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 Bohemian Crystal-Cut Clear Sphere Ashtray
Located in Toronto, CA
This stunning mid-century Bohemian crystal ashtray showcases a rich orange amber hue, beautifully enhanced by intricate crystal-cut patterns and delicate floral motifs. Its unique ...
Crystal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Fused Art Glass "Catch All" in the Style of Higgins Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous midcentury fused art glass "catch all" in the style of Higgins Glass, circa 1970s. The piece measures 7.5"W x 3.625”D x .5” H and is in very good vintage condition. Really...
Art Glass
Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in green Glass Italy 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
This vintage Murano ashtray is a unique find for collectors and lovers of Italian glass. Made from thick, hand-blown glass in a vibrant transparent green, it is shaped like a four-le...
Murano Glass
Set of 5 Mid-Century Modern Austrian Brass Stacking Ashtrays, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Austrian Brass Stacking Ashtrays, 1960s, Set of 5, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gold Styles: Mi...
Metal
Orange Sommerso ashtray by Seguso, Murano glass & silver support, Italy, 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful orange sommerso ashtray designed and manufactured for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the "sommerso" technique (superposition of layers of molten g...
Silver
Seguso Murano Sommerso Bullicante Blue Glass Bowl / Ashtray
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bullicante gold dust art glass bowl or ashtray, Italy, 1950s. Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso. This eye-catching Murano cobalt blue Sommerso Italian Art glass bowl is made of ...
Gold Leaf
Mid 20th Century Modern Sculptural Ashtray in Green Onyx Marble, Italy 60s
Located in Roma, IT
This ashtray is part of a small collection that we purchased in a Roman house and includes 2 other pieces, all for sale here on firstdibs, made with various carved minerals. Green on...
Onyx
Midcentury Guzzini Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Vide-Poche, Italy 1970s
Stunning pocket emptier or centerpiece in tortoiseshell effect lucite and polished brass. This fantastic piece was designed in Italy in the 70s by Guzzini (the original label of the ...
Metal, Brass
Large Murano Glass "Yellow" Bowl Element Shell Ashtray Murano, Italy, 1970
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element, ash tray was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Ital...
Murano Glass
Adnet Style Leatherette and Glass Ashtray Catchall Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Leatherette, brass and glass ashtray in the style of Jacques Adnet. Leatherette frame with brass studs. Inset amber glass dish. Great tabletop object....
Art Glass, Faux Leather
Large Black and White Italian Marble Ashtray / Bowl / Catchall by Sergio Asti
By Sergio Asti
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning extra large black and white Italian marble ashtray / bowl / catchall by Sergio Asti, circa 1960s. This beautiful piece is in great vintage condition with no cracks or chips...
Marble
Sommerso ashtray by Flavio Poli for Seguso, red Murano glass, Italy, 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful red sommerso ashtray designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso technique (superposition of layers of ...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century French Cast Bronze Ashtray with Stag Motif, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Mid-century French bronze ashtray featuring a relief stag and foliage design. A finely cast French bronze ashtray from the 1950s, showcasing a beautifully detailed relief of a stag ...
Bronze
Italian Murano Sommerso Glass Dark Purple Round Ashtray
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Ashtrays or Empty pockets Murano smoked glass art, entirely made by hand with the technique of submerged glass. A Murano sommerso vase is a type...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Triangular Art Glass Bowl / Ashtray, Purple & Yellow
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Flavio Poli Seguso Faceted Decorative Bowl or Ashtray in Murano Glass ___________________________________________________________________________ Sommerso faceted Murano glass triang...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Murano Opal Pink Alabastro Giant Air Bubbles Art Glass Bowl by Archimede Seguso
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Massive hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Manufactured By Archimede Seguso and Seguso Factory, Italy, 1950s. Iridiscent pink gl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
Amber Murano "Bullicante" Glass Bowl or Ashtray, Italy, Barovier 1960
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful round bowl or ashtray made in a stunning multicolor amber Murano glass using the "bullicante" technique. This unique piece is attributed to the mastery of Barovier & Toso...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown jade green and gold flecks Italian art glass ribbed with spike corners bowl / cigar ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the the Ba...
