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.
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Løvemose, 1960s
By Løvemose
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Løvemose, 1960s
Pottery
$278Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Midcentury Sculptural Vase in the Style of Gio Ponti for Krupp
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian vase/pen holder, made in chromed metal and designed in the style of Gio Ponti for Krupp. The three pipes have different lenghts, and can each hold ...
Metal, Steel
Pair of Brutalist Style Hand-Cut Metal Candle Holders, Mid-20th Century
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of sculptural candle holders showcases a striking Brutalist design, crafted from hand-cut and welded metal with an industrial patina finish.Each piece features a cylindrica...
Metal
$180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Nittsjo Sweden Pottery Midcentury Candleholders
Located in San Diego, CA
This pottery was founded in 1843 in the village of Nittsjö Sweden. It made mostly utility goods. The Lofgren family took over in 1917 and its descendant...
Ceramic
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Candle Lamp in Silver Metal, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century chrome candle floor lamp is defined by its disciplined verticality and sculptural restraint. Rising from a circular, weighted base, a polished chrome column extends ...
Metal, Chrome
Set of Two Pottery Vases Objects by Steuler Ceramics, Germany, 1970s
By Steuler
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two ceramic vase elements Producer: Steuler, Germany Decade: 1970s Description: These original vintage Vase was produced in the 1970s in ...
Ceramic
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your space with this exquisite pair of Italian three-arm candelabras. Each piece features a sculptural, looped brass frame that gracefully supports three taper candles, creat...
Brass
Los Castillo Copper Angel Candle Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mexican made candle holder, c.1960s, comprised of copper has an angel form with hands holding the candle holder and wings folded. Stamped Taxco Mexico - Los Castillo on underside. D...
Copper
Fiesta Rose Tripod Candlestick Holders by Homer Laughlin, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of American made “tripod” candlestick holders from the Fiesta Rose collection, by Homer Laughlin China Company. Three layered sculptural columns sit above rounded stepped base...
Ceramic
$1,800 / set
Pair of Silver Fairpoint Candlesticks, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1960s silver plated fairpoint candlesticks. Elegant, beautiful addition to a modern home.
Silver Plate
Candlestick in stainless steel and rosewood, 3 flames, Denmark, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful Scandinavian candlestick in stainless steel and rosewood designed and produced in Denmark in the 1970s. Structure in stainless steel 18/8 that can accommodate 3 candle...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Danish Teak Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Teak Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Brass, Teak Style: Mid-Century Modern Country of Orig...
Brass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Seven Candle Ceramic Menorah, 1970's
Located in Austin, TX
Seven candle handmade ceramic menorah or candelabra. Unglazed matte surface has a warm organic texture with natural earth tone coloring. Pedestal base...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Danish Metal Candle Holder Gunnar Cyren Dansk Designs Denmark
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Metal Candleholder by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk Designs Denmark, 1960s
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder Gunni Nordström, Set of 2
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Gunni Nordström, 1960s, Set of 2
Pottery
Mid-Century Modern West German Pottery WGP Oil Lamp from Silberdistel Keramik
By Silberdistel
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern West German Pottery WGP Oil Lamp from Silberdistel Keramik, 1960s
Ceramic
Glass and Silver Sculptural Candle Holder by Lino Sabattini, Italy, c. 1960
Located in New York City, NY
Elegant, unique looking candleholder by Lino Sabattini.
Silver
Vintage Gold Toned Candelabra With Lion Motif.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Candelabra Features a Motif of Two Lions. May need to be Cleaned as Pictured. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age. Dimensions. 7 W ; 3 D ; 12 H
Metal
Charles Piguet wrought iron candlestick 30s 40s
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Wrought-iron candlestick from the 30s/40s by Lyon-based wrought-iron artist Charles Piguet. Sober, uncluttered designer with attractive work on the scrolled base. Beautiful patina of...
