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.
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Greta M. Grossman Bench / Coffee Table w/ Drawers for Glenn of CA
By Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson Grossman
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Cart in Cherry-Red Goatskin, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in München, BY
Rare 1960s Aldo Tura serving bar cart crafted from wood, clad in cherry-red goatskin and finished with a thick, clear lacquer coating. The high-quality frame is made of brass. A hig...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
Drexel “Declaration” Walnut Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Brass Hardware ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO Coffee Table w/ Stingray Glass Top
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO coffee table for Craft Associates is a striking example of American Mid-Century Modern design, with a sculptural walnut base that feels more like functio...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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 precis...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti 'Sapo' Coffee Table in Concrete and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti, coffee table 'Sapo', glass, concrete, chromed steel, aluminum, Italy, 1972 Modern, sculptural coffee table designed by Sergio and Giorgio S...
Concrete, Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...
Brass
1970s Dutch Pine Waterfall Coffee Table or Bench, Ate van Apeldoorn Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large pine coffee table or bench in the waterfall form, designed in the style influenced by Ate van Apeldoorn's work and characteristic of Dutch minimalist furniture making in the 19...
Pine
Greta M. Grossman Marble-Top Side Table for Glenn of California
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Crema Marfil Stone Marble ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Marble
Large Walnut Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and very rare large coffee table in beautiful walnut wood, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and in amaz...
Wood, Walnut
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Moveis Teperman, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass console table produced by Moveis Teperman, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 38.0"H...
Brass
Vintage Walnut & Mosaic Tile 42" Round Coffee Table after Gordon & Jane Martz
By Lane Furniture, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this coffee table evokes the striking design language of Gordon and Jane Martz, and the excellent production typical of vintage Lane pieces designed by ...
Ceramic, Hardwood, Walnut
Vintage Japanese Kotatsu Frame 1960s Cedar Lattice Low Coffee Table
Located in San Carlos, CA
A well-made Japanese kotatsu frame, likely dating to the 1960s or 70s, in cedar with a sled base and open half-lap lattice top. The grid is constructed with notched joinery at every ...
Cedar
Pierre Chapo Large 'T20B' Dining Table with Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Pierre Chapo, Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of Pierre Chapo T20B dining table with set of ten 3758A dining chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier. Pierre Chapo, large dining table, m...
Leather, Fabric, Elm, Mahogany
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Italian Round Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, walnut, Italy, 1970s Italian round dining table from the 1970s. The design is defined by its striking base, composed of diagonally arranged slats that recall architect...
Walnut
Roger Capron Coffee Table with Floral Imprinted Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, beech, ceramic, France, 1960s This elegant French rectangular coffee table from the 1960s is a design by Roger Capron, known for his iconic ceramic work....
Ceramic, Beech
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Oak Round Tier Side Table by Lane
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...
Oak, Walnut
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Coffee Table in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper and beech, Italy, 1960s. This coffee table is an absolute eye-catcher. The copper is in beautiful, patinated condition and the vibrant yet...
Copper
Paolo Piva Style Coffee Table, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural coffee table reminiscent of the famed "Alanda" coffee table by Paolo Piva. Each unit is L-shaped, with a clear plate glass top carried by a black enameled metal wire fr...
Metal
Brutalist French Dining Table in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed table embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a...
Elm
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk with Return in Wood with Turquoise Top
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Gustavo & Vito Latis, desk with a return, mahogany, maple, formica, Italy, circa 1960 Made in Italy, this writing desk with return is a testament to the design eth...
Formica, Mahogany, Maple
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne “Chan” Coffee Table, Acid Etched Brass, 1960s
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is an iconic Philip and Kelvin Laverne "Chan" coffee table made of acid etched brass over pewter over wood and patinated brass. The table features a substantial 47.25" round top...
Brass, Pewter
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (Pequi), Brazil, 1970s This exceptional hand-carved coffee table embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: a deep ...
Hardwood
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
1970s Walnut Starburst Oval Dining Table by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis
By Osvaldo Borsani, Stow Davis
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Beautiful dining table with starburst pattern walnut top designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis, circa 1970s. Incredible walnut top sits on heavy black enameled steel and polish...
Stainless Steel
Newly Refinished - Italian Travertine Top & Walnut Coffee Table by Sligh Lowry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Travertine Tops With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and crea...
Travertine, Chrome
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Console Table, Wood, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass console table designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.75"H x 59.0"W x 20....
