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 Modern Italian onyx /brass table lamps.
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Condition: Very good. Light wear consistent with age and use. Description A refined pair of small Italian table lamps from the 1960s, crafted in onyx and brass. These elegant lamp...
Onyx, Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Enameled Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A sculptural pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a dynamic and expressive interplay of curved brass, colored metal, and opaline glass. Each sconce features a flu...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Teak Floor Lamp w/ Linen Cone Shade
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Danish Modern sculpted teak floor lamp with a linen cone shade beautifully exemplifies the warmth, simplicity, and human-centered design that defined Scandinavian interiors in t...
Linen, Formica, Wood, Teak
Three-Tier Murano Glass Tube Chandelier - 48 PINK GLASSES - Mid-century modern
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 48 large pink glass tubes in a star shape. The glasses have a beautif...
Blown Glass
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano Wall Lights, 12 "Rondini" Glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in the manner of Mazzega. Wall lights have 6 glass petals "rondini" (transparent and white “lattimo”) in a chrome frame. Period: late XX cen...
Art Glass
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 23 smoked lattimo "rondini" glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Rare Italian vintage Murano chandelier. The fixture is made up of 23 individual handblown glass elements hanging (smoked and white "lattimo") from a chrome frame. Each piece smoked ...
Art Glass
$2,400 / set
PAIR Murano Sconces Rostrato Glass
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This pair was designed and manufactured in Italy in the style of Barovier which invented this type of glass called Rostrato. This particular glass is characterized by large reflectin...
Brass
Fine Venetian Murano Pendant Light Mouth Blown Blue Color Smoked Glass in Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful Sapphire color and practical size Italian fixture with mouth blown glass in a metal frame. If you are looking for a rare and stylish Murano light fixture to grace your ho...
Iron
Maison Barbier Space Age Chrome Table Lamp, circa 1970
By Maison Barbier, Philippe Barbier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Philippe Barbier designed this elegant modernist Space Age table lamp for Maison Barbier Paris circa 1970. The tall geometric shape has polished chromed metal elements. The sale incl...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Italian Sconces - Vintage STILNOVO Brass and Opaline Glass appliques
Located in Rome, IT
Presenting a distinguished pair of Italian mid-century wall sconces, attributed to the esteemed design lineage of STILNOVO. These lamps exemplify the sleek, geometric aesthetics of t...
Metal, Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and yellow fabric wall lights designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd, Sweden, c. 1970s. Dramatic patina on brass. Some small stains on fab...
Brass
Rupert Nikoll table lamp with original fabric shade vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Rupert Nikoll table lamp with original fabric shade vienna around 1950s Original condition Original fabric shade
Brass
1950s Pair of Italian Table Lamp with Opaline Glass and Brass
Located in Rome, IT
This striking pair of table lamps embodies classic Italian design from the 1950s, featuring elegantly curved brass bases that exhibit a natural patina from age. Each lamp is topped w...
Metal, Brass
Isamu Noguchi Akari Pendant Ceiling Paper Lamp 45X
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 45X. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing. ...
Steel
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier, 78 Glasses, Pink Fuxia Silk
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large pink fuxia silk glass tubes in a star shape. Per...
Blown Glass
'Submerged' Glass Table Lamp Rare Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d'Arte 60's mod.14092
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
An exquisite and rare Murano glass table lamp, designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for the prestigious Seguso Vetri d'Arte furnace, circa late 1960s - early 1970s. Technical and Ae...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Vistosi Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1960
By Vistosi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
The "Flower" ceiling light is a refined and exclusive piece of Murano craftsmanship by "Vetreria Vistosi." Entirely handcrafted from fine blown glass using the Graniglia technique, i...
Brass
1950s Mid--Century Modern Brass and White Glass 12 Lights Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite mid-century modern chandelier by Stilnovo captures the essence of sophisticated Italian lighting design from a golden era of manufacturing. The fixture features a grac...
Brass
1950s Italian Floor Lamp Build By "van Doorn Culemborg" Brass And Teak Details
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant mid-century floor lamp produced by Van Doorn BV (Culemborg, The Netherlands) in the 1950s, incorporating distinctive Italian design elements and components. This piece featu...