Wrought Iron
1920s Antique Brass Candlesticks by Peerage, Barley Twist Design
By Peerage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of solid brass candlesticks, by Peerage, c.1920s, England. The pair of beautifully patinated candlesticks feature barley twist stems, with round tiered bases. Marked - Peerage England...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Oil Lamp from Aage Würtz, 1960s
By Aage Würtz
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Oil Lamp from Aage Würtz, 1960s
Metal
Tall candlestick Erik Hoglund Sweden 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare 3 arms candleholder by ErikHoglund Sweden 1970 Glass and brass Height 42 cm
Glass
AVEM Murano Multicolored Art Glass Candle Holder with Spiral Stem
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative Murano art glass candle holder, attributed to AVeM, likely dating from around the 1970s, characterized by a tall, sculptural form, multicolored glass decoration, and refin...
Murano Glass, Glass
Max Brüel 'Jazz' Candleholder in black by Karakter
Set of Five “Capella” Crystal Candle Holders by Orrefors, Sweden
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
Elegant set of five crystal candle holders from the Capella series, designed by Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, Sweden, during the 1970s. This iconic Scandinavian design showcases Orrefo...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder Lehmann Pottery Set of 2
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, Set of 2
Ceramic
Pair of zigzag candlesticks, solid aluminium, Spain, Circa 1980's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stunning pair of zigzag candlesticks, designed and crafted in Spain during the 1980s. This set of two aluminum pieces embodies a biomorphic style with organic, flowing forms, serving...
Aluminum
Hand-forged metal design tree of life wall sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand-forged metal design tree of life wall sculpture candle holder, 1960s A beautifully perfectly shaped tree of life made of iron. Artful craftsmanship. We have a matching candle...
Metal, Iron
Pair of golden knot candlesticks in plaster, Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stunning pair of knot-shaped candlesticks, designed and crafted in Spain during the 1980s. These elegant gold-finished plaster candlesticks are a striking decorative accent, adding s...
Plaster
$645Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Five Freddie Andersen Clear Drops Oil Lamps Brass Candleholder, Denmark
Located in Krefeld, DE
Five beautiful clear drops modernist brass oil lamps designed by Freddie Andersen, made in Western Germany in the 1970s. In good condition. Price for the s...
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaar for Dansk Design.
Located in Seattle, WA
Eight Arm Candle Holder. Brutalist Design. Possibly Cast Iron . Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 5 1/2 W ; 5 1/2 D ; 6 3/4 D
Steel
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Distressed Cast Iron Japanese Pagoda Lantern
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage distressed cast iron Japanese pagoda lantern, circa 1950s. The lantern has a great distressed rust patina and a wonderful look. The pie...
Iron
Pair of 7.5" Sterling Silver Weighted Prelude Candlesticks by International
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of 7.5" Sterling Silver weighted Candlesticks, Prelude by International. Marked: Sterling, Prelude, Weighted Reinforced, N213. Mid-20th century by International Silver Company. ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of chromed tulip candle holders, 1970's, Italy
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of vintage 1970s Italian chromed tulip candle holders . Polished chrome with subtle patina, flared blossom cups cradle taper candles...
Chrome
$8,000 / set
2 Candlesticks, Denmark, 1960
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Metal
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Tommi Parzinger brass candleholders, made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths, circa 1950s. Candleholders appear to have little or no use. Branded made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Minor patina.
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Amorphic Crystal & Brass 4 Arm Candelabras Signed Schneider
By Schneider
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of mid-century four-arm candelabra, signed Schneider, exudes the timeless grace and refinement characteristic of French design from the 1950s. Combining amorphic ...
Crystal, Brass
$5,500 / set
Sterling Midcentury Pair of Candelabras
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of two-branch candelabras are probably the finest we have ever had; elegant, understated and very unique. A U-shaped piece holds both lights and stands on two balls just ab...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Swarovski Faceted Crystal Triple Pin Candlesticks Art Deco Style 1970
By Swarovski
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Swarovski Crystal Triple Pin Candlesticks in the Art Deco Style made in Austria in the 1970. Features faceted Crystal Balls with Flower Saucers...
Crystal, Metal
Mid-Century Modern metal Candlestick holder by Gunnar Ander, Ystad metal, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A vintage candlestick holder designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s and produced by Ystad Metal in Sweden. The shape is very simple yet still very elegant and sophisticated with the i...
