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.
Mid-Century ‘Fresco’ Highboard by G-Plan
By Victor Wilkins, G Plan Furniture
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century ‘Fresco’ highboard designed Victor B. Wilkins for G-Plan, circa 1960s. This teak piece features a credenza styled bottom and shelving atop. Storage and display opportunit...
Wood, Teak
$3,500 / item
Constantine Blackened Oak Storage Cabinet
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Constantine blackened oak storage cabinet features slatted doors entirely constructed and finished by hand, with brass details, adjustable shelf. and...
Oak
Barbara Barry for Henredon Modern Walnut and Cream Lacquered Console Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern console table, buffet server, or media cabinet By Barbara Barry for Henredon Philippines, Early 21st Century Walnut, with cream lacquered case, and original bras...
Brass
Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached mahogany cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Mahogany
Pair of Henredon Black Lacquered and Brass Display Cabinets/Vitrines
By Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional pair of tall 1970s black lacquer and brass vitrines by Henredon. Featuring clean lacquered frames with brass trim on the doors. The cabinets feature beveled glass sides a...
Brass
Scandinavian Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Scandinavian sideboard, 1960s. Sideboard made of patinated teak veneer wood, with essential line and right proportions. It consists of two sliding doors and four side drawers. The ha...
Wood, Teak
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Cabinet in Walnut
By Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, cabinet, walnut, chromed metal, smoked glass, Italy, 1960s Mid-century modern cabinet designed by Italian designer Vittorio Introini for Saporiti. Th...
Metal
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa Illuminated Organized Wall
Located in Torino, Piemonte
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Glass, Wood
1960s Italian Cabinet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood
Danish Modern Teak Corner Glass Curio Cabinet or Bar
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Modern Corner Cabinet or Bar with glass doors. 35w (front) 22d 49h each side is 25
Wood
40's cabinet furniture in brushed wood and leather
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French cabinet from the 40s. Base, structure and top in brushed oak. The upper part of the cabinet is covered in dark green leather (original). Nice work on the decorative hinges and...
Leather, Wood
Amsterdam School Style Coat Rack Wood and Metal Hooks, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Add a touch of vintage charm and functionality to your entryway with this Amsterdam School style coat rack. Crafted circa 1940 and manufactured in Holland, this piece showcases the rationalist design principles prominent during that era. Made of wood and adorned with metal hooks...
Metal
Thomasville Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Campaign Green Lacquered Bar Cabinets
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style bar cabinets or buffet servers By Thomasville USA, Circa 1970s Green lacquered walnut, with brass a...
Brass
Drexel Triune Hutch Cabinet, Mahogany, Mid-Century Design, USA, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A stately hutch cabinet from Drexel’s sought-after Triune collection, crafted in rich mahogany and exuding timeless mid-century elegance with a traditional twist. This tall display p...
Wood, Mahogany
Van Keppel Green, Cabinet, Solid Maple, Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid maple cabinet designed by Van Keppel Green and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Maple
Lighted Vittorio Dassi "Midcentury" bar cabinet from the 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Lighted Midcentury drinks cabinet from the 1950s. Designed was the cabinet by Vittorio Dassi and manufactured by La Permanente Mobili Cantù. This massive cabinet is made of nut tree and maplewood. Behind the doors is a etched mirror with sun...
Brass
Two Door Cabinet End Side Table by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two door cabinet designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The cabinet features two swing out doors, which open to reveal two interior drawers, and open storage...
Iron
Vintage Hand-Painted Tuscan-Style Jewelry Tower Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring old-world charm and romantic elegance to your space with this Vintage Hand-Painted Tuscan-Style Jewelry Tower Cabinet. Inspired by the rustic beauty of the Italian countryside,...
Wood
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 three tall, narrow doors ...
Glass, Oak
Dot Mini Cabinet by Hermhaus - Varnished Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Dot Mini Cabinet by Hermhaus is a versatile storage unit designed for both workspaces and residential interiors, combining functionality with a clean and modern aesthetic. With i...
Wood
Mid Century Nightstand in the Manner of Paul Frankl (2 available)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a mid century nightstand featuring cork fronts Pair of walnut vintage nightstands or side tables with metal hairpin legs in the style of Paul Frankl. Featuring circular recessed bakelite pulls and cork facings. One with three drawers and the other features one top drawer and a pull down cabinet...
Steel
$4,236Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Extravagant Bar Cabinet by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
This fancy bar cabinet designed in Italy by Umberto Mascagni .This piece features a cream colored vinyl with anodized aluminium and centered by colorful Italian landscape prints. An ...
Wood
Gianfranco frattini cabinet by Bernini Italy 1957
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Behold the exquisite craftsmanship of the small sideboard or cabinet, a testament to the visionary design of Gianfranco Frattini and the masterful production of Bernini, Italy, in 19...
