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.
Hocking Glass Old Colony Pink Depression Glass Dessert Service, 1935
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautiful Pink Depression Glass dessert service by Hocking Glass in the Old Colony pattern, also known as Lace Edge or Open Lace. Produced betw...
Glass
Set of 4 Pink Wicker Ceramic Dinner Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspire...
Ceramic
Brass can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Brass can vienna around 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Vision by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 95 Pieces Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
International sterling flatware in the pattern Vision designed by Ronald Hayes Pearson patented in 1961. This discontinued pattern features clean, Modernisn inspired lines and is fea...
Sterling Silver
Guzzini Salt, Pepper, Oil, Vinegard, Parmesan Green Set in Lucite, 1970s, Italy
By Guzzini
Located in Rome, IT
Table set for pepper, salt, parmesan etc. in green Lucite made by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s.
Lucite, Plexiglass
Crystal Mix Set of 6 Nachtmann Stem Glasses with Colored Overlay Cut to Clear
By Nachtmann
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage mix set of 6 cut to clear crystal stem glasses. Mix crystal (Bleikristall 24% Mundgeblasen Handgeschliffen) glasses Clear crystal glass. Side facetted and toothed stem. Th...
Crystal
Richard Ginori Black & White China Set Colonna Pattern Mid Century 36 Pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
Extensive china or dinnerware set in the "Colonna" pattern, designed by Giovanni Gariboldi for Ginori circa 1954. Gariboldi was Gio Ponti's successor at Ginori. 36 pieces total. The ...
Porcelain
Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
This pattern was designed by internationally renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and introduced by Reed & Barton in the year 1958. It has a wonderful Mid-Century Modern Design. This is our best selling Mid Century Modern flatware...
Sterling Silver
$256Sale Price|37% Off
Toothpick Holder with African Boy by Richard Rohac
Located in Wien, Au
Toothpick holder with African boy by Richard Rohac Original condition.
Brass
Silver-plated Mauro Manetti Ice Bucket, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Silver-plated Mauro Manetti ice bucket, 1970s, Made in Italy. Fantastic pomegranate-shaped ice bucket by Mauro Manetti, 1970s. This item is made of metal with a silver finish. The at...
Metal
Raymond Loewy, ‘Charcoal’ coffee pot, Rosenthal - Continental China, 1960s
Located in London, GB
Raymond Loewy (USA, 1893-1986) ‘Charcoal’ coffee pot Designed 1960, produced by Continental China, a division of Rosenthal, Germany Ceramic. Good condition with only minor rubbings ...
Ceramic
Celeste by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service, 79 Pieces, Modern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern Celeste by Gorham, circa 1956 sterling silver flatware set of 79 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9 3/8". 12 forks, 7 1/2". 12 salad forks, 7 1/8". 12 teaspo...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Natural Capiz Shell and Cork Round Placemat Chargers With Brass Rims
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 natural capiz shell round placemat chargers with brass rims and natural cork bottoms. Made by hand in the Phillipine islands.
Shell
Crystal by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 54 Pcs Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern Crystal by International sterling silver flatware set of 54 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9 1/4". 12 forks, 7 1/2". 12 salad forks, 7". 12 teaspoons, 6 1/...
Sterling Silver
Brass watering can vienna around 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Brass watering can vienna around 1960s Brass polished
Brass
Danish Modern Steak Knife set by Chef Le Blanc for Selandia NIB
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of 6 teak and stainless steak knives, designed in the 1970s by Chef JP LeBlanc for Selandia. They were never used. Comes with the box and original plastic sleeves. Beautiful Sc...
Stainless Steel
Carl Aubock II Walnut Knife Holder with 6 Amboss Knives, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Lovely set of six beautiful midcentury fruit knives and a holder / stand, made of walnut and cork. Designed by Carl Aubock II and manufactured by Carl Auböck workshop in midcentury, ...
