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.
Modern Pair Lorin Marsh Murano Clear Silver Flake Art Glass Seguso Candlesticks
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Modern Pair Of Lorin Marsh Murano Clear & Silver Flake Art Glass Candlesticks In The Manner And Style Of Seguso / Barovier & Toso. They Are Signed, Difficult Making Out T...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Piet Hein Ursa Major Seven-Arm Candelabrum … Danish Modern Brass Candle Holder
By Piet Hein
Located in Chicago, IL
Solid brass candelabrum, named "Ursa Major" and created by Danish designer Piet Hein while living in Argentina. He designed this to remind him of his home in Denmark, since the star ...
Brass
$742Sale Price|20% Off
Wall Mounted White Glazed Ceramic Cherub Candleholder by Goldscheider, Austria
By GOLDSCHEIDERSCHE PORZELLAN-MANUFACTUR UND MAJOLICA-FABRIK (1885-1953)
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Wien, Austria, 1930s. It is made in white glazed ceramic. This candleholder is vintage, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellen...
Ceramic
Tall Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut and Enamel Candleholder by Ernest Sohn
By Ernest Sohn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large candlestick/votive holder by enamelist, Ernest Sohn, in solid, deeply sculpted walnut with enamel panel decoration (ca. 1960s, USA). Enamel boasts beautiful blue and aqua tones...
Copper, Enamel
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candle Holder from Henri Keramik, 1960s
By Soholm Pottery, Haico Nitzsche
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candeholder by Else Und Henry Nielsen for Henri Keramik, 1960s
Pottery
Pair of Ostrich Egg Mounted Silver Plate Candlesticks, Style of Anthony Redmile
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of ostrich egg candlesticks with silver plated mounts very much in the manner of Anthony Redmile, London. THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AND WILL SHIP FROM OUR EAST HAMPTON, NY SHOWROOM.
Silver Plate
Large Da Ros for Cenedese Italian Pink Sommerso Murano Glass Candlestick Holder
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese large, heavy and tall vintage Italian pink Murano glass candlestick holder made circa 1980s -1990s. Utilizing no less than three top Murano glass techniqu...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Pottery
Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder Lantern from Hegnetslund Keramik, 1960s
By Hegnetslund
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder Lantern from Hegnetslund Keramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, Add...
Ceramic
$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
Set of 6 Wilson's Carmel Midcentury American Silver Leaf Candlesticks
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 midcentury American wood and silver leaf candlesticks with brushed silver metal removable bobeches. (WILSON\'s CARMEL) (PRICED AS SET).
Metal, Silver
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
Metal
Set of 2 Caravell lucite candle sticks, 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 2 Caravell lucite candle sticks, 1970’s
Lucite
Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk - Set of 3
By Dansk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace timeless elegance with the Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk, a set of three. These sophisticated holders add a touch of classic charm to any setting, perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Elegant mid-century design. Set of three for versatile display. Add a classic touch with Dansk Porcelain...
Porcelain
Pair of Walnut and Pewter Candlesticks by Paul Evans and Phillip Powell
By Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Walnut and Pewter Candlesticks by Paul Evans and Phillip Powell. circa 1950s. A design from Designer's Inc, an early collaboration between Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell...
Pewter
Set of 3 Mid Century Modern Candlestick Holders by Lino Sabattini, Italy 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a set of 3 minimalist silver-plated candlestick holders designed by a renowned Italian designer and silversmith Lino Sabattini. Minimalist and elegant d...
Silver Plate
Set of 2 Mid-Century Italian Brutalist Amadeus Series Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Brutalist Amadeus Series Candleholder by Kurt Jesch for Fratelli Tonini, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Black Enameled Metal Wire Tripod Candle Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Standing candle holder features black enameled metal construction with three-legged wire base. Cylindrical cup at top holds 1 inch candles, secured by three slender wire legs that co...
Metal
Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Candelabras, Brass, Iron, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three black-lacquered iron and brass candelabras designed and produced by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation, loss to lacquer and discoloration present,...
Brass, Iron
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
Matthew Hilton Zig Zag & Swan aluminium candleholders
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Matthew Hilton Zig Zag & Swan aluminium candleholders Zig Zag dimensions: 30cm Height , 11cm Width, 5,5cm Depth Swan dimensions: 34cm Height , 13cm Width, 8cm Depth
Aluminum
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall Blue Glass and Brass Candleholder, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
A refined Scandinavian modern four-light candleholder designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, circa 1960s. The elegant, wave-shaped brass base supports four pressed glass cups in a vivid cobalt blue tone. The glass elements are formed with a scalloped, petal-like silhouette that beautifully catches the light, creating subtle reflections and color on surrounding surfaces. This striking combination of warm brass and jewel-toned blue glass is characteristic of Gunnar Ander’s celebrated work for Ystad Metall, one of the most important Swedish manufacturers of decorative brass objects during the mid-20th century. The design balances sculptural form with functional simplicity and works equally well as a centerpiece, mantel decoration, or accent on a console or dining table. Designed for smaller candles (often referred to as chamber candles...
Brass
Candlestick in stainless steel and rosewood, 2 flames, Denmark, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite Scandinavian candlestick, crafted in Denmark during the 1970s from premium 18/8 stainless steel and rich rosewood. Designed to hold two candles, this superb piece blends sl...
Stainless Steel
Pair of scandinavian candleholder in Wood, Denmark, 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elevate your interior with these pair of 1980s Scandinavian candle holders. Crafted with sleek, tapered designs, they feature a polished finish in rich dark brown and golden-brown wo...
Wood
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds three (3) .4” diameter candles. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.5"H x 4.5"W x 4.5"D All items ship from High Poi...
Brass
Snake possibly brass Candle Holder with Ornate floral patina
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Brass in material, not Confirmed. Depicting a Snake adorned with ornate floral detail and patina. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Box H3 ...
Metal
$6,000Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Silver-Plated Candlesticks by Jean Després, 1950
By Jean Despres
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of silver-plated bronze candlesticks made by Jean Després (1889 - 1990). This model has a beautiful design in which we can distinguish its smooth bobbacha, grooved spout and hea...
Metal, Silver, Bronze
Kosta Boda "Skyline" Candleholders by Anna Ehrner, a Pair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage pair of triangular "Skyline" clear glass candleholders designed by Anna Ehrner in 1989. Fits tea candle diameter candles. Kosta Boda labels attached to both candleholders. ...
Crystal
Murano Venetian Mid-Century Ruby Glass Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Italian Venetian mid-century ruby glass and clear glass candlestick with gold aventurine inclusions made on Murano and dating from around 1950. The hand blown and crafte...
Blown Glass
$427Sale Price|20% Off
Rustic Wooden Christmas Candlestick holder 1970s for Smålandsslöjd Sweden
By Smålandsslöjd, Stig Johnsson
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Rustic and substantial, this large handmade wooden Christmas candle stick holder was crafted from solid pine by Smålandsslöjd, Sweden, and designed by Stig Johnson — a celebrated art...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Tingkeramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Tingkeramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional informat...
Ceramic
Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Crystal Candlestick Holders Signed Steuben
Located in New York, NY
A testament to timeless elegance, this pair of Mid-Century Modernist candlestick holders by Steuben are sculptural in their simplicity and striking in its craftsmanship. Crafted from...
Crystal
Pair of Torben Ørskov Candle Holders in Patinaed Brass & Nickel
Located in North Miami, FL
EXTRA Rare Pair of Torben Ørskov candle holders in mixed-metals (patinaed brass and nickel). The candle holders are designed by Danish designer, Torben Ørskov In solid brass and nickel. This model is not a very common model and only one candle holder...
Brass, Nickel
Large Modernist Brass Tripod Floor Candle Holder, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Large floor-standing candle holder handcrafted in brass, dating from the 1950s. The surface is decorated with a stamped circular pattern, lending the piece a subtle sculptural textur...
Brass
Vintage Brass Toned Camel Figural 3-Light Candelabra
Located in Seattle, WA
A vintage brass toned figural candelabra in the form of a camel with three candle holders. The piece is cast with decorative etched details on the body and scrolling arms that suppor...
Brass
Scandinavian Folding Oak Bird Candle Holder, 5 Arms, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian folding candle holder in solid oak, produced during the 1970s. The piece is designed in the shape of a stylized bird and features fi...
Oak
Flavio Poli Green Raw Glass Candle Holder Duck Seguso, 1950s
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Munich, DE
Duck sculpture candle holder designed by Flavio Poli in the 1950s. Seguso paper sticker included.
Murano Glass
$315Sale Price|30% Off
DANSK - Bertil Vallien - Sculptural Candle Holder - Denmark - Circa 1960's
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Chatham, ON
DANSK DESIGNS (Manufacturer) - BERTIL VALLIEN (Designer) - Mid Century Danish silver plate sculptural candle holder - featuring an elegant modern design - fits twelve quarter inch ta...
Metal, Silver Plate
$184Sale Price|20% Off
Burl Maple Hand Lathed Candleholder
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautifully crafted candleholder. It's made of burl Maple and hand is hand crafted on a lathe. It was made in Iceland.
Birdseye Maple
Pair of Crystal Candleholders by Cristallerie Lorraine, France, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A striking pair of crystal candleholders by Cristallerie Lorraine, France. Each piece showcases the maison’s mastery of sculptural glasswork — clear, fluid, and impeccably balanced i...
Crystal
‘Stellaria’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, c. 1970 ‘Stellaria’ candle tealight holder Clear textured glass Excellent condition Dimensions, approx..: Diameter 10.5cm, height 6.5cm, weight 2...
