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.
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
Stylish Milo Baughman 3 Piece Circular Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish Milo Baughman 3 piece circular sectional sofa. The upholstery will need up dating as it looks tired and worn. The cushions are still soft and comfortable along with the foa...
Upholstery, Wood
Original Midcentury Ecksofa Modulare Design Couch Leder braun
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, 7-teiliges Vintage Modulsofa aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das braune Leder weist eine schöne und authentische Patina auf. Insgesamt besteht die...
Leather
$14,729 / item
Mood by Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Upholstery, Wood
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Yellow Modular Sofa, Set of Three
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 three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be conf...
Fabric
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 3 Peace Modular Living Room Set by Directional in Original Fabric The Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Modular Living Room Set by Directional showcases a timeless desig...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modular Lounge Chairs for Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex in 1970s Italy, this modular lounge seating system reflects a thoughtful balance between sculptural form and functional adaptability, characteristi...
Wool, Cotton, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Orange Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Orange Modular Sofa, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Alpaca, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, two-tone alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of six "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Velvet, Plastic
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia), comprising of three first-edition Camaleonda modules and three ‘Gli Scacchi’ side tabl...
Metal
Five-Piece Paul Frankl Style Modular Sectional in Dark Chocolate by Tochiku
By Paul Frankl
Located in Wilton, CT
A sectional celebrating the intricate craft and design of the great Paul Frankl. Furnish an entire room by creating a stunning sectional or allow the pieces to stand alone. We have t...
Wood
$5,925Sale Price|25% Off
Chrome Three-Piece Sectional in the style of De Pas Urbino
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Pasadena, TX
8 ft vintage three-piece sectional Large sectional sofa that was purchased in the late 1970s from the old Robert West Interiors in Houston. Fully res...
Chrome
Two Serpentine Sofas, Reupholstered in Dusty Rose Pink Velvet, 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
For your consideration are two serpentine cloud sofas . 1950s-era Serpentine sofa, perhaps the best known of all his creations inspired an entire genre of entertaining: Sexy with its curvaceous S-shape, armless contour begs to float in a room, grabbing the center of attention. These bold, organic inspired one left-arm and one right-arm chaise lounges highlight the gorgeous flowing lines more sculptural making it functional art. Each featuring a flowing freeform distinguished by its sweeping arm that swirls around the entire silhouette, the stylish asymmetrical look lends an even more eye-catching appeal with a refreshingly modern aftertaste. There is a refined elegance of proportion to these pieces. Super comfortable sink back, relax and let your mind drift away. Professionally re-upholstered in a dusty rose pink velvet...
Wood, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
$17,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Seven-Piece Signed Paul Evans Sectional Sofa
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Amazing super rare seven-piece sectional sofa by Paul Evans. Unusual large random tubular tufted sections give this huge sofa a fabulous modern overall look. Upholstered in the first...
Upholstery
Laauser Vintage Leather Patchwork Sectional Sofa Modular, 1970s
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Original from the 1970s Laauser Modular Leathersofa in black anthracite Aniline Leather. This sofa consists of 3 elements that can be individually adjusted. Soft and comfortable seat...
Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !Can be used in a variety of configurations.. Sofa (4-seater) love-seat a chair.. 4 chairs.. Wonderful original co...
Wool, Walnut
Dreipunkt International Vintage Modular Velvet redbrown Sectional Sofa 70ties
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage Modular Sofa consisting of 6 pieces. Manufactured by Dreipunkt International in the 1970s. Beautiful red-brown velour cord fabric. Can...
Fabric, Cord, Plastic, Beech
Kwok Hoi Chan 'Chromatic' modular sofa in orange, yellow and cream
By Kwok Hoi Chan, Steiner
Located in amstelveen, NL
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, sectional sofa, model ´chromatic´, fabric, France, 1970 This seamless seating system consists of three elements, which allow the creation of different con...
Fabric
Large Modular Sectional ‘Nuvolone’ Sofa by Rino Maturi in Green Fabric, 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful Modular ’Nuvolone’ sofa in very good original condition. Designed by Rino Maturi in the 1970s. Manufactured by Mimo Padova, Italy. This ‘Nuvolone' modular sofa is a fusi...
