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.
Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1957
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jangada armchair and ottoman designed by Jean Gillon in 1968 and produced by Italma WoodArt, a reclining lounge chair with a solid noble wood frame, a woven cord suspension and loose...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Modern Stressless Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Midcentury modern Stressless style lounge chair and ottoman. Leather and chrome set with extremely comfortable cushions. Sit upright and read a book or watch tv, or extend ba...
Chrome
Norwegian "Siesta" Lounge Chair and Ottoman Designed by Ingmar Relling
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Genuine black leather and bentwood that gives an aesthetic definition with the typical Scandinavian narrative. Both pieces are in excellent condition, having been used very little an...
Leather, Wood, Bentwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs "657" Charles Pollock Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of 657 chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. C1960 design signed in two places by Knoll. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Some ...
Chrome
$14,701 / set
Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful, rare pair of armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s. Wooden frames and rush seats. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Beech, Cherry
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Bill Bertoia
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of iconic chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Diamond chairs in a dark blue knoll fabric indicating they are from mid to late seventies. Chairs are unsigned but have al...
Steel, Chrome
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Rush, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of stained carved wood and rush lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 36.5"H x 30.5"W x ...
Rush, Wood
Brazilian Lounge Chair in Dark Laminated Wood by Móveis Cimo
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Móveis Cimo, lounge chair, laminated wood, Brazil, 1940s Well-sculpted Brazilian lounge chair that deserves a prominent place in one's interior. The construction is based on rounded...
Plywood
Pair of Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chairs Model 406 by Artek in Birch Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chairs model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x ...
Cane, Birch
American Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brown fabric lounge chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.5"H x 28.55"W x 32.0"D Seat Heigh...
Fabric, Oak
Hans J Wegner 'CH25' Easy Chair in Walnut, Oil & Papercord for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J Wegner 'CH25' Easy Chair in Walnut, Oil & Papercord for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His fi...
Papercord, Wood, Walnut
$4,632Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Brown Velvet Velour Sofa Sectional 3 pcs Lounge Chairs Mario Bellini Attr.
Located in Basel, BS
Very cool three piece modular Sofa sectional which can also be used as three separate lounge chairs. Feature 4 very cool metal feet on the bottom of each piece. Attributed to Mario B...
Upholstery, Velvet
Clara Porset's Mexican Butaque Chair, licensed reedition by Luteca
By Luteca Furniture, Clara Porset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cuban-born Clara Porset was a pioneer for modern design in Mexico. Having studied architecture in New York and then Paris, she finally settled in Mexico devoting her life to championing her mutually enriching vision of modernity and tradition. A fierce proponent of historical craft traditions, Clara Porset created wholly contemporary versions of the classic Mexican vernacular forms including the colonial butaque chair...
Hide, Maple
Pair of Swedish Modern Pine Lounge Chairs with Leather Armrests, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful pair of Swedish lounge chairs from the 1970s, crafted in solid pine with a robust and architectural frame. Made by a skilled Swedish Cabinetmaker. The chairs feature ...
Leather, Wool, Pine
50th Anniversary Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Vitra 764/999 Limited Edition
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare lounge chair and ottoman were designed by Charles & Ray Eames and were produced by Vitra in 2006. It is the ultimative 50th anniversary edition which is limited worldwide w...
Leather, Wood
Minotti Blake Soft Chair and Ottoman, Leather with Chrome Base
By Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Blake Soft chair and ottoman by Minotti, upholstered in supple tan leather with polished chrome bases. The chair’s wide arms and cushioned seat combine modern Italian de...
Chrome
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 27.0"W x 36.0"D Sea...
Wood
Set Of Two Karin Mobring DIANA Chair for IKEA 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Karin Mobring Chair DIANA for IKEA 1970s
Fabric, Wood
Danish 1940s Highback Lounge Chair with Channel Back in Original Green Mohair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Flemming Lassen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s highback lounge chair in the style of Flemming Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller s...
Wool, Beech
Restored Eames Lounge with New Leather in Chianti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous classic Eames lounge chair with an updated custom look. Restored vintage set in rose wood, of original Herman Miller production. Wood has been refinished and leather cushion...
Aluminum
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Modern lounge chairs crafted of stunning Brazilian Rosewood with new fabric. W 36’’ x D ...
Rosewood
Italian Ardea Lounge Chair After A Design By Carlo Mollino
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Ico Parisi, Carlo Mollino, Zanotta
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Ardea lounge chair after a design by Carlo Mollino. Stunning curvaceous Italian lounge chair with exaggerated ebonized legs professionally upholstered in plush blue bouclé....
