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.
Mid Century Inspired Decorative Mirror with Handcrafted Aged Brass Frame
Located in London, London
Vintage N.2 mid-century style wall mirror with an ornate verdigris patina bronze Tipo frame. A contemporary reinterpretation of an iconic mid-century freeform mirror inspired by the ...
Brass
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror with Brass Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with front illumination and a high quality solid brushed brass full frame. This mirror is fully customisable to suit t...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Illuminated Wall Mirror with a Brass Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N.4 Art deco inspired freeform mirror with an elegant brushed brass full frame and front illumination inspired. Handcrafted in London, UK using pure solid brass. Mirror dime...
Brass
Ceiling Suspended Vintage N.7 Freeform Bevelled Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame
Located in London, London
Exquisite ceiling suspended vintage series N.7 mirror with an elegant bevel and a solid brass full frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Designed by JL Alguacil, this mirro...
Brass
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with front illumination and a high quality brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This mirror is fully customis...
Brass, Bronze
Set of 2 Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirrors, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Set of to mid-century style ceiling suspended mirrors with front illumination and a high quality brass full frame with a handcrafted bronze patina finish. These ...
Brass, Bronze
Mid-century Freeform Wall-hanging Modern Frameless Beveled Mirror, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Mid century style freeform frameless freeform wall mirror with an elegant bevel. Handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (wides...
Mirror
Ceiling Suspended Illuminated Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, 2 arms, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.4. Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with front illumination and a high quality bronze patina brass frame with a twin arm. This mirror is fully customisable...
Brass, Bronze
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Mid-century style Vintage N.4 ceiling suspended mirror with a high quality pure brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This piece is part of our original and fully customisabl...
Brass, Bronze
Mid-century Inspired Wall Mirror with Bronze Patina Minimalist Frame Vintage N.9
Located in London, London
Vintage series N.9 wall hanging mirror with a minimalist frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Designed by JL Alguacil, this mirror is a sophisticated fusion of modern clas...
Brass, Bronze
Contemporary Mirror Sea Green Murano Glass Framed, In Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano Sea Green Glass Framed Mirror, in stock Rectangular mirror plate surrounded with undulating glass tiles in sea green color held by brass cabochons. Handcrafted by a team of a...
Brass
Pair of Pink Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Pink Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors by Michel Contessa Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors...
Brass
Aqua Green Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Aqua green octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors features octagonal aq...
Brass
Pink Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pink octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors features octagonal pink fac...
Brass
Opaline Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Opaline octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror features an octagonal opal...
Brass
Smoked Bronze Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Smoked bronze octagonal faceted Murano glass & brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors features octagonal s...
Brass
Aqua Green Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirror Italy Contempory
Located in Miami, FL
Aqua green rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror features...
Brass
Contemporary Pink Diamond Murano Glass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary pink square diamond cut Murano glass mirror, in stock. Vivid and intense emerald green glass block with naturally occurring air inclusions throughout Highly polished f...
Brass
Paul Evans Style Lane Pueblo Brutalist Oak Framed Double Mirror, 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Paul Evans style Mid-Century Modern Brutalist oak framed double mirror By Lane Furniture "Pueblo" collection USA, 1970s Measures: 55" W x 2" D x 40.25" H. ...
Mirror, Oak
Pair of Smoked Bronze Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of smoked bronze octagonal faceted Murano glass & brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors ...
Brass
Mid-century Wall-hanging Illuminated Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Elegant mid century style mirror with front illumination and a solid brass full frame. Made and designed in London, UK. Shipped worldwide. Dimensions: H 107cm x W 66cm (widest side)...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Opaline Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of opaline octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors features...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Bevelled Wall Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N. 4 Art deco style wall mirror with a bevel and a handcrafted bronze patina full frame. Designed and made in London, UK using pure solid brass. Mirror dimensions: 1067mm (4...
Brass, Bronze
Unique Frosted And Sculptural Mirror
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Originally designed for a hotel in Naples Italy, this mirror is composed of 4 elements of hand blown frosted glass held by chrome knobs.On the jointures there is some green reflects.
Chrome
Large Rectangular Murano Sea Green Glass Framed Mirror, In Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Large rectangular Murano sea green Glass framed mirror , in stock Mirror plate surrounded with undulating glass tiles in sea green color held by brass cab...
Brass
Emerald Green Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Emerald green octagonal faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror features an octagona...
Brass
1980's Op Art Square Brass Framed Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Op art square mirror framed mirror with lacquered brass frame, circa 1980s.
Mirror
Cobalt Blue Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Cobalt blue octagonal faceted Murano glass & brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors features octagonal...
Brass
Midcentury Decorative Ceramic Mirror, circa 1970, France
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice Midcentury decorative ceramic wall mirror. Brown sandsone elements on wood. Beveled mirror. France circa 1970 Dimensions: 35 cm H, 33 cm...
Sandstone
Murano Green Glass and Brass Console Mirror / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing green color Murano glass, Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The mirror has a rear structure in wood, on which four Murano gl...
Brass
Pair of Emerald Green Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of emerald green octagonal faceted Murano glass & brass wall mirrors, Italy Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors ...
Brass
$11,273Sale Price|20% Off
Superb Mid-Century Venetian Mirror Murano 1960'
Located in Rome, IT
This beautiful Venetian mirror features etched floral motifs adorning the mirrored frame. Along the edges of the frame are glass rope accents and numerous glass flowers. You can inst...
