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.
1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce dating from the 1950s, characterized by a refined and decorative mid-century composition. The fixture features a round brass wall plate supporting a shaped brass ...
Brass
Beautiful Murano Iron Caged Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Light 1960s Italy vintage
By Seguso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A spectacular vintage Murano glass pendant chandelier, featuring a hand-blown amber-colored glass bubble enclosed within an elegant decorative metal cage. Created in Italy during the...
Metal
$575 / item
Large Pendants in Opaline Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pendants, opaline glass and metal, Europe, 1960s. Minimalistic and pristine pendants in opaline glass. Great shade with flattened top and small opening in the bottom. Black coated ...
Metal
Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By J.T. Kalmar, Glashütte Limburg, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Helena Tynell, Rupert Nikoll
Located in München, DE
An exceptionally large and beautiful "Bubble" wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and high-quality craftsmanship. The lamp impresses with its imposing size and spec...
Metal
Lotus Flower Wall Sconce, Mother-of-Pearl Petals & Gilt Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite Italian lotus flower wall light, 1970s. Delicate, layered mother-of-pearl petals mounted on polished gilt brass backplates, it emits a warm, romantic, pearl-like glow. Full...
Brass
Gorgeous 1960s Glass and Brass Pendant Chandelier by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning Scandinavian ceiling pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, combining timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. The fixture features a soli...
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian Mid-Century Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative flush mount ceiling fixture from the early 1950s. Designed and made in Norway from cirka 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage co...
Brass
Mid-Century gilt Sunburst wrought iron flush mount by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Marc Weinstein, Ferro Art, Hans Kögl, Maison Jansen, Curtis Jeré
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century Modern and French Riviera style flush mount light by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1950s. Handmade wrought...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Black Metal and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a refined geometric composition and a balanced combination of brass, black lacquered metal and opaline glass. Ea...
Brass
French Riviera style handmade pine wood and rattan pendant light, France, 1970s
By Romeo Rega, Franco Albini, Tito Agnoli, Louis Sognot, Christian Dior
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Palm Beach Regency and French Riviera style pendant lamp, France, 1970s. Composed of a varnished pine wood structure with a rattan l...
Rattan, Wood, Pine
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces with Arched Arms
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with an elegant and balanced mid-century composition. Each fixture features a round brass wall plate supporting a slender...
Brass
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 36 acid-etched amber glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic chandelier with 36 acid-etched with an amber spot inside glasses, gold painted structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, luster of th...
Art Glass
Stilnovo Midcentury Brass and Glass Chandelier, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This mid-century modern ceiling lamp from the renowned Italian manufacturer Stilnovo, dating back to the 1950s, is a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The lamp features an oval-shape...
Metal, Brass
Gaetano Scolari for Stilnovo 'A5011' Pendant
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gaetano Scolari for Stilnovo, ceiling light model A5011, metal, brass, Italy, design 1950 Elegant dynamic and modern pendant by Scolari for Stilnovo. This lovely pendant is adjustab...
Brass
$2,480 / set
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
This set of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. Each sconce features a robust design with materials including lacquered black metal and brass...
Metal, Brass
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Hexagonal Rosewood Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 27in H x 6in W x 6in D Lamp Shade: 12in H x 14.50in W X 14.50in D ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like...
Linen, Wood, Rosewood
Vintage Children's Room Pendant Light With Hansel & Gretel Fabric Shade, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A charming 1970s Ceiling lamp for your Childs room. It features a hand-painted textile panel with Grimm's Hansel and Gretel around its perimeter. The underlying shade is made from ac...
Textile, Acrylic
Italian Designer, Pendant Lights, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and opaline glass pendant lights designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface sc...
Brass
Crystal Prism Sputnik Chandeliers - 50 multicolored prisms
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Sputnik chandelier surrounding 50 multicolored crystal glass 'triedri' prisms radiating from a center black metal nucleus. Brass lamp holder. Period: late xx century Dimensions: 51,2...
Art Glass
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Wood, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A Brass, rattan and Wood chandelier. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light oxidation and tarnish to the brass. Replaced lampshades. Patina...
