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.
$5,683Sale Price|35% Off
Large French File Cabinet, Metal and Wood, Early 20th Century Design
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unearth the charm of a vintage file cabinet hailing from the early 20th century, an intriguing creation by an unknown French manufacturer. This exquisite piece carries the whispers o...
Metal
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Modern Mahogany Buffet & Hutch Bookcase Display Cabinet Boho Chic
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid Century Modern Buffet & Hutch, China Cabinet or Vitrine, Circa 1960s. Drawing inspiration from Danish styling. Features six dovetailed drawers with minimalist brass hardwar...
Brass
Brutalist French Cabinet in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed sideboard embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
Vintage 1960s Danish Brutalist Oak Cabinet, Baroque Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This exceptional Danish modern brutalist cabinet, dating from the 1960s, is in the style of renowned designer Henning Kjærnulf. This oak piece features his signature geometric, relie...
Oak
Petite Mid-Century Modern Cabinet in Walnut with Unique Marble Top & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome and versatile cabinet with plenty of storage. Extremely well built high quality piece. Very well cared for and ready for use.
Marble, Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Very Rare and Important "Waves Cabinet" 1960s (Signed)
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare and important 4-door “Waves Cabinet” in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted blue and green enamels and green lacquered interior by Philip & Kelv...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
French Mid-Century Walnut Two-Door Cabinet
Located in Troy, MI
This compact mid-century cabinet is constructed in walnut, with a rectangular case set on four tapered legs. The front face is divided into two zones: a pair of upper doors, each fit...
Steel
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcases in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcases, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1957 These library units, crafted from walnut, are the work of Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Fabric, Walnut
Sculptural Modular Library Wall Unit Desk Gerald McCabe Mid Century Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, stunning sculptural modular library wall unit and desk system is attributed to the celebrated Los Angeles craftsman and designer, Gerald McCabe. Known for hi...
Wood
Danish Mid Century, Low Brutalist Sideboard in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Henning Kjærnulf, Kurt Østervig
Located in Odense, DK
A charming low-profile sideboard crafted in oak and designed in the style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s. The piece features beautifully sculpted cabinet fronts with geometric d...
Brass
Poul Cadovius Vintage 1960s Royal Teak Wall System with 4 Cabinets
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
Look at this stunning hanging Wall System, warm Teak Color . Iconic design by Poul Cadovius . Signed . 4 Cabinets, one rare high Cabinet comes with two Thick glass shelves, one Cabi...
Teak
Teak Tambour Door LP Record Credenza
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent tambour door record cabinet constructed in solid teak and teak veneer. The interior is parceled off into three sections. The center section has been designed to hold a turn...
Teak
Arne Vodder for Sibast Danish Teak Tambour Door Stereo Cabinet
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking record and stereo console designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler, Denmark, crafted in rich teak and bearing the original Sibast Furniture and Danish Furnituremakers Con...
Teak
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Edward J Wormley Manufacturer: Dunbar Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Metal Accents Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, this exceptional cabi...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia 2-Piece Walnut China Cabinet
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
An iconic piece of American Mid-Century Modern design, this Broyhill Brasilia 2-piece walnut china cabinet showcases the collection’s signature sculpted arch motifs and warm walnut g...
Brass
$5,950Sale Price|30% Off
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Curved China Display Cabinet Curio Tambour Doors
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional Vintage Scandanavian Modern Breakfront, Made in Denmark. Features a curved form made teak with a divided and illuminated back lit curio showcase along the top over a...
Glass, Teak
Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of chests was made in the 1960s by American of Martinsville. Each dresser features three drawers with the classic Gershun louvered look, almost ...
Brass
Cubical Cabinet in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, Oregon pine, Europe, 1970s Concise in design, this cabinet is a versatile piece for various settings or interiors. It could serve as a practical storage solution for an off...
Pine
Guillerme & Chambron Wardrobe in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or wardrobe, oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the graphical de...
Brass
Franz Xaver Sproll Hand-Crafted Large Cabinet in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franz Xaver Sproll, large cabinet or wardrobe, pine, Switzerland, 1960s Swiss furniture maker Franz Xaver Sproll is known for his high-quality, handcrafted solid wood furniture, de...
Pine, Walnut
Leon Martin Rare Console from French Dental Cabinet Office circa 1920 Paris
By Léon Martin 1
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
A sensational early 20th century Dental Cabinet from Paris , France . Beautifully manufactured in iron with 8 drawers metal background and 1 doors. The top is black glass. A fabulous additional for any office or used as console Leon Martin...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Pierre Jeanneret Pair of Bedside Tables, Panjab University, Chandigarh, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the student residences of Panjab University in Chandigarh, these two bedside tables retain their original institutional stencils, P.U.P.10 / B. HOSTE...
