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.
1920s Luzette Pendant Light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert
Located in London, GB
1920s Luzette Pendant Light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert Stylish and sleek, a classic example of a early 20th Century pendant light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert....
Glass
$2,956Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 4 Arms 5 Shade Counter Balance Brass Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant minimalist chandelier with 4 counter balance rotating arm that pivot 180 degree with tiltable shade . Light bounce on ceiling creating an ambient mood and lights up a ...
Brass
Cocoon resin. Large Brutalist pendant light by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten, George Nelson, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Large Space Age and Brutalist style pendant lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Composed of a large metal frame in the shap...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
1950’s French black metal and parchment table lamp
By Louis Sognot
Located in London, GB
A very good French 1950’s black metal and parchment paper table lamp. Bespoke shade replacement. Minor rust marks. Rewired & Pat tested.
Metal
Pair of blue and purple, mid-century modern, Murano glass sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of mid-century modern Murano glass wall sconces, Italy circa 1990s. The pair of Italian sconces is made of pale purple-beige, purple and blue-gray Murano glass elements. The mou...
Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Ivory Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
Mid Century Kemp And Lauritzen Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Kemp & Lauritzen Table Lamp, 1965 A true icon of Danish 1960s design. This original Kemp & Lauritzen table lamp pairs space-age styling with warm, functional light. Desi...
Chrome
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Black Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a graceful and sculptural composition entirely in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce is structured around a...
Brass
Mid-20th Century White Opaline Glass Pendant Light with Brass Top
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass pendant Brass top 2 meter / 80" black wire Weight : 1.90 kg / 4.2 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for inca...
Brass
Mid-Century Light Amber Glass Sconce Flush Mounts
By WILA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with light amber clear glass. 1960-1970 Weight: 2.00 kg / 4.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inte...
Metal
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 26 pink glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 26 glass petals (pink and white “lattimo”) in a nickel plated metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 47,250 inches (120 cm) height...
Art Glass
BIED Marble Two Way Wall Sconce, Mid-Century Modernt Tube
Located in İstiklal, TR
Arel Lighting is a handmade manufacturer of lighting fixtures. BIED MARBLE Two-Way Wall Sconce is a sophisticated lighting fixture that combines natural stone with contemporary desi...
Marble, Iron
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Murano Chandelier Original Palmette, AMBER glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 58 Murano amber glasses in a gold metal frame. The chandelier has also a Murano glass ball in the end of ...
Art Glass
1 of the 2 Pairs of Brass and Brown Glass Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high end wall sconces made of hand blown clear and opal and brown (smoked) Murano glass on a messing hardware designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Mini...
Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Cocoon Ball Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ball Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 110V for all coun...
Resin
Gio Ponti Inspired Six-Arm Brass and Wood Chandelier, Italy, 1960s
Six-arm chandelier in brass with wood-accented arms and white acrylic cylinder shades. Arms radiate outward from a central brass hub in a symmetrical arrangement, each incorporating ...
Brass
$839Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s chandelier "ph5" design Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Torino, Piemonte
White metal chandelier model "PH5" design Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, 1960s. CONDITION: In good, working condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 30 ...
Metal
Midcentury Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll With Silk Shades
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with 6-arms each fitted with E27 sockets. Made in Vienna by Rupert Nikoll in the early 1950s.
Brass
Large Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp "Kera" by Florian Schulz 1980s
Located in München, BY
Large, original 1980s Florian Schulz pendant lamp model Kera featuring a counterweight mechanism for continuously variable height adjustment. The lamp frame is crafted from brass. Ma...
Brass
Green glazed ceramic table lamp, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included. A US adapter is provided. An elegant vintage French ceramic lamp from the 1960s, characterized by a vase-shaped base with soft, balanced lines. Its nuanced green glaze, punctuated with speckled patterns, offers a rich and vibrant texture that subtly captures the light. The contrast between the glossy base and the light fabric shade gives the lamp a warm and timeless aesthetic. Perfect as an accent lamp on a console table, bedside table, or sideboard, it brings an authentic, handcrafted touch to any interior. Features Period: 1960s Origin: France Material: Glazed ceramic Color: Variegated green with a speckled effect Shade: Light fabric (likely replaced or original) Use: Table lamp / Accent lamp Condition: Good vintage condition with slight signs of age Style Vintage Mid-century French ceramic 1960s design Keywords vintage ceramic lamp green glazed lamp mid-century table lamp 1960s lighting french ceramic lamp vintage lighting decor green pottery lamp mid-century modern lamp vintage green ceramic lamp...
