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.
Pair of Small Black Lacquer Cabinets Nightstands by J.C. Mahey, 1970s
By Romeo Paris, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Paris, IDF
Glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass accents, feels crisp and luxe on this pair of small cabinets. Their boxy, simple style is typical of both the 1970s and designer Jean C...
Brass
Cees Braakman for Pastoe CT69 Made-To-Measure Unit with Drop-Down Bar or Desk
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century made to measure ‘CT69’ storage cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. Classically styled three section teak storage cabinet with drop-down bar or desk and thin ch...
Chrome
$3,981 / item
Contemporary Italian Sideboard with Brass Base
Located in London, London
Sideboard Circle detail Ash Brass base Three doors Made by a small workshop in Italy.
Brass
Light Oak Office and Library Cabinet, France, 1950s
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French workshop, three-door office and library cabinet, light oak, France, 1950s. Light solid oak with a warm, open grain and a natural finish. Three full-height hinged doors with f...
Oak
1955 Vintage Dorothy Draper España Cabinet with Red Interior
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1955 Sensational Vintage Espana Cabinet Chest by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon Red interior with shelf 28 h x 15 d x 27.25 w Original preowned condition unrestored Refer to al...
Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Cabinet
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Cabinet Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Beautifully crafted with heavy c...
Teak
After Gerrit Rietveld "Elling" storage cabinet
Located in Skokie, IL
After Gerrit Rietveld "Elling" storage cabinet circa 1960s In 1919 Gerrit Rietveld designed the first Elling cabinet. The original example, executed in...
Beech
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern hutch featured in rich rosewood grain, Lucite base, four drawers, spacious storage space, and brass trimming. Please confirm the item location (NY or NJ).
Wood
1979 Claudio Salocchi Two Low Cabinets in White Lacquer by Sormani, Italy
Located in Arosio, IT
Vivo Collection was designed by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani in the late Seventies. The aim was to set up an entire collection for the home (lounge, dining, sleeping room & amp.) with just a few wooden panels, suited for a highly productive industry. The collection was the first one of its kind in Italy, with a design that, once again, surpassed the traditional manufacturing methods. The two small vintage cabinets...
Wood
Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi 'Comodo' Versatile Storage by Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Versatile storage unit designed by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi in 1988. Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could be ...
Wood
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany Lift Top Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern lift top bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection" USA, 1950s Ma...
Aluminum
Decorative Dresser, Hand Painted, Brass, Cabinet, Hollywood Regency, Green
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted dresser with nine drawers and brass hardware.
Brass
Pair Restored Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Cabinets
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of dressers was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional ...
Leather, Walnut
McCobb Nelson Style Lane Jewelry Chest Cabinet Box Mid Century Modern
By Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Lane Furniture
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful small Mid Century modern jewelry cabinet or box made by high quality furniture maker, Lane. This walnut cabinet has six drawers wi...
Chrome
$10,002
ITALIAN CABINET - 50's
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cocktail Cabinet Italy, 1950s Italian cocktail cabinet featuring a sculptural façade adorned with organic relief motifs, creating a fluid and graphic composition. Executed in veneere...
Brass
Restored Walnut & Burl Helen Hobey Baker Cabinet + Pair Mirrors Danish Style
By Helen Hobey, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare and super sculptural cabinet or dresser was designed in the 1970s by Helen Hobey for Baker. It features a walnut and burlwood construction that is warm and pleasant to the ...
Metal
Renzo Rutili, Cabinet, Wood, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Renzo Rutili
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass cabinet or sideboard designed by Renzo Rutili and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, USA, c. 1950s. Piece consists of two removable cabinets that sit in a singl...
Brass
American Designer, Cabinet, Pine, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained pine and walnut cabinet designed and produced in the US, 1950s.
Walnut, Pine
$1,912Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet with One Roller Louver Door & Five Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet comes with up to 5 metal trays or shelves. They are in very good condition and completely original (as is the rest of this piece of furniture). The shelves hold plenty of love letters, sheet music, comics, photo albums, papers, etc. Thanks to its timeless design and excellent condition, this antique file cabinet...
