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.
Midcentury Brass Shield Shaped Wall Mirror, Gio Ponti Style, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This minimalist shield shaped wall or fireplace mirror was designed and manufactured in Italy in the 1950s. It features a solid brass frame with mirror glass and wooden rear. Very...
Brass
Pair of Rectangular Murano Emerald Green Glass Framed Mirrors, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano emerald green glass framed mirrors, in stock. Rectangular mirror plate surrounded with undulating glass tiles in emerald green color ...
Brass
French Walnut and Mahogany Neoclassical Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular mirror created of mahogany and French walnut panels with original glass.
Mahogany, Walnut
$672Sale Price / item|64% Off
Large Modern Round Thick Lucite Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
3 inch thick circular rough-cut mirrors. A single thick framed acrylic or Lucite mirror. The surface on the mirror is rough and individual, due their handcrafted cut. Please request ...
Lucite
A large orignal 1950s Italian brass framed landscape or portrait mirror
Located in London, GB
A large orignal 1950s Italian brass framed mirror, with curved corner detail on each corner. With orignal mirror plate and solid wood back. This can be hung either landscape or portr...
Brass
Huge Jansen Style Brass, Gunmetal & Copper Wall Mirror by Vereinigte Werkstätten
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Maison Jansen
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, large and very rare square vintage Mid-Century Modern brass, brushed patinated copper & gunmetal wall-mounted / hung vanity or hallway mirror by the Vereinigte Werkstätten ...
Crystal, Brass
Custom 42'' x 28'' Italian Brass Mirror by Le Lampade
By Gio Ponti
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Italian brass mirror by Le Lampade. 1950s Italian Gio Ponti style. This mirror can be custom made and several finishes are available.
Brass
XL 1950s Gio Ponti Attributed Mid-Century Modern Italian Brass Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Gio Ponti era Mid-Century Modern wall mirror in patinated brass and original mildly patinated glass. Made in Italy in 1950s. The shape of the mirror is a very elegant ovaloid with r...
Brass
Designer 1970s Veca Made in Italy Mid-Century Modern Wall Cobalt Blue Mirror
By VECA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale absolutely sublime 1970s Veca hand made in Italy Mid-Century Modern wall mirror with cobalt blue frame This mirror is very collectable, made by a company with a cult following, they produced some of the most stylish mirrors of the 1970s. This piece looks cool in any setting In terms of the condition, it is free from chips, scratches and cracks, there will be some light patination in the form of some foxing to the backing plate...
Mirror
Custom Italian Brass Mirror by Le Lampade
By Gio Ponti
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Italian brass mirror by Le Lampade. 1950s Italian Gio Ponti style. This mirror can be custom made and several finishes are available.
Brass
Blue Crystal Glass Mirror with Integrated Shelf, Attributed to Cristal Arte
Located in London, GB
Elegant and highly functional Italian mirror from the 1960's, attributed to Fontana Arte / Cristal Arte. The rectangular form is framed in luminous blue crystal glass, creating sophisticated color accent. The design incorporates two square compartments with blue glass borders and mirrored backs, creating both depth and practical storage. A discreet shallow shelf...
Art Glass, Cut Glass
Custom Italian Brass Mirror by Le Lampade
By Gio Ponti
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Italian brass mirror by Le Lampade. 1950s Italian Gio Ponti style. This mirror can be custom made and several finishes are available.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Style Murano Glass Gold Leaf Mirror by Ongaro e Fuga
Located in Austin, TX
An exceptional large Murano glass gold leaf and brass mirror that takes the main stage in any room. Composed of separate gold leaf fused glass...
Brass
Amazing Midcentury Octagonal Venetian Murano Glass Mirror
Located in Rome, IT
Venetian Murano Glass Mirror, circa 1960s This elegant Venetian wall mirror is a refined example of mid-20th century Murano craftsmanship, distinguished by its graceful octagonal fo...
Blown Glass
Extraordinary Italian Rococo Style Mirror of White Lacquered Gesso
Located in Chicago, IL
Extraordinary cast gesso Italian Rococo style mirror in white lacquer with filigree and shell detail. Perfect for a vanity, over mantel or in the bedroom over a long dresser. Serge R...
Gesso, Mirror
Midcentury Brutalist Mirror by Lane
Located in Atlanta, GA
Midcentury Brutalist mirror by Lane, American, circa 1960s. This piece retains it's original medium brown finish. If you prefer, we can re...
Mirror, Walnut, Wood
Amazing Midcentury Octagonal Venetian Murano Glass Mirror
Located in Rome, IT
Venetian Mirror with Light Blue Murano Glass Floral Decoration Murano, Venice, Italy, Mid-20th Century An elegant handcrafted Venetian mirror, executed according to the finest Muran...