Ceramic
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce – amber triedri - Column Mariangela model
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 Murano crystal prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The glasses are a...
Art Glass
2-head Green Brass Single Small Wall Lamp, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
2-head Green Brass Single Small Wall Lamp, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 2x E14 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V a...
Brass, Metal
Frosted Glass Brass Vintage Cast Iron Double Sconces Wall Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Double vintage brass and cast iron sconce wall lamp Brass top with bumpy frosted glass The glass is not completely round Diameter cast iron wall piece 10.5 cm / 4”. 2 holes to secu...
Glass
Large Adjustable Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz
By Florian Schulz, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Adolf Loos, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Fog & Mørup
Located in München, DE
Beautiful brass pendant lamp from the 1960s. The lamp's lighting effect is exceptionally lovely. The design and the unique lampshade create a very elegant and pleasant light. The lam...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Burnished Brass and Murano Glass Large Sputnik Chandelier
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Extraordinary Mid-Century Style Sputnik chandelier in burnished brass and 12 Murano glass spheres. Also available as a pair. The height of the brass rod can be customized. 11 lamp ho...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Spiral Sculpted-Wood Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Oak Wood, Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 33in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 17in W x 17in D ________________________________________ Tran...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Black Lacquered Metal, Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Lights
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and well-balanced pair of Italian wall lights from the 1950s, defined by a refined contrast between black lacquered metal, brass, and opaline glass. Each sconce features a v...
Brass
Semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White / semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920 Aluminium glass holder with porcelain bulb holder Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...
Aluminum
Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp ST2-35N
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional floor lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model ST2-35N. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ...
Steel
Pair of 1960s Space Age Ivory Enameled Metal Eyeball Globe Wall/Ceiling Lights
By RAAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1960s Space Age globe lights in ivory enameled metal with chrome convex reflector balls at center. Each fixture mounts as either a wall or ceiling light and accepts a standar...
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
1950s Rare Anvia Table Lamp in Bunrt Orange , Holland
By Anvia
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare original Anvia table lamp designed by J.J. Hogervoorst in the 50s , Holland . Imagine creating this singular T shape chrome base in the 50s .... impressive ! Spun aluminium ...
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
Mid-century Ceramic Lamp by Gehel, 1950's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-century ceramic lamp by Georges Gehel, 50's, France, Era Ruelland Capron Chiazzo A beautiful lamp by Georges Gehel, made of ceramic and decorated with black and white lines. A t...
Ceramic
Rare 1950s Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce "Cavalletto" easel floor lamp
By Angelo Lelii
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A rare 1950's Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce "Cavalletto" easel floor lamp. The original 1950s "Cavalletto" easel floor lamp (Model 12377) designed by Angelo Lelii (1911-1979) for Arre...
Aluminum, Brass
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp in Copper, Brass and Glass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp in Copper, Brass and Glass, 1950s By shortening the cable, the lowest height of the lamp can be infinitely adjusted to 35cm, at the moment it ...
Metal, Copper, Brass
Large Austrian Brass Chandelier by Rupert Nikoll
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Emil Stejnar, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large chandelier from the 1950s. This large lamp is very rare and impresses with its loving details. A stunning lamp and a true asset to any home. Manufa...
Metal
Riviera Wall Sconce by Bill Parry, Hand-Crafted Rattan, Mid-Century
Located in Oxford, GB
Designed by Bill Parry The Riviera is a wall-mounted sconce in bent rattan, its shell-like form drawn from coastal elegance and mid-century modernism. Shaped by hand into a sculptural silhouette, it casts warm, ambient light across the wall. Why You'll Love It Shell-inspired bent rattan form — sculptural and considered Warm honey tones with natural texture variation E12/E14 candelabra socket — soft, ambient illumination Hardwired installation — clean, cable-free finish Each piece individually bent and shaped by hand Perfect For Coastal, Riviera-inspired, and organic modern interiors Bedrooms and living rooms seeking sculptural wall lighting...