Bouclé, Wood
Pair of Eero Saarinen Grass Hopper Chairs for Knoll, newly upholstered
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Grasshopper lounge chairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in the early 1950s. The chairs feature Saarinen’s distinctive low, reclining silhouette, with sculptural bentwoo...
Fabric, Wood
$13,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-century Wingback Recliner Lounge Chairs, Renzo Franchi, 1950's, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century Wingback Recliner Lounge Chairs, Renzo Franchi, 1950's, Italy Reclining lounge chairs with cherry frames and brass details. These armchairs ...
Cherry
Vladimir Kagan for Dreyfuss ‘Multi-position Reclining’ Chair in Teak
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc, ‘Multi-position Reclining’ chair model VK 100, teak, fabric Arbus/004 Prugna by Dedar Milano, plastic, chrome-plated metal, United States, circ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Pair of Ralph Lauren Hudson St Lounge Chairs in leather and stainless steel
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Art Deco meets Alvar Aalto’s tub chair. The Hudson St lounge chairs from Ralph Lauren offers sleek contours and triple-band arms that embodies American modernism. Crafted from polis...
Stainless Steel
Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of striped red fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric with wear, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Ove...
Fabric, Wood
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 High Back Mohair Lounge Chair Danish Midcentury, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sought after Fritz Hansen Model 1672 high back lounge chair made circa 1942. The chairs was first seen on page 12 in Fritz Hansen's 1942 catalog. The model 1672 has become of the mos...
Mohair, Beech
Mid-Century Martin Visser Lounge Chair in Charcoal with Chrome Frame
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, chrome framed chair with new charcoal upholstered seat and backrest and contrasting blonde armrests. Designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum in the early 1960s. Wood ...
Chrome
Theo Ruth for Artifort 'Congo' Lounge Chair
By Theo Ruth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, ‘Congo’ lounge chair, stained ash, fabric, The Netherlands, 1952 Known as an iconic creation of the Artifort's production line, the Congo easy chair embraces...
Fabric, Ash
Vintage Italian Leather Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s Design
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Elevate your space with this stunning vintage Italian leather lounge chair, a perfect blend of timeless design and luxurious comfort. Upholstered in rich, warm caramel-toned leather,...
Leather
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Moss Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, green grey coloured pure mohair fabric. Fast shipping worl...
Brass, Metal
$15,415Sale Price / set|20% Off
Early Egg Chair and Ottoman by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1960s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Brussels, Brussels
An absolute design-icon, the Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen with it’s footstool produced in 1966. Newly reupholstered in European Nappa leather by using the original techniques. This...
Aluminum
Handmade Steel and Velvet Fireside Lounge Chairs, 1970s
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Coronado, CA
A fantastic and unique pair of handmade petite lounge chairs featuring bronzed iron construction, made in the manner of Diego Giacometti. Crude, hand forged details abound, and decad...
Steel
A Pair of Swedish Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Curved Armrests, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
An exquisite pair of Swedish lounge chairs from the Art Deco period, likely dating to the 1930s–1940s, characterized by their bold, sculptural bentwood arms that elegantly flow into ...
Fabric, Bentwood, Birch, Walnut
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Lady' Armchair in Green Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s A quintessential representation of 1950s Italian Design, the 'Lady' armchair stands as a celebrated testament to con...
Metal
Erik Magnussen Pair of Z Down Lounge Chairs for Torben Ørskov Denmark, 1960s
By Torben Orskov, Erik Magnussen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern Z Down lounge chairs. Design by Erik Magnussen for Torben Ørskov Denmark. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Original chrome tubul...
Chrome
Sculptural Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing and Bentwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair with ottoman, beech, canvas, Czech Republic, 1950s. A mid-century modern lounge set from the 1950s. The bentwood frame sweeps in continuous arcs from the ground into ar...
Canvas, Beech
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' lounge chair upholstered in Harp ivory fabric (24- Fabric group A). Paulin designed the 'Pacha' lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creating a sensation of sitting on clouds. With ivory cotton upholstery and a returning swivel wood base with a pearl gold finish, the curvaceous and low-slung Pacha lounge chair...
Cotton, Wood
$6,750Sale Price|22% Off
Early Production 'PK-22' Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm for EKC, Double-Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional all-original early-production PK22 lounge chair by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen represents a highly collectible and investment-worthy example of one of the ...
Steel
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and grey fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions ...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury set of Two Lounge Chairs 1950's, Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Highly refined vintage lounge chairs, a midcentury modern set of 2 chairs, reupholstered in ecru velvet, standing on chromed legs terminating on small circular pads, 1950`s.
Metal
Jean Gillon Jangada Brazilian Rosewood, Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon Jangada Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 40 wide x 41 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 inches and arm...