Metal
Pair of Swedish Mid-Century Wall Sconces, Mjölby Intarsia Wood Panels
By Birger Ekman
Located in Hammarö, SE
A striking pair of Swedish mid-century wall sconces, produced by Mjölby Intarsia, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and artistic sensibility that defined Scandinavian decorative a...
Brass
Arvid Johansson, Arvika Konstsmide
Located in Hammarö, SE
Arvid Johansson and the workshop known as Arvika Konstsmide represent a distinct chapter in Swedish decorative arts, rooted in the rich craft traditions of Värmland. Working in hand...
Brass
Gunnar Ander, Ystad Metall, 1950s
Located in Hammarö, SE
During the 1940s and 1950s, Ystad Metall established itself as a leading producer of high-quality brass objects, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Gu...
Brass
$543Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of Six Rustic Brass Pots With Beautiful Patina – Spain, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Six Brass Pots – Spain, Circa 1950 Description: This elegant set of six brass pots, crafted by an unknown manufacturer in Spain circa 1950, offers a beautiful blend of vintag...
Brass
Set of 3 Georg Jensen by Verner Panton Candlesticks in Mid-Century Modern Style
By Verner Panton, Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 Georg Jensen by Verner Panton candlesticks, graduated sizes, made from polished aluminum small candlestick - 4 and 3/4 inches in height medium candlestick - 7 inches in heig...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Candleholder, German Design, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Wooden Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern, Minim...
Wood
Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, desig...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Patinated Brass Tube Candlestick Holders
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Elegant, minimalist Mid-Century Modern patinated brass candlestick holders from Scandinavia. Tubular form with 45 degree cut. Can either completely envelope a tea candle so that only...
Brass
1970's Don Drumm Aluminum Modern Candle Holder
By Don Drumm
Located in New York, NY
1970's modern aluminum candle-holder designed by Don Drumm in 1978, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder Aldo Londi Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Swedish 1960s Steel Hearts Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Swedish hand-wrought steel candelabra with four candleholders. 18 cut steel hearts adorn frame. Signed with stamp, Made in Sweden.
Steel
Pair of Mid-Century Amorphic Crystal & Brass 3 Arm Candelabra Signed Schneider
By Schneider
Located in New York, NY
This near pair of mid-century three-arm candelabra, signed Schneider, captures the poetic elegance of French design circa 1950. Each candelabrum features an amorphic, almost fluid si...
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Candle Holder, Wire Sitting African Ethnic Vibe, 1970s
Located in Andernach, DE
Great design - a classic: African figure made of a sturdy blackened metal wire with natural wicker weave. Danish design, attributed to Laurids Lonborg, Denmark. It features the typic...
Metal
Mid Century Pair of Candle Holders Lacquered Metal and Brass. Italy, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Unusual mid century pair of candle holders or candlesticks in black metal , lacquered red and blue metal and brass. In the mood of Stilnovo, Angelo Lelii for Esperia, Arteluce, Arred...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mid Century Vintage Silver-Plated Candle Sticks by Fisher
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Mid Century Vintage Silver-Plated Candle Sticks by Fisher. In the manner of Tommi Parzinger. Some Tarnishing. Polishing may be desirable.
Silver Plate
Danish Minimalist Candleholder in Metal and Glass, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Minimalist Candleholder in Metal and Glass, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Metal Color: Gray Styles: Mid-Cen...
Metal
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Vintage Royal Copenhagen Glass Designed by Per Lutken for Holmegaard
By Per Lütken
Located in Søborg, DK
A rare set of vintage Royal Copenhagen vases designed by Per Lutkin for Holmegaard in a beautiful green tinted hand blown glass. All signed and engraved. Per Lütken was a Danish gl...
Glass
Patinated Solid Brass Karl Hagenauer Candle Holder, Werkstatte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Doraville, GA
A patinated brass handled candle holder by Karl Hagenauer for Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien. The candle holder dates from the 1950’s. The candle holder is 3 3/4 inches tall, 2 1/2 inche...
Brass
Mid-Century Swedish Wrought Iron and Glass Candle Chandelier, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposant candlestick according to a design by bertil vallien and axel stromberg for kosta boda and the boda/bolin smide. Handmade in sweden. Here is a rare, large version with 12 arm...
Metal