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.
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 5
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of five Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of the mos...
Velvet, Foam
20th Century Pink Blush Boucle Atlantis Sofa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small ...
Velvet
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in Green 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ lounge chair in Green 'Remix 3 by Kvadrat' 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat poc...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Orange & Walnut 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a dramatic mid-century statement with this exceptional 1960s orange and walnut two-piece sectional sofa. Upholstered in vibrant orange vinyl, this expansive sectional captures t...
Faux Leather, Wood, Walnut
Dreipunkt International Vintage Velour Modular Leathersofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage modular lounge seating system by Dreipunkt International, consisting of three individual seating modules that can be arranged in various configurations. Upholstered in velour...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
De Sede DS 15 Modular Vintage Cognac Saddle Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede DS 15 modular sofa in cognac saddle leather. The leather is very thick Vintage condition with patina. It consists of 3 seating elements including 2 armrest seating 1 normal ...
Leather, Wood, Foam, Beech
Mid-Century Modern 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in North Miami, FL
This very Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa in original fabric shows the wonderful Classic architectural design of the era. Low and deep, we left this beauty in its as-found condition so you can select your own fabric. We offer re-upholstery and restoration service...
Brass
$8,188 / item
20th Century Navy Red Velvet Atlantis Sofa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small ...
Velvet
Organic Shape Yellow Pattern Club Sofa, Hollywood Regency, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful club sofa from the 1960s, produced in Germany, at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartments providing comfort an...
Velvet
Rodolfo Bonetto Set of 3 ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chairs 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto set of 3 ‘Boomerang’ lounge chairs in 'Remix 3 by Kvadrat' 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat pocket at the back for use as ma...
Metal
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 5 'Esa' Hexagonal Poufs for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line Italy. Designed in 1968, current production. Esa is a hexagonal-shaped pouf which combines the ess...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Florence Knoll modular leather sectional with Modernica tags
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five-piece vintage Florence Knoll white leather sectional / living room set with Modernica tags. 1990s. Leather is in strong and supple with some signs of use and marks. Metal is ha...
Metal, Steel
Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Two Part Four Seat Sectional Sofa - 2 Pieces
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Two Part Four Seat Sectional Sofa - 2 Pieces. Item features oatmeal colored cushions, wood grain laminate armrests, beautiful wood grain, 2...
Fabric, Walnut
$3,120Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Mid-century 3-strand 3/4 Round Pretzel Arm Rattan Sectional Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Post War three strand, 3/4 round pretzel arm rattan section sofa for 3 people, features a rare decorative arched detail around the perimeter of the base. Th...
Wicker, Rattan
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 3 'Esa' Hexagonal Poufs for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line Italy. Designed in 1968, current production. Esa is a hexagonal-shaped pouf which combines the ess...
Fabric, Wood
$10,020Sale Price|40% Off
Restored 3-Strand 3 Seat Rattan Sectional Sofa by Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Fabric, Rattan
$1,430 / item
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line Italy. Designed in 1968, current production. Esa is a hexagonal-shaped pouf which combines the essenti...
Fabric, Wood
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Whisper (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor version Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-28...
Foam
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Two Part Sofa Frames
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb style Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa. As is upholstery. Perfect wrought iron frame.
Iron, Wire
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / seat height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Foam, Leather
$16,255 / item
Isherwood Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The isherwood sectional features a channel tufted body with loose bolster cushions. The turned legs are made of solid white oak or American walnut and are inset on the sides revealin...
Upholstery, Oak
Guillerme et Chambron Sculpted Oak Two-Seater Sofa for Votre Maison, France 1960
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare and multi-use Chambron sofa sectional in 2 pieces allows for the two chairs to be used together or apart. Each chair has a small wood drinks shelf to the side and beautifu...
Velvet, Oak
Italian Modular Sofa in the Style of Pamio, Massari & Toso for Stillwood
Located in Almelo, NL
Italian modular sofa in the style of Pamio, Massari & Toso for Stillwood in New Bouclé Fabric, Italy, the 1970s Italian modular sofa in the style of Pamio, Massari & Toso (Designers) for Stillwood (maker), who were known for creating entirely new forms following developments in foam technology in the 1950s and 1960s. This iconic low modular sofa...
Bouclé, Foam
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chair Settee Loveseat Couch Sofa Set
By Selig, Peter Hvidt
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chair settee loveseat couch sofa set listing dimensions reflect combined length. Long Seat Measures 29'' x 46'' × 28'' Seat Height: 16'' Single Seat Measures 29'' x 25'' x 28'' Seat Height: 16'' by Royal Danish Collection.
Walnut
$9,161 / item
Mood Couch Bouclê latte by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Located in Madrid, ES
Four mid-century modular armchairs that can be combined to a sectional sofa by Giuseppe Munari. Made by Poltrona Munari, circa 1970. Structure in black curved plywood and padding cov...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
$2,573 / set
Mid-Century Fuchsia Low Modular Sofa Set, 1960s
Located in Rīga, LV
A vintage curved modular sofa featuring its original wool upholstery in vibrant fuchsia and orange hues. Pay attention to the seat height of the sofa – it's quite low, offering a tru...
Wool, Wood
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Leather Coronado Living Room Set for C&B Italia, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, C&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Brown leather “Coronado” living room set composed of two armchairs and one three-seat sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1966 and produced by the Italian manufacturer C&B Ita...
Foam, Leather
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Leather Spectrum Mineral
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 120 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / seat height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modul...
Foam, Leather
Large Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional. Black/White Fabric. Signed.
By Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
L shaped sectional sofa by Directional in a beautiful black and white patterned fabric with a snakeskin like appearance. This is from the original owner and was placed in a large, rarely used living...
Upholstery, Wood
Dreipunkt International Vintage Sling Modular Cognac Leather Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured in germany by Dreipunkt International which are well known for a summary of modular Sofas. The design follows the pure shape of the wood and has slightly curved design. The Sling shape is made of leather and canvas. The loose and thick cushions made it so comfortable. It is a semianiline cognac brandy leather. The colour of the oak wood is stained in teak with matches so perfect with the leather colour. This Ensemble includes 6 chairs and 1 ottomane which made this set so unique. Everyhting is in original condition and in very good condition. It fits well with Piere Chapo...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 1
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bench 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 120 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modul...
Bouclé, Foam
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced in 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in), one smalle...
Chrome
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Coconut (Outdoor)
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Outdoor Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L300cm / P96cm / H70cm / Seating H42cm Modular sofa: assemble differ...
Foam
Mid-Century Modern Sloped Arm Sectional Sofa, Custom Angled Configuration
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
This custom-built sectional features elegant sloped arms that pitch outward, creating an inviting, open silhouette and the sleek illusion of a low back rail. Finished with tailored t...
Wood, Maple
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced in 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in), one smalle...
Chrome
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 1
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Bouclé, Foam
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé 24
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Pouf 'Studio' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: W. 48 cm / D. 47 cm / H. 47 cm / Seat Height 47 cm Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Fame CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion, Savoy CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero*, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire CAT 4: Baru CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum/Noir Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 1970s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Bouclé, Foam
$10,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sexy Serpentine 4 Piece Cloud Sectional Sofa Robert Ebel Weiman Preview
By Robert Ebel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptious 4-piece serpentine sectional sofa designed by Robert Ebel, made by Weiman. We just love all the sweeping curves and the rolling round ottoman t...
Upholstery
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Curved Sectional Sofa Newly Reupholstered
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stunning mid-century modern two-piece sectional curved sofa designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. An exceptional sofa both for its form and quality, it is a distinctive and he...
Upholstery
Rare Wormley Dunbar Style Open-Arm Two-Piece Sectional Sofa Lucite Legs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare two-piece sectional sofa in the style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These sofas were probably a custom order having the very rare Lucite plank legs. Fabulous in ...
Mood Armchair with arms Laser Eco Base and Vienna Seat by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
$15,160Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa Set
Located in North York, ON
Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa Set. Featuring original iconic mid-century modern curved design. Masterfully restored with new lu...
Metal
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Sofa Single Blossom
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mid-Century Modern 4-Piece Living Room Set by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 4 American Mid-Century gray wood upholstered living room / salon set resting on teak legs & base with seat & back cushions (att: FLORENCE KNOLL)(loveseat, 3 armchairs)
Teak
Mood Couch Laser eco Mascarpone by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,200 / set
Unique Mid-Century Vinyl Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This two-piece corner sofa makes an excellent seating option perfect for waiting or living room. Simple and unique Mid-Century design set this piece apart from similar items. Please ...
PVC
Mood Armchair with arms Forest by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
Mood Armchair with arms Latte by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,539 / item
Naked Sofa Combo 2
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as ...
Upholstery, Wood
MCM 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Coastal Bamboo 4 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield Newly Reupholstered in a Textured Green & Creme Linen Blend Fabric with Creme Welt Trim Cra...
Bamboo
Lounge Chairs or Sectional Sofa in Re-upholstered Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Lounge chairs or sectional sofa in re-upholstered fabric, Italy 1970s Lounge chairs or sectional sofa were made and designed in Italy circa 1970. This design is characterized by r...
Fabric, Plywood
Original Rolf Benz Plura Ecksofa Leder hell beige Design creme
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, klappbares Leder-Ecksofa vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Modell, das unter dem Namen "Plura" bekannt ist, besticht durc...
Steel
TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge ( Foot stool sold separately) The best in Australian furniture design. One of Australia’s all-time design Icons! The Trend Lounge was designed by Peter Brown in 1970 to meet the emerging move towards modular furniture, using the finest Australian made foam and fabrics for comfort and durability. With Its visually captivating angular shape, chromed frame, light visual footprint and supreme comfort, it remains a contemporary masterpiece - flexible enough to blend into most contemporary design styles. We are now bringing this classic contemporary lounge into the 21st century - for use as a lounge or exterior seating...
Chrome
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ultra Rare Karpen of California Tufted Sofa Sectional Walnut Leg Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Ultra rare Karpen of California tufted back 2 piece sofa sectional. This super sexy sofa can be used as an L-shaped sectional or all lined up as a long sofa...
Brass
Mid Century Scandinavian Red Sleeper Sectional
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Scandinavian Red Sleeper Sectional Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scra...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage De Sede DS-11 Modular Sofa Reupholstered in Bouclé
By De Sede
Located in Sint-Niklaas, VOV
De Sede produced high quality leather sofas and is still producing them today. Unfortunately this original cognac leather one had its best time so we reupholstered this iconic sofa ...
Bouclé
Tito Agnoli Poppy Sofa by Poltrona Frau, Leather, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Poppy model three seater couch by Tito Agnoli for Poltronova Frau. Fully professional regenerated by Poltronova Frau. Poppy it’s one of the most comfortable sofa.
Leather
Sectional Fiberglass and Leather Three Seat Sofa In the Style of Dieter Rams
By Dieter Rams
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 620 three-piece section sofa by Dieter Rams with natural leather cushions in an off white fiberglass frame. Made by FG Design in Germany, circa 1960s...
Fiberglass, Leather