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.
Brass Inlayed & Framed Rectangular Reverse Painted Atlas Map Top Coffee Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern reverse painted old atlas map glass top coffee table. Brass inlayed legs. The glass top is secured with brass frame. The legs are secured with wing nuts.
Brass
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Green Metal Marble Outdoor Coffee Table for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
VIDALENTA COFFEE TABLE DESIGN BY PATRICIA URQUIOLA, 2025 TABLE MODEL Square table 37x37cm, h.48 cm BASE-FRAME Moss green embossed painted metal structure TOP Glass TOP COLOUR Moss ...
Metal
Eero Saarinen Tulip Side / End Tables for Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of early Tulip side / end tables with round tops having a white Laminate finish and cast painted steel bases . From the iconic artist , sculptor , architect and furniture desi...
Steel
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
White Carrara Marble Console Tables Model ''Eros'' by Angelo Mangiarotti Italy
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 2 white Carrara marble console tables model ''Eros'' by Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper - Italy 1970s Designed by Angelo Ma...
Marble
1950s Rattan and Iron Catch-All Side Table w/ Removable Tray
Located in Oakland, CA
Rattan and iron catch-all tray side table. Handmade removable woven rattan tray that rests on a black wrought iron stand. A simple yet elegant design that blends a Mid-Century minima...
Iron
John Keal Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century square end / side tables with reverse painted glass tops mounted in a walnut frame, supported by a smaller square walnut pedestal base. (JOHN KEAL FOR BR...
Wood, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Pedestal Teak Side Table by B&M
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: B & M Manufacturer: B & M ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and...
Wood, Rosewood, Teak
Saarinen 'Tulip' Style Marble Side Tables, Netherlands, Late 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These small Dutch-made side tables follow the iconic Tulip silhouette developed by Eero Saarinen — a round pedestal column rising from a broad, flared circular foot. The tops are rou...
Marble, Metal, Enamel
Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Coffee Table, Fontana Arte Style
By Fontana Arte
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Mid Century Modern Glass Table in the style of Fontana Arte, Italy 1950s. This refined vintage coffee table showcases a beautiful combination of materials, featuring a double glass ...
Brass, Iron
Mid Century Mosaic Glass Top Table By George Briard
Located in New York, NY
Chic mosaic glass top side or end table made in Yugoslavia, designed by George Briard. This example in in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light co...
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1960s Arne Vodder Teak Side Tables for Vamo Sonderborg - Pair
Located in Emeryville, CA
Denmark’s most celebrated designers, trained under Finn Juhl, is known for his clean architectural lines, subtle organic curves, and exceptional attention to detail. Expertly crafte...
Teak
Pair of Danish Modern Tove Edvard Kindt Larsen Teak Side Tables
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this nice vintage pair of danish side tables, the tables are solid teak and are marked as shown in photos.
Teak
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Side Tables, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut side tables designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 18” H x 18” W x 18” D
Walnut
Gio Ponti Coffee Table in Walnut and Brass with Crystal, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous and incredibly rare Italian Mid-Century coffee table in walnut wood, brass, and metal with a crystal glass top. This charming coffee table is attributed to the iconic design...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" Chess Side Tables 'for Cameleonda' for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless charm of the Mario Bellini-designed "Gli Scacchi" Side Tables/Stools, a perfect complement to the iconic Camaleonda sofa. Crafted in 1971 for B&B Italia, th...
Plastic
Pair of Mid-Century Chrome Biomorphic Kidney-Form Drinks Tables
By Karl Springer, Milo Baughman
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sculptural and dramatic pair of Mid-Century Modern kidney-form biomorphic side or drinks tables in the style of Karl Springer or Milo Baughman. Each table has a low-profile pedesta...
Metal
Mid-Century Walnut and Cane Drexel Declaration End Tables by Kipp Stewart
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic example of American Mid-Century Modern design, this pair of Drexel Declaration end tables was designed by renowned designer Kipp Stewart for Drexel Furniture's celebrated D...
Walnut
Broyhill, Side Tables, Wood, Slate, USA, 1950s
By Broyhill
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of floral-engraved slate and wood side tables produced by Broyhill, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.5"H x 20.125"W x 20.0"D All items ship from High Point, No...
Slate
Romeo Rega Brass Chrome and Glass Side Table
By Romeo Rega
Located in New York, NY
Romeo Rega Brass Chrome and Glass Side Table. Midcentury Italian Brass and Chrome side table tinted glass by Romeo Rega. Angled legs with turned down corners and tint smoked glass ...
Brass, Chrome
Mid century pair of Scandinavian elm bedside tables
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid century pair of Scandinavian elm bedside tables circa 1960. Fine example of Swedish modern design. Each table veneered in a golden elm. Floating top tier above the main table ...
Elm
An Authentic Utö table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A rare and authentic version of the iconic Utö table designer Axel Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1932. This particular Utö represents one of the rarer and...
