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.
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
Italian Murano Glass and Brass Modular Linear Chandelier in Pink and Red
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant, elongated pendant lamp, crafted from a refined brass structure composed of three levels illuminated by integrated light strips along its entire length. The distinctive d...
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
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
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp from 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
Brass
Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Ico Parisi Style, Italy, 1950s
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti
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
Pair of blue and purple, mid-century modern, Murano glass sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of mid-century modern Murano glass wall sconces, Italy circa 1990s. The pair of Italian sconces is made of pale purple-beige, purple and blue-gray Murano glass elements. The mou...
Brass
Rare Lane Acclaim "Guitar Pick" Dovetail Walnut and Oak Side Table by Andre Bus
Located in San Diego, CA
An iconic and increasingly scarce example from Lane Furniture's celebrated Acclaim Collection, this sculptural side table was designed by Andre Bus and manufactured in the United Sta...
Oak, Walnut
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs Havana Moustache Models Circa 1950’s This is an exquisite pair of original and iconic Havana moustache models. These chairs have been bea...
Leather
Teak 'Propos' Floating Top Desk by Louis van Teeffelen for Hulmefa
By Louis Van Teeffelen, Hulmefa, Tijsseling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Hulmefa as part of their 'Propos' line, this Dutch Mid-Century desk was designed by Louis van Teeffelen in collaboration with the Tijsseling company. The top surface feat...
Teak
Baby Side Table with a Red Dot Ceramic Tile by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
These side tables feature new painted steel frames and a vintage lava tile from Roger Capron. Made in 1970s, these tiles vary in color and texture, resulting from the hand glazed pro...
Metal
Lounge Chair in the manner of Sergio Rodrigues and Jean Gillon, Oak and Leather
By Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ultimately comfortable lounge chair with footstool, designed and manufactured in the style of Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer, and Jean Gillon. Solid oak frame with newly upholstere...
Leather, Oak
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Set of 5 "Brno" Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Naples, IT
A stunning and exceptionally elegant set of "Brno" cantilever chairs, a timeless icon of 20th-century design created by Bauhaus master Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for Villa Tuge...
Steel
Midcentury Box Wood and Glass Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Style, Italy 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box in wood and beveled glass attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Glass, Wood
Bitossi for Raymor (Attributed) Italian Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Lid
Here is a striking mid-century Italian ceramic lidded box dating to the 1950s, distinguished by its richly textured fused glass mosaic lid in a vibrant palette of golden yellow, turq...
Ceramic
Mid-century Modern Italian onyx /brass table lamps.
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Condition: Very good. Light wear consistent with age and use. Description A refined pair of small Italian table lamps from the 1960s, crafted in onyx and brass. These elegant lamp...
Onyx, Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Rope, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown rope wall mirror designed and produced in France, c. 1970s. Heavy wear to silvering. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing nail wire thread and will require custom insta...
Rope
$4,386Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s teak sideboard with wall-mounted system, Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall-mounted sideboard, the structure includes a lower sideboard with drawers and doors, an additional tall cabinet on the left, and open shelves above. Made of teak with breadstick ...
Metal, Brass
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
German Mid-Century "Cocoon" Wavy Chandelier by Goldkant, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique German "Cocoon" Chandelier. This Chandelier was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten. The body dimension is ...
Metal
Textured macrame wall hanging, wool, Spain, Circa 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite macramé wall tapestry, handcrafted in Spain during the 1970s, featuring a large format. This unique piece combines diverse textures and materials, with each rope and thread...
Wool
Pair of Mid Century Klismos Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Sardis
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an elegant set of Klismos Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, an iconic interpretation of the classical Klismos form. The sculptural frames feature gracef...
Leather, Walnut
Barovier Murano Ribbed Glass & Brass Table Lamp with Pink Lampshade, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table lamp in Murano blown glass and brass, completed by a light pink cotton lampshade. This elegant lamp was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1950s. In amazing co...
Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern 1960/70s Rectangular Wooden Wall Mirror
Located in Palermo, IT
Rectangular wooden wall mirror with a design characterized by clean, essential lines and a high-quality wooden frame, hallmarks of the modern Nordic style of the period. Construction...
