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.
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Rattan Bamboo Oval Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern bamboo large oval sunburst mirror, Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features a bamboo double frame with split bamboo canes in sunburst disposition. The ...
Bamboo, Cane, Mirror
Spanish Flower Shaped Sunburt Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Flower Wall Mirror in Rattan A beautiful flower shaped mirror handcrafted in bamboo and rattan, Spain, 1960s. This stunning round mirror is framed by a bamboo ring accented by rattan...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror, Cane, Bamboo
Rare 1940s French Big 24" Convex Gold Gilt Sunburst Starburst Mirror
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Beautiful big French wood gold starburst. Amazing patina. Convex mirror in center, measuring 3.5 inches. Free priority UPS shipping from Italy, (approx. days) no custom fees.
Giltwood
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirror Wall Lamp in Lucite with Pink Glow, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Crafted from high-quality transparent Lucite and a central mirror, this sophisticated illuminated wall piece exemplifies the refined elegance and balanced design ethos of the Mid-Cen...
Metal
Hollywood Regency Large Convex Starburst Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Scale Oversized Spanish Sunburst Mirror, Iron, Gold Leaf Outstanding Hollywood Regency gilt wrought iron convex sunburst /starburst mirror, Spain 1950s Extra large size (39,37 ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
1960s French Starburst Sunburst Mirror in Braided Wicker and Wood Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mini sized Sunburst Mirror, Raffia, Wicker, Wood Scandinavian Modern handcrafted wood mirror with braided wicker frame, France, 1960s. Rare mini size. This small straburst mirror, wa...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror, Wood, Raffia
Gold sunburst mirror in resin with convex mirror, France ca. 1960
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A radiant example of French mid‑century design, this 1960 sunburst mirror brings warmth, glamour, and sculptural presence to any interior. Cast in resin with a richly textured, gilde...
Mirror, Resin
Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal with Foliage Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt metal sunburst mirror framed by leaves. Spain, 1950s-1960s. This stylish mirror combines Midcentury and Hollywood Regency accents.A highly decorative oval sunburst mirror with ...
Metal, Iron
Spanish Sunburst Mirror with Floral Polychromed Resin Frame, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Floral Carved Sunburst Mirror, Polychromed Resin Spain, 1950s-1960s. Eye-catching round wall mirror with polychrome carved floral foliage frame. The frame is richly carved with flowers in different shapes and leaves pattern. A beaded pattern surrounds the glass. It has a nice aged patina showing its original gold leaf gilding and off white patina with redish hues and orange and yellow accents on the flowers. Place it on a dark background to highlight its beauty. Stunning piece that as it has a large mirror surface will be a nice addition to a bathroom / powder room or any bedroom and a great choice to add a Hollywood Regency accent to any decoration. Beautiful placed alone or as a part of sunburst mirrors wall composition. Overall Measures: 69 cm diameter x 5 cm D // 17,16 in diameter x 1,96 in D Glass diameter: 45 cm // 17,71 in More wall and sunburst mirrors are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. Foliage Floral Wall Mirror // Spanish Floral Mirror // Resin Gilded Mirror // Carved Round...
Mirror, Resin
Rare 1940s French Big 28" Gold Gilt Sunburst Starburst Double Rays Mirror
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Beautiful big French wood gold starburst. Amazing patina. Rare double wood rays with mirror in great shape. Mirror itself measures 14 inches round. Free priority UPS shipping fro...
Giltwood
2 Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Wall Mirrors, Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Two (2) Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern rattan and bamboo wall mirrors in the style of Franco Albini circa 1950 to 1960. Each mirror is hand made and delicately shaped in the form...
Rattan, Mirror
French Giltwood Sunburst Convex Mirror Garanti Bois Sculpte C.D.V. Bruxelles
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Giltwood sunburst mirror with convex glass.
Mirror, Giltwood
Giltwood Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This sunburst mirror is a piece from the 1960s. The frame is made of carved wood and finished with gold leaf. It features a central circular mirror.
Wood
French Riviera Rattan Sunburst Mirror with Circles Design, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A highly decorative rattan sunburst mirror framed by circles with a lovely color. This mirror has the French Riviera Mediterranean taste with an unusual handcrafted beautiful work. L...
