Mid Century Modern Office Furniture
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Executive partner desk in rosewood by Florence Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Florence Knoll’s Executive Partner Desk, designed in 1961, is a hallmark of mid-century modern
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century rolling office chairs with modern style design. Soft plastic back rest and cushioned
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Office Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern black leather office chair. America, circa 1970s. Restored in all new Italian
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Curved Leather Office Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern curved leather office chair. America, circa 1970s. Original Mid-Century Modern
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff "Star Trek" Desk Chair by Madison Furniture
By Madison Furniture, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
renowned American industrial designer Arthur Umanoff and manufactured by Madison Furniture of Canton
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950s Mid Century Modern Office Chair by Jorge Rasmussen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century office chair designed and manufactured by Jorgen Rasmussen in Denmark circa 1950s. This
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pr. Mid Century High Back Lounge Office Armchairs by Dellwood Furniture c 1970s
By George Nelson, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Mid Century high back office, or lounge ,chairs - made in the USA by the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
H 39.25 in W 24.25 in D 28 in
Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Mahogany Office Chair, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
are the hallmark of Danish design of the Mid-Century Modern era. The chair can be successfully
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Mahogany
H 30.71 in W 23.63 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Acapulco Style Rolling Office Chair, 1960s
Located in Madison, WI
information:
Materials: Metal, iron, casters, wheels
Period: 1960s
Styles: Mid-Century Modern
Dimensions
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Desk Office Side Chair Armchair
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid-Century Danish modern rosewood desk office side armchair. If you are in the New Jersey , New
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Other
Mid Century Modern Office Chairs with Vintage Orange Vinyl Upholstery
By Steelcase
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern side chairs feature original vinyl upholstery, chrome frames and
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Mid Century Modern Office Chair Chrome and Green Vinyl.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Office Chair with Olive Green Vinyl Seat Cushioning, Chrome Toned Legs and Back. No makers
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Lane Tuxedo Walnut Desk Chair
By Lane Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Lane Tuxedo Walnut Desk Chair. Featuring a straight line
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Faux Leather, Wood, Rosewood, Walnut
Shaw Walker Mid Century Modern Mustard Yellow Vinyl Swivel Office Desk Chair
By Shaw Walker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Shaw Walker Mid Century Modern Mustard Yellow Vinyl Rolling Office Desk Chair. Circa Late
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 32 in W 25.5 in D 23.5 in
Pair of blue velvet armchairs, 1965
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pair of blue velvet armchairs, 1965
Condition: Very good - Restored
Materials: Velvet, Wood
Epoque: 1960
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Max Stacker Conference Office Chairs by Steelcase, 1970s
By Steelcase
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Max Max-Stacker office conference room chairs by Steelcase in iconic orange
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 30.25 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller High Back Swivel Office Chair Newly Upholstered
By Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller High Back Swivel Office Chair on Casters Newly
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
H 43 in W 23 in D 19 in
Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Office Chair by Sedus, 1960s Switzerland
By Sedus
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
An incredibly fascinating mid century design.
The cut of the armrests, the curved backrest and
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 32.29 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
1960's Mid-Century Modern Monteverdi-Young Style Office Desk Chair
By Knoll, Monteverdi-Young
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern office desk chair for sale. In the manner of Monteverdi Young
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Vintage Black Office Chair by Arne Jacobsen 1950s, Denmark
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid century modern vintage black swivel office chair, which is an early model, designed by Arne
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Plywood
H 32.68 in W 19.29 in D 20.08 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Aluminum Office Desk Chair Ray & Charles Eames 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage office chair or desk chair EA 124 by Charles & Ray Eames, which features
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 38.98 in W 25.01 in D 27.96 in
Mid Century Charles Pollock Style Steelcase Rolling Office Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid Century Charles Pollock Style Steelcase Rolling Office Chair. Measures 24" in width, 24" in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid 20th Century Charles Pollack for Knoll Upholstered Executive Office Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Charles Pollack for Knoll Furniture Upholstered Executive rolling and tilting
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 33 in W 26 in D 27 in
Mid Century Modern Office Chair with arms by Saarinen for Knoll. Circa 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Office Chair with arms by Saarinen for Knoll. Circa 1970s
Feature the
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Twill, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Office Chair 3117 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1960s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Mid-Century Modern desk or office chair model 3117 with the rare four rolls base. Designed by
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid rosewood side or office chairs with a slightly curved back for
Category
Mid-20th Century British British Colonial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
H 34 in W 21 in D 19 in
Mid Century Industrial Office Chair with Swivel Base & Wheels
By Steelcase
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century industrial office chair features steel frame, vintage brown vinyl upholstery
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Office Chair in Metal and Black Leather 1930s Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
furniture and ceramics, education, office and residential buildings, and everything in between.
Giovanni
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 30.71 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Leather Office Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Leather Office Chair
This chair measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 47
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Rare Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Office Swivel Leather Easy Chair, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This office swivel armchair was manufactured in the Germany during the 1960s. The frame is made
Category
Vintage 1960s German Minimalist Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 36.23 in W 33.08 in D 29.53 in
Mid Century Leather Executive Office Chair DS 35 De Sede
By De Sede
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century leather executive office chair DS 35 - De Sede. Very heavy and very comfortable leather
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Office Chair from the 1960s, Mid-century Design, Metal and Skai.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Office chair from the 1960s, mid-century design, metal and skai.
