Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Paintings

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 legendary 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.

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.

49
2,657
129
30
to
325
2,103
613
2,816
2,816
2,816
2,622
690
394
368
309
239
193
108
87
70
57
57
50
45
43
36
28
12
2,645
159
24
1,549
628
1
6
36
91
299
437
419
68
41
Height
to
Width
to
1,214
1,161
1,115
865
499
1,333
1,209
990
401
113
83
66
29
23
11
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Oil on Canvas by Armilde Dupont, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Oil on Canvas by Armilde Dupont, Belgium
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Framed Painting by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1960s, Ink on Paper, Abstract
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1960s. Ink on paper, framed. Signed. Artwork dimensions: H: 45 cm W: 58 cm Frame dimensions: H: 63 cm W: 72.5 cm D: 6 cm
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Oil Painting on Canvass by Josep Moncada Titled : Where Are You Taking Me?
Located in London, GB
A fantastic contemporary oil painting on canvass by Josep Moncada titled: Where are you taking me? Josep Moncada (b. 1967) is a gifted and renowned Spanish painter, mostly known for...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original Abstract Painting "My Teacher" by Norman Liebman
Located in West Hartford, CT
An original abstract portraiture titled "My Teacher" by listed artist Norman Liebman. Signed on back. Framed in black. Norman Liebman: Abstract Expressionist Painter Norman Liebman,...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Woman in the Summer Portrait on Canvas
Located in Long Island City, NY
Woman in the Summer Portrait on Canvas
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Georges Vaxelaire, Oil On Canvas "Composition géométrique", 1975, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Georges Vaxelaire, oil on canvas "Composition géométrique", 1975. Signed and dated.
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Georges Vaxelaire, Oil on Canvas "composition géométrique orange", 1973, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
G. Vaxelaire, oil on canvas "composition géométrique orange", 1973, Belgium. Signed and dated.
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andrea Razzaauti Painting of Irish Poppy Field
Located in Buchanan, MI
Andrea Razzaauti (Italian, B. 1954) Irish poppy field. Oil on canvas, signed lower right; signed and titled en verso Dimensions: 12" x 16" Frame: 16.25" x 20.5".
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Midcentury Oil Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury abstract oil painting frame in simple wood frame.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas, Wood

Oil Painting by John Mackay of Brenda Cochrane
Located in London, GB
This is an original vintage oil painting on canvass, by the well known British artist John Mackay. It depicts the Scottish singer Brenda Cochrane, and date...
Category

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Superb oil Painting "Vietnamese Women under Flamboyant Trees" by André Maire
By André Maire
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning oil on cardboard painting by André maire (1898-1984) representing two Vietnamese ladies under Flamboyant trees. Oil paintings by André Maire are a lot more scarce than his g...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Brussels Street Scene Painting on Canvas, Victor Petré, Belgium, circa 1960
Located in Brussels, BE
Brussels street scene painting on canvas, Victor Petré, Belgium, circa 1960.
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Selection of Modernist Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of modernist art, circa 1950s. From left to right, they are: 1) SOLD Modernist nudes painting by Lillian Lent, American, circa 1950s. It is executed on board in it's original frame. It measures 14.5" H x 16.5" W. Lillian Lent lived and worked in the Woodstock Artist colony in New York. She attended the Tyler School of Fine Art in Philadelphia. In 1959, she was awarded first prize for one of her paintings from the Albany Museum. Among some of the galleries to exhibit her work were the Albright Gallery, the Norlyst Gallery, and The Creative Gallery. 2) Amedeo Modigliani lithograph...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Mid-Century Large Snow Leopard Painting in Original Frame
Located in Wichita, KS
Large format Vintage Mid-Century Modern painting of a Snow Leopard. The painting maintains its original frame and is signed by the artist. The theme of this painting was very popul...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Margaret Ash Abstract, 1950s Mixed Media Painting
Located in San Diego, CA
Abstract mixed media painting on panel titled "Pacific #2" by Margaret Ash, circa 1950s. Retains label from Esther Bear Gallery in Santa Barbara, California.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Colorful Painting by Joan Longas: 'Abri las Ventanas'
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a visual journey with this captivating artwork by Joan Longas, titled "Abri las Ventanas." Created around the year 2000, this vibrant painting emanates the warmth and charm...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Expressionsit Original Oil Portrait Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embrace artistic heritage with our Vintage Boho Original Oil Portrait on Canvas, capturing the essence of American creativity and bohemian spirit. Crafted by skilled hands, this port...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Photorealism Acrylic on Canvas Titled “Chris” After Chuck Close
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Large acrylic on canvas portrait of a young man with a facial piercing, featuring mosaic like cells that were popularized by the world renowned artist Chuck Close. The reverse bears ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Large Mid-Century Gold Leaf Painting with Gold Leaf Custom Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Large and remarkable painting with watercolor, charcoal, pastel crayon and gold leaf techniques. The custom hand made frame is gilt wood with lacquer. The piece is in very good condi...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Giltwood

