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.
$1,361Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Cast Iron Andirons representing an Italian Woman
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of cast iron. These represent a woman and bearing the word "Italienne". This is a French work. Circa 1950
Iron
$2,676Sale Price|20% Off
Important Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This important pair of modernist andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. These firedogs are particularly tall. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,629Sale Price|20% Off
Glass Fireplace Screen with Bronze Hinges
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This fireplace screen is made of 3 glass panels with bronze hinges. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Bronze
$2,157Sale Price|35% Off
Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons by Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work by Raymond Subes. Circa 1940
Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,268Sale Price|20% Off
Rattan Logs Holder
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice logs holder is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Rattan
Matthieu Mategot Style Period Firescreen, France, c. 1950's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mategot Fire Screen Metal, Iron 18.5 by 46 by 12 in. In 3 Parts
Iron
Mid Century Modern Danny Alessandro Brass and Enamel Fireplace Tools
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Spectacular mid century fireplace tools by Danny Alessandro. Brass with black enamel handles. Clean and classic design. Set includes, stand with recessed slots to hold tools, poker, ...
Brass, Enamel
Modernist Wall Mount Fireplace Attributed to Seymor
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find wall mount fireplace tool set with black shafts, and hardware, and brushed steel handles. Set includes three tools, and the original ...
Steel, Iron
$388Sale Price / set|49% Off
American Mid Century Atomic Age Patinated Brass Wall Mounted Fireplace Tools Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and rare set of fireplace tools nicely patinated brass finish, wall mounted hard to find set 1950's Atomic mid-century age.
Brass, Iron
Chrome and Lucite Fireplace Tool Set
Located in New York, NY
Stylish chrome and Lucite fireplace tool set, consisting of brush, poker, shovel, and stand. Original, clean, ready to use condition.
Chrome
$2,676Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of wrought iron andirons with Snakes in the style of Edgar Brandt
By Edgar Brandt
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of very nice and ineteresting andirons are made of wrought iron. This is the "Snakes" model. This is a French Work in the style of Edgar Brandt. Circa 1920
Wrought Iron
Deskey Wall Mount Fireplace Tool Set
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find wall mount version Donald Deskey fireplace tool set. Wrought iron tools, with brass knife blade handles.
Brass, Wrought Iron
$2,301Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Brass Andirons in the Style of Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This interesting pair of design andirons is made of brass and wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of famous designer Raymond. Subes. Circa 1970
Brass, Wrought Iron
$2,113Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual pair of andirons is made of wrought iron and brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Brass, Iron
Pair of Arts & Crafts Modern Chrome Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
A very modern take on a pair of hand forged Andirons that are chrome over iron. Tall sleek and elegant. Signed Cahill?
Chrome, Iron
$1,850
Cast Iron Coal Box
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern cast iron coal box chimney pot. Very nice piece!
$2,770Sale Price|20% Off
Design Tempered Glass and Brass Fireplace Stand with Brushed Aluminium Tools
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant design fireplace stand is made of tempered glass and brass with brushed aluminium tools. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Chrome
Danny Alessandro Fireplace Tools
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Danny Alessandro fireplace tools.
Metal
$2,301Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of modernist cast iron and wrought iron andirons. French work. Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of modernist andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,066Sale Price|28% Off
Pair of Fleurs de Lys Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of Fleurs de Lys andirons are made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,301Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of modernist andirons is made of hammered wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
$2,301Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Brass Andirons in the Style of Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This elegant pair of design andirosn is made of brass and wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of Raymond Subes. Circa 1940
Brass, Wrought Iron
$1,643Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Cast Iron and Wrought Ironandirons, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1940.
Wrought Iron, Iron
Antique Handy Shovel Ash Coal Fireplace Scoop Vintage Tool in Aluminum
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Vintage Handy Shovel ash coal fireplace scoop tool accessory aluminum 4 tall x 6 d x 16.75 Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Wear to fini...
Aluminum
$2,113Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Flat Key Andirons, French, Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of flat key andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Wrought Iron, Iron
$1,717Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Wrought Iron Belt Andirons, French Work, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of unusual belt andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,301Sale Price|20% Off
Black and White Lacquered Design Fire Place Tools on Stand, French, Circa 1980
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design fire place tools on stand are made of black and white lacquered metal. This is a French work, circa 1980.
