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.
Italian Large Mid-Century Vintage Wall Mirror with Original Brass Frame, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Large Mid-Century Vintage Wall Mirror with Original Brass Frame, 1970s Beautiful and elegant, large vintage wall mirror with solid shiny brass frame and crystal mirror glass...
Brass
Small Italian Mid-century Shaped Brass Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small 1950s Italian shaped mirror in molded brass.
Brass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror in Iridiscent Blue Glass and Brass Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular mirror with blue iridiscent mirror glass panels and brass frame, Spain, 1950-1960s This wall mirror features a brass frame with double layered iridiscent b...
Metal, Brass
Venetian Modern Mirror with Arch Top and Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style arch top mirror with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This glamorous mirror features a triple layered mirror frame made of brass. The frame has three layers of mirror ...
Brass
Large Coastal Rectangular Mirror in Rattan and Woven Wicker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Rectangular Midcentury Wall Mirror framed in Rattan and Wicker, Spain, 1960s. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker and rattan mirror inspired by Franco Albini designs. It has ...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$2,697Sale Price|20% Off
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with round corners and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a triple mirror frame with rectangular shape and rounded corners. ...
Metal, Brass
Venetian Modern Rectangular Mirror with Blue Glasses and Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style rectangular wall mirror with blue iridiscent mirror glass panels and gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This wall mirror has a double layered glass frame with rectangula...
Brass
1960s Spanish Bamboo Rattan Rectangular Mirror, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular wall mirror, bamboo, rattan Eye-catching rectangular mirror handcrafted with thick rattan cane. Spain, 1960s. Rectangular frame made of rattan with rounded corners. Wicke...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Pair of Vivai Del Sud Pencil Reed Rattan Octagonal Mirrors with Brass Detail
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Octagon Mirrors in rattan pencil reed and brass frames. Italy, 1960-1970. Attributed to Vivai del Sud These eye-catching mirrors feature finely executed rattan frames in octagonal shape surrounded by a rim in gilt brass metal. Made of multiple layers of pencil reed rattan canes. They have a oool taste combining Midcentury and Hollywood Regency design. To be used as wall mirrors over a double vanity in a bathroom , as console mirrors in an entry hall or in any other room. Large mirror surface. Clean design and amazing shape. Great condition. On sale as a pair. Overall measures: 83 cm H x 83 cm W x 3 cm D Glass measures: 65 cm H x 65 cm W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors: A curated selection of wall mirrors and other venetian style mirrors in different shapes are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to see the whole collection. Octagonal Rattan mirrors...
Brass
Pair of Franco Albini Style Large Rattan Pagoda Shaped Mirrors, Italy 60's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Italian Rattan pagoda wall mirrors, Franco Albini Style, 1960s Mid-Century Modern rattan pagoda style rectangular mirrors with oriental accents. Italy, 1960 Double layered R...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Majestic vanity dressing table console with mirror, 1950s by Cesare Lacca per La Permanente Mobili Cantù , in burl walnut folder. La...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
Spanish Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron with Balls Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ball framed oval mirror in gold leaf gilt iron, Spain, 1960s. This Midcentury oval mirror has an eye-catching design with a frame made of large semi-spheres. An iron twisted rope sur...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$14,001Sale Price|50% Off
Guglielmo Ulrich Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Mirrored Sideboard, 1940s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large mirror designed by the well-known designer Guglielmo Ulrich and produced by Arredamenti Casa between the 1940s and 1950s. In excellent condition, original Ar.Ca label. In 19...
Mirror, Walnut
Italian Double Glass Designer Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Double Glass Designer Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 1970s Gorgeous wall or console mirror with two round mirror glasses in different sizes, placed one on top of the other, t...
