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.
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Oak Round Tier Side Table 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...
Oak, Walnut
Elegant Mid-Century Style Pendant Light with Brass and Cocoon-Style Shade
Located in Hannover, DE
This refined vintage pendant light beautifully combines warm brass elements with a softly textured cocoon-style shade, creating a timeless and versatile lighting piece. The sculptura...
Metal, Brass
American Designer, Floor Lamp, Iron, Wood, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform iron, dark-stained wood and rattan floor lamp designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 71.0"H x 32.0"W x...
Iron
Expertly Restored - Harvey Probber "Knights" Model-1173 Sculpted Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Polished Brass Top, Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern f...
Brass
Fritz Hansen A/S Set 8 Dining Chairs of Mahogany with Blue Leather Seats 1940s
By Fritz Hansen, Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch, Ole Wanscher
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
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' coffee table, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964 Designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, the Saratoga coffee ...
Wood, Lacquer
Kristian Vedel, set of black leather Modus furniture, Denmark 1960s
By Søren Willadsen, Kristian Solmer Vedel
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
Mid Century Bluerina Footed Tumblers by Denby - Set of 5
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 gorgeous mid century "Bluerina" footed tumblers, made in collaboration with Denby and England and Krosno Glass of Poland. Each glass has a cyli...
Glass
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
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
By C.R.S. De Padova, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
$1,026Sale Price|20% Off
Bureau trapèze double-face vintage en bois de chêne des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bureau vintage des années 60, double-face pour être placé au centre d’une pièce, superbe design avec pieds trapèzes atypiques dans la profondeur, en bois de chêne clair, 2 tiroirs à ...
Wood
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
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Marcel Breuer, Gavina
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
$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
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for 'Artigianato' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Conti, Marisa Forlani and Luciano Grassi for Emilio Paoli, 'Artigianato' lounge chair from the Monofilo series, lacquered iron, nylon, Italy, design 1953, made 1954/55 During...
Iron
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet for Vibo Set of Four Armchairs in Wicker Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet for Vibo Vesoul, set of four armchairs, stained beech, straw, France, 1950s Set of four armchairs designed by the duo Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet. Th...
Straw, Beech
Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti, Walnut Wood, Vintage 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A stunning 1960s original playing cards box designed by the legendary Italian artist Piero Fornasetti, crafted in walnut wood. This exceptional piece showcases Fornasetti's iconic ae...
Wood, Walnut
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
Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb turtle-shaped jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. More than a box...
Silver
Ceramic abstract birds sculpture by Sousa, Spain, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking vintage ceramic sculpture depicts a pair of abstract birds, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s and signed by Sousa. The terracotta form features a textured, earthy bronze...
Ceramic
1950s Gispen Style Tubular Chrome Full-Length Rolling Mirror
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full-length rolling mirror built in the Gispen design tradition, featuring a thick tubular chrome frame with softly rounded upper corners enclosing a single-sided mirror panel. Four ...
Chrome
Guillerme & Chambron 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Petit Repos' lounge chair, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, ...
Fabric, Oak
Round Pine Coffee Table, Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs Design, France, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Round coffee or sofa table in solid stained pine, produced in France during the late 1960s. The design captures the sculptural, essential quality associated with Charlotte Perriand’s...
Metal
Pair of Petite Murano Glass Wall Sconce in style of Barovier & Toso, Italy, 70s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Pair of petit Murano wall lights att. to Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired. Each sconce requires 1 x E27 small b...
Brass
Tiffany style adjustable Brass Wall lamp 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Brass Wall lamp . Adjustable in height ,sliding on a rail. comes with a Tiffany style shade .
Brass
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...
Resin, Rope, Wood
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
$12,600 / set
FORNASETTI Set of 2 "Città Di Carte" Panels
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original vintage set of 2 "Città di Carta" screen print on wood panels, designed by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti Original label on the back Each panel ha...
Wood
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
Midcentury Modern Organic Kidney Form Coffee Table by Lane
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique and elegant biomorphic coffee table by Lane. Organic kidney shape proved whimsy and nuance path modernist flair. In good condition with normal age and wear. Original glass in ...
Glass, Wood
Richard Schultz for Knoll 'Petal' Coffee Table in Redwood & Enameled Steel 1960s
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in 1960 by Richard Schultz, this coffee table was made by Knoll. This example dates to the 1960s, and features redwood petals and an enameled steel base. With a base reminis...
