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.
Pair of Custom Brass Sconces in the Midcentury Manner
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom brass sconces in the midcentury manner. Lead Time for custom made is 8-10 weeks.
Brass
$2,985 / item
El Monte Lamp by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The El Monte lamp is made from turned solid American walnut or white oak with a brass knuckle. The drum shade is linen and includes a diffuser. The Lawson-...
Brass
Le Corbusier 'Lampe De Marseille' Wall Lamp for Nemo in Black
By Le Corbusier, Nemo Lighting 1
Located in Glendale, CA
Le Corbusier 'Lampe de Marseille' wall lamp for Nemo in black. Designed by Le Corbusier for the Unité d’Habitation of Marseille in 1949/1952, this ...
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Wall Lamps "Uchiwa" by Ingo Maurer for M Design, 1970s
By Design M, Ingo Maurer
Located in bruxelles, BE
Large pair of bamboo and paper sconces mounted on a metal base by Ingo Maureur. Model: Uchiwa . Stamped Uchiwa. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST...
Bamboo, Paper
Murano Glass Sconce or Flush mount Light from Effetre Illuminazione, Italy 1970s
Located in Trieste, IT
Beautiful Original Period Murano Glass Wall light or flush mount light by Effetre Vetreria per Illuminazione, Murano, Venezia. The hardware is new custom made and rewired for securit...
Metal
"Mania" Sconce by Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian "Mania" wall light with white opaline polycarbonate shades mounted on white metal frame / Made in Italy, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, circa 1960s Height...
Acrylic
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Presenting a pendant lamp from the 1960s, embodying minimalist Italian design with an extravagant and rare design. This elegant fixture features an organic form and emits a warm ligh...
Plastic
$624Sale Price|55% Off
French Golden Chrome and Frosted Glass Ceiling Lamp Lustre Arlus Style, 1960
By Arlus
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pendant light chandelier, France, mid-century Four frosted glass lights Golden chrome Chic and elegant This can be rewired to USA, UK and European standards Good condition Sh...
Chrome
Arlus, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, France, 1950s
By Arlus
Located in High Point, NC
A green-lacquered brass and white fabric wall lights France, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.75"H x 15.75"W x ...
Brass
Antique Metal Ceiling Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, France, Circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal ceiling lamp. By unknown manufacturer, made in circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Electri...
Metal
Rare Set 3 Mid Century Modern Lamps Yasha Heifetz Rotaflex
By Heifetz Rotaflex, Yasha Heifetz
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely Rare Set of 3 Mid Century Modern Lamps by Yasha Heifetz ..."Rotaflex", Set includes seldom seen floor lamp and two table lamps,, ***NOTE. One of the table lamps has been ...
Brass
Mid Century Lytespan Tension Floor Lamp By Thurston for Lightolier c 1950/1960's
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and rare Lytespan Mid Century tension pole floor lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier c. 1950/1960's. The lamp featu...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Crystal Table Lamps, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of mid-century modern crystal table lamps designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, circa 1960s. These sculptural lamps feature beautifully hand-blown clear crys...
Art Glass
Alberto Donà Mid-Century Modern Aquamarine Two of Murano Glass Table Lamps, 1995
By Alberto Donà
Located in Murano, Venezia
This table lamp is part of the collection of the glass master Alberto Donà which includes three lamps of different sizes called "briolette". Their name derives from their faceted cut...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric chandelier likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 18.0"W x 18.0"D Stem Length (inches): 19.5" Dimensions ...
Fabric
$3,500 / item
Walnut and Birch Standing Floor Lamp by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
The standing floor lamp is part of the re-issued Smilow Lighting Collection., originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 201...
Birch, Maple, Walnut
1 of the 2 Bitossi Lamps for Bergboms, with Custom Made Shades by René Houben
By Bitossi
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 elegant table lamps. Each lamp features a ceramic base with a rough surface in an off-white glaze with shiny metallic gold glazed patterns, Bitossi, Italy, circa 1960s. Wi...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Ceramic Table Lamps by David Cressey
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a fantastic pair of large stoneware table lamps by David Cressey, California's favorite mid century ceramic artist. The lamp forms are a tall gourd shape with a speckled yel...
Brass
Pair of Midcentury Modern Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces 1970s
By AVMazzega, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare, organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa 197...
Metal, Brass
Original murano glass ceiling lamp, Italy 1990s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Original Murano glass ceiling lamp made in Italy in the 1990s. The lamp is in good vintage condition. Pink decorative flower on top of the lamp has a small chip on one of the peta...
Murano Glass
Big Murano Candy Pendants Yellow/White Swirl D: 40 cm
Located in København, DK
Big Murano candy pendant lamp in the combination of yellow and white. All our lamps are mouth-blown glass and are handmade in Italy at a glassworks. Therefore the expression of the l...
