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.
Spanish Colonial Round Wall Mirror with Floral Frame in Wood and Enamel
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round Wall Mirror, Walnut, Enamel, Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features a wooden frame surrounding a round glass. The frame has carved flowers and round multicolor enamel decorati...
Metal, Enamel
Huge Gold Gilt Carved Sunburst Convex Mirror
Located in London, GB
An Unusually large Gold Gilt sunburst mirror, carved from wood with a 40cm diameter distressed convex silver mirror in the centre framed with...
Giltwood
Pair of Early 20th Century Giltmetal Sunburst Mirrors. France
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Pair of Early 20th Century Giltmetal Sunburst Mirrors. France. French Giltmetal sunburst mirrors 20 inch wide, france, 1930s-1940. Beautiful pair of sunburst mirrors. Lovely age pat...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirror Brass, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern sunburst mirror brass, circa 1960 Traditionally manufactured in France. By unknown designer. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, pres...
Metal
Round Spanish Gilt Metal Sunburst Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
A round gilt metal sunburst mirror with long narrow leaves joined closely in the middle and radiating from a solid border. The glass is original and shows sign of age. Spanish 1950's...
Iron
Austrian Mirror with Glass Blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Palwa, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Houston, TX
Austrian mirror with glass blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Stunning round Austrian mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 19...
Glass, Mirror
Mid-Century Modern Iron Sunburst Mirror in White Patina, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
1960s Spanish Sunburst Iron Mirror in White Patina ___________________________________________________________ Eye-catching iron sunburst mirror in matte white patina, Spain, 1960s T...
Iron, Metal
Flower Shaped Mirror in Blue Glass and Gilt Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Colorful Flower Mirror, Blue Glass, Brass ____________________________________________________________________________ Midcentury Flower Burst Mirror with Blue Glass Petals Eye-catc...
Metal, Brass
Large French Tudor Wall Mirror by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning French convex wall mirror by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s-1960s. A relatively rare model called "Tudor". Textured talosel construction with si...
Silver Leaf
Large Sunburst Rhombus Wall Mirror in Rattan, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handcrafted Mediterranean style rattan or wicker cane rhombus shaped mirror, Spain, 1960s. This rattan mirror can be placed in two positions, as a rhombus or square. It will be a nic...
Wicker, Cane, Mirror, Rattan
French White Metal Flower Mirror, circa 1960
Located in Austin, TX
French white metal flower mirror, circa 1960. Total height / 14.5 inches.
Metal
$1,033Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Shaped Rattan Mirror, Midcentury Mediterranean Design
Located in Barcelona, ES
Lovely handcrafted rattan flower shaped mirror with all the taste of the Mediterranean coast style. France, 1960s. This piece is in excellent vintage condition. This mirror will be...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror, Bamboo
Mid Century Modern Organic Vintage Circular Sunburst Wall Mirror 1960s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Organic Vintage Riviera style sunburst mirror wall mirror from rattan and mirror glass circular like 1960s Italy. An amazing c...
Rattan, Mirror
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Silvered Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round Sunburst Mirror in Silver Gilt Wrought Iron Mid-Century Modern wrought iron sunburst round wall mirror with silvered gilt finish, Spain, 1950s. This highly decorative sunburst ...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Silver Leaf
French Mid-Century Sunburst or Starburst Mirror of Bamboo & Rattan (Dia 27 3/8)
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely French sunburst (or starburst) mirror with a beautiful arrangement of bamboo and rattan rays woven and arranged around the mirror plate glass center. Diameter 27 3/8 inches
Glass, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Gilt Sunburst Mirror in Small Scale, Fleur de Lys Design
Located in Barcelona, ES
Fleur-de-lis sunburst miniature mMirror in gold leaf gilt iron, Spain, 1940s A lovely sunburst mirror with fleur-de-lis decorations adorning the frame made in hand-hammered iron. Fin...