Enamel, Steel
$19,400 / set
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Rare Pair of Table Lamps
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, pair of table lamps, model '12398', enameled aluminum, brass, Italy, circa 1952 Arredoluce captures it perfectly: “One of Lelii's many inventions that p...
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp, coated aluminum and brass, brass, marble, Italy, design circa 1954 An exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by the acclaimed lighting des...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
Mid-Century Rattan and Brass Wall Lights, Austria, 1950s 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Rupert Nikoll
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
These Mid-Century wall lights were designed and manufactured in Austria in the 1950s to 1960s. The sconces feature a pair of woven rattan shades in a warm natural tone, shaped in wi...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench 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...
Wood, Beech, Walnut
Mid 20th Century Pate de Verre Sculpture entitled "Rearing Cobra" by Daum
By Daum
Located in London, GB
This striking pâte de verre sculpture by Daum depicts a rearing cobra poised in a moment of alert tension. The sinuous body rises elegantly from a coiled base, the flared hood and li...
Glass
Rare Modernist Florian Schulz Brass Pendant Lamp Model Duan, Germany 1970s
Located in München, BY
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern ceiling lamp model “Duan” designed by Florian Schulz, Germany 1970s. Featuring polished brass frame and two circular round brass shades - lacquer...
Metal, Brass
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
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
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a clean and understated composition in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a slender, ...
Brass
$1,166Sale Price|20% Off
French MID-CENTURY MODERN extendable Dining Table - 60s
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
This Offer is only available in EU Countries. Remarkable Mid-Century Modern Dining Table from the 60s Mid-Century Modern extendable Dining Table...
Brass, Steel
$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
MCM Chrome Teak, Modular shelves cabinets 4 Bay Wall UnitGeorge Nelson Attr.
Located in Basel, BS
An exceptional, highly versatile four-bay mid-century modern modular wall unit and shelving system. Attributed to George Nelson’s revolutionary Comprehensive Storage System. Origin...
Metal, Chrome
Franco Buzzi for O-Luce Wall Light in Brass and Aluminum
By O-Luce, Franco Buzzi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Buzzi for O-Luce, wall light, model 'B3', enameled aluminum, enameled steel, brass, Italy, 1949 This exceptional Italian wall-mounted wall light is the B3 model designed by F...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
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
Ward Bennett Landmark Style Dining Chairs in Wood and Cane set of 6
By Ward Bennett
Located in Den Haag, NL
A super stylish and incredibly well made set of chairs from Italy in the 1970s. These consist of solid oak black glossy frames with brand new Linen upholstery seats and Wicker backs...
Wicker
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Gold Dust Inclusions
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of Murano glass wall sconces, handcrafted in Italy, featuring elongated, fluted hand-blown glass shades embellished with delicate gold dust. The softly textured surfa...
Brass
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Dolphin Style Brass Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, New Shade, New Brass Harp & Socket Dimensions: 21”H x 7”W x 3”D Shade: 10”H x 15”W x 15”D
Brass
Vintage Harvey Probber Terrazzo and Marble Mosaic Coffee Table Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking vintage coffee table featuring a thick scalloped terrazzo-style top with an inset marble mosaic design. The surface is composed of irregular white and gray marble chips set ...
Terrazzo
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
Curtis Jere style. Sculptural Brutalist wrought iron wall lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Paul Evans, Silas Seandel, Ferro Art, Marc Weinstein, Marcello Fantoni
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Mid-Century Modern wall lamp depicting a large fly or bug on the wall in the style of Curtis Jere's creations, Italy, 1960s. Made entirely of wrough...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Swanky Pair of Milo Baughman Chrome and Plush Upholstered Club Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Superbly stylish pair of midcentury modern Milo Baughman club chairs, low slung and plushly comfortable having original fabulous geometric velvety upholstery.
Chrome
$385Sale Price|30% Off
ROYAL DOULTON - HN1037 - Bone China Cocker Spaniel Figurine - UK - Circa 1931-68
By Royal Doulton, Thomas Frederick Daws
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL DOULTON (Manufacturer) - FREDERICK THOMAS DAWS (British Designer / Artist 1878-1956) - HN1037 (Model Number) - Vintage bone china figure of a cocker spaniel designed by the wel...
Ceramic
Set Of Two Vintage Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Cane and Rattan Lounge Chairs in Boucle, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1960s lounge chairs with round cane backs, woven rattan seats and sculptural bamboo-style frames. The chairs feature newly upholstered seat cushions in a soft light bouclé fa...
Fabric, Wood, Cane
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