Brass
Large Venetian Style Octagonal Mirror with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror with Brass Frame Venetian style octagonal wall mirror with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s This octagonal mirror has a triple mirror frame. Two tiers of mosaic small mirror pieces and a central layer of larger pieces of mirror. The mirrored panels are adorned by brass metal patterns. This wall mirror will be perfect in a contemporary or classical ambiance as it has a nice classic / modern balance. Very elegant placed in a bathroom, powder room, dressing room or bedroom. Also gorgeous as a console mirror. Measures: 89 cm H x 63 cm W The central glass is : 72,5 cm H x 46 cm W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors: A curated selection is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. Octagonal Venetian Style Mirror // Venetian Modern Octagon Wall Mirror with Brass Details // Octagonal Midcentury Mirror
Brass, Metal
Rectangular Giltwood Wall Mirror with Arched Top
Located in Chicago, IL
The arched top provides a pleasing variation to the standard rectangular form of this giltwood wall mirror. The deep frame gives a subtle shadowbox effect.
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian Midcentury Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Midcentury Wall Mirror with Brass Frame, 1970s Mid-century mirror with shiny brass frame and pointed shape for real vintage lovers. Made in Italy in the 1960s approx. The br...
Brass
Midcentury Murano Oval Silver Art Glass and Brass Italian Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing silver color Murano glass, Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The Murano furnaces create an indisputable timeless design, simp...
Brass
Octagonal Venetian Modern Mirror in Pink Purple Hues & Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cool Venetian style Hollywood Regency octagonal mirror with iridiscent and mirror glass panels. Spain, 1960s This glamorous wall mirrors features a triple layered mirror frame made o...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Large Venetian Style Octagonal Mirrors with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirrors with Brass Frame Set of Two Venetian style octagonal wall mirrors with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1960s These eye-catching octagonal mi...
Metal, Brass
Venetian Modern Octagonal Beveled Mirror in Salmon Pink Glass, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Salmon Pink Beveled Glass Octagonal Mirror Cool Venetian style Hollywood Regency octagonal mirror with salmon pink mirror glass panels. Spain, 1960s. This glamorous wall mirrors feat...
Metal, Brass
Giltwood Wall Mirror with Interlocking Double Oval Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant, giltwood wall mirror has a design of two interlocking ovals. The frames are deep, with a refined curve to the profile.
Mirror, Giltwood
Murano Oval Pink Art Glass and Brass Mid-Century Console / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing pink 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 pin...
Brass
Midcentury Murano Oval Gold Art Glass and Brass Italian Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing gold color Murano glass, Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The Murano furnaces create an indisputable timeless design, simple...
Brass
Franco Albini Style Rattan Bamboo Rectangular Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury rectangular mirror, Rattan & Bamboo Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini style handcrafted bamboo rattan mirror. Italy, 1960s. This mirror features a double bamboo rectangular frame with wavy rattan decorations between the bamboo canes. This bamboo mirror will be a nice addition placed in a bathroom with a pair of wall lights at both sides or placed over a console table or vanity table. This mirror is in excellent vintage condition. Overall dimensions: 75 cm H x 60 cm W x 4 cm D Glass measures: 45 cm H x 28,5 cm W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors Rattan mirror // rectangular mirror // Mid-Century Modern mirror // Albini style mirror...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Neoclassical Oval Mirror in Hand Forged Iron, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Spanish Mirror, Wrought Iron, Spain, 1940s. Gorgeous wrought iron oval mirror with scroll details and spearhead or arrowhead crest. Manufactured at the Mid-20th century p...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Murano Ivory Glass and Brass Console Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Splendid wall mirror in fiery Murano glass in ivory color from Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The Murano furnaces create an indisputable timeless des...
Brass
Spanish Floral Foliage Oval Wall Mirror in Copper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-century Modern Floral Foliage Oval Mirror in Copper, Spain, 1960s Eye-catching hand-hammered oval mirror with metal coppered floral crest. The crest of roses and leaves adorning...
Metal, Copper
$878Sale Price|41% Off
Midcentury Walnut Mirror by Strata for Unagusta
By Unagusta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury walnut mirror by Strata for Unagusta, sleek modern mirror, with inset 31"x 49" clear mirror. Can be hung horizontally or vertically.
