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.
George Nakashima 'Frenchman's Cove II' Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘Frenchman’s Cove II’ dining table, American black walnut, United States of America, 1967 This striking and unique Frenchman’s Cove II ...
Walnut
French Modernist Dining Table in Walnut and Black Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, glass, walnut, France, 1950s Elegant French dining table from the 1950s, featuring a sleek black glass top resting on a finely crafted walnut base. The sculptural bent...
Glass, Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Dining Table in Oak and Ceramic Tiles
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison dining table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s A remarkable example of French mid-century design, this dining table was created by the celebrate...
Ceramic, Oak
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta Large 'Bramante' Table in Maple
By Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 'Bramante' dining or studio table, maple, Italy, design 1950, production 1980s A remarkable and cutting-edge design by the celeb...
Maple
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
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
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Round Tulip Pedestal Marble Top Dining Table
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in San Antonio, TX
Iconic Eero Saarinen oval marble top tulip dining table for Knoll International, circa 1990s. 54"x28" "In his purist approach to architecture and design, Eero Saarinen sought the es...
Marble, Aluminum
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
Pierre Jeanneret Library Table, Panjab Agricultural University, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the Main Sciences Library at Panjab Agricultural University, this library table retains its original institutional stencil, PAU/PB/M.S.LIB/178/III, i...
Teak
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
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
Vintage Thonet Dining Table 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Thonet Dining Table 1960s
Bentwood
$1,160Sale 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
Atelier C. Demoyen Dining Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Atelier C. Demoyen, dining table, solid elm, France, 1970s Atelier C. Demoyen (Claude de Moyen) gained prominence as a workshop recognized for crafting, among others, Pierre Chapo's...
Elm
Vintage Mid Century Modern Teak Extendable Dining Table
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century modern teak extendable dining table with built-in leaf. This piece is in excellent condition with very few signs of age-related wear (see photos). If ...
Teak
Roger Capron Dining Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, dining table, ceramic and beech, France, 1960s This dining table is a beautiful example of Roger Capron’s work from the 1960s, combining his signature ceramic artistry...
Ceramic, Beech
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
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
Pierre Gautier-Delaye French Set of Table with Set of Six Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Gautier-Delaye, set of dining table with set of six dining chairs, solid beech, France, 1950s This French dining room set is designed by Pierre Gautier-Delaye. This lovely se...
Beech
84 inch Oval Oak Dining Table custom design on Knoll Pedestal base
By Aaron Saxton, Knoll
Located in South Charleston, WV
46.5" x 83.75" and 29" inch tall. Original pedestal cast iron base from the period 1955-1965 from Knoll reconditioned and like new. These original knoll bases are wider and heavier t...
Iron
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
1970s Walnut Starburst Oval Dining Table by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis
By Stow Davis, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Beautiful dining table with starburst pattern walnut top designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis, circa 1970s. Incredible walnut top sits on heavy black enameled steel and polish...
Stainless Steel
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous and very versatile Mid-Century Modern solid maple "wishbone" drop-leaf extension dining table By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Measures: 94.5"W x 40"D x 29"H. (fully ext...
Maple
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Ralph Lauren Geometric Modern Round Ash Lauren Studio Dining Breakfast Table 68"
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
Ralph Lauren Lauren Studio Table Features a round ash top over a geometric modernist base. Great for use in a game room or dining / breakfast nook. Includes Glass top. Dimensio...
Ash
Joaquim Tenreiro Style Round Wenge Table, Dutch Mid-Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial round table in solid wenge, made in the style of Portuguese-Brazilian designer Joaquim Tenreiro. The thick circular top displays wenge's characteristic deep brown colorin...
Wenge
Danish Round Extendable Dining Table of Oak in Henning Kjærnulf Style Ø 119 cm
By Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage brutalist Henning Kjærnulf style round extendable dining table manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s. The table is made of solid patinated oak with wood work details. ...
Oak
Early Pierre Chapo 'T14C' Table in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table model T14C, solid elm, France, design 1960s This table is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, celebrated for his masterful use of solid elmwood and...
Elm
Early Pierre Chapo Dining Table 'T14D' in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table, model 'T14D', solid elm, France, circa 1978 This table is an early edition by Pierre Chapo, celebrated for his dedication to clean, functional design pri...
Elm
Guillerme & Chambron Extendable 'Elmyre' Oval Dining Table in Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Elmyre' extendable dining table, solid oak, France, 1960s This dining table, designed by the esteemed French duo Guillerme et Chambron, exem...
Oak
Pierre Chapo Dining Set with 'T14D' Table, 'S14B' Bench and 'S24' Chairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining room set with bench, chairs, and table in solid elm, leather, France, 1960s Beautiful dining room set by Pierre Chapo that expresses the designer’s dedication t...
Leather, Elm
French Naturalistic Free Form Dining Table in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, solid elm, France, 1970s/80s This French dining table from the 1970s-80s expresses a naturalistic character. A thick free form shaped wooden slab is characterized by ...
Elm
Mid-Century Gilbert Marklund Style Pine Trestle Table, Carved Panels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pine trestle base table demonstrates Scandinavian Mid-Century construction techniques through peg tension joinery and substantial solid wood components. The design reflects Gilbert M...
Pine
Cansado Desk by Charlotte Perriand, France circa 1962
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A desk designed by Charlotte Perriand in the late 1950s. The rectangular top is laminated with a grey melamine and rests on a black lacquered metal structure, which includes a yello...
Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti Bronze and Rosewood Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian architect and designer Angelo Mangiarotti Rosewood topped and bronze base dining table. Base by Foundry Battaglia Bernini. Astonis...
Bronze
$36,138Sale Price|30% Off
Oval Dining Table, Giorgetti, Pyrolave, Bronze Pedestal, Italy 2018
By Roberto Lazzeroni, Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Glasgow, GB
This oval dining table by Giorgetti, designed by Roberto Lazzeroni and created in 2018, is a striking example of contemporary Italian craftsmanship, combining a Pyrolave lava stone t...
Lava, Bronze, Enamel
$822Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Maple Draw Leaf Extendable Dining Table MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
A Quaint Mid Century Heywood-Wakefield Dining Table. Features a rectangular frame made from maple with two draw leafs for extension. The table is supported by angular square legs. ...
Maple
Mid century Danish Drop Leaf Extension 2-12 Dining Table Teak by Hafnia Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Maria 2-12 folding extension dining table in the manner of by Bruno Mathsson. Table is Teak wood with brass hardware and very high quality. Beautiful vin...
Brass
Burl Parsons Style Dining Table Flair by Milo Baughman for Bernhardt
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, chic, and stylish Parsons style dining table , designed by Milo Baughman for Bernhardt, as part of the Flair series. The table features a rich all over burl veneer, with...
Burl
Retro Futurist Jetsons Dining Table
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
The Jetsons Dining Table faces the future with style and fun. Walnut and ash wood provide the two-tone look. The Jetsons Dining Table is part of the Jetsons Dining Set, which also c...
Ash, Walnut
Wood Dining Table Round by Moscatelli for Meroni Mid-Century Modern Italy 1964s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century dining table by Giulio Moscatelli for the Meroni company. This Italian design piece, dating back to 1964, is crafted from fine wood with visible grain on the circular top...
Metal
Italian Art Deco Dining Table in Walnut with Sculptural Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, walnut, Italy, 1940s. This Italian dining table has a rectangular top with rounded corners and a detailed cross-section. The top is framed which highlights the veneere...
Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Rare 'Polygonon' Dining Table
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, dining table 'Polygonon', glass, electro-coated stainless steel, Italy, 1984 Behold this astonishing table with an aesthetically pleasing layout ...
Steel
Newly Refinished - Expanding Mid-Century Walnut Draw-Leaf Dining Table
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
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar – Double Pedestal Dining or Conference Table 1965
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar – Double Pedestal Dining or Conference Table 1965 A striking 120" long table designed by Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar, ideal for dining or executive se...
Wood
Monumental Table in Walnut with Decorative Inlay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference table, walnut, brass, Europe, 1940s This exquisite conference table, a monumental 23 feet (7.2 meters) in length, is a masterful example of fine woodworking. Crafted from...
Brass
Pierre Chapo Table T02 Dining Table in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table model 'T02', solid oak, France, late 1960s This table is an early edition by Pierre Chapo, celebrated for his dedication to clean, functional design prin...
Elm
Mid Century Cafe Bistro Dinner Restaurant Tables 3 available
By Hamilton Cosco
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1950's American Style Cafe, Bistro, Dinner tables with boomerang pattern formica tops. We have two in yellow formica, and one in pink. The tables are in good, vintage, ready ...
Metal
Newly Refinished - Expanding Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table
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
Herman Miller Style Modern Oval Dining Table or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Modern or Mid-Century Modern oval dining table or library table In the manner of Herman Miller By Paladin Caseworks USA, Early 21st Century Durable blue lamin...
Metal
Round Redwood Petal Dining Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1960s. Restored.
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early Iconic Petal Dining Table designed by Richard Schultz in 1960 for Knoll. This unique redwood tabletop is split into eight distinct "pedals" mounted on a cast-aluminum "spider" ...
Iron
Renzo Rutili "American Translation" Model-38 ½ Table for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Co., Renzo Rutili
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Stained-Elm Wood, Birchwood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and...
Wood, Birch, Walnut
Arne Vodder for Sibast Model 227 Expanding Danish Teak Dining Table, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler in the 1960s, the Model 227 is among the most ingenious expansion systems to emerge from the golden age of Danish cabinetmaking, and this ex...
Teak
Rainer Daumiller Extendable Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller, extendable dining table, pine, Denmark, 1970s. Robust dining table in solid pine, designed by Rainer Daumiller. A functional design that features a rounded tableto...
Pine
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.25in H x 48in -108in W x 48in D 4x Leaves - 15in each ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...
Brass
Rare Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova Dining Table in Teak
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, dining table, teak, lacquered steel, bronze, Tuscany, Italy, 1959 Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, this table was part of a limited-editio...
Bronze, Steel
Niels Otto Møller Style Danish Modern Rosewood Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish mid-century Danish Modern sculpted rosewood extension dining table In the manner of Niels Otto Møller Denmark, Circa 1960s Measures: 68.5"W x 39"D x 28.5"H. Ex...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Dutch Dining Table in Oak with Cross-Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, the Netherlands, 1960s This elegant dining table from the 1960s Netherlands is a beautiful example of refined mid-century design. Crafted in solid oak, the piece ...
Oak
Teak Expandable Dining Table in the style of Niels Moller Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted early Mid Century teak wood dining table with two 21.5" pullout leaves to each end. The table can seat up to ten people depending on the chairs you choose with wo...
Teak