Fabric
$5,468 / item
Pair of Togo Corner Sofa Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset
Located in London, Lambeth
Instantly recognisable from its distinctive shape, the Togo has remained a cult classic for over 40 years. Hand sewn in the small French village of Briord, the curved silhouette of t...
Leather
Handmade Contemporary Mambo Unlimited Ideas Naked Round Soft Apricot Upholstery
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 the constant starting-poin...
Upholstery, Wood
De Sede DS-19 tan color leather 2-seater 'Pagoda' Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
De Sede DS1-19, Pagoda, De Sede Switserland, 1970s Rare De Sede Pagoda two-seater sofa in the original tan colored leather. The design is characterized by pointy edges that are noti...
Leather
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Yellow Armchair and Footstool, Set of Two
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa set, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a Mid Century Design Classic. This set, including an armchair and footstool, offer...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy - Early B&B Italia ed.
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy – Early B&B Italia Edition (1973) A rare and historically significant early B&B Italia production of the iconic “Camaleonda”...
Velvet
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Blue Three Seat Veranda Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina - Pair This beautiful original deep blue adjustable 3-seat "Veranda" sofa designed by Vico Magistrett...
Upholstery
Extraordinary Mid Century Paul McCobb Style Sectional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Mid Century design in the style of .the iconic American furniture designer Paul McCobb (Am. 1917-1969). The Sectional is very large and capacious with exceptionally comfortab...
Metal
DS-11 Patchwork Modular Sectional by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Switzerland. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in luxe olive green leather. Armless section: 25L 31W 25.5H 15.5SH Co...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Modular Sofa for Cassina, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa. It features a brown velvet upho...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning 3 Piece John Widdicomb Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece John Widdicomb sectional sofa with 2 rosewood side tables. Wow, this set is beyond amazing, you should have seen it in its original owner's home-just gorgeous. This ...
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
Wiener Werkstätten Castell Hans Hopfer Sectional Sofa Group, Austria, 1972
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare 'Castell' leather sofa group by Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria, circa 1972 Well preserved sofa all in original vintage, super preserved condition. Normally these are destined to have been rather worn out throughout the last 50 years, whereas this ensemble hasn't. The light brown leather is still in wonderful, smooth condition with no major blemishes, a beautiful patina and minimal partial staining. It can be combined in various positions and constellations, be it as large single sofa with large chair and ottoman or as an ensemble. It's wrapped in leather all around. The long 'sofa' with the back cushions however should be placed against the wall as the middle part has got 3 loose cushions. It's marked at the reverse of the upholstery (Wiener Werkstätten...
Steel
American Vintage White and Cream Swirl Upholstered 3-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Vintage (1980s) 3-piece sectional sofa with lightly swirl patterned white / cream upholstery, removable seat cushions, and arms on ends of two outer sections. Yellowing sta...
Upholstery
Giancarlo Piretti “Sistema 61" Modular Sofa
By Giancarlo Piretti, Castelli
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, Italy - fully restored in wool hopsack. It can be arranged in any way, as each piece connects and disconnects using u-hooks that connect beneath the sofa. This piece is in ...
Wool
Vintage Gamma Arredamenti Italian Leather Sectional Sofa Modular Corner Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Bring timeless Italian luxury into your home with this exceptional vintage Gamma Arredamenti International leather sectional sofa, expertly handcrafted in Italy. Renowned for its pre...
Leather
Iconic Modular Sofa "Bogo" + armchair- Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizza
Located in Manzano, IT
Iconic modular sofa model "Bogo" (Safari Line 2), designed by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate in collaboration with Redwall/Borbonese. A true masterpiece of 1970s/80s Italian d...
Leather
Wittmann Atrium Daybed Sectional Living Room Group, Austria 1970s
Located in Wien, AT
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Style Atrium Sectional Seating Group. A rare and highly desirable Atrium seating group by Wittmann, one of the most celebrated icons of Austrian design. Intr...
Iron
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy White Bouclé Togo Sofa and Footstool, Set of Five
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 five-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be config...
Fabric, Bouclé
Leather/Rosewood Midcentury 'Skyline" seating Einar Hove for Hove Mobler, 1970s
By Hove Möbler
Located in Buffalo, NY
1970's "Skyline" leather and rosewood seating designed by Einar Hove for Hove Mobler in Norway. Features 3 cantilevered frames, soft, comfortable cushions and supple brown leather. T...