Gold Leaf
"Rimini" ceramic ashtray by Aldo Londi, Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Rimini" ceramic ashtray by Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Made in Italy, 1960s. Pretty round ashtray/emptying tray from the 1960s made of blue "Rimini" glazed ceramic. This piece was designe...
Ceramic
Midcentury Stacked Brass & Chrome Globe Ashtray Tommaso Barbi Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury globe shaped stackable ashtrays or bowls in chrome and brass in the style of the Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtray Set for Bertha Baller, 1955
By Walter Bosse
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six stackable ashtrays in the shape of a hedgehog designed in 1955 by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria. Polished and patinated brass.
Brass
Henriot Champagne Ashtray, Thick Glass, Square Design, France, 1960s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Henriot Champagne advertising ashtray, France, 1960s, made of thick molded glass, an iconic promotional item for breweries and champagne houses. Square with beveled corners, this ashtray has a robust, geometric structure, typical of the design of the era. The base is adorned with the Henriot Champagne logo and name, visible through the glass, adding a graphic and authentic touch. The notches at the corners allow for the placement of cigarettes, while the thickness of the glass gives it a striking presence on a table. Both a utilitarian and decorative object, it is now sought after for its vintage aesthetic and advertising significance. Style : Mid-century Advertising Modernist Vintage Key Features : Thick molded glass France, 1960s Henriot Champagne advertising ashtray Square shape with beveled corners Integrated lettering and logo Cigarette slots Sturdy and functional design Collectible item Keywords : vintage champagne ashtray...
Glass
Large Murano Glass "Floral" Bowl Element Shell Ashtray Murano, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element, ash tray was produced in the 1970s...
Murano Glass
Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Ashtray in Purple Glass Italy 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
This vintage Murano ashtray is a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts of Italian glassware. Crafted in thick, heavy glass, it reflects the high-quality craftsmanship that Murano i...
Murano Glass
Mcm chartreuse crackle ceramic ashtray, circa 1960
Located in View Park, CA
A monumental mid century modern ashtray using the crackle technique, circa 1960. In brilliant chartreuse.
Ceramic
xxl 3.3kg Glass Faceted "diamond" Sommerso Bowl Element Murano Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli, Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element, ash tray was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Ital...
Murano Glass
Murano Bullicante Cranberry Sommerso Art Glass Ashtray, Italy 1960s
Located in Toronto, CA
A mid-century Murano art glass ashtray executed in the traditional bullicante technique, Italy, circa 1960s. This sculptural piece features a richly saturated cranberry sommerso body...
Murano Glass
Organic Murano Turquoise Blue & Amber Glass Bowl with Applied Glass Drops, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Mid-Century Modern Free-form Turquoise Blue and Amber Murano glass bowl with Murrine Applied Clear Glass Drops. Italy, 1950s __________________________________________...
Art Glass, Glass, Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
1960's Flavio Poli ashtray in Murano Sommerso Glass
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bern, CH
1960s stunning cobalt blue ashtray / decorative item. Designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. Made in Italy. A unique piece and beautiful shape and colour. Dimensions: Di...
Murano Glass
Brutalist ashtray by Fratelli Mannelli, travertine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb travertine ashtray designed and manufactured by fratelli mannelli in italy in the 1970s. Very beautiful work of carving of travertine marble giving a brutalist style to this a...
Travertine
Pal-Bell Ashtray in Cast Bronze by Maurice Ascalon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A heavy, cast bronze ashtray by Maurice Ascalon in a nautilus shape has a fluted, flat edge that widens as it spirals around the well, which has a hammered texture. The concave porti...
Bronze
PINK Murano Glass Vase Element Cordonato d'oro by Barovier and Toso, Italy 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass vase element by Barovier and Toso Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass vase element was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Ita...
Murano Glass
Solid Brass Ashtray Old Patina France 1960 Gold Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Solid Brass Ashtray Old Patina France 1960 Gold Color 1960 solid brass ashtray. Brass sculpture, Vide Poche, decorative object.
