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.
Framed Vintage Life-Size Marilyn Monroe Pin-Up Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
A super fun vintage framed life-size pin-up poster of a young Marilyn Monroe in a red and white striped bikini and showing her Classic shining smile.
Paper
Marilyn Monroe The Last Sitting Photoshoot Limited Edition Print By Bert Stern
By Bert Stern
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Marilyn Monroe The Last Sitting Photoshoot Limited Edition Print By Bert Stern On reverse of print "Seal of Excellence" label & "Copyright 2000, Bert Stern produced by SASR Ent...
Paper
Murray Garrett Signed Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood Silver Gelatin Photograph 1953
By Murray Garrett
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and quite stunning black and white silver gelatin fibre photographic print by renowned American photographer Murray Garrett who was known for his candid portraitures/shot...
Wood, Paper
Bernard Buffet Coffee Table Art Collector Book, 1966
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Bernard Buffet. Images Luc Fournol. Legendes Annabel Buffet Jean Widmer. Buffet, Bernard - Druon, Maurice. Bernard Buffet (French: 10 July 1928 – 4 October 1999) was a French painter...
Paper
Jill Freedman Kissing FDNY 1976, Black & White Photo on Kodak Endura, Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jill Freedman Kissing FDNY 1976, black & white photo on Kodak Endura, Signed. Image also known as ‘Brotherly Love.” This is a black and white photogr...
Paper
Framed Virgin Image, Mid-Century Modern, Wood and Paper, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Virgin Image, circa 1950 Manufactured in France. Materials: Wood, paper. Dimensions: D 3 x W 15,2 cm x H 20,2 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor ...
Wood, Paper
VILLA DELLA REGINA II Torino, 2017 by Carlo Carossio
Located in Rome, IT
Carlo Carossio VILLA DELLA REGINA II , Torino, 2017 from series "Grande Bellezza" for Compendio Gallery, Roma full ultra HD edition of 10 +2 ap Measure: 120 x 180 cm signed and numb...
Paper
Man Ray, Portrait of Marcel Duchamp, 1916 / 1991, Black and White Photograph
By Man Ray
Located in Barcelona, ES
This striking black and white photograph by Man Ray, titled Portrait of Marcel Duchamp, captures the renowned artist Marcel Duchamp in a full-length seated pose. The photograph, or...
Paper
Pair of Vintage 90s Male Physique Orig Photos of Masculine Model/Actor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have collected vintage Male Physique original photographs since the 80s. Many great photographers worked in the 80s and 90s and we loved colle...
Paper
Vogue Magazine September 1970 Framed Lauren Hutton Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
September 1970 Vogue framed cover. Lauren Hutton photographed by Irving Penn. As found framed condition in gold wooden frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
1960s Vogue Magazine Framed Covers, Set of 3
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of three framed 1960s Vogue Magazine covers. Left to right: September 1964 cover features model Wilhelmina photographed by David Bailey. N...
Glass, Wood, Paper
School Wall Chart, Monaco
Located in Wolfurt, AT
MONACO(D) MONACO(DK) MONACO(E) MONACO(F) MONACO(GB) MONACO(I) MOMACO(NL) Foto: H. Hariz, Hamburg - Druck: Herder Druck Freiburg im Breisga Europa ET Schola Editio. Alphen aan...
Paper
Early 20th Century French Antique Aviation Collage Framed Composition
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century French antique collage composition. Images of different aviation's models. By unknown artist. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, ...
Paper
László Moholy-Nagy Photography
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
László Moholy-Nagy photography. Stamp: "Nachlass Lázló Moholy-Nagy (1895 - 1946) (= Estate of Lázló Moholy-Nagy" and "einmalige Auflage für die Griffelkunst 1994") (= single edition...
Paper
Triptych of Original 1930s Prisoner Photos Framed with Modern Elegance
Located in Barcelona, ES
Immerse yourself in a glimpse of history with our unique composition – a trio of original 1930s prisoner photos elegantly framed together in a modern wooden frame. Each photograph te...
Paper
Vogue Magazine March 1963 Framed Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
Vogue March 1963 framed original cover. Featuring cover model Burke Amey and a Cartwheel Hat by Halston by Irving Penn. newly framed in blue glossy wood frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century French Antique Machines Collage Composition
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century French antique collage composition. Images of different machine's models. By unknown artist. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, p...
