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.
$1,831Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Spanish Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern gilt metal sunburst oval wall mirror, Spain, 1960s. This highly decorative leafed sunburst gilt iron mirror has a nice color and an elegant construction. A grea...
Wrought Iron, Metal, Iron
Sunburst Mirror from Taxco by "Taller de los Mejia"
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
William Spratling, Los Castillo, Artisans of Mexico S.A. and others sold Los Mejía pieces through their stores, including all kinds of designs for mirrors, lamps, wall sconces, etc. ...
Brass, Copper
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Forged Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Patinated Iron, 1940s French Designer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst mirror in hand forged iron and gilt patina. France, 1940s. This sunburst mirror features a frame made of hand forged spikes attached to a central ring. Gilt patinated finish. Terrific aged patina and eye-catching design. This stunning mirror will be interesting placed alone or as a part of a sunburst mirrors wall composition. Overall Measures: 46 cm diameter x 3 cm height ( 18,11 in diameter x 1.18 in height ) Glass: 11 cm diameter ( 4,33 in ). Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron // Wrought Iron Sunburst Mirror // French Sunburst Mirror // French Iron Wall Mirror
Iron, Wrought Iron
French Rattan Double Layered Sunburst Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rattan sunburst twisted mirror, France, 1960s. Eye-catching double layered sunburst mirror with twisting accents on the frame. This handcrafted mirror will be a nice addition to a ...
Rattan, Mirror
$1,878Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Sunburst Mirror in Gilded Iron with Lighting, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning vintage sun shaped mirror. The structure is in gilden iron, with the particularity of having a lighting system on the rear that can light up the mirror from the back, giving...
Metal, Iron
Spanish Flower Sunburst Mirror, Green and Golden Glass Petals Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern flower shapes mirror with gilt and green textured glass frame. Spain, 1960s This wall mirror features a frame comprised by alternating glass petals in...
Brass, Silver Leaf
Vintage Golden Sunburst Mirror in Gilded Wood 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A gorgeous sunburst mirror. Made of gilded wood and in good vintage condition. It measures 31.4" - 80 cm in diameter, mirror only is 7" - 18 cm in diameter.
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Rattan Flower Sunburst Mirror with Green Rhombus Details, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish rattan sunburst flower mirror with green rhombus details, 1950s Unusual handcrafted rattan mirror with green painted rhombus decorations wit...
Mirror, Wicker, Rattan
$2,401Sale Price|28% Off
Brass and Brushed Steel Sunburst Mirror. French Work, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This delicate and decorative sunburst mirror is made of brass and brushed steel. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century French Riviera Round Sunburst Mirror in Curved Rattan, France, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style sunburst mirror entirely made in curved rattan. This stunning organic mirror was made in France during the 1970s. This delightful mirror f...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$15,500 / item
Bespoke French Plaster Sunburst Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke French Plaster Sunburst Mirror
Plaster
$2,975 / set
Pair of Spanish Gilt Metal Oval Sunburst Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish 1950s gilt metal oval sunburst mirror with tight connected leaf pattern frame.
Metal
Gorgeous 1950s Mid-Century Modernist 26" Backlit Mirror by Emil Stejnar, Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Gorgeous illuminated mirror in mid-century style surrounded by countless crystal flowers on a round mirror with an enameled metal frame. The backlit glass flowers arranged all around...
Crystal, Metal, Enamel
Exquisite French Mid-Century Modern 'Sunburst' Mirror in Style of Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in New York, NY
Stunning convex wall mirror in the form of sunburst after Line Vautrin. This piece is crafted just like Vautrin's exquisite mirrors in resin with a central round convex mirror and 16...
Iron
Vintage French Gilt Metal Sunburst Flush Mount Light Fixture from the 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French vintage gilt metal sunburst light fixture from the mid-20th century, with central mirror and new wiring. We currently have two available, priced and sold separately. This ex...
Metal
Mid-Century Mirror Sun Shaped Mirror
Located in Vienna, AT
Mirror, base metal frame and mirror glass. Made in Germany 1960 Total diameter 90 cm, mirror glass diameter 41 cm.
Brass
Neo Baroque Sunburst Mirror, Black Glass and Gold Leaf, Spain, 37.5 in
Located in Austin, TX
Sunburst mirror from Spain in a Neo Baroque style. This piece has a central circular mirror with a bevel. There is a black glass frame from which gold and black petals emanate outwar...
Gold Leaf
Massive Decorative Carved and Gilt Sunburst Wall Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very large carved and gilt wooden sunburst with a strongly carved serene center face and long radiating wavy gilt rays alternating with straight partially s...
Wood
Gilt Metal Sunburst Crown Ceiling Fixture with Frosted Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish gilt metal, crown form ceiling fixture with points and frosted glass cover.
