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.
1970s Modernist Abstract Enamel on Copper and Textile Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in Troy, MI
Unique Mid Century enamel and textile wall sculpture USA circa 1970's Circular enameled copper element with an organic abstract composition in saturated jewel tones Mounted to a sq...
Copper, Enamel
Spanish 1970s Folk Art Wool Tapestry – Tree Landscape
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Charming 1970s Spanish folk art wool tapestry featuring a central majestic tree with intricate branching and textured foliage, set against a warm golden-brown ground. Hand-embroidere...
Tapestry, Wool
"Still Life with Flowers" Painting by Bryan Wilson 3 Ft. 1960
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A vibrant mid-century modern oil on canvas painting "Still Life with Flowers" by California painter Bryan Wilson (American 1927–2002), dated and signed 1960 measuring 3 feet square. ...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$622Sale Price|30% Off
Diaz Costa Mid Century Modern Ceramic Hand Painted Artwork, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceramic hand painted artwork of a colorful landscape by Catalan artist Diaz Costa, circa 1960. Framed. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preservi...
Ceramic
Group of 3 Harry Hilson Framed Wool Tapestries 1970's.
Located in Miami, FL
Group of 3 Harry Hilson handmade wool Tapestries. Limited editions, 1973-1974, vivid colors. Newly framed, labels in the back.
Wool
Abstract landscape 1973 by Jean-Marc David
Located in London, GB
A large striking abstract landscape painting depicting Le Mont Saint Michel France by Jean-Marc David dated 1974. Minor restoration. Reframed.
Canvas, Hardwood, Paint
Danish Ceramic Wall Mirror by Marianne Starck, Persia Glaze, 1960s
By Marianne Starck, Rörstrand, Arabia, Nils Thorsson, Michael Andersen & Son
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish ceramic wall mirror decorated by hand and designed by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen & Son in the 1960s. Solid, thick ceramic frame with navy blue and light grey per...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Mirror
Pablo Picasso Signed Mid-Century Etching Print Pour Roby (L’Age de Soleil), 1968
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic original etching by famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso titled "Pour Roby" (from L’Age de Soleil). This minimalistic portrait by Picasso features thin lines that outline a...
Paper
Large Mid Century Modern Organic Abstract Earth Tone Painting by J Durand 1960s
By Durand
Located in Troy, MI
Large abstract acrylic painting by Michigan artist Joel Durand USA circa 1960s Organic abstraction with a restrained palette of warm neutrals accented by saturated orange and ochre ...
Metal
$1,294Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Modern Colorful Wool Tapestry, Spain, Circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid Century Modern Colorful Tapestry, circa 1970 By unknown Artist In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a...
Wool
Original Decorative Painting by Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo – Birds and Botanicals
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970 · Acrylic on wood · Colima, México Some paintings decorate. Those by Rangel Hidalgo do something harder: they create a world of their own with its own rules, and make it ...
Wood
Vintage Mid Century "Gallant Horse" Mosaic by Evelyn Ackerman
By Era Industries, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a fantastic "Gallant Horse" glass tile mosaic by Evelyn Ackerman, ERA Industries, circa 1950s. It is in excellent original condition with only minor wear to the walnut frame...
Glass, Walnut
Verner Panton Fabric 100" long
By Verner Panton, Mira-X
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Verner Panton for Mira-X Wave Pattern Fabric in probably the best of the color pallets! Almost 3 yds! 100" inches long. Fabric is in great shape with no fading. These were a line...
Fabric
Spanish 1970s Folk Art Wool Tapestry – Thatched English Cottage & Tree Landscape
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Charming 1970s Spanish folk art wool tapestry hand-embroidered with a peaceful English countryside scene: classic thatched cottages with tall chimneys, a large central tree, winding ...
Wool, Tapestry
Mid-Century Modern Cubist Bull Wall Art Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern Cubist bull wall art tapestry.
Wool
George Nelson Omni-Style Modular Wall Unit in Walnut with Black Metal Frame
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking mid-century modern wall unit in the style of George Nelson, featuring a versatile modular shelving system with warm walnut cabinetry and a distinctive black metal framework....
Aluminum
Italian 925 Silver and 24-Karat Gold-Plated High-Relief Landscape by Guerrini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Exquisite Italian decorative wall artwork by Argenteria d’Arte Guerrini, featuring a finely sculpted high-relief landscape crafted from metal with a 925 silver-plated finish and sele...
Sterling Silver
Gilt Metal Tole Rose Flower Key Hanger Wall Hook, Italy Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming Italian toleware wall hook features an elegant blooming rose surrounded by gilt leaves and winding branches, all finished in a warm, softly aged gold tone. Handcrafted ...
Metal
Nice Modern French Aubusson Tapestry by Michèle Ray "Vif d'argent"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Handwoven Aubusson Tapestry Robert Four Workshops – After a Design by Michèle Ray titled "vif d'argent " (Quicksilver ) Beautiful vintage Aubusson-style tapestry entitled “Vif d’Arg...