Paper
Ruth Bernhard Signed Gelatin Silver Photograph Print Perspective II, 1967
By Ruth Bernhard 1
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and timeless image/photographic print by famed German-American photographer/artist Ruth Bernhard (1905-2006). This classic feminine nude study is titled "Perspective II". The gelatin silver photographic print is hand pencil signed by Bernhard in the lower right margin and hand pencil signed, titled, and dated (the original image was created in 1967. This is likely a later printing) with her photographer's stamp on the verso. Provenance: Peter Fetterman Gallery, Los Angeles (please see image of the original gallery purchase receipt). Ruth Bernard...
Paper
Man Ray Framed Photography of a Woman, Gelatin Silver Bromide, 1970s
By Man Ray
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woman photographed by Man Ray. A posthumous print from the original negative around 1970 by Pierre Gassmann. Gelatin silver bromide. Stamped in the back with Man Ray Paris Stam...
Paper
Vintage Roman Chef Photograph
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Roman chef photograph. Midcentury black and white photo of an Italian chef smiling from a Roman palazzo balcony in period black and gold frame. Italy, 1960's Approximate dim...
Giltwood, Paper, Wood
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn and William Holden on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver prin...
Other
Pair of Vintage 1990s Male Physique B+W Orig Photos of Model / Actor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have collected vintage Male Physique original photographs since the 80s. Many great photographers worked in the 80s and 90s and we loved colle...
Paper
Rare Man Ray Hand Signed Black and White Photography of Gigi, 1927
By Man Ray
Located in Barcelona, ES
Man Ray photography of Gigi, 1927. Hand signed in pencil. Stamped by Man Ray Paris. Born (Philadelphia, 1890-Paris, 1976) Emmanuel Radnitzky, Man Ray adopted his pseudonym in 1909,...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage g...
Other
Scholl Wall Chart, Rome
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This poster with a photo of the city Rome (Italy) was produced by Europa et Schola Edition and used in schools for cultural education. Foto: Servizio delle Informationi , Roma...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Ro...
Paper
László Moholy-Nagy "Licht-Raum Modulationen" Photography 6/6
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
László Moholy-Nagy photography 6/6 from a set of 6 photographies. Single edition of 'Light-Room Modulations' folder, original title 'Licht-Raum Modulationen.' Published by Edition ...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn and William Holden on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent...
Other
Julius Schulman Signed Black & White Photograph, Von Sternberg House
Located in San Diego, CA
Julius Shulman signed black and white gelatin photo of the Von Sternberg house in Northridge, CA, circa 1947. #1675 The overall piece measures 16" x 20" and the actual image is 12...
Paper
1940s Silver Gelatin Photo of the Diego Rivera Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Silver Gelatin Photo of the Diego Rivera Studio. In 1931, commissioned by Diego Rivera, Juan O'Gorman designed one of the first functionalist architectural ...
Paper
1970 Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Bubbles of the metro architect André Wogenscky Paris, circa 1970. 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Color: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn and William Holden on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's credit stamp, Audrey Hepburn collection stamp and numerical notations verso. From 'The Personal Collection of Audrey Hepburn,' Christie's, September 2017 Born in Barcelona in 1924, Vincent Rossell worked as a set photographer on over 90 films from 1956 to 1998. He would photograph Audrey Hepburn during filming of 'Paris When It Sizzles' in Paris in the summer of 1962, along with 'Charade' later the same year and 'How To Steal A Million' in 1965. Following the success of 'Breakfast At Tiffany's,' Paramount asked screenwriter George Axelrod to come up with a script to reunite Hepburn with her old flame William Holden in Paris. Released in 1964, 'Paris When It Sizzles' followed the unfolding romance between playboy screenwriter Richard Benson...
Other
Black and White Photograph in New York City in 1942 - Artist Unknown
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Black and White Photograph New York City / 1942 Artist and Date of Print Unknown image: 10" x 10" - some "dents" on the image - see images matte: 16" x 20" - matte needs to be repl...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's ...
Paper
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn, Photo by Vincent Rossell, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's credit stamp, Audrey Hepburn collection stamp and numerical notations verso From the Personal Collection of Audrey Hepburn...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn and William Holden on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris,...
Other
Hollywood Then and Now by Rosemary Lord - Mid-Century Modern Hardcover
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hollywood then and now Lord, Rosemary. The film industry came to Hollywood in the early 1900s and Hollywood became a glamour factory, a city of fantasy. It was the home of the stars and the famous Hollywood sign beckoned through the smog, drawing in hopeful wannabes. Hollywood Then and Now teams photos...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's c...
