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.
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Carl Aubock 6 Forks with Leather Holder, Corn Cob Skewers #3679, Vienna, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small forks with a leather holster, model no. 3679, designed by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Originally conceived in the 1930s, this model...
Brass, Nickel
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your interior with this exceptionally rare and striking three-piece smoking set, handcrafted in Italy during the 1960s by the renowned master artisan Romano Bianchi. Sculpted...
Alabaster
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Articulated Abalone shell and Brass Fish Bottle Opener, Mexico, 1980's, 17 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb articulated fish designed and produced in Mexico during the 1980's. This artisanal bottle opener, crafted with abalone mother-of-pearl, is a true work of art. A beautiful item...
Brass
Rare Carl Auböck Brass Standing Floor Ashtray, Smoking Stand, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful vintage and authentic minimalist standing ashtray / smoking stand from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. This sculptural piece...
Brass
Small Vintage Italian Handmade Sommerso Murano Glass Vase
Located in Vilnius, LT
Small size vintage Italian handmade Sommerso vase created in multi-colour layers of Murano glass. The glass is in blue, green colors, Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Murano Glass
Abalone and Brass Fish Bottle Opener in the Style of Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mexican Mid-Century abalone and brass bottle opener in the style of Los Castillo. All of the abalone is in good condition which is often rare. A true mid century iconic piece that wi...
Brass
Vintage Amber Wine Goblets - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 gorgeous wine goblets in amber glass. Lovely simple modern shape with glass that thickens towards the base of the glass. Each measures 2.5"Dia x 4.5"H
Glass
Vintage 70s horse riding theme ice cube bucket France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Silver-colored metal ice bucket covered in brown imitation leather, silver metallic "horseshoe and riding crop" pattern on the front, stirrups on the sides, horse's head as a fretel ...
Faux Leather
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Star Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown multi-color Millefiori flower and star mosaic Italian art glass pitcher / vase. The piece is documented to the Fratell...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Opal Pink Alabastro Glass Bowl, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Design Attributed to Archimede Seguso for the Seguso Factory. Italy, 1950s. This ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Mid Century Bluerina Footed Tumblers by Denby - Set of 5
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 gorgeous mid century "Bluerina" footed tumblers, made in collaboration with Denby and England and Krosno Glass of Poland. Each glass has a cyli...
Glass
LG. Dansk Flamestone Casserole Paella Dish w/ Cover by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two piece large casserole or paella serving dish made of Flamestone pottery which is good for low heat and can be used on the table for serving with proper padding so it would not ...
Pottery
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condit...
Murano Glass
Rosenthal Andy Warhol "Golden Angels" Plate
By Andy Warhol, Rosenthal
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Rosenthal Studio-Line Andy Warhol Christmas Golden Angels plate. Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time, loved Christmas and was known for giving his fri...
Porcelain
Sommerso ashtray by seguso, murano glass, italy, 1970's
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and rare rectangular Sommerso ashtray designed and manufactured for Seguso in Murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted work of faceted glass using the "sommerso" technique (superpo...
Murano Glass
Mid-century Modern Brass Metal Nutcracker in the Shape of a Woman's Legs, 70s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s nutcracker in the playful form of elegant lady legs, a whimsical piece of vintage barware that blends humor, design, and function. Crafted with a sculptural silho...
Brass, Bronze
Oval Wooden Tray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant wooden serving tray featuring stunning burl wood veneer; the rich, nuanced grain patterns create a particularly refined decorative effect. Its slightly raised rim ensures ...
Wood
Mexican Alpaca Silver & Lapis Lazuli Inlaid Water Pitcher, Mexico Modernism
By Los Castillo, Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking Mid-Century Modern Mexican water pitcher handcrafted in Mexico during the 1960s, beautifully executed in alpaca silver with copper and brass accents and richly inlaid with...
Lapis Lazuli, Brass, Copper
Murano bowl italy around 1970s
Located in Wien, Au
Murano bowl italy around 1970s Original condition
Murano Glass
$540Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Murano Red White Champagne Coupes Glasses by Carlo Moretti, Mid-20th C
Located in New York, NY
A chic set of five (5) vintage red and white Italian Murano Champagne coupes or cocktail glasses, by designer Carlo Moretti, Midcentury Modern Design period, Italy, circa mid-20th century. These Carlo Moretti Champagne...
