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.
Red and Clear Lucite Ice Bucket, Signed P. French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This unusual design ice bucket is made of red and clear lucite. This is a nice model, very simple and elegant. This is a French work, signed P. Circa 1970.
Lucite
Champagne Flutes Glasses, Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960s, Set of 9
Located in New York, NY
A chic set of nine (9) black and silver Champagne flutes glasses, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. A great set to serve Champagne or a cocktail....
Glass
Vintage Italian Silver-Plated "Pumpkin" Ice Bucket by Mauro Manetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage "pumpkin" ice bucket designed by Mauro Manetti (ca. 1970, Italy). Crafted from silver-plated cast aluminum with an aluminum interior bucket. Features a heavily textured, scu...
Aluminum, Silver Plate
$798Sale Price|28% Off
Silver Plated and Glass Champagne Bucket, French, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice champagne bucket is made of glass and silver plated. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Silver Plate
1950s Egidio Casagrande Italian Art Design Midcentury Copper Wine Cooler
Located in Brescia, IT
Art copper wine cooler Excellent condition Artist signed on the back.
Copper
Vintage Danish Champagne Ice Bucket in Copper and Brass, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large champagne ice bucket fashioned out of copper and brass. The interior is plated with white metal. The bucket is stamped Darlin to the base and is was commissioned by the Danish ...
Brass, Copper
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Iron and Leather Four-Bottle Wine Rack
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century American Modern wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard composed of eight saddle-leather strap holders and wrought iron frame. Very good, original, vintage shape wi...
Iron
King Size Vintage Ice Bucket by Danish Theodor Skjøde Knudsen of Wengé, 1960s
By Theodor Skjøde Knudsen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Huge Danish ice bucket by Theodor Skjøde Knudsen made of wengé The insulated wooden bucket has a lid made of black plastic and a white plastic i...
Plastic, Wenge
Midcentury Faux Briar Plastic Italian Ice Bucket with Top, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury plastic Italian ice bucket with faux briar effect. This fantastic item was designed in Italy during the 1970s. This wine cooler is ...
Chrome, Brass
1970's Italian Cube Ice Bucket in Thick Lucite With Sliding Lid
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Ice cube bucket in thick lucite. Beautiful and functional ice bucket with sliding top is an outstanding addition to any bar. The lucite is in very good condition and will kee...
Lucite
$1,550Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Faux Bamboo Wine Cooler Ice Bucket in Ceramic and Brass, Italy 1970
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching champagne or wine cooler or ice bucket in faux bamboo ceramic and brass, Italy, 1970s. This cube shaped lidded ice bucket features a cubic construction in brass with fau...
Brass
silver-plated mid century CHAMPAGNE COOLER designed by Kurt Mayer for WMF 1950s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Kurt Mayer
Located in Mannheim, DE
Elegant vintage champagne cooler manufactured by WMF. Designed by Kurt Mayer. Silver-plated metal. Signed to bottom WMF. Dimensions in cm: Height 22 cm, diameter top 20,8 cm, diamet...
Silver Plate
Noble Mid-Century Modern Teak and Brass Wine Cooler, 1960s Scandinavia
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Noble Mid-Century Modern teak and brass wine cooler, 1960s Scandinavia Very elegant. The teak veneer is in very nice condition, the brass rings have slight signs of wear.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bottle Shaped Ice Bucket Tia Maria Advertising
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous advertising ice bucket. Tia Maria a Jamaican liqueur. Authentic in a copy of the original bottle just a lot bigger. Insulated to insure cold. In exc...
Plastic
A Rare Vintage Remy Martin 3 Litre Bottle with Original Cradle Pouring Stand
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Rare Vintage Remy Martin 3 Litre Bottle with Original Cradle Pouring Stand A Rare piece, this would have been used for “dégustation” of the fine Champagne Cognac V.S.O.P. The Jero...
