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.
Barovier Toso Murano Black Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pear Fruit Paperweight
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown dark brown pigments, black and gold flecks Italian art glass pear figure / sculpture. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovie...
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Squared Lucite and Chrome Pocket Emptier in Dior Style, France 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury Lucite and chrome squared valet tray or ashtray. This wonderful item was produced in France in the style of Christian Dior in 1970. The pocket emptier is lovely because of the beautiful straight lines and the chromed metal central part, making it look like a cube of ice with a floating rounded chromed plate in the middle. A wonderful example of design from the 1970s, both for the fusion of materials and colours. The chromed plate can be moved, changing the shape of the item. A gorgeous item that will enhance a midcentury-style living room, studio or entrance hall. Christian Dior was founded in 1946 by designer Christian Dior. It currently designs and retails leather goods, fashion accessories, footwear, jewelry, timepieces, fragrance, makeup, and skincare products, while also maintaining its tradition as a creator of haute-couture under the Christian Dior Couture division. The Christian Dior label remains largely for women's offerings, although the company also operates the Dior Homme division for men and the baby Dior...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, mid-century modern walnut & aluminum letter tray, desk accessory. Retains original label, QUALITON. In the Style of Florence Knoll. Clean modern design wi...
Aluminum
1950's Triumph Brand Gabriele Model Portable Typewriter
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950. We offer this toatlly NEW Triumph Brand Gabriele Model Portable Typewriter. This item is timeless and in perfect condition. It includes its user manual and an original cl...
Steel
$510 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Hook in Nickel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. P...
Nickel
Magnifying Reading Glass with a Duck Head Attributed to Gucci, Italy 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Milan, IT
Magnifying Reading Glass with a Duck Head Attributed to Gucci
Brass, Nickel
Travertine Letter & Pen Holder Desk Accessory Fratelli Mannelli Style Italy 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Letter and pen holder in travertine marble, the perfect desk accessory, in the style of Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Travertine
Fornasetti paper weight 1962 Zodiac calendar
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Rare Fornasetti porcelain paperweight with Zodiac calendar c1962
Porcelain
Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass Mid Century Modern Architect Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Silverplate Magnifying Glass Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy, circa 1980s. Makes the perfect gift for the favorite design lover in your life (even if it's ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Vintage Merle Edelman Op Art Face / Head with Eyes Inside Lucite / Acrylic 1970s
By Abraham Palatnik, Merle James Edelman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern c. 1970's Merle Edelman half round Op Art face lucite sculpture with 3D eyes over a black geometric grid. Similar style as Abraham Palatnik. In fine condition, no ...
Lucite
Zanetti Italian Murano Twisted Rope Paper Weight or Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complex and beautifully made rope class twisted into a 5" round sphere of glass - perfect for a paperweight on you desk or workstation. Also, a stand alone sculpture or bookend. ...
Murano Glass
Vintage Midcentury Hermès Lizard Pocket Agenda
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury Hermès natural lizard skin pocket agenda, France, 1960s.
Lizard
Italian Cream Architectural Polished Travertine Marble Four Sided Obelisk
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian cream pale polished travertine four sided marble obelisk composed of pieces of marble laminated together to compose the obelisk. Hollow on the interior and felted bottom. N...
Marble
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Single Letter Tray in Burlwwod
Located in San Diego, CA
A well constructed mid-century modern single letter tray in burl, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 10.75"W x 15"D x 2.5"H; the bottom is covered ...
Burl
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Hook in Nickel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #5535 'Rainbow' Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #5535 'Rainbow' Patinated Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polis...
Brass
Italian 1920s wrought iron dragon and snake paperweight
By Carlo Rizzarda
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1920s wrought iron dragon and snake paperweight.
Wrought Iron
Petite Chrome Pencil Rack by Philippe Barbier, Signed, France, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant minimalist chrome tiered pencil organizer by Phillippe Barbier, France, 1970s. Signed on the bottom as pictured.
Chrome
Carl Auböck Jingelo Bell Paperweight #5039
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck Jingelo Bell Paperweight #5039 Only polished
Brass
$275 / set
Pair of Vintage Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of geode bookends with vibrant puple and white coloring, circa 1990s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 8"W 3.5"D 4.5"H. #4122
Rock Crystal
$200Sale Price|50% Off
Murano Glass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Murano glass paperweight hand blown with intricate white, light blue, and dark blue ribbons / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Origina...
