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.
1950s Italian Modern Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with opaline glass diffusers. The design is sculptural and minimal, characterized by a compact wall structure and a soft...
Metal, Brass
Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1960 , France
By Roger Capron
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Roger Capron "Shogun" Coffee Table, 1960s French Design, Ceramic & Wood, Japandi Style Description: This iconic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, created in France during ...
Ceramic, Wood
1920s Belgian White Opaline Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vissolite, Belgium 1920s White opaline Ar Deco Flush Mount Metal glass holder with white porcelain bulb holder Diameter glass holder 16 cm / 6.3 inches Weight: 1.00 kg / 2.2 lb Pr...
Nickel
beautiful Cute Brass Monkey Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking brass metal sculpture was most likely produced in Italy during the 1980s. Crafted from blackened brass, the piece reflects the clean lines and sculptural presence assoc...
Brass
Cute Petite Ceramic Shade Pendant Light, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite ceramic pendant light. Made in Italy, circa 1960s by a ceramic Company. The combination of the brass, white cord and a cream colored ceramic shade makes the pendant lamp a gem...
Brass
$595Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Walnut Neoclassical Pierced Accent Twin Size Pineapple Post Bed
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid Century walnut twin size bed featuring Neoclassical styling with floral and ribbon crested headboard, brass pineapple posts, and fluted columns with tapered legs and large castor...
Walnut
Mid-Century Light Amber Glass Sconce Flush Mounts
By WILA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with light amber clear glass. 1960-1970 Weight: 2.00 kg / 4.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inte...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Italian Long Midcentury Set of Three of Murano Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long Italian Set of Three clear amber Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Ve...
Metal
Pair of glass wall sconces - 6 acid-etched alabaster glass discs
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 6 acid-etched alabaster glass discs. Bronze/gold painted metal frame. Period: late 20th century Dimensio...
Art Glass
Sculptural Italian Mid-Century Pendant Lamp with Brass and Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in Milano, IT
The structure is composed of black lacquered metal with brass elements forming a delicate, rhythmic cage around the diffuser. The central body in satin opaline glass softly diffuses ...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Opaline Glass & Brass Caged Lantern Pendant, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This mid-century pendant was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. The light features a lantern-style pendant with a white opaline glass shade enclosed within a polished...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativ...
Walnut
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Amber Ball Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a stacked ball stem design in a dark muted amber color. An etched d...
Glass
1970s Sciolari Waterfall 7 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Waterfall 7 arms chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier , USA. 260 optical quality glass rods hanging from a thick and solid brass structure . Contain 7 regular E26 Edison...
Brass
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy This striking side table by the iconic Italian designer Piero Fornasetti dates to the 1970s and featur...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Tambour-Door Credenza by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
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
Poul Henningsen Vintage PH-80 Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen Denmark 1970s
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Tilburg, NL
Louis Poulsen Vintage PH-80 Table Lamp. Denmark, 1970s. A wonderful vintage PH-80 table lamp by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen. This particular piece is an original 1970s product...
Metal
1990s Gorgeous "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Piero Fornasetti "Aquarium" Floor Lamp for Antonangeli The "Aquarium" floor lamp, is a rare collaboration between the legendary Piero Fornasetti and Antonangeli. Produced in th...
Plastic
1980s Extra-Large Granite Coffee Table with Pedestal Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental coffee table produced in the Netherlands during the 1980s demonstrates the period's embrace of raw, elemental materials. The design relies on pure geometric forms: a thick...
Stone, Granite
1960 Gerald Thurston 6 arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant chandelier from Gerald Thurston for Lightolier , USA. Pierced and slightly folded punched hole in an enameled aluminium shade sitting on a brass stucture . Glass diffuser un...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of vintage Murano Rondini wall sconces – gold glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano trasparent RONDINI glasses mixed with gold powder , golden plated metal frame, condition like new. The glasses are very...
Art Glass
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 80 glasses - green alabaster glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 80 large green alabaster glass tube. The alabaster techni...
Blown Glass
Quadriedri Murano Chandelier, 47 Multicolored Prisms
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic vintage Murano chandelier made by 47 Murano multicolored crystal prism "quadriedri" in a nickel metal frame. The glass are in 2 different dimension: 28 bigger and 19 smalle...
