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.
A Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Brass-Patinated Zinc "Zoca" Vase by Sonja Katzin
Located in Grythyttan, SE
An elegant and highly artistic Swedish Mid-Century Modern vase from the rare "Zoca" series, designed by the Swedish sculptor and designer Sonja Katzin (1919–2014) for Nilsjohan durin...
Brass, Zinc
Art Deco Astra Wall Light, Brass, Mid-Century Modern, Norway, 1950s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful wall mounted lamp was made in Norway in the 1950s. With its organic look made in brass this piece gives a modern as well as a midcentury look. Good vintage condition...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Modern Rosewood Credenza by Carlo Jensen for Hundevad & Co.
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 precisi...
Birch, Rosewood
Vintage Danish Modern Brass & Teak Cutlery Set by Carl Cohr, 1960s, 12 persons
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dining/lunch set by Carl Cohr was manufactured and designed in Denmark during the 1960s. The set consists of 12 dinner/lunch knives, 12 dinner/lunch forks, 12 dinner/lunch spoon...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Model 380 Leather Ottoman for Mikael Laursen
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by A. Mikael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark, the Model 380 ottoman features a solid oak frame with a lightly refinished stained finish. Four round...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Mid Century, Danish Modern, Hourglass Teak lamps
Located in Montréal, QC
Pair of Mid Century, Danish Modern, Hourglass Teak lamps Spectacular pair of teak lamps in pristine condition. Unknown origin but appear to be Danish. Height to socket: 18" Height ...
Teak
Mid Century Modern brown Leather 3 seat Sofa round Legs Sigurd Ressell Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian modern brown leather 3 seat sofa on ball casters. Beautiful brown soft leather is soft and shows signs of use and fading/patina but broken in nicely. Great l...
Leather, Wood
Mid century Rosewood Danish Oval Extension Dining Table by IB Kofod Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century Rosewood Danish extension dining table with (2) leaves by IB Kofod Larsen. This table is very high quality hand built by Danish furniture makers. Made in Denmar...
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Low Back Lounge Chairs in Light Oak, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A stunning mid-century set of Danish lounge chairs in the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, crafted in the 1960s/70s by an unknown Danish cabinetmaker. Built from solid oak and retain...
Wool, Oak
Bernt Pedersen 'Kludestol' Oak Lounge Chair, Cream Linen, 1970s Denmark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernt Pedersen's Kludestol lounge chair from 1970s Denmark combines a solid oak frame with a low, reclined profile and no armrests. The oak carries a hand wax finish in a warm, mediu...
Upholstery, Oak
Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...
Aluminum
Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt, Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s small scale lounge chair attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark between ca. 1950. The chair exhibits the rolled armrest detail and tapered front le...
Beech, Wool
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970 in the style of Hans Wegner. Manufacturer in Denmark with solid pine wood frame and legs with original cushi...
Upholstery, Pine
Hans Agne Jakobsson 'B140' Table Lamp in Brass with Silk Fringe
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, 'Fringe' table lamp, model 'B-140', brass, silk, Sweden, 1960s An iconic Fringe table lamp designed by Hans-Agne...
Brass
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Club Chair in Red Wool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s lounge chair in the style of Mogens Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller space needing...
Beech, Wool
Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...
Wool, Beech
Large Danish 1940s Curved Sofa Model Attr. to Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare sofa from 1940's. Very similar to Model 1668 designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The model was seen in Fritz Hansen's catalog #4202 in...
Wool, Beech
Mid Century Rocking Chair in the style of Hans J. Wegner Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An elegant Mid Century rocking chair with sculptural contoured dark walnut toned wood frame with medium blue tight woven upholstery. This very comfortable chair with springs and padd...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen Papa Bear Chair & Ottoman in Green Leather
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman. This example has been newly and masterfully restored. Upholstered in a supple green leather and newly finished. Price listed is for the c...