Murano Glass
Italian Wood and Suede Desk Set Letter Tray Set 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Italian desk set with a letter tray and removeable cover and a smaller notes holder. Constructed of wood, with suede. Luxurious feel. Nice joinery. 1970s. Made in Italy.
Suede, Wood
Murano Glass Paperweight by A. Seguso, Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
This fantastic spherical paperweight is made of hand-blown Murano glass and features air bubbles trapped within. A rare piece, it was designed for a special occasion in Italy during ...
Murano Glass
Solid Bronze Carl Auböck Heart Neiman Marcus Paperweight Austria
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid bronze egg paperweight by Carl Aubock and sold through Neiman Marcus. Austria. 1970s.
Bronze
Murano glass aquarium bloc by Alfredo Barbini for Cenedese, 1950s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Splendid Murano glass aquarium by Alfredo Barbini for Cenedese. Production of the 1950s. Excellent conditions. Intact in all parts.
Murano Glass
Mid-Century French Signed Daum Paperweight Sculpture in Clear Crystal
By Daum
Located in COLMAR, FR
A magnificent, crystal desktop paperweight by renowned French crystal maker Daum. This is a unique, hand-made piece in transparent crystal, engraved on the bottom edge with the recog...
Crystal
Vintage Murano Art Glass Black Bird Mid-Century Modern, 1960's
By Barovier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful mid-century modern Murano glass black bird in wonderful vintage condition. Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Bird in the Manner of Barovier. Beautiful Murano hand blown black Italian art glass bird dove figurine...
Blown Glass
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative Glass Desk Accessory Bowl Plus Flowers Container, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Decorative glass desk accessory bowl plus flowers container 1970s.
Glass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3846 Brass Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3846 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. The Auböck #3846 booke...
Brass
English Antique Vintage Engraved Sterling Silver Business or Calling Card Case
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! English Antique Vintage Engraved Sterling Silver Business or Calling Card Case. Elaborately engraved designs throughout the front and back. Centering a blank Carto...
Sterling Silver
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Solid Green Marble Perpetual Desk Top Calendar
By Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
Handcrafted unique rare perpetual calendar circa 1970's solid green marble with gold numbers days and months, great design, and craftsmanship some of the l...
Marble
Mid-Century Bakelitte Rottary Telephone by Tesla, 1950s
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Mid-Century Bakelitte Rottary Telephone by Tesla, 1950s, - made of bakelitte, - shows signs of wear and age (scratches, etc.), - in good original condition,
Bakelite
Pencil Holder Perforated Metal Mategot Style on Brass Balls
Located in Hanover, MA
Chic desk top pencil holder in the style of Mathieu Mategot made of perforated metal which has blackened over the years and stands on three brass ball feet with a scrolling finial ha...
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Model #4206A Patinated Brass Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4206C patinated brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in patinated brass with a polish...
Brass
Gray Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson
By Ericsson
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage rotary dial gray ericofone. This is the model Cobra. It is made of blue thermoplastic ABS Designed in the 1950s in Sweden by Hugo Blomberg,...
Steel
Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely calf / baby cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with marginal patina.
Brass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Seguso Vetri D'Arte Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Duck Bird Figure
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso red, and gold flecks Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Attributed to the Seguso Vetri D'Arte workshop. A drawing of a similar figure ...
Gold Leaf
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Sommerso Copper Aventurine Blue Green Italian Art Glass Bear Sculpture
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown heavy copper aventurine, with green and blue accents Italian art glass bear sculpture / figure. The teddy bear is nicely sculpted with a very cute...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Glass Paper Weight with Infused Floating Bubbles in the Style of Murano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful large round glass paperweight infused with multiple suspended bubbles, creating captivating depth and movement within the sphere. The bubbles catch and refract light beau...
Blown Glass
$406Sale Price|45% Off
Salt and Pepper Shaker Holder Chinese Figurine by Richard Rohac
Located in Wien, Au
Salt and pepper shaker holder Chinese figurine by Richard Rohac. Original condition.
Brass
Tesla Midcentury Rotary Desk Telephone, Orange, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
Midcentury rotary desk telephone manufactured by Tesla in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. The telephone features a distinctive Space Age design with a bright orange molded body, rot...
Metal
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Modern Patinated Brass Astray or Catchall
Located in Miami, FL
Patinated brass sculpted insect ashtray or catchall. Brazil, 1950s.
Brass
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Knob in Nickel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Knob in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. It...
