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.
Hans Jørgen Frydendal Sofa in Solid Pine and Dusty Rose Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System, sofa, solid pine, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Hans Jørgen Frydendal created a sofa that directs all focus towards the inherent quality of so...
Fabric, Pine
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates '2006-S' Sofa in Walnut
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, sofa, model '2006S', fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s This timeless, softly contoured sofa embodies understated elegance through its graceful curves and minimal...
Fabric, Walnut
Elegant Curved Four-Seat Sofa in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved sofa, upholstery, Italy, 1960s This sofa bears multiple dynamic features. The shape of the sofa is slightly curved. Four loose seat cushions structure the sofa. Elegant legs ...
Metal
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Molteni & C
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2006-S Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 122.5 wide x 31 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches Good Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
$1,800Sale Price|50% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Red Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Red leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful Red leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great D...
Leather, Oak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style Mid Century Tête-à-Tête Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style Mid Century Tête-à-Tête Sofa This sofa measures: 81.25 wide x 29 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 28.5 inches Great...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Smoked Sapphire Velvet Sculptural Supported Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist sofa, upholstered in luxurious smoked sapphire blue velvet and featuring sculptural supports, is a masterful example of the work of celebrated American de...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Red Leather Amigo Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes 'Amigo' Redish burnt orange leather 3 seat sofa. Great vibrant Red soft leather tufted cushions and arm rests with solid Stained birch wood ...
Leather, Birch, Foam
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, faux leather, metal, wood, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for D...
Metal
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Gerard van den Berg 'Ringo' Loveseat for Montis in Buffalo Leather, 1979
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Ringo' loveseat by Gerard van den Berg for Montis features a fully upholstered, low-slung form with deeply rounded corners and an enveloping silhouette. Buffalo leather upholste...
Leather
De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza Sofa Pair by Ubald Klug, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza sofas by Ubald Klug, 1970s. Upholstered in rich dark moss green leather. Designed for quintessential Swiss manufacturer De Sede. Its distinctive lay...
Leather
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '67A', steel, fabric, United States, design 1958, production 1960s/70s This sofa model 67A is designed by Florence Knoll for Knol...
Steel
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa
By Georg Thams
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 32 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Excellent Vintage Con...
Upholstery, Teak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oasis Sofa in Navy Blue Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
This iconic and very hard to find sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar was named the Oasis sofa. It debuted in the 1930s and became known as the Model 5200 sofa in the 1950s. It is supp...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Saporiti Large Sofa in Structured Turquoise Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Saporiti, sofa, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s Large sofa manufactured by Saporiti. This sofa is designed to be comfortable, soft and inviting. It has three seats with round sloping ar...
Metal
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Model 150BS
Located in Westport, CT
This stunning and rare Serpentine Sofa, Model 150BS, designed by Vladimir Kagan, dates to the 1990s and showcases his signature sensual, sculptural form. The gracefully curved frame ...
Linen, Walnut
Vintage Florence Knoll Sofa in Original Woven Ivory Wool with Bronze Base 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates, circa 1960s. Upholstered in its original heavy weave textured ivory wool fabric, the sofa features Florence K...
Bronze
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Cow Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Divano Curvo Cesare Lacca 1950s piedi a cono in legno Mid-century
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sofà Italiano Cesare Lacca curvo Italia 1950s piedi in legno.
Velvet
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful black Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful black leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Gre...
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, fabric, beech, metal, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar...
Metal
Vintage 80's Italian Modern Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful leather sofa. Wooden frame with curved sides and decorated with a lattice pattern. The back, side and seat cushions are padded and covered in cognac leather with a zipper. ...
Leather, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Soriana' sofa with ottoman, leather, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969 Iconic design by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The ‘Soriana’ p...
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Danish Modern Brown Leather 3 Seat Sofa wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful medium reddish brown leather 3 seat sofa wood frame and legs. Style of Mogens Hansen. Soft thick Brown leather is soft and shows little signs of u...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Sofa in the style of Harvey Probber
Located in Bantam, CT
Elegant sloped arm sofa, comfortable proportions. Sofa was reupholstered in a Maharam wool tweed. Shows minor wear, general good condition.
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Art Deco Mahogany Bergere Style Sofa with Cane Details and Ball Feet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa originates from 1950s production, combining traditional bergere construction with Mid-Century materials and craftsmanship. The mahogany frame features hand-carved details and sc...