Blown Glass
Pair Tommi Parzinger Solid Brass Candlesticks For Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The candlesticks stand approximately 10 5/8 inches tall and the base is 5 1/2 inches at the top of the lip of the base. One candlesticks is embossed with the P*R Tommi Parzinger insignia. BIOGRAPHY OF DESIGNER Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German interior designer; a lighting, accessories and furniture designer and an artist. Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger was raised in an artistic family, he studied at the Kunstgewebeschule, focusing his art studies on ceramic, glass, metal and wood crafts , as well as painting. Parzinger immigrated to New York City in 1932, his first job in America was as a designer for Rena Rosenthal, designing metalware and crystel to be sold at her trend setting Madison Avenue shop. During his tenure at Rena Rosenthal Parzinger began creating furniture and accessories to accompany his celebrated work in brass and crystal. His interest in these ancillary pieces grew steadily throughout the 1930’s and in 1938 he took a position designing furniture for Charak in Boston. In 1939 he opened Parzinger Originals, designing custom furnishings for clients and commissioned custom interiors. Parzinger's designs were labeled "high-style modernism", which represented a more idiosyncratic, rarefied midcentury design style. His cosmopolitan designs involved costly, craft-intensive materials and processes using brass accents and lacquer. As his business grew, Parzinger continued his work in graphic design, fashioning packaging, fabrics and wallpapers . He also continued to design furniture, lighting, and accessories for other companies, including Reed and Barton, Lightolier, Salterini Hofstatter, and Dorlyn. In the 1940’s Donald Cameron became his partner and expanded the company with locations at 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were used by famous clients such as Billy Baldwin, Marilyn Monroe, members of the DuPont family...
Brass
Vintage Lady Dancing decorative Candle holder Art Nouveau Style.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Brass in material but not confirmed. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Dimensions 7.5”W ; 2”D ; ...
Bronze
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder in Stoneware from Søholm, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder in Stoneware from Søholm, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informa...
Earthenware
L. Hjorth Baptismal Font Candle Holder in White Glazed Terracotta, Danish 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Christian themed baptismal font in the shape of a column Candleholder for 3 regular sized candles. Decorated with The 3 Wise Men in relief. and featuring a delicate white over-glaz...
Terracotta
$1,021 / set
Pair of zigzag candlesticks, England, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of zig zag candlesticks designed and produced in england in the 1980s. Set of two aluminum candlesticks in brutalist style. Magnificent decorative objects that will br...
Aluminum
$791Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Metal Candleholders, France, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two antique candlestick. By unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Metal
$346Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Midcentury Danish Teak Candlesticks, Signed, Denmark, circa 1960s
Located in Chatham, ON
Pair of midcentury Danish teak candlesticks - featuring an elegant modern design in a medium brown finish - each signed on the base (unidentif...
Teak
Vintage Kalmar Teak Wood Candle Holder or Vessel Base, Made in Thailand.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage teak wood piece by Kalmar, made in Thailand, showcases a sculptural modernist form with rich grain and a warm, hand-finished tone. It features a cylindrical bowl-shaped ...
Teak
Handmade Stoneware Candle Holders by Helle Allpass, Denmark, 1970s
By Helle Allpass, Rörstrand, Palshus, Saxbo, Höganäs Keramik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two unique stoneware candle holders with muted warm grey, burgundy, black, blue and terracotta colored glaze. Handmade by Danish ceramic artist Helle Allpass in her private st...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Pottery, Stoneware
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Pair of Glass Candle Holder / Candelabras c1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Pair of Glass Candles Holder / Candelabras c1930. The vibrant blue glass and metallic candle holders create a bold contrast, making it a truly unique decor item. It almost ...
Glass
Mid-Century Clear Drops Oil Lamp or Candleholder by Freddie Andersen, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Impressive swivel oil lamp by Freddie Andersen. It can be used as an oil lamp or with a candle.
Brass
Pair of Black pretzel candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, Circa 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Dorothy Thorpe lucite candlesticks designed and produced in the 1970s. Gilt metal and blakc lucite pretzel holder designed by Elaine Bscheider. Beautiful decorative objects t...
Metal
Sottsass Mid Century Candlestick Center Piece
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well crafted candlestick center piece in a mixed blue toned copper enameled metal with step down design and three copper candle holders. The holders have great age and patina which...
Metal
Danish Model 3211 Pottery Candleholder by Einar Johansen for Søholm, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Model 3211 Studio Pottery Candleholder by Einar Johansen for Søholm, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mar...
Ceramic
Raymor Bitossi Italian Pottery Rare Candle Holder Early Production Remini Blue
By Bitossi, Raymor, Aldo Londi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare candle holder designed by Aldo Londi for Raymor circa 1960s, great condition hard to find piece early production.
Pottery
$497Sale Price|35% Off
Rustic Metal Candle Holder, Mid-Century Modern, Spain, Circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rustic metal candle holder, circa 1940. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder Tue Poulsen Tue Keramik
By Tue Poulsen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder by Tue Poulsen for Tue Keramik, 1960s
Earthenware