Nickel
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5439 Large Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5439 Large Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
$418 / set
Mid-Century Ventilator, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of metal - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Metal
Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / midcentury large DC3 desk aviation model. Pan-Am wooden airplane model. It was in an office of the company in South America. Very good restored conditions. Slight age wear. History Pan American Airways began the first transatlantic passenger service on this day in 1939. Pan American World Airways, as it was to be known, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal United States international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems. The history of Pan American Airways is inextricably linked to the expansive vision and singular effort of one man – Juan Trippe. An avid flying enthusiast and pilot, Trippe, only 28 years old when he founded the airline, lined up wealthy investors and powerful government officials from his personal acquaintances in the high-society of the 1920s. However, Pan Am’s first flight was an inauspicious start to its epic saga. In 1927, facing a Post Office deadline for the commencement of mail carriage, Pan Am had no working equipment for its sole airmail contract between Key West and Havana. Fortunately for Pan Am, a pilot with his Fairchild seaplane arrived at Key West and was willing to carry the mail to Cuba for the start up operation. It is fitting that Pan Am’s first flight would be over water, since the airline would Pioneer overseas routes throughout its history. Pan Am’s fortunes took a turn for the better in the fall of 1927. Through the heavy lobbying efforts of Juan Trippe, Pan Am was selected by the United States government to be its “chosen instrument” for overseas operations. Pan Am would enjoy a near monopoly on international routes. Added to Pan Am’s Cuba route were lines serving Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Most of these destinations were port cities, which could be reached only by landing on water. Therefore Pan Am made good use of its “flying boats,” the Sikorsky S-38 and S-40. Flights were eventually expanded to serve much of South America as well. EnlargePan Am’s fleet of Clippers allowed the airline to conquer the Pacific in the mid-1930s. The flying boats would later be put to military use in WWII. Just a few years later, Pan Am launched its effort to cross the world’s largest oceans. Survey flights across the Pacific were conducted with the Sikorsky S-42 in 1935, but passenger service required bigger and better aircraft. Accompanied by much fanfare, the Martin M-130 was introduced in 1936, followed by the Boeing 314...
Wood
$433 / item
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Patinated Brass Knob
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Patinated Brass Knob Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Aust...
Brass
Pop-Art Enzo Mari Style Lucite Cube Sculpture
By Enzo Mari
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage blue lucite cube sculpture with suspended steel marbles. In the style of Enzo Mari.
Lucite
Vintage Siemens Telephone, 1950's, Germany
By Siemens
Located in Praha, CZ
Telephone by Siemens, made in Germany, in the 1950's. Fully functional. Repolished, cleaned, in original condition. shows signs o wear. Made of bakelite.
Bakelite
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Brass, Nickel
Italian Handmade Ceramic Vase by Flavia Montelupo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Italian glasses vase with beautiful colors by Flavia Montelupo.
Ceramic
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Hand fu...
Brass
vintage paperweight in Murano glass, 1970
Located in Brussels, BE
vintage paperweight in Murano glass, 1970
Murano Glass
Letter Holder Paperweight in in Travertine by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Letter holder or paperweight in travertine marble by the designers Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. Weight: 5 kilos.
Travertine, Marble
Vintage Hermes Anchor - Nautical - Boating Paperweight 1960´s
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Vintage Hermes Anchor - Nautical - Boating Paperweight 1960´s. This Hermes Anchor paperweight is a distinguished vintage desk accessory, crafted from chromed metal, from around the ...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Style Brass Initial "B" Paperweight - Japan
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass letter or initial "B" paperweight in the style of Carl Auböck, stamped Japan. I have owned and sold other brass initial paperweights signed Auböck, A...
Brass
Paul Frankl Attributed Waste Basket
Located in Fulton, CA
A Mid-Century Modern waste basket attributed to Paul Frankl. Made of combed fir with a conical four sided rectangular design. This item was acquire...
Wood
Vintage Brass Box, Mid-Century Modern, Fluted and Twisted With Ball Lid, 1950's
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage fluted and twisted brass Mid-Century Modern box has a lid with a ball on top. The box is from the 50s and has been professionally polished. it makes a great des...
Brass
$500 / set
Pair of Mid Century Plywood Trash Can
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this Pair of mid century Plywood trash can. Recently restored.
Plywood
1960s UNIS Portable Typewriter in Orange, Yugoslav Mid-Century Design
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking UNIS portable typewriter produced in Yugoslavia during the 1960s, featuring a vibrant orange body and clean Mid-Century Modern styling. The sculptural form, contrasting wh...
Metal, Chrome