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.
$934Sale Price|55% Off
Mid-Century wool rug by S.Doege for Cronwell Atelier
By S. Doege
Located in Palermo, IT
Certainly! Here is a concise description of the carpet: Vintage circular rug with a bold and modern design. Dominated by warm shades of yellow ochre and brown, it features an abstrac...
Fabric
Evelyn Ackerman ERA Hand Hooked Tapestry Rug
Located in Kansas City, MO
Hand hooked tapestry by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, ERA, Los Angeles. Hand made in Japan. These are becoming increasingly rare. Very good original...
Nylon
$1,184Sale Price|40% Off
Antique Rugs Caucasian Wool Area Rug, Oriental Brown Carpet
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug is a great example of oriental rugs woven in the early 20th century. The central design features a bold medallion pattern woven in deep blue, orange and beige on a...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$2,885Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Rugs Striped Runner, Handmade Carpet Runners, Shirvan Rug for Sale
Located in Wembley, GB
Handmade carpet oriental rug born out of nomadic traditional rugs, this antique striped rug from Shirvan features a spectacular array of modular stripes and classical border motifs t...
Wool, Organic Material
Swedish Rya Rug in Geometric Pattern of Red Orange and Black
Located in Ferndale, MI
Deep dense 100% wool shag pile square rya rug produced in Denmark circa 1965 by Dania Taepper in a geometric collage of contrasting reds and black. Measures: 90" x 90". Rya or rye is a traditional Scandinavian wool rug with a long pile of about 1 to 3 inches. Made using a form of the Ghiordes knot to make the double-sided pile fabric. Though rya means "rug" in English, the original meaning in Sweden of rya was a bed cover with a knotted pile. The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs. As time went on the rugs became more bright and colorful. Now very much a part of mid century interior design.
Wool
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Caucasian Rug on Kilim
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th century Caucasian Kazak rug stitched onto a light blue Turkish Kilim.
Wool, Cotton Canvas
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Boteh Runner with Tribal Style, Hallway Runner
Located in Dallas, TX
73231 Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug Runner, 03'03 x 11'00. Caucasian Shirvan carpet runners originate from the Shirvan region nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, renowned for their vi...
Wool
Vintage Kazak Rug With Diamond Medallions and Geometric Border – 5'8" X 4'2"
Located in Los Angeles, US
This striking vintage Kazak rug showcases a bold series of diamond medallions rendered in rich reds, icy blues, and earthy browns, layered over a dark navy field. The stepped motifs ...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Turkish Azari Vintage Inspired Caucasian Snowflake Rug
Located in New York, NY
3rd quarter of the 20th century Turkish Rug derived from 19th Century Caucasian Snowflake Kuba Rugs Measures: 6'5" x 8'11"
Wool
Vintage Shirvan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug With Intricate Tribal Patterns
Located in Los Angeles, US
Step into a world of timeless artistry with this exquisite vintage Shirvan rug, a hand-knotted masterpiece that embodies the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. Woven with premiu...
Wool, Cotton
Zabihi Collection Tribal Navy Dark Green Caucasian Kuba Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Caucasian Kuba rug with a geometric design in green and blue Measures: 3'7" x 6'1" This captivating Caucasian Kuba presents an enchanting snowflake motif ...
Wool
$8,494Sale Price|20% Off
Handwoven Sumakh Kilims Caucasian Antique Carpet Rust Wool Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug is an excellent example of kilim Sumakh Caucasian rugs woven in the 1880s. The central design features a trio of large medallions woven on a deep blue background i...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Vintage Kazak Rug With Floral Rosettes and Tribal Medallions – 5'7" X 4'2"
Located in Los Angeles, US
This vibrant vintage Kazak rug features a unique composition of floral rosettes and tribal medallions, set against a deep red ground that brings warmth and character to any space. Th...
Wool, Cotton
$751Sale Price|40% Off
Red Wool Rug Handmade Carpet Rustic Gold Oriental Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug was woven by hand with fine materials and features a rich colour palette of red, orange, beige and blue, woven into a symmetrical tribal design. The central medallion and surrounding design have been woven with intricate motifs and patterns creating a beautiful eye-catching piece, sure to suit both classic and modern homes. Easily style this piece with your vintage or antique furniture for...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Nazmiyal Collection Vintage Picasso "The Kitchen" Rug 5 ft 7 in x 7 ft 8 in
Located in New York, NY
Inspiring Vintage Pablo Picasso "The Kitchen" Art-Inspired Abstract Rug, Country Of Origin: Netherlands, Circa Date: Vintage This vintage rug is based on Pablo Picasso's 1948 painti...
Wool
Dorothy Liebes Hook Craft Originals The Tapa Group Modernist Shag Rug 54"x72"
Located in West Chester, PA
Rare Mid-Century Modern Geometric Shag Rug Designed by Dorothy Liebes for Hook Craft Originals - Designs of Distinction Hand Crafted by Bigelow Custom Carpets 100% wool face and mo...