Metal
Vintage Sunburst Convex Mirror - Mirror With Enamel Plates - Sun Mirror
Located in Bilzen, BE
This vintage sunburst convex mirror features 8 enameled plate accents 1950ies Diameter 45 cm, Mirror diameter 23 cm
Enamel
Hand-Crafted Gold Leafed Wood Sunburst Mirrors, Spanish Design, 1990
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Spanish sunburst mirrors made of hand-crafted gold leafed wood.
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Oval Sunburst Mirror Wall Mirror Rattan, Italy, 1960s
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
Signed Chaty Vallauris Mid-Century Modern Brass Sunburst Mirrors - Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of French signed Chaty Vallauris Brass plated sunburst mirror. Have a look on our large collection of Chaty.
Metal
$1,440
Spanish Sunburst Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
A fabulous example of an iron gilt Spanish sunburst mirror, circa 1950's. The golden sunburst rays, each individually crafted and of unusual deign and superbly detail emanate from th...
Iron
Vintage Italian Midcentury Silver Leaf Sunburst Mirror with Beveled Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian silver leaf sunburst mirror from the mid 20th century, with radiating effects and beveled mirror plate. Created in Italy during the Midcentury period, this wall mirror captures our attention with its radiating silhouette perfectly complimented by a silver leaf finish. This mesmerizing frame surrounds a circular mirror plate with beveled edges. With its silver finish and sunburst shape...
Silver Leaf
Silver Wooden Sunburst Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
20th Century Sunburst Mirror crafted from carved wood and finished in silvered patina. The design radiates from a central circular mirrored plate, surrounded by alternating lengths o...
Wood
Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, Fleur de Lys Motifs, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Oval Wall Mirror with Fleur de Lys Frame in Gilt Iron, Spain, 1950s Mid- century Modern Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal. The frame is comprised by alternating leaves or Fleur...
Metal, Iron
2 French Midcentury Style Venetian Octagonal Mirrors in Style of Serge Roche
By Serge Roche
Located in New York, NY
2 Elegant, Hand-made, French octagonal shaped / sunburst wall mirrors with modern and Neo-Baroque influences and in the style of Serge Roche. The mirrors have a rare form and are artisan made using hand cut mirrored glass that is delicately angled to provide dramatic effects. They have an ebonized wood frame and lined with antiqued faceted...
Mirror, Wood
French Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal in Small Scale, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mini sized sunburst mirror in gilt iron. France, 1950s Lovely handcrafted gilt iron mini sunburst mirror. The frame is comprised by alternating iron leaves and rays finished with gol...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Midcentury Sunburst Flower Shaped Wall Mirror in Rattan, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful flower burst mirror handcrafted in rattan or wicker. Spain, 1960s. This stunning mirror has all the taste and freshness of the Mediterranean Spanish coast. It will be a nic...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror, Cane
Mid-Century Modern Gold Leaf Sunburst Convex Mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A gorgeous finely carved with gold leaf finish convex sunburst mirror with small mirrors surrounding the glass. This piece wears its original gold leaf vintage...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Albini Style Sunburst Bamboo & Rattan Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Albini style sunburst bamboo & rattan mirror A fine example, well executed of a continuous surround of 3-inch high curved bamboo with appliqué double ribbon of woven reed and willow...
Rattan, Reed, Mirror, Willow
French Vallauris wrought iron sunburnt Mirror, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning French wrought iron sunburst mirror dates back to the 1950s and showcases exquisite craftsmanship. The mirror features a striking design with elegantly radiating rays c...
Wrought Iron
French Riviera Van Gogh-Inspired Sunflower / Sunburst Mirror, France, c. 1960
Located in London, GB
A stunning and bright Van Gogh-inspired mid century modern mirror in the form of a sunflower, made in France c. 1960. The sunburst-style frame is handmade wrought iron painted in b...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
Illuminated Spanish Gilt Metal Sunburst Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
This beautiful 1930's iron illuminating sunburst mirror in its original gilt finish, gold in many areas feeds into coppery and green metallic tones. It is lit from the back by two e...
Iron
Mid Century Gilt Spainish Sunburst Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A mid Century Spanish Giltwood Sunburst Mirror. Decorated with small glass inclusions. It strongly embodies the traditional Cusco Colonial style, heavily influenced by Spanish Baroq...
Glass, Wood
Steel and Brass Welded Sunburst Mirror
Located in Montreal, QC
Steel and brass welded sunburst mirror.
Steel
Large Pair of Mid Century Chaty Vallauris Sunburst Mirrors With Convex Plates
Located in Benington, Herts
A fine and decorative pair of large Mid 20th Century Chaty Vallauris sunburst mirrors with the original convex plates French Circa 1950-60’s One of the iconic mid century designs ...
