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.
Thonet, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood settee or bench produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. From a group along with two chairs, one carrying Thonet paper label. Minimal signs of use. Re...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Brass Lined Walnut Settee w/ Cane Detailing & Holly Hunt Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modernist settee that masterfully balances warm natural materials with tailored luxury. Crafted in walnut circa 1960, the piece showcases a sleek, linear frame ...
Brass
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, fabric, beech, metal, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar...
Metal
Gervasoni Udine, Settee, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A light-grey floral-embroidered fabric, bamboo and rattan settee or sofa produced by Gervasoni Udine, Italy, c. 1960s. Minimal signs of wear. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Ov...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and black-lacquered iron settee or bench designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x 41.25"...
Iron
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Mario Bellini Bambole Bibambola LBA2 leather Sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia
Located in Skokie, IL
Mario Bellini Bambole leather Sofa for B&B Italia circa 2017. Bibambola designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a sofa made with flexible cold polyurethane foam padding w...
Steel
$6,114Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Giorgetti Italian Velvet Armchairs "Progetti", 1980s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs in solid ebonized beech and armrests in glossy Pau Ferro, the padding of the seat and back is in polyurethane foam. They have been completely restored and upho...
Velvet, Wood, Beech
Italian Designer, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige fabric settee or sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Dimensions (inches): 32.75"H x 45.75"W x 31"D Seat Height (inch...
Fabric, Wood
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Swedish Loveseat or Settee with Open Wooden Armrests in Elm ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Swedish settee from the late 1940's or early 1950s with coil springs in the seat and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid blond Elm wood with great grain and patin...
Wool, Elm
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
By France & Daverkosen, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and elegant small 1950s easy style Danish settee with the frame, legs and armrests in solid teak. Very high design quality and workmanship. The piece is unmarked but the de...
Teak, Leather
Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Fabric, Oak
Argentine Designer, Settee, Wood, Rush, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and rush settee or bench designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Some chips on wood details. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Rush, Wood
Danish Loveseat with Open Wooden Armrests, 1950's
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish settee from the late 1940's or early 1950s with coil springs in the seat and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid stained beech with great grain and patina....
Wool, Beech
1950s Hans J. Wegner Model 1935 Teak and Beech Shell Settee for Fritz Hansen
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Early 1950s Danish Mid Century Modern Hans J. Wegner Model 1935 Teak and Beech Shell Settee for Fritz Hansen. Originally designed in 1948 for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Inter...
Beech, Teak
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point. It is in wonderful vintage condition. We have restored the wood, cleaned the vinyl, repaired a few spots where stitching was loose, and put on a new dustcover. But there are still little signs of age. Please see photos, circa 1950s. What a fun little Mid-Century Modern convertible sofa. Settee? Loveseat? Armless sofa? Bench? A rose by any other name…….!!! Anyway, I digress. It is a great piece no matter what we call it. I am sticking with convertible sofa. It is comprised of a black vinyl faux leather bench seat...
Faux Leather, Wood
Classic Hannah Morrison Knoll Bench, 1970s
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic off-white and original orange upholstery bench by Hannah Morrison for Knoll, circa 1970s. The three-seat is 81" long.
Steel
Italian Mid Century Modern Leather Settee
Located in Houston, TX
Italian mid century modern leather settee: :newly upholstered in a dark olive with cognac welt and buttons.
Metal
Danish 1940's Loveseat with Open Wooden Armrest and Green Striped Wool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very charming loveseat from the 1940's in the style of Alfred Christensen. Maker and Designer is unknown but the style is very similar to designs by Fritz Hansen and Alfred Christens...
Wool, Beech
Alain Delon "Salon" Three Seat Sofa in Taupe Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alain Delon for Maison Jansen, three seat sofa, fabric, France, 1970s. This ornate, comfortable sofa has a strong and playful design. The high, webbed back gives perfect support for...
Fabric, Wood
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome Settee Loveseat Sofas - Pair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome Settee Loveseat Sofas - Pair Each settee measures: 61 wide x 37.25 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 25 inches...
Chrome
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Designer Sofa in New Green Velvet and Brass Tipps, 1950s Magnificent Italian mid-century sofa original from the 1950s. Equipped with the original stiletto metal feet painted...
Metal, Brass
$7,518 / item
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 2 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
$9,295 / item
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 3 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
$7,405Sale Price|20% Off
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater. Oak frame
Fabric, Wood
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Mid-century Rattan 3-Strand 3/4 Reverse Pretzel Sectional Settee Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired three-strand 3/4 pretzel arm 2-seat rattan sectional settee/loveseat features the well-known 3/4 Reverse Pretzel Armrest on each end wi...
Rattan
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Bench or Settee
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Modern walnut sculpted bench or settee inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Blue velvet cushion newly upholstered . Available also a pair .
