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.
1960s Handmade Blue, Grey Stoneware Candle Sconces by Marianne Starck
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade stoneware candles sconces designed in the 1960s by ceramic artist Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen & Son. Navy blue floral decor on warm grey base. Stamped, signed...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
1960s Marianne Starck Sgraffito Black White Ceramic Candle Sconce, Denmark
By Michael Andersen & Son, Marianne Starck, Thomas Toft, Rörstrand, Ingrid Atterberg
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian modern handmade ceramic wall sconce by designer Marianne Starck (1931-2007) for Michael Andersen & Son. Manufactured on the island of Bornholm in the 1960s as part of th...
Clay, Stoneware, Pottery, Ceramic
$562Sale Price / set|25% Off
Faux Leather Metal Candle Sconces After Jacques Adnet, A Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Hermès-style wall-mounted candle sconces with faux leather "straps" made of painted metal. These have been created in the style of Jacques Adnet, the iconic French designer of home...
Steel
Pierre Forssell Pair of Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Up for sale two lovely sconces from Skultuna, Sweden in brass. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in the 1990s. Very good condition. Delivered whit the original box.
Brass
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
French Designer, Candle Sconces, Iron, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron candle sconces designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Dramatic patina consistent with age and use. Note slight difference in shape and dimension to each candle s...
Iron
1960s Pierre Forsell Round Brass Candleholder for Skultuna
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Pierre Forsell Round Brass Candleholder for Skultuna Executed in solid brass, this rounded sculptural candleholder designed by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna is a beautiful examp...
Brass
Pierre Forssell, Candle Sconces, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four candle sconces designed by Pierre Forssell and produced by Skultuna, Sweden, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions: 19.25” H x 1.5” W x 3.25” D Dimensions of back plate: 13.65...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern White Wooden Cross Wall Candle Holder from Aarikka, Finland
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern White Wooden Cross Wall Candle Holder from Aarikka, Finland, 1960s. Original color ! Repaired on bottom.
Wood
Pierre Forssell, Candle Sconces, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three candle sconces designed by Pierre Forssell and produced by Skultuna, Sweden, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions: 19.25” H x 1.5” W x 3.25” D Dimensions of back plate: 13.6...
Brass
exceptional large 1950s 60s mid century wall CANDLE HOLDER hammered copper
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very decorative wall candlestick from the 1950s/60s. Made of hammered copper. For a round or straight candle. On the back marked Wall Handcrafted Made in Germany. Dimensions in cm:...
Copper
Pierre Forssell Pair of Vintage Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Forssell (1925-2004) Pierre Forssell was an acclaimed industrial designer who designed cutlery and cookware, for among others Gense, before joining the distinguished brass foundry of Skultuna as creative director in the early 1950s. Forssell was commissioned to renew Skultuna’s product range and created several successful series of modernist interior decorating objects...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Italian Tole Chinoiserie Palm Tree Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical pair of vintage tole two light Italian candle power wall sconces having stylized palm trees over fanciful chinoiserie figures with umbrellas.
Metal
Kolbäck Pair of Brass Wall Candlesticks, Swedish Modern 1960s.
Located in Bromma, SE
Set of 2 Brass Wall Mounted candleholders by Arthur Pe Pettersson Kolbäck, Sweden. Modernist candle-holders in solid brass, made in the 1960s. Circular wall base with a socket fixe...
Brass
Vintage Italian Gilt Tole Florentine Sconce / Candleholder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single circa 1970s Italian gilt tole sconce / candleholder with grape and leaf motif. Holds two candles. Nice patina to the gilt and light wear consistent with age / use.
Metal
Kolbäck Pair of Brass Wall Candlesticks, 1960s.
Located in Bromma, SE
Set of 2 Brass Wall Mounted candleholders by Arthur Pe Pettersson Kolbäck, Sweden. Modernist candle-holders in solid brass, made in the 1960s. Circular wall base with a socket fixe...
Brass
large and heavy wall CANDLE HOLDER solid copper 1960s dramatic brutalist style
Located in Mannheim, DE
Outstanding 1960s wall candle holder. Made of solid copper. Ecclectic brutalist style. A unique piece and a perfect addition to any mid century interior. For candles with 4 1/3" (11 ...
Copper
Mid Century Candle Sconce in teh style of Tommi Parzinger
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Candle Sconce in teh style of Tommi Parzinger. Classic 6 light design to jazz up your walls and make a statement.
Metal
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candle Sconces, Glass & Metal, France, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A matching pair of vintage wall hanging candle sconces mounted on oval mirrors. Each mirror features a clear rope twist glass border with softly aged glass showing light spotting. A ...
Metal
Rare Tommi Parzinger Brass And Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A vintage solid brass and blown glass sconce designed by Tommi Parzinger. Dorlyn Silversmiths made both mass produced and custom pieces for Tommi Parzinger. The sconce i...