Pine
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne “Lo-Ta” Side Table, Bronze and Pewter, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Hexagonal Lo-Ta side table by Philip LaVerne and Kelvin LaVerne, executed in bronze and pewter with natural patination. The table retains its original hexagonal form and reflects the...
Bronze, Pewter
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
Baker Burl Walnut Square Brass Gallery Top Drawer Side Lamp Table Night Stand
By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker burl walnut square brass gallery top drawer two tier side lamp table night stand.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lane “Perception” Coffee Table by Warren Church, 1955
Located in Morristown, NJ
A striking Mid-Century Modern coffee table from the iconic “Perception” line designed by Warren Church for Lane Furniture, produced on January 24, 1955. Crafted in richly grained wal...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Axel Larsson - Smoker’s Table with Metal Top
By Axel Larsson
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Smoker’s table designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors in the 1930s, model 837. Open shelving layout with a central vertical divider, allowing stora...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables, Mahogany & Brass, France, 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of side tables from mid-century modern France. Each is made of solid wood construction with a flamed mahogany veneer. Each has two doors that open outward to an interior storage...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Clear Acrylic Lucite Pedestals or Side Tables
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple matching pair of acrylic pedestals in 2 sizes. The taller measures 36 inches in height and the smaller measures 24 inches.
Acrylic
Pair of Round Scalloped Edge Side Tables
By Baker Furniture Company, Maitland Smith
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality polished pewter like metal bases with glass tops tables.
Pewter
Pair of Mid-Century French Brass and Smoked Glass Two-Tier Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
This refined pair of mid-century French side tables was crafted circa 1950 and features an elegant brass metal frame with clean, architectural lines. The slender, turned legs are det...
Metal
Maison Jansen Style 3 Tier Steel And Brass Side Table
Located in New York, NY
1970's modern 3 tier steel and brass side table or pedestal in the style of Maison Jansen, with some wear and patina due to age and use, Made In Italy, this piece is well made and ve...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Lawson-Fenning Sur Side Table, Walnut, Modern Pedestal Table
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
Gordon & Jane Martz Ceramic Tile Side Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gordon & Jane Martz design walnut and ceramic top side table. High quality construction and materials combine for a perfect drinks table. Ready to install and enjoy.
Ceramic, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table w/ Open Bookshelf
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 design...
Birch
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
Bentwood Side Table by Josef Kohn, Austria, Mid-Century Modern, 1930s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant bentwood side table by Josef Kohn dating from the 1930s, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and lightness typical of the Austrian manufacturer’s early-20th-century product...
Wood, Bentwood
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Drum Side Table, Newly Refinished
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern white lacquered drum side table By Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 21"W x 21"D x 18.5"H. Professionally refinis...
Wood, Lacquer
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
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
Geometric German Glass and Brass Coffee Table by Peter Ghyczy, 1980's
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Original glass table from the 1980's - Germany.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Plaster Rock and Glass Square Side Table Table by Sirmos
By Sirmos
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural faux rock formation table made by Sirmos in the 1970s. It features a plaster molded rock formation base with a clear glass top.
Glass, Plaster
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
Black Glass and Metal Side Table by Arredamenti Allegri Parma Italy 70s
Located in Lucija, SI
Modernist side table with castors. Made by Areddamenti Allegri Parma in the 70s. Made of laquered steel and smoked glass top.
Metal
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
20th Century, Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Glass Table mod. 1817/1
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
Italian Modern, Rattan, Bamboo, Cane, Side Table, Italy, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Pair Bedside / Side Tables in Mahogany, 1930's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair Bedside / Side Tables in Mahogany, 1930's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions...
Mahogany
35.5" Fan Leg Side Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, TX
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was born at Kuortane, Finland, February 3, 1898. He received his diploma in architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921. There were few com...
Birch
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 21 wide x 27 deep x 24.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear on Top Tabl...
Walnut
Vintage Parquet Burl Wood Drinks Tables - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sophisticated pair of vintage drinks tables is a masterclass in Postmodern geometric design and material contrast. The upper sections are meticulously crafted with richly figure...
Burl
Henredon Fine Furniture Walnut Bookmatched Side Table
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Mahogany Pedestal Tripod Candle Stand Side Table. Measures 25.75" in width, 25.75" in depth and 22.75" in height.
Walnut
Mid-Century Style Flute Rattan Side Table with Hidden Storage - Oak Finish
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Flute Bedside Table features beautifully woven rattan in a wavy pattern, reflecting the timeless design of our signature shell collection. Ins...
Rattan
Midcentury Pair of Side Tables in Rattan, Bamboo and Glass, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing pair of side tables or bedside tables with two-tier in bamboo, rattan and glass top. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass
Maison Bagues Faux Bamboo Drinks Side Table with Magazine Rack in Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Hollywood Regency gilt iron faux bamboo drinks table with magazine rack and foliage details, France, 1950s. In the manner of Maison Baguès. This beautiful rectangular ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
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
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
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
Small Tabouret Table by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The small Tabouret table is a Moroccan inspired side table with six sides that can be made in American walnut or white oak. Available in two sizes. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is ...
Walnut
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