Metal
Vintage T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mahogany Brass Ring China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Modern Mahogany Brass Drop R...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Shelving Unit by Domino Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden shelving system produced by the Danish company Domino Møbler, one of the major manufacturers of Danish modernist furniture, which combines minimalist lines with natural wood. ...
Wood
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 6 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Italian Mid-Century Lacquered Mahogany Wall Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century mahogany cabinet with a sycamore back panel and having a top section of a glass and wood sliding doors, and bottom with two door, resting on 2 front black lacquer...
Brass
Pair of Sculpted Walnut Nightstands by Lichtenberg & Son
Located in Pasadena, TX
Absolutely stunning pair of sculpted mid century nightstands by Lichtenberg and Sons. The nightstands are made of walnut and have 2 drawers for plenty of storage. The chest sits on m...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Danish Modern Palisander Sewing Cabinet on Wheels, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
An exquisite mid-century modern sewing cabinet or mobile utility chest, manufactured in Denmark during the 1960s. This piece is an exceptional showcase of Scandinavian craft, featuri...
Metal
Black Lacquer Marble Top Goatskin Drawers & Double Doors Liquor Silver Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black Lacquer marble top goatskin drawers & double doors liquor silver mirrored cabinet w/ glass shelf chest of drawers mint! Every drawer has an assigned dedicated key!
Marble
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Glass-Frosted Cabinet, Italy, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning Italian mid-century modern vintage cabinet with an angular design and exquisite craftsmanship. This 1950s piece features intricate etched glass slideable doors with grace...
Metal, Brass
Chrome, Smoked Glass and Wood Bookshelf Étagère Gallotti & Radice, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Bookshelf étagère cabinet by Gallotti & Radice, featuring chrome borders and two smoked glass columns with shelves linked together by wooden shelves. Italy, circa 1970. The bottom s...
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet Model 4036 For Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame credenza cabinet 'model 4036' was designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. The cabinet featur...
Steel, Chrome
Four-Door Pine Sideboard in the Style of Maison Regain, France, 1960s
By Pierre Chapo, Maison Regain
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Sideboard, France, 1960s, in the style of Maison Regain. A large four-door sideboard in deeply stained solid pine, consistent in design vocabulary with the production of Maison Rega...
Pine
French Designer, Cabinet, Oak, Marble, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and marble cabinet or sideboard with carved decorative relief designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 37.4"H x 86.625"W x 21.5"D All items sh...
Marble
Pair of Q BUS cabinets by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1960s
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice and multi functional rolling Cabinets . Manufactured By Dutch Design firm Pastoe . from the Q Bus series . 1960s The system stands on 4 wheels each and is easily attach...
Formica
$3,120Sale Price / item|20% Off
Hexagon Mastercraft Style Glass Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Pasadena, TX
72? Hexagon Mastercraft style glass display cabinet Black lacquered brass and glass display cabinet or vitrine. Three adjustable glass shelves. 2 available.
Glass
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Passage Campaign Pecan Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Campaign style Drexel dresser circa 1970s Drexel Passage Series dresser in flaxen flared grain. Brass recessed pulls. This dresser provides compact ...
Brass
Vintage 1970's Custom Stereo Console Record Player 8 Track
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
YOWZA! Calling all audiophiles!! Custom mid century stereo console and record player along with 8Track. Unique faux wood grain cabinetry with solid brass locking hinges to hold tops ...
Wood
Bar Cabinet by Jose Zanine Caldas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bar cabinet by Jose Zanine Caldas Brazil, 1950s. Manufactured by Mo´veis Arti´sticos Z. Original manufacturer's paper label. Marine plywood. Measure...
Plywood
$6,800 / set
French Designer, Cabinets, Wood, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white and blue-lacquered wood cabinets or sideboards designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Moderate to heavy wear with imperfections on side panels and door faces. I...
Wood
Stunning Frank Kyle Drawer with Pepe Mendoza Pulls
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
If you are searching for a piece that represents the most iconic and amazing Mexican Modernist era, we have for you this stunning and rare Frank Kyle Drawer, custom made in México ci...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Danish Inspired Teak Cabinet
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Danish Inspired Teak Cabinet Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected age-related finish wear and slight scratching. Additional ...
