Mid-Century American Collection
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Collection (UNITED STATES, ca. 1933–65)
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the pieces on 1stDibs demonstrate, the mid-century modern American period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Floral Print Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa of English inspiration, retaining the original dark olive, coral, brown and beige mock-Asian floral print linen upholstery, on straight dark walnut legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully long, low and deep upholstered sofa having a floating back and an organic sculptural walnut sled base with a floating frontal stretcher. Reupholstery is recommended.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Desk Clock, George Nelson & Associates, 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Amarillo, TX
George Nelson & Associates
table clock.
Howard Miller Clock Company,
USA.
Rosewood, steel.
Measures: 4.25 W x 3 D x 5.5 H inches.
Signed with decal manufacturer's label t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Manufacturing
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery
Storage Bench by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A powder blue bench with hinged seat cushion in original stripped upholstery. Interior storage. Includes matching petite pillow.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
X Chair by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An "X" base slat chair with upholstered leather seat and back pillow.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller.
This is the only clock and was never produced.
Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood
Eames Office radio for Emerson
By Charles Eames
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A.
Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Metal
Frank Lloyd Wright Chair from Price Tower, 1956
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Amarillo, TX
Frank Lloyd Wright.
Chair from Price Tower, Bartlesville, Oklahoma,
USA , 1956.
Aluminum, upholstery, plywood, rubber.
24 D x 35 H inches.
Early...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Aluminum
Square Raffia Mirror by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square mahogany wall mirror with a woven raffia boarder.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany, Glass, Raffia
Fabulous Restored Pair of Cane Back Armchairs in the Style of Robsjohn--Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent club chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely Installation Read...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Roger Sprunger Jack Larsen Dunbar Guest Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Guest Arm Chairs
A pair of Mid-Century Modern arm chairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Ebonized wooden frames with X stretchers. Original ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Modernist sideboard cabinet unique bronze hardware by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut server with central compartment having a removable glass-bottom serving tray & one adjustable shelf, flanked by two banks of four drawers over one long drawer all with brass...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
Set of 4 Vintage Eames Chairs by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Vintage Eames Chairs by Herman Miller. All original, not a recent edition. Stamped under.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Acrylic
James Mont Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oriental Carved bamboo two door cabinet with a light up top.
Original silver leaf on the bamboo,original open grain ceruse finish over oak.
With Four adjustable shelves
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood
Oceana Series Bowl by Russel Wright for Klise Wood Works, 1931
By Russel Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A long rare hand-carved wood bowl with an indented rim, from the "Oceana" series.
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Maple
George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Marshmallow sofa, model 5670
Manufactured by Herman Miller
A great example of an iconic form.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel
Warren Platner Custom Wall Sconce
By Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren Platner Associates architects: Wall sconce. Custom for important commission. Features lift-up. Mirrored polished brass shield with four steel louvers.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass, Steel
Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Wishbone' Armchair
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wood armchair w/original leather webbing, signed
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Wood, Leather
A Drop-Leaf Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany drop-leaf table with ebonized gate-leg base. Measures: Console table depth of 16.5" deep when closed.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A drop-leaf console table opens to seat, six (6) for dining. Set complete with two banquette chairs and four side chairs.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Ash Aniline Red DCM Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare aniline dyed red ash DCM chair with satin chrome frame. By Herman Miller with original foil tag.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Tambour Door Storage Console with Drawer by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Swivel Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An upholstered swiveling lounge chair in leather with a tilt mechanism on a metal disc base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Headboard with Built-in Armrests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Maxwell Royal Settee
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A tall and sculptural settee with tapered wood arms and back, often attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Designed by Maxwell Royal in the 1950's. Hig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
A Pair of Charles Eames LCW's Early Original Examples Evans
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare pair of early production (5x2x5 screw mounts) Charles Eames LCW (lounge chair wood). Original analine black finish in very good condition. Bac...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Ash
World Globe by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate world globe designed by Edward Wormley for Rand McNally, USA, circa 1950. Features a rotating globe mounted on a walnut base with brass capped legs. Marked "Rand McNally...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Pair of Two-Toned Flambe Glazed Hexagonal Balauster Vases
Located in Asheville, NC
This pair hexagonal ceramic vases feature a wonderful multi toned flambe glaze. This traditional Chinese form has been given a midcentury treatment similar to examples from Haeger.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare low Dunbar "Parson's" end table with the original yellow-orange lacquered frame and a black epoxy top with a constellation of random walnut doy inlays.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with a lower shelf and singe drawer on cylindrical dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Magazine Box Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with magazine boxes on the ends.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
A Faceted Table With Inlays By Andrew Szoeke
By Andrew Szoeke
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare eight sided table by Andrew Szoeke. Made of walnut and exotic wood veneer inlays on top forming a sunburst pattern.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Russel Wright Spun Aluminum Informal Serving Accessories
By Russel Wright
Located in Hanover, MA
Eleven Pieces of Russel Wright Spun Aluminum; 10 1/2" Pitcher with Six Martinis, Bun Warmer with bentwood handle swivel lid and original wire basket liner, 10" high and a two tiered tray with bentwood handles and supports, 12 1/2" high. Two lidded waffle/pancake dishes.