Brass
Pair of Blackened Bronze Small Bear Trays / Candle Holders by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun pair of blackened bronze small bear trinket trays / candle holders by Walter Bosse , circa 1950's. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measure 2....
Bronze
Vintage Italian Gilt Tole Grapeleaf Wall Sconces / Candelabrum
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian triple candle candelabrum/wall sconce in gilt tole with grape-leaf and grape motif (ca. 1970, Italy). Natural patina present with spots of gilt and paint loss, as shown. Rem...
Metal
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Four Arm Brass Wall Candelabrum
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Hanover, MA
Grand scale wall mounted candle sconce with four branches designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. This uncommonly seen candela...
Brass
$886Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Candleholder from 1950s
Located in Vienna, Austria
This Austrian made candleholder from the 1950s was designed to be used outside. The handmade glass prevents the wind from blowing out the candle and at the same time displays a patte...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Italian Midcentury Giltwood Candle Sconces with Carved Feathers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian giltwood candle sconces from the mid 20th century, with two arms, carved feathers and acanthus leaves. Created in Italy during the Mid...
Giltwood
Curtis Jeré, Tree Sculpture Candleholder or Sconce Made of Brass and Steel
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in St. Louis, MO
C. Jeré wall candleholder sconce sculpture in the form of a tree or sheaf of wheat, made of brass and steel. I have three of these, so you can use as a pair or singles. Two of the th...
Brass, Steel
Set of 5 Erik Hoglund styled Glass Face Masks Wall Sconces Multicolor Midcentury
By Erik Höglund
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
A special set of five candle sconces in vibrant colored glass.
Glass
In the Style of Paul Evans Wall Torch
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Brutalist wall sculptural Torchere, can be wired for electric or used as candle torch. Cast aluminum with brass anodized prong light holder grooved and d...
Aluminum
Handmade Antique style possibly brass decorated Tea light Holder.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly brass in material, this antique style decorative Tea Light holder was previously used as an oil lamp. Candle holder and/or incense holder. The “ globe “ part of the piece sp...
Brass
Pair of Los Castillo Brass and Copper Candle Sconces
By Los Castillo
Located in Pawtucket, RI
A rare pair of Los Castillo candle sconces in copper with swirling inlaid brass design, Taxco, Mexico. Signed.
Brass, Copper
Pair of Artist-Made Brutalist Welded Steel Wall Candle Sconces, American Studio
Located in South Jordan, UT
A compelling pair of handcrafted Brutalist wall candle sconces executed in welded steel, embodying the raw sculptural aesthetic that defined the American Studio Craft movement of the...
Steel
Raymor Midcentury Candelabra Wall Sconce
By Raymor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, wall mount, candelabra or candle sconce by Raymor with elliptical shape walnut back and wrought iron candle holders.
Wrought Iron
Antique Pair Ormolu Two Light Wall Electric Sconces Appliques Maison Lucien Gau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Fine Quality Pair of French Napoleon lll Style Gilt Bronze heavy gauge Twin Arm Electric Wall Candle Sconces Lights, of very generous proportions and outstanding quality. Made by the...
Bronze, Ormolu
Unique Mid-Century Modern Wall Candle Holder Made Of Slate And oCpper
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely wall candle holder was found in the estate of an architect couple who were passionate about collecting art and design. They owned many international works of art. This ca...
Slate, Copper
Sommerso green candle holder by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano glass, Italy 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and rare sommerso candle holder designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the sommerso technique (superposition of ...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Arrow Wall Sconce, Brass and Metal, Europe, 1960s
Located in London, England
Height: 53cm Depth: 10cm Width: 24cm Date: 1960s. Materials: Brass, Metal. Description: Arrow wall sconces are stylish and versatile lighting fix...
Brass, Chrome
Two Mid-Century Modern Wall Candleholders by Konrad Galaaen, Norway 1960s
By Konrad Galaaen, Porsgrund Porselænsfabrik
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two midcentury wall candleholders in stoneware and steel designed by Konrad Galaaen for Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik, Norway 1960s.
Cut Steel
Vintage Modernist Iron & Glass Candle Sconce from Danish Ferro Art, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hand-made Danish wall sculpture made by Danish design company Ferro Art in the 1970s. It is made from welded iron set in a graphic formation and highlighted by thick blue honey/amber...
Iron
French Designer, Candle Sconces, Brass, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candle sconces likely designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Moderate patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.35"H x ...
Brass
AVEM Murano Multicolored Art Glass Candle Holder with Spiral Stem
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative Murano art glass candle holder, attributed to AVeM, likely dating from around the 1970s, characterized by a tall, sculptural form, multicolored glass decoration, and refin...