Brass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Ashtray Italy 50s Mid-Century Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Barovier & Toso production, Italian design from the 50s. Star-shaped ashtray in clear, bubbling glass, semi-spherical body with reliefs, flat circular mouth. Also e...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Italy, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Wien, AT
This striking mid-century Murano glass ashtray was crafted in the classic Sommerso technique, in which colored layers of glass are encased within clear crystal to create remarkable o...
Murano Glass
$172Sale Price|25% Off
Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Orb, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1970s
Located in Warrenton, OR
Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Orb, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1970s. Open Ball-Shaped Ashtray / Bowl / Vide-Poche / Vessel. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing soon.*** This pretty hobn...
Glass, Art Glass
Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s ( signed Baller )
Located in Wien, Au
Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s ( signed Baller ) Original condition
Brass
Murano Glass Cobalt. Bowl by Flavio Poli for Seguso.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Verviers, BE
Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso d'Arte, Murano glass bowl is handcrafted with red highlights fading through to a lighter cobalt base, bringing warmth into your color scheme. Sti...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Glass Bowl Attributed to Flavio Poli for Somerso 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Verviers, BE
Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso d'Arte, this biomorphic Murano glass bowl is handcrafted with red highlights fading through bringing warmth into your color scheme. Still in love...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Designer, Ashtray, Alabaster, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform alabaster ashtray designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s.
Alabaster
1950s Porcelain Cheesecake Red Headed Pin Up Girl Ashtray Vide Poche
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Risqué porcelain pin up girl ashtray or vide-poche, circa 1950's. Piece measures 3.75" high by 5" long by 4.25" wide and is unsigned. In very good vintag...
Porcelain
MCM Bitossi Yellow Owl Vase & Candle Holder by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter
By Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter, Bitossi
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of MCM Bitossi stoneware yellow owls by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter, circa 1960s. The first hand thrown piece is a vase which measures 4"D x 10"H and the second piece i...
Stoneware
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray, Ceramic, Blue Rimini, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous Bitossi ashtray/catchall by Aldo Londi, it's part of "Blue Rimini" Collection, and is in very good condition. Handmade, made in Italy Dimensions: 5,90" x 4,52" x 1,57"...
Ceramic
Large Vallauris Blue White Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
French mid-century Vallauris ashtray / bowl, Glazed Ceramic Beautiful fat lava glazed ceramic ashtray in dark blue and soft blue hues and white accents. Manufactured by Vallauris. France, 1950s. This cool ashtray was handcrafted in France at the Mid-20th century period. Its design in shades of blue and white fat lava ceramic on a cobalt blue background . It has four cigarrette or cigars holders. Highly decorative piece! This colorful piece will be the perfect gift for smokers. Also useful as jewelry bowl , decorative bowl or vide-poche. Overall Measures: 19 cm diameter x 9 cm height (7,48 in diameter x 3,54 in height). Vallauris Ceramic Round Bowl // Glazed Ceramic Fat Lava Bowl...
Ceramic, Majolica
Brutalist Ashtray by David Marshall, Bronze and Aluminum, Spain, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and large brutalist ashtray or vide-poches designed and produced by the artist david marshall in the 70s in spain. Sculptural tray in bronze and aluminum. Rare design object t...
Aluminum, Bronze
Mid-Century Mexican Fish-Form Ashtray by José “Pepe” Mendoza
By Pepe Mendoza
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A striking mid-century ashtray designed by Mexican modernist José “Pepe” Mendoza, executed in the form of a stylized fish. Crafted in solid bronze and inlaid with vivid blue and tur...
Brass
Vintage Wooden Ashtray Stand with Braided Leather Handle. Italy 1950s
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant vintage ashtray stand crafted from solid wood, featuring a turned pedestal base and a circular tray top. The design is enhanced by a dist...