Gold Leaf, Iron
Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal with Foliage Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt metal sunburst mirror framed by leaves. Spain, 1950s-1960s. This stylish mirror combines Midcentury and Hollywood Regency accents.A highly decorative oval sunburst mirror with ...
Metal, Iron
Midcentury Gilt Metal Sunburst Mirror with Radiating Rays
Located in Atlanta, GA
This midcentury sunburst mirror is crafted in gilt-finished metal, featuring a dynamic arrangement of alternating straight and undulating rays radiating from a circular mirror plate....
Metal
Midcentury Round Sunburst Mirror with Orange Glass Mosaic Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Spanish modern round wall mirror framed by handcut iridescent orange textured glasses. Manufactured in Spain, 1960s. This colorful wall mirror will be a nice choize to a...
Glass, Cut Glass, Mirror
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Green Accents, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Hollywood Regency gilt metal and green double layered sunburst mirror, Spain, 1950s-1960s. This stunning sunburst wall mirror has a layer of gilt iron large leaves and a...
Metal, Iron
Spanish Sunburst Oval Leafed Mirror in Silvered Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching Oval Shaped Sunburst Mirror in Silvered Gilt Metal Spain, 1950-1960. This wall sunburst mirror features an oval glass framed with curved silvered metal leaves in two size...
Metal, Iron, Silver Leaf
$4,700Sale Price|21% Off
Rare Mid-Century Copper, Brass and Iron Sunburst Mirror / Wall Sculpture by Bela
Located in New York, NY
Elegant midcentury wall mirror in modern neoclassical spirit by French Canadian artist, Bela. The wall-mounted sculpture / mirror features a s...
Brass, Cut Steel
Baroque Spanish Large Sunburst Mirror in Giltwood with Barbola Flower Detail
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Carved Gilt and Silvered Wood Sunburst Mirror Double Layered Giltwood Sunburst Mirror with Carved Polychrome Floral Details. Spain, 1960s. This stunning wall mirror features ...
Gold Leaf
1950s French Riviera Rattan Sunburst Starburst Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst starburst mirror handcrafted in rattan, France, 1950-1960. A cool Mid-Century Modern handcrafted rattan mirror with star or sunburst shape and all the taste of the Mediterra...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Mirror with leaves frame, gilt iron, Spain, 1960s. This eye-catching wall mirror has a leafed sunburst frame finished with gold leaf gilding and darker accents on the leaf ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$554Sale Price|20% Off
Round French Rattan Wicker Mirror 1960s Sunburst
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This decorative vintage wall mirror features a braided frame made of rattan, likely produced in France or Italy during the 1960s. The unique woven design adds a touch of rustic charm...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Foliage Floral Mirror in Polychrome Gilt Metal, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hollywood Regency rosebush floral mirror in Polychromed gilt iron, Spain, 1950s This lovely wrought gilt iron polychrome mirror has the shape of a rosebush tree. Surrounding the cent...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Double Leafed Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Double Leafed Frame Round Sunburst mirror, Gilt iron. Spain, 1950s ______ This iron sunburst wall mirror features a double layered round frame with...
Metal, Iron
Rattan Flower Sunburst Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handcrafted rattan double layered flower shaped mirror / sunburst mirror, Spain, 1950s A lovely Mediterranean style handcrafted rattan flower shaped mir...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror, Cane
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Convex Glass, 1950s
By Ferrocolor
Located in Barcelona, ES
Convex Sunburst Mirror, Iron, Gold Leaf Eye-catching Mid-Century Hollywood Regency sunburst mirror in gilt wought iron, Spain 1950s Convex glass and gold leaf gilding. It has a terrific aged patina showing its original gilding. Gorgeous placed alone as wall mirror mirror but also interesting as a part of a sunburts mirror wall composition. This convex sunburst wall mirror...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Sunburst Mirror in Olive Green Lacquered Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Green Sunburst Mirror, Metal ____________________________________________________________ Eye-catching metal sunburst mirror in olive green/ army green patina, Spain, 1960s T...
