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.
George Mulhauser Tufted Leather & Walnut Lounge Chairs for Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Italian Full-Grain Leather ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Michel Ducaroy for SNA Roset Pair of Lounge Chairs in Teak and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Michel Ducaroy for SNA Roset, pair of armchairs, teak, cane, France, 1950s In the 1950s, the French designer Michel Ducaroy designed these elegant lounge chairs as part of his colle...
Cane, Teak
Il Poltrone Lounge Chair by Comfort, Dark Gray Leather, 1973
By Comfort, Italy, Titina Ammannati and Giampiero Vitelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair from the i Potoni 175 series, designed by T. Ammannati and G.P. Vitelli in 1973. Dark gray leather upholstery wraps a deeply cushioned seat and back, with a distinctive ...
Leather, Acrylic, Upholstery
Vintage 1st Generation Black LCW Lounge Chair by Charles Eames for Evans 1940s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Troy, MI
1st generation LCW lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames Produced by Evans Plywood Products circa 1948-49 Molded Ash plywood in black finish Remarkable condition with 5-2-5...
Ash, Plywood
Mid-Century Gerard van den Berg White Rattan and Leather Swivel Lounge Chair
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerard van den Berg designed, Mid-Century swivel lounge chair for highly acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer Montis. Van den Berg stands as one of Holland's most innovative and pr...
Chrome
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair, black leather, steel, Italy, 1964 This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is no...
Steel
$2,750 / item
Suelo Modern Lounge Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Modern lounge chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. This is...
Hardwood
Wilkhahn Swivel Lounge Chairs in Black Leather and Metal
By Wilkhahn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wilkhahn, lounge chairs, leather, metal, Germany, 1970s These cubic low lounge chairs rest on a sleek swivel base, offering both style and functionality. The German-made chairs embr...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Pair of Armchairs in Walnut and Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo (ABV), pair of armchairs, model '6575', walnut, reupholstered in 'Bold - Powder' by Pierre Frey, Italy, design 1942, circa 1955 This e...
Mohair, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Paul McCobb, this chair was manufactured by Directional, who was one of many partners that McCobb worked with. A prolific designer, this chair is one of the best models o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian Large Wingback Chair in Red Checkered Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wingback chair, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s. This Classic Italian Postwar wingback chair has an unusually high back and gracious wings that contain dramatized pointed corners. The el...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Easy Chairs PS 2012 by Wiebke Braasch for Ikea
Located in Lisboa, PT
A rare pair of PS 2012 Easy Chairs, designed by Wiebke Braasch for IKEA’s PS Collection. Released as part of the IKEA PS 2012 series, these chairs embody a bold and sculptural design...
Metal
Harvey Probber Pair of Leather & Chrome Slipper Lounge Chairs Cantilevered Seats
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant pair of Probber lounge chairs has a dynamic profile acheived by the use of a cantalievered seat supported by polished stainless steel frames...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Cantilever Chairs in Cognac Leather and Chrome-plated Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of cantilever dining chairs, leather, chrome-plated steel, The Netherlands, 1960s Streamlined pair of cantilever chairs, a design that ...
Steel, Chrome
Low Longue Chair By Monika Mudler for IKEA 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Monika Mudler Longue Chair for IKEA 1980s
Rattan
Gerard van den Berg Red Leather 'Longa' Lounge Chair, 1995
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1995 by Gerard van den Berg, This stylish "Longa" lounge chair features thick, red buffalo leather, soft form shape and short wood legs. In good original condition with ...
Leather, Wood
$3,093Sale Price / set|24% Off
1960s, Pair of Lounge Chairs in Jacquard Fabric by Trensums, Sweden
By AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A charming pair of 1960s lounge chairs produced by Trensum in Sweden, upholstered in a richly textured jacquard fabric. The pattern features soft, earthy tones and an elegant botanic...
Jacquard, Teak, Pine
Pair of Mogens Lassen Style Danish 1940s Lounge or Club Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s pair of lounge chair in the style of Mogens Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Simple lines yet very refined. Versatile and ve...
Wool, Beech
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and grey fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural wood cracking. Overall Dimension...
Fabric, Oak
Carlo De Carli for Cinova '915' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo De Carli for Cinova, '915' lounge chair, chrome-plated steel, cognac leather, Italy, design 1969 Lounge chair designed by Italian Carlo De Carli, and produced by Cinova, 1969....
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Barrel Back Lounge Chairs in Oak after Lou Hodges
By Lou Hodges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of oak lounge chairs in the the style of Lou Hodges. The chairs feature solid oak framing with original tweed fabric in very good condition.
