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.
Glass and silver ice bucket, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant ice bucket made of clear molded glass, enhanced by a silver-plated metal rim. Dating from the 1970s, this piece combines the purity of glass with the refined simplicity of...
Silver
Hermès, Paris - Rare Equestrian Champagne Bucket c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A rare opportunity to acquire one of these iconic and highly coveted Champagne buckets in silver plate by the luxury Maison Hermès of Paris. Perfect for the Equestrian devotee, with...
Silver Plate
$44Sale Price / item|53% Off
Vintage Ice Bucket by Per Lütken for Holmegaard Glass Works
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage glass ice bucket by Per Lükten for Holmegaard glass works model 8715. Per Lütken 1916 - 1998 was the unsurpassed master of Danish gl...
Blown Glass
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Apple Ice Bucket in Faux Carey and Metal, Mauro Manetti Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
Apple Ice bucket, brass, Lucite, Spain, 1960s A highly decorative faux tortoiseshell, metal plated and aluminum ice bucket or wine cooler in the manner of Mauro Manetti. Use it in a ...
Metal, Brass
Christofle, Paris, Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler, Folio
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fine and very smart champagne bucket / wine cooler made by the top-notch French silversmith, Christofle of Paris. The design is "Folio" made in the 1980s, a modernist design with a nod to the Art Deco era a design that is most fashionable today. Excellent condition and looking like it has rarely been used. Spanning 10" handle to handle x 8" x 8 1/8" tall. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Beginning in 1830, when Charles Christofle...
Silver Plate
Set of Hans Turnwald Large Black Pear Wine Cooler and Red Pear Ice Bucket
By Turnwald Collection International, Hans Turnwald
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Pear shaped ice buckets by Hans Turnwald Collection. 1 Large pear ice bucket or champagne cooler in black color 1 small red pear ice bucket These eye-catching ice buckets in ...
Metal, Brass
Lino Sabattini Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler c.1960's
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and highly prized silver plated modernist wine cooler or ice bucket ready to chill the finest bottle. Designed by the well renowned Italian designer, Lino Sabattini when he...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century French Silver plated copper Champagne Bucket, 1890s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / silvered champagne bucket / silver plated, copper / Mid-century / Vintage / Antique A beautiful champagne cooler or bucket made in France around 1900. Medicis shap...
Copper
1930s Murano Glass wine cooler in Deep Purple with Hand-Painted 925 Silver
Located in Palermo, PA
This stunning Murano glass ice bucket from the 1930s is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. The deep purple glass creates a rich and luxurious aesthetic, while the hand-p...
Metal, Silver
Ettore Sottsass Rose Gold "Apple" Large Ice Bucket, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and fully complete "Apple" large ice bucket in rose gold metal and brass designed by Ettore Sotsass and produced by Rinnovel in Italy during the 1950s. In fabulous condi...
Metal, Brass
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Silver plated Champagne or Wine Cooler, A. Krupp, Milano
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Mid-Century Silver plated Gio Ponti Champagne or Wine Cooler for A. Krupp, Milano. Barely used. From a series designed for the VI triennale, 1930's to 1950's. Beautiful quality an...
Metal
$821Sale Price|20% Off
Silver Plated Pear Ice Bucket 'a Bit Damaged', Italy, Circa 1970
By Teghini
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This unusual ice bucket is presenting a pear. This is a nice piece made of silver plated and plastic. The pear is a little bit damaged as shown on the pictures. This is an Italian wo...
Silver Plate
Pair Mid Century Full Lead Crystal Sterling Silver Spirits Wine Decanters, 1966
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning identical Pair of English heavy gauge Sterling Silver mounted full led Crystal Spirits or Wine Decanters, made by renowned silversmiths Roberts and Dore of Hatton Garden Lon...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff, Professionally Restored, Like New
Located in Kansas City, MO
Freestanding wrought iron wine rack / holder designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1960s. Professionally restored and powder coated in a black satin finish. The only evidence of any wear are t...
Steel, Wrought Iron
MCM Over-sized Mauro Manetti Vintage Goldtone Pineapple Form Ice Bucket
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This iconic Pineapple Ice Bucket was designed by the renowned Italian designer Mauro Manetti and produced in the 1960s and 1970s. This authentic version marked on the base with "M/M ...
Metal
Midcentury Ice Bucket in Faux Bois and Silvered Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern ice bucket made in brown faux wood, acrylic and metal, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Handsome ice bucket in brown faux bois with silvered metal accents and handle....
Metal
French Vintage Gilt Metal and Crystal Champagne Bucket
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage French crystal champagne bucket decorated with gilt metal and round handles. Very heavy and solid.
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate
Mexican Mid Century Cooler/Ice Bucket
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this Mexican Mid Century Cooler/Ice Bucket, fantastic colors.