Glass
$2,113Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Silver Plated and Leather Champagne Bucket with Flutes Holder, French, Circ
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare champagne bucket with flutes holder is made of silver plated and leather. This is a French work. Circa 1970. A pair is available.
Chrome
In the Style of Jacques Adnet, Unusual Chrome, Leather and Rope Ice Bucket
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
In the style of Jacques Adnet. Unusual chrome, leather and rope ice bucket, French, circa 1950.
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Italian Silver-Plated "Tomato" Insulated Ice Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern "tomato-form" ice bucket with silver plate exterior and cream plastic interior. Features a dense, sculpted stem that serves ...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Lorin Marsh Brass Lucite Deco Champagne Cooler Ice Bucket
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern Lorin Marsh square brass / bronze Art Deco style champagne / wine cooler / ice bucket with Lucite inset handel's and side panels, this vessel retains i...
Brass, Bronze
Large Vintage Lucite Gem Ice Bucket by Allesandro Albrizzi / Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
A large vintage Lucite gem ice bucket by Allesandro Albrizzi. 1970s Lucite shows nice age with some craqueling. some the tiny pl...
Lucite
Vintage Wrought Iron Seven-Bottle Wine Holder by Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arthur Umanoff wine rack (1950s USA) in painted wrought iron. Tabletop version, accommodating 7 bottles. Very good, vintage condition with light, age-commensurate wear and a couple o...
Wrought Iron
French Hand Made Cut Crystal Champagne Bucket
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage French hand made cut crystal champagne bucket decorated with metal trim and handles. Heavy and solid. NOTE: Buyer is solely responsible for paying customs duties and taxes t...
Crystal, Metal
Midcentury Cork and Aluminum Italian Ice Bucket with Cork Top, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century Italian cork ice bucket with an aluminium band. This fantastic piece was designed in Italy in the 1970s. This item is very beautiful and elegant with a cork st...
Aluminum
Desigen ice bucket, rosewood look, mouth-blown glass, bareware, 1960s, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
This object is a beautiful ice bucket, an elaborate design manufactured in Italy, in the 1960s. The ice bucket is round and bulbous, with a lid. The outer body is made of wood with ...
Blown Glass, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Copper Italian wine Cooler by Cinzano
By Cinzano
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian wine cooler also usable as ice bucket is crafted from highly polished copper, giving it a warm, lustrous glow. The piece features two e...
Brass, Copper
Vintage Italian Silver-Plated Insulated "Pumpkin" Ice Bucket by Teghini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern "pumpkin-form" ice bucket with silver plate exterior and ivory-hued plastic interior designed by Argenteria Teghini (ca. late 1960s/early 1970s, Florence, ...
Silver Plate
$1,127Sale Price|20% Off
Baccarat Mid-Century Thick Glass Basket
By Baccarat
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful round shaped beverage or wine basket produced in the 1950s by Baccarat, fine glassware. The basket has a cylindrical shape made entirely of clear crystal, with various work...
Crystal, Metal
Silver Plated Champagne Bucket, Italian Design From Bora's (1950-1974)
Located in Bilzen, BE
A silver plated champagne bucket from Italian design Bora's with a refined design (1950-1974) 23 x 16.5 cm without handles Height 21.7 cm
Silver Plate
$638Sale Price|20% Off
Rattan and Leather Bottles Holder, French Work, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This bottles holder is made of rattan and leather. This is a French Work. Circa 1970.
Metal
Gio Ponti (Attr) Silver Plate Soliflores for Fratelli Calderoni, 1960s, Set of 6
Enhance your home decor with this stunning set of six attribuited to Gio Ponti Silver Plate Soliflores, crafted by Fratelli Calderoni in Italy during the 1960s. Each soliflore feat...