Blown Glass
Pair of Guglielmo Ulrich Table Lamps in Brass and Ivory Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique pair of Italian table lamps in brass and lacquered wood. These delightful lamps were designed by the mastery of Guglielmo Ulrich and produced in Italy during the...
Brass
"Celestia" Ceiling lamp by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in bruxelles, BE
Ceiling light in white linen fabric and aluminum. Model Celestia. Stamped Flos. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Aluminum
1 'of 4' Kaiser Flush Mount Amber Murano Glass Ceiling Light, 1960s
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling light executed in Murano glass with brass finals on a wooden frame. Manufactured by Kaiser Lighting, Germany in the 1960s. Materials: Murano glass, brass...
Brass
Noomi Backhausen, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown-painted stoneware table lamp designed by Noomi Backhausen and produced by Søholm, Bornholm, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lam...
Stoneware
Sculptural 'Vespera' Elegant Chandelier Brass and Opaline Globes, Italian Design
By Jonathan Adler, Gino Sarfatti, Angelo Lelii
Located in Bochum, NRW
Elevate your interior with this made-to-order ceiling light, a striking fusion of modern sophistication and timeless elegance. Crafted from premium brass and hand-blown glass globes,...
Brass
$6,900 / item
Tropico Palmette Flushmount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Palmette flushmount chandelier shown in clear Murano glass leaves with granular texture using Graniglia technique, mounted on chrome metal ...
Chrome
$1,500Sale Price|75% Off
Venini Seven-Tiered Brass and Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1975
By Venini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very impressive seven-tiered chandelier with glass crystals that have polished angled ends. Crystals are placed very close to not show any lightbulbs! Brass skeleton frame work and b...
Brass
Mid-Century Modernist 8-Globe Polished Brass Chandelier by Hans Agne Jakobsson
Located in New York, NY
This expansive and beautifully proportioned Mid-Century Modernist Eight Globe Chandelier in Polished Brass is by the esteemed designer Hans Agne Jakobsson originates from Sweden, Cir...
Brass
French Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster, rope and stained wood pendant light designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. Minor scratches to alabaster. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Alabaster
Mauri Almari, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Mauri Almari
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and beige opaline glass wall lights designed by Mauri Almari and produced by Idman, Finland, c. 1950s. The brass socket, arm, and backplate present with moderate oxi...
Brass
Mid-20th Century Cast Iron Wall Lights with White Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast Iron wall light White opaline glass, brass top. Diameter cast iron wall piece: 10.5 cm / 4 inches 2 holes to secure Weight: 2.80 kg / 6.2 lb Priced per individual item. All ...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Tiffany Table Lamps by Ingo Maurer & Val St. Lambert 1969
By Ingo Maurer, Val Saint Lambert
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant pair of Tiffany table lamps designed in 1969 by Ingo Maurer in collaboration with Val St. Lambert, the renowned Belgian crystal manufacturer. These lamps feature beautifully ...
Glass
Vintage Murano Glass Rostrato Chandelier in the Manner of Ercole Barovier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional Murano glass three-light chandelier in the manner of Ercole Barovier. Founded in 1295, Barovier is a respected name in Italian Murano glass design. In the 1920-1939's, de...
Blown Glass
Sculptural Charles Dudouyt Attributed Table Lamp in Ash Wood, France, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was produced in France during the 1950s. The rustic yet elegant design is attributed to the French designer Charles Dudouyt. The carefully carved details of the...
Fabric, Ash
Single Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce Floor Lamp with Adjustable Chrome Shade
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Single Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce Chrome, Black & Marble Floor Lamps with Three Chrome Eyeball Shades. Circa 1970. Featuring rectangular Black e...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Murano Round Smoky Art Glass and Brass Midcentury Chandelier and Pendant, 2000
Located in Roma, Lazio
Fantastic round chandelier in Murano glass and polished brass. Note the shape of the smoky Murano glass curls, very beautiful and unique. A linear Murano chandelier, simple yet very ...
Brass
set of 2 Brass Spot elements ceiling wall Lights by OMI Lighting Germany, 1970s
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: set of 2 brass spot elements for ceiling or wall installation Producer: OMI Lighting, Germany Design: in style of Koch & Lowy Origin: Germany Age: 1970s ...
Metal
Mid-Century Rope Sconce Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Austin, TX
Unusual rope sconce Audoux Minet, circa 1960. With a white and orange opaline. W / 11 inches. H / 5 inches.
Rope, Opaline Glass
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Murano Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Venetian Murano 1940s-Style \"RUGIADA\" 2 section wall sconces with fluted design clear gold and textured glass with bowl shaped base (PRICED AS PAIR) (Identical pair...