Fabric, Wood
MINT Black UP5 La Big Mamma UP 2000 Chair & UP6 Ottoman Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia
Located in Basel, BS
Beautiful original Gaetano UP5 + UP6, marked and labeled. Chair and ottoman set, sold together. Incredible like new condition. Mint, exquisite condition. This is a truly stunning example of this chair. No blemishes. SHIPPING: We offer very competitive shipping rates, fast and well priced. We oversee all shipping ourselves, working closely with insured shipping air freight shippers to ensure smooth and safe delivery to you. This renowned UP5_6 armchair and ottoman from the UP 2000 series, crafted by Gaetano Pesce and reintroduced by B&B Italia in 2000, is a striking design chair and ottoman set that is essential for enthusiasts of vintage and modernist furniture. Often referred to as the "Big Mama Chair...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
$5,167Sale Price|20% Off
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Lounge Chair in Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Barcelona, ES
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' lounge chair, leather, wood, Italy, 1960 ___________________________________________________________ Beautiful architectural Tobia Scarp...
Leather, Wood
Gillis Lundgren KON TIKI Folding Longue Chair for IKEA 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gillis Lundgren Folding Longue Chair Kon Tiki for IKEA 1970s
Fabric, Wood
Cinova, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow corduroy fabric and moulded plywood lounge chair produced by Cinova, Italy, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. ...
Fabric, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Carrillo Lounge Chair, Brown Velvet & Walnut, Modern Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Carrillo Lounge Chair features a curved solid wood frame and upholstered seating. Available with the Carrillo Ottoman. The Lawson-Fenning collection is designed and handmade in ...
Velvet, Walnut
$45,000 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of lounge chairs with elegantly curved armrests and brass sabots. The wooden walnut frames have been meticulously polished, and the seats newly upholstered in a high-quality whi...
Brass
Mid-Century Airborne International Rolling Lounge Chair in Natural Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chairs by Airborne International, upholstered in tan-brown natural leather with a structured silhouette defined by vertical channel stitching along the lower skirt panels. The...
Leather
Exquisite Danish Lassen Style Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Red Wool, 1940's
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super sharp looking high back lounge chair from the 1940's. We are unaware of the Maker and Designer but it has elements of styles from Georg Kofoed as well as Mogens Lassen, mainly ...
Wool, Beech
Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Diamond Chair with Full Pad Cover C 1960/1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. This example was executed in the chrome plated finish, and comes with its original Knoll full pad cover ( somewhat crunchy b...
Chrome
Tucroma Lounge Chair by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, 1970s Italy
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous leather Tucroma lounge chair designed by Guido Faleschini for Mariani. Made in the 1970s, with tubular chrome, thick leather cushions and held together with brown leather st...
Chrome
$960Sale Price|20% Off
High Fan Back Woven Wicker Chair by Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Stylish woven stick wicker and bamboo fan back chair with exaggerated high back. Asian influenced design, Mid-Century Asia Modern Papasan, Peacoc...
Bamboo, Willow
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Bill Bertoia
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of iconic chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Diamond chairs in a dark blue knoll fabric indicating they are from mid to late seventies. Chairs are unsigned but have al...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and blue velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in recent history. Overall Dime...
Velvet, Wood
20th Century, Olivier Mourgue Lounge Chair mod. Tjinn
By Airborne International, Olivier Mourgue
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Olivier Mourgue is a French artist and industrial designer. Best known for his design of the Djinn line of furniture, Mourgue's aesthetic is characterized by brightly colored jersey ...
Iron
Restored Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic black leather and Brazilian rosewood Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Signed authentic original Herman Miller production. Wood refinished. Leather cleaned and conditioned. Cir...
Aluminum
Lawson-Fenning Ojai Lounge Chair, Solid Walnut & Tan Leather, Modern Club Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai lounge chair features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a single tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmad...
Leather, Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Norell Style Leather Lounge Chair, 1960s.
By Arne Norell
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Norell Style Leather Lounge Chair, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern arm chair with thick and soft buffalo leather cushions in a rich brown. Designed in the ...
Leather, Oak
Hans Wegner CH-27 Chair, Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A CH-27 chair designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1950s. Stamped with makers mark. The cane on seat has been professionally restored. Very good condition and ready...
Rattan, Oak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Model 6793 Club Chairs in Sapphire Blue Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Designer: Edward Wormley Manufacturer: Dunbar Model: 6793 Period: Mid-20th Century Materials: Mohair upholstery, solid mahogany bases A refined and inviting pair of Edward Wormley f...