Stainless Steel
Set of 4 Blue Wicker Ceramic Dessert Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspired design, these ceramic plates effortlessly combine rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship, perfect for adding warmth and sophistication to any dining occasion. Ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings, these versatile plates bring a delightful artisanal touch to your tabletop, creating an inviting atmosphere. The durable ceramic construction ensures lasting quality, while the unique handpainted patterns provide each plate with its own distinctive character. Celebrate traditional Italian craftsmanship with these timeless ceramic wicker plates, a delightful addition to any home. Please note: Each plate is handcrafted and hand-painted; subtle variations and slight imperfections highlight their artisanal charm and uniqueness. Made in Italy Ø 21cm 100% Ceramic Set of 4 Blue Dessert Plates
Ceramic
Gio Ponti Italian Stainless Diamond Flatware Set Three Long Ice Tea Spoons 1958
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Gio Ponti Italian stainless diamond flatware set of three long ice tea spoons, 1958. Measures: 7 1/2" L x 1 1/8" W x 1/2" H Maker stamped. Italian Gio Ponti designer...
Stainless Steel
Amboss Austria 2050 Flatware Cutlery for Six by Helmut Alder, 34 pcs., 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful modernist flatware from Austria, model 2050, designed by Helmut Alder, executed by Amboss Austria in the 1950s. High-quality flatware, made of brushed and polished stainless steel. For six persons, consists of six big spoons...
Stainless Steel
$124Sale Price / set|44% Off
Scandinavian Modern Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, circa 1970's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of salt and pepper shakers by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The Minimalist shakers feature a tapered cylindrical form in brushed stai...
Stainless Steel
$2,327Sale Price / set|50% Off
Quinta Nova 43-Piece Floral Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Portugal, 1960s
By Vista Alegre
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous porcelain tableware from the Portuguese firm Quinta Nova, renowned for its fine porcelain. Its meticulously painted floral design combines warm tones of orange and green on a pearly white background, evoking a romantic yet contemporary touch. The edges of the pieces feature a wavy shape with a fine gold trim, enhancing their decorative character. The floral ornamentation, with intertwined branches and flowers in full bloom, recalls 19th-century botanical motifs, inspired by Rococo art and Victorian design. The balance between the gold details and the softness of the floral brushstrokes make this tableware ideal for a more classic decor style or a more modern setting. Stamped on the base of each piece. Quinta Nova Porcelain, now Vista Alegre Quinta Nova Porcelain was a Portuguese brand...
Porcelain
LaGardo Tackett California Modernist Design Terracotta Tall Pitcher Rockingham
By Lagardo Tackett, Rockingham Pottery Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare tall water pitcher by Lagardo Tackett for Rockingham. circa 1950's excellent condition no chips or cracks , beautiful glozy brown finish on terracotta .
Terracotta
Set for 8 EKCO Eterna "Canoe Muffin" Mid-Century Danish Modern Flatware - 1960s
By EKCO
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Danish influenced Mid-Century sleek modernist designed stainless flatware / silverware set & serving pieces designed and sold by EKCO Products International and produced in Japan, circa 1960s. This set is from the EKCO Eterna...
Stainless Steel
Rosenthal "Polygon Corfu" China Set Mid Century Danish Modern 38 Pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rosenthal "Polygon Corfu" China Set, Germany, circa 1970s. The 36 piece set is comprised of 1 coffee pot, 1 teapot, 9 dinner plates, 11 tea cups, 11 saucers, and 5 bread plates.
Porcelain
Hammered fruit bowl with wicker around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Hammered fruit bowl with wicker around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled Original wicke
Brass
Set 12 Blown Bubble Glass Mid-Century Modern Drinking Glasses Glassware, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 12 Mid-Century Modern heavy blown bubble glass drinking glasses, glassware, stemware made in Italy. In excellent condition. A-976-335
Blown Glass
Vintage Indiana Glass Snowflake Snack Set, Eight Cups & Trays, 1950s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Charming vintage Indiana Glass snack set in the classic Snowflake pattern, consisting of eight handled cups and eight matching snack trays. Produced by Indiana Glass in the mid-20th century, this pattern is recognized for its pressed glass snowflake and starburst motif, which catches and reflects light beautifully while maintaining the practicality that made these entertaining sets so popular in American homes. Designed for coffee, tea, desserts, and informal gatherings, snack sets became a staple of postwar entertaining. The integrated tray and cup arrangement allowed hosts to serve beverages and small bites with elegance and convenience, making them especially popular during the 1950s and 1960s. This set features clear pressed glass with a delicate yet durable construction. The Snowflake pattern adds texture and visual interest without overwhelming the table, making these pieces equally suitable for traditional, cottage, farmhouse, and mid-century interiors. The trays provide space for pastries, cookies, sandwiches, or petit fours, while the matching cups complete the presentation. Vintage snack...