Wood
Italian Designer, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained wood and white fabric settee or sofa likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally reupholst...
Fabric, Wood
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Hans Elli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, sofa or settee, model 'sz18', chrome-plated metal, fabric, The Netherlands, 1970-71 This sofa is designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. A rare model, as th...
Chrome, Metal
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Finnish Modern, Settee, Beige Velvet, Wood, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Finnish Mid-Century Modern, Settee, Beige Velvet, Wood, Finland, 1950s A two seater channel back settee designed and produced in Finland in the middle of the 20th century. This examp...
Velvet, Wood
Italian 1950's Scalloped Shaped Channeled Velvet Settee or Sofa
Located in New York, NY
A decadently designed Italian 1950's settee with a scalloped or petal shaped form and luxuriously upholstered channeled back tufting. The settee has been fully restored and newly reu...
Brass
$4,482Sale Price|30% Off
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
$10,482Sale Price|25% Off
Italian Bench / Settee with Wall Hanging Back, Italy, 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Spectacular Italian bench / settee with wall hanging back, Italy, 1950.
Upholstery, Wood
Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Orange Red Upholstery
By Theo Ruth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, The Netherlands, 1970. A Dutch two-seat sofa in orange red colored fabric by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backwards and ...
Steel
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Wooden and Velvet Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Turin, Turin
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his leadership in the Viennese Art Nouveau movement and for being one of the founders of the ...
Fabric, Wood
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Augusto Romano, Studio BBPR
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s. Requires reupholstery. We can upholster in COM - please enquire. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa in Teal Upholstery
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron, sofa, oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautiful two-seat settee by Guillerme & Chambron, in solid oak. The back of the seat has been beautifully finished with woode...
Fabric, Oak
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cork and Chrome Settee
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century cork and chrome settee The settee measures: 57.5 wide x 35.5 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height of 22 ...
Chrome
Curved Egg Shape Sofa, in the Style of Ico Parisi, Pure Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb, unusual Italian egg shaped sofa, in the style of Ico Parisi. The sofa has been reupholstered in a grey (with a hint of brown) premium pure mohair fabric and is of a curved,...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
Two Seat Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, Europe, 1960s. This two-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothness and underl...
Leather
A Midcentury Settee in the Style of Abel Sorenson
Located in Dallas, TX
This mid-century modern settee is designed in the style of Abel Sorenson for Knoll, showcasing strong Scandinavian influences. Its sleek lines, minimalist form, and angled legs refle...
Velvet, Oak
$2,640Sale Price|23% Off
Italian Settee by Isa Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Isa Bergamo mid century settee original faux leather upholstery and original mid century condition. Brass legs.
Brass
$4,482Sale Price|30% Off
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Sofa, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three-seater sofa attributed Gio Ponti, production in the early 1950s, with high backrest, the upholstery is in velvet but replacement is recommended, feet and structure in beech.
Velvet, Beech
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut
Located in Stamford, CT
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut Johannes Andersen for Trensum Møbelfabrik Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Walnut and Fabric Curvaceou...
Fabric, Walnut
Camel Back Federal Style Mahogany Stretcher Base Beige Upholstery Sofa Mint!
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Camel back federal style mahogany stretcher base beige upholstery sofa mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome Settee Loveseat Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Chrome Settee Loveseat Sofa This settee measures: 61 wide x 37.25 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 25 inches Good V...
Chrome
$13,440Sale Price|20% Off
Ico Parisi Settee, 1950's
By Ariberto Colombo, Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Settee by Ico Parisi, c. 1950. This tailored sculptural settee is as stylish as it is comfortable. Poised yet relaxed, the contours of this sofa are remarkably body conscious and nat...
Wood
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Krefeld Settee or Sofa in Dark Brown Leather for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Krefeld settee in a rich dark brown leather for Knoll. Recent 2009 production based on his 1930s designs for the Esters and Lange residenc...
Leather, Wood
$3,144Sale Price|40% Off
Gorgeous Sofa
Located in Munich, DE
A cosy organic design i never saw before. Very low and comfortable seating.
Fabric
$6,522Sale Price|30% Off
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and light gray velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been...
Brass
20th Century, Afra&Tobia Scarpa Unique Sofa with Armrests
Located in Turin, Turin
Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa started their collaboration in the 1959 sharing numerous important projects, in particular in the supply sector, establishing themselves as exponents o...
Metal
1970s Ekornes Curved Leather Wood Sofa Settee and Barrel Chair Set
By Ekornes
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare collection is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the gorgeous design and curves on this beauty! Just stu...
Leather, Wood
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Settee with Connecting Table, France 1950s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare oak settee is a delightful piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This...
Fabric, Oak
$10,900Sale Price|22% Off
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel. Designed...
Steel