Midcentury Modern Furniture Designers
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1950s Danish Modern Model AP18 Sofa by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Danish Modern Model AP18 Sofa by Prolific Mid-Century Furniture Designer Hans Wegner for
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Oak
1970s Metropolitan Furniture Corporation Green Velvet Lounge Chairs
By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan
Located in Dallas, TX
Furniture Corporation (Metro) based in San Francisco. Heumann was an incredible American Mid-Century
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Mel Smilow White Abstract Oil on Canvas Assemblage 1988
By Mel Smilow
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
century furniture designer, had a passion for art before he took over the family business of wholesaling
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Mel Smilow White Abstract Grid Oil on Canvas Assemblage 1988
By Mel Smilow
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Smilow, the famed mid century furniture designer, had a passion for art before he took over the family
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Mid Century Danish Hans Wegner AP 62 AP Stolen Lounge Chair Vintage Retro MCM
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅
Mid Century Danish Hans Wegner AP 62 AP Stolen Lounge Chair Vintage Retro MCM
A high
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Other
H 38.98 in W 30.71 in D 27.56 in
Jens Risom: A Seat at the Table Vicky Lowry
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
furniture designer Jens Risom – an unsung hero of Mid-Century Modern design
Jens Risom, a key figure in
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Mid-Century Modern Books
Materials
Paper
Grete Jalk model 128 lounge chair in teak France & Son Denmark 1960
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Stunning lounge chair model 128 designed by one of the few female mid-century furniture designers
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Pair of "Conseta" Lounge Chairs by Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller, Germany 1960s
By COR
Located in Utrecht, NL
architectural know-how of mid-century furniture designers. While the refined linearity defines the overall
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 27.17 in W 28.94 in D 32.68 in
Ernst Martin Dettinger Set of "6057" Ash Chairs, Germany 1950s
By Ernst Martin Dettinger
Located in Utrecht, NL
craftsmanship and the architectural know-how of mid-century furniture designers, such as Ernst Martin Dettinger
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
-Century furniture designers featuring Jens Risom standing next to the C140 the chair. These superb Model
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
was coined after a July 1961 Playboy article on influential Mid-Century furniture designers featuring
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in
Colorful Mid-Century Modern Designer Club Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
patterning. An interesting Mid-Century Modern design offers comfortable seating while brightening up any
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Designers
Located in New York, NY
furniture, glassware, ceramics and textiles
More than 50 years later, the fascination with mid-century
Category
2010s Chinese Books
Materials
Paper
Danish Mid-Century Modern Adjustable Wall Mirror with Shelf
By International Designers Group
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century teak modern wall mirror vanity.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Brazilian Designer, 1970s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Brazilian Designer, 1970s
Armchair with solid wood legs, made by an
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Restored in Designer Velvet
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa. Custom reupholstered with a designer velvet fabric. Classic
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Produced by an unattributed Brazilian
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Plywood
1970s Mid Century Modern Designer Tall Dresser Highboy
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Designer Tall Dresser/Highboy.
This mid-century modern tall dresser/highboy is
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dresser / Sideboard, Brass, American Designer
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern Dresser / Sideboard, Brass, American Designer
Walnut Mid Cent Dresser or Chest
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Brazilian Designer, 1970s
Center table structured with solid
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Sleek Danish Mid Century Modern Designer Secretary Desk
By Erling Torvits
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Danish Design Danish glossy veneer secretary attributed Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik. This secretary has a hinged leaf that drops down and becomes a sturdy desktop. Inside the...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs designer Melchiorre Bega attributed
By Melchiorre Bega
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Modern side chairs designer Melchiorre Bega attributed in beech wood and leatherette
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
H 30.32 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Mid-Century Brazilian Tea Cart by
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
This beautiful tea cart, manufactured by
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Magazine Rack by Brazilian Designer, 1950s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern wood magazine rack by Unattributed Brazilian Designer.
Made of solid wood and
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Magazine Rack by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern magazine rack by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
This magazine rack is a carefully
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern "Cubo" Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
comfortable sofa carved in a cube.
