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.
Large Rectangular Serving Tray Lucite Ice Effect Willy Rizzo Style, Italy, 1980s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing rectangular large serving tray in lucite ice effect whit metal handles in the style of Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy in the 1980s.
Metal, Nickel
Large Mid Century Cheese Cloche on Teak Tray
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century teak cheese and cracker serving tray. Nice long oval shape. Features a glass cloche on one side over and enameled plate with the words "cheese". Crackers or other appet...
Metal
Midcentury Ceramic and Brass Serving Tray by Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular serving tray or centerpiece in ceramic and brass by Tommaso Barbi for B Ceramiche. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached...
Metal, Brass
Fondue Chafing Dish Brass Stainless Steel With Teak Stand Legs Handles
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage fondue chafing dish in stainless steel with teak stand legs & handles. Unmarked. Dimensions: 11" H x 16" D x 9.75" diameter. Please visit take a ...
Stainless Steel
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilded Glass Under spirit Cherries Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A Mid-Century Modern painted gold glass set composed by six small cups and an under spirit cherries jar. Cup height is 7 cm and. Made in Italy in the 19...
Glass
Serving Tray Cloche Plate Bell in Rattan and Glass Italy, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Serving Tray Cloche Plate Bell in Rattan and Glass Italy, 1970s
Rattan, Art Glass
Midcentury Serving Tray Acrylic Marble Effect and Chrome by Janetti, Italy 1970s
By Janetti
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular serving tray in acrylic green marble effect and chrome by Janetti of Roma, Firenze, Italy. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still at...
Metal, Chrome
Midcentury Modern Italian Lucite Tortoiseshell Effect Oval Serving Tray, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century lucite tray with a fantastic tortoiseshell effect. This amazing piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s. This serving tray is fantastic thanks to the eleg...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Raymor 1950s Black Wire Serving Stand and Bowl
By Raymor
Located in New York, NY
Raymor two-tiered black wire serving stand with handle, with matching circular pedestal bowl. Bowl measures 6 inches height x 14 inches diameter.
Metal
Brutalist centerpiece by Leopold, Brass and aluminum, Spain, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful centerpiece or brutalized fruit bowl designed and made by leopold in spain in the 70s. Superb artistic work of brass and aluminum. Design object in perfect condition. Very ...
Aluminum, Brass
Art Deco Style Sterling Silver Caddy Spoon by Georg Jensen #21
By Georg Jensen
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GORGEOUS Art Deco Style Sterling Silver Caddy Spoon by Georg Jensen #21. From circa 1945. Beautifully cast large sterling silver ‘caddy spoon’ or sometimes referred to...
Sterling Silver
1960s American Midcentury Serving Tray by Georges Briard Signed in Walnut/Brass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid walnut tray with center tile, with decorative design in the style of Fornasetti, nice little brass feet and great condition signed by Georges Briard.
Brass
Midcentury Serving Tray in Chrome, Cork and Glass Romeo Rega Style, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing solid and large rectangular serving tray in chrome, cork and glass top in the style of Romeo Rega. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition ...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Poole Pottery England Oval Serving Dish.
Located in Seattle, WA
Elegant mid-century modern serving dish by Poole Pottery, England. This elongated oval form features a distinctive hand-painted abstract leaf motif in soft gray and pale yellow tones...
Ceramic
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Arthur Court Bunny Rabbit Pitcher, 1970s
By Arthur Court
Located in Miami, FL
20th Century Arthur Court aluminum pitcher in the form of a bunny rabbit with red glass eyes standing on its hind legs. Signed and dated.
Aluminum
Cini & Nils Peppermill and Salt Cruet Set
By Cini & Nils
Located in Sheffield, MA
A masterfully designed modernist salt shaker and pepper grinder of impeccable quality made of Lucite and stainless by Cini & Nils, Italy, 1970s. 5.75" high. In great condition with s...
Stainless Steel
$920Sale Price|40% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard “Bow Tie” Palisander Rosewood Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark circa 1960s. Impeccably crafted in palisander rosewood, this sculptural serving tray features a bow tie shape with th...