Mirror, Walnut
Italian Riviera Coastal Rattan Bamboo Wicker Wire Octagonal Wall Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Octagonal mirror with thick bamboo frame and woven wicker, Italy, 1960-1970. Elegant mid-20th century woven rattan and bamboo wall mirror in octagon shape. This beautiful mirror double framed...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror, Bamboo
$2,473Sale Price|20% Off
Bamboo Rattan Large Rectangular Mirror with Geometric Black Painted Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Chinoiserie Tiki style rectangular wall mirror. Spain, 1960s. Gorgeous Tiki style rectangular mirror handcrafted with bamboo canes. It has a highly ...
Bamboo, Cane, Mirror, Rattan
Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + Wall Lamp "Eaves"
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + "Gronda" Wall Lamp by Luciano Bertoncini, Made in Italy, 1970s. Set of five Mirrors and Coat Hanger + Modular Neon Lamp Model "Gronda" designed ...
Glass
Murano Periwinkle Glass and Brass Mid-Century Wall Mirror, 1990
Located in Roma, Lazio
A strong periwinkle frame, reach the eye of the beholder, leaving him entranced; of Murano periwinkle art glass wall mirror. Beautifully shaped and of excellent size, the wall mirror...
Brass
Bamboo Rattan Rectangular Mirror with Geometric Frame, Spain 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Tiki style rectangular mirror handcrafted with bamboo / rattan cane. Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features a highly decorative handcrafted rattan frame with geometric shap...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Pair of Neoclassical Oval Mirrors in Hand Forged Silvered Iron, Spain 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Hand Forged Spanish Mirrors, Wrought Iron, Spain, 1940s. Gorgeous wrought iron oval mirrors with scroll details and spearhead or arrowhead crests. Manufactured at the Mid-20t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Murano Teal Glass and Brass Console / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Splendid wall mirror in fiery Murano glass in teal color from Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The Murano furnaces create an indisputable timeless desi...
Brass
Pair of Rattan Rectangular Mirrors with Geometric Frame, Spain 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spanish Rectangular Mirrors in Rattan / Bamboo Gorgeous Tiki style rectangular mirrors handcrafted with bamboo cane. Spain, 1960s. Highly decorative handcrafted bamboo frames...
Bamboo, Mirror, Rattan, Cane
Large Bamboo Rattan Rectangular Mirror, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular large mirror, bamboo, rattan Eye-catching rectangular mirror handcrafted with bamboo cane. Spain, 1960s. Rectangular frame made of bamboo with wicker accents on the corne...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$2,333Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Wooden Entryway Mirror Organizer with Black Glass Tops, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This entryway mirror is made in lacquered walnut and maple. It features two drawers with brass handles and black opaline tops. ...
Brass
Pier Luigi Colli Mid-Century Modern Italian Mirror with Console for Cristal Art
By Pier Luigi Colli, Cristal Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Italian midcentury engraved mirror with gilt metal and glass. This fantastic item was designed by Pier Luigi Colli and made in Turin, Italy, during the 1950s for Cristal Ar...
Brass, Iron
Large Rattan Bamboo Wall Mirror with Scroll Top, Italian Designer, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding large Rattan bamboo midcentury mirror. Italian manufacture, 1950s-1960s This cool wall mirror features an arched bamboo mirror adorned...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror, Cane
$1,633Sale Price|20% Off
Coastal Oval Wall Mirror in Rattan and Woven Wicker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Riviera Oval mirror in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960-1970. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker, bamboo rattan frame in oval shape. It has reminiscences of the designs by G...
Wicker, Mirror, Rattan, Cane
Mid-century Modern Italian Oval Mirror in Brass and Pink Murano Blown Glass
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pink Murano Blown Glass Oval Mirror - Discreet Elegance and Artisanal Design This oval mirror with a pink glass frame represents a refined balance between craftsmanship and contempo...
Brass
Modern Sunburst Carved Giltwood Mirror
Located in Rochester, NY
Modern carved giltwood mirror designed by Christopher Guy Harrison of Harrison & Gil. Excellent quality with robust carving. Beveled mirror. See our other mirrors. Please, contact us...