Rattan
Italian Midcentury Amber Murano Leaf Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and unique Italian amber Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. This fixture was made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Mazzega”. This wall sconce ...
Metal
Mid-20th Century Cast Iron Wall Lights with White Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast Iron wall light White opaline glass, brass top. Diameter cast iron wall piece: 10.5 cm / 4 inches 2 holes to secure Weight: 2.80 kg / 6.2 lb Priced per individual item. All ...
Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Brass Pair of Sconces by SCE, 1960s, France
By SCE France 1
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass Pair of Sconces by SCE, 1960s, France Elegant rare high quality wall lamps. Note : One of them has metal abrasion on the bottom. Please see the photos. Lamps are ...
Brass
Vintage Opaline Glass Globe Pendant Lights, Brass Top, Mid-20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass globe 2 meter black cotton flex Brass top Weight: 2.20 kg / 4.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incand...
Brass
Large White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and celesti...
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Opaline Glass Pendant Lights with Brass Top
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French white opaline glass pendant light with brass top. Handcrafted glass shades Weight: 0.30 kg / 0.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by internat...
Brass
1950s Italian Stilnovo Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, crafted in brass with black lacquered brass accents and opaline glass diffusers. The design reflects the refined ...
Metal, Brass
1 of 3 Amber Bubble Glass Sconces by Helena Tynell, Limburg, Germany
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 amber bubble glass sconces in style of Helena Tyrell, Germany. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired. Each Sconce requires 1 x E14 small bulb with 60W...
Smoked Glass
Large Modernist ART DECO metal plafoniere Ceiling Flushmount Light, FRANCE 1920s
By Gio Ponti, Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: large ceiling plafoniere element can also be used as wall light Origin: France Age: 1920s, 1930s Original modernist art deco ceiling light made of solid metal....
Metal
Ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pink ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — Atelier des Cyclades, France, circa 1970 - Era Ruelland Elegant ceramic table lamp by French ceramist Roland Zobel, from the Atelier des C...
Ceramic
$3,095Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Sciolari 8 Lights Chrome Cubic Flush Mount , Italy
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Gaetano Sciolari 8 cubes chrome flush mount made in Italy in the 70s . Solid well made construction . Contain 8 E12 candelabra sockets rated at 15 watt each. Acrylic shade have a...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Cast Iron Wall Lights with White Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast Iron wall light White opaline glass, brass top. Diameter cast iron wall piece: 10.5 cm / 4 inches 2 holes to secure Weight: 2.80 kg / 6.2 lb Priced per individual item. All ...
Brass, Iron
MORO Handmade Hammered Brass Wall Sconce – Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Located in İstiklal, TR
MORO Hammered Brass Wall Lighting Fixture is a true celebration of artistry and light. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, the gently curved brass surface features a ric...
Brass
George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Spray Plastic, USA, 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early spray plastic and steel pendant light, model "Saucer Bubble" designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with...
Steel
Anella Lotus Flower Hammered Brass Pendant Light
Located in İstiklal, TR
Arel Lighting is a handmade manufacturer of lighting fixtures. ANELLA Embossed Lotus Flower Brass Pendant is an elegant statement piece that blends sculptural artistry with refined ...
Brass
Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp 1X
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional table lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 1X. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, ...
Steel
Isamu Noguchi Akari Pendant Ceiling Paper Lamp 36N
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 36N. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, suppo...
Steel
Quadriedri Murano Chandelier, 47 Multicolored Prisms
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic vintage Murano chandelier made by 47 Murano multicolored crystal prism "quadriedri" in a nickel metal frame. The glass are in 2 different dimension: 28 bigger and 19 smalle...
Art Glass
1966 Rare Arredoluce Table Lamp with Murrine Glass Insert from Venini , Italy
By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, Venini
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare Arredoluce ( Angelo Lelii ) table lamp made of enameled metal , brass insert and colorfull murrine glass beads made by Venini , a most unique masterfull partenership in the g...
Metal, Brass
$4,200 / set
Pair of Large Vintage Mercury Glass Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of vintage large Mercury glass lamps. The lamps have been Newly rewired with adjustable polished brass double clusters that take standard size bulbs and silk rayon cor...
Brass
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.