Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

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.

1
112
6
to
14
108
9
118
118
118
19
6
112
6
31
76
11
41
17
9
Height
to
Width
to
111
62
18
12
10
100
96
93
75
70
67
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Curtis Jeré
Vintage Curtis Jere "Sea Gulls" Brass Sculpture for Artisan Housev
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Curtis Jere "Sea Gulls" Brass Sculpture for Artisan Housev
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Mid Century Brass Sea Urchin Wall Sculpture
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere Mid Century Brass Sea Urchin Wall Sculpture This sculpture measures: 40 wide x 10 deep x 25 high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much deta...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Vintage Curtis Jere "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture for Artisan House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Curtis Jere "Raindrop" Chrome Sculpture for Artisan House
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Fabulous Curtis Jere Signed Brutalist Golden Gate Bridge Wall Sculpture Hanging
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous original brutalist Curtis Jere Golden Gate bridge wall sculpture. Signed by Curtis Jere, Iconic MCM 70's brass and mixed metal wall s...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass, Copper

20th Century American Vintage Metal Wall Mirror - Raindrops by Curtis Jere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern American wall mirror, composed of polished circular metal coins. Designed by Curtis Jere in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use, cir...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Vintage Metal Sandpipers Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere, Signed
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage metal sandpipers wall sculpture by Curtis Jere. This stunning collectible piece features a versatility that perfectly complements any interior style. Crafted with a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass

Jere Raindrop Lily Pad Style Chrome Wall Hanging Sculpture Mid Century Modern
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Elevate your space with the Jere Raindrop Lily Pad Style Chrome Wall Hanging Sculpture, a Mid Century Modern masterpiece. This sleek, reflective as...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Chrome

Signed MCM Curtis Jeré Brass Bead Willow Tree Wall Sculpture - circa 1984
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Curtis Jeré brass plated willow tree wall sculpture with draping brass beads. Signed C. Jeré 1984. It is possible to hang this vertical, rather than horizontal. Minor rust to ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Vintage "Maple Leaf" Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage "Maple Leaf" wall sculpture designed by Curtis Jere in the United States, circa 1970s. This stunning sculpture features exquisitely crafted maple leaves made of bras...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Mid-Century Sailboat Brass Sculptural Wall Art by C. Jere
Located in Bay City, MI
This is a wonderful vintage sailboat art piece made by Curtis Jere. The brass has aged well and brings an elegant look to the room. It is large an...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Signed Raindrops Wall Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Curtis Jere Signed Raindrops Wall Sculpture. Can be mounted either Vertically or Horizontally. A matching pair available. Please contact if you w...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Mid-Century Brutalist Parisian Cafe Wall-Mounted Metal Sculpture
Located in South Bend, IN
A whimsical Mid-Century Modern three-dimensional Brutalist mixed metal wall-hanging sculpture of a Parisian cafe By Curtis Jere (signed) USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 14"W x 4"D x 36...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Signed Raindrops Wall Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Curtis Jere Signed Raindrops Wall Sculpture. Can be mounted either Vertically or Horizontally.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Vintage C. Jeré Mid-Century Modern Style Abstract Brushed Steel Table Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage contemporary modern Curtis Jeré clear lacquered brushed steel metal abstract form table sculpture on dome black metal base. Sculpture mounts into base, by a steel pin, which ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Steel

Curtis Jere Pom Pom or Sea Urchin Wall Sculpture
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Elegant chrome-plated five urchin or pom pom wall sculpture signed Curtis Jere Note: Sculpture can hang in horizontal or vertical.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Chrome

Jere "School of Fish" Wall Sculpture
Located in Highland, IN
This early design by Curtis Jere for Artisan House features a dense school of fish swimming together. Cleverly balancing the representational and abstract, the sculpture activates a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Jere "Leaves" Wall Sculpture in Mixed Metals
Located in Highland, IN
With a delightful autumnal touch, this dynamic composition of textured leaves in mixed metals by C. Jere' activates any surface it is mounted on and creates delightful shadows. Signe...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Copper, Brass

