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.
Mid Century Barovier & Toso Attributed Flush Mount Italy
Located in Den Haag, NL
Mid Century Barovier & Toso Attributed Flush Mount Beautiful Amber Color . 2 large E27 bulbs needed . Very good condition .
Blown Glass
Pendant light Teraxacum by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni - 1960s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
A magnificent Taraxacum pendant lamp designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This pendant is far more than just a light fixture; its structure and form...
Resin
Louis Sognot style Palm Beach Regency cane table lamp, France, 1960s
By Romeo Rega, Franco Albini, Tito Agnoli, Louis Sognot
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Palm Beach Regency and French Riviera style cane table lamp, France, 1960s. Entirely handmade and composed of a base and a lampshade made of cane, wood, wicker and rattan. Tiki, Saf...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Franco Albini, Franca Helg and Antonio Piva ‘AM/AS’ Pendant Lamp in Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini, Franc Helg and Antonio Piva for Sirrah, pendant lamp, chrome-plated metal, nickel-plated brass, Italy, 1969 This well-constructed pendant lamp is part of a series nam...
Metal
10 Arm Rupert Nikoll chandelier around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
10 Arm Rupert Nikoll chandelier around 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled The bulbs are not includet ( they are only for the photoshooting )
Brass
$2,535 / item
Ettore Sottsass Callimaco Floor Lamp for Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ettore Sottsass 'Callimaco' floor lamp for Artemide. Originally created in 1982, Ettore Sottsass’ “horn” of light creates the remarkable illusion of an oversized musical instrument...
Aluminum
Fontana Arte Attributed Brass And Glass Pendant
By Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1950's solid brass and glass Italian pendant attributed to Fontana Arte, in vintage condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use, newly rewired and ready to use.
Brass
'PH Centenary Edition' 9-Arm Aged Brass & Glass Chandelier for Louis Poulsen
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'PH Centenary Edition' 9-Arm Aged Brass & Glass Chandelier for Louis Poulsen Executed in aged brass and opaline glass shades, the PH Centenary chandelier revives iconic Poul Hen...
Brass
Murano Glass Ceiling Light with Clear Glass Flower Petals.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
"Margherita" Murano Glass Ceiling Light The "Margherita" ceiling light is a refined example of Murano craftsmanship, entirely handcrafted from fine blown glass. The large, clear cry...
Brass
$3,900Sale Price / item|20% Off
20th Murano Poliedri Chandelier
By Venini
Located in Budapest, HU
It sounds like you have a stunning piece of art with that Italian pendant light! The combination of 111 multicolored Murano glasses and a gold and brass structure creates a truly ele...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Sputnik MultiColor Art Glass and Brass Chandelier and Pendant, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic multi-colored sputnik, smoked brown yellow ochre blue, with a surprising design and its reduced height, which allows it to adapt to both high and low ceilings. Very elega...
Brass
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Marshall Studios Martz Ceramic Triangular Incised Pottery Midcentury Table Lamp
Located in Portland, OR
?? WHAT'S INCLUDED? — This listing is for the lamps only. New shades, exactly matching the catalog dimensions can be purchased upon request. ?? WHAT IS IT? — This absolutely...
Ceramic, Burlap, Walnut
Large Contemporary Candy Chandelier Brass and Murano Glass , Italy
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Chandelier ceiling pendant light lighting lamp in brass and multicolor candy Murano glass. Contemporary work from a small italian artisanal workshop. Minor imperfections due to handm...
Brass
Pair of Carl Fagerlund Brass and Orrefors Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Carl Fagerlund Manufacturer: Orrefors, Lyfa Era: 1950s Materials: Glass, brass Dimensions: 15.75 diameter.
Brass
Pair of Kinkeldey Wall Sconces Frosted Glass Balls & Brass, Germany 1960s
Elegant pair of wall lights with frosted glass balls with golden knobs on a brass frame. The lights illuminate beautifully. Gem from the time. A real eye-catcher even unlit. The ma...
Brass
Midcentury Wrought-Iron Chandelier by Jean Touret, Gothic Style
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This striking French Mid-Century wrought-iron chandelier was created circa 1950 by Ateliers de Marolles, under the artistic direction of Jean Touret, in collaboration with master iro...
Wrought Iron
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Italian brass leaf table lamp in the style of Tommaso Barbi, 1970s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
This sculptural brass table lamp was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is designed in the style of Tommaso Barbi, known for his refined use of brass and organic, nature-inspired...
Brass
$1,393Sale Price / item|20% Off
Beautiful Murano Glass Tube Chandelier - 36 clear amber glass tube
By Venini
Located in Budapest, HU
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 36 large clear amber glass tubes in a star shape. Period:late XX cent...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 2 White Murano glass leaves wall lamps, handmade artistic appliques
Located in Venezia, IT
Set of 2 White Murano glass leaves wall lamps in the style of Franco Luce for Seguso, handmade artistic appliques, Made in Italy lighting design...