Brass
Golden Italian Hollywood Regency Chandelier by Hans Kögl
By Tommaso Barbi, Willy Daro, Massive Lighting, Charles Maison, Hans Kögl
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally decorative floral lamp from the 1970s. Great design and high-quality craftsmanship. The leaves create a wonderful lighting effect. Design: Hans Kögl Condition: Very ...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Four Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp in the Style of Isamu Noguchi, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculptural paper pendant lamp shade in the style of Isamu Noguchi, produced by an unknown manufacturer during the 1990s. The shade features a softly rounded, organic silhouette form...
Paper
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Some imperfections on shade. Wear consistent with a...
Brass
Palm Beach Regency style hand-painted ceramic table lamps, France, 1970s
By Hispania CH, Capo Di Monte, Cerámicas BONDIA, Vallauris, Paolo Traversi
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Palm Beach Regency and French Riviera style handmade ceramic table lamps, France (La Côte d'Azur), 1970s. Each piece is composed of ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconces—clear and amber triedri—Column model
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 Murano crystal prism (triedri) for each sconce in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The glasses are tra...
Art Glass
Murano Glass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Paolo Venini, Gino Vistosi, J.T. Kalmar, AVMazzega
Located in München, DE
Beautiful and large Murano glass wall or ceiling lamp. High-quality craftsmanship and fantastic Italian design. The textured glass creates a sparkling light. Manufacturer: Mazzega D...
Metal
Spanish Foliage Sunburst Light Fixture in Pink and Green Iron, 8 Lights, 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outsanding XL Spanish Foliage Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Pink, Green and Yellow Iron, Ferro Art, 1950s-1960s. Extra large size ( 100 cm / 39,37 in diameter). 8 Lights. This st...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 52 amber green petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 glasses, green colors, nickel metal structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, luster of these ...
Art Glass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Floor Lamp with Integrated Side Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Esperia, floor lamp, lacquered steel and brass, marble, teak, Italy, 1950s This 1950s Italian floor lamp by Esperia challenges traditional ideas on how lighting and everyday objects...
Brass, Steel
Brass Table Lamp, Desk Lamp, Egon Hillebrand-Model 7613, Germany, 1960s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Large Bauhaus-style lamp from the 1960s: Large brass table lamp by the company Egon Hillebrand from West Germany, model 7613. This very solid lamp stands out with its large, curved l...
Metal, Brass
Laurel Chrome & Mushroom Frosted Glass Shade Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Laurel Chrome & Mushroom Frosted Glass Shade Lamp Materials Nickel Plated Chrome, Original Frosted Glass Shade
Chrome
Small French glazed ceramic table lamp
Located in London, GB
A very pretty olive glazed small table lamp with indistinct signature on the underside.
Ceramic
French Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Metal, Fabric, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass, metal and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 15.0"H x 12.5"W x 6.65...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Aged Brass and Metal Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-Century Aged Brass and Metal Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy Lamp are in very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use This lamps work with E14 standard light ...
Metal, Brass
French 1960’s solid wooden sphere lamp.
Located in London, GB
A larger than average heavy solid wooden carved sphere lamp. French c.1960’s. Shade for display, not included.
Wood
Stilnovo Green Perforated Sconce with Brass Arm, Midcentury 1950
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stilnovo Green Perforated Sconce with Brass Arm, Midcentury 1950 Executed in a vintage green painted perforated metal shade with brass arm and backplate. The shade rotates freely le...
Metal, Brass
EMORE Murano Fusion Glass Chandelier
Located in İstiklal, TR
Arel Lighting is a handmade manufacturer of lighting fixtures. The EMORE Fusion Glass Chandelier is a sophisticated statement lighting piece that combines artistic craftsmanship wit...
Metal
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and floral-printed fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced canop...
Brass
Pair of glass wall sconces - 6 alabaster blue disks
By Vistosi
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Pair of Vintage Italian Murano appliques in Vistosi style. Wall lights have 6 glass for each, blue alabaster glasses. Nickel metal frame. Period: late 20th century Dimensions: 11.80...
Art Glass
Fantastic pair of Murano glass tube wall sconces—13 green alabaster glass tubes
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The polished nickel frame supports 13 large green alabaster glass tubes arranged in a star sha...
Blown Glass
Arthur Jacobs Sculpted Korina Wood Floor Lamp for Modeline of CA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Korina Wood, Polished Brass, New Custom Linen Shade ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...