Teak
$3,756Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Wall Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
Restored vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern bookcase wall cabinet. Featuring brass detailed accents and walnut woods. Finished in a dark espresso brown, this piece is the perfect stat...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Drawers by Interlübke, Wood, Germany, 1960s
By Interlübke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Interlübke single-drawer cabinet units from the 1960s, each with a white lacquered carcass and a teak-veneered drawer front. The units sit low to the floor with a fully rectilinear f...
Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Large Teak Cabinet
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Large Teak Cabinet Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Top has some very slight di...
Teak
Pair of Isabelle and Richard Faure Oxidized Brass Cabinets Buffets 1970s
By Isabelle Masson-Faure, Richard Faure, Maison Honoré
Located in Paris, IDF
This unique pair of cabinets or buffets were created by Isabelle and Richard Faure for Parisian design firm Maison Honore in the late 1970s....
Brass
Rare Pair of Rosewood Arne Vodder Cabinets / Sideboards, Sibast, Denmark, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb and very rare pair of cabinets or sideboards in rosewood designed by Arne Vodder and produced by Sibast in Denmark in the 1960s. Very good original condition with minor sign...
Wood
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase or Room Divider by Lou Hodges, c1970s
By Lou Hodges
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a genuine, mid-century modern marvel - a cerused oak modular standalone shelving unit, designed by the renowned Lou Hodges in 1979. This cherished piece comes straight fr...
Oak
MCM 60-Drawer Maple Card Catalog by Library Bureau
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1960s; Library Bureau/Remington Office Systems - Boston, MA Mid-century modern wooden card catalog with 60 drawers of uniform size. This piece features solid maple construction ...
Wood
Stunning Large Black Lacquered Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular James Mont branded black lacquer chest of drawers with raised edges. Gold leafed raised draw pulls and four luxuriously deep draws of 8" each.
Gold Leaf
Architectural French Modern Storage Cabinet by Jean-Louis Godivie
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by architect and furniture designer Jean-Louis Godivier during the 1980s, this striking French modern cabinet is a sculptural statement that seamlessly merges architecture w...
Metal
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Henredon Faux Tortoise Cabinet
By Henredon
Located in Wichita, KS
Mid-Century Modern Henredon Asian contemporary style faux tortoise painted two door cabinet with brass hardware, circa late 20th century. Each piece is hand painted and no two are ex...
Brass
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful green marble and burl cabinet, believed to be an Ed Wormly piece for Dunbar. Beautiful condition. Same era as: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouve, Pierre Pauline, Serge Moui...
Marble
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley with 2 Drawers in Cumin for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
1970s Birch Chest of Drawer, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good/very good original conditon with minor signs of use. - High gloss finish.
Wood, Birch
Vintage De Coene Two-Door Cabinet - Belgium - 1970s
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Elegant vintage two-door cabinet designed and produced by De Coene in Belgium in the 1970s. Crafted in dark brown stained ash, this modernist piece stands out for its clean lines, b...
Oak
Mid-Century Table Cabinet by Founders
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century made side table with beautiful rosewood inlay. Drum style pedestal table with cabinet storage and octagonal shape inset. Please confirm location.
Walnut
Pair of Cabinets / Drawers in the Manner of Mogens Koch, 1940's
By Mogens Koch
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Cabinets / Drawers in the Manner of Mogens Koch, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Oregon pine Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions each (W...
Pine
1940s Antique Vintage Tall Wood Cabinet
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Cubby Cabinet Circa 1940s. Fabulous storage. Holds 10 cubbies. Custom made, solid wood, distressed look, Original hand painted (not perfect) original sha...
Wood, Paint
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
By Milo Baughman, Century Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
Burl
Danish Designer, Cabinet, Oak, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brass cabinet or sideboard designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Brass
Petite Mid-Century Tambour Door Office Cabinet
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a big splash of mid-century modern charm into any room with this compact tambour cabinet! Readily showing design influence from the legendary works of Florence Knoll, it features...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Two EU/NU-11 Japanese Series Wall Cabinets by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1958
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern EU/NU-11 Japanese Series wall cabinets. Design by Cees Braakman for Pastoe Utrecht. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. The EU-11 wall ...
Milk Glass, Mirror, Teak