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Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern pottery wall plaque with an abstract pattern, from Tilgmans
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A unique and rather large ceramic wall plaque with an abstract pattern of a star and amazing colors from Tilgmans, Sweden. The amazing glazin...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Sculpture in Brass, Steel & Aluminum, Manner of Silas Seandle
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modern sculpture- realized in the manner of Silas Seandle- was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It consists of a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

K. Lee Manuel Framed Hand Painted Feather and Textile Wearable Necklace / Collar
By K. Lee Manuel
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed, decorative and stunning feather and fabric collar by famed fashion designer K. Lee Manuel. The piece has been professionally mounted and artfully framed in an acrylic box frame...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Nylon, Paint, Feathers, Leather

Italian Radiator Cover Midcentury in Perforated Iron Parts in Pure Gold, 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian radiator cover midcentury in perforated iron parts in pure gold 1950s. Upper surface in mirror, truly original pieces of great elegance.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate

1950s Karl Drerup Enamel on Copper Frame Artwork
Located in New York, NY
1950s modern enamel on copper frame artwork by American enamel artist Karl Drerup. A rare collection of 5 pieces is available.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Mid-Century Gold Leaf Painting with Gold Leaf Custom Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Large and remarkable painting with watercolor, charcoal, pastel crayon and gold leaf techniques. The custom hand made frame is gilt wood with lacquer. The piece is in very good condi...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Giltwood

Antique Matterhorn Framed Drawing, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th Century Framed Drawing Matterhorn Artwork By unknown artist, from France In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Lorenzo Burchiellaro Abstract Wall Panel in Aluminum and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, wall panel, wood, aluminum, Italy, 1970s Abstract wall panel in aluminum by Italian designer Lorenzo Burchiellaro. Burchiellaro is known for his metal furnitur...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Aluminum

Cristiano Toraldo di Francia Unique Bench in Walnut with Gold Leaf Wall Panel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cristiano Toraldo di Francia and Andrea Noferi, bench with drawers and wall panel, walnut, gold leaf, fabric upholstery, Italy, 1986 Admi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Butterflies Glass Box Frame Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Midcentury glass box frame with butterflies, French, circa 1950. Good vintage condition Shipping: 4/22 / 52 cm 1.4 kg.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Midcentury Wall Decoration Sgrafo Modern, Birds, Teak and Porcelain, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare - nice and style decoration - animal motive - storks or herons - marked - representative.
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain, Teak

Large Ceramic Wall Panel Giovanni De Simone 1960 Sicilian Art Picasso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Large ceramic wall panel Giovanni De Simone 1960 Sicilian Art Picasso Horse Rider. In his hometown he founded his own workshop "Maioliche d'Arte De Simo...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

French Majolica Pink Daisy Plate, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica pink daisy plate Massier style signed Au Bain Marie, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Selection of Italian Pietra Dura Plaques
By Montici, G. Ugolini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid-Century Modern Pietra Dura plaques, attributed to Richard Blow for Montici or Ugolini, unsigned, Italy, circa 1950s. They are: 1) I...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

Pannello Decoratico Asiatico Uccelli Fior di Mandorlo smalto su Metallo Italia
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pannello Decoratico Asiatico Uccelli Fior di Mandorlo smalto su Metallo Italia
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Enamel

Original Vintage Photograph of Construction Workers. C.1870
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful image of construction workers in the north east of England Albumen print. On card Known photographer- S.Hoggard, Middlesbrough Unframed Free shipping.  
Category

1870s English Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pair of Mid Century Studio Ceramic Tile Art by Irina Lorin Signed & Framed
Located in San Diego, CA
pair of Framed mid-20th century Irina Lorin Signed ceramic wall art tile of Asian figures, consisting of three framed tiles, mid-20th century original wood lacquer frame. Signed. IRI...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Alexander Calder lithograph (1970s Calder prints)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage early 1970s Alexander Calder off-set lithograph: Published by Art in America, circa early 1970s. Good to very good overall vintage condition. Printed signature from an editi...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Wall Art Painting in Frame A.B Diaovne 1995
Located in Bastogne, BE
Original Diaovne A.B Art Painting for collecting and home or office decoration. 1995s With the painting Diaovne A.B “Senegal” you can create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home....
Category