Rosewood
Alan Adler Sterling Silver & Walnut Modernist Hand Wrought Serving Coffee Set
Located in New York, NY
This elegant sterling silver and walnut coffee set was realized by the legendary designer Allan Adler in the United States circa 1950. The set features a coffee pot, sugar bowl and spoon, and creamer. Created in sterling silver, this set showcases Allan Adler's signature aesthetic- a kind of traditional modernism applying a pared down minimalist perspective to classical design elements. Here the silhouettes of the pieces look traditional but feature idiosyncratic details that clearly indicate their modernism- as fresh looking today as when it was made. The hand rubbed walnut handles are hewn in an amorphic shape that flares asymmetrically at its end. It is inescapably a modern form. It is pared, however, with historical language (from Art Nouveau for instance) that roots the pieces in a more traditionalist place. They feature stylized vine motifs on the finial of the coffee pot top and leaf motifs that trace the circular bases. The protuberant bodies created in lustrous sterling salver taper at each end. This is an outstanding example of Adler's practice that represents his inimitable aesthetic at its very best. It is sure to delight collectors of his work, as well as those with a penchant for beautifully crafted and special objects. It is signed "Adler Sterling" on the base and is in excellent vintage condition. Adler began his career as an apprentice in 1938, designing silverware and inspired by the design of the early 1900s specifically Art Nouveau. His name became associated with Hollywood glamour in the early 1940s. he was commissioned to design mini-Oscars for Academy Award winners, crowns for Miss Universe and Miss USA, and silver bowls and candlesticks for celebrities and dignitaries. During John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign, Adler was commissioned to create a silver coffee urn...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sheffield England 2-Piece Grilling Set with Faux Antler Handles
By Sheffield
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elevate your farmhouse-style grilling experience with this vintage Sheffield, England grilling set. This (2) piece set, boasting retro faux antler handles and bakelite accents, epito...
Silver, Steel
Mid-Century Italian Red Acrylic Serving Tray, Italy 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful red octagonal serving tray in red acrylic. This lovely centerpiece was made in Italy in the 80s. The tray is made in a beautiful vibrant red acrylic that features cachemir...
Metal, Brass
Christian Dior Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass Square Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous square-shaped Mid-Century serving tray in a stunning tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This delightful object was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to a ...
Brass
Vintage MCM "Simplicity" Teak Serving Tray by Georges Briard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage MCM "Simplicity" teak serving tray by Georges Briard, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition (the center has a moderately scratched black laminate cuttin...
Teak, Laminate
Mid-Century Modern Baccarat "Stella" Crystal Starfish Centerpiece Bowl, France
By Baccarat
Located in Beirut, LB
This striking "Stella" centerpiece bowl by Baccarat is a masterclass in mid-century French glassmaking. Characterized by its dramatic, sculptural "splash" form, the piece features ei...
Crystal
Willy Rizzo Magazine or Bottle Rack in Blue Lucite and Chrome, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century magazine rack or bottle holder in blue lucite and chrome. This incredibly charming and unique object was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its design is att...
Chrome
Astrid Sampe Mid Century Vintage Serving Tray Sweden AB ARY- NYBRO Extilkammaren
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful 14.5" laminated wood serving tray showcases a fantastic black and white pattern designed by Astrid Sampe (1909–2002), the celebrated Swedish textile designer. Best kno...
Laminate
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Foot Dish or Compote
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn brass footed compote. Thin edge dish with incised circular design with pedestal and square base.
Brass
Cutlery Set by Helmut Alder for Amboss Model 2070, 32 Pieces, 1960s
By Amboss Austria, Helmut Alder
Located in Vienna, AT
This cutlery (model 2070) consist of 32 pieces. Designed by Helmut Alder, produced by "Amboss Neuzeughammer Steyr" Austria in the 1960s. High quality stainless steel cutlery. He...
Stainless Steel
Lladró Sauce Tureen in Glazed Ceramic, Fish and Lemon Design, 1960s
By Hispania CH
Located in Barcelona, ES
A beautiful hand-painted Majolica glazed ceramic fish shaped sauce boat with half lemon on the top. By Hispania CH Lladró.Spain, 1960-1970s Manufactured by Hispania CH and marked on ...