Metal, Iron
$2,113Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Woven Wicker Rattan Wooden Sunburst Mirror, Scandinavian Design, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scandinavian Modern handcrafted wood mirror with braided wicker frame, France, 1960s. This circular mirror, handcrafted in the Mid-20th century period has Scandinavian design accents...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror, Wood, Wicker
French Midcentury Giltwood Sunburst Mirror with Radiating Rays and Carved Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French vintage giltwood sunburst mirror from the mid-20th century, with rays of slightly varying sizes, carved frame and red undertone. Born in France during the mid-century period...
Mirror, Giltwood
Large Handmade Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Steel Wall Sculpture/ Mirror by BELA
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Unique handmade Midcentury Modern Craftsman double level wall mounted sculpture, wall decoration or mirror by the French Canadian artist...
Brass, Steel
French Sunburst Starburst Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Riviera Sunburst Starburst Mirror in Rattan, 1960s Handcrafted starburst sunburst mirror with rattan frame and brass studs. This eye-catching...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror
French Sunburst Flower Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Double Layered Rattan Sunburst Flower Shaped Mirror. France, 1960s. A lovely Mediterranean style handcrafted rattan flower shaped mirror with two layers of petals in two sizes and pyrography accents. It has all the taste from the French Riviera. This stunning mirror was entirely made by hand. Beautiful to place alone and interesting as a part of a big wall composition with other mirrors in this manner. Overall Measures: 50 cm diameter // 19,68 in diameter More rattan wall mirrors and sunburst mirrors are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. Rattan Sunburst Mirror // Rattan Flower Mirror...
Wicker, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Spanish Double Layered Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron with Leafed Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Mirror Framed with Leaves, Gilt Iron Spain, 1950s-1960s. An eye-catching sunburst mirror framed with two layers of large and small leaves surrounding a central round glass. ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$732Sale Price|30% Off
Midcentury Sunburst Mirror, Bamboo & Rattan, Handmade in France, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Midcentury French Riviera Bamboo and Rattan Sunburst Mirror, France, 1950s Bring the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera into your home with this stunning midcentury sunburst mir...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Oval Sunburst Mirror in Silver Patinated Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern wrought iron sunburst oval wall mirror with gilt silvered finish, Spain, 1950s. This highly decorative sunburst iron mirror has a nice silver patinated color. It h...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Silver Leaf
Brass "Sunflower" Mirror, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Charming Mid-Century brass "sunflower" or sunburst mirror. The main brass rim is surrounded by delicate "petals" made of brass wire. Nice original condition with patina on the brass ...
Brass
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
Bamboo Rattan Starburst Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-century Modern bamboo rattan sunburst starburst mirror. Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features a round mirror glass framed by a bamboo star shaped frame with wicker /rattan tied...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror, Cane
Late 20th Century Sunburst Carved Golden Mirrors, a Pair
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Vintage, fully handcrafted pieces finished with gold leaf. Each mirror features a unique arrangement of geometrical wooden rays, forming an elegant sunburst design. This charming pai...
Gold Leaf
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Sunbeams and Leaves Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching gilt metal leafed sunburst mirror. Spain, 1950-1960. This sunburst mirror features an ring framing the central round glass and surrounded by alternating leaves and curly...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$2,771Sale Price|20% Off
XL Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, Spain 1950s (38, 6 in)
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Oversized Sunburst Mirror, Gilt Iron Brutalist wrought gilt iron huge sunburst / starburst mirror. Spain, 1950s Outstanding 38.58 in / 98 cm diameter hand-hammered iron sunburst mirror with gilded finishing and Brutalist accents. This stunning mirror features a frame with double layer of small leaves alternating with large gilt iron hammered rays that make this mirror highly decorative. This magnificent sunburst wall mirror can work also as a wall-mounted sculpture. It would attract the everyone's attention wherever you place it. Overall Measures: Overall diameter 98cm (38.58 in) Glass diameter 23cm (9.05 in) More sunburst mirrors and wall mirrors are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to enjoy the whole collection listed. Huge Sunburst Mirror...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Brutalist Black Wrought Iron Sunburst Mirror, France, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This unusual midcentury brutalist sunburst wall mirror was designed and manufactured in France in the 1950s. It features a blackened wrought iron frame and mirror glass. Total dia...