Mirror, Wood
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Poul Cadovius Largest Aluminium Lighted Planter RS 50 Pendant , Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
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
Spanish Oval Wall Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Gilt Oval Mirror, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Spain, 1950s An eye-catching oval mirror feauturing a hand-forged iron frame with twisted iron rope details and gold leaf gilding...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Large Vintage Italian Alabaster Grape Cluster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning embodiment of vintage European elegance. This hand-carved alabaster grape cluster is a quintessential Mid-Century Italian decorative object, prized for its artistry and na...
Alabaster
$2,795Sale Price / item|20% Off
Massive Oversize Scoop Brass Chandelier MCM style
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold , sculptural , playfull stylish huge massive brass chandelier made of 8 fully ajustable oversize scoop. Hand crafted with prime quality brass and hardware . Solid stur...
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'E22' Wall Unit or Bookcase in Wood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit, model 'E22', lacquered steel, lacquered aluminum, wood, glass, Italy, design 1957. This sleek, wall-mounted shelving unit, crafted ...
Aluminum
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
Italian Modern Enamel And Brass Pendant
By Sciolari Lighting, Stilnovo, Gaetano Sciolari, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Enamel And Brass Pendant. Offered is stunning Italian mid-century modern brass and red enamel pendant with three new candelabra sockets that has been newly wired for t...
Brass, Enamel
Mid-century Modern Brass Metal Nutcracker in the Shape of a Woman's Legs, 70s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s nutcracker in the playful form of elegant lady legs, a whimsical piece of vintage barware that blends humor, design, and function. Crafted with a sculptural silho...
Brass, Bronze
Rare 1970s Italian Hand-Sewn Celadon Green Suede Pendant Lamp Sculptural Flower
Located in Hannover, DE
This exceptional pendant lamp, crafted in Italy in the 1970s, embodies masterful craftsmanship and timeless elegance. The shade is meticulously hand-sewn from delicate light celadon-...
Alabaster
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Safari Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather by Carl Straub, Sergio Rodrigues Style
By Sergio Rodrigues, Carl Straub
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Straub lounge chair with a safari-inspired silhouette referencing Sergio Rodrigues' Mole chair. The solid oak frame features four tapered, gently splayed legs joined by curved s...
Leather, Oak
Upsala Ekeby Sweden Mid Century Modern Pottery Vide Poche Catchall Bowl
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Sarasota, FL
Stunning bowl by Upsala Ekeby. Great catch all bowl with interesting design. Signed
Pottery
Italian Naturalistic Dining Set With Six Chairs and Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining set with table and six chairs, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, distinctive material use, and superb craftsmanship combine to form an exceptional dining set, perfect ...
Pine
Mid-Century Metal and Brass Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Metal and Brass Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy Very high quality. Lamp are in very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use This lamps work with E14 s...
Metal, Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian sofa from the early 1950s is a refined example of postwar design, defined by its streamlined silhouette and gently curved form....
Fabric, Wood
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Mid-century table lamp Cocoon, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage table lamp made in Italy in the 1960s. The frame is metal covered in Cocoon spray-on plastic. In the United States, after World War II, a new type of fiberglass-rei...
Plastic
Eames Time-Life Executive Desk Chair - Herman Miller - Brown Leather - 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Decatur, GA
1970s Eames Time-Life Executive Desk Chair in Brown Leather An iconic mid-century modern executive chair designed by Charles Eames and Ray Eames for Herman Miller as part of the cel...
Aluminum
French Mid-Century Brass and Black Enamel Wall Sconce with Pleated Shade, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite French wall sconce from the 1950s featuring a round black enameled backplate with a brass center accent and a slender curved brass stem. The stem sweeps upward to cradle a con...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Saarinen Style Tulip Table with Green Onyx Top and Black Enameled Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saarinen-style tulip table features a round green onyx top with a sculpted Dupont edge profile — a continuous curved form that requires specialized stone fabrication to execute. The ...