Wicker, Mirror, Cane, Rattan
1950s Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern iron sunburst oval wall mirror with leafed frame and gold leaf finish, Spain, 1950s. This eye-catching leafed sunburst mirror has a very detailed frame, entirely made in gilt iron and showing its original patina and gold leaf gilding. Place it in a powder room, entry hall or as console mirror. It will add a Hollywood Regency accent wherever you place it. Overall measures: 75 cm H x 54 cm W x 5 cm D Dimensions of the glass: 59 cm H x 38 cm W. We have avaliable a pair of oval sunburst mirror same design. Please kindly contact us in case that you need a pair or a set of three sunburst oval mirrors. Spanish Gilt Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror // Spanish Oval Leafed Sunburt Mirror // Hollywood Regency Spanish Mirror
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$1,689Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Hollywood Regency Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron from Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern double layered sunburst round wall mirror with gold leaf finish. Spain, 1950s. Double layer of hand hammered leaves surrounding the central glass. Each leave is n...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
Spanish Hollywood Regency Gilt Wrought Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror / Wall Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Tassel Motif Sunburst Wall Mirror, Hand Forged Iron, Gold Leaf Spain, 1940s Eye-catching Hollywood Regency gold gilt wrought iron sunburst mirror with tassel...
Iron, Gold Leaf
French Brutalist Eyelash Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyelash Sunburst Wall Mirror in Gilt Patinated Iron Gilt Iron Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Ended Rays and Brutalist Design, France, 1950s Eye-catching hand forged sunburst iron mirror...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Sunburst Oval Mirrors in Gilt Iron, Spain, 50's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Mid-Century Modern iron sunburst oval wall mirrors with leafed frames and gold leaf finish, Spain, 1950s. These highly decorative leafed sunburst mirrors have a nice patina s...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
French Gilt Sunburst or Starburst Mirror (Diameter 25)
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful French gilt sunburst (or starburst) mirror with gilded rays arranged around a mirror plate glass center. Diameter is 25 in
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Extra Large Giltwood Carved Sunburst Mirror, France, 1950s // 47, 6 inches
Located in Barcelona, ES
French 1950s Giltwood Sunburst Mirror, Large Scale Unique large scale (121 cm diameter / 47,6 in diameter) Baroque style carved wood gold leaf gilt sunburst mirror. Rare find due to ...
Gold Leaf
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
Multicoloured Art Glass mosaic wall mirror, Spain, 1960s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist Spanish round mirror with coloured glass mosaic, 60s. Frame made up of pieces of glass or textured artistic glass tiles in the form of a multicoloured and iridescent mosaic...
Glass, Art Glass, Mirror
Large Spanish Gilt Metal Oval Sunburst Mirror 46´
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish 1950s gilt metal oval sunburst mirror with tight connected leaf pattern frame.
Metal
$3,012Sale Price|20% Off
Sunburst Backlit Wall Mirror with Gemstone Gilt Iron Scrollwork Frame, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Backlit sunburst mirror, gemstone frame, gilt iron, Spain, 1960s. Unusual retro illuminated gilt iron sunburst mirror framed by a mosaic of colorful...
Multi-gemstone, Metal, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Brass Sunburst Loop Mirror by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst loop Mirror in brass made by Josef Frank. Made by Svensk Tenn in the 1960. In a ferry good condition whit clear glass mirror. Josef frank was an Austr...
Brass
French Rattan Sunburst Mirror with Double Layered Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Riviera Coastal Sunburst Mirror in Rattan Handcrafted sunburst mirror with double layered rattan and wicker frame, France, 1950s- 1960s. ______________________________________...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$1,338Sale Price|20% Off
French Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Small Scale
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mini sized sunburst mirror in gilt iron. France, 1960s Lovely handcrafted gilt iron mini sunburst mirror. The frame is comprised by alternating iron leaves and rays finished with gol...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
Spanish Rattan Bamboo Mirror in Chinoiserie Design, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury rectangular mirror, rattan, bamboo. Spain, 1960s. This handcrafed mirror has chinoiserie and bamboo decorations on the frame and joining the corners. It will be eye-catc...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Modern. French Riviera handmade cane Sunburst mirror, France, 1960s
By Louis Sognot, Franco Albini, Tito Agnoli
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-crafted French Riviera style sun wall mirror from La Côte d’Azur, France, 1960s. Rattan, cane and wicker wall mirror entirely handmade in natural tones. Very tiki and Peacock st...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$2,719Sale Price|20% Off
French Sunburst Flower Mirror Wall Decoration, Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind gilt iron sunflower wall mirror / wall sculpture, France, 1950s. This spectacular wall mirror has an eye-catching flower shaped design with Handcrafted in gilt iron. ...