Metal
Four Piece Mel Bogart Wall Mounted Fireplace Tools
By Felmore, Mel Bogart
Located in Ferndale, MI
Rare four piece set of Mel Bogart wall mounted fire place tools. Square stock wrought iron tools with brass disc accent. Tools mount into ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$1,937Sale Price / set|32% Off
Pair of Brass Andirons in the Style of Raymond Subes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of brass and wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of famous French designer Raymond Subes. Circa 1940.
Brass, Iron
$2,066Sale Price|28% Off
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Belt Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons representing a belt is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950.
Wrought Iron
$2,113Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Design Brushed Steel and Iron Andirons, Signed, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Jean-Paul Créations. This pair of design andirons are made of brushed steel and iron. They are French, signed by Jean-Paul Créations, circa 1970.
Iron, Steel
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Modernist Fireplace Tools with White Enamel Handles by Pilgrim
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of modernist fireplace tools with white enamel handles by Pilgrim, circa 1960s. There are three tools (shovel, brush and poker) and a single stand in good vintage condition. The ...
Enamel, Iron
Vintage Bronze Fireplace Set: Brush, Shovel, Tongs, Poker
Located in Bastogne, BE
This exquisite vintage bronze fireplace set is a charming addition to any traditional or eclectic home. This four-piece set exudes timeless elegance. The set includes a brush, shove...
Bronze
Modernist Cast Iron Fireback Representing a Stylized Nude Woman Signed Quellier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This modernist cast iron fireback displays a nude woman with a scythe and ears of wheat. This piece is stamped and signed M Quellier? This is a French work, circa 1950.
Iron
Modern Polished Nickel & Glass Fire Screen by Old Plank Made to Order
Located in Highwood, IL
Brought to us by a local interior design house with whom we work quite often, they commissioned our Old Plank in-house artisans to fabricate this fabulous Mid-Century Modern Fire Screen. Constructed of clear tempered glass and accented with solid nickel trim, this exquisite Fire Screen will easily last a lifetime. A free-standing 3 panel screen...
Brass, Nickel
$2,113Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design Chrome Fire Place Tools on Stand, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This fire place tools on stand is made of brass and lacquered iron. It has a nice design, very simple. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Chrome, Iron
Black Lacquered and Chrome Design Fireplace Tools on Stand, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant design fireplace tools on stand is made of black lacquered and chrome. This is a French work. Circa 1970 Additional Information: Material: Chrome Period: ...
Chrome
$6,000 / set
Danny Alessandro Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Danny Alessandro fireplace tool set. Log holder: 17" D x 4.5" W x 16" H.
Metal
"Sailboats" Modernist Cast Iron Fireback, Signed, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
"Sailboats" modernist cast iron fireback. French work signed Menemus by foundery Stern. Circa 1970 Additional Information: Material: Cast Iron Period: Circa 1970 Dimensions: W: 19.2...
Iron
Danny Alessandro Albrizzi Vintage Modernist Lucite & Chrome Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Danny Alessandro Albrizzi Modernist Lucite & Chrome Mid Century Modern Fireplace Tool Set. Item features a heavy thick lucite chrome column mounted on a chrome pedestal. ...
Chrome
$5,500 / set
WMF Modernist Leather Trimmed Fireplace Tools
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in North Miami, FL
WMF modernist chrome and saddle leather trimmed fireplace tools (tongs, ash sweep, poker and shovel on stand). All pieces marked WMF. Provenance: property of prominent family in O...
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Four Piece Black Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set
By Ann Maes
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage 4-piece fireplace tool set made of cast and wrought iron, circa 1970s. This unique set features a sculptural design and includes a shovel, brush, poker, and tongs with weight...
Metal, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Triangular Guitar Pick Form Fire Tool Set in Walnut and Iron
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand forged iron fire tool set including holder, shovel, brush, and poker (ca. 1960s, USA). Geometric design elements present - bent iron rod frame connecting a guitar pick-form base...
Iron
Gene Tepper Magazine / Log Holder with Fireplace Tools
By Gene Tepper
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Bay area Industrial designer Gene Tepper perforated magazine / log holder with fireplace tools and wall bracket. Log holder measures: 18" wide, 18" deep an...