Blown Glass
Pair of Large Murano Sea Green Teal Glass and Brass Framed Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of large rectangular Murano sea green teal glass and brass framed mirrors, in stock. Rectangular mirror plate surrounded with undulating glass tiles i...
Brass
Pair of Amethyst Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Amethyst Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass Wall Mirrors by Michel Contessa Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirrors featu...
Brass
Cobalt Blue Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Cobalt blue rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror feature...
Brass
Pair of Oval Emerald Green Murano Glass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Oval emerald green Murano glass mirror, in stock now Contemporary oval mirror with a scalloped Murano glass frame Brass accents Handcrafted b...
Brass
Precious Oval Shaped Mirror Attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Max Ingrand
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful mirror attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. The mirror is in peach and and amber colored faceted glass framed. Very good vintage condition. We will deliver carefu...
Art Glass
Contemporary Murano Cobalt Blue Glass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary Murano cobalt blue glass framed mirror, in stock Mirror plate surrounded with undulating glass tiles in cobalt blue color held by brass...
Brass
Pair of Large Murano Cobalt Blue Glass and Brass Mirror, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of large Murano cobalt blue glass mirror, in stock Solid brass cabochon accents. Glass texture and color are absolutely striking. Brass s...
Brass
Contemporary Oval Murano Glass Mirror with Kelly Green Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Oval Kelly green Murano glass mirror, in stock Contemporary oval mirror with a scalloped intense Kelly green murano glass frame Brass accen...
Brass
Brutalist Wall Mirror Edged with Metal Circles in the Style of Curtis Jere
Located in London, GB
Brutalist rectangular wall mirror in the style of Curtis Jere with relief border in hand torched circles of brass and mild steel suspended randomly around t...
Brass, Cut Steel
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 'circa 1950s', Large
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition with just a slight ...
Brass
Mid Century style Mirror with Handcrafted Gold Leaf Gilded Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N.4 mid-century style wall mirror with a hand-layered gilded gold frame. Made in London, UK. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (widest point) x D 2.2cm / H 42in x W 26in (wid...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Ceiling Suspended Vintage N.7 Freeform Beveled Mirror and Brass Full Frame
Located in London, London
Exquisite ceiling suspended vintage series N.7 mirror with an elegant bevel and a solid brass full frame. Handcrafted in London, UK, to high quality standards using pure solid brass....
Brass
Smoked Bronze Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Smoked bronze rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror featu...
Brass
Ceramic Mirror With Colored Abstract Composition circa 1960, France
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice abstract composition ceramic mirror, circa 1960, France. Thick raw sandstone with enameled polychrome decor, hollowed or embossed. Dimensions: 34 cm W, 48 cm H, 4 cm D. Good original condition. Rare item. All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection...
Ceramic
Italian 1950s Brass and Wood Mirror with Mirrored Glass
Located in London, GB
A fantastic Italian mirror, circa 1950s, crafted in brass, wood and mirrored glass. This elegant mid-century piece has a refined and decorative presence, with a beautifully balanced ...
Brass
Pair, Aqua Green Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of aqua green rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirrors, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano glass wal...
Brass
$10,569Sale Price|25% Off
Superb Mid-Century Venetian Mirror Murano 1960'
Located in Rome, IT
This beautiful Venetian mirror features etched floral motifs adorning the mirrored frame. Along the edges of the frame are glass rope accents and numerous glass flowers. You can inst...
Blown Glass
Pair of Large Emerald Green Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of large emerald geen rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this pair of handcrafted Italian Murano g...
Brass
Pair 1950s Mid Century Modern Gio Ponti Attributed Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
By Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Pair of Gio Ponti attributed Mid-Century Modern wall mirrors in patinated brass and old patinated glass. Made in Italy in 1950s. The shape of the mirror is a very elegant ovaloid wi...
Brass
Pair of Murano Cobalt Blue Glass Mirrors with Nickel Plated Trims, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano cobalt blue glass mirror, in stock Nickel plated cabochon accents. Glass texture and color are absolutely striking. Nickel p...
Nickel
Italian Mid 20th C Silver Gilt Scalloped Edge Wall Mirror, Large Scale
By James Mont
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian large-scale silver-gilt wall mirror with a wide scalloped frame. This impressive mirror, at 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide, will make a room. The stylish scalloped rectangular sh...
Wood
Large Emerald Green Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Large emerald geen rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror ...
Brass
Spectacular Chromed Futuristic Mirror, France 1970's
Located in New York, NY
FRANCE, 1970's Spectacular Futuristic mirror Convex chromed metal with a deep asymmetrical reveal, mirrored glass with wide bevel Dimensions: 39 Diam...
Metal
Large Smoked Bronze Rectangular Faceted Murano Glass & Brass Wall Mirror, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Large smoked bronze rectangular faceted Murano glass and brass wall mirror, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirro...
Brass
Mid-century Style Freeform Wall-hanging Mirror with Brass Frame, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Mid century style freeform wall mirror with an elegant solid brushed brass full frame. Made and designed in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Mirror dimensions: H 107cm...
Brass
A large orignal 1950s Italian brass framed landscape mirror with curved corners
Located in London, GB
A large orignal 1950s Italian brass framed landscape mirror with curved corners, orignal mirror plate and solid wood back. The patina on the brass is orignal and dark, but could be p...
Brass
Large 1950th Illuminated Wood Framed Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine Mid-Century Illuminated blond wood framed mirror.
Mirror, Wood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Faux Bamboo Framed Mirror
Located in Denton, TX
Great size mirror that can be hung in either direction in solid brass nice patina.
Brass