Wool
Charlotte Perriand Graffiti D04 carpet for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Berlin, DE
Artisan skill blends with contemporary design for this rug conceptualized by Charlotte Perriand during her stay in Japan in 1940. Sailor’s graffiti: the motif depicted on the Graffit...
Wool
$2,123Sale Price|35% Off
Red Carpet Wool Kilim Rug Handmade Traditional Caucasian Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug is a traditional geometric Kilim rug, woven by hand in the late 20th /early 21st century. The design features a bold geometric design with diamond patterns in acce...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Afghan Rug with Mid-Century Modern Vibes and Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74664 vintage Afghan rug with Mid-Century Modern Vibes and Tribal style. Add a Mid-Century Modern vibe with this hand knotted wool vintage Af...
Wool
$2,613Sale Price|20% Off
Long Traditional Oriental Runner Rug Narrow Handwoven Wool Carpet Runner
Located in Wembley, GB
Tribal motifs have been intricately woven into this fine wool rug, constructed in the 1950s. This piece features a highly decorative central design and the border with a dark blue ba...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$1,401Sale Price|20% Off
Geometric patterns Vintage 70s-80s Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the vibrant era of the 1970s and 80s with this exquisite vintage rug. This piece embodies the bold and innovative design aesthetics of its time, making it a standout additi...
Wool
$831Sale Price|35% Off
Kilim Traditional Geometric Carpet Area Rug Vintage Red Wool
Located in Wembley, GB
The rich tones in this colourful rug will complement your home's interior. The deep red background helps the orange, grey and blue tones to pop in this geometric design. Featuring a bold trio of geometric medallions with a highly decorative surrounding design and border. The colours and patterns in this rug make it the perfect addition to any modern or traditional interior. Easily style this fine wool kilim with your vintage or antique furniture. Handwoven patterned Kilim rugs are very hard-wearing items and therefore ideal for any environment. Woven by hand in Azerbaijan in the 1960s with fine hand-spun wool and cotton that has been dyed with organic techniques. This wool kilim is in excellent condition, ready for use in any home. Our team source only the finest interior accessories, with years of experience, let our team help you find the perfect accent pieces for your home interior. Our inventory includes a range of modern rugs, vintage rugs and antique rugs. AS well as cushions and footstools to match your style. With a huge range of colours and sizes available now. Kilim traditional geometric carpet area rug...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Vintage Baluch Kilim Runner
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage Afghani Baluchi runner with a wonderful bold pattern containing wide alternating zigzag stripes and solid colored stripes.
Wool
$588Sale Price|40% Off
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug Handwoven Fragment Oriental Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This wool rug is a great example of Caucasian rugs in the 1880s. Intricately woven by hand, this fine wool rug features an oriental floral design. The central pattern has been woven ...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$5,336Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Rugs Oriental Carpet Handwoven Traditional Wool
Located in Wembley, GB
Made with a grand central medallion that has been intricately woven with traditional tribal motifs and patterns. Featuring a rust background with blue, green and red accents, delicat...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$392Sale Price|40% Off
Handmade Carpet Green Vintage Rug, Classic Oriental Wool Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
Elegantly woven with a top to bottom design, a double pillar design and chandelier design, a traditional design known to date back to 5000 BC. The delicate design and floral patterns...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$1,102Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Rugs Handmade Carpet Oriental Rug Red Wool Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This elegant piece was woven by hand and featured a rich red background with a large central medallion woven in deep blue, with a decorative surrounding design and a simple border. With orange, blue and brown accents. Easily style this piece with your vintage or antique furniture for an instant uplift. Suitable for use as a bedroom rug, living room rug or dining room rug. Woven with organic hand-spun wool and cotton that has been dyed with organic vegetable dyeing techniques. The dense pile construction makes it durable and so suitable for any room in your home. Easily style with your vintage or antique furniture for an instant uplift, or pair it with your modern minimalist home for a touch of texture and cosiness. This piece is in great condition, ready for use in any room in your home. Vintage rugs handmade carpet oriental rug red...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$4,464Sale Price|20% Off
Handwoven Antique Runner Rug, Oriental Traditional Red Wool Carpet
Located in Wembley, GB
This elegantly woven carpet was constructed in Azerbaijan in the 1930s. It features several vases of flowers and a bold colour palette, including rust, cream, purple and deep blue. The design features 14 elegantly woven vase floral designs. A repeating pattern border then frames this. This oriental carpet is sure to uplift any home interior. Easily style this piece with your vintage or antique furniture. This piece was constructed with locally sourced, hand-spun wool and cotton dyed with organic dyeing techniques. This piece is in great condition, ready for use. Our team source only the finest interior accessories, with years of experience, let our team help you find the perfect accent pieces for your home interior. Our inventory includes a range of modern rugs, vintage rugs and antique rugs. As well as cushions and footstools to match your style. With a huge range of colours and sizes available now. Measures: 148 x 404cm Handwoven antique runner rug...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$1,143Sale Price|40% Off
Traditional Caucasian Rug, Red Carpet Wool Handwoven Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
Elegantly woven with a top to bottom design, a rich pink/red background decorated with a symmetrical floral design in accents of brown, green and beige. The double pillar design and delicate floral patterns make this rug the perfect accent piece for any room it is introduced to. Easily style with your vintage or antique furniture for an instant uplift, or pair it with your modern minimalist home for a touch of texture and cosiness. Constructed with fine, organic materials including hand-spun wool and cotton that have been dyed with organic dyeing techniques used for generations. This piece is in great condition, ready for use. Our team source only the finest interior accessories, with years of experience, let our team help you find the perfect accent pieces for your home interior. Our inventory includes a range of modern rugs, vintage rugs and antique rugs. AS well as cushions and footstools to match your style. With a huge range of colours and sizes available now. Traditional Caucasian rug...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$6,424Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Rugs Geometric Kilim Rugs Caucasian Kilims Carpet 153x340cm
Located in Wembley, GB
An elegant geometric all-over design decorates this fine antique Caucasian kilim. They were woven in the 1920s. Suitable for use in any room in your home. Style as a bedroom rug, liv...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
Vintage Kuba Cseikhong Rug With Tribal Cross Medallions – 5'10" X 4'1"
Located in Los Angeles, US
This vintage Kuba Cseikhong rug is a striking piece of Caucasian craftsmanship, showcasing an intricate layout of tribal cross medallions and stylized geometric motifs. Set against a...