Other
Early Bruce of Los Angeles Male Model Physique Orig B&W Photograph
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is becoming very rare to find a desirable original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photograph. Especially with the iconic black and white checkerboard ...
Paper
Moholy Nagy Licht-Raum Modulationen Photography, Signed Edition 2/6, 2005
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
László Moholy-Nagy photography 2/6 from a set of 6 photographies. Single edition of 'Light-Room Modulations' folder, original title 'Licht-Raum Modulationen.' Published by Edition ...
Paper
From The Personal Collection of Audrey Hepburn, Photo by Vincent Rossell, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's credit stamp, Au...
Other
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Ro...
Other
B.Bardot Paris Color Gelatin Silver Print, Pop Art, Signed, 2015
Located in Valladolid, ES
“Bardot Paris,” Jonathan Bermudes, Pop Art, 2015 - France Technique on support: Color gelatin silver print mounted under Diasec Title of the work: “Bardo Paris” Author: Jonathan B...
Glass, Paper
Larry Clark Signed Gallery Exhibition Offset Lithograph Posters
By Larry Clark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Larry Clark Gallery exhibition offset lithograph posters, American, circa 1996. The poster on the left is signed by the artist. They are from the famed photographer, filmmaker, and a...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Framed Vintage Photography by Unknown Artist, Late 19th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed and signed photography. Late 19th Century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Paper
Marilyn Monroe Trip 1 & 2 Print by Bert Stern, 1968, Midcentury Pop Art, neon
By Bert Stern
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1968 Pop Art "The Marilyn Monroe Trip" 1 & 2 print by Bert Stern. Bert Stern was the last man to photograph Marilyn Monroe. Stern made this image from one of the photographs of t...
Paper
Original Photo of Bruno Mathsson Lounge chair / Finland - 1950
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1950 - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic - suitable for framing - photographed by Illek and Paul jr
Paper
Henry Rox Art Critic in a Moment of Insight Before Post-War Abstraction c. 1948
By Henry Rox
Located in Camden, ME
Henry Rox Art Critic in a Moment of Insight Before Post-War Abstraction c.1948 from Photo-Sculpture: Reflections on Modern Art c. 1946–1950 Vintage silver gelatin print 8 x 10 inch...
Paper
1960, Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Staircase of the futuristic Royan Cathedral, circa 1960 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Colour: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage g...
Other
1960, Système des tours, Paris, Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Jean Ribière, renowned photographer, was National Vice President of the A.N.J.R.P.C. (National Association of Journalists Reporters Photographers and Filmmakers), whose President was Robert Doisneau and the main members Henri Cartier-Bresson and Raymond Depardon.
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal Collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn in the bathtub on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print ...
Other
'Marilyn on the Stairs' 1956 yellow plate photograph by Milton H. Greene
By Milton H. Greene
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Atypical photo of Marilyn Monroe on dusty stairs in a shabby porch. Devoid of any form of glamor the natural beauty of the moviestar remains proudly intact. Dressed in a black lace t...
Other
Framed Editioned Marilyn Monroe Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Title: Marilyn as Mao Medium: Gelatin silver prints Date: 1952-1959; editioned and printed in 1981 Edition: 12/250 Size: image 12.5" x 8.75"; wi...
Paper
1970 Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Façade of the "honeycomb" building in Chamonix, circa 1970. 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Color: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
Vintage Elizabeth Taylor Signed Photograph
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare vintage Elizabeth Taylor signed photograph with Actor Peter Lawford, circa 1952. The photo was taken when Lawford came to visit Taylor on the set of her movie "Ivanhoe" i...
Paper
Vintage Framed Landscape Photograph of Castle
Located in Seattle, WA
This listing features a vintage framed landscape photograph depicting a Castle. The image captures the stone castle set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop, with calm reflective ...
Metal
French Vintage Photography "The Painter and his Model" in Montmartre 1960s
By Robert Doisneau
Located in Salzburg, AT
French Vintage Photography "The Painter and his Model" in Montmartre 1960s This large black-and-white original photograph from the 1960s depicts “The Painter and His Model” in Montma...
Glass, Paper
Vintage Black and White Photograph of Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage black and white photographic print depicting Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The composition features a group of wooden rowboats moored along a dock wit...
Paper
Original Photo of Grasshopper Armchair by Eoro Saarinen for Knoll / USA, 1948
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1950. - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic. - Suitable for framing. - Photographed by Illek and Paul. jr
Paper