Murano Glass, Glass
Ice cube candle holder by Peill Putzler 3 flames glass silver metal Germany 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful and rare ice cube candle holder designed and produced by Peill & Putzler in Germany in the 1970s. Candle holder in glass and silver metal that can accommodate 3 ca...
Metal, Silver
Candle Sconce with Mirror and Mosaic 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Candle sconce with mirror and mosaic 1950s. Wonderful and joyful candle sconce with oval shaped mirror and mosaic in cut glass. Made somewhere in the middle of the 20th century by...
Metal
French Designer, Candle Sconces, Brass, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candle sconces designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18"H x 9.25"W x 5.5"D Number of...
Brass
$1,281Sale Price|35% Off
Antique Modernist Display Counter, Metal & Glass, Spain, Circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
This antique display counter is a rare and beautiful piece of the Modernist movement in Barcelona, Spain. The ornate forged iron structure is s...
Metal
Huge Hand Forged 'Hammered' Metal Artist Wall Candle Holder, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Huge hand forged (hammered) metal artist wall candle holder. A unique piece, a masterpiece. Massive, wonderfully shaped and a real eye-catcher.
Copper
Wrought iron and glass candle lantern by Bertil Vallien for Boda - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wall decoration - Vase - Vintage Measures : 19cmx21cm H:36cm Materials : Glass - Wrought Iron Bertil Vallien is an artist who needs no further introduction for anyone who loves the...
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Iron and blue glass candle sconce for Dantoft, Denmark 1960's/1970's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This iron and glass candle candle sconce was made by Dantoft Kunstartikler (art pieces) in Denmark. A stunning piece of wall art of Danish design. It is made out of lacquered wrought...
Iron
Pair of Swedish Carved Wood Wall Candle Holders by Ahrneberg, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Swedish wall-mounted candle holders in carved wood, produced by Ahrneberg during the 1960s. Each piece features a stylized, organic form with softly carved contours and a w...
Wood
Modern Brass Colseth sconces round bold shape mid century Norway
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Pair of modern stylish sconces for transitional interiors. Round 10 inch circular back plate with bold candle holder. Statement piece. . Depth 4.5 inches
Brass
Midcentury Wrought Iron Wall Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Wrought iron wall candleholder handmade in Styria Austria in the 1950s.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Italian Gilt Tole Florentine Grapeleaf Candleabra
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of striking circa 1970s Italian candleholders in gilt tole with grapeleaf and grape motif. Each sconce holds two candles. Nice patina / age-appropriate wear to the gilt.
Metal
Pierre Forsell Wall Mounted Candle Holders, 7 Items available, Price by Item
Located in Paris, IDF
Brass Swedish wall mounted candle holders designed by Pierre Forsell and manufactured by Skultuna, 1955s. Model - Pendal No 71. Good Condition. With wick holder. 7 pieces availabl...
Brass
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage French Bronze Wall Candle Sconces, a Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very fine bronze wall mount candle sconces or candleholders, each with two arms, and featuring a richly embossed backplate having a f...
Bronze
Leaf Shaped Candle Sconce in Patinated Brass 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Leaf Shaped candle sconce in Patinated Brass 1970s. Wonderful and elegant candle sconce in the shape of a leaf. Made in brass, this candle sconce makes sure the light is reflected...
Brass
$390Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage Brass Pineapple Wall Candle Sconces
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this exquisite pair of vintage brass pineapple wall candle sconces. Crafted with intricate openwork detailing, these sconces featur...
Brass
Pair Tony Paul Atomic Brass & Wrought Iron Candle Sconces C. 1950's
By Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
Pair Tony Paul Atomic Brass & Wrought Iron Candle Sconces C. 1950's. Overall excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Some tarnishing to brass. All the balls on ends o...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Tommi Parzinger Candle Stick Holder with Original Hurricane Glass
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Candle Stick Holder with Original Hurricane Glass These were handcrafted brass pieces by Dorlyn for Parzinger. The long brass bar looks to be slightly eschew to the...
Brass
French Mid Century Modern, Star Sconces, Hammered Brass, Copper, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Brass and Copper Star Sconces, Hand Hammered, Olympia English, 1960s A magnificent pair of hand hammered copper and steel Olympia wall sconces each having a starburst frame...
Metal
Pair of Gilded Iron and Mirror Sconces with Glass Drops, 1950-1960.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of gilded iron and mirror sconces with glass drops, 1950-1960. Large pair of sconces by Maison Delisle, 1950-1960, in mirror and gilded iron with glass pendants. Dimensions : ...
Iron
$700 / set
Ashtray Willy Ceysens for Aris, 1950s
By Aris
Located in bruxelles, BE
Brutalist set composed of an ashtray, a paper press and a candleholder in cast aluminium.
Aluminum