Majolica, Ceramic
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Magnus Stephensen for Georg Jensen, Stainless Denmark Serving Fork and Spoon
By Georg Jensen
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Magnus Stephensen For Georg Jensen, Stainless Denmark Serving Fork And Spoon, comes in original box, shows very little signs of age and use.
Stainless Steel
1964 Jaroslav Jezek Exlusive Porcelain Tea Set "Nefertiti", Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- very good original condition - teapot 23 19 10; cap 8 10 7; saucer 2 15 15; sugar bowl 11 10 10; milk jug12 11 7
Porcelain
MCM Danish Teak Salad Serving Tray w/ Machined Handles by Cobblewood Lundtofte
By Lundtofte
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid Century Large 16" diameter "#6070" Teak Serving tray with machined Stainless Steel handles By Cobblewood Lundtofte Denmark. It would be perfect on a bar or credenza, its timeless...
Stainless Steel
Italian Sculptural Hammered Copper and Brass Serving Dish, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant and highly sculptural classic Italian serving dish from the 1950s, executed in hand-hammered copper with a warm, richly variegated patina. The form is distinctly organic, ...
Brass, Copper
MCM 1 Dorothy Thorpe Serving Bowl & 3 Nasco Ceruse Wood & Chrome Nesting Trays
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful Mid-20th Century MCM (Mid Century Modern) serving set including a Dorothy Thorpe serving bowl with original label & 3 “Masterpiece in Wood” black ceruse wood nesting trays with chrome corners by Nasco, Made in Japan. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, no chips, cracks, chiggers, in the bowl. The trays do so some wear including scratches & water rings. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Well, well, well… what have we here?? We call this… serve-ware EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!! This is a lovely vintage set including a marvelous Dorothy Thorpe serving bowl with her signature silver band and original label plus three “Masterpiece in Wood” black ceruse wood nesting trays with rounded chrome corners labeled with their gold crest logo on the bottom… by Nasco, made in Japan. The silver band surrounding the bowl bears a bit of wonderful, vintage patina which we chose to leave alone as we LOVE the appearance & stories it could tell… but it could be polished if you prefer that look. The name Dorothy Thorpe is simply mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency glamour at its finest and this incredible glass serving bowl represents her iconic style while these marvelous Nasco nesting trays compliment it’s exemplary existence. The silver band on the glass bowl simply explodes as it sits beside the trays & those marvelous chrome corners… it’s quite a STUNNING set up!!! The trays would be an exceptional way to present snacks or beverages to your guests, or a table or bar hosting a lovely set of vintage glasses...
Silver, Chrome
20th Century Metal Shell and Coral Decorative Dish Vide-Poche or Plate Pergay
By Maria Pergay
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
In the style of Maria Pergay Realised, circa 1960 Elegant dish called "mendiant" in metal and coral Very chic object with two shells and a coral handle...
Coral
Mid 20th Century Japanese Brass and Walnut Coffee Serving Set and Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid 20th century Japanese brass and walnut coffee serving set and tray. This set of four shows off elegant angles and soft edges. The handles of the...
Brass
Large 45cm Metal brass Tray "hole pattern" in Mathieu Matégot STYLE, 1950s no 2
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Metal tray. in style of Mathieu Matégot. Origin: France, 1950s. Original vintage metal tray designed and manufactured in the 1950s in France. ...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Mexican Dish in Peace Dove Form by Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Rare Midcentury Mexican dish in Peace Dove Form by Los Castillo in silver plated and stone inlay includes marked brand and serial number #332.
Metal
Sven Aage Petersen Pepper Mill SAAP Wenge Brass Danish Modern Denmark 1960s
Located in Basel, BS
Pepper grinder designed by Sven Aage Petersen for SAAP, Denmark in the 1960s. Made of wengé wood & brass, quality hardware, perfectly proportioned. The mill was made by Peugeot for...
Brass
Signed Mid-Century Scheier Pottery Serving Dish
Located in Forney, TX
Early and rare hand-thrown ceramic serving dish by mid-century modern masters, Edwin and Mary Scheier. With curved handles and a swirl design, this fabulous hand-crafted pottery ston...
Ceramic, Pottery
Serving Tray Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing large serving tray in faux tortoiseshell and brass with handles in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass
Vallauris Pottery French Mid Century Ceramic Liquor or Aperitif Set
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful mid century 7 piece liquor set from Vallauris, France generally used for an afternoon aperitif traditional in the country. The pottery is black matte with red, yellow, gr...
Ceramic
Midcentury Serving Tray Lucite, Wicker & Brass Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing squared serving tray or centerpiece in lucite, wicker and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Great accessory for any mo...
Metal, Brass
Set of 8 Vintage Mother of Pearl and Stainless Steel Appetizer Knives
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage set of 8 Mother-of Pearl, stainless steel and metal appetizer or cheese forks are in their original square black box. These may have ne...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Digsmed Mid-Century Bangkok Teak Wood Tray Server w/ Two Glass Inserts Denmark
Located in Wien, Au
Digsmed mid-century Bangkok teak wood tray server w/ two glass inserts Denmark Original condition.
Glass, Wood, Teak
Vtg Dorothy Thorpe Roly-Poly Sterling Silver Band Overlay Clear Glass Creamer
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a nice, classic mid century style Dorothy Thorpe Roly-Poly creamer with a sterling silver overlay band around the top of a clear glass bulbous mini pitcher...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Serving Tray Lucite, Rattan & Brass Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing large rectangular serving tray or centerpiece in lucite, rattan and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Great accessory ...
Metal, Brass
Unique Lotus Arts De Vivre Sterling Dragon Basket Wine Server
By Lotus Arts De Vivre
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Exquisite and much sought after Dragon basket wine server from Lotus Arts de Vivre, the premier International purveyors of superlative objects, home decor and jewellery. Mounted on a...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Serving Tray Lucite, Wicker & Brass Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury wonderful rectangular serving tray or centerpiece in lucite, wicker and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass
János Megyik Snack Set, Knife, Fork & Wood Board, Amboss Austria, 1970s
By Janos Megyik
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid Century design snack set, consisting of a fork and knife and a wooden board, designed by János Megyik. Executed by Amboss Austria, who collaborated with a lot of Aust...
Stainless Steel
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Fondue Fork Holder Set Mid-Century Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set of fondue forks with a wooden stand (Brazilian rosewood). The set typically includes stainless steel forks with color-coded, heat-resistant hand...
Iron
Vintage Aluminum Fish Shaped Serving Platter by Mann of Korea
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage aluminum fish shaped serving platter by Mann of Korea, circa 1977. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 17.75"W x 4.75"D x .75"H. Cool piece...
Aluminum
$610Sale Price|20% Off
Silver Plated and Black Plastic Bottle Holder, French Work, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice bottle holder is made of silver plated and black plastic. This is a French Work, circa 1970.
Silver Plate
Vintage Arthur Court Rams Head Serving Platter
By Arthur Court
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly sculptural vintage platter design by Arthur Court. Full of detail, this piece evokes brutalist notes that will provide impact and style to your decor. Unique, artistic a...
Aluminum
Serving Tray in Lucite, Wicker and Brass Christian Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury wonderful rectangular serving tray in lucite, wicker and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to ...
Metal, Brass
Serving Tray in Lucite, Wicker and Brass Christian Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury wonderful rectangular serving tray in lucite, wicker and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition t...
Metal, Brass
Vintage McCoy Glazed Ceramic Butter Dish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage McCoy ceramic butter dish is a quintessential piece of American serving ware, embodying the warm, organic aesthetic of the 1970s. Crafted with the signature durability a...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern German Ceramic Plates by Heinrich Löffelhardt for Arzberg
By Heinrich Loffelhardt, Arzberg
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern German Ceramic Plates by Heinrich Löffelhardt for Arzberg, 1960s, Set of 2
Porcelain
Bamboo Rattan & Brass Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Serving tray in rattan bamboo with brass details and handles made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass
$320Sale Price / item|20% Off
William Bounds Grainware Faceted Lucite Service Tray, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century William Bounds Grainware faceted lucite service tray circa 1960s.
Lucite
Mid-Century Turquoise and Brass Tray by A. Pozzi for Padova Argenti, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century round tray in turquoise enameled metal with brass handles. This marvelous object was designed by Ambrogio Pozzi and produced by Padova Argenti in Italy during ...
Metal, Brass