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.
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Sideboard in Oak and Ceramic with Integrated Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, ceramic, fabric, France, 1960s Distinctive sideboard designed by Guillerme et Chambron, France, in the 1960s. Cra...
Ceramic, Fabric, Oak
Guillerme et Chambron Sideboard in Oak with Ceramic
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, sideboard, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Sideboard in oak by French designer due Guillerme & Chambron. This sideboard is equipped with two sliding-doors and...
Ceramic, Oak
Architectural Mid-Century Sideboard in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, mahogany, Italy, 1960s Striking Italian sideboard executed in rich mahogany. The design is characterized by its strong architectural presence, featuring a broad overhangi...
Mahogany
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Vinyl Record Cabinet by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron Angular Carved Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, glass, France, 1960s This exceptional sideboard is a great example where both aesthetics and functionality come i...
Glass, Oak
The Port Colbi Dresser/Credenza
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This a hand-crafted, solid wood dresser from Pete Deeble Furniture. Each dresser sold comes with a plate to authenticate its origin and give it's place in the production sequence. ...
Hardwood
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
Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard in Solid Oak and Brass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, solid oak, brass, France, 1960s This outstanding credenza is a design by the French masters Jacques Chambron and Robert Guillerme,...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by LA Period
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Custom-Made Architectural Wall Unit in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, glass, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Exceptional Italian wall unit from the 1950s, crafted from richly grained mahogany wood with elegant glass details. Its architectural compos...
Glass, Mahogany
1940s Italian Sideboard in Chestnut with Faceted Front
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, chestnut, Italy, 1940s This refined 1940s sideboard in chestnut reflects the influence of the Paolo Buffa School. Its defining elements are the faceted, diamond-like front ...
Chestnut
French Sideboard in Solid Elm by Skilled Craftsman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, elm, France, 1970s Stunning lived-in credenza made in France in the 1970s. This piece contains ample storage space, structured with shelves and four drawers, displaying e...
Elm
Custom Tambour-Door Teak Credenza by Danish Modern L.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Danish Modern LA Manufacturer Danish Modern LA
Wood, Teak
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
Newly Refinished - Kipp Stewart “Declaration” Walnut Dresser for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass
Brutalist French Sideboard in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed cabinet embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a ...
Elm
Expertly Restored - Walnut Dresser by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
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...
Steel
Craft Associates Dresser, Lawrence Peabody 8 Drawer Dresser, Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Lawrence Peabody Oak 8 Drawer Dresser for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. ...
Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Sculpted Walnut Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
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
Milo Baughman Double-Tambour Door Credenza w/ Lacquered Drawers for Glenn of CA
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Satin-Lacquered Drawers ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, ...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Expertly Restored- George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Primavera Wood, Satin-Lacquered Painted Wood, Brass Handles ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Brass
Expertly Restored - California Modernist "Basket Weave" Dresser by Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare Paul László “Basket Weave” dresser for Brown Saltman is a remarkable example of California modern design, combining architectural structure wit...
Wood, Oak
Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...
Brass
Phillip Lloyd Powell Long Wall-Mounted Sideboard in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, long wall-mounted sideboard, walnut, Unites States, circa 1970 Crafted in Phillip Lloyd Powell’s New Hope studio, this wall-mounted sideboard pairs understate...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern Credenza by Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza with Brass base for Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Dark brown Mahogany with folding front doors sideboard or credenza. Behind the folding doors are 2 Drawers and 2 adjustable shelves in a dark brown finish. Sits on...
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
Beautiful Mid century danish modern teak and oak desk with 6 drawers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern teak desk with 6 drawers with curved brass handles. This danish desk has (2) drawers on each side with symmetrical design. The top has a beautiful teak wood...
Oak, Teak
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this doub...
Hickory, Walnut
Mid Century Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser Chest by Dixie Furniture
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A walnut nine drawer Mid Century dresser chest with elegant blended pulls giving the piece a clean look and feel for its size and proportions. Having plenty of functional storage wit...
Walnut
Melchiorre Bega Custom Sideboard in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Melchiorre Bega for Vittorio Bega Arredamenti, sideboard, walnut, Italy, 1950s A rare, possibly one-of-a-kind sideboard that stands as an exceptional example of Italian mid-century...
Walnut
$7,750 / item
Bernini Italian Bookcases in Walnut and Glass
By Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bernini, bookcases, walnut, glass, metal, brass, Italy, 1970s Pair of Italian Bernini bookcases from the 1970s, made in walnut with glass doors. The design is tall and straightforwa...
Metal, Brass
Large Italian Wardrobe in Teak with Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, teak, maple, brass, Italy, 1950s This exquisite large Italian wardrobe from the 1950s is a striking example of mid-century design. This piece is crafted in rich teak wood ...