Mohair, Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Ray & Charles Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and iconic design by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in Rosewood and Black Leather 1981 with the ottoman which has a new leather seat. Classic design which will never...
Steel, Chrome
Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chair, Alfred Christensen, Mid 20th Century
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Rødding, DK
A beech wingback armchair in the Danish Modern tradition, upholstered in a warm, textured bouclé and produced by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk in the 1940s. The piece typ...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These European lounge chairs from the 1950s combine comfortable proportions with a restrained, elegant design. The softly rounded...
Fabric, Beech
Restored Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair with Custom Blue Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A restored vintage signed and authentic Herman Miller Eames lounge chair and ottoman in rose wood with custom new blue leather cushions with smooth and comfortable finish. The wood i...
Leather
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak and Orange Wool
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, easy chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1970s Guillerme and Chambron are known for their high quality solid oak furniture, of which this set of armc...
Fabric, Oak
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Vinyl, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of low wood and blue vinyl lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. Tears in upholstery. Wear consistent with age and use. Release to joinery as illustrate...
Faux Leather, Wood
Lawrence Peabody Wicker Lounge Chair for Craft Associates Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair...
Teak
Jan Vanek Bentwood Lounge Chair, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare bentwood lounge chair designed by Jan Vanek and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. This striking piece features a sculptural ebonized beechwood frame with fluid curved...
Other
Claude Vassal Pair of Lounge Chairs in Duo-Tone Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of two lounge chairs, in beech, metal and fabric, by Claude Vassal, France, 1950s. A pair of modern armchairs in black and red upholstery. These chairs show an interesting comb...
Metal
$3,510 / item
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair for Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair designed in 1954 for Arflex, Italy. New, Current production. Delfino armchair by Erberto Carboni is a significant example of the so-called "organic" furniture, which develops in the 1950s and draws inspiration from the forms of nature. The Delfino armchair has a strong personality, with a very evident graphic sign, that makes it perfect for both home and hospitality space. This wonderful chair is available in a wide range of upholstery options. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Erberto Carboni: Graphic designer, poster designer and illustrator (Parma 1899 - Milan 1984). Graduated in architecture at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Parma (in 1921, earning an honorary diploma), he immediately started working as a graphic designer, opening a studio in his hometown (he developed advertising material for some local companies). He also began to work as an illustrator, collaborating with some publishing houses in setting up the iconography of volumes of consumer fiction and beginning to work with some magazines, such as "Lidel", "Novella", "Dramma", "Emporium", "Le Grandi Firme". In 1932 he moved to Milan, where he came into contact with Studio Boggeri and Olivetti Advertising...
Metal
Pair WWZ Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb - Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Decatur, GA
Pair of classic WWZ Lounge Chairs by TH Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb with sculpted solid black walnut frames. Circa 1950s. Originally marketed as a "chair of comfort and quiet ele...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid Century Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Lounge Chairs for Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Mid Century Lounge Chairs. Pierre Paulin Swivel chairs F557 in original condition, all original fabric. These ar...
Fabric
$2,962 / item
Griffin Chair by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Griffin Chair is a wide, armless lounge chair that features biscuit tufting. The base is solid American Walnut or White Oak. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handma...
Velvet, Walnut
$6,950 / set
French Hunting Chairs in Pine and Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of hunting chairs, leather, pine, France, 1950s This pair of hunting chairs features beautifully patinated brown leather on both the seat and backrest. Sculpturally constructed...
Leather, Pine
Mid Century Teak Lounge Chair by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling for Dokka Mobler
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad, Dokka Mobler
Located in New York, NY
This Scandinavian teak lounge chair by Rolf Rastad and Adolp Relling was designed in the 1950s for Dokka Mobler. The chair features a sculptural teak frame and has been reupholstere...
Fabric, Teak
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and blue fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Dramatic patina on wood frames. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Fabric, Oak
Italian Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, Italy, 1970s This mobile lounge chair is completely covered in high quality, thick leather that patinated beautifully over the years. The round form of the cu...
Leather
Czech Bentwood Armchairs by Kozelka & Kropáček, Texel Sheepskin, 1940s
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
A sculptural pair of Czech bentwood armchairs by Kozelka & Kropáček, newly upholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin. Warm brown patinated frames meet rich natural wool, creating a ra...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
Italian Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Iron, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey fabric and black lacquered iron lounge chair designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. Dramatic patina on iron frame consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condi...
Iron
Craft Lounge Chair, Leather Lounge Chair, Black Leather and Walnut, Modern
By Percival Lafer, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft lounge chair, percival lounge chair, black leather and walnut, Modern Designer: Percival Lafer Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern ...
Leather, Walnut