Aluminum, Steel
1970s Chrome and Lucite Fireplace Tools Complete Set by Alessandro Albrizzi
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A complete set of fireplace tools designed by Alessandro Albrizzi. The set includes a pair of chrome andirons; a lucite fireplace tool holder with three tools to include a chrome shovel, chrome poker and chrome brush; and a leather and chrome log holder. Sculptural and functional the holder includes a rectangular chrome base that supports a square milky Lucite column holding the fire tools in chrome brackets. This set would work well with Hollywood regency and Hollywood glamour style homes as well as provide a fun design element to a traditional interior. This set would compliment lucite furniture pieces such as those designed by Vladimir Kagan and Charles Hollis Jones and leather pieces by Jacues Adnet. Unsigned. Dimensions: Tools are each 34" tall overall height is 35.5". Lucite shaft is 3.25" square. Base measures 8.5" deep 10" wide. Condition: Tools show very well with minimal use. Leather log holder...
Chrome
Midcentury French Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools, Jean Royere Style, circa 1960
By Jean Royère
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Elegant midcentury wrought iron & bronze fireplace tools, Jean Royere Style, circa 1960, France. Sphere handles. What’s fascinating is how these set is that they are almost like furn...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$7,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Samuel Marx Andirons and Fireplace Tools
Located in Chicago, IL
Samuel Marx fireplace tools with andirons commission for private residence. Fireplace tools include poker, shovel, tongs and stand.
Steel
A Wrought Iron and Leather Wrap Around Fire Side Fender
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Wrought Iron and Leather Wrap Around Fire Side Fender, Otherwise known a Club Fender, a statement piece in any room, somewhere to snuggle up in front of the fire This is a grand...
Iron
Donald Deskey Andirons and Wall Mounted Fireplace Tools by Bennett
Located in Hanover, MA
An original five piece set of modernist Art Deco andirons and matching fireside tools designed by Donald Deskey and produced by Bennett-Ire...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$650 / item
Selection of Magazine Racks or Log Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of magazine racks or log holders, circa 19th century to 1950s. They are: 1) Italian gilt metal faux bamboo magazine rack, circa 1950s, seen at the top left. It measures: 1...
Copper, Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Brass Fireplace Tool Set in the Manner of Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful, minimal set of Mid-Century Modern fire tools and carrier with carved walnut handles and brass accents. Set is often attributed to Arthur Umanoff, but no supporting documen...
Brass, Iron
$2,641 / set
Pair of Modernist Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Wrought Iron
George Nelson style Iron & Brass Wall Mounted FireplaceTools
Located in New York, NY
Set of wall-mounted fireplace tools in the style of George Nelson. USA, circa 1950. Includes three tools and a wall mount holder. Cast iron with polished brass handles. Dime...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Modernist Steel and Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of modernist andirons is made of steel and iron. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Steel, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron and Brass Firetools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive modernist set including solid brass holder and four firetools in wrought iron with inset brass handles. Nice condition for its age with minor wear to the brass holder.
Brass, Wrought Iron
Virginia Metalcrafters American Mid-Century Minimalist Set of Fireplace Tools
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Minimalist Set of 4 Brass Fireplace Tools standing on a rectangualar base (VIRGINIA METALCRAFTERS)
Brass
Curved Brass and Iron Nursery Fire Guard, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Curved Brass and Iron Nursery Fire Guard This fire guard has a curved shape to surround the fire The iron guard has a black mesh infill and a brass top rail, the fender is in good...
Brass
High Style Art Deco Modernist Copper and Iron Firedogs / Andirons , Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1930's custom made "S" shaped Art Deco copper Andiron pair featuring a decorative coppers pillars with long iron stands. Perfect for the Modernist fireplace matching with bo...
Copper
Wrought Iron and Brass Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four piece set of Mid-Century Modern, fireplace tools features looped wrought iron frame and tools with brass inserts. The tools are in great condition showing very little use.
Brass, Wrought Iron
Vintage Modernist Mid Century Modern Brass & Iron Fireplace Mantel Tool Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass and Iron Modernist Mid Century Modern Fireplace Tool Set (Stand, broom, tongs, poker, and shovel). Item features sleek brass handles, iron frames, great style and form....
Brass, Iron