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.
$11,175Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa by Arden Bell Jacobson. America, circa 1970’s, iconic mid-century modern styling. Restored with all new upholstery and foam material, like new. Fabr...
Fabric, Wood
$12,000 / set
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Newly Pierre Frey Upholstered Amanta Lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 iconic vintage Mid Century Modern Amanta lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Newly upholstered in spectacular Pierre Frey fabric: CHROMA F4019017 - Pêche. Very sturdy a...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Milo Baughman "Sit Tight" Serpentine Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
A gorgeous serpentine sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Chrome base and brocade upholstery in lavender, gold and off-white. Upholstery in great shape but we can also...
Chrome
Black Lacquered and Brass Sectional Sofa by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s four piece black lacquered and brass with off white fabric sectional sofa by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Co. Newly recovered with a soft off white chenille fabric. Th...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style 3 Piece Section Sofa- Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style Curved 3 Piece Sectional Sofa - Pair Classic pair of mid century modern Milo Baughman curved three-seat sofas. Both sofas are in orig...
Upholstery
COR LÜBKE & ROLF Vintage Modular limegreen Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This absolute unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured by LÜBKE & ROLF from Rheda in Germany ( later was the Name LÜBKE KG). From the same fa...
Mohair, Foam, Latex, Wood, Beech
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa 4 PC
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern curved sectional sofa 4 PC. Iconic Mid-Century Modern design in unique curved shape. Reminiscent of famous mid-century desig...
Wood
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Modular Sofa Model '9000', in Teddy Re-Upholstery 1970s
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Almelo, NL
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, modular sofa model '9000', in teddy fabric re-upholstery, Italy 1970s. This model is marked by showing infinite possibilities to customize its use accordi...
Fabric, Beech
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Circular Sectional Sofa Attributed to Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A true conversation piece, this mid-century modern chrome sectional sofa transforms a room into an experience. Inspired by the iconic designs of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin and c...
Chrome
Ligne Roset Blue Modular Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy, Set of Three
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a design Classic. This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be con...
Fabric
20th Century Camel Boucle Atlantis Sofa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small ...
Velvet
Hain & Thome Sectional Sofa Model 'Karlsruhe' in Bespoke Velvet, Germany 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Beautiful mid century modern sectional Sofa by Hain & Thome from the 1970s. Four sections in total with two corner pieces covered with the original bespoke floral velvet fabric. ...
Fabric
‘Nuvolone’ Modular Sofa by Rino Maturi for MIMO Padova
Located in Zagreb, HR
Large eight-piece iconic Mid-century 'Nuvolone' seating set, designed by Rino Maturi and produced by Mimo Padova. Seen here in an original grey wool-blend upholstery, consisting of...
Fabric, Glass
Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Leathersofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This is a high-quality modular leather sofa by Dreipunkt International, consisting of five seating elements, with four pull-out sections that convert into sofa beds. It comfortably s...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 12 Piece Scallop Back Pit Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
A super great looking sofa and super comfortable. A 12-piece Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Pit Sectional with 4 corner pieces, six armless sections and...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of two Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of the most...
Velvet, Foam
Large High Back Ploum Sofa by Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great Ploum Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset. This ultra coveted sofa is the epitome of comfort. Form and function. Sofa is pre-owned and in fair condition. The...
Fabric
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
McCobb Walnut and Brass Burnt Orange Sectional Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb walnut and brass two piece sectional sofa from the designer's coveted Directional collection. The rare Mid-Century Modern set features: a model 5006-L left arm sofa; a model 5004-R right arm loveseat; set-in arm detail; original burnt orange wool fabric; walnut legs; brass stretchers. 100% original condition. The perfect seating arrangement to accent any decor! The couch measures approximately 77.5 in (196.85 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The settee measures approximately 51.5 in (130.81 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The two pieces can also be used together to create one long sofa measuring 129.75 inches (329.56 cm). The dimensions listed under Item Details are if the two pieces are used as a sectional with a square corner table...
