Exceptional and Unique Freestanding Sideboard in Solid Oak Belgium 1970
Located in Meer, VAN
Exceptional and Unique Freestanding Sideboard or Room Divider in Solid Oak Belgium 1970 An exceptional freestanding sideboard in solid oak, bespokely produced for a modernist villa ...
Oak
Florence Knoll sideboard in black oak and chrome for Knoll International, 1960s
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
An exceptionally refined sideboard designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, exemplifying the disciplined elegance and architectural clarity that define her enduring contri...
Chrome
Vintage Teak Modular Wall Shelf by Olof Pira for String, 1950s, Set of 11
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in Rødekro, DK
A refined example of Scandinavian Modern design, this modular shelving system was designed by Olof Pira in Sweden during the 1960s.
Metal
$7,200
Kurt Østervig Wall Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular wall unit, constructed in teak with brass supports, designed by Kurt Østervig for K.P. Møbler. Freestanding, the unit can be placed against a wall or function as a room divi...
Teak
Roomdivider in Teak and Brass by Louis Van Teeffelen
Located in Brussels, BE
Room divider shelving system by Louis Van Teeffelen from Netherlands. Commonly seen as an independent Wall unit shelving system, this rare one is fully equipped and in very good co...
Brass
Architectural French oak bookcase / cabinet from the 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A striking and highly architectural French oak bookcase from the 1950s, most likely a unique, one-off piece by a skilled cabinetmaker. Executed entirely in solid oak, the design is d...
Oak
Lips Vago Library Wall of Eight 'Congresso' Bookcases
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lips Vago, 'Congresso' shelving units, lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s. Very large library consisting of eight 'Congresso' units. Constructed from steel sheets, the 'Congresso' shelf ...
Steel
Frank Lloyd Wright "Taliesin" Mahogany Bookcase for Heritage Henredon, 1955
By Heritage-Henredon, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Camden, ME
The year 1955 marked a pivotal, strategic expansion for Frank Lloyd Wright into mass-market industrial and consumer product design. At 88 years old, Wright sought to move past exclus...
Glass, Mahogany
$2,640Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Teak Display Cabinets in the Style of Finn Juhl, UK, 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of slim teak display and storage cabinets / room dividers by Stateroom, imported from the United Kingdom in the late 1960s. A stylish, sleek way to divide a large space (finis...
Teak
Axel Larsson - Smoker’s Table with Metal Top
By Axel Larsson
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Smoker’s table designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors in the 1930s, model 837. Open shelving layout with a central vertical divider, allowing stora...
Metal
Narrow Box Shelves
Located in London, GB
These slimline oak shelving units offer a refined and versatile storage solution. Crafted from high-quality oak veneer, these shelves feature a beautifully rich wood grain with a smo...
Oak
MCM Chrome Teak, Modular shelves cabinets 4 Bay Wall UnitGeorge Nelson Attr.
By George Nelson
Located in Basel, BS
An exceptional, highly versatile four-bay mid-century modern modular wall unit and shelving system.
Metal, Chrome
“Congresso” blu metal bookcases by Lips Vago 1960s, 70s
By Lips Vago
Located in Padova, IT
Congresso' shelving unit by Lips Vago. In blu lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s. with adjustable shelves. A classic design that showcases a minimalist yet functional aesthetic. This boo...
Metal
Jens Risom Open Book Cabinet 1950c.
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Jens Risom Open Book Cabinet, 1950c. Walnut case with white lacquered open shelving. Features divided, adjustable, and removable shelves. Raised on a solid walnut base with tapered l...
Walnut
Mogens Koch Modular Bookcase Wall System for Rud. Rasmussen Denmark 1955c.
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Chicago, IL
Mogens Koch Modular Bookcase Wall System for Rud. Rasmussen Denmark 1955c. Denmark, circa 1955–60 Pine with brass hardware Set of fifteen modules: ten bookcase sections and five cabi...
Brass
File Rack PJ-050205 by Pierre Jeanneret, India, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
File Rack; Pierre Jeanneret; Le Corbusier; Low Cupboard; D.I.H. 074; PJ-050205; Chandigarh; 1957; 1958; 1950s; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard...
Wood
File Rack PJ-050202 by Pierre Jeanneret, India, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
File Rack; Pierre Jeanneret; Le Corbusier; Low Cupboard; PJ-050202; Chandigarh; 1957; 1958; 1950s; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard; Room Divid...
