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 Umbrella Stand in Patinated Brass 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mid Century Umbrella Stand in Patinated Brass 1960s. This is a wonderful and very elegant umbrella stand in patinated brass. The main body o...
Brass
Beautiful Mid-Century Regency umbrella stand made of gilded metal, Italy 1960s
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large, and elegant Mid-Century Regency umbrella stand made of gilded metal. Made in Italy. Crafted from perforated gilded metal. Features very high-quality workmanship. Be...
Metal, Gold Plate
An unusual 1970s Italian rattan, gilt metal and leather umbrella stand
Located in London, GB
An unusual 1970s Italian rattan, gilt metal and leather umbrella stand, with three varying height umbrella holders.
Metal
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Original 1950s Copper Umbrella Stand by Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Germany
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Umbrella stand Origin: Germany Producer: Vereinigte Werkstätten München, 1955 Age: 1950s Literature: Artnet search Verneigte Werkstätten M...
Brass, Copper
Umbrella Holder in the Shape of an Open Umbrella, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella holder in the shape of an open umbrella, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Aluminum, Brass, Iron
Handmade Hammered Umbrella Stand in Copper, 1960s Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hammered, very good condition.
Copper
Nickel Umbrella Stand Vienna 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Nickel umbrella stand vienna 1950s Nickel plated Metal blackened.
Metal, Nickel
Antonia Campi Italian Modernist ceramic Umbrella stand for S.C.I Laveno 1949
By Antonia Campi, S.C.I. Laveno
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Antonia Campi Italian Modernist ceramic umbrella stand Model C33 for S.C.I 1949 More of a sculpture than an Umbrella stand. Italian iconic MidCentury design piece
Ceramic
Umbrella Stand Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand vienna around 1950s Iron white painted Wood.
Iron
Umbrella Stand, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand, circa 1950s Nickel-plated Original condition.
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Mid-Century Orange Umbrella Stand Holder with White Handle
By Glaro Products 1
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Powder-Coated in Orange Umbrella Stand Holder. This umbrella stand is newly powder-coated in what we call Hermes Orange color. There is great detail on this alumin...
Metal
$5,371 / item
Floral Jali Umbrella Stand, Hand-Carved White Marble
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A hand-carved White Marble umbrella stand with a continuous floral jali pattern pierced through all visible walls. The hundreds of interlocking openings reduce visual mass while main...
Marble
Brutalist Umbrella Stand in Iron & Art Glass, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Brutalist Midcentury umbrella stand or vessel for fireplace tools in wrought iron and art glass Made in Italy in the 1960s. Handmade unique piece with different colored glass stone...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$260Sale Price|19% Off
Round Umbrella Stand in Solid Brass Smooth and Hammered Handmade Italy 1960s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round umbrella stand in solid brass smooth and hammered handmade Italy 1960s
Brass
Umbrella Stand, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand, circa 1950s. Iron and nickel combination Iron is black lacquered.
Nickel
Midcentury Umbrella Stand in Brass Osvaldo Borsani Style, Italy, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury an elegant umbrella stand made in brass in the style of the Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani from the 1950s. Structure with three legs, with small cups in the part below...
Metal, Brass
Tommaso Barbi for B Ceramiche Vase Umbrella Stand, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Huge vase or umbrella stand by Tommaso Barbi for B Ceramiche (signed on the bottom). Conditions are very good, expect for a scratch visible in the photos.
Ceramic
Colorful Hand Painted Ceramic Midcentury Umbrella Stand by Eberhard Dänzer, 1965
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, unique one off & rare Mid-Century Modern vintage umbrella Stand or holder signed and dated (5.1.1965) by the German artist Eberhard Dänzer (1935-2008) Karlsruhe, Germany in...
Ceramic
$651Sale Price|63% Off
Charming Umbrella Holder in the Shape of an Open Umbrella
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella holder is in the shape of an open umbrella. Its flat back allows it to hang on a wall, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Aluminum, Brass, Iron
Ico Parisi 'Temide' Umbrella stand for Stildomus in Wood and Metal, Italy, 1960
By Ico Parisi, Stildomus
Located in Uithoorn, NL
The "Temide" umbrella stand, designed by Ico Parisi for Stildomus in 1960, is an iconic example of mid-century modern design. Made from dark-stained solid rosewood with metal accents...
Metal
Dedalo Umbrella Stand Designed by Emme Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide
By Emma Gismondi Schweinberger, Artemide
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Umbrella stand Dedalo was designed in 1966 by Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide. It is made of red ABS plastic. The series consisted of three different sizes: the small Deda...
Plastic
Italian Bamboo Umbrella Stand, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Impressive in scale and super sturdy with wonderful patina. An object for itself.
