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.
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Soriana' sofa with ottoman, leather, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969 Iconic design by Italian designer couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa. The ‘Soriana’ p...
Steel, Chrome
"Soriana" sofa in yellow fabric by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
The "Soriana" two-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Casina starting in the 1970s, is a true icon of 20th-century Italian design. This piece, reno...
Metal
675 MARALUNGA Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, vintage
Located in Neuss, NW
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa based on the design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the early 1970s. Original cover made of high-quality black-grey striped fabric. The backrests of the two...
Fabric
Le Corbusier "LC2 Petit Modele" Sofa for Cassina, 1980s
By Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Coronado, CA
This "LC2 Petit Modele" sofa was originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928. This vintage example was manufactured by Cassina in the 1980s. ...
Steel
Philippe Starck Prive Sofa by Cassina: Modern Steel and Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Steel And Leather Sofa model 'Prive' designed by Phillipe Stark. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Complex and formal in its design, the Privé collection perfectly combines style and ...
Leather
Three Seater Blue Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Modern Italian Design
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana three-seat sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and produced by Cassina in Italy. A true design icon, the Soriana is distinguished by its inviting, ample profile and its e...
Metal
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Lc2 Divano Two-Seat Sofa
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched by Cassina in 1965. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Fauteuil Grand Confort, petit modèle ...
Steel
$19,967 / item
Patricia Urquiola ''Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of outdoor life with a high-impact product inspired by the little trampolines found in the gardens of homes in Greenland. Trampoline is a striking and elegant love bed...
Steel
Maralunga 2-seater sofa, reupholstered in black velvet, Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga 2-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly reupholstered in a elegant black velvet. This iconic Italian design from the 1970s blen...
Velvet
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Limited Edition Notturno A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Notturno A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces DESIGN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS The New York skyline in a sofa,...
Fabric
Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970's
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Piacenza, Italy
The Soriana three-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, is characterized by its generous proportions and soft, enveloping silhouette. The upholstery is gathered...
Metal
$3,389Sale Price|20% Off
Divano vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Three-seater sofa with wooden frame and beige fabric cover, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare segn...
Fabric, Wood
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé Sofa in Black or Petrol for Cassina, Italy - New
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material and size. Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the original mode...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa in Burgundy for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen size and color. Outdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Patricia Urquiola interprets the happiness of life outdoors with a collectio...
Steel
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 166cm or 190cm width. The three-seater is available in 238cm or 274cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. Cassin...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Charlotte Perriand MId-Century Modern LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. M...
Wood
Limited Edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Tramonto A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces Cassina revisits a 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovati...
Fabric
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Dudet Sofa Manufactured by Cassina 70S-STYLE RELAXATION Dudet transfers to a two-seat settee the versatile, sophisticated design of the chair in the same family d...
Upholstery
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Bouclé, Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater and footstool re-upholstered For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Fabric, Bouclé
Maralunga armchair by Cassina, reupholstered in black leather
By Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully restored Maralunga armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, newly upholstered in refined black leather. Originally introduced in 1973, the Maralunga has becom...
Velvet
Philippe Starck 'Fenc-e-Nature' Outdoor Sofa for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the size/model and material of the product. Outdoor Sofa designed by Philippe Starck in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Defined by Philippe Starck a...
Steel
Tobia Scarpa Soriana Orange Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by Cassina, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three-Seater Soriana Sofa, designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Produced by Cassina in Italy. A statement seating piece with soft, voluminous lines, created to offer a relaxed yet refi...
Metal
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 2 and a half-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 2 and a half-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests c...
Fabric, Bouclé
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
Cassina Portovenere Vico Magistretti highback sofa in peach coloured fabric
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Vintage 3-Seater 'Portovenere' Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in Peach, 1980s An iconic 1982 'Portovenere' three-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, featuring...
Textile
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
A true icon of modernist design, the Utrecht Sofa by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld—faithfully produced by Cassina—embodies the radical spirit of early 20th-century Dutch design. Originally ...
Fabric, Wood
$5,694Sale Price|39% Off
LC2 Two-Seat Sofas by Le Corbusier Edited by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of sofas made of polished chrome-plated steel frame and leather cushion. Designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, and edited by Cassina in 1978. ...
Steel
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Leather Soriana Cream Leather Settee Tobia and Afra Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
The Soriana was designed in both the settee and the sofa length. The Soriana was designed for Cassina by Tobia Scarpa won a “Compasso d’Oro” prize in 1969. With pleated and gathered ...
Chrome
Divano Maralunga di Vico Magistretti per Cassina 2 posti velluto verde
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano a 2 Posti: Dimensioni 168 cm (lunghezza) x 95 cm (profondità) x 72/100 cm (altezza), con altezza della seduta di circa 43 cm. La struttura è in acciaio tubolare con cinghie el...
Velvet
Maralunga Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
Charlotte Perriand Refolo Low Table, Bench or Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Low table that can also be used as a sofa or bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufac...
Wood
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa in beige for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extreme versatility. The rounded arm-rests curve to meet the back, the shape expressing the crafts excellence synonymous with Cassina’s crafts expertise, more evidence of which can be seen in the upholstery edge-stitching that delineates the lines of the various elements. The sofa is composed of single units that have been conceived as if they were tiny sculptures...
Metal
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
Fabric, Bouclé
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in creamy white fabric designed by Vico Magistretti, Model: Maralunga. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seater Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions t...
Fabric, Bouclé
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
LC5 Sofa by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy, Original Kvadrat fabric. Cushions all removable. Signed. Tagged.
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1969 Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Stainless Steel
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the f...
Fabric
1x Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord Couch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne lila Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahrer Design...
Fabric, Velvet
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
$8,213Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Sofa in Brown Leather Maralunga , 1970's
Located in Milano, IT
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 3 seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With tree adjustable backrests for variable sitting positions. This piece was one of two id...
Leather, Wood
Leather and Chrome Three Seat LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic, LC2, three seat sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret produced by Cassina, 1970s features black leather upholstery with a tubular chrome frame.
Chrome
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft sofa Manufactured by Cassina in Itlay A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. This is Esosoft ? the firs...
Fabric
Leather "Palmaria 709" 2-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980
Located in DE MEERN, NL
LEATHER "PALMARIA 709" 2-SEATER SOFA BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR CASSINA, ITALY 1970S Introducing the timeless and iconic Palmaria 709 2-Seater Sofa, design...
Leather
Maralunga Sofa Lounge Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1980s
Located in Wien, AT
The Maralunga sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti in the 1970s for Cassina and is certainly one of the most iconic sofas in Italian design. The backrests are equipped with a foldab...
Fabric
Iconic Sesann Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic Sesann lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the 1970s. A true statement piece, this design is instantly recognizable for its bold, sculptural form and t...
Aluminum
Pianura by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Pianura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in the 1971, is a refined exploration of horizontality and proportion, where seating is conceived as a low, expansive landscap...
Velvet, Wood
Maralunga Sofa + Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. New Maharam Memory by Patricia Urquiola upholstery with articulating backrests. Tagged. O...
Upholstery
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extre...
Metal
Charlotte Perriand LC35 Maison Du Brésil Daybed by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Daybed designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1959. Relaunched in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This daybed is part of a faithful reproduction of a student room in the Maison du Brésil...
Wood
$30,275 / item
Rodolfo Dordoni 'Dress Up!' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen model/material/color. Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordini in 2019. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A sophisticated haute couture design featuring ...
Fabric, Foam
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Three-seater Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a rare and coveted piece of Italian design from the 1970s. Upholstered in sumptuous black leather, the sofa embodies t...
Leather