Brass, Steel
Set of Two Mid Century Wall Lights or Sconces by Paul Neuhaus Germany 1950s
Located in München, BY
Set of two elegant Mid-Century Modern wall lights / sconces with rotating shades. Down and up lighter. Designed and manufactured by Paul Neuhaus Leuchten, Germany, 1950s. Executed i...
Metal
Chrome table lamp Mid-Century Modern Production Italy 1960/70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Modern table lamp, Italian production 1960/70. Lampshade made of brushed aluminum with clean, minimalist lines, features a central section made of acrylic material (Plex...
Aluminum, Chrome
French Mid-Century Light Pink Enameled Glass Flush Mount with Floral Motifs
Located in Barntrup, DE
Delicate French mid-century flush mount light with pale pink glass, hand-enameled floral decoration, and dragonfly motifs. Charming French flush-mount light from the 1950s, featurin...
Metal
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Brass for Tato Italia
By Tato Italia, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Brass for Tato Italia Designed by Italian design icon Gio Ponti, this authorized Tato Italia re-edition is executed in brushed brass har...
Brass
Wonderful Mid Century Modern Transitional Bronze Deco Starburst 3-Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Mid Century Modern Transitional Gilt Bronze Art Deco Starburst 3 Candelabra Light Fixture Rewired With New Sockets
Bronze
$3,483 / set
Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of wall lamps with polished brass frames and textured Murano glass diffusers, featuring a refined wavy surface. The ivory and amber hues create a sophisticated color...
Brass
Pair of "Edipo" Large Table Lamps by Barbaglia & Colombo for PAF, Italy 1980s
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo, PAF Studio
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of large "Edipo" table lamps in a beautiful black and white combination. This rare and unique lamps were designed by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo and produced by P...
Metal
French Designer, Pendant Lights, Brass, Glass, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and white opaline glass pendant lights likely designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Heavy patina brass. Minor imperfections on glass. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Fish Wicker Rattan Pendant Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Fish pendant lamp made of wicker. A wonderfully playful design. A lamp with character, literally. The wicker body of the lamp forms a fish body with its mouth wide open. Inside is a...
Wicker, Plastic
Mid-Century Round Cocoon Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A cocoon hanging lamp made in Italy in the 1960s. It has a beautiful round design, which is similar to the lamps made by Castiglioni. Measures: H...
Resin
1 of 2 Petite Rare Pagoda Glass Flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 wonderful rare petite flush mounts with onion-shaped glasses. 12 hand-blown glasses suspended on a gold-painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
Swedish c. 1970s beech wood gooseneck floor lamp by Markslöjd
By Markslöjd
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your home with this exquisite Swedish c. 1970s beech wood floor lamp by Markslöjd. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece showcases the timeless elegance and...
Beech
Italian Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and glass wall lights designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8.5” H x 4.5” W x 5.5" D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 3.3” H x 3.3" ...
Brass
1 of 3 Pairs of Dark Toned Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
Pair of thick blown and textured Murano glass wall sconces made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready...
Metal
Large Mid Century Modern Colored Glass and Brass Chandelier, Italy 2000s
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Mid Century Modern glass balls and brass chandelier or pendant light, Italy circa 2000s. The chandelier is made of colorful glass balls, polished brass balls and stem. The glas...
Brass
Frosted Glass Milano Apartment Pair of Ceiling Lamps, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Industrial type Frosted Glass Milano Apartment Pair of Ceiling Lamps, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulb. Max 100W Wired...
Metal
1960's Mid - Century Glass Ball Sputnik Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
1960's Mid - Century Modern Sputnik chandelier. The polished chrome fixture supports 39 faceted glass ball elements that are grouped in clusters of 3, and each cluster is illuminat...
Chrome
Timeless Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass Flush Mount with Holes Pattern, 1950s
Located in Lisse, NL
Great Stilnove style MidCentury Modern design 3-light ceiling fixture with brass & circular art glass, holes pattern shade. This vintage light pendant has a beautiful look and feel ...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Ceramic Large Table Lamp with Custom Made Lampshade by René Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare large ceramic table lamp from late-20th century. Sculptural piece, made of handmade ceramic elements in brown tones with beautiful accent colours. With a special custom made l...
Ceramic, Fabric
$390Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Table Lamps with Amber Glass and Wood Base, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
A charming pair of Mid-Century Modern table lamps from Czechoslovakia, made with textured amber pressed glass shades and solid wooden bases. The patterned glass beautifully diffuses ...
Glass, Wood
Alvar Aalto A335B Pendant Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, this pendant lamp is a classic example of Scandinavian design. The layered, dome-shaped shade creates soft, diffused light, making it perfect fo...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Brass and Glass Pendant Lamp or Lantern, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous lantern or pendant lamp from the late Italian midcentury, made during the 1960s-1970s. The pendant lamp is made of transparent glass, the golden details are made of brass, ...