Glass, Wood
Expertly Restored-John Van Koert “Profile” Travertine Top Side Tables for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
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 precis...
Travertine
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
French Oval Coffee Table Vallauris Signed La Roue Ceramic & Steel circa 1960
By Vallauris
Located in Labrit, Landes
Oval coffee table with faience top signed Vallauris La Roue. Vallauris is a village in southeastern France. As early as the 16th century, it was inhabited primarily by potters who we...
Steel
84 inch Oval Oak Dining Table custom design on Knoll Pedestal base
By Aaron Saxton, Knoll
Located in South Charleston, WV
46.5" x 83.75" and 29" inch tall. Original pedestal cast iron base from the period 1955-1965 from Knoll reconditioned and like new. These original knoll bases are wider and heavier t...
Iron
George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
1950s Coen de Vries Style Desk, Birch, Beige Enameled Tubular Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact desk attributed to the style of Coen de Vries combines birch construction with a beige enameled tubular metal frame. Three drawers with turned wooden knobs occupy an asymmetr...
Metal
1950s Midcentury Italian Wood Brass Wall Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern and neoclassical design console table. The four stunning carved legs and its typical shaped white marble top give this conso...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Saarinen Style Tulip Table with Green Onyx Top and Black Enameled Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saarinen-style tulip table features a round green onyx top with a sculpted Dupont edge profile — a continuous curved form that requires specialized stone fabrication to execute. The ...
Onyx, Metal, Enamel
Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Heavy Pine Table, Denmark, 1960s
By Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Nielsen, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial solid pine table produced in Denmark during the 1960s, designed by the architectural firm Knud Friis and Elmar Moltke. The thick plank top features rounded edges and corn...
Pine
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
Mid-Century Tijsseling Rosewood Double Pedestal Desk
By Tijsseling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Dutch Mid-Century desk from Tijsseling features a floating rosewood-veneered top with rich, dark-streaked grain over a black-finished underside — a clean detail that reinforces ...
Aluminum, Chrome
French Riviera Vallauris Modernist Wrought Iron Ceramic Tile Side Table, 1960s
By Vallauris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ceramic‑Tiled Side Table with aquatic design, Vallauris, France, 1960s A beautifully crafted piece of furniture from Vallauris, France, this 1960s Mid‑Century Modern table showcases ...
Metal, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bamboo & Rattan Bar Cart, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Luxury hancrafted and elegant serving bar cart in bamboo & rattan in italian riviera style, blending organic materials with a sophisticated Mid-Century Modern silhouette. W...
Bamboo
Lacquered Goatskin Parchment Coffee Table, c. 1970's
Located in Ross, CA
Lacquered goatskin coffee table made around the 1970's in a curved waterfall design on each end. The table is not marked.
Goatskin, Lacquer
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Square Coffee Table with Smoked Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century square coffee table in dark walnut with a smoked glass top. This stylish coffee table was produced in Italy during the 1960s and is attributed to Afra & Tobia Sc...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Wood, Walnut
Large Rattan Biomorphic Coffee Table, USA 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Large Rattan Biomorphic Coffee Table, USA 1950. Very well made, ready for new home.
Rattan, Wood
Mid-Century Modern "Jacks" Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern "Jacks" Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall. Circa 1960s Features a sculptural walnut base table with a natural wood finish and an oval glass top. In Excellen...
Stained Glass, Walnut
940s Dutch Piet Zwart for Bruynzeel Attributed Writing Desk
By Bruynzeel, Piet Zwart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact Dutch writing desk attributed to Piet Zwart for Bruynzeel, dating to the 1940s. The solid oak frame is finished in a warm golden tone with f...
Laminate, Oak
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous and very versatile Mid-Century Modern solid maple "wishbone" drop-leaf extension dining table By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Measures: 94.5"W x 40"D x 29"H. (fully ext...
Maple
Vintage 70s coffee table in gilt brass and smoked glass Italian design
Located in None, IT
Coffee table with gilt brass frame with beveled corners and smoked glass top, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: He...
Brass
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Green 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
Wood and Glass Set of Three Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful set of three nesting tables in wood and smoked glass attributed to Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Smoked Glass, Wood
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted gilded wood and marble console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 35.5"W x 15.0"...
Marble
Pair of French Red/Black Tripod Gueridon Tables, Emilio Terry Style, 1950s
By Emilio Terry, Mathieu Matégot
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of side tables/gueridons was produced in France in the 1950s. Each table features a welded steel rod construction with sculptural red scrolled tripod bases and b...
Steel
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