Glass
Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates, France, circa 1970s. Very graphic design! As seen in the first photo, there are 5 each of the ...
Porcelain
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Asparagus Ceramic Serving Set for Six, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern asparagus design glazed ceramic serving set, Spain, 1950s-1960s A set of 6 asparagus plates, a server with lid and a salt and pepper shakers set. The asparagus tureen...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
$49Sale Price / set|25% Off
Robert Welch for Old Hall, 1962-4, Alveston Condiment Set, Super Set, Modernist
By Robert Welch, Old Hall Earthenware Co.
Located in London, GB
Robert Welch for Old Hall, 1962-4 'Alveston' condiment set Stainless steel with black plastic inserts Very good condition, with only light marks Makers stamp to underside of ea...
Stainless Steel
Fornasetti salt and pepper shakers with an additional container
Located in London, GB
Set of three condiment containers. By Piero Fornasetti c 1950
Porcelain
Carl Auböck Up to Three Midcentury Polished Brass Card Holder, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
*Actually up to three pieces available* A beautiful card stand, made of polished brass, designed and executed in the 1950s by Carl Auböck, Austria. To be used for business cards, fol...
Brass
Emilia Castillo Alabaster and Sterling Silver Bowl
Located in Darnestown, MD
This elegant alabaster bowl with sterling silver ornamentation was made by Emilia Castillo. The bowl measures 14 inches in diameter and features five leaves, that I believe are philo...
Alabaster, Sterling Silver
Copper and brass Watering Can, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Copper and brass Watering Can, circa 1960s Only Polished
Brass, Copper
Onedia Mid-Century South Seas Silverplate Flatware Set for Community
By Community
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A 58 piece set of silverplated sculptural south seas pattern styled flatware with 8 serving pieces, with five pieces for each place setting salad, dinner fork, tea, soup spoon and knife. There are eight severing pieces butter, cake knife, slotted, large severing and condiment spoon...
Silver Plate
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
Brass
Rosewood & Brass Individual Butter Cream Desert Knives Set of 4
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a very sweet set of 4 individual butter or desert cream knives made of brass with rosewood handles. They have a nice curved shape to the blades and are in good condition with...
Brass
Set of Four Mid-Century Modernist Salt Cellars Signed Steuben
Located in New York, NY
This set of four Mid-Century Modernist salt cellars, designed circa 1960 and signed by Steuben, exemplifies the refined simplicity and impeccable quality that defined the Mid-Century...
Glass
Romance, Bijorn Windblad Rosenthal Silverplate Flatware for 12 with Case 79 Pcs
Located in St. Louis, MO
Romance by Bijorn Windblad for Rosenthal Studio-Linie Mid-Century Modern silver plate flatware for 12 with service pieces in original modernist Rosenth...
Steel
$170Sale Price|25% Off
Robert Welch for Old Hall, 'Campden' Coffee Pot and Milk Jug, 1957
By Old Hall Earthenware Co., Robert Welch
Located in London, GB
Robert Welch for Old Hall, 1957 Coffee pot and milk jug Stainless steel with wooden handles Excellent condition, with only very light marks. Appears generally unused Makers sta...
Stainless Steel
Lauffer Palisander Rosewood and Stainless Steel Flatware 57 Pieces
By Lauffer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid century modern Scandinavian design rosewood and stainless steel flatware set by Lauffer, made in Japan, circa 1960s. The 57 piece set contains 8 teaspoons, 10 tablespoons, 12 sal...