Iron
$1,595Sale Price|20% Off
Eyelash Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, France 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Metal French Sunburst Mirror Eyelash Design, 1950s Lovely 1950s hand-hammered double layered eyelash gilt iron round sunburst mirror. The frame is made by alternating curved bea...
Metal, Iron
French Giltwood Sunburst Mirror with Wavy Sunrays from the Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French giltwood sunburst mirror from the mid-20th century, with wavy sunrays. Created in France during the midcentury period, this vintage piece features a round mirror plate frame...
Mirror, Giltwood
Large Vintage Spanish Wood Framed Sunburst Mirror
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this large gilt wood sunburst mirror dates from the 1960s. This wood framed sunburst mirror features a round mirror and longer rays with a center of shorter, denser r...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,855Sale Price|20% Off
French Sunburst Mirror in Patinated Metal, Style of Line Vautrin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round sunburst mirror, patinated gilt iron, France, 1960s. Inspired in Line Vautrin designs. Double layered round sunburst mirror with gilt patinated finishing. Measures: 68 cm di...
Metal, Iron
Spanish Sunburst Rectangular Mirror, Silver Gilt Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Rectangular Sunburst Starburst Mirror, Silvered Iron, Silver Leaf Mid-Century Modern leafed rectangular sunburst wall mirror, Spain, 1960s This eye-catching foliage sunburst mi...
Metal, Iron, Silver Leaf
Heart Shaped Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern wrought iron sunburst heart shaped wall mirror with gold leaf finish, Spain, 1950s. This highly decorative sunburst gilt iron mirror has a nice color and a terrifi...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Golden Wall Mirror, France 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The glass of the mirror is curved, great quality.
Mirror
Antique Big Size Mexican Artisanal Sunburst Mirror
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950, we offer this Mexican artisanal sunburst mirror. Made in steel, presents some details and fantastic patina.
Steel
$1,268Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist multicoloured Art Glass mosaic wall mirror, Spain, 1960s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist coloured spanish round mirror with glass mosaic, 1960s. Frame composed by a border of shiny silver crystals and another concentric one made of pieces of glass or tiles of t...
Brass
Spanish Rhombus Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, Gold Leaf, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rhombus sunburst mirror, gilt metal. Spain, 1950s Glamourous gilt iron leafed sunburst mirror with the shape of a rhombus. The glass is suspended on a twisted iron rope and it has a layer of hammered gilt iron leaves framing the glass mirror. It can be hung in two positions. This stunning sunburst mirror will add a Hollywood Regency accent to any room, bathoom or entry hall. Nice original patina and gold leaf gilding. Overall measures: Horizontal position: 87 cm W x 54 cm H x 4 cm D (34,25 in W x 21,25 in H x1,57 in D) Vertical position: 87 cm H x 54 cm W x 4 cm D (34,25 in H x 21,25 in W x1,57 in D) Glass dimensions: 47cm H x 30 cm W (18,50 in H x 11,81 in W). Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron // Rhombus Mirror // Sunburst Wall Mirror // Gilt Metal Spanish Mirror...
Gold Leaf, Iron, Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirror Brass, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern sunburst mirror brass, circa 1960 Traditionally manufactured in France. By unknown designer. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, pres...
Metal
French Bamboo Rattan Sunburst Mirror / Wall Mirror, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching bamboo and rattan sunburst mirror with looped details. Handcrafted in France, 1960s. This cool rattan wall mirror combines midcentury and chinoiserie accents. It has all...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal with Foliage Frame & Etched Flowers Detail, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Double Layered Gilt Iron Sunburst Mirror / Wall Mirror Framed by Leaves. Spain, 1950s. This stunning sunburst mirror has a leafed frame comprised by alternating large an...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Gold and Silver mid-Century Giltwood Vintage Sunburst Mirror
Located in Leesburg, VA
Gold and Silver mid-Century Giltwood Vintage Sunburst Mirror Granati Bois Sculptie, C.D.V. Brussels, Belgium; ca. 1970s Gold and silver giltwood Approximate size: 25.5 in. (diamet...