Art Glass
1950s Italian Stilnovo Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, crafted in brass with black lacquered brass accents and opaline glass diffusers. The design reflects the refined ...
Metal, Brass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 6
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a classic ribbed green stem. An etched design of grape vines decora...
Glass
Mid-Century Vases - Dino Martens - Murano Glass - Zanfirico Spiral Decoration
By Dino Martens, Aureliano Toso
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of three Mid-Century Murano glass vases attributed to Dino Martens for Aureliano Toso, Italy. These elegant conical vases feature delicate zanfirico spiral canes enca...
Glass
Scalloped Flower Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, France 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scalloped Flower Shaped Flush Mount Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron France, 1930s-1940s. Sculptural ceiling light fixture with scalloped dome spherical plate, gilt iron, gold leaf. __________________________________________________________________________ This exquisite flower or shell style handmade flush mount light was crafted from iron. This stunning ceiling flush mount was nicely constructed featuring a shell like gilt iron semi-sphere finished in gold leaf. The central sphere is heavily hand-hammered with stripes and it shows its original gold leaf gilding with a dramatic aged patina. This piece was entirely made by hand and shows a nice hand-crafted metalwork. The central panel is heavily adorned by the hammer marks. Its design combines Art Deco inspiration and Hollywood Regency accents. It can be placed as a flush mount or as a pendant hanging from a chain at the desired height. Designed to blend timeless elegance with artisanal craftsmanship. The shell or flower like design reflects soft ambient light beautifully, making it perfect for living room, dining room, hallways or bedrooms. It will be a nice addition wherever you install it. Newly wired. Overall Measures: 31 cm diameter x 8 cm H Shell Dome Light Fixture...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$5,295 / item
Adjustable Orion Glass Pendant Lamp from Staff
By Peill & Putzler, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Glashütte Limburg, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Staff Leuchten
Located in München, DE
Extremely impressive Orion pendant lamp from the 1960s. Extraordinary design and a real highlight for every design lover. The lighting effect of the lamp is extremely comfortable. ...
Metal
Floor Lamp Moonstone, 1970s designed by Andre Cazenave
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury modern 1970s André Cazenave floor lamp model Moon Rock Lamp. Designed around 1970. Handcrafted polyester resin and marble powder a beautiful decorative light object for yo...
Fiberglass
Original 1960's Fallout Shelter Sign Type FS 2 Cold War Era Galvanized Steel
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare Original 1960s Fallout Shelter Sign: Type FS-1 Aluminum Cold War Era, DOD OCD Issue A stark and unforgettable artifact of the atomic age, this original Type FS-1 Fallout Shelt...
Steel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Premium Rosso Levanto Marble Table With Tapered Solid Base, Customizable Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
ROSSO LEVANTO MARBLE DINING TABLE Type of Marble: Rosso Levanto Dimensions: 72" x 36" (Custom sizes available) Leg Model: Rosso Levanto (Custom leg models available) Customization:...
Travertine, Marble
Vintage Silver Cutlery Set for 12 people, Italy, 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This amazing set of 51 cutlery pieces in 800 silver plated is an authentic expression of the Italian silverware tradition. Made in Italy in the 1960s. Each piece is marked with the "...
Silver
1 of 6 Large Murano Glass Wall Sconces Venini Style, Italy, 1970s
By Venini
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Murano wall lights, in the style of Venini, made in Italy, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned and well-wired. Each sconce requires 1 x E27 stand...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778, Solid Cherry, 1970s Italy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dining Table Model 778 for Cassina, Italy 1970s – Square Solid Wood Italian Modern Design A rare and elegant 1970s dining table, designed by Afra & Tobia...
Cherry
Mid-Century Chinoiserie Black Lacquer TV & Stereo Console with Olympic KC370 TV
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Black Lacquered Wood, Hand Painted Panels Designer: Olympic Manufacturer: Olympic This striking Olympic TV & stereo console is ...
Wood
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Lounge Chairs, Mohair, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige mohair lounge chair designed and produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, 1950s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use, including minor natural wood cr...
