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.
$954Sale Price|24% Off
Large Spanish Sunburst Flush Mount in Gilt Metal with support, circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish sunburst light in gilt metal and frosted glass,greeen ; white ; orange........other color Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 chairs designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, black pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on ...
Chrome
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
Large Sunburst Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron and Glass, c. 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching gilt wrought iron sunburst ceiling flush mount with large frosted glass lampshade. Spain, 1950s Rare find. This stunning ceiling light fixture features a sunburst struc...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Italian Triangular Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso, Italy 70s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lucija, SI
Classic mid century italian coffee table from the 70s Designed by Marco Zanuso
Chrome
Huge Contemporary MCM Style Antique Brass Pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston, Gino Sarfatti
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
MCM style BRASS pendant Uplighter with 4 or 5 lights ( youre choice , same price ) . Concave and convex disc are hand spun with prime quality brass . Solid sturdy hardware and c...
Brass
Spanish Sunburst Leaves Chandelier / Pendant Light in Silvered Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Sunburst Chandelier / Ceiling Pendant Light in Silver Patinated Iron and Frosted Glass. Hand-crafted in Spain, 1950-1960 Large size. This outstanding chandelier features a s...
Metal, Iron
$3,500 / set
Pair of Italian Bamboo and Rattan Mirrors 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
A charming pair of Italian bamboo-framed mirrors dating from the 1950s, showcasing the playful craftsmanship and organic elegance that characterized Mediterranean design during the p...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Clear Holophane Glass Cast Iron Brass Sconce Wall Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Holophane glass wall light metal bulb holder with clear striped glass shade cast iron wall mount diameter 10.5 cm / 4” wall lamp / ceiling Sconce Weight: 2.40 kg / 5.3 lb Priced p...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Mid-century Giorgetti Progetti Leather Wing Armchairs
By Giorgetti S.p.A., Umberto Asnago
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage Progetti armchairs. Manufacture date circa 1980s by Centro Ricerche Giorgetti, Italy. Labeled and stamped on the bottom. In black leather removable upholstery and wo...
Leather, Wood
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
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s)
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in fair overall condition - please take note...
Brass
Austin Productions Ceramic Dove Sculpture, 1981 — Incised Stoneware Bird Figure
By Austin Prod
Located in San Carlos, CA
A substantial hand-cast ceramic dove by Austin Productions, dated 1981 and stamped to the underside. The form is boldly volumetric — a rounded, gravity-centered body with a flat, fan...
Clay
Murano Art Glass Multi-colored Canework Footed Bowl
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a vintage Murano art glass centerpiece bowl crafted in Italy, showcasing highly intricate Venetian glassmaking techniques. Its styling, material and execution are charact...
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined and compact mid-century composition. The fixture features a round brass wall plate supporting a shaped brass arm wi...
Metal, Brass
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
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Grand Repos' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Grand Repos' lounge chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furnitur...
Fabric, Oak
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Wool, Mahogany
Brutalist French Dining Table in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed table embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a...
Elm
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Lighted Cooper Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
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
Expertly Restored - Walnut Dresser by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
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
$1,054Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s Walnut Coffee Table, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Rectangular coffee table made of solid walnut, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 39 cm; Width 112 cm; Depth 57 ...
Wood
Mid-Century Marbled Beige Cocoon Pendant by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and rare mid-century round cocoon pendant with a wonderful warm beige patina and a marbled finish. This stylish piece was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Ita...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - Mazzega - 53 pink lattimo glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Murano Italian glass chandelier. Fantastic chandelier with pink and white "lattimo" glasses, nickel-plated metal frame. It has 53 big monumental petals glass. The glasses are very hi...
Art Glass
Pair of Walnut Framed Lounge Chairs by Harvey Probber Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of lounge chairs attributed to Harvey Probber, American, circa 1950s–1960s. Each chair features Probber's signature sculptural silhouette: a trapezoidal block-form ba...
Walnut
1920s Luzette Pendant Light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert
Located in London, GB
1920s Luzette Pendant Light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert Stylish and sleek, a classic example of a early 20th Century pendant light by Peter Behren for Siemens & Schukert....
Glass
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Ugo Trevisan Fireplace in Hammered Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ugo Trevisan (Officina d’Arte), fireplace, hammered steel, copper, Italy, 1950s The Turin-based atelier Officina d’Arte was established by the Venetian-born metalworker and designe...
Copper, Steel
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Solid Wood Small Pair of Sconces by Hustadt Leuchten, 1970s, Germany 2 pair available This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use 110-220V in all countries. Ple...
Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
German Midcenturry Murano Ice-Glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand, 1970s
By Hillebrand, Egon Hillebrand
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Murano Ice-glass Wall Sconce by Hillebrand Leuchten. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Model 8527-211. This Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Square Coffee Table with Smoked Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century square coffee table in dark walnut with a smoked glass top. This stylish coffee table was produced in Italy during the 1960s and is attributed to Afra & Tobi...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Wood, Walnut
Rare Flower Ceiling Lamp - Murano Art Glass - pink glasses
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic and fabulous of vintage Murano Italy art glass ceiling light. The rare lamp is made of 24 mouth-blown hand-formed leaf-form pink glass panels plus a huge glass as a bottom....
Art Glass
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically shaped and together wit...
Brass, Steel
1966 Rare Arredoluce Table Lamp with Murrine Glass Insert from Venini , Italy
By Arredoluce, Angelo Lelii, Venini
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare Arredoluce ( Angelo Lelii ) table lamp made of enameled metal , brass insert and colorfull murrine glass beads made by Venini , a most unique masterfull partenership in the g...
Metal, Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By Angelo Mangiarotti, La Sorgente Dei Mobili
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
Large set of 12 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Pierre Chapo, Charles Dudouyt, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with Rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have 12 chairs ...
Rush, Oak
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandeliers 220 cm/86 in Height
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These chandeliers carry the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Their...
Brass
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Pair Of Mid Century Armchairs By Tatra Nabytok Circa 1960s - Price is for the pair - Bent Beech frames - New cream Boucle fabric - Designed By Frantisek Jirak - By Tatra Nabytok - ...
Bouclé, Beech
Small Vintage Italian Handmade Sommerso Murano Glass Vase
Located in Vilnius, LT
Small size vintage Italian handmade Sommerso vase created in multi-colour layers of Murano glass. The glass is in blue, green colors, Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Murano Glass
Mid Century Modern Colorful Wool Tapestry, Spain, Circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid Century Modern Colorful Tapestry, circa 1970 By unknown Artist In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a...
Wool
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
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Ottoman, Mohair and Solid Walnut, Modern Foot Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Ottoman is fully upholstered and features a walnut or oak inset base. Available with the Mesa Lounge Chair.
Mohair, Walnut
Wooden Rush Bench or Side Table, France, 1950's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wooden Rush Bench or Side Table, France, 1950's Would fit perfectly as a side table in your living room to put books on or to sit. Please contact us for an affordable shipping quote.
Wood, Rush
The Zet Dining Chair in Tiger Mountain Velvet Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
1950’s French black metal and parchment table lamp
By Louis Sognot
Located in London, GB
A very good French 1950’s black metal and parchment paper table lamp. Bespoke shade replacement. Minor rust marks. Rewired & Pat tested.
Metal
Huge Spanish Sunburst Foliage Pendant Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Monumental Sunburst Chandelier / Ceiling Pendant Light, Gilt Iron, Frosted Glass Hand-crafted in Spain, 1950-1960 Large size. This outstanding chandelier features a sunburst shaped c...
Bronze, Metal, Iron
$1,633Sale Price / set|29% Off
Pair Giant Barovier & Toso Foglia d'Oro Murano Sconces, Italy, 1980s
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Barovier & Toso wall lighting glass Murano with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. Beautiful un...
Brass
$4,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chair in Cream Bouclé and Walnut
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in pure geometry and enveloping form, this swivel lounge chair brings a commanding architectural presence to high-end interiors. Defined by its continuous, nested circu...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
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
Italian Round Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, walnut, Italy, 1970s Italian round dining table from the 1970s. The design is defined by its striking base, composed of diagonally arranged slats that recall architect...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern King-Size Sculpted Walnut Headboard
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
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Ceramic Tile Coffee Table by J. Belarti
By Julien de Covemaeker, Juliette Belarti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced in Belgium during the 1960s, this coffee table pairs a hand-painted glazed ceramic tile top with a dark wood Parsons-style base. The tile surface is arranged in a grid and f...
Ceramic, Wood
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
By De Sede
Located in Čelinac, BA
De Sede DS 50 Leather Longue Chair
Leather
Hand-Crafted Travertine Coffee Table, Cloud Shape, Italy, 1970s Design
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Hand-Crafted Travertine Coffee Table, Cloud Shape, Italy, 1970s Design Sculptural coffee table hand-crafted of Travertine stone in Italy in the 1970s. The beautiful table top is cut...
Travertine
Danish 1940's High Back Lounge Chair by Alfred Christensen Light Walnut Color
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
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
$3,992Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Monolithic Armchair in Olive Velvet, Cream Bouclé, and Walnut Burl
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
An elegant study in contrasting volumes and rich materiality, this armchair balances sculptural discipline with deep, lounge-level comfort. Built around a commanding, architectural p...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Velvet
Rare George Nakashima x Widdicomb Origin Collection Walnut Dining Table & Chairs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare, vintage George Nakashima Origins Collection dining set manufactured by Widdicomb circa 1959. This is a once-in-a-lifetime, truly extraordinary dining set, designed by the leg...
Walnut