Wood
Center storage unit by G. Malacrida and P. Resmini, modular bookshelf, 1970s
By Malacrida and Co.
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Double-Sided Storage Unit - G. Malacrida & P. Resmini, 1970s This rare modular storage unit, designed by Milanese architects G. Malacrida and P. Resmini in the 1970s, stands...
Metal
$3,300 / item
Lips Vago 'Congresso' Bookcases
By Lips Vago
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lips Vago, 'Congresso' shelving units, black lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s. Constructed from steel sheets, the 'Congresso' shelf is a sturdy yet unassuming bookcase that can be used...
Steel
Vintage Burl Wood and Bronze Freestanding Wall Unit by John Stuart
By John Stuart, West Michigan Furniture Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning mid-century modern freestanding wall unit is a true masterpiece designed by John Stuart and crafted by West Michigan Furniture.
Bronze
Industrial Congresso Bookcase in Blue Steel by Lips Vago
By Lips Vago
Located in London, London
Lips Vago, an Italian company founded in the mid-20th century when the Italian blacksmith company Vago merged with Dutch locker company Lips.
Steel
Vintage Polished Chrome Etagere After Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Measuring 42 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and standing an impressive 79 inches tall, this substantial unit serves as a commanding focal point or a chic, semi-transparent room divider...
Steel
Copacabana natural oak and travertine open bookcase with brass details by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Duistt, timeless designs with a contemporary twist ___________________ Open bookcase, room divider shelving, natural oak bookshelf, travertine bookcase, contemporary shelving unit, ...
Travertine, Brass
Danish Brutalist Oak Sideboard, Style of Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
A commanding Danish Brutalist oak sideboard in the manner of Henning Kjærnulf (Henry Kjaernulf) — one of the most collectible and visually distinctive voices in mid-century Scandinav...
Oak
Large-Scale Modernist Rattan Étagère in the Style of Harvey Probber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The natural honey-toned finish and woven construction create visual depth from every angle, making the piece equally suitable as a room divider, library shelving unit, or display cab...
Wood, Rattan, Reed, Willow
“MF 710” Modular Bookshelf in Hardwood & Metal, Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1955 by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, the MF 710 bookshelf stands as one of the most refined expressions of Brazilian post-war modernism, where industrial rigor meets h...
Brass, Iron
$9,566Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Claudio Salocchi Bar Unit, Aluminium, White Lacquer for Sormani, Italy
By Claudio Salocchi, Sormani
Located in Arosio, IT
The whole idea of the Ellisse collection was to use extruded aluminum as main feature: three extruded pieces to form a whole series of high class containers used as bar units, chests...
Aluminum
Sideboard in Rosewood by Henry W. Klein, 1960s
By Henry W Klein
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sideboard, designed by Henry Walter Klein and produced by Bramin Møbler in Denmark during the 1960s, is a sophisticated example of Scandinavian modernism, distinguishe...
Rosewood
$1,529Sale Price|40% Off
1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
By Nils Nisse Strinning, String Design AB, Kajsa Strinning 1
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Adjustable shelving system, allowing for customizable configurations A timeless Danish Modern piece, ideal for mid-century interiors or contemporary spaces looking for elegant, modul...
Teak
$1,668Sale Price|40% Off
1960s Teak "Parade" Bookcase / Shelves By Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
By String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning, Kajsa Strinning 1
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Versatile sectional design, perfect as a room divider or wall-mounted storage unit Crafted from warm teak wood, showcasing beautiful natural grain Features sliding door cabinets, dra...
Glass, Teak
Sculptural Italian Modular Bookcase in solid Teak and Formica, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Details: Italy, 1960s Solid teak uprights; teak and Formica shelves and cabinets Modular wall-mounted system Mid-Century Modern Condition: Very good vintage condition, with ligh...
Aluminum, Brass
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Hollywood Regency Etagere / Shelf
Located in Burbank, CA
Gorgeous vintage Mid century Modern shelving unit for sale. Manufactured in the 1970's, and very well made. It's made of aluminum and metal, and has brass accents and details. It has...
Metal, Brass
751 coffee table by Ico Parisi per Cassina
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Details: Italy, 1960s Solid teak uprights; teak and Formica shelves and cabinets Modular wall-mounted system Mid-Century Modern Condition: Very good vintage condition, with ligh...
Glass, Wood
$2,700Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Rattan Seven-Tier Display Shelf Wall Etagere Unit w/ Cabinet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Paul Frankl-style seven-level rattan shelf room divider wall with mahogany shelving.
Rattan
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.