Wool, Cotton
Small Italian oil on panel depicting the bay of Naples, signed R. Scoppa
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Radames Scoppa, Naples 1877-1957 a beautifully painted, miniature like view of the bay of Naples from the first half of the 20th century. unframed, as found.
Wood, Paint
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France
Located in Vero Beach, FL
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France Beautiful and vibrant landscape painting in oil on canvas of the Village de Ollioules la Provence, France. T...
Canvas, Wood
Vintage Renderings, Chase Manhattan Bank, NYC
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Vintage Architectural Renderings of the Chase Manhattan Bank, NYC on Park Ave. circa 1970's. One depicts a watercolor rendering...
Paper
70’s Stoneware Wall Plaque Flower
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Stunning but heavy wall plaque in vibrant colors. On the back there is no signature of a maker or a label.
Stoneware
Abstract Modern Framed Oil Painting On Canvas
Located in Houston, TX
Abstract Modern Framed Oil Painting On Canvas. Offered is a dramatic mid-century abstract oil painting (51 inches x 53 inches) on canvas with the original simple black frame. This s...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
9 Artist Plates Collection Limited Edition by Rosenthal, Morandini, Pucci, Knef
By Emilio Pucci, Jean Cocteau, Bjorn Wiinblad, Marcello Morandini, Victor Vasarely
Located in Andernach, DE
Extraordinary collection of 9 Artists-Plates by Rosenthal, Germany. Ranging from 1971 to the mid 1980s, this series from their artists ''Studio-Line'' features designs from artists s...
Porcelain
C. Jeré Attrib. Brass Parisian Café Bistro Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted mid-century modern brass and metal wire wall sculpture measuring nearly 4 feet wide depicting an outdoor Parisian café bistro and sidewalk attributed to C. Jeré...
Metal, Brass, Wire
Greg Copeland Three-Dimensional Layered Paper Wall Sculpture Signed
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Greg Copeland Three-Dimensional Layered Paper Wall Sculpture Signed
Paper
Vintage 1960s Mexican Folk Art Papier-Mâché Sun Wall Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage Mexican papier-mâché sun wall sculpture dating to the 1960s. Handmade and hand-painted with beautiful golden yellow, ochre and warm brown tones. The expressive face...
Paper composite
Original and Oficial Poster Mexico 1968 Olympic Games
By Lance Wyman
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Oficial and Original Poster for 1968 Mexico Olympic Games officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympic held from 12-27 October 1968, featuring the iconic eye-catching event logo ...
Paper
4 Rare Hertha Baller Wall Hooks around 1950
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
4 beautiful and rare Hertha Baller wall hooks partly black painted and brass excellent original condition.
Brass
Maria Asuncion Raventos macrame tapestry, Spain, Circa 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stunning circa 1970s macramé tapestry by Spanish artist Maria Assumpció Raventós. Woven with a vibrant gradient of orange, yellow, and purple hues, it fe...
Wool
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'E22' Wall Unit or Bookcase
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit, model 'E22', lacquered steel, lacquered aluminum, wood, glass, Italy, design 1957. This sleek, wall-mounted shelving unit, crafted ...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Italian Studio Pottery Wall Plate from Antonio Milani, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Studio Pottery Wall Plate from Antonio Milani, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional inform...
Ceramic
Painting in the shape of butterfly wings, Brazil, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Butterfly wing wall composition, Brazil, 1970s, a unique decorative piece blending nature and art. This piece features a spiraling circular composition made from real butterfly wings...
Wood, Animal Skin, Glass
Patrick Nagel Pin Up Art Poster, 1990s, Minimalist Style
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Stunning original graphic poster by the legendary Patrick Nagel, showcasing his signature minimalist style that defined the aesthetic of the 1980s. Featuring a bold pink backgr...
Paper
Herman Miller CSS George Nelson Unit 48" Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare and sought-after Herman Miller CSS George Nelson Unit, set includes desk shelf piece with 3 drawers, shadowbox cube with a light attached to the...
Metal
Vintage mid century maritime oil painting with sailboats at the marina
Located in Ebberup, DK
Original early mid century maritime Scandinavian oil on canvas painting of a habour scenery with sailboats and a few people. The everyday atmosphere at the harbour, casually dresse...
Paint
Mid-Century Oak & Teak Wall Mount Coat Rack w/ Hat Shelf & Black Enamel Hooks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wall-mounted coat rack from the Mid-Century era combines white oak with functional black enameled metal hooks. The design features a practical upper hat shelf supported by vertical m...
Metal, Enamel
Large Post-Modern Abstract Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Large Post-Modern Abstract Painting. Offered is a very large beautifully executed Post-Modern framed abstract painting in lovely tones of greens, grays, cream and browns. This painti...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Italian Florentine Architectural Gilt Wall Shelf, Italy Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Gold Leaf Wall Shelf. A hard to find piece, this shelf featuring three shelves and one drawer could certainly stand alone on a wall or functional to hold a treasures...
Gold Leaf
Textural Abstract Modern Oil Painting with Layered Brushwork Mid Century 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Mid Century oil painting by Detroit artist Sylvia Rubin USA circa 1960's Unique abstract composition rendered in layered gestural brushwork A refined yet complex palette anchored b...