Teak
Elegant Italian Midcentury Black Lacquered and Brass Sideboard or Credenza
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Italian Midcentury Black lacquered side board with bar cabinet with four doors ornate with brass . Each door with precious etched mirror in a bronze frame . Round tap...
Glass, Wood
Studio B.B.P.R. Large Library in Walnut and Glass
By Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio B.B.P.R. (Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Enrico Peressutti, Ernesto Nathan Rogers), library, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, late 1960s. This wonderful bookcase is designed b...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Bookcase with Cabinet in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, bookcase, oak, black glass, France, 1960s Elegant bookcase with integrated sideboard designed by Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme for Vo...
Glass, Oak
Metal and Glass Doctors Display Cabinet by Dulton
By Dulton Co., Ltd
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add industrial character and vintage charm to your home or business with this stylish metal and glass doctor's display cabinet by Dulton. Inspired by classic medical and apothecary c...
Metal, Iron
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Ceramic Handles
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, highboard or cabinet, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This wardrobe is based on a well-designed structure where aesthetics and functionally go hand in hand. The d...
Oak
Henredon Oak Cabinet, Mid-Century Design, Brass Knobs, 1963
By Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Henredon four door cabinet/credenza or buffet in beautiful original condition probably dating from the early 1960's unusual for a mid-century piece to be done in Oak but has a great ...
Brass
Rare Studio BBPR for Olivetti ‘Spazio’ Sideboard in Green Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' sideboard, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, hired BBPR to design their New York showroom on Fifth Avenue and to create their first series of office furniture, called Spazio (1959/60). This line included chairs, shelving, cabinet systems, and desks, just like the one shown here. It won the Compasso d'Oro Award in 1962. The cabinet contains compartments with drawers secured on both sides. The top is furnished with dark brown vinyl which adds a sturdy touch the overall industrial appearance. Studio B.B.P.R. was an Italian architectural partnership founded in Milan in 1932 by Gianluigi Banfi (1910-1945), Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso (1909-2004), Enrico Peressutti (1908-1976) and Ernesto Nathan Rogers (1909-1969) who had studied at the Politecnico di Milano. B.B.P.R. was thus an acronym formed from the first letters of their family names. The architects found each other in their opposition to fascism in Italy in the 1930s and 1940s during Mussolini's autocratic regime. The architects therefore believed in developing a style that would have no references to contemporary politics. During the Second World War, they all joined the resistance. However, Rogers, a Jew, fled to Switzerland and both Belgiojoso and Banfi were deported to the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, where Banfi died in 1945. Despite the immense loss of Banfi, their architectural practice continued in the same name as before after...
Steel
Two-Door Solid Oak Cabinet with Scalloped Panels, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
In the style of Guillerme et Chambron, two-door display cabinet, solid oak, France, 1950s. This display cabinet stands on two substantial cylindrical drum feet set on a low, stepped...
Oak
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet by Carlo Jensen
By Carlo Jensen, Hundevad & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Birch, Rosewood
Teak Stereo Record Expandable 2 pc. Entertainment Cabinet and Desk Denmark (A)
By Viborg Stolefabrik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An expandable stereo record cabinet with one door having an adjustable shelve, 3 record slots and an open storage area with one adjustable shelve for your stereo equipment. The other...
Teak
Midcentury Modern Handcrafted Cabinet Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful, handcrafted cabinet is made from elm veneer. Excellent carved and curved legs as well as wonderfully veneer that gives this cabinet a luxury’s feeling. Good vintage ...
Elm
French Riviera Organic Cabinet in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century cabinet fully made in bamboo and woven rattan. This wonderful organic two-door cabinet was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and with a c...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modular Wall System – Attributed to the Circle of Ico Parisi
By Dassi
Located in Oirlo, LI
This striking modular wall unit captures the essence of Italian mid-century design from the 1950s–1960s, where craftsmanship and architectural composition came together in furniture ...
Brass
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Sideboard in Yellow Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' sideboard, coated steel, plastic, glass, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production, 1960s. In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufact...
Steel
Vintage Mid-Century Walnut and Green Enamel Hanging Cabinets
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Walnut and Green Enamel Hanging Cabinets. The cabinets we believe were custom made for a client. Photos are from original estate where cabinets were purchased. T...
