Iron and Leather Serving Side Table Cart
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern iron and leather serving side table and cart. This smaller two-tiered round serving cart sits on gold casters and is accented with hand-antiq...
Iron
Small Square Table in Brass & Travertine, Inlay & Arabesque Details, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century square side table in brass & travertine, USA, 1960's. Chic inlay in a star motif and arabesque brackets enhance the piece. Original travertine is very handsome.
Travertine, Brass
Ward Bennett Inspired Pair Enameled Steel I-Beam Console Tables or Pedestals
By Ward Bennett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In creating a prototype, Ward Bennett actually cut off a section of a steel I-beam to achieve the raw aesthetic he was after. Here, a pair of solid enameled steel console tables or p...
Enamel, Steel
Pepe Mendoza Brass and Turquoise Enamel Folding 'Bamboo' Side Table, 1950s
By Pepe Mendoza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century Mexican Modern folding side table is an expressive and sculptural example of the brass-and-enamel work by Pepe Mendoza and his Mexico City workshop during the 1950s ...
Brass, Enamel
4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
Located in High Point, NC
A table gathers light, defines intimate space, creates a moment of pause. The Model 4947 Golightly Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth through its deceptively ...
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Small Alvar Aalto Side Table Model 86 in Birch for Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Mid-Century Modern side table model 86 by Architect Alvar Aalto for Artek. The table is in full birch with the iconic bent legs. This small size side table can be used in any room, a...
Birch
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
Modernist Alvar Aalto Round Coffee Table Model 72 in Birch for Artek, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Mid-Century Modern round coffee table model 72 by Architect Alvar Aalto for Artek from The 1950s. The table is in full birch with the iconic bent legs. This medium sized and light ta...
Birch
Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall style End Tables W/ Planters , a Pair
Located in Esperance, NY
Mid-century end tables w/ planters In the style of Adrian Pearsall - a pair.
Walnut
Rectangular Glass Coffee Table with Brass and Acrylic Glass Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This coffee table features a plexiglass and brass frame with two beveled glass shelves. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, b...
Brass
Signed John Dickinson 1970s White Plaster Low Side Table with Hoofed Feet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A signed John Dickinson plaster low side table from circa 1970 with white finish, X-Form base and hoof feet. This iconic John Dickinson plaster low side table, dating back to around ...
Plaster
Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Walnut Side Tables - Set of 2 - Refinished!
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this stunning pair of vintage Lane Rhythm walnut side tables, beautifully crafted in the iconic mid-century modern style of the 1960s. Featuring rich walnut g...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Swedish Teak Tripod Side/Drinks Tables Albert Larsson for Alberts Tibro
Located in San Francisco, CA
Each with round teak top raised on metal supports ending in teak feet; good vintage condition with minor wear and patina; Albert Larsson was a Swedish carpenter and furniture maker from the Mid-century modern period. He established his own business Alberts Tibro in 1938, and after World War II the small production team began specializing in coffee tables and multifunctional height-adjustable tables. Throughout the following decades the company grew to become one of Sweden's most successful manufacturers. In 1959 he made one of his most iconic pieces; the small wooden side table...
Teak
Drinks Table / Side Table / Gueridon in Gilt Iron with Metal Top, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Iron and Metal Spanish Drinks Tripod Table ____________________________________________________________ Wrough iron small guéridon end / side table or stand with tripod base and silv...
Metal, Iron, Brass
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
French Riviera Nightstand or Side Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wood, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful organic side table or nightstand fully made in bamboo and rattan wicker. This versatile French Riviera style table was designed in Italy in the 1970s. The main features of...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Italian Travertine Side Table or Pedestal, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Large Italian pedestal or side table, handcrafted out of travertine, fabricated in the 80's. It can be used inside or outside the house. It is made of beautiful travertine. Please t...
Travertine
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Carved Wood Base Large Curls and Leaves Coffee Table
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Mid-Century Modern coffee table with carved wooden base, large curls and leaves, thick oval shaped crystal top. 1950s.
Crystal
Pair of Italian 1950s Urn Mirrored Top Side Tables with Burnished Silver Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian vintage midcentury urn-shaped side tables with burnished silver painted finish and new custom mirrored tops. Each of these Italian side tables features a circular r...
Mirror, Wood
Pair of P800 Side Tables by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of P800 side tables or low bookcases featuring metal frames and three glass shelves each, all in a square format. The edges and corners are consistently chamfered, giving the pi...
Metal