Silver Plate, Metal
Acrylic Mid-Century Modern Ice Bucket in Blue Turquoise and Chrome with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fun round Mid-Century Modern ice bucket with a lid and acrylic handle. This bright colorful vintage ice bucket will be great on a bar at your next cocktail party. It is created from plastic and has a bright white exterior. Around the body, is a large horizontal bold turquoise blue stripe, flanked by two strips of chrome. The bucket comes with a round acrylic transparent...
Chrome
Small Arthur Umanoff Wine Bottle Holder for Shaver Howard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, butcher block top, 9 bottle wine holder with iron frame and bottle supports. Often attributed to Paul McCobb, this piece was designed by Arthur Uman...
Iron
$1,409Sale Price|20% Off
Martini Ice Bucket with Original Logo in Nickel-Plated Brass
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Italian nickel-plated brass ice cube holder made by Martini. On the front of the ice cup we find their Martini. At both ends we find two knobs to fac...
Brass
1970s Romeo Rega Mid-Century Modern Brass and Silver Plate Italian Wine Cooler
By Romeo Rega
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a Romeo Rega 1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian wine cooler, notable for its refined craftsmanship and luxurious materials. The design features a cylindrical form, with the ext...
Metal, Brass
Ice Bucket 1950-1960 Design.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ice bucket 1950-1960 design. Silver-plated metal ice bucket, signed, 20th century, 1950-1960 design. Dimensions : H: 23cm, D: 15cm Contact us before ordering to confirm product av...
Metal
$1,409Sale Price|20% Off
French Christople Ice Bucket in Original Patina with Aries
By Christofle
Located in Milano, IT
Christofle silver metal ice bucket with band decoration along the edge and rams heads. Splendid in its workmanship and even more splendid is its patina, evident and very elegant. T...
Metal
A pair of 1970s High Quality Modern Silver Plated Wine Coolers by Sant'Andrea
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This pair of 1970s Modern silver-plated Italian wine coolers by Sant’Andrea embodies timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Each cooler features a classic, rounded form with a ...
Silver Plate
Exceptional Bronze Champagne Cooler or Ice Bucket by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, elegant and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern solid bronze champagne cooler or ice bucket. Designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart, Italy, 1970s. Signed: Esa Fedrigol...
Bronze
French Hand Made Cut Crystal Champagne Bucket
Located in Vilnius, LT
French hand made cut crystal champagne bucket with handles, label and engraved mark on the base. Very heavy and solid.
Crystal
Mid-Century Italian Modern Brass "Pumpkin" Ice Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern "pumpkin-form" brass ice bucket (ca. 1950s). Features a sculptural stem decoration that serves as the handle for removing the top. The bucket is uninsulated but can still be used to house ice with or without the addition of a liner. Brass has been newly polished but shows wear (tarnish spotting to interior and exterior, spots of peeling and scuffs as shown). Remains an attractive, striking decorative tabletop object...
Brass
Murano Style Glass Striped Top Hat for Chilling Wine or Champagne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully large and decorative top hat of Murano Style Art Glass. The piece has a sophistication as well as whimsy, making I the perfect addition to the bar for use as a wine co...
Murano Glass
Midcentury Silver Plate Pedestaled Wine / Champagne Bucket W/Galleried Rim
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage silver plate champagne bucket / wine cooler raised on a stepped circular foot and with knob handles having a cylindrical ...
Silver Plate
Very Fine Vintage Burnt Bamboo c1970s Wine Rack MINT
By Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Vintage Burnt Bamboo c1970s Wine Rack MINT
Bamboo, Cane
ATAPCO Inox Stainless Steel American Mid-Century Modern Ice Cooler Bucket 1970
By Atapco
Located in Miami, FL
American Mid-Century Modern inox stainless steel insulated cooler, ice bucket designed by ATAPCO and made in USA, 1970s. Inside with plastic liner and the lid has a teak knob. Marked...