Rosewood
Pair Modern Black Lacquered & Brass Curio Display Cabinets by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of modern Mastercraft black lacquered, brass and glass display cabinets or vitrines. These beautiful cabinets feature a burnished brass over a black lacquered frame, three adjus...
Brass
$12,500 / set
Pair of Luxurious Illuminated Étagères by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional pair of tall illuminated vitrines by Henredon, gracefully combines traditional forms with modern design elements. Good design, meticulous tailoring and superior constr...
Brass
Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Travertine Top Night Tables
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic 2 drawer end tables or night stands by American of Martinsville with Travertine marble tops. Curved wave front design to drawers. Nickel s...
Travertine, Nickel
1960s maple storage cabinet with a drop-down door, made in Italy.
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Italian-made furniture crafted from maple veneer. The clean, functional design features a flap that, when opened, reveals a practical and organized workspace. Below, four drawe...
Maple
Rare A-geometrically Italian Mid-century cabinet in rosewood, 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 1960 / cabinet / rosewood, glass, cast iron / Mid-century / Vintage / Italian modern Very rare A-geometrically cabinet or highboard in rosewood with glass shelves. Designed in the 1960s in Italy. This special cabinet has a cast iron welded base that gives the cabinet a spectacular and elegant look. On the right side a cupboard with 2 shelves behind a rosewood door and next to that two glass shelves. On the left side three hanging glass shelves...
Iron
Large Carved Wood Cabinet "Hunter" Unique Piece
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Unique piece, amazing cabinet made by a passionate cabinet maker. Really nice carved wood work. Old documentation about it on request.
Wood
$2,959Sale Price|30% Off
Leopoldo Malberti Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Bar Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This bar cabinet, designed and produced in the 1950s, is made of walnut and poplar. "If you like it please make your offer and we will evaluate it, it couldn't be better than this!".
Crystal, Brass
Lawson-Fenning 4-Door Ojai Cabinet in Oak, Modern American Storage Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 4-door Ojai Cabinet by Lawson-Fenning features board and batten doors with iron details and adjustable shelves. Available in two sizes and in American walnut and white oak. The...
Iron
Unique J.C. Mahey Black Lacquered Brass Bar Cabinet Counter 1970s
By Jean Claude Mahey, Romeo Paris
Located in Paris, IDF
A unique bar for a standout look. This rare piece was designed by Jean-Claude Mahey in the 1970s for Maison Romeo Paris, and displays all the trademark glam of the French seventies period. Brass and black lacquer are used in large, chunky blocks for a powerful impact, with nice curves on each side. From a distance, the piece seems to sparkle. There are 3 large storage spaces in the back, with enough room for a small fridge, ice machine...
Brass
Antique German Painted Oak Display Cabinet with Glass Doors from the 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique display cabinet of German origin dating from the 1790s. The cabinet is crafted in original painted oak with two glazed doors featuring glazing bars and two lower cupboard doo...
Oak
Milo Baughman Designed Sideboard for Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern sideboard with bi-fold doors, matte black base, and matching black exposed hinges. Designed for Directional by Milo Baughman, and manufactured by Johnson Furniture...
Walnut
Dunbar Walnut Showcase Curio Display Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
This impressive showcase / room divider was a Custom order designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a rectangular walnut case raised over large silver tapered metal legs The c...
Glass, Walnut
Founders Mid Century Cabinet by Jack Cartwright
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two door smaller sized cabinet with birch wood case and dark chocolate doors having chromed U shaped finger pulls . Sitting on adjustable brushed stainless steel legs with foot pad...
Birch
French Mid-Century Bar Cabinet, Walnut & Satinwood, Circa 1940s
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1940s) walnut & satinwood inlaid diamond design bar cabinet on platform base with swirled legs and bronze detail. (fully fitted interior/glass top)
Bronze
Vintage Danish Teak Sideboard Cabinet Mid-Century Modern Storage Credenza 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern cabinet crafted in beautifully grained teak, featuring a clean, minimalist silhouette and classic tapered legs. The design is simple yet highly func...
Teak
$15,000
JBL Metregon Speaker Cabinet
By Arnold Wolf
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
The JBL Metregon Speaker Cabinet is an iconic piece of audio history, renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional sound quality. Meticulously craf...
Wood, Walnut
Tall Cabinet in Oak Wood by Jordi Vilanova, Spain, 1960's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Tall cabinet designed by Jordi Vilanova in the 1960s, Spain. Four doors covered in natural fabric and interior shelves with ample storage space. The cabinet is made of stained oak wo...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Teak Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern cabinet offers generous storage and organization with its many drawers and roomy compartments. Rich teak woodgrain gives this piece a timeless look, while stu...
