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.
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano wall lights - 12 "rondini" green glass
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in the manner of Mazzega. Wall lights have 6 glass petals "rondini" (green) in a chrome frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 13,40 in...
Art Glass
$1,072Sale Price / set|43% Off
Mazzega Wall Sconce PAIR Bicolore Murano Glass, Italian Design, 1970
Exceptional wall lighting large bicolore glass Murano with structure . The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design . This unique mazzega wa...
Murano Glass
$2,600 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A distinctive and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a sculptural composition in brass with contrasting material details. Each sconce features tw...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and elegantly structured Italian chandelier from the 1950s, defined by a clean geometric composition in brass paired with opaline glass shades. The chandelier features a c...
Metal, Brass
Jean Rispal style. Mid-Century Modern rhodoid floor lamp, France, 1970s
By Jean Rispal, Estiluz Lighting, Mathieu Matégot, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century Modern style floor lamp in the style of Jean Rispal's designs for Maison Rispal. Silver chrome metal structure with a cast iron black lacquered base. Space Age style lamp...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
Louis Sognot. Mid-Century Modern cane & rattan pendant lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Louis Sognot, Tito Agnoli, Franco Albini
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Re-wired for US/EU standards. French Riviera style pendant lamp by Louis Sognot, Italy, 1960s. Made of manila cane and rattan, with an inner diffuser in beige plastic. Safari, Spac...
Cane, Rattan
Italian Mid-Century Set of Five Amber Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous and stunning Set of Five Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 light so...
Metal, Brass
Rare Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp, coated aluminum and brass, brass, marble, Italy, design circa 1954 An exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by the acclaimed lighting des...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
Sergio Mazza for Artemide Rare Chandelier in Glass and Nickel-Plated Brass
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, rare chandelier, nickel-plated brass, lacquered metal, crystal glass, Italy, 1960s An exceptionally rare design by the acclaimed Italian architect and vis...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
$2,203 / set
Pair of cocoon sconces with pine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Cocoon wall sconces, designed and crafted in Italy during the 1970s, epitomizes Italian design innovation. Hand-applied resin over a metal structure creates a captivating coc...
Pine
Modern MCM Style 5 Arms Oversize Scoop Chandelier in Raw Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold oversize scoop chandelier handmade with prime quality material and rigorous craftmanship. Light bounce inside the brass scoop giving out a warm cosy light in any given spac...
Brass
$2,956Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 4 Arms 5 Shade Counter Balance Brass Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Elegant minimalist chandelier with 4 counter balance rotating arm that pivot 180 degree with tiltable shade . Light bounce on ceiling creating an ambient mood and lights up a ...
Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Ivory Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo-Style Brass & Black Wall Lights with Adjustable Shades
By Stilnovo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stilnovo‑Style Brass & Black Lacquer Wall Lights - Adjustable Mid‑Century Modern Sconces A refined pair of wall lights inspired by the clean geometry and functional elegance of m...
Metal, Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined and subtly playful pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a clean and understated composition in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a slender, ...
Brass
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a graceful and sculptural composition entirely in brass and opaline glass. Each sconce is structured around a...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Arthur Jacobs Model-1695 Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Arthur Jacobs Manufacturer Modeline Dimensions 33.25in H x 7.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 24in H x 10in W ________________________________________ Transforming a piece o...
Brass
Rare Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce '2041' Chandelier in Brass and Beige Shades
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, rare chandelier, model '2041', lacquered aluminum, brass, Italy, design 1948 An uncommon opportunity to encounter the present chandelier (model 2041), a...
Aluminum, Brass
Midcentury Pair of Clear "Rugiodoso" Leaf Sconces attributed Barovier & Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Incredible mid century Murano crystal glass leaf wall sconce with brass fixture. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy attributed to Barovier & Toso during the 1950s. Each s...
Metal
$920Sale Price|35% Off
Large Spanish Crown Sunburst fixture in Gilt Metal curve Glass , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass We have in stock few colors of Glass ! greeen ; white ; orange ; , Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pend...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
1950s Italian Brass and Black Lacquered Metal Chandelier with Opaline Glass Shad
Located in Rome, IT
Italian chandelier from the 1950s, attributed to Stilnovo, characterized by a dynamic and geometric composition combining brass, black lacquered metal, and opaline glass. The struct...