Wood, Giltwood
Spanish Hand Forged Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron, Neoclassical Style, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Neoclassical Gilt Mirror, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf Gorgeous wrought iron oval mirror with scroll details and spearhead or arrowhead crest. Manufactured in Spain, 1950s. Thick hand-ham...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Midcentury Rattan Split Reed Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Designer Midentury wall mirror, split reed, bamboo, rattan, Italy, 1960s. This cool rectangular mirror was handcrafted with bamboo cane and rattan. Its design combines Midcentury and Oriental accents. It will be a nice addition to be used in a bathroom or as wall mirror / console mirror in any other room or entry hall. Perfect for a beach house interior...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Reed, Mirror
Italian Midcentury Artist Designer Wall Mirror, 1960s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Midcentury Artist Designer Wall Mirror, 1960s Unique wall mirror that has been artistically redesigned. The base of this mirror is...
Cord, Chestnut
Sculptural Double Oval Gilt Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural double oval gilt mirror, American, circa 1960s. This mirror has a sculptural form and would fit seamlessly into a wide range of interiors, ...
Composition
Coastal Rectangular Mirror in Rattan & Woven Wicker, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Rectangular Midcentury Wall Mirror framed in Rattan and Wicker, Spain, 1960-1970. Elegant mid-20th century woven wicker and rattan mirror. Cross details on the corners. Eye-catching coastal...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Spanish Large Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron with Foliage Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Foliage Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal, 1950s Large Midcentury Modern Gilt Iron Oval Mirror with Foliage Frame. Spain, 1950s-1960s. This oval mirror features a highly decorative frame wit...
Metal, Iron
Italian Riviera 1960's Rattan Oval Mirror by Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Italian Riviera original hand woven oval rattan mirror with burgundy velvet backing. Designed by Franco Albini, c. 1960's, mage in Italy. Rosenthal Netter label on verso, who was an ...
Rattan, Mirror
$3,275Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Console Mirror in Ashwood with Etched Glass, Italy, 1940s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Beautiful console in ashwood for the entrance with drawers for keys and wallets etc. This piece is produced of a very high quality finesse and behind the mirror glass in the etched f...
Brass
Murano Red Color Glass and Brass Mid-Century Console / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
A strong red color frame, reach the eye of the beholder, leaving him entranced; of Murano red art glass wall mirror. Beautifully shaped and of excellent size, the wall mirror is a real design object. The structure of the wall mirror is in wood, where the red color Murano glass is housed. The frame of the mirror is made up of a series of bricks, positioned one next to the other. The bricks...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne Mirror for Mastercraft Mid-Century Brass Mirror
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Bernhard Rohne mirror for Mastercraft mid-century brass mirror. This mirror measures: 31 wide x 1.25 deep x 54 inches high. This mirror is ...
Brass
Murano Oval Emerald Art Glass and Brass Italian Console / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing Emerald 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 ...
Brass
Murano Art Glass and Brass Italian Mid-Century Console / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
A strong brass color frame reach the eye of the beholder leaving him entranced; the Murano multi color art glass wall mirror. The structure of the wall mirror is in wood, where the multi color Murano glass is housed. The frame of the mirror is made up of a series of bricks, positioned one next to the other. The bricks...
Brass
Oval Floral Foliage Large Wall Mirror in Gilt Metal, Hollywood Regency
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Oval Foliage Wall Mirror with Flower Accents Hollywood Regency gilt iron oval mirror framed by a decoration of roses and leaves, Spain, 1950s. This mirror has a finely handcr...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
Spanish Thick Rattan Rectangular Mirror, Mid-Century Modern, Hand-crafted, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Rattan Tiki style rectangular wall mirror. Spain, 1960s. Gorgeous Tiki style rectangular mirror handcrafted with rattan canes. It has a highly decor...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Thick Rattan Bamboo Rectangular Wall Mirror with Geometric Frame, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous Tiki style rectangular mirror handcrafted with bamboo cane. Spain, 1960s. Rare design. Highly decorative handcrafted bamboo frame with geometric shapes, Tiki accents and a l...
Bamboo, Mirror, Rattan, Cane
Floating Marble & Giltwood Console & Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Hanover, MA
An exceptional and rare floating marble and giltwood console & mirror by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1946. This listing is for one mirror and console but we do have a pair available, lis...
Marble