Teak
Mid‑Century Organic Italian Chest of Drawers Cabinet in Rattan & Bamboo, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera chest of drawers and cabinet fully made in rattan and bamboo. This stylish organic dresser was made in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous condit...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
$11,250Sale Price|25% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cabinet, Burlwood & Chrome, 1970s Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...
Burl
Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With One Roller Louver Door & Eight 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...
Walnut
Mesmerizing Pair of Lacquer and Brass Cabinets by William Doezema, circa 1970
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. ...
Brass
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley with 2 Drawers in Honey 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
Billy Haines Cabinets with Textured Tops, Kirk Douglas Estate, 1950s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These Billy Haines cabinets, most likely bedside, with textured tops, from the estate of Kirk and Anne Douglas, exemplify the refined elegance and understated modernism of 1950s Hol...
Wood
Corner Bar Cabinet Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960's
Located in Lejre, DK
This stunning midcentury teak corner cabinet is a perfect choice to update any modern home decor. Beautifully carved with atomic styles, this piece adds a unique charm and character ...
Glass, Teak
Vintage Primitive Teak Sliding Door Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage primitive teak cabinet is a masterclass in honest, utilitarian design. Handcrafted from solid teak wood, the piece features a classic two-part construction with...
Metal
Mid-Century Black Cabinet with Graphic Brutalist Doors by Defour Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Small sideboard / cabinet produced in the 70s by Defour, Belgium. The front is decorated with a graphical op-art pattern carved into the wood. The cabinet has two shelves inside. Sta...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Basketweave Cabinets Attributed to Lane - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of ebonized mahogany cabinets with basketweave fronts attributed to Lane Furniture. They open to an interior space with a single shelf. They are in very good condition.
Mahogany
Sculptural Italian bar and storage cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This rare and sculptural wooden cabinet, attributed to Gianfranco Frattini , is a beautiful example of Italian mid-century design from the 1950s–1960s. The cylindrical design gives t...
Wood
Pair of Mid Century David Parmelee Rosewood Chests for Founders with Marble Tops
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A refined pair of rosewood chests designed by David Parmelee for Founders, circa 1960s. Each case features beautifully figured rosewood veneers with clean, minimalist lines and sits ...
Rosewood
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Credenza
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Rosewood Credenza with removable hutch. Partly solid and veneered. Hutch is removable and has two glass sliding doors. Bottom credenza has four sliding doors, 4 drawers and...
Metal, Chrome
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size S with 2 Drawers in Tornado Grey 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
Mid Century Modern Low Cabinet In Tommi Parzinger Style Wood and Brass, 1950's
Located in North Miami, FL
This magnificent and fully restored vintage Tommi Parzinger style Mid-Century Modern low cabinet is sculptural with its monumental polished solid brass hardware that opens the cabinet doors on both sides. It has brass inlay on the top and bottom and legs. The special beautiful restored stain on the wood is a light grey to darker grey over the walnut. One can see the grain of the wood as it becomes more of a mix of champagne and grey. This is perfect in back of a sofa, in a bedroom or den in front of a flat screen TV. Also a great large painting or work of art would be fantastic on top of it. There is one-drawer on the right hand side and 2 shelves on the left and one on the right hand side. Quite stunning! Beautifully restored! All of the original fabulous hardware has been polished. It is 2 cabinets on the one base originally designed and made this way. They do not separate as in for nightstands and they cannot be separated. It is one great Mid-Century Modern designer cabinet...
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Modern Cabinets by H. W. Klein for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By H.W. Klein, Henry Walter Klein
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This pair of vintage cabinets comes from Denmark and was made around 1960s. Designed most probably by Henry Walter Klein and made by Bramin Mobel. The cabinets showcase minimalistic ...
Nutwood
Lorin Jackson for Grosfeld House Double Door Chest of Drawers
Located in Hanover, MA
Early 1940's sideboard or linen press by Lorin Jackson for Grosfeld House. Two banks of four open drawers behind double doors. Carved foliate handles and curved notched corners. T...
Walnut
Midcentury Style Brass and Lapis Lazuli Colored Murano Glass Commode
Located in Rome, IT
Striking brass frame and hand cut Lapis lazuli imitation Murano glass Commode or chest of drawer, raised on special brass legs. Handmade by a master artisan. Available also the pair .
Glass, Wood
Gio Ponti for M. Singer and Sons Rare Model 2160 Floating Credenza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid-century modern credenza by the legendary Italian designer Gio Ponti, crafted circa 1950–1951 for M. Singer & Sons. This exquisite Model 2160 features a sleek, low-prof...
Wood, Walnut