Brass
Frank Lloyd Wright Mid-Century American Modern Upholstered Sectional Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern (1950s) upholstered beige sectional sofa. (FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FOR HERITAGE HENRENDON) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Fabric
$21,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Kristian Vedel MODUS Midcentury Modular Lounge Suite, Pouf & Table, Denmark
By Kristian Vedel, Søren Willadsen, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Extraordinary Kriatian Vedel MODUS modular sofa set from 1960s. The set is made of high quality soft leather and beautiful Brazilian Rosewood, typical of Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Denmark. The set consists of five fauteuils, two poufs and tables...
Leather, Rosewood
$7,650Sale Price|40% Off
Restored MCM 6-Strand Square Pretzel 3 Seat Rattan Corner Sofa w/ Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan blending style vintage charm with modern comfort. Rare Square Pretzel rattan 3-seater sectional sofa with Paul Frankl-inspired design featuring 6 str...
Rattan
Custom Purple Velvet Sectional Sofa with Maple Wood Base by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom midcentury style sectional sofa in plush velvet in lavender purple with maple wood base. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different sizes, colors and fabr...
Velvet, Maple
"Sity" Sectional Sofa in White Leather by Citterio for B&B Italia
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Designed by Antonio Citterio in 1986 for B&B Italia, this "Sity" sectional sofa in white leather contains one asymmetrical curved island daybed and a rectangular daybed. New excep...
Leather
Hans Hollein Marilyn Sofa, Birdseye Maple & Fabric, Mid-Century Modern
By Hans Hollein
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A beautiful and rare sofa from this post-modern Austrian designer. Hollein was born in Vienna in 1934 and worked with Sottsass during the Memphis period. This rare and unique sofa wa...
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
$16,039Sale Price / set|40% Off
Restored Mid-Century Rattan and Mahogany Living Room Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Frankl style rattan living room set including a matching three-seat sectional sofa, lounge chair, ottoman, coffee table and pair of end tables. Both the sofa and chair feature t...
Rattan
$15,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Mid- Century Sculptural Bronze 'Floating' Sectional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Mid- Century sculptural bronze 'Floating' Sectional Set, Consisting of Two Sofas and One Ottoman Italy, 1970s, Recently upholstered. Possibly by Marzio Cecchi We are pleased to offer this quietly stunning three piece cast bronze sculptural sectional...
Bronze
Blue Togo Armchair and Footstool by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Set of Two
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a design Classic. This two-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and comprises of...
Fabric
$1,750Sale Price|67% Off
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Velvet, Plastic
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional, Beige Tufted Linen & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Orange Togo, Set of Five
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This five-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be confi...
Fabric
Large Sofa with Table in Leather and Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Sofa with Table in Leather, Stone & Lacquered Wood by Franz Köttgen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Leather, stone and lacquered wood Styl...
Travertine, Steel
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Scrumptious 4 Piece Leather Non Stop Style Serpentine Sectional Sofa Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptious 4 piece black leather "Non-Stop" style serpentine sectional sofa. If you have the room for this huge sectional sofa it will be a show stoppe...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete wit...
Chrome
$3,595 / set
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise This sectional sofa measures: 113 wide x 67 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 ...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fantastic 6 Piece Milo Baughman Style Sectional Sofa Carson's Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic deep blue velvet 2 piece angled sofa with 2 light-up tables and 2 ottomans, so this is a total of 6 pieces. This sofa sectional was made By Carsons and is the style of Milo...
Plexiglass
Sculpted Arc Sofa in Marci Mohair Pampus, Made in UK by Sister- Curve & Comfort
Located in London, GB
The Sculpted Arc Sofa is a sweeping, soft curve, the antidote and alternative to a classic L-shape sofa, designed to be supremely comfortable and versatile. High enough off the floor...
Fabric
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, candy velvet, 1970s A sculptural presence in any room, the "Brioche" sofa by Hans Hopfer for Rolf Benz embodies t...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, five elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Be...
Leather, Plastic
Harvey Probber Deep Tufted Sectional from the Nuclear Sert Series Early 1950s
Located in Dallas, TX
This two-piece Harvey Probber Nuclear Sert sectional sofa is one of his earliest designs and was fabricated in the early 1950s. This is a beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,000 / set
Fantastic Sectional Omnibus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
The sectional sofa with Lucite supporting legs features three units, a right arm section, a middle corner return and an ottoman. Plush cushions and all upholstered body. One of the i...