Glass
$2,159 / item
Paavo Tynell 9602 Floor Lamp, Canvas Shade
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 9602 floor lamp, also known as “Chinese Hat” was designed by Paavo Tynell in 1935 for the Hotel Aulanko. Characterised by its elegant and airy lamp...
Brass
$13,409 / set
Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Palm Tree Floor Lamps
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sculptural and evocative floor lamps, inspired by palm trees, with amber and green Murano blown glass elements and a brass frame. The lamps are composed of overlapping glass leaves ...
Brass
1 of the 4 Murano Glass and Brass Triangle Wall Lights, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 high-end wall sconces made of textured murano glass on a brass hardware. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. These are real statemen...
Brass
Mid-Century German Cocoon Pendant Lamp from Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare Mid Century Cocoon pendant light from Goldkant shine. An impressive light object with a cubic basic shape and soft turns. The cocoon umbrella delivers diffuse, atmospheric li...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Rattan, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A woven rattan table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12.25” H x 3.75” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7” Top Diameter x 10” Bottom D...
Rattan
Pair of Large Corridor Wall Lamps in Chrome and Glass
By Paolo Venini
Located in Bromma, SE
Pair of Large Murano Wall Lamps in Clear Glass consisting of seven tall prisms with finishes and fittings in chrome. Glass from the Italian Murano District. Traditional Italian Mid-...
Chrome
Rare Mid Century Modern Table Lamp or Desk Light by Andre Ricard for Metalarte
By André Ricard, Metalarte Spain
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare and elegant table lamp or desk light. Designed by André Ricard in 1973. Manufactured by Metalarte, Spain. With engraved makers mark. Executed in metal, the table lam...
Steel, Metal
Red 1950s French wall light by René Mathieu for Lunel
By Rene Mathieu
Located in Oxford, GB
superb condition with original red, mottled shade . very versatile, incredibly good condition for its age .
Metal
$1,492Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Set of 2 Table Lamps by Maison Le Dauphin, France 1960-1970
Located in Herentals, BE
Set of 2 elegant lamps with hexagonal base in laminated wood and a metal spherical shape and spacers in brass. The lamps have a creamy white color and the hexagonal panels have a go...
Metal, Brass
$2,700 / set
Set of Perla Wall Sconces
Located in Westport, CT
Drawing inspiration from nature's exquisite treasures, Perla evokes the image of a pearl emerging from within a shell, with a delicately curved metal shade enveloping a blown glass b...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Metal Orb Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Rewired, Chrome Shows Patina
Chrome
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Wall Light, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and white fabric wall light designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by Elysett AB, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 12.2...
Fabric, Pine
Set of two Corridor Ceiling Lamps - Create Colored Shades & Brass fittings
Located in Bromma, SE
Pair of two Matte White Spotlights, works great on the wall as well as ceiling. Perfect as Corridor Ceiling Lights, in Butlers Pantry or as Hallway fixtures. Petite but still a State...
Brass, Cut Steel
1980s Akari Floor Lamp by Isamu Noguchi
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant Akari floor lamp designed by Isamu Noguchi in the early 1950s. This sculptural light consists of a hand-formed washi paper shade stretched over a delicate bamboo rib structu...
Metal
$947Sale Price|50% Off
Sergio Mazza Sigma 196o Italian Mid Century Flush Ceiling Lamp
By Artemide, Sergio Mazza
Located in New York, NY
A classic 1960s Italian Mid Century flush ceiling light in aged copper finish with a halophane glass shade. One standard sxoket. 120 watts Rewired.
Copper
Handcrafted Uchiwa Flower Pendant Light in Woven Wicker, Spain 1960
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant wicker weave flower shaped Uchiwa inspired pendant hanging lamp, Spain, 1960s. This beautiful suspension lamp features a palm flower shaped rattan lampshade structure made with large petals in hand-woven wicker inspired by Ingo Maurer Uchiwa pendants...
Wicker, Rattan
Isamu Noguchi Akari Table Lamp 9A
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an exceptional table lamp. Designed by Isamu Noguchi and made by Ozeki & Co in Gifu, Japan. Model 9A. The lampshade is created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbi...
Steel
Figurative Flower Bowl FLoor Table Lamp, Natural Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Heavy quality ceramic table or floor lamp, 1970s. This lamp base brings refined elegance and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shape, it offers a unique presenc...
Ceramic
Pair Flower Glass Wall lights Flush Mounts by Heinz Neuhaus Leuchten, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Flower wall lights/flush mounts from bubble glass on a round off white metal frame, circa 1970s, Germany. Designed by Heinz Neuhaus Leuchten. A clear design, with modern ma...
Metal
Mexican Hand-Blown Amber Glass and Iron Pendant Light in the Style of Feders
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Exceptional Mexican pendant light featuring a sculptural hand-blown amber glass globe enclosed within a forged iron framework. The organic clustered form of the glass, composed of ro...
Wrought Iron
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.