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.
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
1950s Italian Curved Wall Sconces with Opaline Globes and Green Backplates
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a curved black lacquered brass stem, spherical opaline glass diffusers and round green lacquered brass wall plates. The arche...
Brass
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Newly Refinished - American Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Nikolay Diulgheroff, Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nikolay Diulgheroff for Stilnovo, table lamp, brass, enameled steel, Italy, 1950s A table lamp by Nicolaj Diulgheroff (1901–1982), one of the distinctive figures of Italian Second F...
Brass, Steel
Mid Century Lisa Larson Pottery Cat Figurine - Lilla Zoo Series, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage mid century pottery cat figurine or paperweight by Lisa Larson. Produced as part of the "Lilla Zoo Series" for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Features incised detailing and nice cont...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Patinated Etruscan Horse Sculpture Weinberg Style 1970s, Greece
By Frederic Weinberg, Pepe Mendoza
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking bronze sculpture, originally found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria, is inspired by the elegant forms and symbolic motifs of ancient Etruscan art. Crafted in Greece...
Metal
Mid-Century Brass and Enamel Barware Cocktail Picks, Spanish Swords, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming and highly decorative set of eight cocktail picks from Toledo, Spain, circa 1950, each meticulously shaped as a miniature Spanish sword. The e...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Ceramic Head Green Metal and Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to ...
Metal, Brass
Danish Oval Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style 1970s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Kurt Østervig
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Henning Kjærnulf style oval extendable dining table with turned and carved legs. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s most likely by EG Møbler The table is made of so...
Oak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak & Cognac Leather Lounge Chair for Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full Grain-Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bri...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this...
Travertine
1970s Coral Marbleized Glass Rondelle Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wide saucer-shaped ceiling fixture from the 1970s with a marbleized glass shade in coral pink, carrying bold cream and rose veining that evokes the look of colored stone. Chrome hard...
Glass
Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet for Glenn of CA
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic beige tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Cane and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, walnut, cane, fabric, metal, Europe 1940s Charming 1940s lounge chair, its silhouette dominated by curves. The walnut frame with cane sweeps continuously from the bac...
Metal
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's
Located in Hastings, GB
A Stunning Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Chapeaux de Gendarme, Circa 1950's These stylish chapeau de gendarme models are beautiful. The rich, chestnut brown colour is very love...
Leather
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Biscuit Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s wall mirror in the style of legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti boasts a captivating "biscuit" (biscotto) silhouette. Defined by its organic, gently flare...
Brass
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 8x10 Blue And Pink Geometric Indian Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Reversible Sky Blue And Pink Geometric Patterned Indian Rug Size- 8'x10' (240x300cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 100% cotton ...
Cotton
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Sconces with Cylindrical Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, featuring a clean geometric construction in brass and white opaline glass. Each fixture is built around a round brass wall plate supporti...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Maple
California Modern Two-Tone Black Lacquered Dresser by Stanley Young
By Glenn of California, Stanley Young
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Lacquered Wood, Walnut Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we tak...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Sarah Ellison Muse Modular Sofa in Cognac Velvet, Mid-Century Modern
Located in San Carlos, CA
A four-piece modular sofa from Sarah Ellison's celebrated "Muse" collection for Ellison Studios, upholstered in a warm cognac velvet. The set comprises two armless seat modules and t...
Velvet, Hardwood
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Blue Glass and Brass Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian mid-century table lamps featuring rounded light blue glass bodies, circular brass bases and matching brass details. Their soft spherical form and pale blue color give...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Bronzed Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent and unique large pair of bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown glass and solid brass with a stunning uniform bronzed patina. These exceptional lights were desig...
Brass
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 3x5 Green And Blue Zig Zag Striped Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Reversible Area Rug, Forest Green, Cream And Blue Zig Zag Striped Rug Dhurrie - 3'x5' (90x150cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 1...
Cotton
Ashtray with fish motiv vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Ashtray with fish motiv vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Pierre Jeannere Public Bench/SI-37-B Teak & Midnight Blue hide, Chandigarh 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pierre Jeanneret, sofa "Public Bench" SI-37-B in teak and reupholstered in midnight blue hide. This model was designed for the Supreme Court in Chandigarh, India 1955. About: Archi...
Leather, Teak
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, combining brass, black lacquered metal and white opaline glass in a refined mid-century composition. Each fixture features a large...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lounge Chairs in Muted Moss Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, velvet, wood, Europe, 1950s These mid-century modern armchairs have a quiet confidence to them. Their form is simple, but not severe: the gently angled arms ...
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s "Area" wall lamp, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall or ceiling lamp that can also be used as a table lamp, with a white ceramic base and a glass-fiber-reinforced paper shade, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s. 4 lamps...