Ficks Reed Bamboo Rattan Modular Sectional Corner Chairs Chaise Couch Set
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a fantastic modular set of Ficks Reed bamboo Asian style influenced corner chairs and ottomans that can be arranged and rearranged into many configurations. There are two cor...
Upholstery, Rattan
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Méridienne, Durable For Cassina A few measured strokes of the pen and the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle is the consummate synthesis o...
Textile
Comfortable 1980's Steiner Modular Pillow Sofa Paris France, Original Fabric
By Steiner
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Comfortable & Classic 'Pillow' Modular sofa made by Steiner Paris Marked all over with Steiner and retaining its original upholstery (covers) from the 1980's The fabric colors have ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Down
Kazuhide Takahama Set of 2 'Esa' Hexagonal Poufs for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Esa' Hexagonal Pouf for B-Line Italy. Designed in 1968, current production. Esa is a hexagonal-shaped pouf which combines the ess...
Fabric, Wood
Stunning Harvey Probber Style Two-Piece Sectional Sofa with Solid Bronze Legs
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Harvey Probber style two-piece sectional with solid bronze legs. These pieces will need to be reupholstered but this set is surely worth the effort. We have never seen such ...
Bronze
Le Bambole modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in bouclè fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic piec...
Fabric
$20,888 / item
Naked Sofa Combo 3
Located in Lisbon, PT
Naked sofa reveals sculptural and organic shapes meant to embrace the user and encourage to stay seated in this cozy and comfortable piece. With comfort as ...
Velvet, Wood
Vintage Modular Sofa in Brown Velvet Corduroy, 1970s
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage Modular Sofa in Brown Velvet Corduroy, 1970s Exceptional vintage modular sofa upholstered in rich brown velvet corduroy. Featuring generously padded seat and back cushions, ...
Cord, Foam, Bentwood
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Lounge Chairs by COR, Germany – 1969 in New Bouclé
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
‘Corbi’ modular lounge chairs by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – 1969. New bouclé fabric in cream by Bisson Bruneel from Paris, France. This listing is for 2 lounge chairs. The Corbi...
Wool, Bouclé, Cotton
Modular 4-seater Fiandra sofa in cream fabric by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in amstelveen, NL
Fiandra sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, 1975 This elegant and understated sofa was designed by renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006) for Cassina. Comprising four m...
Wool, Cotton, Linen, Jute
COR Model Corbi Modular Sofa by Klaus Uredat 2x limegreen Lounge Chair
By Klaus Uredat, COR
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This is a rare and stunning Modular sectional sofa /Lounge Chair designed by Klaus Uredat in 1969 for german manufacturer COR. It is a pure 70ties design. It consist 2 seating module...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$2,000 / set
Mid-Century Slat Back Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique two-piece sectional sofa features vintage vinyl upholstery and a sturdy American walnut frame. Each piece features one brass studded sculpted armrest, can be placed side ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional XL, Grey Tufted Cushions & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery
Unusual 2-Piece Curved Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual 2-piece curved sectional sofa. We love the wonderful space aged sculpted quality of this sectional-looks great with or with-out the molded pillows. The original fabric is dat...
Upholstery
$15,855 / item
Moreno Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 piece Moreno Sectional sits deep and spacious with a beautifully curved silhouette. This sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified for eit...
Upholstery, Walnut
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Thayer Coggin Directional Black Velvet Sectional Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Thayer Coggin directional black velvet sectional sofa. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a luxurious black velvet...
Velvet, Wood
$12,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning 4 Piece Skyscraper Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer Style Midcentury
By Comfort Designs, Inc., Hans Hopfer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous 4-piece rare and collectable modular sofa sectional by Comfort Designs. This amazing sectional is very similar to the Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' sectional by Roche Bobois and both were designed in the early 70s. This sectional retains its original brown fun fur...
Upholstery
$22,000Sale Price / set|22% Off
Sloane Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Established in 2008, the Vladimir Kagan Couture collection features a selection of the Classic Kagan designs from 1950s to his new designs from 21st century. One of the new designs on offer here is the New Moon sofa...
Fabric, Foam, Wood