C. Jere Brass Horse Head Wall Sculpture
Located in Skokie, IL
A beautiful polished brass wall sculpture of a stylized horse head with a flowing mane. The head of the horse is polished brass. The mane is composed of individual brass rods. The pi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid Century Metal Wall Art Sculpture by Curtis Jere, 1983
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Curtis Jere fireworks pom pom metal wall hanging features beautiful stylized round pom poms sculpted from soldered and bent brass on copper metal rods...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Curtis Jere Brass Branch signed by the Artist
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Floating Tree Branch sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House is a brass piece belonging to their Wall Art series. In art history, repres...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Pop Art Whisk
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1979, signed and dated, great vintage condition. We also have two other implements available
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Pop Art Slotted Spoon
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1992, giant copper and brushed aluminum spoon wall sculpture. Great vintage condition, signed and dated
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Copper

Early Curtis Jere Chrome Raindrops Wall Sculpture circa 1970’s
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Curtis Jere Early Chrome Raindrops Sculpture Signed by the Artist circa 1970’s. This sculpture has beautiful patina and vibrant color and can can hang both vertically or horizontally...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Cut Steel

Signed Curtis Jere Starburst POM POM Abstract Wall Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Curtis Jere Starburst wall sculpture / Signed & dated.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

1980s Curtis Jere Brutalist Nail Sculpture
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful Brutalist Nail Sculpture by Curtis Jere. Signed Jere ‘86. Unique Copper sculptures within a sculpture. Nice visual impact.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brass Curtis Jere Tree Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Brass Curtis Jere tree sculpture, Signed 1973.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jeré Large Brass Pom-Pom Floral Wall Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, midcentury modern, floral motif, brass wall mounted sculpture by Curtis Jeré features five cascading pom-pom flowers amid delicate leaves.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

C Jere Mixed Metal Wall Sculptures, Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
These can be stacked or placed side by side. A mixed metal with mixed finishes wall sculpture signed by C Jere and dated 1971. Measurements are for each item.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass, Copper, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Leaf Bronze Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern maple leaf design wall sculpture by Curtis Jere. The brutalist style leaf is handmade of quality bronze and b...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

Curtis Jere Wall Art Depicting a Brass Fan
Located in New York, NY
Americha Mid-Century wall plaque depiction of a brass fan with 6 fold sections that joins together at the end creating a swirl tail CURTIS JERE)
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury C Jere Brutalist Style Wall Art Farm and Tree Scene for Artisan House
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Brutalist style wall hanging by C. Jere for Artisan House. Torch cut and welded with a patinated brass and gold finish. Excellent original, unaltered condition. Signed "C. Jere" M...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

C. Curtis Jere World Trade Center Wall Sculpture Metal Art Twin Towers Citiscape
Located in Wayne, NJ
C. Curtis Jere Mid-Century Modern World Trade Center Wall Mount Sculpture / Sculptural Metal Art Twin Towers . Believed to be from 2001 . The Signature and date is difficult to see a...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Mid-Century American Brass Wall-Mounted Model of a Ship
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century American brass wire wall-mounted model of a 3-sail ship with soldered metal mesh. (signed, CURTIS JERE) Some wear to finish
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass

Curtis Jere Midcentury Urchin Brass Wall Sculpture
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere midcentury Urchin Brass Wall Sculpture This wall sculpture measures: 40 wide x 25 deep x 10 inches high We take our photos in a cont...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Mid Century Brass Wall Urchin
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere Mid Century Brass Wall Urchin This artwork measures: 39 wide x 9 deep x 26 inches high Great Vintage Condition We take our photos in a con...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

20th Century American Metal Birds and Sailboats Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black-grey, vintage Mid-Century Modern American abstract Brutalist wall sculpture made of hand crafted gilded metal, designed and produced by Curtis Jere in good condition. The det...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Fun Signed Curtis Jere Globe World Wall Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fun Curtis Jere designed brass two piece world map wall sculpture. A finely rendered handmade two-piece wall-mounted sculpture depicting the continents ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Early Curtis Jere Raindrop Wall Sculpture
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Original Curtis Raindrop wall sculpture Bio: Curtis Jere is a compound nom de plume of artists Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. The two founders combined pieces of their own name...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Steel