Wool, Cotton
Vintage 1960s Signed Caucasian Rug in Black, Red, and Orange
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1960s Signed Caucasian Rug in Black, Red, and Orange Striking mid-20th-century handwoven Caucasian rug, signed by the weaver. Features a bold hexagonal honeycomb medallion pa...
Wool
$4,390
Wool Geometric Cream Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a modern touch of sophistication to any small space with this Geometric Cream Rug. Woven from berber wool carpet, this cream rug features a subtle gray ...
Wool
$7,078Sale Price|20% Off
Exclusive Floral Rug, Silk Handwoven Carpet, Kurdish Oriental Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
Exclusive handmade rug made of high-quality materials and designed from a very high-end rug workshop. The background of this floral rug shows this blue rug as very vivid and shiny. ...
Wool, Silk
$1,184Sale Price|40% Off
Handwoven Carpet Traditional Caucasian Rug, Red Wool Paisley Carpet
Located in Wembley, GB
This elegantly handwoven wool rug is an excellent example of Caucasian rugs from the 1880s. Paisley motifs decorate the central design of this rug, delicately woven in a diagonal pattern with bold colours including red, blue, green and pink. A layered bold geometric pattern border then frames this. Style this Fine wool rug with your vintage or antique furniture for an instant uplift. Perfect for use as a bedroom rug, living room rug or entranceway rug Made on looms by master weavers of Caucasia in the 1880s, constructed with hand-spun wool and cotton dyed with organic dyeing techniques used for generations. This antique Caucasian carpet is in good condition, ready for use in any home. Our team source only the finest interior accessories, with years of experience, let our team help you find the perfect accent pieces for your home interior. Our inventory includes a range of modern rugs, vintage rugs and antique rugs. AS well as cushions and footstools to match your style. With a huge range of colours and sizes available now. Handwoven carpet Traditional Caucasian rug, red wool Paisley carpet...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$1,636Sale Price|35% Off
Handmade Carpet Caucasian Kilim Rug, Vintage Kilims Tribal Wool Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug is a handwoven Caucasian Kilim rug. Tones of red, orange, green and yellow marry together to form this beautiful geometric design...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$980Sale Price|40% Off
Rust Vintage Rug Caucasian Handmade Rug, Red Geometric Carpet
Located in Wembley, GB
This elegant floral carpet was woven by hand in the 1990s. The central design has been woven on a rich red background with geometric motifs in green, yellow, and blue accents. Both the colour and design in this piece make it the perfect accent rug. Easily style with your vintage or antique furniture for an instant uplift, or pair it with your modern minimalist home for a touch of texture and cosiness. Suitable for use as a bedroom rug, living room rug or entranceway rug. Woven with organic hand-spun wool and cotton that has been dyed with organic vegetable dyeing techniques. The dense pile construction makes it durable and so suitable for any room in your home. Our team source only the finest interior accessories, with years of experience, let our team help you find the perfect accent pieces for your home interior. Our inventory includes a range of modern rugs, vintage rug...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$3,484Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Rug Handmade Carpet Red Rug Medallion Carpet Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This elegant handwoven wool area rug features a traditional medallion design, woven in the 1950s. This piece is sure to uplift any room it is introduced too. The highly-decorative ce...
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
60s CASPIAN, Octagon Loop Pile, UNUSED, Mid Century Modern, Caucasian Kazak Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
60s CASPIAN Octagon Loop Pile Wool UNUSED Mid Century Modern Caucasian Kazak Rug DESIGNER: CASPIAN CIRCA: 1960s STYLE: Danish Hand-Knotted Rya, Mid-Century Modern ORIGIN: United Ki...
Wool