Blown Glass
Large Italian Midcentury Gilt-wood Mirror, 1950'
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Large, Finely carved shield shape gilt-wood mirror. Very good vintage condition. In the style of Paolo Buffa the famous Italian designer of the 50'. Hight cm 145
Wood
Mid-Century style Mirror with Ornate Verdigris Bronze Patina Crown 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
Pair of Gold Mid-Century Venetian Mirror Murano 1960'
Located in Rome, IT
A fine pair of mid-century Venetian mirrors handcrafted in Murano, showcasing the exceptional artistry of Italian glassmakers. The mirror is distinguished by an elegant rectangular...
Blown Glass
Large Brass Wall Mirror with Etched Bronze by Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This gorgeous brass wall mirror is a 1970's masterpiece designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. A large beveled mirror, framed by a substantial, solid brass frame with an acid e...
Bronze, Brass
Large 20th Century Italian Illuminated Mirror
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large 20th Century Italian, impressive back-lit mirror by Luigi Brusotti. With eglomise and etched decoration. Mid-Century style. Circa 1950.
Mirror
Mid-century Inspired Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Modern Red Frame, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Elegant mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with a modern Oxide Red full frame (RAL 3009). Designed and made in London, UK. Dimensions: H 107cm x W 66cm (widest side) x D 3cm...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Wall Mirror Decorated Distressed Leather Upholstered Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
The rectangular glass surmounted on a dark charcoal color distress leather upholstered frame.
Leather, Mirror
Pair Full Standing Length Gio Ponti Attributed Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy 1950s
By Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Pair of Gio Ponti attributed Mid-Century Modern full standing length wall mirrors in patinated brass and original mildly patinated glass. Made in Italy in 1950s. The shape of the mi...
Brass
Midcentury Sculptural Mirror with Rose Quartz and Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury sculptural mirror by Jacques Duval Brasseur with a beautiful Rose Quartz centerpiece and Amethyst stones for the ram's eyes.
Amethyst, Metal
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Of Mastercraft Brass Faux Bamboo Mirrors 1970s
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Hudson, NY
A rare to find, matched pair of brass mirrors by mastercraft. Designed by William Doezema for Mastercraft, and produced in the 1970's. This pair is in excellent condition and has a gorgeous patina. These are not lacquered and can be polished to a very high gloss, should one wish to. Do not hesitate to contact me with any additional questions or image requests. This item can be viewed at The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington MA.
Brass
Vintage American Walnut & Pecan Mirror, 1966, MCM
Located in Trenton, NJ
The original production label on the reverse of this large rectangular mirror provides an unusual degree of documentary certainty — a dresser mirror in walnut and pecan finish, manuf...
Mirror, Wood
$9,500Sale Price|24% Off
Bronze Mirror Benny Luciano Frigerio
Located in New York, NY
Artist: Benny Luciano Frigerio Italian artist (attributed) Item: Italian bronze mirror.
Brass, Bronze
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Oxide Red Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Mid-century style ceiling suspended mirror with a solid brass full frame. Designed and made in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (widest...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Mirror in the style of Paul Evans, c. 1960
By Paul Evans
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
A divided vanity mirror with a façade that is defined by a deeply textured composition of hand-carved forms, each sculpted from solid wood. The result feels grounded and architectura...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Decorative Illuminated Countertop Mirror with Brass Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N.4. Mid-century inspired countertop mirror with front illumination and a full frame. This mirror features an ON/OFF sensor switch. Made in London, UK. Shipped worldwide. Th...
Brass
1950s Italian Gio Ponti Era Double Brass Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror
By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Gio Ponti era Mid-Century Modern wall mirror in patinated brass. Made in Italy in 1950s. The shape of the mirror is a very elegant ovaloid with rounded corners and beautiful taper. ...
Brass
Mid-century Inspired Mirror with Handcrafted Brass Decorative Frame, Vintage N.3
Located in London, London
Vintage N.3 mid century style freeform wall mirror with a minimalist frame. Designed and made in London, UK. Dimensions: H 72cm x W 50cm (widest side) x D 1.8cm / H 28.34in x W 19....
Brass
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
$7,938Sale 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 gold glass rope accents and numerous glass flowers. Excell...
Blown Glass
Karl Springer Style Round Mirror With Faux Tigers Eye Lacquered Finish
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful round mirror with very unusual 'tigers eye' lacquered finish. A stunning look Ive never seen before. Very much the style of, and possibly by, Karl Springer. Original beve...