Bamboo, Rattan
$710 / set
2 Umbrella Stands, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
2 umbrella stands, circa 1950s Original condition only the iron blackened (painted).
Brass, Iron
Italian Organic Curved Rattan Umbrella Stand, Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970s
By Vivai del Sud, Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century square-shaped umbrella stand entirely handcrafted in curved rattan. This delightful organic piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to Vi...
Rattan
Umbrella Stand, Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand Vienna, circa 1950s Metal with lacquered wood handle Original condition.
Metal
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
Umbrella Brass Cristal Mid Century Modern Italian Design, 1950
By Cristal Arte
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Elegant and refined umbrella holder crystal art 1950s, Italian design, made of brass that has been polished, and a thick glass plate with umbrella holes, unique design and very parti...
Crystal, Brass
$1,421Sale Price|20% Off
Umbrella Stand Poggibonsi Siva Design Midcentury Italian Enamel Iron Black
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Umbrella stand Poggibonsi Siva design midcentury Italian enamel iron black. Enamel multi-color, brass feet.
Brass, Enamel, Iron
Stunning Rare Mid-Century Modern Brass Umbrella Stand
Located in München, DE
Very elegant extraordinary Mid-Century Modern umbrella stand made of brass and with a cast iron base. Minimalist high quality design with brass frame and cast iron base in black. Mad...
Brass, Iron
Vintage English Regency Brass Finished Lion-head Entryway Umbrella Stand
Located in Seattle, WA
A stately and substantial English Regency-style umbrella stand crafted from brass, featuring a cylindrical form with flared lip and stepped base. The exterior retains a rich, natural...
Brass
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Rectangular Umbrella Stand Italian Design 1990 Fiam Wood Glass Steel
By FIAM
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rectangular umbrella stand Italian design 1990 Fiam wood glass steel.
Steel
$729Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Wicker Coat Rack, circa 1960
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Labrit, Landes
A 60s Design coat hanger Italian production Attributable to Albini and Franca Helg for Bonacina. Good condition.
Wicker
Orange and White Umbrella Stand in Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Italian 1970s umbrella stand in orange and white metal. Italy, circa 1970.
Metal
Floor Ashtray Umbrella Stand Signed by Stilnovo, Milan, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Rome, IT
A splendid cream white umbrella stand and floor ashtray by Stilnovo - Milano (signed on the bottom and on the top) – Italy, circa 1960. The materials used are plastic and metal.
Metal
1970s Italy Artistic Umbrella Stand by Tommaso Barbi for Bottega Gadda - Milan -
By Tommaso Barbi, Bottega Gadda
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This collector's item is an umbrella stand in marbled copper, with accessories in gilded brass and hand painted with a floral motif, by Tommaso Barbi for...
Copper
Carl Auböck Midcentury Modern Brass Umbrella Stand, 1950s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Simple and elegant midcentury umbrella stand designed by Carl Auböck handmade by Werkstätten Auböck in the 1950s, Austria. Black lacquered iron and solid brass. The umbrella stand is...
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Whimsical Bentwood Stick Umbrella Stand
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique mid century bentwood umbrella or stick stand. Great design with a personal feel. Bentwood representing arms. In a styling of Edvard Munch's Scream.
Wood, Bentwood
PIERO FORNASETTI Portaombrelli metallo serigrafato/ottone. Serie LE CARROZZE.
Located in Milano, IT
PIERO FORNASETTI - della serie - LE CARROZZE. Portaombrelli anni 50 , in metallo serigrafato e ottone, non più,in ottimo stato, marchio stampato sotto la base e contenitore interno i...
Metal, Brass
Bamboo umbrella stand, 1950s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Bamboo umbrella stand, Made in Italy, 1950s. Italian bamboo umbrella stand with a distinctive shape that characterizes the object. It is in perfect condition. Retains the patina ...
Bamboo
Black Metal Umbrella Stand with Yellow Circle Handle, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Black Metal 6 Slot Umbrella Stand with Yellow Circle Handle, 1950s Measurements: Height: 78 cm Mouth top diameter: 42 cm Base: 21 cm NOTE: There are some rusty areas on the base o...
Metal
Mid-Century modern 1960s style brass umbrella stand Italian
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Mid-Century modern 1960s style brass umbrella stand Italian
Brass
Italian mid-century modern umbrella stand Dedalo Emma Gismondi Artemide, 1966
By Artemide, Emma Gismondi Schweinberger
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern umbrella stand Dedalo by Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide, 1966 Umbrella stand model Dedalo, entirely made of plastic. The round base is made of wh...
Plastic
$1,450 / item
Pep Bonet Barcelonés Umbrella Stand by Bd Barcelona
By Pep Bonet, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Base, sides and bowl in cast aluminum, with anodized ripple finish. Separating rods in brightly polished stainless steel. Measures: 16 x 59 x H 56 cm. Year: 1991.