Rare Sea Village Wall Art by Curtis Jere, 1972
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Signed c. Jere sculpture of waterfront village with church and town connected by a bridge. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer. Age-appropriate wear, patina.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jeré Brutalist Jazz Band Wall Sculpture for Artisan House, USA, 1991
Located in Lisboa, PT
This wall sculpture was designed by Curtis Jere and produced for Artisan House, in USA in 1991. It is made of black painted metal and represents a jazz band. Curtis Jeré was the shar...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Copper Clipper Ship Wall Art Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage "Clipper Ship" sailboat wall hanging sculpture designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House produced in 1975. This decorative nautical statement piece is composed of copper and ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Copper

Large Curtis Jere MCM Corkscrew Bottle Opener Pop Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large 48" Curtis Jere MCM Corkscrew Bottle Opener Pop Wall Art Sculpture. Item features a large oversized form, original signature and 1979 date, steel me...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Steel

Curtis Jere Raindrops Tree Wall Sculpture
Located in Redding, CT
Curtis Jere Raindrops Tree Wall Sculpture. Round mixed metal raindrop or lollipop design tree sculpture. Perfect for that mid century room. H...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Vintage Original Chrome Raindrops Wall Mirror Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern raindrops sculpture mirror designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, c. 1970's. This decorative round wall mirror features reflective patterns of chrome and mixed...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere Brutalist Metal Ship Wall Sculpture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An abstract brutalist metal wall sculpture from Curtis Jere. This naval inspired abstract sculpture sits boldly on any wall with its iconic brutalist design. It is in very good vinta...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Chrome and Brass Wall Mounted Fan Sculpture
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great oversized Jere chrome and brass wall mounted sculpture. This nice vintage piece retains its original tag.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Brass Ships and Seagulls Wall Sculpture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Brass and metal wall sculpture by Curtis Jere. Scene of docked sailboats with multicolor flags and flying sea gulls. Patinated brass and metal in very good condition. Ready to Hang.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass

Handsome Mid-Century Signed Curtis Jere Brass 2 Sailboat Sculpture
Located in Pemberton, NJ
An extraordinary brutalist mid-century double sailboat wall sculpture signed and beautifully crafted out of brass. It measures 23"T x 53"L x 4"D.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jeré Brutalist Brass Tree Needle Wall Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
C. Jere tree wall sculpture with Brutalist details to branches, signed and dated 1986. Sculpture is made in two sections. The one shown is...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Iron

Curtis Jere Mid-Century Signed Brass Wall Sculpture
Located in Countryside, IL
Curtis Jere mid-century signed brass wall sculpture. This sculpture measures: 21 wide x 10 deep x 50 inches high. Great Vintage Condition with a few marks and scuffs. We tak...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Bicycle Tabletop or Wall Mount by Curtis Jere
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous creation by Curtis Jere. 19thc bicycle Wall art or use the bracket and it can be set up on a flat surface. In excellent vintage condition wit...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Iron

1970s Wall Mounted Starburst Sculpture By Curtis Jere
Located in London, London
Wall mounted sculpture By Curtis Jere Pom-Pom or sea urchin shape Gold metal Signed and dated 1979 USA 1979.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Gilt Steel Sea Urchin Wall Sculpture by Curtis Jere
Located in Montreal, QC
Gilt Steel Sea Urchin wall sculpture by Curtis Jere Signed and dated to frame ‘C. Jere 1975’.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Steel

C Jere Tennis Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century sculpted metal wall art by Curtis Jere. Three dimensional tennis match with mixed metals. Please confirm location.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Raindrops Wall Sculpture
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Curtis Jere raindrops wall sculpture signed. Produced early 2007 by Artisan House. C. Jeré (or Curtis Jeré, often seen without ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Curtis Jere Metal Tennis Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mixed metal sculpture by Curtis Jere of a tennis match. Please confirm location.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Raindrop Peacock Wall Sculpture
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Curtis Jere signed and dated raindrop design peacock wall sculpture.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Copper, Metal, Brass

Vintage Curtis Jere Geometric Cubist Wall-Hanging Sculpture for Artisan House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Curtis Jere Geometric Cubist wall-hanging sculpture for Artisan House.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mid-century Modern wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern wall decorations 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 wall decorations created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern wall decorations made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Curtis Jeré, Karl Blossfeldt, Herta Baller, and Josef Albers. 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 wall decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $16 and tops out at $406,322 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

Recently Viewed

View All