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.
Camaleonda Modular Sofa in Bordeaux by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This Camaleonda set, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia , consists of two seating elements and two poufs, upholstered in a burgundy fabric. This version has been produced by ...
Fabric
Rare Early All Original 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa
By Metz & Co., Gerrit Rietveld, Gerard van de Groenekan
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and highly authentic example of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s iconic Utrecht sofa, produced by Metz & Co. in the early 1950s. Designed in 1935, the Utrecht model is a semin...
Fabric, Beech
$6,832Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Lou Hodges Three-Seat Sling Sofa, Oak & Leather, 1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly rare and iconic 1970's Sling sofa by Lou Hodges for California Design Group has been restored and is in beautiful condition. As comfortable as it is striking, this ic...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Maralunga 2-seater sofa, reupholstered in black velvet, Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga 2-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly reupholstered in a elegant black velvet. This iconic Italian design from the 1970s blen...
Velvet
20th Century, Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena Red Sofa
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Turin, Turin
Luigi Caccia Dominioni was born in the Lombard capital in 1913. Much of his education takes place at the Jesuits, and then he enrolls in the Faculty of Architecture, at the Politecni...
Brass
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edition using...
Velvet, Plastic
ISA Bergamo Italian Sofa in Brass and Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, brass, Italy, 1950s This sofa exemplifies the iconic Italian design of the 1950s, characterized by its organic and sculptural form that defies minimalism. This two-sea...
Brass
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
Danish Rosewood Mid-Century Daybed or Sofa by Kai Winding for Hundevad
Located in Southampton, NJ
An outstanding 1960s Rosewood daybed by Kai Winding for Hundevad and Company finished on all sides with original fitted slats featuring beautiful wood grains with warm luster. Scarce...
Felt, Wood, Rosewood
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s. Iconic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern four seater sofa designed by Hans J Wegner for Getama Denmark in 1955. Mo...
Oak
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa in Moss Green Velvet and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, brass, Italy, 1950s This gorgeous sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalistic. Equipped ...
Brass
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$2,216Sale Price|57% Off
Mid-Century Orange Velvet Curved Sofa Made in Italy 1950s Wood Feet
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century orange velvet curved sofa made in Italy, 1950s
Velvet
Czech Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and orange yellow floral printed fabric sofa or settee likely designed and produced in the Czech Republic, 1930s. Some staini...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.
Leather
Jori Dark Brown Leather Two Seat Sofa, Belgium, 1990s
By JORI
Located in Praha, CZ
Original two-seat sofa by Jori, manufactured in Belgium during the 1990s. Upholstered in premium thick full-grain leather over a solid wooden frame with generous padding, this model ...
Leather, Wood
Casulo, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and off-white fabric sofa produced by Casulo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.75"H x 67.0"W x 35.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.25" Arm Height (inches): 23....
Fabric, Wood
$3,600 / item
Teak and Green Leather Danish Sofa by Hjellegjerde
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A perfect example of Scandinavian design. This Hjellegjerde sofa oozes style and craftsmanship, it features a channeled bucket style seat in dark forest green leather with nice pati...
Leather, Teak
Mid Century Modern 1960s Sofa by Viko Baumritter
Located in New York, NY
This floating 1960s sofa was manufactured by Viko Baumritter , an American furniture Company that later became Ethan Allen. The sofa has a metal frame and metal splay legs with a fau...
Metal
First Generation “Oasis” Sofa By Edward Wormley For Dunbar, 1939
Located in Round Rock, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar. First generation Oasis sofa, designed circa 1939. One of the earliest and most sculptural forms from Wormley’s catalog. Organic lines, floating curves, an...
Fabric
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa in Dedar Chenille (15 pieces)
Located in Miami, FL
This iconic Mah Jong modular seating system designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is composed of deep quilted cushions and adjustable backrests, the Mah Jong allows for e...
Upholstery
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point. It is in wonderful vintage condition. We have restored the wood, cleaned the vinyl, repaired a few spots where stitching was loose, and put on a new dustcover. But there are still little signs of age. Please see photos, circa 1950s. What a fun little Mid-Century Modern convertible sofa. Settee? Loveseat? Armless sofa? Bench? A rose by any other name…….!!! Anyway, I digress. It is a great piece no matter what we call it. I am sticking with convertible sofa. It is comprised of a black vinyl faux leather bench seat...
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid Century Danish Brown Leather & Rosewood Sofa
By Galvano
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Simple Mid Century Danish Sofa with an executive sort of feel. Manufactured by Soda Gavano Sofa is dark chocolate leather with a rosewood base. Sofa is well loved. Leather shows ...
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelso Teak & Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
An Illum Wikkelso teak sofa for Soren Willadsen. Model no. 50-4. A four-seat sofa with a solid teak frame raised on six tapered cylindrical legs. Reupholstered in new velvet fabri...
Velvet, Wood, Teak
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ranst, VAN
Vintage sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s. The sofa has a teak frame and the cushions have a cream beige fabric. The sofa is in great condition. Dime...
Teak
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
Noa Curved Sofa with Integrated Side Pod By Mondo Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural chaise sofa is conceived as a continuous, flowing form—where seating becomes landscape and furniture reads as an object in space. Its generous, asymmetric silhouette ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Two-Seater Sofa
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' two-seat sofa, polyester lacquered wood, leather, Italy, 1964. This two-seat sofa named 'Saratoga' is designed by Italian desig...
Leather, Polyester
American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron and orange velvet sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Some staining on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in hi...
Iron
Lara sofa Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso Stilwood 1958
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning so-called ‘Lara’ sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a striking ...