Bernard Boesch painting French c.1939
Located in London, GB
Fabulous early oil painting by Bernard Boesch. French artist. Trained architect and artist. Influenced by Raoul Dufy, this painting is a rare early example of Boesch’s work. Titled « Tapis Rouge...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Abstract Midcentury Oil Painting on Board Industrial Scene by F. David Taggart
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A striking 1960s abstract painting, possibly of a Northern England Industrial street scene. Oil on board signed FD Taggart (British born 1937), with indistinctive title to the back. ...
Category

1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Massive Cheetah Coalition Oil Painting by Anderson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn your wall into a force of nature with this immersive, massive work of art. Created by mid-century American artist Anderson, it features an imposing coalition (or pack) of 3 big ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Wood, Oak

Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting by Rene Leidner, France (1921-2004)
By René Leidner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mid Century Abstract Painting by Rene Leidner, France (1921-2004) titled "Le Mannequin" 1991 René Leidner work has been offered at auction multiple times. Among his creations, the...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Mid Century Painting Portrait of a Young Woman c1960 Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Trensacq, FR
Large mid century painting Portrait of a Young Woman c1960 Acrylic on canvas. Thought to be modelled on the Iconic French singer-...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Girl With Mandolin" Painting Pablo Picasso Re-creation. Sela Cubist Art Decor
Located in Peoria, AZ
Stunning! Re-creation of Pablo Picasso's Iconic Cubist Painting "Girl With Mandolin" Signed verso: Sela Dimensions: 36" by 24" In the late 1980's Picasso artwork was really start...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Vintage Edwardian Street Painting, English, Original, Oil, Cornish School
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage Edwardian street painting. An English, original oil on canvas in giltwood frame , dating to the late 20th century. John Bampfield (1947 - ) is a British arti...
Category

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Gold Framed Mid 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressionist Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting Gold Framed A very serene abstract, painted in oil. Seemingly simple and relaxed scene yet very effective in composition. Sweeping brus...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vastian Contemporary Abstract Painting Fabric and Wood, 2010
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vastian contemporary abstract painting fabric and wood, 2010. Materials: Fabric Wood. Important information regarding color(s) of products: Actual colors may vary. This is due to t...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Figurative Oil Painting
Located in Fulton, CA
A figurative oil painting of four female figures at a table. Artist signed but undecipherable. Measures 44 inches wide, 32.5 inches high.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Painting by Roan Barrion 'Untitled Abstract 018’
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Abstract painting by Roan Barrion, 2024, acrylic and ink on board.
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Painting by Roan Barrion 'Untitled Abstract 017’
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Abstract painting by Roan Barrion, 2024, acrylic and ink on board.
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Vintage Still Life Floral Bouquet JS Rosinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful floral bouquet still life. Oil on board. Dramatic color scheme framed in period mid century style. signed JS Rosinger
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Nude Pan with Pipes", Large, Vivid Painting w/ Male Nude by Broadway Designer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Like his contemporary, Raoul Pene du Bois, Waldo Angelo served as an important designer for Broadway productions over decades, but in his private time, he produced a number of beauti...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Framed Paint, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Manufactured Spain, circa 1970. Materials: Wood, paper. Dimensions: D 1,5 x W 24,7 cm x H 30,7 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor signs of wear consistent...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Framed Red Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Red Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950 Manufactured France, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, glass. Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 23,2 cm x H 38 cm The artwork is in its original condit...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Framed Blue Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Blue Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950 Manufactured France, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, glass. Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 23,2 cm x H 38 cm The artwork is in its original condit...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Small Abstract Painting on Ceramic Tile Don Totten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1903 - 1967 Totten was known for abstract art. He received many commissions from the Federal Arts Projects. He painted murals in buildings throughout California's institutions: banks...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Ray Austin Crooke, (Australian 1922-2015) Gouache On Paper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gouache on paper depicting a tropical landscape with a structure partially hidden behind shrubbery, blue waters in the background with green rolling hills in the distance set against...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Roland Vivian Pitchforth (British, 1895-1982) Watercolor Of A Coastal Scene
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Watercolor depicting a hazy coastal scene with grey vessels to the left and a white structure to the far right. Set against a cloudy grey sky. Presented in a distressed wooden frame,...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Vintage Framed and Signed Original Painting of Vibrant Scenic Landscape.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vibrant tones in this painting are accented beautifully by the gold tone professional framing. Signed in the Lower Corner.Possibly acrylic. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as P...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Marek Halter (Poland/France, B. 1936) Figural Watercolor & Ink In Yellow & Brown
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Marek Halter is a Polish-born French writer, artist, and human rights activist. Watercolor and ink depicting 3 figures, presumedly farmers or peasants, two with tools in hand in a ye...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