1990s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass

2 Tapistries by Simone Prouve
By Simone Prouvé
Located in Long Island City, NY
Cotton, wool and mix-media. Both signed. Simone Prouve (born 1931) is the daughter Jean Prouve. Dimensions: H 93’´x W 62’´ and H 93’´x W43" for the rope ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Rope

Vintage Wooden Picture, Czechoslovakia, 1950's.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of Wood, Veneer, Sololith Carved Original Vintage Condition
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

PAOLO DE POLI - Rame smaltato dipinto a mano - 1950 Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Paolo de Poli - smalto su rame dipinto a mano dal artista che insieme a Gio Ponti hanno collaborato nel arredamento del 900 italiano.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

PAOLO DE POLI - Rame smaltato anni 50 - Made in ITALY
Located in Milano, IT
Paolo de Poli - Smalto dipinto a mano su rame disegnato dal artista, che ha collaborato insieme al architetto GIO PONTI nella decorazione di tanti arredi del 900.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Set of 48 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 48 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Expressionist Acrylic Abstract Painting by GM, 1998
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful abstract acrylic painting signed "GM '98". Excellent layered expressionist palette knife and brush work in blues and white with hints of green yellow, ochre, and pink peeki...
Category

1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modernist Cubist Concrete Wall Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modernist Cubist Concrete Wall Art
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Set of 12 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 12 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Glass and Stone Mosaic Abstract Wall Art Sculpture, by Han van Hattem 1964
Located in Den Haag, NL
Glass and Stone Mosaic abstract wall art sculpture, The Netherlands 1964, The Hague, By Han van Hattem Dated and Signed 1964.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

Early 20th Century Framed Artwork, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th Century Framed Artwork, circa 1930 By unknown manufacturer, France. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

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, circa 1970, United States. Curtis Jere is a metalwork artist of wall sculptures and household accessories...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Aqua Majolica Oyster Plate Gien, circa 1950
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate signed Gien, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Bornholm Town By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Delightful Bornholm wall plaque by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Soft tones of blues and browns on hand crafted stoneware Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark, Bornholm a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Flock Of Birds By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Charming gathering of five small birds wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Muted blue glaze with brown highlights on stoneware Stamped MS, Three Herrings ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Trio Of Birds By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Trio of birds wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Amusing trio glazed with blue, green and brown over stoneware Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark and #6267 o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Rooster By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Bold rooster wall plaque by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Wonderfully hand crafted by the renowned Danish ceramicist Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark, and #6071 on re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 32 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 32 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Bluebirds Trio By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Bluebirds trio wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Engaging blue glazed birds on stoneware plaque Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark and #6267 on reverse Widt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 12 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 12 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 4 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 4 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 5 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 5 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Rudolph Weisenborn (1879-1974) Abstract Oil on Canvas Circa 1957
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Rudolph Weisenborn (1879-1974) Colorful abstract painting in heavy impasto oil on canvas by renowned Chicago artist Rudolph Weisenborn. Signed on bottom right front Wesisenborn '57. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Set of 25 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 25 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mackerel Smoking Scene Marianne Starck, Michael Andersen, Persian Glaze Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Entertaining scene of a Bornholm mackerel smoker and his family Beautifully created wall plaque with a complex Persian glaze, by renowned ceramicist Marianne Starck, for Michael A...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 5 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 5 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Girl With Braid By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Girl with braided hair wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Serene image complimented by delicate pale blue glaze Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark and #6056...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Ladies By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Four Soulful Women In Blue wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Superb varying degrees of cobalt blue glaze over stoneware Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Wheels By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Tactile, abstract wheels wall plaque by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Dark brown wheels with blue glaze pools over stoneware Stamped MS, Three Herrings mark and #635...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 5 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 5 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 7 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 7 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 9 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 9 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 17 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 17 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 4 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 4 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 7 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 7 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 38 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 38 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 50 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 50 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

French Majolica Oyster Marcel Guillot, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica oyster signed Marcel Guillot, circa 1950. 10.5 diameter.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Vintage Dutch Canvas Postal Bag with Steel Loops and Red, White, Blue Stripe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage canvas postal bag with steel loops. 'Dutch Postal Service' stamped in Dutch and French hints that this piece is likely associated with shipments to bilingual Belgium. This we...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Set of 169 (3 Sqm) ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 169 tiles (around 3 Sqm) by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative art 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative art 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 decorative art, popular names associated with this style include Robert Picault, Curtis Jeré, Vallauris, and Daniel Clesse. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $406,322 while the average work can sell for $1,323.

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