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage Modular limegreen Mohair Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa Germany
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the late 70ties is manufactured in germany. The frame is made of lacquered dark stained oak wood. The thick seat cushions made ...
Oak, Mohair, Foam
George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s, United States. Very fine Modular §seater sofa by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. This sofa has a metal frame with square chro...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Modular Living Room Suite Brown Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy of De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This gorgeous and remarkable living room suite modular sofa is manufactured by Ernst Lüthy . He was the founder of De Sede. After his drop out from De Sed...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chair Settee Loveseat Couch Sofa Set
By Selig, Peter Hvidt
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chair settee loveseat couch sofa 4 seats set. SetListing dimensions reflect combined length. Long seat measures 29'' x 68'' × 28'' Seat height: 17'' Single seat measures 29'' x 24'' x 28'' Seat height: 17'' by Royal Danish Collection.
Upholstery
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Davis' Sofa in Camel Beige Upholstery
By ICF De Padova, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for ICF De Padova, ‘Davis’ sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1977 This distinctive sofa is designed by the innovative and renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920-...
Fabric, Wood
$3,150Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Mid-Century 3-strand 3/4 Round Pretzel Arm Rattan Sectional 3-Seat Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Post War three strand, 3/4 round pretzel arm rattan section sofa for 3 people, features a rare decorative arched detail around the perimeter of the base. Th...
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Turquoise & Walnut 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this exceptional mid-century modern turquoise and walnut two-piece sectional sofa. Featuring its original turquoise vinyl upholstery, this striking section...
Faux Leather, Wood, Walnut
French Design Royalty: Michel Cadestin ‘Orchidée’ Sectional Sofa for Airborne
By Airborne International, Michel Cadestin
Located in Dronten, NL
An undisputed masterpiece of French Space Age design, the ‘Orchidée’ 3-Seater Sectional by Michel Cadestin encapsulates the forward-thinking luxury that defines the best of 20th-cent...
Suede, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 4
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four 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...
Velvet, Foam
$3,029Sale Price / set|20% Off
Saporiti Modular Sofa George Nelson Herman Miller style 1950s Italy
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sofa set with black coffee table and light green two-seater sofa, the small one measures height cm.74, width cm.140, depth cm.78, seat height cm.38.
Fabric, Walnut
20th Century Camel Boucle Set of Atlantis Sofa and Armchairs, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Atlantis sofa and Armchairs from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in ...
Velvet
'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Emerald Green Corduroy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four modular units make up this 'Camaleonda' seating system, upholstered throughout in deep emerald green corduroy fabric. Each unit features the design's signature bubble-form const...
Upholstery
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in 'Flukso' Velvet 1968 for B-Line
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto ‘Boomerang’ Lounge Chair in 'Gorgeous' Velvet by Flukso 1968 for B-Line. Boomerang is a welcoming lounge chair featuring a flat po...
Metal
5 Pieces Set of Mid Century Rattan Bamboo Sectional Sofa & Arm Longe Chair Mint
By McGuire, Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
5 Pieces set of mid century tattan bamboo sectional sofa & arm longe chair mint.
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Velvet, Foam
MCM 1960s Rattan Wicker Stripes Castors Sectional Sofa with Corner Table
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, multi color stripes upholstered, rattan and wicker two pieces sectional sofa you could hope to find. In original and u...
Upholstery, Rattan, Glass
$8,166 / item
20th Century Navy Blue Velvet Atlantis Sofa, 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
Paul McCobb Symmetric Group 3-Piece Channel Back Sectional Sofa -Widdicomb 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional and highly collectible three-piece sectional sofa designed by Paul McCobb for his celebrated Symmetric Group line in the 1950s. This rare modular example embodies McCo...
Fabric, Walnut
$39,000
1960s 6 Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
1960s 6 piece sectional sofa. This sectional sofa has the original fabric and wooden legs. The sofa is modular and can be arranged and several ways. ...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one module (90 x 60 cm / 35.4 x 23.6 in) complete with backrest. Origi...
Velvet, Foam
1940s Banana Sofa In Crimson Brocade Fabric
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1940s Materials: Beech, Wool Measurements: 71 wide x 29″ deep x 28" tall Condition: In excellent original condition with ...
Wool, Beech