Metal, Brass
Rare 1970s Italian Hand-Sewn Celadon Green Suede Pendant Lamp Sculptural Flower
Located in Hannover, DE
This exceptional pendant lamp, crafted in Italy in the 1970s, embodies masterful craftsmanship and timeless elegance. The shade is meticulously hand-sewn from delicate light celadon-...
Alabaster
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Antique Holophane Prismatic Glass Church Kitchen Island Brass Wall Sconce Light
By Holophane
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Reclaimed Glass Holophane Wall Light – K An antique frilly glass prismatic pendant light shade retaining its original brass wall bracket, which has some great age, painta an...
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Murano Chandelier Original Palmette, Pink Glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 58 Murano pink glasses in a gold metal frame. The chandelier has also a Murano glass ball in the end of t...
Art Glass
Pair of vintage Murano trasparent Felci wall sconces
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano trasparent Six-Tier Felci for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late xx century Dimensions: 18,50 inches he...
Art Glass
Green glazed ceramic lamp, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included. A US adapter is provided. An elegant vintage French ceramic lamp from the 1960s, characterized by a vase-shaped base with soft, balanced lines. Its nuanced green glaze, punctuated with speckled patterns, offers a rich and vibrant texture that subtly captures the light. The contrast between the glossy base and the light fabric shade gives the lamp a warm and timeless aesthetic. Perfect as an accent lamp on a console table, bedside table, or sideboard, it brings an authentic, handcrafted touch to any interior. Features Period: 1960s Origin: France Material: Glazed ceramic Color: Variegated green with a speckled effect Shade: Light fabric (likely replaced or original) Use: Table lamp / Accent lamp Condition: Good vintage condition with slight signs of age Style Vintage Mid-century French ceramic 1960s design Keywords vintage ceramic lamp green glazed lamp mid-century table lamp 1960s lighting french ceramic lamp vintage lighting decor green pottery lamp mid-century modern lamp vintage green ceramic lamp...
Ceramic
Three-Tier Murano Glass Tube Chandelier, 48 Pink Glasses
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 48 large pink glass tubes. The glasses have a beautiful color, object...
Blown Glass
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Artichoke Pendent By Sven Åge Holm Sørensen
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Svend Aage Holm Sørensen pendant chandelier, model 6435 (Holm Sørensen & Co.)—often referred to as the “Artichoke.” This striking Brutalis...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a refined and sculptural silhouette. Each sconce features a gently curved arm in brass with a darkened patina, ...
Brass
Model PH5 Pendant Light By Louis Poulson Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model PH5 Pendant Light By Louis Poulson Circa 1960s - Price is per light (3 available) - Comes with 120cm of cable - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - White with blue and red details - Mad...
Aluminum
Expertly Restored - Laurel Floor Lamp w/ Removable Magazine Holder & Tray Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 53.50in H x 18in W x 18in D Shade: 13.25in H x 17in W x 17in D Table Height: 20.50in
Linen, Wood, Walnut
French White Mat Opaline Glass Brass Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French brass wall lamp White mat opaline glass. Brass wall piece and arm diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm / 3.93” 3 holes to secure E14 Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb E14 bulb holder....
Brass
1950s Italian Curved Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a light and organic composition that combines brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a circular brass wall pl...
Brass
$19,400 / set
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Rare Pair of Table Lamps
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, pair of table lamps, model '12398', enameled aluminum, brass, Italy, circa 1952 Arredoluce captures it perfectly: “One of Lelii's many inventions that p...
Aluminum, Brass
ASEA, Chandelier, Brass, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak, brass and white fabric chandelier designed and produced by ASEA, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Enameled Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A sculptural pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, defined by a dynamic and expressive interplay of curved brass, colored metal, and opaline glass. Each sconce features a flu...
Brass
Giant Italian Tole Hot Air Balloon Chandelier, circa 1950s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An amazing, giant, Italian hand - painted hot air balloon chandelier, circa 1950s. Socket: 6 x e14 (Edison) for standard screw bulbs. Diameter: 31.49 inches Height: 61.02 inches Tot...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Set of Three Leaf Murano Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and long Italian Set of Three amber and clear Murano glass wall sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company “Maz...
Metal
beautiful Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant 1970s Murano glass flush mount handcrafted in Italy. The fixture features beautifully textured, hand-blown Murano glass resting on a white lacquered metal base, creating a...
Metal
Cocoon resin. Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Castiglioni, Italy, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, Estiluz Lighting, George Nelson, Friedel Wauer, Achille Castiglioni
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Friedel Wauer’s German designs for Goldkant Luchten, and of the Castiglioni’s creations, Italy, 1960s. Brutalist and Scandinavian vibe with a p...