Leather, Rosewood
Lounge Chair in Walnut and Fabric 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge Chair, walnut, fabric, Europe, 1950s A beautifully proportioned lounge chair with a sculptural wingback silhouette and inviting, rounded lines. Upholstered in richly textured...
Fabric, Walnut
Rasmussen 'MR01' Indoor/Outdoor Initial Chair in Iroko Wood for Gubi
By Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rasmussen 'MR01' Indoor/Outdoor Initial Chair in Iroko Wood for Gubi Created by woodworker Mathias Steen Rasmussen, the 'MR01' initial chair unites traditional craftsmanship with or...
Rope, Wood
20th Century Italian Pair of Modern Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage pair of Mid-Century modern Italian lounge chairs made of hand crafted Walnut designed by Paolo Buffa, in good condition. The detailed club armchairs are composed with a lon...
Fabric, Walnut, Maple, Upholstery, Bouclé
Mid Century Garden Patio Poolside Radar Lounge Chair by Salterini Powder Coated
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic garden, patio, poolside chair from the desirable Radar series, by Salterini. This example is newly powder coated in voguish black satin finish. Clean, ready to use condition.
Wrought Iron
Bruno Mathsson Danish Modern Bentwood Eva Lounge Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Bentwood "Eva" Model Lounge Chair, designed by Bruno Mathsson, and signed underneath, Sweden, circa 1960s.
Upholstery, Beech
Italian Lounge Chairs in Black Leather and Stained Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, leather, walnut, Italy, 1960s A modern armchair in black leather and stained walnut, this piece features a solid wooden base with tufted leather seating gracefully pl...
Leather, Wood
Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Ranst, VAN
This stunning 'Bwana' lounge chair and ottoman is designed by Finn Juhl in 1962 for France & Son. Known for its sleek lines and elegant design, this chair is a perfect example of mid...
Leather, Teak
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Swivel Chair, Grey Bouclé & Oak, Modern Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Swivel Chair is a fully upholstered club chair that features a walnut or oak inset base. Pair with the Mesa Ottoman. Available with a Square Base. The Lawson-Fenning Collec...
Alpaca, Bouclé, Oak
Pair Mid Century Italian Lounges Chrome & Fabric Armchairs, Mario Sabot 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
A striking pair of Mid Century Modern Italian lounge armchairs by Mario Sabot, framed with chrome and upholstered in a warm champagne-beige fabric. The design sits firmly within th...
Chrome
Rare 1964 Rosewood Herman Miller Eames Lounge chair & Ottoman w/Original Receipt
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We were fortunate to acquire this rare 1964 Eames chair and Ottoman in black leather and Rosewood veneer. The label dates them to a specific year as the double ring round Herman Mill...
Leather, Rosewood
Westnofa Siesta Armchair by Ingmar Relling, Leather & Beechwood, 1960
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A Siesta armchair in a beautiful, rich chocolate brown with an additional cushion in the headrest and armrests. The leather of the armchair is soft and well-preserved, showing slight...
Leather
Harry Bertoia Bird Chair w/ Ottoman for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A unique Mid Century Bird lounge chair with matching ottoman called that because of it's nest like seat design by Harry Bertoia , sculptor , artist and furniture craftsman . Bertoia ...
Wire
Mid Century Milo Baughman Scoop Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin (B)
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted chromed squared tubed framed lounge chair with scoop styled seat and rolled armrests making this a super comfortable chair. The chrome frame structure makes the s...
Chrome
$1,798 / set
Pair Vintage 1970s Flexsteel Green Lounge Chairs
By Flexsteel
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage Flexsteel lounge chairs in original light green woven upholstery with five button backs, loose seat cushions and skirted base. This model has...
Steel
Giancarlo Piretti Iconic Alki Lounge Chair in Original Blue Upholstery Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Giancarlo Piretti Alky chairs in original blue upholstery, Italy, 1969 Giancarlo Piretti designed these Alky chairs for Castelli in 1969. Sculptural, fantastic modern design in the original blue fabric in very good vintage condition. Representative of the Italian 1970's glamorous design period. Castelli produced it in Italy. The soft elements of the chair are made of foam rubber and it has an aluminum frame. The item is in excellent condition. The "Alky" is known to be a multifunctional chair...
Aluminum
ESA 802 Lounge Chair by Werner Langenfeld, Black Leather, 1970
By ESA, Werner Langenfeld
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The armchair ESA 802 is an outstanding example of Scandinavian Mid-Century design and was manufactured by the Danish manufacturer ESA Møbelværk. Designed by the German designer Werne...
Leather
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Executive Armchairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, C1965
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern executive armchairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International. Made and sold to IBM during the s...
Steel, Chrome