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.
Set of Four Marilyn Monroe Ceramic Coffee Mugs in Box by Andy Warhol for Block
By Arturo Rosenbleuth, (after) Andy Warhol
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun set of four "Marilyn Monroe" ceramic coffee mugs in box by Andy Warhol for Block, circa 1980s. The set is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks and comes with the origin...
Ceramic
Mid Century Vintage Purple Ingrid Glass Vase Rock Crystal, Germany, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Ingrid Glass, or rather Ingrid Glashutte, is a company based in Germany but with glassworks in Austria. Currently defunct, but operating from the earl...
Glass, Murano Glass
Abstract Stoneware Brown Ceramic Sculpture by Jean Brisy Modern XXth Century Art
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Brisy (1924-1991) Original abstract ceramic sculpture by French artist Jean Brisy Brown stoneware ceramic glaze colors Original perfect condit...
Ceramic
Mid Century Vintage Purple Small Slim Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks very good. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. .
Glass
Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Red Vase Big, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Artistic Glass Vase Author: Decorative Glassworks Watra Year of creation: 2nd half 20th century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. heigh...
Glass, Murano Glass
Wall Hanging Sculpture by Britt-Ingrid Persson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall hanging sculpture by Britt-Ingrid Persson, Sweden, 1960s. Earthenware. Signed. Measures: H: 24 cm W: 19.5 cm D: 19.5 cm.
Earthenware
Large Vallauris Leaf Design Majolica Ceramic Platter Snack Tray
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Colorful ceramic leaf shaped centerpiece / snack tray / platter Manufactured by Vallauris. France, 1950-1960s. Color hues: brown, green, yellow, garnet. 5 compartments. Interesting t...
Ceramic
Green and White Mid-Century Design Ceramic Vase by Jean Derval & Picault 1950
By Jean Derval
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Derval for Le Callis Vallauris Original large 20th century decorative ceramic vase signed by the french artist White and green ceramic glazes colors Signed under the ba...
Ceramic
Large Italian Ceramic Serving Platter, Signed, Blue Floral & Botanical Motifs
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Large Italian Ceramic Serving Platter, Signed, Blue Floral & Botanical Motifs, 1970s Description: This impressive large ceramic platter, handcrafted and signed on the back, was made...
Ceramic
Round Decorative Ceramic Plate, Turquoise Blue Design from Denmark, 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic plate, Denmark 1960s. This decorative plate with turquoise and blue tones and a beautiful pattern is a real eye catcher and statement piece. Can be combined with ...
Ceramic
Rare Large Set of Vintage Michelin Man Tiles, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dive into a nostalgic journey with this rare and unique large set of Michelin Man tiles, crafted by an unknown manufacturer in Spain circa 1960. The set comprises the complete series...
Ceramic
Small Mid-Century Ultramarine Blue and White Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Blue in amazing organic shape. Produced in 1960s. Glass in perfect condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. The outer relief surfa...
Glass
Large Abstract Stoneware Ceramic Cup or Bowl by F Marechal French Decorative Art
By François Maréchal 1
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
François Marechal, La Borne Elegant brown stoneware ceramic cup. Original good condition Abstract black and brown ceramic glaze decoration ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Vintage Slim Blue Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece.
Glass
Tall Brown Hand Thrown Ceramic Vase with Lip by Mobach
By Mobach
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent tall brown ceramic vase with lip by Mobach. Regarded as the golden age of ceramics, highly collectable 1950s-1970s Art Pottery is known for experimental and exploratory gla...
Ceramic
Midcentury Vintage White and Blue Slim Murano Vase, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. Murano glass. Medium size 7x25cm. .
Glass, Murano Glass
French ceramic vase by Marc Uzan, Era Girel Lanusé Champy Guerrier, 2010
By Marc Uzan
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Red and grey ceramic vase by the french ceramist Marc Uzan, Midcentury Modern Stunning red and gray ceramic vase. The strength of the red is enhanced by the texture, creating a beau...
Enamel
Elegant and Decorative Stoneware Ceramic Vase by JPD circa 1975 Grey and Green
By Jacqueline Paul Dauphin
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jacqueline Paul Dauphin Elegant stoneware ceramic vase by JPD in grey and green ceramic glazes colors. Freeform signed under the base, midcentury design. Measures: Height 20...
Ceramic
Set of Traditional Belgium Vintage ceramic Vase and its Bowl, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Traditional Belgium Vintage ceramic Vase and its bowl. Made in Belgium circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Ceramic
$636Sale Price|20% Off
1950s French Biomorphic Volcanic Stoneware Bowl Ashtray Vallarius Picasso Jouve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An organic form with volcanic lava black and white glaze and a high-gloss red center.
Ceramic
Mid Century Artistic Glass Yellow Vase, Tarnowiec, Sulczan, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vase made in the Tarnowiec Glassworks located in Poland, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz. Soda glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 35 cm...
Glass, Murano Glass
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Plate with Sea Star
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Plate with Sea Star by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled ...
Ceramic
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Danish Midcentury Hand Painted Ceramic Vase, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian midcentury handpainted ceramic pitcher vase. Decorated with landscape motif of a Danish stone age viking grave built of large rocks. Multicolored unique decor...
Pottery, Ceramic, Stoneware
Piero Fornasetti Capricorn Zodiac Porcelain Plate, The Zodiac Pharmacopoeia
Located in Downingtown, PA
Cosmic Cabinet of Curiosities: Fornasetti "Zodiac Pharmacopoeia" Capricorn Plate Circa 1960s Discover a witty fusion of ancient astronomy, classic apothecaries, and mid-century Ital...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Midcentury Ceramic Porcelain Decorative Horse Sculpture, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, very good original vintage condition. No damages or cracks. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. Horse sculpture was produced in England. Only one item available.
Ceramic, Porcelain
$743Sale Price|57% Off
Rare Decorative plate 1920 ICS Dolker Kowaliska Design Vietri sul mare
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Decorative plate 1920 ICS Dolker Kowaliska design Vietri sul mare
Ceramic
Small Midcentury Ultramarine Blue Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Blue vase in amazing organic shape. Produced in 1960s. Glass in perfect condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. The outer reli...
Glass
Capodimonte Old English Sheepdog Hand-Painted Porcelain Figurine
By Capodimonte
Located in Bochum, NRW
Beautiful, old English sheepdog hand-painted porcelain figurine made by Capodimonte, Italy. Handmade and hand painted. Original manufacturer label/certificate. Measure: 30 cm (18,9 i...
Porcelain
Ceramic bowl of the serie Rimini Blue by Aldo Landi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960
By Bitossi
Located in Brussels, BE
Ceramic bowl of the serie Rimini Blue by Aldo Landi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960 Bitossi is a historic identity of Italian manufacturing, present since the second half of the nineteenth...
Ceramic
Large ceramic vase by Alexandre Kostanda for Vallauris, France, 1950s
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Large Kostanda ceramic vase with abstract geometric decoration, characteristic of post-war modernist design. Dynamic composition of angular forms highlighted by black lines, subtly ...
Ceramic
Rusha Wall Plaque, Glazed Ceramic, (Image Flower arrangement) West Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Verviers, BE
Rusha Wall Plaque, Glazed Ceramic, (Image Flower arrangement) West Germany Was produced in the 1960's handmade, and made in Germany. Very collectible.
Ceramic
Ceramic Hand Painted Vase by Catalan Artist Diaz COSTA, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceramic hand painted vase by Catalan artist Diaz Costa, circa 1960. Manufactured in Spain. Signed. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a...
Ceramic
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of stunning pieces of ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now ready to be g...
Ceramic
Mid Century White Poodle Dog Sculpture II, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Painted ceramic, good original vintage condition. Damaged leg - was repaired - shown on pictures. Beautiful and unique decorative sculpture. White Poodle Dog Sculpture was produce...
Ceramic
Elegant Blue Stoneware Ceramic Vase by Isambert circa 1970 La Borne Decoration
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Isambert elegant stoneware ceramic vase with blue and grey ceramic glazes colors Realized circa 1970 in La Borne Original perfect condition Signed under the base Measure...
Ceramic
Jean Lurcat Ceramic Plate, c1955, France
By Jean Lurçat
Located in London, GB
Jean Lurçat 1892-1966 Plate - Red & White – White Siren c1955 Inscribed ''Dessin J. Lurçat Sant Vicens. verso Hand-painted glazed ceramic 25 cm diameter
Ceramic
Vintage White and Iridescent Ceramic Bowl or Centerpiece N 6768 by Lusso, Italy
By Vibi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This sinuous, dynamic and elegant centerpiece is made in lacquered ceramic that is varnished with iridescent colors. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might s...
Ceramic
Mid Century Vintage Purple Big Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. Some letters painted on the vase - as on pictures. No jags, defects etc. Only one un...
Glass
Royal Winton, Grimwades, Gold Glazed Candy Dish with Lid, U.K., Circa 1950's
By Royal Winton
Located in Chatham, ON
Royal Winton - Grimwades - 'Gordon' - Vintage gold glazed candy dish with lid - transfer and impressed marks on the base - United Kingdom - circa 1...
Ceramic
Pierre Culot Ceramic Vase, circa 1970, Belgium.
By Pierre Culot
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice Pierre Culot Citroën model ceramic vase, circa 1970, Belgium. Delicate grey and beige/brown shades. Stamped C. Enamelled sandstone. Dimensions: 15 cm H, 14 cm W, 7 cm D. Good co...
Stoneware
Late 1960's Burkart Ceramic Vase, Switzerland
Located in Bern, CH
Late 1960's Burkart Ceramic Vase. Signed on base. Produced in 1960's for Burkart Keramik, Switzerland. Beautiful vibrant green glaze. Designer: Burkart Keramik, Kreuzlingen, Switzerl...
Ceramic
A FREE-FORM MODERNIST Ceramic PITCHER or VASE by ANNELIESE BECKH, France 1950
By Elchinger
Located in PARIS, FR
A "Tigris" pitcher or vase, Modernist, from Forme-Libre, sensual body in thick glossy black enameled ceramic decorated with lyrical yellow and white lines by ANNELIESE BECKH, 1950. T...
Ceramic
Textured Green Roselane Pottery Serving Bowl - Pasadena, California
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century pottery serving bowl. Made by Roselane Pottery of Pasadena, CA. Finished in a lovely avocado green colored glaze with textured detailing. Nice size perfect for using as...
Pottery
Anne Masse Vallauris Black and Whitemid Century Ceramic Pitcher, circa 1960
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Anne Masse White and black ceramic pitcher by french artist. Realized circa 1960, mid-20th century design Signed under the base Origi...
Ceramic
Bruno Karlsson, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Studio Ego, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Bruno Karlsson and produced by Ego Stengods, Sweden, c. 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10.8125” Height x 5.0625” Diameter Dimen...
Stoneware
Rosenthal Polygon Fruit Bowl
By Rosenthal
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage white ceramic serving or fruit bowl. Made in Germany by Rosenthal in the "Polygon" line. Crisp glossy white glaze and faceted shape. Marked on the base.
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Kwan Yin, Ceramic, Blue Buddha Bust
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi Kwan Yin, Ceramic, Buddha Bust, Blue. Beautiful and calming female Buddha glazed in a vibrant dark blue. It is believed that to have a picture or statue of Kwan Yi...
Ceramic
Ceramic Traditional Hand Painted Plate by Catalan Artist Diaz COSTA, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceramic hand painted plate artwork by Catalan artist Diaz COSTA, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Ma...
Ceramic
Remini blue vase by Aldo Londi for Flavia Bitossi Italy
Located in NICE, FR
This Flavia Italy ceramic vase features a round shape with a narrow neck. The glaze is a striking mix of deep blue and turquoise, accented with subtle gre...
Ceramic
Vintage Orange Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. Only one unique piece.
Glass
Blue Fish Glass Decanter or Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Amazing Decanter/Vase fishes in blue color, made by one of the glass manufacture based in Czech Republic. Would make a great addition to every collection! Very good original vintage ...
Porcelain, Glass
Vintage Ceramic Flower Pie Dish
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio circular ceramic pie dish with a colorful floral design in the center. Made in Japan.
Ceramic
Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Pink Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vase made in the Tarnowiec Glassworks located in Poland, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz. Soda glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 25cm...
Glass, Murano Glass
Rare Medium Tiger Ceramic Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Italian ceramic, perfect condition, produced in 1960s. We have also another big cats for sale, check our products. Only one unique piece available.
Ceramic
Mid Century Old Brass Vase, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Very old and unique brass vase. Produced in Italy. Only one piece.
Brass
$658Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Ceramic Serving Dishes with Handles by Jean & Juliette Rivier
By Jean Rivier
Located in London, GB
Set of four Mid-Century French small ceramic serving dishes by Jean & Juliette Rivier (circa 1960s). The bases of the dishes are decorated with col...
Ceramic
Vintage Michelin Man Tile Set, Ceramic, Mid-Century, Spain, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a journey of vintage charm with this exceptional set of tiles, featuring the iconic Michelin Man in a vibrant blue centerpiece, surrounded by original yellow tiles. Crafted...
Ceramic
Ceramic Set by Franco Bucci for Laboratorio Pesaro, Italy, 1970s
By Franco Bucci, Laboratorio Pesaro
Located in Milan, IT
Rare set of ceramic pitcher and glasses by Franco Bucci for Laboratorio Pesaro. Marvelous colors and surface finish. Size refers to the pitcher.
Ceramic
Ceramic Pitcher Vase by Roger Capron, 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Roger Capron was a student of Applied Arts in Paris from 1938 to 1943 before teaching drawing there from 1945 In 1946 he moved to Vallauris where he created a ceramics workshop Call...
Ceramic
Mid Century Vintage Small Beige Brown Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in good condition. Lightly used - as shown on pictures. Only one unique piece.
Glass