1970s LaBarge Rectangle Nautical Carved Gilt Wood Seashell Beveled Wall Mirror
By LaBarge
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Italian LaBarge rectangle Wall Mirror with Giltwood Seashell Decor and beveled Mirror Glass. Makers Mark on the Reverse.
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage Shell-Encrusted Bud Vase – Coastal Grandmillennial Décor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This stunning vintage shell-encrusted bud vase is an exquisite piece of coastal artistry perfect for lovers of seashell décor, grand millennial interiors, and nautical collectibles
Shell, Clay
Set of 5 Large Natural Nautical Seashells Coastal Beach House Organic Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful collection of five large natural seashells featuring dramatic sculptural forms, thick construction, and distinctive wavy ridges. These impressive shells display wonderful n...
Shell
Vintage Jewelry Box with Abalone and Alpaca, Mexico, Circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Vintage Jewelry Box with Abalone and Alpaca, Mexico, Circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Alpaca, Wood, Shell
Artisanal Jewelry Box with Abalone and Alpaca, Mexico, Circa 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca & wood, Mexico, circa 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
By Christian Dior
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Metal, Silver Plate
Mother-of-pearl & aluminium centerpiece, Italy, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Aluminum
Mother-of-pearl & aluminium centerpiece, Italy, circa 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Crab & Shell Centerpiece, France, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Aluminum
Brass Shell Vide-Poches Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Abalone Shell Pitcher, Alpaca, Mexico, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Fish bottle opener, Abalone shell & Alpaca, Mexico, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Fish letter opener, Abalone shell & Alpaca, Mexico, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Mother-of-pearl & aluminium Centerpiece, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Aluminum
Mother-of-pearl salt & pepper shakers, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Mother-of-Pearl
Vintage Murano Glass Shell Tray, Amber with Gold Flecks, Italy, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Murano Glass
Large Mussel Shell Vide-Poches, chromed metal, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Metal, Chrome
Abalone shell & alpaca silver fish box, Mexico, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Silver
Abalone shell & alpaca silver fish box, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Silver
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Fish bottle opener, Abalone shell & Alpaca, Mexico, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Mid-Century Modern Abalone Tray, Alpaca Metal, Mexico, Circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca & wood, Mexico, circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Abalone Tray, Alpaca Metal, Mexico, Circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Midcentury Abalone Shell & Alpaca Shot Glasses, set of 6, Mexico, circa 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Glass
Abalone Shell & Brass Shot Glasses, set of 6, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Abalone, Glass, Shell
Articulated Abalone shell and Brass Fish Bottle Opener, Mexico, 1980's, 17 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Brass
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca and wood, Mexico, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Abalone shell salt & pepper shakers with tray, Alpaca Mexico, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Abalone Shell & Alpaca Shot Glasses, set of 4, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Glass
Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca & wood, Mexico, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor. Discover our curated collec...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Wood
Abalone Shell & Alpaca Shot Glasses, set of 6, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Glass, Alpaca
Abalone Shell & Alpaca Shot Glasses, set of 6, Mexico, 70's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca, Glass
Abalone shell & Alpaca Picture frame, Mexico, circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Midcentury Abalone Shell Photo Frame, Circular Design, Mexico, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
Abalone shell & Alpaca Picture frame, Mexico, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Shell, Abalone, Alpaca
1970s Shell-Encrusted Mirror, Coastal Folk Art Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Keywords: shell mirror, 1970s coastal décor, seashell frame, vintage folk art, handcrafted mirror, beach house style, nautical design, natural shells, mid-century coastal, 1stdibs mi...
Shell, Wood
Set/2 Wooden Boxes, Beige, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Dandara box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor. The seashell and starfish shaped handles with gold leaf finish combines perfe...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Brass
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Set of Lamp and Vase Tomasso Barbi in Ceramic, Lampshade Palm Tree, 1970
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Avignon, Vaucluse
Set of ceramic lamp and vase with seashell decor. 40 cm lamp base with 40 x 40 black palm fiber shade.
Ceramic, Palmwood
Sold
H 11 in W 14 in D 4 in
Pair of English Midcentury Majolica Brackets with Seashells and Faux-Bois Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English majolica brackets from the mid-20th century, with seashell decor. Created in England during the midcentury period, each of this pair of majolica brackets attracts o...
Majolica
Pair of Coastal Seashell Table Lamps-Nautical Decor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Enhance your space with this beautiful pair of tall table lamps, each uniquely handcrafted with natural seashells. These striking lamps bring a touch of coastal elegance and organic ...
Glass
Sold
H 3.5 in W 7.25 in D 4.5 in
Italian Handblown Art Glass Multicolor Conch Seashell Sculpture Decor Object
By Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous hand blown realistic multicolor Italian art glass conch shell sculpture. Unsigned. Very well detailed, looks like a true natural specimen. It has a soft pink interior, with ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Clam Shell Seashell Bookends
Located in Portsmouth, VA
This pair of stunning vintage brass clam bookends exudes the perfect blend of sleek sophistication and playful charm, characteristic of the Hollywood Regency style. Made in the 1960s...
Brass
Mussel Shell Vide-Poches in bronze, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
We specialize in vintage decorations, with particular expertise in rare mid-century shell-shaped objects, seashell sculptures, and coastal-inspired decor.Discover our curated collect...
Bronze
Loetz Shell Vase Candia Papillion, circa 1899, Art Nouveau
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
They were executed in great detail and quality. Seashells were produced in different decor variations among them Neptun, Diaspora, Astraä, rare phenomenon decorations, Chiné and as i...
Art Glass
Large Loetz Shell Vase Candia Papillion, circa 1899 Art Nouveau
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
They were executed in great detail and quality. Seashells were produced in different decor variations among them Neptun, Diaspora, Astraä, rare Phenomen decorations, Chiné and, as in...
Art Glass
Small Loetz Shell Vase Candia Papillion, circa 1899, Art Nouveau
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
They were executed in great detail and quality. Seashells were produced in different decor variations, among them Neptun, Diaspora, Astraä, rare Phenomen decorations, Chiné and as in...
Art Glass
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.