Mirror
Large French Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal with Double Leafed Frame, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Sunburst Oval Mirror in Gilt Metal with Double Leafed Frame, 1950s Oval sunburst mirror, Gilt iron. France, 1950s ______ This hand-hammered iron sunburst wall mirror features ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirror, Hand-Carved Giltwood, 180 cm
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Magnificient mid-century modern style sunburst golden mirror. This exquisite piece was entirely hand-carved and features two tiers of gilded wooden rays, each one uniquely shaped to ...
Gold Leaf
Handmade Horn Mirror with Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Handmade horn mirror with inlay. The frame has a tessellated lacquered horn with bone inlay. Mirror depicts a sunburst mirror with rays.
Bone, Horn
Sunburst Flower Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Mediterranean Wicker and rattan flower burst or sunburst mirror. Spain, 1960s. This stunning mirror was handcrafted in Spain at the sixties. It has all t...
Mirror, Wicker, Rattan
$2,677Sale Price|20% Off
Starburst Sunburst Mirror with Striped Frame in Giltwood, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirror in gilt patinated carved wood with stripes. Spain, 1950s. Eye-catching sunburst mirror with a design combining Mid...
Mirror, Giltwood, Wood
Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mo...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
French Modern Neoclassical Bamboo / Rattan Sunburst Mirror, style of Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
An elegant French Midcentury Modern Mirror in Bamboo and Rattan. The wall mirror has a rare Crescent form and features rattan sunburst...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Bamboo Rattan Starburst Sunburst Oval Mirror, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Oval Midcentury bamboo rattan sunburst starburst mirror. Spain, 1960s. This wall mirror features an oval mirror glass framed by a bamboo star shaped frame with wicker /rattan tied ac...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Large mid century sun mirror , chaty Vallauris , convex mirror
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Beautiful large mid-20th Century French sunburst convex mirror. Retaining it's original factory gilt finish and stamped 'Chaty Vallauris' on the backboard. Circa 1960. 95 c...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror in Rattan Attributed to Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Additional References: Jean Royère, Sunburst Mirrors, Bamboo, Wicker. A Rare and Exceptional Italian Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Round mirror in rattan attributed to Franco Albini....
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Spanish Round Sunburst Mirror in Rattan, Hand-crafted, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amazing bamboo rattan round sunburst mirror / wall mirror Handcrafted in Spain, 1960s. This eye-catching mirror has all the taste and freshness of the Mediterranean Coast. Lovely pla...
Rattan, Mirror, Cane
Leafed Oval Sunburst Mirror in Silvered Iron, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Oval Sunburst Mirror with Jagged Leaves Frame in Silvered Metal. Spain, 1960s This eye-catching foliage sunburst mirror features a layer of long leaves with jagged details and ...
Metal, Iron
Pair of Mid 20th Century Style Sunburst Carved Golden Mirrors
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Pair of handcrafted golden sunburst mirrors. Composed of several rows of gilded wooden rays. Each ray has been individually carved and it has received a handcrafted treatment based o...
Gold Leaf
Pair of Spanish Rattan Bamboo Oval Mirrors, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Midcentury Oval Wall Mirrors in Rattan A pair of eye-catching handcrafted bamboo and rattan oval mirrors with scroll detailing surrounding the frame. Spain, circa 1960s. Thes...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
French Eyelash Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron & Beveled Glass, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Double Layered Eyelash Sunburst Mirror, Gilt Iron, Beveled Glass France, 1950s This eye-catching wall mirror was entirely made by hand. The frame features two layers of curved beams ...
Metal, Iron
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rattan wall mirror designed and produced by an Italian Designer, Italy, 1960s.
Rattan, Mirror
Chaty Vallauris Oval Metal Sunburst Wall Mirror Gold Finish France, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Superb French Mid-Century Modern oval metal sunburst wall mirror in gold finish. Marked on the reverse Chaty Vallauris, France 1970. Mirror Size: 10.75 x 7.63 inches.
Iron
Flower Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron with Beige Accents, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Sunburst Flower Wall Mirror with beige and gilt iron frame. Spain, 1950s This wall mirror features a frame of petals in beige lacquered metal surrounded ...
Iron, Gold Leaf
$1,874Sale Price|20% Off
Octagonal Wall Mirror in Carved Wood and Fleur de Lys Details, Spanish Colonial
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Colonial Octagonal Wall Mirror, Wood Carved, Copper Spain, 1940s ___________________________________________________________________________ Hand carved pine wood octagon wal...
Metal, Copper
$1,456Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Flower Shaped Wall Mirror in Rattan, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Flower Sunburst Mirror in Rattan Handcrafted sunburst / flower shaped mirror with rattan frame, Spain, 1960s. ____________________________________________________________ Thi...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror