Napkin Holder by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Napkin holder by Hertha Baller in brass from the 1950s.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tableware
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
to
82
723
20
2
1
1
721
22
12
511
119
1
1
2
17
121
125
78
17
11
745
696
415
328
315
211
158
83
60
59
38
24
21
16
7
7
6
6
412
158
138
122
110
424
311
518
143
121
115
104
745
736
744
38
23
20
17
10
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Italian Vase in Glass of Murano of the 60s Blue & Red in Style of Gio Ponti G221
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Very nice vase in blown glass from Murano in the 60s. Handmade (trace of the pontil under the vase) with very beautiful blue and red colors that intermingle to give a geometric and v...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Murano Glass
Vintage Brass Trivet long form handle
Located in Seattle, WA
Beautiful Patina on this vintage brass Trivet. Long Form Handle. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only.Box H3 Dimensions. 5” W ; 2.75” D ; 5” H
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Nutcracker by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
Located in Berlin, DE
Nutcracker #4243 by Carl Auböck in solid brass.
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Pair of De Vecchi Sterling Silver Goblets Kiddush Cups in Modern Style
By De Vecchi 1
Located in New York, NY
Pair of partially gilt sterling silver Kiddush cups by De Vecchi in charming, modern design. Measuring 9 1/2'' in height by 2 3/4'' in diameter at the base and weighing 18.6 ozt. Bea...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mid Century Modern Handwrought Bronze, Brass and Copper Candlesticks Pair 1950's
Located in North Miami, FL
These substantial and very heavy one of a kind handwrought Mid-Century Modern machine parts studio candlesticks are 3 metals of bronze, brass and copper. This pair of most unusual ca...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Massimo Vignelli for Heller, Italy. A set of 4 dinner plates in yellow melamine
Located in København, Copenhagen
Massimo Vignelli for Heller, Italy. A set of 4 dinner plates in yellow melamine. 1970/80s. Stackable. In excellent condition. Marked. D 25.0 x H 2.5 cm.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Other
Vintage Sterling and Wood Salad Servers
$395 / set
Vintage Sterling and Wood Salad Servers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These elegant vintage salad servers are a sophisticated marriage of natural texture and polished luxury. Featuring hand-carved heads fashioned from rich, dark-grained wood—likely ros...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Ceramist, Twelve Lunch Plates in Glazed Stoneware, Mid-20th C
Located in København, Copenhagen
French ceramist. Twelve lunch plates in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in azure shades. Unique, high-quality ceramics. Mid-20th century. Measures: 22 x 19 cm. In excellent c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Stoneware
Vintage Boho “Radiant Geometric” Tumblers - Set of 6
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your glassware collection with this striking set of six vintage Boho tumblers featuring a radiant geometric design. Crafted with frosted glass and etched with layered, rhythm...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Glass
Early Chafing Dish /Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Fondue Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk A wood stand sometimes comes with this form. It is not with this pot. Chip to wood ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Arabia Finland 'Pirtti' coffee set by Raija Uosikkinen, 1970, super & complete
Located in London, GB
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, 'Pirtti' coffee set Designed, circa 1970, manufactured, circa 1970-1980 Perfect condition showing virtually no signs...
Category
1670s Finnish Antique Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Wooden Box, with Compartiments, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian wooden box, 1960s Small wooden box, with compartiments.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Italian Style Nickel Silver Breackfast Set 1930s Italy
$583Sale Price / set|72% Off
Mid-Century Italian Style Nickel Silver Breackfast Set 1930s Italy
Located in Palermo, IT
Breakfast set in nickel silver with a beautiful geometric design, consisting of two large and two small teapots and a sugar bowl. Some dings and natural signs of use and age on the s...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Metal
LOVELY LIBERTY'S LONDON STYLE ASHBERRY PEWTER PEWTER PLATE WITH CABOCHON STONEs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this this lovely vintage English Ashberry Pewter plate with Cabochon stones made in the Liberty's London styel A good looking and highly decorativ...
Category
20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Pewter
Set of Sarguemine Faience Tableware
$5,000 / set
Set of Sarguemine Faience Tableware
Located in Vista, CA
Set consists of 29 Dinner plates, 17 Luncheon plates, 14 Soup Bowls, 2 Large platters, 2 Large bowls, 1 Gravy boat ,1 small Covered dish, ! med oblong platter, 1 small oblong platter...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Mid-Century Flintwood Molded Plastic Salad Servers
By Carl Reininger
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Mid-Century flintwood molded plastic salad servers by Carl Reininger Ability Products, California 1953 $275.00 each pair.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Plastic
Set of Pilivuyt Porcelain Tableware
Located in Vista, CA
Set consists of: 1 Platter, 38 dinner plates, 8 egg cups, 2 Covered Casseroles, 30 Luncheon Plates, 9 soup bowls, 4 oblong bowls, 2 gravy boats, 1 covered sauce bowl, 2 Pedestal bowls...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Plastic Vintage Serving Trays Vienna, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
This set of two fiberglass vintage serving trays shows multicolored various motifs. The plastic trays were designed and made in the 1960s in Vien...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Fiberglass
Panshu Serving Bowl Handmade White Stoneware Matt Glaze Organic Form, In Stock
Located in Palma, ES
The Panshu Serving Bowl is a handmade ceramic centerpiece that combines organic form, sculptural elegance, and practical functionality. Only available in Temple Clay color (white). C...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Stoneware
Panshu Small Plate Handmade White Stoneware Matt Glaze Organic Form, In Stock
Located in Palma, ES
The Panshu Small Plate is a handmade ceramic piece that brings rustic charm and refined elegance to your table. Only available in Temple Clay color (white). Each plate is carefully h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Stoneware
Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand carved and finished serving tray made of Taverneau, an uncommon Haitian wood with a rattan wrapped handle. Designed and by Arthur Umanoff, produced...
Category
1960s Haitian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Revolving Condiments Tray by OPI Milano for Cini & Nils
By Cini & Nils
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterfully designed modernist condiment tray of impeccable quality, the elements (salt shaker and pepper mill, oil and vinegar containers...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Sculpture by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stainless steel sculpture created by Roger Lee Sprunger comprised of three of his design table bases for Dunbar stacked end to end. 79" tall. Made by Du...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Toothpick Server by Russel Wright for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A polished silver sphere with multiple perforations for holding and dispensing toothpicks. Stamped "Chase USA".
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Mid-century Modern tableware for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern tableware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tableware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, Austria, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria, International Silver, and Jens Quistgaard. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tableware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $652.
More Ways To Browse
Rosenthal Ice Blossom
Round Vintage Tablecloth
Royal Copenhagen Blue Line
Russel Wright Salt And Pepper
Russian Cutlery
Salt Pig Vintage
Shrimp Fork
Silver Spoon Niello
Sterling Silver Monticello By Lunt
Swedish Silverware
Tea Strainer Spoon
Thai Bronze Flatware
Thai Flatware
Tiffany Audubon
Tiffany Co Flatware Audubon
Tiffany Dunstan Flatware
Tiffany Flatware Faneuil
Tiffany Renaissance Flatware