Brass
Brass and Glass Chandelier Attr. Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass and Glass Chandelier Attr. Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired and suita...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Pair of ‘Micro’ Sconces, Model 2240, 1950s, Signed
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and authentic pair of ‘Micro’ sconces, model 2240, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the 1950s. Each sconce features double profiled glass panels: two thick, polishe...
Brass
Handsewn fabric shade pendant , design by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Handsewn fabric shade, pattern by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, hanging on a fabric-covered wire, brass-parts in the requested finish Height is customisable All electrical componen...
Brass
FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with cameos on red background (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist A110 Metal Pendant Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare version of the A110 pendant lamp by Louis Poulsen, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the early 1950s. A minimalist design. This version of the “hand grenade” impresses with...
Metal
"Mania" Sconce by Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian "Mania" wall light with white opaline polycarbonate shades mounted on white metal frame / Made in Italy, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, circa 1960s Height...
Acrylic
1970s French Beechwood Double Wall Sconces, Set of Three with Shades
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined suite of three French double wall sconces from the 1970s, crafted in solid beechwood and showcasing a sculptural, architectural design. Each sconce is built around a centr...
Burlap, Beech
Murano Chandelier by Mazzega - 41 clear and amber glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 41 glass leaves in a gold painted metal frame. The originality of this chandelier is given by the glass, wonderful works of art trasparent a...
Art Glass
Pair of 1950s Italian Modern Wall Lights in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Refined pair of Italian wall lights dating to the 1950s, characterized by clean angular lines and tapered satin opaline glass diffusers mounted on elegant patinated brass structures....
Brass
Luigi Caccia Dominioni Ceiling Pendant in opaline glass and brass, attributed
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luigi Caccia Dominioni ceiling pendant, attributed Italy, 1950s. Opaline glass, brass. Takes 1 medium base bulb. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. Overall height adjustable. Ca...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Chandelier/Sconces Replacement Ice Glass Lamp Shades
Located in Andernach, DE
Individual Murano glass lamp shades (colourless) of a Carl Fagerlund chandelier. Bubbly frosted Acanthus leaves. They are part of an originally 10 armed Orrefors Chandelier and this ...
Murano Glass
Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These elegant chandeliers embody the refined glamour of European mid century lighting design. Their sculptural composition of textured glass...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass 3-Head Single Wall Lamp, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Brass 3-Head Single Wall Lamp, 1950s, Germany Elegant rare high quality wall lamp. Lamp is in very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use These lamp...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Multicolor Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century chandelier from the 1950s defined by a playful and sculptural composition combining brass and multicolored glass elements. The structure is entirely made of brass...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Minor oxidation to brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.0"H x 20.5"D Stem...
Brass
Swedish Two-Arm Brass Pendant, 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
Swedish two-arm brass pendant from the 1940s. Lyrical brass structure with undulating details and original off-white lacquered brass socket covers. Nice original condition with a dar...
Brass
Mid-century Cylindrical Brass Pair of Sconces with Antique Finish, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Cylindrical Brass Pair of Sconces with Antique Finish, 1950s, Italy Very nice high quality wall lamps. Lamps are in very good vintage condition. These lamps works with...
Brass
XXL Orange Ceramic FLoor Table Lamp, Lampshade by R. Houben, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality ceramic floor lamp, 1970s. This lamp base brings playful elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a unique presence. Thi...
Ceramic
Paavo Tynell Nun's Hat Floor Lamp Model 9629 in white & Brass, Taito 1950s
By Taito, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic floor lamp model 9269 designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito in the 1950s, exemplifying the refined elegance and material sensitivity that define his work. The lamp features a ...
Metal, Brass
1950s Very Rare Large French Wicker Fish Pendant Light
Located in Hastings, GB
Rare and exceptional extra large scale 1950’s wicker fish ceiling light, French. Due to their nature these original ceiling lights are incredibly rare to find from this period and es...
Wicker
Pair of Sculptural Floor Lamps in Metal with Silk Curtain Shades, circa 1980
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of Sculptural Floor Lamps in Metal with off white Silk Curtain shades circa 1980's. The lamps are dimmable.
Brass
Green Italian 1960s Arredoluce Wall Sconce - J408
By Arredoluce
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian wall sconce from the 1960s attributed to Arredoluce. Solid brass frame and base, green lacquered metal shade (original paint). Switch built into the shade; we recommend an E2...