Laminate, Wood
André Sornay Cabinets or Wardrobes with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinets or wardrobes, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s These tall cabinets, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, are exem...
Wood, Mahogany
1970s Modular Plastic Cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original pair of cylindrical cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell, modular with vertical overlap was designed for every room. A true pieces of italian design. The items are in...
Plastic
Poul Cadovius hanging Royal Wall System 1950s Denmark
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this iconic Royal System by Poul Cadovius 1950s in the rare African Bonkonko Wood Beautiful warm light color . 4 uprights 2 Cabinets 12 shelves ....
Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Buffet in Stained Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboard, stained oak, France, 1960s This sculptural cabinet is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. The piece is executed in solid,...
Oak
1940s Cabinet in Solid Oak with Latticework
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, oak, glass, Italy, 1940s A design that quietly bridges the gap between sleek modernism and handcrafted warmth. The cabinet’s facade is composed of four tall, narrow doors e...
Glass, Oak
Italian Contemporary Mid-Century Paolo Buffa Style Geometric Wood Cabinet
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful cabinet designed and handcrafted by us with structure and interior in solid beechwood, 2 rectangular leg , 2 folding doors with vertical and orizontal geometric moldings (...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Carlo Jensen Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet for Hundevad & Co.
By Hundevad & Co., Carlo Jensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Rosewood, Birch
André Sornay Cabinet or Wardrobe with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s This tall cabinet, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary...
Wood, Mahogany
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
George Nakashima Dressing Table, Vanity, Origins, Widdicomb - Mueller, 1957
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Culver City, CA
People might see this piece and think: “oh, cute… a little dressing table," but this is an extremely rare masterclass in design. This is a rare George Nakashima Origins dressing tab...
Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid stained oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming large sideboard is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. This p...
Brass
USM Haller Cabinet by Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer, 1980s Chrome Steel
By Usm Haller, Fritz Haller, Paul Schaerer
Located in Ljubljana, SI
USM Haller Cabinet with shelves storage by Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer 1980s. Label: USM Haller Fritz Haller & Paul Schaerer Material: Steel chrome plated with white and blue met...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Smaller Walnut Lighted Curio Cabinet in the Style of Danish Modern
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare size Mid Century light up walnut curio cabinet with upper double wood framed glass doors with sculptural elegant pulls and two adjustable g...
Walnut
André Sornay Vintage Cabinet, Beech Wood, Modernist Design, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Vintage cabinet with a modernist and minimalist touch by André Sornay, cabinetmaker and designer, produced in Lyon by Meubles Sornay circa 1960. An iconic design, the beech structur...
Metal
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1960s by Poul Cadovius, this 2nd generation wall unit was produced by Cado during the same time period. Cado as a company was founded when Poul began selling his...
Glass, Rosewood
Jordi Vilanova i Bosch 'Vidrà' Cabinet in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jordi Vilanova i Bosch, 'Vidrà' cabinet, walnut, oak, steel, Spain, 1973 Jordi Vilanova i Bosch’s Vidrà cabinet (1973) is defined by a strongly architectural and geometric compositi...
Steel
Monumental Italian Cabinet c1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A monumental Italian cabinet in walnut, circa 1960s. The case features a clean architectural form with generous interior storage behind paneled doors. Sourced in Milan Italy. Dimens...
Walnut
Vintage Two-Drawer Oak Locking Filing Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Attractive and useful are two words to describe this nice oak 2-drawer filing cabinet. It has a beautiful oak finish with solid wood trims. The entire cabinet measures 16" x 17" x 28...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Broyhill Brasilia line is extensive, spanning multiple rooms across more than 30 models. Throughout our multi-decade experience in this industry, we have seen and handled nearly ...
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar This cabinet bar measures: 48 wide x 14 deep x 48 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our phot...
Resin, Wood
Tobago Canadian Mid-Century Modern walnut Wood Display Cabinet w/ Glass Doors
Located in Montréal, CA
Canadian tobago Mid-Century Modern walnut wood display cabinet featuring clean lines and a warm, timeless aesthetic. Crafted with a rich walnut wood frame, this piece includes glass-...
Walnut
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror glass, standing on its antique brass wheels...
Brass
USM Haller 2x2 Console in Pure White with 4 Drop-Down Doors, Swiss Storage 1960s
By Usm Haller
Located in Chattanooga, TN
An authentic USM Haller 2×2 Console Cabinet in the timeless Pure White finish, combining iconic Swiss design, exceptional craftsmanship, and practical modular storage. Designed by Fr...
Steel, Chrome