Wrought Iron
Spanish Sunburst Oval Mirror in Copper Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Oval Sunburst Starburst Mirror, Iron, Copper Metal Mid-Century Modern leafed sunburst wall mirror, Spain, 1960s This eye-catching foliage sunburst mirror features a layer leave...
Metal, Iron, Copper
French Gilt Sunburst or Starburst Mirror (Diameter 15 5/8)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French gilt starburst or sunburst mirror, featuring a beautifully carved bezel with a mass of gilded rays and the original mirror plate. Dimensions: Diameter of 15 5/8 inches
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Woven Wicker and Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Lovely handcrafted rattan mirror with highly decorative hand-braided frame. Beautiful to create a wall decoration with other mirrors in this manner or to place it alone. Amazing Med...
Mirror, Rattan, Wicker
$733Sale Price|28% Off
Vintage Teak Square Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Teak Square Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1970s Unusually shaped vintage wall mirror features a square-shaped teak wood frame with iron details surrounding a round...
Iron
French Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron with Eyelash Design, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching double layered eyelash gilt iron sunburst mirror, France, 1950s The frame is entirely made by hand with a double layer of hand-forged iron curved beams in eyelash shape....
Iron, Gold Leaf
French Mid Century Brutalist Sunburst Mirror
Located in Buchanan, NY
This dynamic French mid century modern sunburst mirror in the “brutalist” style features a double tiered central frame. The exterior part consists of 8 spikes in a rich gilt finish a...
Iron
Coastal Rattan Sunburst Mirror / Rhombus Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handcrafted Mediterranean style rattan sunburst rhombus framed mirror, Spain, 1960s. This rattan mirror can be placed in two positions, as a rhombus or as a square. It will be a nic...
Wicker, Cane, Mirror, Rattan
Spanish Gilt Sunburst or Starburst Mirror (Diameter 25)
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Spanish gilt sunburst (or starburst) mirror with a row of finely gilded wooden rays arranged around a mirror plate glass center. Dimensions: Diameter of 25 inches
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
$554Sale Price|20% Off
Round French Rattan Wicker Mirror, 1960s, Sunburst
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This decorative vintage wall mirror features a braided frame made of rattan, likely produced in France or Italy during the 1960s. The unique woven design adds a touch of rustic charm...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Mini Sized Sunburst Mirror with Scrollwork in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern sunburst scrollwork small wall mirror, gilt iron, 1950s Lovely handcrafted gilt iron sunburst mirror with alternating scroll motif and gilt finish. Unusual in thi...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
$1,874Sale Price|20% Off
Eyelash Sunburst Wall Mirror, Gilt Wrought Iron, Smoke Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist scroll work wrought iron sunburst mirror, Spain, 1960s. This handcrafted iron mirror has a hand forged iron structure with scroll ended beams finished in gold leaf gilding....
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Gilt Metal French Round Eyelash Mirror
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Gilt metal "eyelash" sunburst style, beveled mirror. This mirror is reminiscent of French work or the designs of Curtis Jere. Overall measures: 24" in diameter. The mirror itself...
Metal
Vintage Composition Sunburst Mirror with Distressed Convex Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-20th-century convex wall mirror with a dramatic composition sunburst frame, the circular center fitted with a domed convex mirror plate surrounded by a molded rope-twist border a...
Composition
$1,127Sale Price|20% Off
Sunburst Mirror in Rattan and Bamboo, France 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A beautiful sunburst mirror handcrafted in rattan, and split bamboo. France, 1950s Its design combines Midcentury and Tiki style accents. This wall mirror will be a nice addition t...
Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
French Starburst Sunburst Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rattan Sunburst / Starburst Mirror A beautiful handcrafted rattan starburst mirror. France, 1960s. This mirror can add all the freshness of the...
Cane, Mirror, Rattan