Zalszupin's work as a designer, entrepreneur, and manager is an example
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Lobby Armchair by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This gorgeous "Lobby" lounge chair is a true masterpiece of mid-century Brazilian design, created
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage China Cabinet Credenza Designer Danish Style
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Vintage China Cabinet Credenza.
Elevate your home decor with this stunning Mid
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Unusual Scandinavian Teak Bentwood Designer Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Niels Eilersen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Scandinavian Bentwood sofa. We just love the bentwood arms and the way the sofa is upholstered with giant square buttons. This piece will need to be reupholstered as the orig...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern American Designer Black Lacquer Cabinets / Nightstands, Brass
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern American designer black lacquer cabinets / nightstands, brass.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass
H 34.25 in W 41.5 in D 19.5 in
Italian Designer Mid-Century Modern Brass Table Lamp, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Iconic midcentury desk lamp with beautiful brass details. Minimalistic design from the 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Pair Mid-Century Modern Slipper/Lounge Chairs, American Designer, Tufted, Suede
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair Mid-Century Modern Slipper/Lounge Chairs, American Designer, Tufted, Suede. Each mid century
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood
H 33 in W 26.5 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Brazilian Designer, Brazil, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, 1960s
Armchair from the
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 29.53 in W 26.38 in D 32.29 in
Mid-Century Modern "Oxford" Lounge Chair by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This is an outstanding lounge chair designed by Jorge Zalszupin during the Brazilian midcentury
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 29.14 in
Italian Designer Mid-Century Modern UFO Table Lamp, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Iconic midcentury desk lamp in pistachio wrinkle paint with brass details. Minimalistic design from
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Iron, Brass
Mid-Century Modern 801 Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
production.
Jorge Zalszupin designed the “801” sofa in the late 1950s for his Brazilian mid-century design
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Rosewood, Fabric
H 29.14 in W 100.01 in D 27.96 in
Mid-Century Modern Cube Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in New York, NY
.
Zalszupin's work as a designer, entrepreneur, and manager is an example of a transition process from the
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
H 25.01 in W 78.75 in D 34.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Cube Armchairs by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
the pieces.
Zalszupin's work as a designer, entrepreneur, and manager is an example of a transition
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
H 25.01 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
Mid-Century Modern Cube Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in New York, NY
.
Zalszupin's work as a designer, entrepreneur, and manager is an example of a transition process from the
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Faux Leather
H 25.01 in W 78.75 in D 34.26 in
Mid-Century Danish Teak Wall Mirror With Shelf, Circa 1960s
By International Designers Group
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Mid-Century Teak Wall Mirror With Shelf, Made by ‘IDG’ International Designers Group, Denmark
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Teak
Super Rare Low Mid-Century Modern Designer Fully Restored Brown Leather Sofa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, super low Mid Century Modern designer
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
H 22.84 in W 92.13 in D 35.04 in
Mid-Century Modern American Designer Sculptural High-Boy Dresser, Chest, Walnut
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern American designer sculptural high-boy dresser, chest, walnut
Measures: 50.5H x
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
H 50.5 in W 44 in D 20 in
American Designer, Mid-Century Modern Tufted Ottomans, Stools, Walnut, Bouclé
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern American Designer Tufted Ottomans, Stools, Footstools Walnut, Bouclé
Pair of
Category
Late 20th Century Footstools
Materials
Textile, Wood
H 18.25 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Springer Style Mid-Century Modern Gunmetal & Brass Designer Modern Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair, Karl Springer style gunmetal and brass candlesticks.
Several identical pairs of candlesticks have been sold with the same attribution.
Category
20th Century More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal, Brass
Striking Mid-Century Modern 'Kf486' Goblet by Finnish Designer Kaj Franck
By Kaj Franck
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A striking art glass goblet by Kaj Franck (1911-1989), who is widely recognized as one of the leading figures in the Finish Design Movement during the years 1940 until the 1980's, an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
Materials
Art Glass, Glass
Mid Century Modern Walnut Designer Lucite Grandfather Clock with Chime MINT!
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Designer Lucite Grandfather Clock with Chime MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...
Materials
Lucite, Walnut
Plywood Mid Century Modern Kone Lounge Chairs by Australian designer Roger McLay
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Kone lounge chairs, designed by Australian industrial designer Roger McLay. The seat is formed
Category
Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Plywood
H 29 in W 29.5 in D 24.5 in
Adjustable Designer Desk Lamp, Industrial Design, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Adjustable designer desk lamp. Industrial design, mid-20th century.