Wood
Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Leafed Frame, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Gilt Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror Framed with Leaves, Spain, 1950s-1960s. An eye-catching oval sunburst mirror framed with large scalloped metal leaves and gold leaf gilt finish. ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Hollywood Regency Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal and Red Glass Detail, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron and Red Glass, Spain, 1950s. Eye-catching sunburst mirror featuring a mirrored surface surrounding the central glass, a frame with alternating large and ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Large Spanish Sunburst Mirror, Gold Leafed Wood with Black Glass, 1980
Located in Austin, TX
Large sunburst mirror from Spain made of hand-applied gold-leafed wood. The rays emanate from a circular central mirror that is framed with black glass. The mirror is in nice vintage...
Gold Leaf
Spanish Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron with Scrollwork Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt lron Scrollwork Sunburst Oval Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern iron oval wall mirror with filigree scrollwork frame, Spain, 1950s. This eye-catching sunburst mirror has a nice pat...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Spanish Baroque Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Silvered Wood, Barbola Flower Detail
Located in Barcelona, ES
Giltwood Spanish Polychromed Barbola Sunburst Mirror Double Layered Giltwood Sunburst Mirror with Carved Polychrome Floral Details. Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features features a...
Gold Leaf
French Gilt Sunburst or Starburst Mirror (Diameter 31)
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful French gilt sunburst (or starburst) mirror with gilded rays arranged around a mirror plate glass center. Diameter 31 inches
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Vintage French Giltwood Midcentury Sunburst Mirror with Radiating Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage French giltwood sunburst mirror from the mid-20th century, with flat glass. Created in France during the midcentury p...
Mirror, Giltwood
Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Fleur de Lys Frame, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Metal Sunburst Oval Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern iron sunburst oval wall mirror with fleur de lis motifs and gold leaf finish, Spain, 1950s. This eye-catching sunburst mirror ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Pair of Vintage White Metal Sunburst Mirrors with Distressed Finish
Located in Miami, FL
## Description This elegant pair of vintage sunburst mirrors embodies the timeless charm of Mediterranean and Mid-Century design. Each mirror features a beautifully crafted circular...
Cane
Riviera Style Vintage Rattan Oval Wall Mirror Sunburst Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern Vintage organic sunburst mirror or wall mirror from rattan and mirror glass, 1960s Italy. While the large Size from this sunburst mirror allows to hang up in an en...
Rattan, Mirror
Pair of Spanish Rattan Bamboo Round Mirrors, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A pair of eye-catching handcrafted bamboo and rattan mirrors with scroll detailings surrounding the frame, Spain, 1960s. These Mediterranean wall mirrors feature a circular bamboo f...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Rhombus Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron by Ferro Art, Spain 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand-Hammered Gilt Iron Rhombus shaped sunburst mirror. Spain, 1950s. It can be placed in two positions. Manufactured by Ferro Art. This sunburst mirror will be a nice addition to...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Important Italian Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Rare Italian Mid-Century mirror with a round central panel surrounded by 18 delicately chisel cut smaller mirrors, each faceted to gilt iron stems forming a composition of a sunburst...
French Riviera Rattan Wicker Sunburst Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Riviera Modernist handcrafted Rattan sunburst mirror. France, 1960s Mediterranean style handcrafted sunburst rattan and wicker weave mirror. Unusu...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Small Gilt wood Sunburst Mirror, Wall Hanging, Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
A circa 1930s, sunburst mirror wall hanging in carved wood of small proportions. Condition very good. A very fine sunburst mirror in a framed gilt wood worked out in detail in its ra...
Mirror, Giltwood
$2,494Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Spanish Hand-Woven Rattan Wicker Sunburst Mirrors, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful pair of woven rattan circular mirrors with straight rays endings as sunburst mirrors, Spain, 1960s. The thick woven frame surrounding the glass highlight the beauty of this pair of wall mirrors. They will add a fresh accent wherever you place them. Interesting to be used over a double bathroom vanity...
Mirror, Wicker, Rattan