Upholstery, Velvet, Cane, Mahogany
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofa in Beige Upholstery
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofa, fabric and chrome plated metal, Switzerland, design 1954. This comfortable three-seat sofa is designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede...
Metal, Chrome
Jean Gillon Paddle Sofa Leather For Probel, 1960
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, in leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable sofa in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a pair of chairs available also. Gillon's ...
Leather, Hardwood
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Germany, 1960s This streamlined sofa has a simple look, yet the combination of materials and the defined geometry of this piece, this sofa radiat...
Steel, Chrome
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
American Designer, Sofa, Walnut, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brown velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Minor imperfections throughout wood frame consistent with normal use. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. ...
Velvet, Walnut
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
$8,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegant Velvet Sofa with Piping Detail & Upholstered Feet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable and modern sofa is a study in streamlined design and understated elegance. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the contours of which are gracefully outli...
Upholstery, Velvet
Salvatore Dinucci, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced by Salvatore Dinucci, Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Casa Teo, São Paulo. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
De Sede DS-1025/09 Terrazza by Ubald Klug Customised in dark red leather, 1970s
By Ubald Klug
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1973 by Swiss architect Ubald Klug for de Sede, the Terrazza (DS-1025) was conceived as a landscape rather than a sofa — a stepped, terraced form inspired by the alpine v...
Leather, Foam
Danish Modern Teak Daybed w/ Leather Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New Italian Cognac Leather Bolster Pillow _________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern fu...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak, Wood
Bastiano Sofa Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina Italy, 1960s
Located in Round Rock, TX
Three-seat “Bastiano” sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, produced in Italy prior to the later Knoll manufacturing examples. An early and increasingly difficult-to-find version...
Fabric, Rosewood
Adrian Pearsall Sofa with Travertine Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Original Travertines, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Travertine
$8,450 / item
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofas
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofas, model, 'D70', steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
De Sede DS-44 Buffalo Leather 3-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic three seat leather sofa DS-44 by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970, handcrafted from thick buffalo neck leather with a rich patina that showcases the exceptional Swiss craftsmanship ...
Leather
$12,512Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Style Sofa With Wraparound Wood Back By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and luxurious sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and dramatic design. It features a plush, upholstered seat for superior comfort. The sofa is defined by a continuous ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970 Vintage Coronado Brown Leather Large Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia Outstanding three seats “Coronado” large sofa, an iconic design by Tobia Scarpa for C&B Italia ...
Leather
Marenco Seat System Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Green velvet fabric.
Velvet
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
1970s Italian Two-Seat Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Chrome and Leatherette
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking two-seat sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi in Italy during the 1970s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian design from the period, combining sof...
Chrome
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
$1,047Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Green 3-Seater Sofa/bed, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fabric in good condition - Extended dimension: 167cm. - Cleaned - Seat Height 41cm
Fabric
Pieter De Bruyne Four Seat Sofa in Wool and Padouk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pieter de Bruyne four seat sofa, padouk, wool, Belgium, 1960s Spacious and powerful sofa designed by Belgian designer Pieter de Bruyne. This sofa is made mainly in padouk, the prefe...
Wool, Padouk
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa Daybed in Black Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or daybed, leather, chrome-plated steel, Austria, 1960s. This mid-century modern sofa is designed by the acclaimed Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spalt. The design is characterized by a solid construction based on sharp lines and angular shapes noticeable in the body of the seat and the chromed steel base, underlining the clear structured design. The metal legs elevate the seat in a graceful way, which establish an open and more transparent look to the whole unit. The tufted seat with buttons is upholstered in black leather. As outcome, this creates more visual interest and adds a graphical touch to the quite simplistic design. By only one hand movement the 'Constance' transforms from a comfortable sofa to daybed. A very elegant and also nifty technique. Johannes Spalt (1920-2010) was a postwar Austrian architect. In 1952 he founded the collective "Arbeitsgruppe 4" together with Wilhelm Holzbauer, Friedrich Kurrent and Otto Leitner. Their ideas and designs are still a great example of Austrian architecture...
Steel, Chrome
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan Design Group, USA, c. 1990s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Pre-restoration images ava...
Fabric, Wood
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This highly sought-after early production example is distingui...
Fabric, Foam