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.
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
1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Italian chandelier from the 1950s defined by a refined and architectural composition combining brass, green lacquered metal, and opaline glass. The structure develops vertically fro...
Metal, 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
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
French Mid-Century Opaline Glass Pendant Light, Brass Fitting
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French white opaline glass pendant lights with clear green glass edge 2 meter black cotton flex Weight 0.60 kg / 1.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitabl...
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
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 This exceptional high-quality sofa, designed by De Sede in the 1970s, is composed of two regular elements, one c...
Leather
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
De Sede ‘DS-22’ Modular Sofa in Caramel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘DS-22’ Modular sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1980s This high quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1980s contains three corner element and three regular element...
Leather
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
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
$712Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Gorgeous Sky Blue and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade. Made
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous sky blue and white chess set in Volterra alabaster handmade. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. This chess set is stunning a true piece of modern ar...
Alabaster
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass L484
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s characterized by a compact and balanced mid-century design. Each fixture is composed of a round brass wall plate measuring 10 cm in diamet...
Brass
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
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
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili Cabinet in Mahogany & Grasscloth
By Angelo Mangiarotti, La Sorgente del Mobile
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente dei Mobili, cabinet, mahogany, grasscloth, Italy, 1960s This outstanding sideboard, dating back to the 1960s, is a design by Angelo Mangiarotti produ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
beautiful Cute Brass Monkey Sculpture Figure Statue Metal, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking brass metal sculpture was most likely produced in Italy during the 1980s. Crafted from blackened brass, the piece reflects the clean lines and sculptural presence assoc...
Brass
Swedish Kilim Flatweave Rug, Attr. to Anna‑Johanna Ångström - Dekolet Collection
Located in Bochum, NRW
Mid‑Century Swedish Röllakan Flatweave, Attributed to Anna‑Johanna Ångström - 170 × 230 cm A beautifully balanced vintage Swedish Röllakan flatweave from the mid‑20th century, this p...
Wool
Large MCM Orange Lucite Grape Cluster
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century lucite grape cluster. Spherical lucite grapes are held together by metal wires in varying shades of orange. Fastened on a natural wood stem with green plastic lea...
Plastic, Lucite, Wood
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century French Majolica Dodo Tureen Michel Caugant. The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius, an island east of Madagascar in the ...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp After Isamu Noguchi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp After Isamu Noguchi By unknown manufacturer, circa 1990. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Paper
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
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 80 glasses - smoked glass tube
By Mazzega
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 80 large smoked glass tube. Weight about 60 kg. Period: ...
Blown Glass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser by Harmony House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass
George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Plaster Faux Bois Tree Floor Lamp
By Diego Giacometti, John Dickinson
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid Century Modern faux bois tree-form floor lamp in the style of John Dickenson and Giacometti. This organic sculptural branch and leaf lamp features a cream tone textural plaster ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Silk Wall-Lamp with a Pulley Shanghai, Re Edtion
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Extraordinary wall-lamp with a pulley, measures up to the clients request. Comes as well with no pulley. Different kind of shades are available Most components according to the UL ...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with opaline glass diffusers. The design is simple and well balanced, combining a gently curved brass arm with a softly ...
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Brutalist Chevron Oak Cabinet, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This exceptional Danish modern brutalist cabinet, dating from the 1960s, is in the style of renowned designer Henning Kjærnulf. This oak piece features his signature geometric, relie...
Oak
Pair of Vintage Murano Wall Sconce, 9 Multicolored Triedri
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 9 Murano multicolored crystal prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 12...
Art Glass
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 26 pink glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 26 glass petals (pink and white “lattimo”) in a nickel plated metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 47,250 inches (120 cm) height...
Art Glass
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy This striking side table by the iconic Italian designer Piero Fornasetti dates to the 1970s and featur...
Metal
$39,500
Monumental Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Oak with Diamond Shaped Colored Panels (560cm/220in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large wall unit/shelve unit, oak, lacquer, Italy, 1950s It is rare to encounter a piece as striking and monumental as this Italian wall unit from the 1950s. With an impressive width...
Oak, Lacquer
Charles Flandre Naturalistic Dining Table in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, dining table, solid elm, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this solid elm dining table reflects a careful balance between rustic strengt...
Elm
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
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet in the Style of Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, metal, chrome, suede, glass, brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in the style of Willy Rizzo. This striking set includes a counter element and an illumi...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Rare and Large Martin Eisler Sideboard for Forma in Brazilian Walnut and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Eisler for Forma, sideboard, Brazilian walnut, glass, brass, cane, leather, Brazil, 1950s Rare Brazilian sideboard by Martin Eisler for Forma. This refined piece is composed ...
Brass
Mid-Century Dutch Dining Table in Oak with Cross-Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, the Netherlands, 1960s This elegant dining table from the 1960s Netherlands is a beautiful example of refined mid-century design. Crafted in solid oak, the piece ...