Price is for the entire group.
See our separate listing LU886614802111 for the Russell Wright Oceana...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Aluminum
Charles Hollis Jones Revolving Lamp/Magazine Rack
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Water Mill, NY
Rare Charles Hollis Jones Midcentury brass and beveled opaque white Lucite revolving lamp/magazine rack with custom shade.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass
Set of five prints after Norman Rockwell
By Norman Rockwell
Located in NYC, NY
Set of five prints depicting illustrations by the all-American artist, of Scouting interest.
Famed for his Life Magazine covers, Rockwell devoted a large number of his works to Sco...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Coquina Stone Column Table Lamp Attributed to Samuel Marx
By Samuel Marx
Located in North Miami, FL
Wonderful solid natural coquina stone column lamp. Shade is Not included .
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Stone
Milo Baughman For Thayer Coggin Console Sofa Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern console or sofa table designed by Milo Baughman and made by Thayer Coggin. A chrome base with oval gray laminate top.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Drexel Drop-Leaf Precedent Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel's Precedent collection. The drop leaf table measures 50" x 28" when folded and 70" x 50" when fully extended.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Ash
Richard Filipowski Metal Sculpture, "Cube"
By Richard Filipowski
Located in New York, NY
Freestanding cast and hand-collaged sculpture of sulphur bronze and silver by Boston-area artist Richard Filipowski. A densely textured, naturalistic form in the shape of a footed cu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Sterling Silver Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Studio executed solid sterling silver lidded container. Piece has an organic modernist design. Marked on base as pictured.
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Sterling Silver
George Nelson Steel Frame Group Rolling Table / Cart
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and unusual George Nelson for Herman Miller table on rollers from the Steel Frame Group, made by Herman Miller. White lamina...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Pair of Paul McCobb step side tables with drawer from the Predictor Group.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of Paul McCobb Predictor Group end table manufactured by O'Hearn of New England. The Predictor Group was only in production from 1951 to 1954.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Maple
Coffee Table with Faceted Olive Burl Pedestal Base by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table No. 6302G with faceted olive burl pedestal base and thick glass top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1963 (Dunbar metal tag on base).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Glass, Burl
Mr. Chair' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swivelling lounge chair and ottoman for Plycraft having molded walnut shells and bases form fitted with seamless upholstery that is devoid of tufting.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Val Bertoia Double Vertical Spray Sculpture, Steel Wires with Brass Base, 2014
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Val Bertoia's Double Vertical Spray Sculpture made in 2014. This Kinetic sculpture was made by cutting one grouping of stainless-steel wires that were made by Har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Eames LKH-2 Lounge with Girard Upholstery by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific example of the Eames LKH-2 easy chair has a black wire seat, a bikini pad in magenta naugahyde designed by Alexander Girard and a zinc lounge ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Steel
Paul Laszlo Cocktail Table
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Architectural cocktail table by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Dark stained mahogany top floating on two rectangular side supports. Recently refinished and signed on underside.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Paul Laszlo Chair
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Custom designed pull-up chair by Paul Laszlo. Dark stained mahogany frame, with recessed grip detail on the back. Upholstered with wide ribbed teal fabric on seat and back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Donald Deskey Fireplace Set
By Donald Deskey, Bennett Co.
Located in New York, NY
Seven piece fireplace set by Donald Deskey for Bennett. Black iron and polished brass set. Includes fire screen, andirons, fire tools and stand. Andir...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Early Jens Risom Side Chair for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed for Knoll by Jens Risom in 1943. Basket-woven parachute straps.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Birch, Canvas
American Post War Chrome Abstract Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design "Atomic" table lamp with a swirl chrome design supporting 4 sphere shaped lights and resting on a square ebonized cube base.
Condition consistent with age
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Chrome
Mahogany and Brass Table by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Inlaid brass edged coffee and end table model no. 7012 in mahogany with three drawers by Paul McCobb, American, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Elegant Coffee Coffee Table in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 1940s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Square two-tier coffee table in walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, 1940s (label on bottom). This beautiful clean line coffee table would add to any interior.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Walnut
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503.
Features five drawers one for files.
Modesty pane...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid-Century American Collection
Materials
Metal
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