Metal
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier - 36 amber stain disks
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian Murano chandelier in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 36 fantastic 36 transparent discs with a central amber spot in a bronze painted metal frame. Period: late XX century D...
Art Glass
Table Lamp Toucan By H.T.Huang
By H.T. Huang
Located in Čelinac, BA
Toucan Table Lamp By H.T.Huang for Brilum
Plastic
Exceptionally Large Mid-Century Modern Tiered Glass Chandeliers 220 cm/86 in
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandeliers, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These chandeliers carry the unmistakable presence of mid-century modern design, where grandeur and discipline meet in perfect balance. Their...
Brass
Mid-Century 3-Tier Hand-Blown Murano Green Glass Fiamme Chandelier by Mazzega
By Mazzega
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Mid-Century Modernist three-tier chandelier, designed and crafted by the renowned glassmakers Mazzega, is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1960s. Featuring...
Chrome
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce ‘Televisione’ Floor Lamp in Brass and Aluminum
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, floor lamp ‘Televisione’, model '12627', polished brass, lacquered aluminum and steel, Italy, circa 1956 This 'Televisione' floor lamp, designed by Ang...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier, 78 Alabaster Pink Glasses
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large albaster pink glass tubes in a star shape. Peri...
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Brass and Red Lacquered Chandelier with Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century pendant chandelier from the 1950s, characterized by a light and geometric structure that combines slender brass rods with red lacquered metal elements. The fixtur...
Metal, Brass
Two Opalescent Blue & Gold Murano Glass Lantern attr. to Barovier Toso, 1950s
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Two Italian Mid-Century Lanterns Attributed to Barovier & Toso, Murano, Circa 1950 Italian lantern, attributed to Barovier & Toso, Murano, circa 1950. Hand-blown opalescent blue gla...
Brass
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme, Max Ingrand, Bakalowits & Söhne
Located in München, DE
Beautiful frosted glass wall lamps from the 1960s. The frosted glass creates a very pleasant lighting effect, spreading an elegant, sparkling play of light throughout the room. Wonde...
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Wall Sconces in Brass, Black Lacquer and Opaline glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s defined by a refined mid-century composition combining brass, black lacquered metal, and opaline glass. Each fixture is structured around ...
Brass
Pair of Cenedese Murano Glass Mushroom Table Lamps, Green with Silver Inclusion
Located in Villaverla, IT
Pair of Cenedese Murano glass mushroom table lamps in green with silver inclusions. These Italian Mid-century Modern lamps feature a shimmering, hand-blown finish. This striking pai...
Silver, Silver Leaf
1950s Italian Brass and Multicolor Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Italian mid-century chandelier from the 1950s defined by a playful and sculptural composition combining brass and multicolored glass elements. The structure is entirely made of brass...
Metal, Brass
1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces with Light Green Details
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s characterized by a compact and well-balanced mid-century design. Each fixture features a circular brass wall plate measuring 10 cm in diam...
Metal, Brass
Fantastic Murano Glass Tube Chandelier, 36 Clear Amber Glass Tube
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 36 large clear amber glass tubes in a star shape. Period: late XX cen...
Blown Glass
$1,191Sale Price|50% Off
Fratelli Toso glass murano wall lighting with chrome structure , Italy 1970
Located in La xara, VC
Fratelli Toso lighting appeals to collectors for its authentic Murano glass craftsmanship from a historic Venetian factory founded in 1854. Their pieces offer timeless elegance, innovative designs, and strong collectible value, especially in Art Deco and mid-century styles matching your interests. Handmade Murano glass ensures superior light diffusion with stunning effects from multicolored or iridescent finishes, as seen in millefiori lamps...
Chrome
Cute Petite Ceramic Shade Pendant Light, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite ceramic pendant light. Made in Italy, circa 1960s by a ceramic Company. The combination of the brass, white cord and a cream colored ceramic shade makes the pendant lamp a gem...
Brass
Gigantic Tronchi Chandelier by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, 1960s
By Toni Zuccheri, Paolo Venini
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Gigantic ceiling lamp from Venini & Co. A total of 85 Tronchi glass elements - 71 of which are very large, hand-blown Tronchi glass tubes (30 x 7 cm); these are arranged in 3 rows. I...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
A refined pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, characterized by a clean and well-balanced composition combining brass and opaline glass. Each sconce features a circular brass...
Metal, Brass
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.