Brass
Original Tommaso Barbi Ginkgo Brass Floor Lamp, Italy, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Tommaso Barbi brass Ginkgo floor lamp, Italy, 1970s. Patinated brass. Good original condition with some signs of age and use. Requires local rewiring prior to use. Ship...
Brass
$491Sale Price / item|34% Off
Vintage Andreas Hansen Mandalay Pendant Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Andreas Hansen Mandalay pendent lamp chandelier for Louis Poulsen. White painted aluminum with a chromed top shade. Designed in 1973 and in pro...
Aluminum
Expertly Restored -Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Table Lamp by V.H. Woolums
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: V.H. Woolums Manufacturer: V.H. Woolums Materials: Walnut Wood, Polished Metals, New Custom Linen Shade Dimensions: 35.50in H x 6.25in W x 6.25in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 17i...
Metal
Mid-Century Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Ball Table Lamp in Robins Egg Blue
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist table lamp, hand-blown in Murano, Italy, is a brilliant example of 20th-century Venetian glass artistry. Its spherical form, rendered in a deep and luminou...
Bronze
Pair of Murano Glass Gilded and Brass Leaf Wall Lights, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano gilded leaf glass and brass wall lights, in stock 1 G9 LED bulb Wired to the American standard Similar pair available in clear and green Priced per pair Available to ...
Brass
Glass and Metal Table Lamp by E.R. Nele for Temde, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Glass and Metal Table Lamp by E.R. Nele for Temde, 1960s - Elegant table lamp by Temde to a design by Renee Nele - Classic and yet timelessly modern - The balls can be screwed with ...
Metal
Pia Guidetti Crippa for LUMI Faceted Glass & Brass Flush Mount/ Wall Light
Located in North Miami, FL
This outstanding and RARE flush mounted light by Pia Guidetti Crippa for LUMI features a half-dome of thick faceted glass and another interior textured glass diffuser. Trimmed with ...
Brass
Murano Green Art Glass and Brass Midcentury Chandelier and Pendant, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Fantastic round chandelier in Murano glass and polished brass. Note the shape of the half shells in green Murano glass, very beautiful and particular. Linear Murano chandelier, simpl...
Brass
1 'of 4' Big Round bubble Murano Amber Flushmount by Hillebrand, Germany, 1970s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful round murano flushmount by Hillebrand Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Thick textured Amber Murano fixture on a white metal base with three brass screws. High quality and in ve...
Brass
Pair of Pink Pale Elongated Concave Murano Glass Leaf Wall Sconces
Located in Florence, IT
This sculptural wall light features three pink pale Murano glass elements shaped like curved leaves. Their elongated, concave silhouettes gently embrace the brass structure, forming ...
Murano Glass
$10,681Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Poliedri wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini 1958
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large Poliedri wall lamps designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1958 for Venini glassworks. Painted metal frame, blown glass in transparent and smoky tones, in the rare version consisting of ...
Iron
Single Flush Mount by Valenti
By Valenti Luce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Flushmounts by Valenti (Italy, 1960s) Opaline glass with brass aramatures cradling the glass by three points. Each fixture holds a single halogen rs7 tube bulb. Rewire will provide ...
Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops ...
Chrome
$2,700Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Amber Graniglia Rondine Sconces, 4 Pairs Available
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian wall lights with clear textured Murano glass petals hand blown with amber Graniglia to produce granular textured effect, mounted on gold finish metal frame / Made in Italy in...
Murano Glass
Cabesa Brass Casting Wall Sconce, Art Lighting, Sculptural Lighting
Located in İstiklal, TR
CABESA wall sconce is an exquisite piece of lighting that combines brass casting with an inspired leaf design to create a unique and captivating fixture. The sconce is made up of thr...
Brass
Stunning Italian Murano Six-Tier Pink Felci Glass Chandelier
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Huge and amazing Italian Murano Chandelier composed of 52 splendid pink glasses that give a very elegant look. The glasses of this chandelier are real works of art, the weight of thi...
Metal
Set of 4 Hand-Blown Modernist Murano Foglia D'oro Glass Leaf Form Sconces
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of four modernist sconces were handblown in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. They feat...
Murano Glass
Red and gold Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy 1960s
By Venini
Located in Dallas, TX
Large red and gold Murano glass chandelier, Mid-Century Modern, attributed to Venini, Italy 1960s A classical, or neoclassical Murano glass vintage chandelier. The red Murano chandel...
Gold Plate
Alberto Donà Midcentury Champagne Murano Glass Poliedri Chandelier, Italy, 1985
By Alberto Donà
Located in Murano, Venezia
Murano blown glass Poliedri chandelier color Champagne elements. This fantastic chandelier contains a total of 238 elements called Poliedri. The device contains nine E26 / 27 bulb...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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.