Measures: Height: 43 cm.
Foot
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Designer Umbrella Stand Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
concrete weight is also remaining at the bottom. Reminiscent of great designers such as Aldo Tura
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Club Armchair in the Style of British Designer Robin Day
By Robin Day
Located in Markington, GB
Mid-Century Modern club armchair in the style of British Designer Robin Day
Original Dutch 1960
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
H 29.93 in W 28.35 in D 23.63 in
Italian Designer, Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights, Brass, Metal Shades, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Italian Designer Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights, Flower Sconces, Brass, 1940s
Set of two patinated
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 19 in W 14 in D 9.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Magazine Racks by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Magazine Racks by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
This unique pair of
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood
H 14.18 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
Iconic Mid Century Modern Gregory Van Pelt Cardboard Table Lamp. Designer Decor
By Gregory Van Pelt
Located in Peoria, AZ
MINTY & RARE!
MID CENTURY MODERN
GREGORY VAN PELT
CORRUGATED BOARD
TABLE LAMP!
AN EXQUISITE
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Wood, Paper
H 28 in W 18 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Wall-Mounted Buffet by Brazilian Designer Giuseppe Scapinelli
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Very rare Mid-Century Modern wall-mounted buffet by Brazilian Designer Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Metal
H 31.11 in W 78.75 in D 18.12 in
Danish Designer, Mid-Century Modern, Small Coffee Table, Brown Slat Bench, 1970s
By Herman Miller
Located in Manhasset, NY
This Herman Miller style, Danish coffee table is the perfect Mid-Century piece to bring into your
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
H 23 in W 39.5 in D 23 in
Modern Designer Studio Crafted Rocking Chair Rocker Mid-Century Style
Located in Wayne, NJ
Studio crafted rocking chair rocker. At the front the seat height is 19 1/4". At it's lowest point, towards the back it is 10 1/8". This is made of tropical and exotic woods. This ha...
Category
Vintage 1980s Mexican Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Wood
Brass Armchair and Table, Circa 1970, Designer Furniture.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Brass armchair and table, circa 1970, designer furniture.
Armchair and integrated table in brass
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
1960s Designer John Stuart Dining Table in Mid Century Modern With Two Leaves
By John Stuart
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage John Stuart Dining Table in Mid-Century Modern Style with Two Leaves.
Elevate your dining
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
H 29 in W 66 in D 41 in
Mid Century Modern Chrome and Wood Telescopic Floor Lamp A great designer piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Modern Chrome and Wood Telescopic Floor Lamp
A great designer piece in chrome and dark
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
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Midcentury Modern Furniture Designers For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of midcentury modern furniture designers for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique midcentury modern furniture designers was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. We have 720 antique and vintage midcentury modern furniture designers in-stock, while there are 18 modern editions to choose from as well. Midcentury modern furniture designers have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Midcentury modern furniture designers bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Folly Cove Designers, Katie Larmour Design and Siemon & Salazar each produced beautiful midcentury modern furniture designers that are worth considering.
How Much are Midcentury Modern Furniture Designers?
The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,583, while they’re typically $177 on the low end and $49,000 highest priced.
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 Midcentury Modern Furniture Designers
- What is modern furniture design?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Modern furniture design is an overarching term for the new approach that designers began taking in the early 20th century. Many experts cite the Bauhaus movement as the start of the modern era. Its style was defined by the instructors and students at a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. In Bauhaus-style furniture, the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials. As the Bauhaus movement was emerging, so too was Art Deco. This iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked; they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture. After World War II, modern design continued with the mid-century modern movement. The style 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. Historians typically say that the modern approach to furniture design ended in the mid-1960s or early 1970s. Pieces made after that time may be called postmodern or contemporary. Shop a large collection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Marcel Breuer introduced the material of tubular steel to modern furniture design. He employed it in many of his chairs, tables and sofas, prizing the material because it minimized the weight of pieces without sacrificing their strength. Shop a range of Marcel Breuer furniture on 1stDibs.
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