Fabric
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Three - Seater Sofa For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Three - Seater Sofa For Cassina The encapsulation of design brilliance, business insight and made-in-Italy artisan craftsmanship, this sofa is an international bestseller steeped in timeless beauty and functionality. Its enveloping contours accentuate the comfort of this design sofa, ensured by the chain mechanism (incorporated into the foam cushion) that controls adjustment of the backrest position. The unpretentious innovation of the adjustable headrest and the reassuring appearance and simplicity of the soft padding sum up the singularity of this design by Vico Magistretti. REMOVABLE UPHOLSTERY Maralunga 40...
Fabric
Limited Edition Notturno A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Notturno A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces DESIGN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS The New York skyline in a sofa,...
Fabric
Vintage English Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision transforming your living space with this remarkable vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, a true masterpiece of mid-20th century British craftsmanship. This sofa is more than j...
Brass
Large Plumy sofa by Annie Hiéronimus for China (Ligne Roset), France, 1980s
By Cinna (Ligne Roset), Annie Hiéronimus
Located in Lyon, FR
Large Plumy sofa, designed by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna (Ligne Roset), manufactured in France in the 1980s. Exceptionally comfortable and designed for complete relaxation, the seat ...
Velvet, Foam
Midcentury Roche Bobois Style Denim Platform Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic mid-century modern style denim sofa in the manner of Roche Bobois. The sofa features a case or tuxedo style shaped frame with wide arms and back mount...
Steel
$3,616Sale Price|20% Off
Circa 1980s Custom Upholstered Three Seat Sofa In The Manner of Donghia
By Donghia
Located in Chicago, IL
Colorful custom upholstered three seat sofa in the manner of Donghia. New upholstery was ordered custom and the work facilitated by Orange Chair Company LLC. Orange Chair provides th...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of two. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edi...
Velvet, Plastic
Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Upholstery, Walnut, Beech
$1,081Sale Price|63% Off
Small Sofà Bamboo and Brass Italian Design Mid Century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small sofà bamboo and brass Italian design mid century
Brass
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage ed...
Velvet, Plastic
Svante Skogh, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svante Skogh
Located in High Point, NC
A green floral-printed fabric and wood sofa, model "Chile" designed by Svante Skogh and produced by Klings, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Minor scuffing on fe...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern French Sofa in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, elm, France, 1960s This sofa from the 1960s present a bold and sculptural shape, combining geometric clarity with a sense of comfort and solidity. The overall form is ...
Fabric, Elm
Le Bambole 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century Italian design. This authentic vint...
Cotton
George Nakashima Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1962
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990), American Walnut Two-Piece Sofa, 1962, with spindle back, turned wood legs, four green cushions and original drawing. Overall: 30.5" H x 112.5...
Textile, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angle Sofa, C. 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a camel-colored upholstered frame with a tufted seat, four matching loose back pillows, and short square legs. A refined example of Wormley’s sophisticated modernist aesthe...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Modular Leather Sofa In Blush Mid Century Model Petronio, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage modular leather sofa in Blush Mid Century Model Petronio, 1970s Discover this beautiful three-piece sofa in blush / pink leather from the famous Italian brand "Poltrona Fra...
Leather
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...
Steel
Ettore Sottsass model "Califfo" sofa for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Skokie, IL
Ettore Sottsass model "Califfo" sofa for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s– Newly Upholstered Discover a timeless piece of design history with the Ettore Sottsass Califfo...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Beige Cotton, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Galapinhos Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos lounge chair brings the essence of nature indoors...
Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Oak, Walnut, Burl, Alpaca, Mohair,...
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Thomasville Walnut & Faux Leather Sofa & Chair 20thC
By Thomasville
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid Century Danish Modern seating set by Thomasville includes settee and chair and offers walnut frame with leatherette upholstered seats, backs and arms, Founders as labeled, 20th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina- New Upholstery
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa Loveseat (2 of 2)
By Craft Associates, Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa or loveseat blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich blac...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
1970s Sofa Set with Jack Lenor Larsen Cotton Velvet Fabric and Chrome Trim
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is an outstanding set of two Mid-Century Sofas by Selig, having chromed-steel trim and brightly colored upholstery. The upholstery fabric is printed cotton velvet, designed by...
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Fabric, Oak
Eccentric Sofa with Geometric Carvings in Solid Oak and Light Beige Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, solid oak, fabric, Europe, 1960s This elegant yet eccentric sofa, crafted in Europe during the 1960s, embodies both flair and comfort. Its distinctive design showcases a uniqu...
Fabric, Oak
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish 1940's Fritz Hansen Leather Sofa with New Sheepskin Seat
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark likely, circa late 1930s to early 1940's by Fritz Hansen of Denmark. Legs made from solid beech. Comfortable and super solid with nice and s...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
$354,673Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Sofa prototype by Marzio Cecchi Model Serpente with certificate
Located in Milano, IT
Marzio Cecchi was an Italian designer of great talent and innovation who left an indelible mark on the world of design. He was an assiduous participant in the artistic and cultural movements of his time, and unfortunately died prematurely in a tragic car accident in New York. Prominent among his most iconic and futuristic achievements is the Serpente sofa prototype with certificate, a work of art consisting of several modules held together by a tube and totally swiveling. This sofa is extremely rare and has reached high quotations in the world's most important auction houses. We are dealing with a piece of exceptional importance, as it is a prototype that never entered the market and always belonged to the designer's family. The sofa is certified and documented and has a certain provenance. Moreover, it is in perfect original condition, never restored and carefully preserved in its original condition. A unique and extraordinary piece of historic Italian design of the 1900s, with great historical importance and with room for growth even at the investment level. The sofa is made of leather and consists of 6 modules for a total of 6 seats. It is a work of art of Italian...
Leather