Murano Glass
Sommerso pink and purple Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful purple and pink sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso techniqu...
Murano Glass
Swedish Mid-Century Cutlery Set Viktor by Gense, 1970s, Set of 47
Located in Esbjerg, DK
'Victor' flatware cutlery set consisting of: 12 dinner knives, 12 dinner forks, 12 soup spoons, 6 tea spoons and 5 dessert spoons. Beautiful wide bodies executed in stainless steel w...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Set of 5 Pink Majolica Flowers Plates Aegitna Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Set of 5 Pink Majolica Flowers Plates signed Aegitna Vallauris. 9.5 inches diameter.
Ceramic
MCM LaGardo Tackett Green Demitasse Mugs and Saucers - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 mid century porcelain demitasse mugs and saucers. Designed by LaGardo Tackett for Schmid International Porcelain. Simple modernist shapes. Finished in a matte dark green g...
Porcelain
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
French Green Majolica Shell Dish Vallauris, Circa 1950.
Ceramic
Arnold Krog - Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Musselmalet - 6 Dinner Plates 571
By Royal Copenhagen, Arnold Krog
Located in Stockholm, SE
6 Dinner Plates of model Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted designed by Arnold Krog. The plates are 25.5 cm in diameter and in excellent condition except from a few minor scratches. These ...
Porcelain
Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Flavio Poli, Mid-Century Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. Handcrafted in Italy using the iconic Murano sommerso glass technique, it features a d...
Murano Glass
Brutalist Ashtray by Art3, Solid Aluminium, Spain, 1970s Design
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist ashtray designed and manufactured by Art3 in Spain in the 1970s. Unique crafted object that will elevate your interior. We specialize in vintage decorative objec...
Aluminum
Majolica Oyster Plate Sarreguemines Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines, circa 1950.
Ceramic, Faience
Rosenthal Fortuna Champagne Coupes by Elsa Fischer-Treyden - Set of 5
By Rosenthal, Elsa Fischer-Treyden
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 mid century coupe glasses made in Germany by Rosenthal. Made in the "Fortuna Smoke" pattern, designed by Elsa Fischer-Treyden and produced betwen 1963 to 1969. Each piece ...
Glass
Arabia Finland "Origami" Divided Serving Plate by Kaj Franck
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century modern divided ceramic serving dish. From the "Origami" line designed by Kaj Franck for Arabia, Finland. Great minimalist geometric design finished in a glossy white gl...
Ceramic
Vintage English-Made Mercedes-Benz Decanter
By Classic Stable
Located in Portland, OR
A stainless decanter in the form of a classic Mercedes’ front grill- complete with hood ornament topper! A fun collector’s piece to add to your bar lineup. Made by Classic Stable LTD...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Russell Wright Steubenville Serving Dish
Located in East Quogue, NY
Vintage mid-century modern Russell Wright Steubenville oval ceramic serving dish. Modern design with soft cures and simple glazing. Size: 10 wide x 7.5 deep x 2.5 inches tall The m...
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Mid-century Blue Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s This blue ashtray/catchall is a stunning example of Mid-Century Modern Italian glassmaking, sculptural bowl/ashtray was designed by the legendary Flavio Poli . This piece featu...
Murano Glass
Etched German Roemer Coupe Wine Glasses with Amber Ball Stems - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage German roemer wine glasses. Each with a clear coupe shaped top and a stacked ball stem design in a dark muted amber color. An etched d...
Glass
Blue vase in Italian glass, 1970, Italy
By Biot
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant Italian blown glass vase dating from the 1970s. It is distinguished by its generous shape with organic lines and its superb marbled decoration, blending deep shades of blu...
Art Glass
$975Sale Price|22% Off
Baccarat Maxime Crystal Wine Champagne Cooler with Brass Handles
By Baccarat
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This exquisite 20th-Century crystal wine chiller echoes the refined craftsmanship associated with Baccarat. This piece is designed for serving and chilling wines or champagne, combin...