Mohair, Oak
1970’s Pair of Vintage Italian Murano Wall Lights, 10 Pink Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 10 fantastic Murano pink and transparent glasses ("crostoli") in a metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, Made in Italy, 1970s. This Chair is made of an electro-welded, chrome-plated steel rod. This type is in the version with genuine leathe...
Steel
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte
Located in London, GB
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte Opaline frosted, clear blown glass with upwards and downward blown glass leaves decor. The light bulbs a...
Blown Glass
Gerben van Hes Ceramic Table Lamp, Twentsch Ros, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gerben van Hes and made in his own studio 'Twentsch Ros’ in the Netherlands in the 1960s. The base is signed/inscribed with Hes on the underside....
Ceramic, Fabric
Mid-Century Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, Teak, Integrated Desk
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Cadovius designed this two-section wall-mounted shelving system for Royal System in Denmark, combining functional storage with elegant Danish Modern design. The unit features bl...
Metal, Enamel
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
By Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...
Aluminum, Brass
Nordisk Solar Brutalist Pendant Lamps by Anton Fogh Holm & Alfred J. Andersen, 1
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A green and a purple pendant light in original patinated, superficially corroded - undisturbed conditions. Have them painted in the colors of your choice your self or use them as is ...
Iron
Achille Castiglioni Cocoon Suspension Light by Flos, Italy 1960s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Achille Castiglioni cocoon suspension light by Flos Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Resin and enameled steel frame. Resin was applied to the frame with spraying techniqu...
Steel
Carlo Enrico Rava, Console Table, Brass, Marble, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted brass and marble console table designed by Carlo Enrico Rava, Italy, c. 1950s. Patina brass legs. Minor natural imperfections in marble. Overall Dimensions (inches)...
Marble, Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Union Made Carpenters
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
Pair Foo Dog Bronze Figure Statues Paperweight, Asia Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of Vintage Foo Dog Sculptures in Brass or Bronze This elegant pair of vintage Foo Dog sculptures was acquired from an estate sale in Bologna, Italy. Handcrafted in brass or bro...
Metal, Bronze
Mid Century West German Pottery Vase by Bay Keramik - Red and Blue
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century West German Pottery vase by Bay Keramik. Finished in a two toned red and blue glaze with a brown interior. Serial number on the base and marked Bay, W-Germany.
Pottery
Studio Kastilia Silvi, Italian White & Cream Vanity Table with Blue Seat, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century transformable Kastilia vanity table in a charming and unique ivory-white and cream color completed by blue upholstered chair. This stunning piece was designed i...
Metal
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier - 24 glasses - "Bubbles" Model
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier in Vistosi style. The structure is composed of a series of glass squares with raised glass hemispheres at their centers, arranged in a geometric pa...
Art Glass
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table from the 1960's. Simple lines with tapered legs and 2 extensions which greatly elongates the size. Inlaid border around top sur...
Wood
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier, 78 Glasses, Pink Fuxia Silk
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large pink fuxia silk glass tubes in a star shape. Per...
Blown Glass
1970s Gorgeous Verner Panton Style "Quadrat" Geometric Space Age Op Art Rug.
Located in Milano, IT
1970s This gorgeous space age "Quadrat" model rug in whool embodies the distinctive style of Verner Panton, featuring a mesmerizing geometric design that commands attention. A true w...
Wool
Maison Jansen Brass and Crystal Tiny Round Bar Cart, France, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous compact Mid-Century round bar cart in solid brass and crystal glass. This elegant piece was produced by Maison Jansen in France during the 1950s. In excellent condition, th...
Metal, Brass
German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Green Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and classic ribbed stems in a green color. Each glass measures 3.25"Di...
Glass
Ufo Design Brass Body & Printed Glass Large Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Ufo Design Brass Body & Printed Glass Large Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy **Handcrafted brass ornate frame, hanging stick and top-down details. Lampshade is in good condition and very ...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Red Lacquered Chandelier with Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century pendant chandelier from the 1950s, characterized by a light and geometric structure that combines slender brass rods with red lacquered metal elements. The fixtur...
Metal, Brass
Cocoon Table Lamp Gatto by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos Italy 60s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Palermo, IT
A masterpiece of Italian mid-century design, the “Gatto” table lamp was created by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This sculptural lamp features a diffu...
Metal
$960Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Cartier in Excellent condition.
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Paper