Wood
Vide-Poche or Ashtray Ceramic and Brass by Tommaso Barbi, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing round ashtray or vide-poche in granite effect ceramic and brass by the Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Tommaso Barbi's original label is s...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Galliano Ferro Amber Murano Glass Bullicante Decorative Bowl, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular mid-century decorative bowl in amber Murano glass with air bubbles (bullicante). This wonderful piece was produced in Italy in the 1960s and is attributed to Galliano Ferro. This piece is unique for the elegant mix of peculiar "bullicante" technique to shape Murano glass: the "bullicante" effect is one of the most famous glass working techniques and is seen quite often around the island of Murano. This particular effect is achieved by inserting a piece of molten glass inside a metal mold with spikes, very similar to the texture of a pineapple. These spikes make small holes in the surface creating a pattern all around the piece of glass. After it has been allowed to cool for a few moments, the whole piece is immersed again in the molten glass. This second layer completely covers the first. However, thanks to the thick consistency of the glass, the holes previously impressed on the first layer are not covered, thus causing air to be trapped between the two layers of glass. This process can be repeated several times, creating a pattern as complicated as the master glassmaker wishes. This technique not only gives a sense of depth to the whole object but also an incomparable decorative effect, famous for its originality. This decorative piece can also be used as an ashtray and spruce up a mid-century style living room. Measurements (cm): Diameter - 14 Height - 11 Galliano Ferro formed his own glass factory in 1955 after leaving Arte Vetraria Muranese, or AVeM (A.Ve.M.), which he co-founded in 1932. Designers at Galliano Ferro include his son Giorgio Ferro, Ezio Rizzetto, Fulvio Bianconi and Vinicio Vianello. Giorgio Ferro became head of the company in 1972. British importers Jaffe Rose...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Uranium Glass
Vintage Mid-Century Cenedese Murano Glass Bullicante Bubble Bowl Dish or Ashtray
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa, Cenedese, Fontana Arte
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful Italian four sided bowl, dish or ashtray by Cenedese, but in the style of works by Carlo Scarpa for Venini. Made from stunning light aqua green Murano glass bullicante or "...
Murano Glass
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Midcentury Tourmaline Bauhaus Ashtray by WMF Germany, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful and straight modernist ashtrays, designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1959, executed by WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik in Germany in the 1960s. Made of tourma...
Stainless Steel
xxl 2.1kg Murano Glass Faceted "diamond" Sommerso Element Ashtray, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: xxl Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element, ash tray was produced in the 1970s in Murano, ...
Murano Glass
Hornsea Pottery by John Clappison Vide Poche in White, Black and Burgundy, 1950s
By John Clappison, Hornsea Pottery
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Hornsea Pottery midcentury vide poche catchall from Hornsea, England. Bold red interior, accented by white and black exterior. Designed by Joh...
Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Pal-Bell Cast Bronze Stylized Snail Ashtrays with Green Patina
By Pal-Bell
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair vintage patinated cast bronze ashtrays in the form of stylized snails with polished antennae which when turned over become supports for the bowl-form shell. The interior of the ...
Bronze
Ashtray Sena Cristal Steel and Green Glass, Italy, 1970s
By Sena Cristal
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful green glass ashtray embedded in a metal base by Sena Cristal. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached o...
Metal, Steel
Grey and Black Metal Body Yellow Porcelain Self Standing Ashtray, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Grey and Black Metal Body with Yellow Porcelain Self Standing Ashtray, 1950s, Italy Measurements : Height: 75 cm Tulip base diameter: 25 cm Top ashtray diameter: 20 cm Please do no...
Metal
Mid Century Glass Ashtray by Frantisek Zemek for Mstišov Glassworks, 1960s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Ashtray from the set of art glass "NIAGARA" made of beautifully colored densely shaped glass, amber glass in combination with green oceanite. The glass ashtray of organic shapes has ...
Glass, Art Glass
Galliano Ferro Murano Blue Sommerso Bullicante Art Glass Bowl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round shaped handblown blue Murano glass bowl or ashtray with controlled bubbles bowl attributted to Galliano Ferro. Italy, 1960s. Blue glass ca...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Fornasetti Vide Poche Catchall, Porcelain, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...
Porcelain
Brutalist lighter by Fratelli Mannelli, travertine, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb travertine lighter designed and manufactured by fratelli mannelli in italy in the 1970s. Very beautiful work of carving of the travertine marble giving a brutalist style to th...
Travertine