Teak, Leather
Pair of "Poul Hundevad" Wood Bookshelves, Denmark 1960s Cabinetmaker mid-century
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This stunning and rare pair of 1960s Danish Modern double bookcases, designed by Poul Hundevad for Hundevad & Co., showcases the pinnacle of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. ...
Wood
Model PH4 Pendant Light By Louis Poulsen Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model PH4 Pendant Light By Louis Poulsen Circa 1960s - Comes with 150cm of cable - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - All white - Made from aluminium - Designed by Poul Henningsen - Made by ...
Aluminum
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Lounge Chairs, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of moulded bamboo, rattan and green floral-printed fabric lounge chairs attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Frits Henningsen Attributed Highback Lounge Chair in Golden Mohair, 1950's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair with smooth backrest made in Denmark around 1950 attributed to Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tal...
Teak, Mohair
Mid-Century Modern Bumling Brass Pendant Lamp Anders Pehrson Ateljé Lyktan 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Bumling by Atelje Lyktan, designed by Anders Pehrson in the 1960s. Here in a special brass version with a beautiful patina. A timeless classic of Scandinavian design. The brass ...
Brass
Early Midcentury Club Sofa by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark in the 1940s by Fritz Hansen. The sofa is matching the famed model 1518 chair but it is rare to find the sofa. Legs made from solid beech. ...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish 1940's High Back Lounge Chair by Alfred Christensen Light Walnut Color
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved stained beech wood. Nice slim elegant ...
Beech, Wool
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s. Stunning Scandinavian Modern rosewood/palisander cabinet with vivid grain pattern. Double hinged doors with brass hinges and locks with...
Santos Rosewood
Kinetic Ball Sculpture Model Orbit Swinging Mobile Vintage Denmark
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming vintage kinetic mobile composed of delicately balanced spheres, dating to the 1960s and manufactured in Denmark by Laurids Lønborg. Arranged in a graceful, sculptural comp...
Composition, Metal
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Lighted Cooper Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic Poul Cadovius large cooper anodized aluminium lighted planter RS 50 pendant . Contain one E26/27 ceramic socket rated at 40 watt. Actual set up is a plug in with 12 fee...
Aluminum
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Brown Leather Birch frame Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes leather teak sofa. Great dark brown leather with solid Blonde birch wood frames. Beautiful condition and very comfortable. Great Norwegian d...
Leather, Birch
Handcrafted 1960s Danish Oak Desk, Deep Patina, Sculptural Mid-Century design
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A cabinetmaker-built Danish small desk with the most stunning and deep patina. Its light brown tone carries a walnut-like glow. Horizontal carvings on the cabinet doors lend the piec...
Brass
Set of 10 Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of ten 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, in the style of Henning Kjærnulf, embodying the sculptural Brutalist sensibility that defined Danish craftsmanship of the ...
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Teak Bookcase with Sliding Doors, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Danish bookcase in teak, produced during the 1960s. The design features two open shelves and a central cabinet with sliding doors and carved teak handles. The clean, functional layou...
Teak
Danish Teak Coffee Table with Ceramic Tile Top, 1960s mid century modern
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This Danish teak coffee table, adorned with exquisite ceramic tiles, is an ideal addition for post-dinner gatherings. The handmade artistic patterns seamlessly blend teak wood and ce...
Ceramic, Teak
Danish Fritz Hansen Model 1490 Channel Back Lounge Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish large-scale club or lounge chair model 1490 by Fritz Hansen. Similar to famed model 1518 but with a higher backrest and a straighter front which provides for a very ...
Brass
Professionally Restored Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip Top Partners Desk in Walnut
By Løvig Design, Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the early 1960s by Peter Løvig Nielsen, this desk was produced under his own label, Løvig Design. While most models are teak, a scant few were made in walnut, which reall...
Brass
Tulip Fabric Pendant Lamp Desiged By Josef Frank For, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a tulip fabric shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Used but in a very good condition.
Brass
Vintage 1960s Fibonacci Pendant in Aluminum By Sofus Frandsen for Fog And Mørup
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic and rare pendant designed by Sophus Frandsen in 1963 for Fog & Mørup. The Fibonacci model is one of the most recognizable designs and is becoming increasingly rare to find...