1960s metal and skai office chair
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Desk Office Dining Arm Chair by Kay Korbing for JG Furniture New York
By Kay Korbing
Located in New York, NY
Rare Kay Korbing for JG furniture arm, or desk chair having black leather chicklet style arms
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Contemporary Modern Martin Brattrud Braemar Mid-Back Leather Office Desk Chair
By Martin Brattrud
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Elegant Braemar mid-back leather executive office chair, designed by Brian Graham for Martin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 36 in W 24.25 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Swivel Green Office Chair by Umberto Mascagni, Italy, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
company's output, focusing initially on home furnishings and then on office furniture. Very good vintage
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather
H 32.29 in W 25.6 in D 30.32 in
Mid-Century Danish Swivel Architects Office Chair by Jørgen Rasmussen, 1960s
By Jørgen Rasmussen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Additional information:
Materials: Metal, Wood
Styles: Mid-Century Modern
Country of Origin: Denmark
Design
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 35.43 in W 22.05 in D 1,000,000 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Dimensions. 19 1/2 W ; 18 D ; 30 H
Seat Height. 17.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern chair
Dimensions. 18 W ; 37 H ; 17D.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Countryside, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century upholstered shell office chair
This chair measures
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Centuryr Modern Chair
Dimensions. 22 1/2 W ; 23 1/2 D ; 32 H
Seat Height. 18.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Office Chair in Wood, Steel and Leather, Carlo Fongaro, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Carlo Fongaro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
subtle genius, encapsulates the essence of mid-century modern design—where utility meets artistry
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 15.36 in W 26.38 in D 22.05 in
Mid Century Executive Swivel Office Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Discover the pinnacle of mid-century design with this exquisite Executive Swivel Office Chair by
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 35.5 in W 28.5 in D 28.5 in
Pierre Jeanneret Mid Century Wooden Office Chair in Teak & Rattan Produced 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century dining / office wooden chair in teak and rattan by Pierre Jeanneret produced for
Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Teak
H 31.11 in W 20.08 in D 21.26 in
Mid-century office desk chairs Stol Kamnik Yugoslavia 1980s Set of 2
By Stol Kamnik
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
The pair of very comfortable office swivel chairs created in Yugoslavia in the 1980s in the
Category
Mid-20th Century Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 29.93 in W 26.38 in D 23.63 in
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Padded Fiberglass Teal Swivel Office Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Padded Fiberglass Teal Swivel Office Chair
This swivel office
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Original Mid Century Black Leather Office Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
the Aluminum Group Collection was manufactured in the 2000s. This classic mid century modern office
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage Mid-Century Tufted Green Faux Leather Textile Steelcase 451 Office Chair
By Knoll
Located in Madison, WI
1970's Beautiful Green upholstered bucket seat office or accent chair. in the style of Pollock for
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 32.25 in W 23.5 in D 26.75 in
Mid-century Office Chairs by Stol Kamnik Bauhause Style 1980s Set of 2
By Stol Kamnik
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
A pair of beautiful office chairs by Stol Kamnik were made in the mid-80s in Yugoslavia (designed
Category
Mid-20th Century Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 33.47 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
Knoll Mid-Century Modern Leather Armchair
By Knoll
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s vintage top grain leather revolving office chair by Knoll.
Measures: 27" in width, 23" in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite Aluminum Swag Base Rolling Swivel Desk Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite Aluminum Swag Base Rolling Swivel Desk Chair with Black
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Lucite
1960s EST Modern Office Leather Task Chair Grafton, WI
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s by EST industrial office leather task chair
Grafton, WI
Stamped by maker
Aluminum with new
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Toned Chair.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Leather or Vinyl Seat Covering. Possibly Elliot’s of Newbury , No Makers Mark. Circa 1960s- 1970s. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured.
Dimensions. 19 W ; 20 ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bleu Swivel Desk Chair
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bleu Swivel Desk Chair
Category
20th Century Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Vincent Cafiero Executive Task Desk Office Chair by Knoll No 181 MCM
By Vincent Cafiero
Located in Dayton, OH
Vincent Cafiero Executive Task Chair by Knoll International, c. 1960. Features a minimalist design with original black leather tufted seat over a swivel base with Shepherd casters. ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 40 in W 25.5 in D 30 in
Vtg Jansko Clear Sculpted Lucite Mid-Century Modern Yellow Vinyl Swivel Chair
By Jansko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Jansko clear sculpted Lucite Mid-Century Modern yellow Vinyl swivel chair. Item features a
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
H 27 in W 26.5 in D 19 in
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Chair Office Chair Labofa 1950 Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage desk chair or office chair with swiveling function by Labofa from
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 38.19 in W 22.84 in D 21.66 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Herman Miller Blue Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
This Herman Moller Chair with Black Edging on upholstery. Possibly Leather or Vinyl Seat . Possible Fiber Glass Backing. Makers Mark and Serial Number are on the Bottom. Wear and Tea...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
1960s Italian Modern Office Chair in Faux Leather and Black Iron
Located in Rome, IT
lines and functional aesthetics of mid-century modern design. Attributed to renowned designer Ico Parisi
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Iron
Original Steelcase Office Armchair
By Steelcase
Located in Medina, OH
in today's modern furniture. Take a look at the wood frame, with its Art Deco vibes a curve appeal
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pierre Jeanneret Office Chair
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Soho, London, GB
Office chairs from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh (PJ-SI-28-B).
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak
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Mid Century Modern Office Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic piece of mid century modern office furniture available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of mid century modern office furniture — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. Find 122073 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of mid century modern office furniture now, or shop our selection of 4904 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without an object in our assortment of mid century modern office furniture — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. An option in this array of mid century modern office furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made piece of mid century modern office furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo and Kalmar Lighting are consistently popular.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Office Furniture?
Prices for a piece of mid century modern office furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $982,587, while the average can fetch as much as $2,266.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Questions About Mid Century Modern Office Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
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You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.