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.
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
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
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
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
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or p...
Brass
Wall Hooks 'Bakelite and Brass', Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Wall hooks 'Bakelite and Brass', Vienna, circa 1950s Black and pink.
Brass
Pair of Leather Camel Head Coat Hooks, Italy, 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Rare pair of 1960s Italian camel head coat hooks. Handcrafted from rich brown leather with detailed stitching, expressive faces, curved necks, and lifelike features. Each mounts secu...
Leather
$380 / item
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished and patinated brass by We...
Brass
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Hook in Nickel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
$68Sale Price / item|25% Off
10 Hooks by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
10 hooks by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition Price and sell per piece.
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Giltwood Brackets Shelves
Located in Pearland, TX
A stylish pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian giltwood brackets or shelves. Faintly impressed "Made In Italy" mark on reverse. Sleek Art Deco style geometric design in a lovel...
Giltwood
Italian Designer, Coat Hangers, Aluminum, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of aluminum coat hangers designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Oxidation present to aluminum Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 4.0"H x 5.5"W...
Aluminum
Brass Wall Coat Hooks Attributed to Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass coat, hat hooks, elegant shape and perfect quality. Designed probably by Oswald Haerdtl and made in Austria in the early 1950s. Original condition. Up to five available, pric...
Brass
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass, Nickel
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass
$240 / item
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Brass Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass coat, hat hooks, elegant shape and perfect quality by Hertha Baller from the 1950s.
Brass
$170Sale Price / item|31% Off
3 Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
3 Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Patinated Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or ...
Brass
Walt Disney Huey, Dewey & Louie Wall Mounted Brass Key Rack / Hooks
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly collectible brass wall hook rack featuring Walt Disney’s beloved characters Huey, Dewey, and Louie, the famous nephews of Donald Duck. Crafted in solid brass wi...
Metal, Brass
Italian Designer, Coat Hangers, Aluminum, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of aluminum coat hangers designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Oxidation present to aluminum Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 4.0"H x 5.5"W...
Aluminum
$1,023 / set
9x Hooks by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
9x Hooks by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook, Austria
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 metal wall hook in polished brass, Austria. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile minimalist Viennese hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished...
Brass
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4982 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4982 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
Italian Designer, Coat Rack, Brass, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-lacquered metal coat rack designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass and metal Loss of black paint present to metal Wear consistent wit...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Midcentury Wall Hooks Attributed to Hagenauer
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass chrome-plated coat, hat hooks, elegant shape and perfect quality made in Austria probably by Hagenauer in the early 1950s. Original condition.
Brass, Chrome
Monkey Hook Wardrobe Hooks by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "monkey" by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
5x Austrian wall hooks by Hertha Baller, 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
5x Austrian wall hooks by Hertha Baller, 1950s Original condition
Brass
$272 / set
3x Brass Wall Hooks around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
3x Brass Wall Hooks around 1950s 3 are available Original condition.
Brass
Pair of Italian Florentine Architectural Gilt Wall Shelves Brackets, 1960's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Set of Two Italian Gold Leaf Wall Shelves. These versatile brackets could certainly stand alone on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful classic addition ...
Gold Leaf
$181Sale Price / item|27% Off
Three Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Three Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s. 3 are available, priced and sold per piece. Original condition.
Brass
Aluminium Wardrobe Vienna Around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Aluminum wardrobe vienna around 1960s Original condition.
Aluminum
Vintage School Dinner Bell, English, Brass, Playground Ringer, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage school dinner bell. An English, brass and mahogany mounted playground ringer, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Endearing schoolyard charm to this qualit...
Brass
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Brass, Nickel
Polished Brass Wall Hook, Carl Auböck Model #4995, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Wall Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...
Brass
Set of Four Hangers Made of Lucite and Brass, Italy, 1950s, Coat Hangers
Located in Roma, IT
Set of four hangers made of Lucite and brass, Italy 1950s. Coat Hangers Dimensions: Width 13 cm, depth 6 cm, height 14 cm.
Brass
Coat Hook from the Middle of the Century, 1960s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
-Made in Czechoslovakia -Manufacture of metal, wood, imitation wood sides -Wall coat hanger with 6 hooks.
Metal
Set of four Vintage Italy Design Coat Hooks in Red Metal and Brass, 1960s
Located in Lisse, NL
A decorative set of four vintage Italian wall coat hooks, circa 1960s–1970s, executed in bright red lacquered metal with gold-toned decorative accents. The set consists of three sho...
Brass
$300 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in darkly patinated brass with polished brass accents by W...
Brass
$329 / set
6 Wall Hooks, Italy, Around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
6 Wall hooks Italy around 1970s Original condition the bigger one´s : Hight: 15cm Wide: 9cm Depth: 9cm smaller one´s: Hight: 6cm Wide: 9cm Depth: 5cm.
Metal
Wardrobe, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Wardrobe, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Italian Designer, Coat Hangers, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of coat hangers with shelves designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.0"H x 12.7...
Brass
9x Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
9x Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks 1950s Original condition
Brass
4x Austrian wall hooks by Herta Baller, 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
4x Austrian wall hooks by Herta Baller, 1950s Original condition
Brass
$290 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Each...
Brass
$545 / set
Elegant Brass wall hooks around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Elegant Brass wall hooks around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4994 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4994 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
Italian Designer, Coat Rack, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and rattan coat rack designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.25"H x 11.0"W x 7.0"D All items ship from ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Gilt Metal Tole Rose Flower Key Hanger Wall Hook, Italy Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Italian toleware wall hook with a sculpted blooming rose, gilt leaves, and winding branches, finished in a warm gold tone. Handcrafted in Italy, the wall-mounted form extends outward...
Metal
Gilt Metal Tole Rose Flower Key Hanger Wall Hook, Italy Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Italian toleware wall hook with a sculpted blooming rose, gilt leaves, and winding branches, finished in a warm gold tone. Handcrafted in Italy, the wall-mounted form extends outward...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Brass Wall Hook
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass chrome-plated coat, hat hooks, elegant shape and perfect quality made in Austria in the early 1950s. Original condition.
Brass, Chrome
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks 1950s (priced and sold per piece)
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass wall hooks around 1950s Original condition (priced and sold per piece) (per one hook) We have also the small carl auböck hooks
Brass
$682 / set
6x Herta Baller hooks 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
6x Herta Baller hooks 1950s Original condition
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...
Brass
Six Asymetric Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Six Asymetric Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition Price and selling per piece.
Brass
Fourteen Asymmetric Brass Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Fourteen asymmetric brass wall hooks by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. priced and sold per piece. Original condition.
Brass
$477 / set
Aluminum Wall Hooks, Vienna, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Aluminum wall hooks, Vienna, circa 1960s It is not possible to attach on wall directly. It can only be mounted on a wooden plate or metal plate a...
Aluminum
$909 / set
8x Hooks by Herta Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
8x Hooks by Herta Baller, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Large Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Large Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria...
Brass
$545 / set
Elegant Brass wall hooks around 1950s
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Elegant Brass wall hooks around 1950s Original condition
Brass