Aluminum
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Vintage "Mercedes Benz" Gear Shift Knob Bottle / Wine Stoppers
Located in San Diego, CA
A fun set of four vintage "Mercedes Benz" gear shift knob bottle / wine stoppers, circa 1980s. Each stopper measures approximately 1.5"D x 4"H; the bodies a...
Stainless Steel
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Il Quadrifoglio, Mid-Century Studio Ceramic Ice Bucket, Italy, circa 1958
Located in Chatham, ON
IL QUADRIFOGLIO - mid century studio ceramic twin handled ice bucket - wheel thrown with applied handles - featuring a hand drawn / decorated figure of...
Ceramic
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
Signed Calegaro Ice Bucket in Hammered Silverplate, Italy 1970s
By Calegaro
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century ice bucket in hammered silverplate. This incredibly stylish piece was hand-made by Calegaro in Italy during the 1970s and is signed on the bottom and on the side...
Metal, Silver Plate
English Vintage Midcentury Mahogany Cellarette on Brass Stand, Lined Inside
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English flaming mahogany cellarette from the mid-20th century on brass stand. This English wine cooler features a rectangular body adorned with brass accents. The hinged top with ...
Brass
Vintage Bamboo and Rattan 24 Bottle Tabletop of Floor Wine Rack / Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bamboo wine rack/stand housing 24 bottles (ca. 1970s, USA). Stylish, yet practical piece that can be used as either a floor or tabletop rack, given its size. Original condition with...
Brass
Arne Jacobsen Mid Century Modern Champagne Cooler
Located in Weesp, NL
Elevate your celebrations with the iconic brushed stainless steel mid-century champagne cooler from the Cylinda line, a masterpiece of design by the legendary Arne Jacobsen for Stelt...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Italian Aluminum "Pear" Ice Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern aluminum 'pear-form' ice bucket with white plastic insulated bucket (ca. late 1960s/early 1970s, Italy). Features a textured, sculptural stem decoration ...
Aluminum
Lancel Champagne Bucket
Located in London, England
Silver plated ice bucket. France circa 1950. H 20cm x W 24cm x D 21cm
Silver Plate, Brass
Stunning eye-catching ice bucket barware, Swan, Mauro Manetti, 1960s/70s Italy
Located in Wien, AT
A wonderful ice bucket for your special table, bar, or cocktail party. This ice bucket is a real eye-catcher – in the shape of a swan! This swan boasts a unique design and exceptio...
Metal
Mauro Manetti for Fonderia d'Arte Firenze Pineapple Ice Basket
By Fonderia d'Arte Foundry, Mauro Manetti
Located in Naples, IT
Pineapple-shaped ice basket in silver-plated pewter designed by Mauro Manetti for Fonderia D'Arte in Florence. It bears the mark stamped on the bottom.
Pewter
Glitzy Chrome Standing Champagne Ice Bucket with Brass Ball Shaped Handles
Located in Miami, FL
A glamorous and functional midcentury modern chrome champagne ice bucket or cooler on a stand having brass shaped ball handles and finial on top. Also works well with Art Deco. Ple...
Aluminum, Brass
Mexican Silver-Plated and Bronze Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this robust and elegant ice bucket or wine cooler, crafted in Mexican bronze with a silver-plated finish. The piece stands out for its excellent weight and solidity, reflect...
Brass
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Arthur Court Rabbit Hinged Ice Bucket or Wine Cooler
By Arthur Court
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Whimsical Arthur Court rabbit hinged ice bucket or wine cooler, realistically cast and modeled figure of a standing rabbit, with gemstone eyes, hin...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-20th Century Saint Médard French Silver Plate Ice Bucket
By Saint Médard
Located in Pearland, TX
A fantastic example of mid-century modern design, made by renowned Saint Médard. Removable strainer included. Maker's mark on reverse. 5.25"H x 5.75"W (including handles)
Silver Plate
Modernist Silvered Wine Cooler with Circular Inset, Italy 1970s
Located in New York, NY
ITALY, 1970's Geometric cube shaped wine cooler, with circular inset Silvered metal Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 7
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Aluminum "Mela" Ice Bucket by Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern "mela" ("apple" in English) ice bucket by Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel (1953, Italy). Composed of silver anodized aluminum with a rose-gold tinted interio...
Aluminum
Mexican Silver-Plated and Bronze Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this robust and elegant ice bucket or wine cooler, crafted in Mexican bronze with a silver-plated finish. The piece stands out for its excellent weight and solidity, reflect...
Brass
$440Sale Price|55% Off
Rare Beautiful Midcentury Copper Champagne Wine Cooler by Harald Buchrucker
Located in München, DE
Very rare, beautiful mid-century copper champagne cooler. Designed by Harald Buchrucker. With original label. Made in Germany. Great 1950s ha...
Copper
$1,820Sale Price|20% Off
Valentí Lucite and Brass Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler with Horse Head Handles
By Valenti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Equestrian Lucite and Brass Cylinder Ice Bucket with Horse Head Handles, Spain, 1960-1970. Manufactured by Valentí. Stylish Mid-Century Modern cylinder shaped ice containe...