Metal, Brass
Spanish Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Wrought Iron and Glass, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of kind Sunburst Leafed Light Fixture, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Frosted Glass Mid-Century Modern gilt iron sunburst flush mount with leaves surrounding a central frosted glass di...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Midcentury Bamboo & Rattan Table Lamp Louis Sognot Style, Italy 1960s
By Louis Sognot
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful table lamp in bamboo, rattan and wicker in the style of Louis Sognot. Made in Italy in the 1960s. It uses 1 bulbs. Louis Sognot was a French designer...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce – clear triedri - Column model
By Mazzega
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 t...
Art Glass
Stunning Large Murano Glass Pendant by La Murrina 1970s
By La Murrina
Located in Palermo, PA
This stunning large pendant light in clear and white Murano glass was crafted by La Murrina in the 1970s and is signed by the maker in the glass. The glass is beautifully shaped in...
Metal, Brass
Opaline 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 opaline glass Diameter cast iron wall piece 10.5 cm / 4”. 2 holes to secure. Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced pe...
Brass, Iron
Mid century modern beige Murano glass chandelier
By Seguso
Located in Dallas, TX
Beige Murano glass mid-century modern chandelier, Italy. The large Murano glass chandelier is attributed to Seguso, Italy 1980s. The hand blown chandelier is made of a delicate light...
Gold Plate
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
A pretty brown glazed ceramic lamp with blue and green detail. Rewired and Pat tested. Shade for display.
Ceramic
Hollywood Regency. Mid-Century Modern gilt bronze flush mount, Spain, 1950s
By Maison Honoré, Ferro Art, Maison Jansen, Maison Charles, Willy Daro
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hollywood Regency and Mid-Century Modern flush mount, Spain, 1950s. Molded solid bronze structure with a central opaline glass diffuser. The different pieces of molded bronze are att...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass, Green Metal and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with green lacquered metal elements and opaline glass shades. The design is clean and architectural, built around a stro...
Metal, Brass
Magnificent Extra Large Rotan Rattan and Brass Chandelier, Handwoven
Located in Rijssen, NL
Extraordinary chandelier, fully made out of rotan and rattan with all details in patinated brass. A magnificent piece. This chandelier carries 16 lampshades, all details in patinate...
Rattan, Wood
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandelier 220 cm/86 in in Height
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s This chandelier carries the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Its ar...
Brass
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte
Located in London, GB
1950s Clear blown glass Italian design lantern light by Seguso Vetri D’Arte Opaline frosted, clear blown glass with upwards and downward blown glass leaves decor. The light bulbs a...
Blown Glass
Gino Sarfatti Le Sfere Model 2042/6 Ceiling Light, Opaline Glass
By Astep, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Model 2042/6 Design by Gino Sarfatti With Le Sfere Plafone, Model 2042/6 from 1963, another of Gino Sarfatti’s beautiful interpretations of the luminous sphere is reintroduced. The r...
Steel
Mid Century Brass Tear Drop Pendants attributed Paavo Tynell for Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Sensational set o3 Brass Tear Drop Pendants attributed Paavo Tynell for Lightolier. The Pendants are solid brass with a three hole triangular perforated pattern design detail. The ...
Brass
Mid-Century Cobalt Blue Studio Ceramic Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Globular studio ceramic lamp body finished in a thick cobalt blue glaze with deep blue and green surface variation. The heavy glaze application produces pronounced volcanic texture a...
Metal
Italian Cocoon Pendant, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Italian cocoon pendant from the 1960s. Custom design for a Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio, which included additional cocoon lamps by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Very ...
Steel
Delicious Murano Vintage Chandelier with White Glass Flowers, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Italian Glass Flower Chandelier, 1970s This elegant chandelier, made in Italy in the 1970s, showcases the timeless beauty of handcraft...
Metal
Fog & Mørup, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Fog & Mørup
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric chandelier designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced brand new lampshades. Overall D...
Brass
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Gerald Thurston 3 Heads Uplighter Pendant for Lightolier , USA
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
1950s Gerald Thurston Brass plated uplighter with 3 pierced shade for Lightolier . Top concave relector have a nice patina on it . Contain 3 E26 sockets rated at 60 watt each .
Metal, 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.