Brass
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth yes
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1983. With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined ...
Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Ceramic Handles
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, highboard or cabinet, oak, glass, ceramic, France, 1960s This wardrobe is based on a well-designed structure where aesthetics and functionall...
Ceramic, Glass, Oak
$39,500
Monumental Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Oak with Diamond Shaped Colored Panels (560cm/220in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large wall unit/shelve unit, oak, lacquer, Italy, 1950s It is rare to encounter a piece as striking and monumental as this Italian wall unit from the 1950s. With an impressive width...
Oak, Lacquer
Italian Mid-Century Organic Chest of Drawers in Bamboo & Rattan Wicker, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century chest of drawers entirely handcrafted in bamboo and woven rattan wicker. This charming organic modern dresser was produced in Italy during the 1970s. Fully ori...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 4-Drawer Sculpted Highboy Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Oak
Vittorio Introini for Proposals Pair of Modular Wall Bookcase in Metal
By Vittorio Introini, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Proposals, storage wall system, model 'P700', chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, smoked glass, Italy, 1969 An impressive open bookcase, both visually and st...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$7,500
The Showcase Dresser
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Showcase Dresser is a celebration of the incredible, wonderous, endless beauty found in nature. We believe that each piece of lumber has a story it wants to tell, and a perfect ...
Hardwood
Newly Refinished-Mid-Century Modern Walnut 6-Drawer Dresser by Bassett Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Vintage Danish Rosewood Modular Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Rosewood Modular Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 4 bay shelving system model Cado. This is a original vintage floating book...
Rosewood
Vintage Danish Rosewood Modular Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Rosewood Modular Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 4 bay shelving system model Cado. This is a original vintage floating book...
Rosewood
Mid century Florence Knoll Black & White Cabinet Credenza leather pulls
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Florence knoll Black & White Credenza. Beautiful practical credenza for living or office space. Has (4) White laminate front Sliding doors with leather pulls that rev...
Chrome
Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Ico Parisi Style, Italy, 1950s
By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Modernist valet clothing stand for both ladies and gentlemen, dating from the 1950s, in the style of Ico & Luisa Parisi. Executed by Fratelli Reguitti, Italy. Crafted fr...
Wood, Beech
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
Expertly Restored - Bernhard Pedersen Danish Modern Tambour-Door Teak Credenza
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 precisi...
Wood, Teak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Teak
Large Versatile Italian Wall Unit in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit, teak, maple, lacquered wood, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s. This Mid-Century Italian wall unit seamlessly integrates form and function, captivating with its aesthetic allure...
Brass
Early Pierre Chapo 'B17C' Bibliothèque in Solid Elm 284 cm / 111.81 in.
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Bibliothèque' wall unit bookshelf, largest version, model 'B17C', solid elm, France, design circa 1967 This wall unit, known as model ‘B17’, is an early edition desig...
Elm
Danish Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful chest of drawers in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in oak and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The commode features four drawers, offering ample storage ...
Brass
Awesome Lane Furniture 9-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser in Rosewood & Paldao Walnut
By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over my long career in the mid-century modern field, I have owned hundreds of Lane pieces. While they're all nice and I enjoy owning all of them, there are some that rise above. This...
Brass
Mid-20th Century Etagere Masion Bagues Hollywood Regency Shelf
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Etagere Masion Bagues Hollywood Regency Shelf An elegant mid-20th century Etagere (Bookshelf) by the respected furniture maker of influential Hollywood regency items...
Brass
Unique Osvaldo Borsani Highboard in Cherry with Romantic Painted Panels
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, wardrobe, cherry, paint, lacquered wood, brass, glass, Italy, circa 1950 A truly exceptional piece designed custom for a private cli...
Brass
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Chest of Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful Sabre leg chest of drawers on mahogany by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Great scale and stunning hardware Other notable designer from the period include T.H. Robsjohn...
Mahogany
French Modernist Sideboard in Oak and Raffia, 1950s, Two Sliding Doors
By Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Elegant French modernist sideboard from the 1950s, crafted in oak and oak veneer, embodying the restrained sophistication of postwar French design. Clean architectural lines are soft...
Raffia, Oak
1950s Italian Mid-Century Dresser or Sideboard in Striped Wood with Glass Top
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century dresser designed and produced in the 1950s, characterized by a long horizontal structure, four drawers and a dark brown back-painted glass top. The cabinet is fin...
Glass, Wood
$2,505Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Teak Low Sideboard by Clausen & Søn, 1960s Denmark, Mid-century Modern
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Vintage Danish low sideboard in teak by Clausen & Son iwth original sticker on the back, made in the 1960s. Clean mid-century modern design with a low, long form and balanced pro...
Teak