Crystal
Mid-Century Vallauris Majolica Oyster Plate, Volcanic Glaze, Circa 1960
By Vallauris
Located in COLMAR, FR
Vallauris oyster plates are among the most covetable objects to emerge from the golden age of French Riviera studio ceramics, and this example represents the form at its most dramati...
Ceramic
$75 / item
Large Wood Cactus Toothpick Holder
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage mid century wood toothpick holder in the shape of a cactus. Toothpicks can be placed in the small holes along the cactus to create thorns. Beautiful grain to the wood. A gr...
Wood
MCM LaGardo Tackett Green Striped Faceted Tumblers - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 mid century porcelain tumblers. Designed by LaGardo Tackett for Schmid International Porcelain as part of the "Everyone Loves Ice Cream and Candy" tableware collection. Fi...
Porcelain
Italian Butter Dish Michael Graves for ALESSI
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage butter dish designed by Michael Graves for Alessi. Made in Italy. Marked on the base “Alessi INOX 18/10 Italy”.
Stainless Steel
$835Sale Price|20% Off
Archimede Seguso Murano Blue Sommerso Glass Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in blue color with a cased rim in dark blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly de...
Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Vintage silver plate Horse Head Bottle Opener Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 20th-century bottle opener crafted from silver-plated metal, combining functionality with timeless decorative appeal. Elegant in its simplicity, this vintage bar accessory re...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,204Sale Price|20% Off
Mandruzzato Murano Pink Yellow Sommerso Faceted Art Glass Vase, Italy 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Sommerso Murano faceted vase in Pink yellow and clear glass attributed to Mandruzzato. Italy, 1960s. Pink and yellow glass double cased into clear glass using the Somme...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Circular blue Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful blue sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso technique (superimp...
Murano Glass
Carl Auböck drinking jug with 6 glasses around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck drinking jug with 6 glasses around 1950s 6x mix color drinking glasses H: 8,5cm Diameter: 5,5cm
Glass, Leather
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 5,11 x 4,3...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Mod...
Ceramic
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Flavio Poli Large Centerpiece in Murano Emerald and Amber Glass, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century Murano large centerpiece in mouth-blown sommerso Murano glass in a stunning light emeral and amber color. This elegant and highly sculptural piece was designed...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Italian Handmade Murano Glass Vase Centerpiece, circa 1980
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large size Mid-Century Italian handmade murano glass vase centerpiece in emerald green and clear colour with gold/silver dust inside. The foot sphere part in clear glass with inlaid ...
Murano Glass
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Brass Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin: Lighter & Ashtray
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. This exceptional two-piece desk smoking set is an authentic testament to the 1970s avant-garde industrial design era o...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Set of 5 Purple Majolica Flowers Plates Aegitna Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Set of 5 Purple Majolica Flowers Plates signed Aegitna Vallauris. 8 inches diameter.
Ceramic
Mid-century Penguin Chrome Ice Bucket with Bakelite Handles c.1960
By West Bend
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Mid-century Penguin ice bucket with brown Bakelite handles and lid knob. Mostly used as ice bucket, but the piece was designed to insulate both hot and cold foods. The penguin...
Chrome
1960s Blue and Turquoise Heavy Murano Glass Huge Centerpiece by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite centerpiece is a definitive example of 1960s Murano glassmaking, attributed to the renowned designer Flavio Poli. The work utilizes the iconic sommerso technique, whic...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Ice Bucket with Brass Details
By Gucci, Fendi Casa, Aldo Tura, Armani Casa, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking example of Italian mid-century luxury, this vintage ice bucket by Aldo Tura embodies the designer’s unmistakable blend of craftsmanship and glamour. Expertly clad in lacqu...
Brass
Vintage Porcelain Nautical Tray Made in France
By Jonathan Adler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage porcelain tray brings a playful yet polished sensibility to any setting, effortlessly balancing charm and sophistication. Crafted with a smooth, high-gloss finish, the p...
Porcelain
Noritake Spotlight Blue Coupe Glasses - Set of 4
By Noritake
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage coupe glasses in beautiful dark blue glass. Lovely textured ornate pattern to the exterior with smooth interiors. Made in the "Spotlight Blue" pattern by Noritake ...
Glass
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.