Brass
Sculptural Italian Sinuous Cocoon Pendant Lamp, circa 1960/70s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Milano, IT
A distinctive Italian pendant lamp dating from the 1960s–70s, characterized by an organic, enveloping form composed of overlapping, softly curved surfaces. The shade unfolds almost l...
Metal
Murano Chandelier / ceiling light Original Palmette, two levels, 82 pink glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 82 Murano pink glasses, two levels, in a gold painted metal frame. The chandelier also has a Murano cle...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Hand-Blown Rose Murano Glass Florets Chandelier by Barovier & Toso
Located in New York, NY
Ethereal and enchanting, this mid-century Murano glass chandelier by the legendary Italian workshop Barovier & Toso transforms lighting into an art form. Crafted circa 1960, the chan...
Brass
$1,771 / set
Pair of Brass Sputnik Wall Lamps, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Striking pair of Italian wall lamps from the 1960s, designed with three elegantly splayed brass arms on each fixture. Their branching, fountain-like form gives them a lively sculptur...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Red Metal and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a bold geometric composition and a distinctive contrast of materials and colors. Each fixture features a round b...
Brass
Mid-century Modern 3 Socket Green Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Modern 3 Socket Green Brass Ceiling Lamp, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulb Wired and suitable to use wi...
Brass, Metal
Large J.T. Kalmar Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Textured Glass, Vienna, 1950
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Austrian Mid-Century Modern brass chandelier from the 1950s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. Measuring 21.5 inches in diameter, this refined chandelier featur...
Brass
Elegant brass colored metal Pendant lamps by Carl Thore, Sweden
By Carl Thore, Granhaga
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A pair of vintage wall lamps from the celebrated "Trava" series, designed by Carl Thore for Granhaga Metallindustri, Sweden, circa 1960s–1970s. These elegant sconces embody the time...
Metal
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Art Deco brass pendant light, Italy, 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Oscar Torlasco, Fontana Arte, Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Art Deco style pendant lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s. This chandelier is composed of a brass ...
Metal, Brass, Enamel, Chrome
Mid-Century and Atomic Era rhodoid table lamp by Jean Rispal, France, 1950s
By Jean Rispal, Mathieu Matégot, Rispal, Stilnovo, Estiluz Lighting
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. 100% original elements. Mid-Century Modern style three-legged table lamp by Jean Rispal for Maison Rispal, France, 1950s. Composed o...
Metal, Iron
Pair of Bubble Glass Sconces by Glashütte Limburg, Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant pair of petite vintage wall sconces manufactured by Glashütte Limburg, Germany. Each sconce features a beautifully shaped amber-toned glass shade mounted on a minimalist meta...
Metal
$992Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sciolari glass wall lighting murano pair, italy 1970s
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional G Sciolari wall lighting with tube Murano glass with gilded gold structure. The design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of Italian design. This supe...
Brass
Large Murano glass Chandelier - 101 turquoise tube glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 101 large turquoise glass tubes which have a slightly textured effect...
Blown Glass
Large 1950s Sputnik Dandelion Chandelier, Brass & Crystal, 11 Bulbs
Located in Miami, FL
Large Chandelier from the 1950s. The chandelier has eleven sockets for candelabra bulbs, 150 arms with each holding eight octagon shaped crystal glass pieces. The chain is 18' long, ...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Pair of Large Gold Murano Ribbon Twist Lamps by Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of large Murano ribbon twist lamps by Seguso. The beautiful golden Murano glass lamp bodies have a white ribbon twist deign. They have been Newly rewired with adjustabl...
Brass
Piero Fornasetti 'Kisses' Table Lamp, Mid-Century Design, 1990s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this rare "Kisses" table lamp was designed by the iconic Piero Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in ...
Plastic
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a simple and well-balanced composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting. Each fixture features a round brass ...
Brass
Pair of XXL "Alien" Wall Sconces by Taller Uno, Spain, 1970s
By Pete Sans
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Rare oversized pair of 1970s "Alien" wall lights by Pete Sans for Taller Uno. Futuristic chrome-plated metal frames with sweeping, sinuous arms hold translucent glass shades. When li...
Chrome
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.