Aluminum, Steel
Midcentury Round Bamboo and Rattan Italian Magazine Rack, 1960s
By Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Midcentury round bamboo and rattan magazine rack. This fantastic piece was designed in Italy during the 1960s. This item is magnificent as it has a solid bamboo structure complete...
Bamboo, Rattan
Solid Wood and Brass Bootstick Holder - Italy - 1940s
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Solid Wooden Stick Holder with Brass Finish - Italian Craftsmanship 1940s Gorgeous vintage cane holder, rich in detail, made in Italy in the 1940s by an anonymous craftsman. ...
Brass
Mid-century design brass umbrella stand , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century design brass umbrella stand , 1970’s Dimensions: 60cm height, 28cm diameter Condition: Good has some patina one of the metal stick has come loose this has no effect on t...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Scarlet Red Handpainted Umbrella Stand w/ Rectilinear Details
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern umbrella stand was realized in Italy, circa 1960. It features a cylindrical body with an inset circular mouth with scarlet red handpainted exterior re...
Ceramic, Paint
Cristal Art Umbrella stand attributed to Pierluigi Colli, Italy 1950s
By Cristal Arte, Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Umbrella stand made of etched glass and brass, attributed to Pier Luigi Colli. The metal box on the underside can be pulled out to empty the water.
Iron
$616Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Teak Umbrella Stand in Mid-Century Modern Style, Denmark, 1968
Located in Den Haag, NL
Solid teak Scandinavian umbrella stand. Build like a barrel. Solid teak planks hold together With brass rings. Very nice warm color. Good condition.
Teak
Mid Century Stick Stand made in Brass covered with Leather
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Stick Stand made in Brass covered with Leather A Great Looking Umbrella or Stick stand, with post modern appeal, slim lines and very attractive The Stand is in good Cond...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Boot Umbrella Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical umbrella stand crafted in the midcentury with brass featuring laces, buckles, and spurs hand hammered and looking a lot like a conquistador's boot.
Brass
Sculptural Painted Patinated Metal Umbrella Stand, 1960's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Sculptural painted patinated metal umbrella stand, 1960's Painted metal in patinated copper look.
Metal
$829Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stand, Brass Base, Hand-Painted, 1955
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice umbrella stand. Metal with heavy Brass base. Decorative hand painted flowers. Comes with the original name tag. Manufactured in Holland.
Metal
Italian 1950s Oval Hammered Brass and Rope Twist Edge Umbrella Stand
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1950s Oval Hammered Brass and Rope Twist Edge Umbrella Stand
Brass
Ceramic Vase by Gariboldi for San Cristoforo, Richard Ginori, Italy, 1950s
By Giovanni Gariboldi, Richard Ginori
Located in Milan, IT
Tall ceramic vase or umbrella stand by Giovanni Gariboldi for San Cristoforo - Richard Ginori. Outstanding combination of organic shape and color. Part of a collection of Italian 1...
Ceramic
Giovanni Gariboldi Very Tall Vase or Umbrella Stand for Richard Ginori
Located in New York, NY
Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971 ) An imposing and tall vase or umbrella stand in glazed ceramic by Giovanni Gariboldi for Richard Ginori Italy, 1940's With maker's mark underneath ...
Ceramic
Monumental Luigi Caccia Dominioni Brass Umbrella Stand for Azucena, Italy, 1949
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Luigi Caccia Dominioni brass umbrella stand for Azucena, Italy, 1949 Reference: Domus No. 239 October 1949.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ash Brass Paper Basket or Basket Austria, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage paper basket or basket from ash and brass in conical shape Austria 1960s. The wonderful paper basket features slats from ash wood which are connected with ...
Brass
White Enamelled Brass Umbrella Stand by Vereinigte Werkstätten München c. 1955
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Delightful handcrafted and very rare German midcentury umbrella stand or holder by the Vereinigte Werkstätten (Atelier) München, circa 1955. Handmade in off-white / cream enameled me...
Metal, Brass
Ico Parisi for Stildomus "Temide" Palisander Umbrella Stand with Drip Pan
By Ico Parisi, Stildomus
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 1703 "Temide" architectural umbrella stand (portaombrelli) in palisander with polished aluminum trim by architect/designer Ico Parisi for Stildomus (ca. 1960, Italy). Retains i...
Metal, Aluminum
Abstract Hexagonal Bicolor Umbrella Stand, Italy 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Abstract Hexagonal Bicolor Umbrella Stand, Italy 1970s This original vintage Minimalist umbrella stand was produced in the 1970s in Italy. It is made of thin metal stripe in brass...
Brass, Copper