Oak
Ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — France, circa 1970, era Ruelland, Jouve
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Pink ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel — Atelier des Cyclades, France, circa 1970 - Era Ruelland Elegant ceramic table lamp by French ceramist Roland Zobel, from the Atelier des C...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Brass and Opal Glass Pendant Lamp, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This Italian pendant lamp from the 1960s is a refined example of mid-century lighting, combining brass, opal glass, and strong geometric form with notable elegance. Its composition i...
Metal, Brass
Three-Tier Murano Glass Tube Chandelier - 48 green GLASSES - Mid-century modern
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 48 large green glass tubes in a star shape. The glasses have a beauti...
Blown Glass
Roger Capron, "Shogun" coffee table, signed, 1960 , France
By Roger Capron
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Roger Capron "Shogun" Coffee Table, 1960s French Design, Ceramic & Wood, Japandi Style Description: This iconic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, created in France during ...
Ceramic, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Lounge Chair in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison lounge chair, grey/lightbrown fabric, oak, France, 1960s This lounge chair by Guillerme & Chambron, designed in the 1960s, is a beautif...
Fabric, Oak
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Walnut Neoclassical Pierced Accent Twin Size Pineapple Post Bed
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid Century walnut twin size bed featuring Neoclassical styling with floral and ribbon crested headboard, brass pineapple posts, and fluted columns with tapered legs and large castor...
Walnut
Marco Zanuso for Arflex Pair of ‘Square’ Lounge Chairs in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, pair of ‘Square’ lounge chairs, leather, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric pair of club chairs by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a solid con...
Metal
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Extension Table from the 1960's. Simple lines with tapered legs and 2 extensions which greatly elongates the size. Inlaid border around top sur...
Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ralph Lauren Geometric Modern Round Ash Lauren Studio Dining Breakfast Table 68"
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Dayton, OH
Ralph Lauren Lauren Studio Table Features a round ash top over a geometric modernist base. Great for use in a game room or dining / breakfast nook. Includes Glass top. Dimensio...
Ash
Large Rectangular Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Mixed Hardwood Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large & impressive rectangular coffee table from Brazil. Solid wood top consisting of mixed hardwoods shoeing their natural organic form. Extremely heavy & well made.
Wood
George Nakashima Inspired Set of Four Conoid Style Dining Chairs Mixed Hardwoods
Located in Philadelphia, PA
For your consideration, a wonderful set of six, George Nakashima Inspired, Conoid Style dining chairs, likely from the late 70s or early 80s. These chairs are made with mixed hardwoo...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Sconces Wall Lamps by WILA, Metal Base with Clear Glass, 1960-1970
By WILA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with clear glass. 1960-1970 2x E27 / E26 Weight: 3.00 kg / 6.6 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by in...
Metal
greek vintage VASE by nikos dazelidis, 1960s/70s, signed, space age
Located in Mannheim, DE
Vintage Space Age ceramic vase by the Greek ceramic artist Nikos Dazelidis. 1960s to 1970s. Sculptural form with a hole, matte rough surface. Signed on the bottom. Very good conditi...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern German Alunda Cocoon Floor Lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century modern Cocoon floor lamp by Goldkant Leuchten with a distinctive shade pattern. The drum-shaped lampshade is mounted on a slender metal shaft and can be adjusted in...
Metal
Mid-Century Light Amber Glass Sconce Flush Mounts
By WILA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp. Metal base with light amber clear glass. 1960-1970 Weight: 2.00 kg / 4.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inte...
Metal
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
1960s American of Martinsville MCM Chest of Drawers. Features a walnut frame with bifold doors that open to three dovetailed drawers over two larger lower drawers. Drawers open via...
Brass
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi Set of Four Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, set of four dining chairs model ‘Sapporo’, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s A stunning set of dining chairs designed by Mario Marenco in the 1970s, craft...
Leather, Walnut
Maison Regain Daybed in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, daybed, solid elm, fabric, France, 1980s. A Maison Regain daybed, whose structure is composed primarily of solid elm, imparts a sense of warmth and organic texture to...
Fabric, Elm
Fine Venetian Murano Pendant Light Mouth Blown Blue Color Smoked Glass in Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful Sapphire color and practical size Italian fixture with mouth blown glass in a metal frame. If you are looking for a rare and stylish Murano light fixture to grace your ho...
Iron
Vintage Japanese Handmade Abacus – Circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
This exquisite handmade Japanese abacus, crafted circa 1940, is a stunning representation of traditional craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Known as a "soroban" in Japan, thi...
Wood
Pair of mid century modern Esprit nightstands by Dillingham, circa 1960
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of walnut « Esprit » nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, circa 1960. These bedside tables feature an ebonized wood detail and an elegant pullout drawer.
Walnut
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Walnut and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, walnut, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made ...
Brass