Mirror, Wood
$4,933Sale Price|30% Off
Luigi Brusotti Mid-Century Modern Italian Decorated Mirror, 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Brusotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large Mid Century Italian Modern Decorative Mirror by Luigi Brusotti, 1940s Large mirror, backlit along the perimeter, corresponding to the de...
Mirror, Walnut
Outstanding Large Gilded Triple Layered Sunburst Mirror, Spain, 1950
Located in Rome, IT
Huge beautiful three tiered sunburst mirror, with a round mirrored glass center in moulded frame. Gold leaf polished on red bolus. Measures: Diameter 180cm Timeless decoration for...
Wood
$2,339Sale Price|30% Off
Multi-Facets Mirror with Brass Garlands, French, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This decorative mirror is made of multi-facets mirrors with brass garlands. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Brass
Art Deco Inspired Mirror with Handcrafted Decorative Brass Frame, Vintage N.1
Located in London, London
Vintage N.1 Exquisite mirror with a minimalist brass frame and handcrafted curly decorative brass detail. Made in London, UK, to very high quality standards using pure solid brass. ...
Brass
Wonderful Lorin Marsh Modern Round Italian Venetian Beveled Mirror Glass Panels
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful vintage Mid-Century Modern round Italian Venetian mirror with glass blocks inset over a silver giltwood fame. Purchased from Lorin Marsh.
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Midcentury Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 'circa 1950s'
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Mo...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Rectangular Mirror Round Edges & Embossed Brass Frame Medium
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
“Swing” Trapezio Medium. The contemporary rectangular mirror with rounded edges and embossed brass frame is an exceptional choice for those seeking a touch of elegance and refineme...
Brass
Mid-Century Style Rectangular Mirror Round Edges & Embossed Brass Frame Small
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
“Swing ”Trapezio small. The contemporary rectangular mirror with rounded edges and embossed brass frame is an exceptional choice for those seeking a touch of elegance and refinemen...
Brass
Signed Carol Canner Mirror with Hand-Set Lead
By Carver's Guild, Carol Canner
Located in Sheffield, MA
"Colonial Arch Mirror", model 8023, with mirrors hand-set in lead designed by Carol Canner for Carvers Guild, 1973 (signed and dated on back). The mirror has a large dome shape top,...
Lead
20th Century, Gio Ponti Wall Mirror "The Loves of the Sirens."
By Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, Piemonte
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Brass
Wall Rattan Mirror, circa 1950, France
Located in Brussels, BE
Wall rattan mirror, circa 1950, France. Dimensions: 102 cm H, 72 cm W, 4 cm D. All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection Guarantee. This item can be returned within 7 days of...
Rattan
"Signed" Karl Springer Large Brass & Tessellated Stone Wall Mounted Mirror 1980s
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, large, tall and very rare 'signed' domed or curved top Mid-Century brass and tessellated stone wall-mounted / hung vanity or hallway bevelled edged mirror by legendary Germ...
Stone, Brass
Large Italian Mid-Century Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful gilt sunburst mirror, with a round mirrored glass center in moulded frame. Measures: Diameter 100cm It is a reflection of something else, and has nothing to do with the ...
Art Glass
A large orignal Italian 1950s shield mirror with brass frame
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A large orignal Italian 1950s shield mirror with thick brass frame and orignal plate with solid wood back. The overall condition is good with some small spots of foxing on the origna...
Brass
Large Handmade Inlaid Bone Octagonal Mirror in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in London, GB
A large handmade inlaid bone octagonal mirror in the style of Enrique Garcel.
Bone, Mirror, Wood
$2,250Sale Price|46% Off
Large Italian Etched Glass Mirror 60" x 40"
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Stunning Italianate art deco rectangular mirror with etched glass frame panels with rosettes.
Mirror
Pair of Cobalt Blue Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of cobalt blue 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 feat...
Brass
Amethyst Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Amethyst Octagonal Faceted Murano Glass and Brass Wall Mirrors, Italy contemporary Ready to ship from our Miami gallery, this handcrafted Italian Murano glass wall mirror features an...
Brass
Polished Chrome and Lucite Corner Mirror
Located in Westport, CT
Square Polished chrome and 12 rod Lucite corner Mirror,in the style Milo Baughman
Chrome
Pair of Bamboo With Pebble Accent Mirrors Circa 1940's
Located in Hudson, NY
Very handsome pair of exceptional bamboo and pebble stone mirrors. Circa 1940's, just full of character and texture. Perfect for a master bathroom Suite or a pair of console...
Stone
Elegant Mid -Century Italian Gilt-wood Mirror, 1950'
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Large, Finely carved shield shape gilt-wood mirror. Very good vintage condition. In the style of Paolo Buffa the famous Italian designer of the 50'. Hight cm 140
Wood