Aluminum
A 20th Century Grey Leather 'Swan' Swivel Armchair by Arne Jacobsen
Located in London, GB
Denmark, circa 1970 A mid-century ‘Swan’ chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, the curved swivel seat upholstered in patinated grey leather and supported on a cast aluminium four...
Aluminum
A Pair of Elegant Mid-Century Swedish Armchairs, circa 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Pair of Swedish armchairs, circa 1950s. Beech frames with open, curved armrests and splayed legs, retaining a warm original patina. Button-tufted backs with a gently winged profile. ...
Mohair
Danish Designer, Nightstands, Wood, Brass, Metal, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wall-mounted wood, brass and metal nightstands designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass. Old inactive bookworm-related holes to underside of dr...
Metal, Brass
Danish Curved 'Banana' Sofa in Beech and Wool, Mid-Century 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round organic lines and iconic drop shaped fe...
Beech, Wool
Fritz Hansen A/S Set 8 Dining Chairs of Mahogany with Blue Leather Seats 1940s
By Mogens Koch, Ole Wanscher, Kaare Klint, Fritz Hansen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A stunning set of 8 Art Deco dining chairs. Handcrafted and designed by Fritz Hansen A/S in Denmark in the 1940s. Stamped FH for Fritz Hansen A/S These chairs are made of solid mah...
Leather, Mahogany
Kristian Vedel, set of black leather Modus furniture, Denmark 1960s
By Kristian Solmer Vedel, Søren Willadsen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Kristian Vedel set from 1960s Denmark exemplifies timeless Scandinavian modern design with its sleek black leather finish and functional modularity. This set contains two easy c...
Leather, Rosewood
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
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.0"H x 28.0"D S...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall lights ‘Tratten’, copper, Sweden, 1950s Hans-Agne Jakobsson designed this wall light 'Tratten', which is crafted fro...
Copper
Pair of Scandinavian Safari Chairs in Stained Pine and Linen, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A pair of 1970s safari chairs constructed from stained pine with natural linen slings and loose back cushions. The design uses thick, rounded pine posts joined by horizontal stretche...
Linen, Pine
Large Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful simple Danish modern mid century rosewood large Tall wall floor bookcase on plinth rosewood base. Has 12 adjustable shelves. Amazing Rosewood grain! In great vintage condit...
Rosewood
Vintage 1960/70s Danish Brutalist Light Oak Low Sideboard / Crezenda
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A seminal Danish Mid-Century sideboard in Nordic oak, it has been attributed to the iconic designer Henning Kjærnulf. This piece exemplifies his distinct "Danish Brutalist" vernacula...
Brass
Scandinavian Mid-Century Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the early 1950s. Designed and made in Sweden from cirka 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage co...
Chrome
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
Scandinavian Mid-Century Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the early 1950s. Designed and made in Sweden from cirka 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage co...
Chrome
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Aluminium Lighted Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
1960s Poul Cadovius large RS 50 brushed and lacquered aluminium lighted planter pendant . Contain one E26/27 ceramic socket rated at 40 watt. Actual set up is a plug in with 15...
Aluminum
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 2 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase desi...
Teak
Westnofa Tufted Leather Lounge Chair, Norway, 1970s
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Norwegian manufacturer Westnofa in the 1970s, this lounge chair pairs deeply button-tufted leather cushioning with a sculptural bentwood frame. The X-shaped scissor base ...
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
LG. Dansk Flamestone Casserole Paella Dish w/ Cover by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two piece large casserole or paella serving dish made of Flamestone pottery which is good for low heat and can be used on the table for serving with proper padding so it would not ...
Pottery
Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Heavy Pine Table, Denmark, 1960s
By Rainer Daumiller, Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial solid pine table produced in Denmark during the 1960s, designed by the architectural firm Knud Friis and Elmar Moltke. The thick plank top features rounded edges and corn...
Pine