Onyx, Metal, Enamel
1950s Coen de Vries Style Desk, Birch, Beige Enameled Tubular Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact desk attributed to the style of Coen de Vries combines birch construction with a beige enameled tubular metal frame. Three drawers with turned wooden knobs occupy an asymmetr...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Lounge Chair in Ash and Leather
By Simon Gavina Editions, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Bastiano' lounge chair, leather, ash, Italy, 1961 Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina’s experimental design lab in 1960, the Bastiano series re...
Leather, Ash
Midcentury Pair of Red Wall Lamps by Paul Neuhaus, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking pair of midcentury wall lamps by Paul Neuhaus, dating from the 1960s, captures the bold yet refined aesthetic of the era. Each lamp features a square red frame with sof...
Metal
Antique Holophane Prismatic Glass Church Kitchen Island Brass Wall Light Sconce
By Holophane
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Decorative Acorn Holophane Brass Wall Light – B An elegant antique Holophane brass wall light. The light has a brass gallery and cast wall bracket which has some nice aged p...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of 1940s Open Arm Lounge Chairs with Spindle Backs by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of elegant and charming easy chairs made by Fritz Hansen's in the 1940's. These type of 1940s chairs are increasingly coming into vogue. Made from nice amber stained beech wood....
Wool, Oak
1 of the 2 Pairs of Brass and Brown Glass Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high end wall sconces made of hand blown clear and opal and brown (smoked) Murano glass on a messing hardware designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Mini...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
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 that can seamlessly be incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 This pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands embodies a clean, architectural simplicity that feels both timeless and functional. Crafted in walnut, each piece features two smoothly integrated drawers, offering practical storage while maintaining a minimal, uncluttered façade. Subtle details—like the exposed dovetail joinery and softly tapered legs—speak to the craftsmanship behind their construction without overwhelming the design. The proportions are thoughtfully balanced, giving them a light, elevated presence that works beautifully in both modern and classic interiors. Expertly refinished, the wood has been restored to a rich, even tone, highlighting the natural grain and ensuring a clean, cohesive presentation throughout. Fun Historical Fact Nightstands as we know them today became widely popular during the mid-20th century, as homes shifted toward more casual, functional living spaces. Designers began simplifying forms, moving away from ornate bedroom furniture...
Walnut
Cassina LC4 “Chaise Longue à Réglage Continu, 60” Red Limited Edition Chair
By Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina LC4 “Chaise Longue à Réglage Continu, 60” Limited Edition Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cassina’s production of the Le Corbusier®, Pierre Jeanneret® and Charl...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Forest Green Mohair by Pierre Frey
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of club chairs, reupholstered in mohair "Bold - Forest" by Pierre Frey, stained beech, Italy, 1940s With its spacious design and fresh mohair upholstery in a rich forest green...
Mohair, Beech
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 'Bastiano' sofa, ash, fabric, Italy, design 1960 This Bastiano sofa truly intensifies the experience of sitting itself and is a standout in any modern room....
Fabric, Ash
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
Modern MCM Style 5 Arms Oversize Scoop Chandelier in Raw Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold oversize scoop chandelier handmade with prime quality material and rigorous craftmanship. Light bounce inside the brass scoop giving out a warm cosy light in any given spac...
Brass
Rare Titina Ammannati & Giampiero Vitelli Dining Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Titina Ammannati & Giampiero Vitelli for Rossi di Albizzate, dining table, teak, lacquered steel, Italy, 1950s The Italian design duo Titina Ammannati and Giampiero Vitelli conc...
Steel
Gaetano Sciolari 5-Tier chandelier, brass & crystal, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Magnificent 5-tier Gaetano Sciolari chandelier, Italy, 1970s. This iconic mid-century masterpiece showcases cascading tiers of hand-cut crystal prisms suspended from a polished brass...
Crystal, Brass
LC3 “Grand Confort, Durable, 60” Limited Edition Red Armchair by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina LC3 “3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle, Durable, 60” Limited Edition Armchair by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand Created to celebrate the 60th a...
Metal