"Black and Red Nude", Large Male Nude Painting by Christopher Clark, 1954
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bold and striking, this large 1950s painting of a nude male youth, executed in black gouache or charcoal on a rich, deep red ground, was made by Christopher Clark. The artist is bes...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Venetian Canal Painting, Continental School, Oil on Canvas, Venice, Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Venetian canal painting. A Continental school, oil on canvas study of Venice, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Appealing canal scene in oils, with grea...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Vintage Original Signed Painting on Canvas of Village Street Scene.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic. Painting on Canvas, nailed to the frame as shown. Peaceful city scene. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 24 W ; 1/4 D ; 28 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting in Colors in the Style of Fernand Leger Painted on Canvas, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Painting in the style of Fernand Leger, circa 1970. Painted on canvas. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Modernist Still Life Signed Lombard, d. 1958
Located in Peabody, MA
French style modernist still life signed Lombard and dated 1958.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Original Signed Landscape Painting on Canvas. Circa 1954
Located in Seattle, WA
Landscape painting of rolling green fields. Possibly acrylic paint. Signed and dated in the lower corner, 1954. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 30 W ;...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Scale Abstract Mixed Media Painting Signed Stone, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Large scale (four foot by five foot) abstract mixed media work on canvas, paint and paper, ca. 1970s, signed Stone.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Mid Century Abstract Acrylic on Canvas Signed R. Brandely
Located in Wembley, GB
An acrylic on canvas depiction of a religious scene. Signed R. Brandely, French, mid-late 20C. Stock ref. #2372 Colours remaining vibrant with light wear to the canvas. 50 x 61 cm...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

A huge modular painting with a horses theme, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
A huge modular painting with a horse motif, made in the 70s in the former Czechoslovakia. This painting is composed of 3 separate sololith panels that are joined together. It is an a...
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Signed Original Scenic Artwork of Sailboats on Canvas.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly oil or acrylic painting. Cracking and Patina to the work shows aging. The yellow sailboats are beautifully contrasted by the blue background. Vintage Condition Consistent wi...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Painting Woman in the Sea, Blue Oil on Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
This evocative oil painting depicts a woman standing defiantly amidst a turbulent sea. Clad in flowing white garments, she reaches her hands skyward, her face turned upwards in a ge...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Large "Rainforest" Painting on Bronze 1970s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Large abstract painting "Rainforest" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with deep green and blue enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970s (signed “Philip. Kelvin L...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Pewter

Adja Yunkers “Collage XXIII” Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adja Yunkers “Collage XXIII” Painting Collage and paint on canvas board, abstract composition, signed and titled verso, retains gallery labels, dated 1970, 18" x 24" board, 18 1/4" ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966 Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x H): 98 x 148 cm Condition: Good vintage condition, with signs of usage
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Framed and Signed Original Painting of Potted Plant.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic on Canvas. Beautiful tones of brown and green. Signed in the Lower Corner. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 41 W ; 1 D ; 29 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

1932 Watercolor Contemporary Abstract Still Life Flower Can Unknown Artist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful contemporary feeling watercolor. Framed in Baltimore, not sure if this is the original frame for the work. Signed and dated 1932, Unknown artist. Procured in US. W 19.5 ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Framed Giovanni Stradone Expressionist Painting, "Notturno Antico", signed 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury Italian painting by Giovanni Stradone (1911-1981), "Notturno Antico", signed on verso: "Via Salaria, 195?, Roma" Framed mixed media on canvas, expressionist style, horse...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid-century Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Peter Keil, Jacob Semiatin, Daniel Clesse, and Charles Levier. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,851.

Recently Viewed

View All