Wood, Paint, Canvas
Vintage Ekco 15-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set, Chrome & Wood, Wall Rack
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A remarkable vintage American Ekco kitchen collection comprising 15 hanging utensils accompanied by their wall-mounted storage rack. Fourteen of the utensils feature warm wooden hand...
Chrome
Abstract Tapestry in Wool by Maria Flavia de Monsaraz Lisbon ca. 1970
Located in London, GB
Abstract tapestry in modernist forms titled 'Passerc e Saisale' (passer and salt cellar), by Maria Flavia de Monsaraz, Postwar & Contemporary sculptor (1935-2019), Lisbon Portug...
Wool, Jute
Vintage Lee Reynolds Southwestern Horses MCM Native American Oil Painting
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual painting by Lee Reynolds, "Horses" ca' 1960's. Oil on canvas, orignal frame, Southwestern in feeling.
Canvas, Paint
Le Corbusier Wool Tapestry, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Tapis La Main Ouverte For Cassina Inspired by Le Poème de l’Angle Droit, the art book published in only 250 exemplars that contains the vision of Le Corbusier on archit...
Wool
Mid-Century Italian Pietra Dura Plaque of the Ponte Vecchio, Florence, G. Ugolin
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely executed Italian pietra dura mosaic depicting the celebrated Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. Created from carefully selected natural stones, marbles, and hardstones, the c...
Stone, Marble
Large Warrier Rubbing on rice Paper - Cambodian Angkor Wat Temple, Asia
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This piece is a striking graphite rubbing on rice paper depicting a royal procession from Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s 12th‑century temple complex. The composition captures the grandeur of...
Paper
Pair of Fenton Art Glass and Marble Hurricane Table Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid Century vintage Fenton "Gone With the Wind" lamps in pink custard satin glass with a cabbage rose / poppy pattern. The lamps feature intricate ruffled glass shades and...
Plaster
Patrick Nagel 'The Book' Art Poster, 1985, Signed, Rare Vintage Print
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original rare gorgeous Patrick Nagel "The Book" art poster. Signature printed. Copyright 1985 Mirage Publishing Inc. Santa Monica. This poster is in excellent condition and so ...
Paper
Pair of Spanish Puigdemont Ceramic Fish Wall Plates, 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Decorative pair of hand-painted ceramic wall plates produced by Puigdemont in Spain, circa 1960s. Featuring two expressive stylized fish rendered in vivid enamel colors, these pieces...
Ceramic
$327Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Japanese Soroban Abacus, Handmade Wood, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, ES
This exquisite handmade Japanese abacus, crafted circa 1940, is a stunning representation of traditional craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Known as a "soroban" in Japan, thi...
Wood
$697Sale Price|30% Off
Original 1972 Exhibition Poster by Joan Miró – "Sobreteixims i Escultures"
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original 1972 Exhibition Poster by Joan Miró – "Sobreteixims i Escultures," Sala Gaspar Artist: Joan Miró Exhibition: "Sobreteixims i Escultures," Sala Gaspar, Barcelona Year: 19...
Paper
Small Italian Pietra Dura Inlaid Marble Mosaic Plaque Artwork by G. Ugolini
By G. Ugolini
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small rectangular Pietra Dura inlaid marble painted artwork featuring a coastal town scene. We see this mosaic piece resting on an easel on a shelf or side t...
Marble, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx
Joan Miró "La Bague du Sanglier" Lithograph, Signed and Numbered, 1967
By Joan Miró
Located in Oxnard, CA
Joan Miró (1893-1983) "La Bague du Sanglier" Limited Edition Lithograph on Arches paper Numbered 93/100 Hand signed in pencil Published by Maeght Éditeur, Paris Framed dimensions: ...
Paper
Mid-Century Majolica Red Oyster Plate Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Ceramic Red Oyster Plate Vallauris circa 1950. 9 colors available. pink,navy blue,yellow,orange,green,purple,black,aqua,red.
Ceramic
3x Wall Hooks by Herta Baller, around 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
3x Wall Hooks by Herta Baller, around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Helen Webber "Le Petit Jardin" Fiber Art Tapestry, 1979
By Helen Webber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Petit Jardin" is a fabric collage tapestry by American fiber artist Helen Webber, dated 1979. The composition centers on a large spiral motif built from layered sections of varie...
Natural Fiber
$4,218Sale Price|20% Off
Very Beautiful Vintage Aubusson Tapestry with Herve Lelong design
By Hervé Lelong
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Introducing a Stunning Mid Century Aubusson Tapestry from Tunisia! We're delighted to present this exquisite Aubusson tapestry, meticulously crafted in Tunisia. This masterpiece fea...
Wool, Cotton
Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Majolica fish platter Vallauris. Large fish in the center, seaweeds, shells. Nautical style. 14' W , 9.8' H
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$346Sale Price|30% Off
1970's Reichel Skansen Wall Tapestry
By Reichel
Located in Bern, BE
Beautiful 1970's Reichel Skansen Wall Tapestry with abstract design. Nice example of a Mid Century wall decoration / rug. Yellow, ochre, rust, brown & mustard colourways. Measure...
Wool, Wood