Ceramic, Paper
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Chandelier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous floral chandelier entirely crafted from mouth-blown Murano glass and solid brass. This incredibly elegant and sculptural piece was produced by the mastery of Barovier in It...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Opaline Glass and Brass Bedside Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian table lamps from the 1950s, featuring solid brass bases and tall rectangular shades in white opaline glass. The softly rounded corners of the glass contrast with the ...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side legs and feet with thr...
Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modern 1950s Sculptural Writing Desk in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, mahogany, glass, Italy, 1950s This exceptional Italian desk from the 1950s embodies the sophistication and expressive freedom that defined the finest mid-century desig...
Glass, Mahogany
Italian Stilnovo Chandelier in Brass, Prismatic Glass in 104cm/40.94in
By Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stilnovo, ceiling light, brass, prismatic glass, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian chandelier from the 1950s by Stilnovo captures the refinement of mid-century modern design. Its s...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Rhythm” Walnut Dresser by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Pair of Table Lamps in Wrought Iron & Hammered Glass by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
Midcentury amazing pair of table lamps in golden wrought iron and multi-color hammered glass produced by Longobard the concurrent of Poliarte at the 1960s / 1970s. Made in Italy in ...
Metal, Iron
Vico Magistretti for Artemide 'Triclinio' Chandelier in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model 'Triclinio', matt nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features three opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix "Tri", Greek for three. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002 turntable Jacob Jensen Denmark 1970s
By Bang & Olufsen, Jacob Jensen
Located in Den Haag, NL
One of Jacob Jensen’s most iconic design is the Beogram 4002 with the famous tangential tracking arm. This one is Refurbished. see bill . Good working condition . The remote control ...
Aluminum
French Ceramic Table Lamp, Black Glazed, Organic Form, 1950s Design
By Roger Capron, Pol Chambost, Peter and Denise Orlando, Georges Jouve
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Exceptional French ceramic table lamp, circa 1950s, featuring a rare and beautifully sculpted organic form in deep black glazed ceramic. The highly sensual silhouette, articulated b...
Ceramic
$1,215Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Modern Sheepskin Upholstered Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid Century Modern Sheepskin Upholstered Bench.
Wood
Midcentury Ice Bucket in Red Goatskin and Brass by Aldo Tura, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful ice bucket in red goatskin and brass with handle by Aldo Tura. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Metal, Brass
Italian Pair of Midcentury Amber Murano Glass Pair of Wall Sconces, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1970s in Italy. Each Wall Sconce is composed by 4...
Metal, Brass
$3,766Sale Price|20% Off
Pietro Chiesa style. Art Deco and Atomic Era glass pendant light, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Arredoluce, Stilnovo, Oscar Torlasco, Pietro Chiesa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Art Deco style pendant lamp in the style of Pietro Chiesa’s designs for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s. This chandelier ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Beveled Frame Arch Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Mirror ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ta...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Walnut & Brass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bureau Secretaire Cabinet by Beaver and Tapley
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful compact vintage bureau cabinet from the 1960s. Ideal as a compact desk or a workstation. The Mid-century modern cabinet was designed by Robert Heritage as part of the Mul...
Teak
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Cognac Leather "Swan" Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: New Full-Grain Cognac Leather, Aluminum ______________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we t...
Aluminum
Pair of 1950s Italian Sculptural Wall Lights in Brass, Green and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural mid-century composition and a distinctive combination of brass, green lacquer and opaline glass. Ea...
Brass
$1,561Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Riviera and Palm Beach Regency style seashell table lamps, France, 1950s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. French Riviera and Palm Beach Regency style conch shell table lamps, France (La Côte d’Azur), 1950s. Each piece is composed of a lar...
Brass
Vintage Flower Murano Glass Flush Mount or Sconce Wall Light Italy, 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful vintage Murano glass flush mount or wall light, designed in the graceful form of a flower. Made in Murano, Italy, in the 1970s, this striking fixture features richly text...
Metal
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 54.50in H x 48in W x 20in D Desk Height 27in Ottoman: 17in H x 22.50in W x 16in D Materials: Walnut Wood, Vintage Leather, Original Glass _______________________ Trans...
Leather, Glass, Wood, Walnut
Sculptural Bronze Paperweight by Monique Gerber, France, Circa 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined sculptural bronze paperweight or ashtray by French artist Monique Gerber, dating from circa 1970. The piece is elegantly shaped as a single daisy petal, with its recessed c...
Bronze
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Wood Floor Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Roller Lamp Co. Manufacturer: Roller Lamp Co Materials: Walnut-Stained Oak Wood, Brass Accents, New Custom Linen Shade Dimensions: 63in H x 11in W x 11in D Lamp Shade: 15...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Mirrored Sideboard Polished Aluminum Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, wall-mounted sideboard, aluminum, glass, lacquered ash, Italy, 1960s Exceptional sideboard designed by Vittorio Introini for Saporiti in the 1960s. ...
Aluminum