Stainless Steel
Spanish Wine Cooler Ice bucket in Hand Forged Gilt Iron, Gothic Inspired, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Champagne Wine Cooler Ice bucket with Foliage Floral Motifs, Gold Leaf, Gilt Iron. Spain, 1940s-1950s. Rare find. A beautiful hand wrought iron ice bucket with gold leaf finish. It s...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid Century Modern Sterling Silver Wine Coolers, Walter Davies & Sons Ltd, 1973
By Walter Davies & Sons Ltd
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1973 by Walter Davies & Sons Ltd., this handsome pair of Elizabeth II sterling silver wine coolers are of a plain, tapering cylindrical form. Reflecting a cle...
Sterling Silver
Large Mid-20th Century Globe Champagne or Wine Cooler Italian, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
A Impressive Large Heavy Quality mid-20th century Globe Champagne or Wine Cooler, hailing from Italy and dating around 1970. This modernist piece exudes quality, with thick and surp...
Silver Plate
1970s Italian Ice Bucket Wine and Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian ice bucket where you can insert bottle plus 8 small glasses.
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Italian Modern Silver-Plated "Squash" Lidded Serving / Candy Dish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern silver-plated snack/candy/serving dish with lidded top formed to resemble a squash. This is a shorter, uninsulated version of fruit and vegetable-formed ice buckets made in Italy and France at the time. Though shallow, this piece can additionally hold ice to stylishly refresh a drink or enhance any tabletop decor...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Italian Modern Aluminum "Apple" Ice Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern aluminum 'apple-form' ice bucket with white plastic insulated bucket (ca. late 1960s/early 1970s, Italy). Features a textured, sculptural stem decoration...
Aluminum
Large French Cut Crystal Ashtray
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage French large and heavy cut crystal ashtray decorated with gilded edge. Weight: 3,5 kg.
Crystal
Wine Rack Made in Tropical Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
This amazing wine rack are made of a mix of tropical woods. The rack holds eleven wine bottles and can be completely disassembled.
Mahogany
$300 / item
Carl Aubock "Wrist" Hand Cork Stopper #4220
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock "Wrist" hand Cork stopper #4220. This beautifully crafted cork stopper by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage of form and funct...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Seventeen-Bottle Wine Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Arthur Umanoff wine rack in painted wrought iron. Can be used as a tabletop or floor rack, accommodating 17 bottles. Pictured with this wine rack is the smaller, 7-bottle hold...
Wrought Iron
Italian Modernist Pewter "Pumpkin" Ice Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Italian Modern "pumpkin-form" pewter ice bucket (ca. late 1950s/early 1960s, Italy). Features a sculptural stem decoration that serves as the handle for removing the top. The bucket is uninsulated but can still be used to house ice with or without the addition of a liner. Very good, vintage condition showing patina/light wear consistent with age and use. There is also a small dent present, as shown (subtle and blends well with the hammered pewter texture). Measure: height: 6.5" (5" without lid) x diameter: 7" Omega Retailer...
Pewter
Italian Modernist Silver-Plated "Pepper" Ice Bucket with Neon Green Interior
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming Mid-Century Italian Modern ice bucket resembling both a bell pepper and an acorn with silver plate exterior and neon green plastic interior. Features a heavily textured, s...
Silver Plate
Mid Century Floor Standing Chrome Champaign Ice Bucket
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Floor Standing Chrome Champaign Ice Bucket This is a charming piece it stands on a central column and has provision for 4 bottles in the reservoir at the top The stan...
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Ice Bucket with Lid done in chrome designed by Arne Jacobsen
By Stelton, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a Mid Century Modern Ice Bucket done in stainless steel, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Stelton. It features a beautifully designed lid and the attributi...
Stainless Steel
WMF Silver Plate Modern Champagne Bucket Cooler Germany circa 1950
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, WMF Ikora
Located in New York, NY
A WMF silver plated champagne bucket cooler from Germany circa 1950. Stamped on the underside WMF. WMF (formerly known as Württembergische Met...
Silver Plate