Stainless Steel
Danish Mid-century modern teak salt and pepper shaker set
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
An iconic pair of Danish teak salt and pepper shakers designed by Laurids Lønborg, produced in the late 1960s. These sculptural table objects perfectly embody the essence of Danish M...
Teak
Set of Italian Polished Pewter Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Set of Salt Shakers & Pepper Grinder in Polished Pewter, a Set of Two. This classic pair is marked Made in Italy on the bottom. Wonderful addition to add to your table for e...
Pewter
Table Barometer Weather Station Vienna Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Table Barometer Weather Station Vienna Around, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Twenty-Two Piece Set of Sterling Silver and Ebony "Contrast" Flatware by Lunt
By Lunt Silver
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous twenty-two piece set of sterling silver and ebony nylon "Contrast" flatware by Lunt Silver Co.., circa 1950s. The set is in very good vintage condition and is stamped on the...
Sterling Silver
Small Mid-Century Perforated Tablet, 1950s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Small Mid-Century Perforated Tablet, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Cream Styles: Mid-Century Modern Period: 1950s I...
Metal
Rosewood & Brass Flatware 5 Serving Pieces Tongs Pie Bonbon Spoon Cheese Knife
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a fantastic set of 5 serving pieces made of brass with rosewood handles. The tongs have one side that is a fork and one that is a spoon and they come apart so they can be use...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Blue Bird Design Wood Napkin Holder Paavo Asikainen Finland
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Blue Bird Design Wood Napkin Holder from Paavo Asikainen, Finland, 1960s
Wood
$700Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Capodimonte Porcelain Tea /Coffee Cups with Floral Motifs, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This set is made in Capodimonte porcelain and features hand painted floral motifs and golden edges. They are vintage therefore they might show slight traces of ...
Porcelain
Set of 4 Ceramic Bamboo Dessert Plates - Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring the beauty of nature to your table with our Set of 4 bamboo ceramic plates, made in Italy. Each plate showcases intricate hand painted bamboo detailing, combining artisanal cra...
Ceramic
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s. Very good condition. Goat: 7cm Flamingo: 7cm Penguin: 4cm Frog: 1,5cm Dalphin: 6cm Deer: 7cm Bear: 9cm
Brass
$76Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Midcentury Salt and Pepper Shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in Teak
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage midcentury salt and pepper shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in teak. It was the late 1950s, and in Ehrenreich’s small workshop, there was no shortage of imagination. No two things were ever alike. Small silver fish were inlaid in hand-turned bowls...
Teak
Set of 4 Colorful Napkin Rings in Painted Wood 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 4 Colorful Napkin Rings in Painted Wood, 1970s. This is a fun set of 4 colorful napkin rings in painted wood. Great bright colors and in a wonderful condition, these napkin r...
Wood
Carl Aubock II Rare Salt and Pepper Shakers, Walnut & Horn, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful and rare pair of Midcentury modern minimalism salt and pepper shakers from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Werkstatte Carl Aubock Vienna. The drop shaped shakers ...
Wood
XXL & Great Shape Venetian Murano Pendant Light of Mouthblown Glass by Seguso
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Murano 5
Located in Lisse, NL
Great shape, mouthblown Venetian light fixture by Seguso. If you are looking for a rare and stylish mid-20th century fixture to grace your home then this...
Brass
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Mid-Century Max & Moritz Salt Pepper Twins Shakers, WMF, 1950s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of lovely modernist Bauhaus "Max & Moritz salt and pepper twins“ shakers, original vintage from the 1950s. Designed by Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld, executed by WMF Württembergische...
Stainless Steel
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Suisse Langenthal Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the elegance of these vintage Suisse Langenthal bowls. This collection of four bowls embodies a striking modernist design, accentuated with captivating blue line ...
Ceramic
Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Carl Aubock for Amboss, Austria, circa 1960s. This is a 5 piece set for 7 guests, 35 pieces total. The largest piece measures 8.25...
Stainless Steel