Brass, Bronze
Mid-Century Hammered Silvered Metal & Brass Champagne Bucket, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century champagne or wine bucket, handcrafted in hammered silver-plated metal with solid brass handles. This charming and unique piece was produced in Italy during the ...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lidded Ice Bucket by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid Century Modern ice bucket/ wine cooler was designed by the legendary Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1960. It offers a striated circular slightly conve...
Brass
$1,862Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury XL Pineapple Tureen Centerpiece in Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pineapple Tureen centerpiece with plate and ladle; Majolica, Glazed Ceramic. Portugal, 1960s This huge tureen has a very realistic pineapple design. A serving plate with leaves desig...
Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic
Italian Ice Bucket Wine Cooler in Burl Wood and Chrome
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Open / Close Ice Bucket in Burl Wood and Chrome Handsome Mid-Century Modern burl wood and chromed metal ice bucket with handle. Italy, 1960s This wine chiller features a c...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Mexican Silver-Plated and Bronze Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this robust and elegant ice bucket or wine cooler, crafted in Mexican bronze with a silver-plated finish. The piece stands out for its excellent weight and solidity, reflect...
Brass
$1,633 / set
Brass and Steel Pineapple Ice Bucket
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pineapple ice bucket is made of brass and steel. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Brass, Steel
$1,204Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Baccarat Cut Crystal and Silver Ice Bucket, 1950s
By Baccarat
Located in Barcelona, ES
Baccarat Crystal and Sterling Silver Ice Bucket with single handle, France, 1950s This ice bucket is comprised by a cut crystal container with sterling silver striped handle. This se...
Crystal, Silver
Willy Rizzo Purple Frosted Lucite Large Ice Bucket, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous large ice-bucket made in a combination of ice-effect purple lucite and clear lucite. This incredibly charming and unique piece is attributed to Willy Rizzo and was produced ...
Acrylic, Lucite
Vintage Accordion Teak Wine Rack, Mid-Century Modern, Thailand, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Accordion Teak Wine Rack, 1970's "store them bottles in style" "good vintage as found condition, one peg missing, see images"
Teak
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Four Bottle Wine Rack in the Style of Nissen Langaa
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid oak four bottle wine rack with black pins in the style of Nissen Langaa, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 9.5"...
Oak
Vintage Italian Brushed Stainless Steel "Apple" Ice Bucket by Morinox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian Modernist "apple-form" brushed stainless steel ice bucket (ca. 1970s, Italy). Features a sculptural stem decoration that serves as the handle for removing the top. The bu...
Stainless Steel
$1,999 / item
Midcentury "Hill" Wine Rack by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautifully sculpted wine rack by Master Craftsman Dean Santner. Santner designs are part of the American Modern Craft movement along side Wendell Cast...
Wood
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
Located in Chicago, IL
Wrought iron and leather strapped wine rack.
Wrought Iron
Aldo Tura Cocktail Shaker in Red and Gilded Parchment
By Aldo Tura, Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Aldo Tura thermos flask in red stained goatskin or parchment is decorated with with a castle hand painted gilded in the style of Fornasetti, Italy, 1950's. The shaker has a slightly ...
Brass, Nickel, Gold Leaf
Midcentury Teghini Firenze Silver Plate Pomegranate Italian Ice Bucket, 1960s
By Teghini
Located in Roma, IT
A wonderful midcentury silver plate wine cooler produced in Florence, Italy during the 1960s by Teghini Firenze. It has the shape of pomegranate and...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Ice Bucket in Brass with Kitchen Pot Shape, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Pot Cauldron Tripod ice bucket or wine cooler, Brass. Spain, 1950s. It stands up on a tripod base and it has a folding han...
Aluminum, Brass
Glass Ice Bucket with Silver Stripe and Bamboo Handle in Style of Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sophisticated and elegant glass ice bucket with a silver stripe and bamboo handle. A compliment to many bar settings. The style is very indicative of Ralph Lauren and a lovely piece.
Silver Plate
$672Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Italian Square Lucite Ice Bucket with Tortoise Shell Effect, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury square lucite ice bucket with tortoiseshell effect. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during the 1970s and in the...
Plastic, Acrylic, Lucite
Walter Bosse Bottle Holder, Cat Blackened Brass, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A nice wine bottle holder made of blackened and partly polished brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s.
Brass
Vintage Venini Murano Light Blue White & Clear Wine Cooler Ice Bucket Italy 1970
By Venini
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Venini Murano martini ice cube container in light blue, white & transparent wine cooler, ice bucket made in Italy 1970. No Makers Logo, Venini ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
French Molded & Polished Crystal Champagne Cooler Ice Bucket, Ganymede, Lalique
By Lalique, Marc Lalique
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant and Timeless French Molded & Polished Crystal Champagne Cooler or Ice Bucket named 'Ganymede' by Marc Lalique circa 1960, France. The "Lalique," and "France" signatures a...
Crystal