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.
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Gerard van den Berg 'Oslo' 3-Seat Leather Sofa for Montis, 1970s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Oslo sofa, designed by Gerard van den Berg for Dutch manufacturer Montis in the 1970s, pairs an architectural oak platform frame with a large, organicall...
Leather, Oak
American Modern Style Sofa In Chunky Velvet with Exceptional Resistance
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A study in streamlined design and understated elegance, this modern sofa is engineered with a robust solid wood frame construction. The interior features a multi-density polyurethane...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Danish Midcentury Settee in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt, made circa 1950. Backrests and seats nice and firm and frame on stained beech legs r...
Wool, Beech
Large Danish 1940s Curved Sofa Model Attr. to Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare sofa from 1940's. Very similar to Model 1668 designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The model was seen in Fritz Hansen's catalog #4202 in...
Wool, Beech
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970 in the style of Hans Wegner. Manufacturer in Denmark with solid pine wood frame and legs with original cushi...
Upholstery, Pine
Early Midcentury Club Sofa by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish club sofa produced in Denmark in the 1940s by Fritz Hansen. The sofa is matching the famed model 1518 chair but it is rare to find the sofa. Legs made from solid beech. ...
Leather, Mahogany
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, lacquered steel, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically shaped and together wit...
Brass, Steel
Danish Curved 'Banana' Sofa in Beech and Wool, Mid-Century 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round organic lines and iconic drop shaped fe...
Beech, Wool
Rare Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio 'Bossa' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rodolfo Bonetto and Giotto Stoppino for Tarlisio, 'Bossa' sofa, fiberglass, corduroy velvet, Italy, 1968 This rare Bossa sofa (1968), born from the collaboration between Rodolfo Bo...
Velvet, Fiberglass
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Grand Italian Curved Sofa in Sky Blue Upholstery and Wood 300cm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large curved sofa, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s A generously sized curved sofa rooted in the Italian mid-century design of the 1950s. Upholstered in a soft, slightly muted blue fabric...
Fabric, Wood
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes Brown Leather Birch frame Sofa
By Ekornes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Norwegian Post Modern Ekornes leather teak sofa. Great dark brown leather with solid Blonde birch wood frames. Beautiful condition and very comfortable. Great Norwegian d...
Leather, Birch
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova 'PITTI' Sofa in Leather and Walnut
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, C.R.S. De Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova, sofa model 'PITTI', leather, walnut, Italy, 1977 Stunning beautifully patinated sofa designed by the Italian trio De Pas, D’Urbino &am...
Leather, Walnut
Mah Jong Kenzo Missoni Sectional Sofa Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 20th century 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931) for Roche Bobois. The sofa is finished in an incredible blend of Ke...
Fabric, Cotton, Foam
Italian Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian sofa from the early 1950s is a refined example of postwar design, defined by its streamlined silhouette and gently curved form....
Fabric, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 'Bastiano' Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, 'Bastiano' sofa, ash, fabric, Italy, design 1960 This Bastiano sofa truly intensifies the experience of sitting itself and is a standout in any modern room....
Fabric, Ash
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed, model '711', leather, laminated wood, copper, Italy, 1968 A cubic sofa designed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cinova, which can be tran...
Copper
Italian Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved organic wood and floral-printed fabric sofa or corner sofa, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Fabric distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age ...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern brown Leather 3 seat Sofa round Legs Sigurd Ressell Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian modern brown leather 3 seat sofa on ball casters. Beautiful brown soft leather is soft and shows signs of use and fading/patina but broken in nicely. Great l...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Sofa in Bamboo, Rattan and Fabric by Vivai Del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing geometric sofa in bamboo, rattan and fabric by Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpex were the three leading de...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Corner sofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1960s This sculptural Italian mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s is defined by its sweeping curved form, conceived to organize the surroundin...
Fabric, Walnut
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Black Leather 3 Seat Sofa oak Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Black leather 3 seat sofa dark wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nic...
Leather, Oak
Gerard van den Berg 'Ringo' Loveseat for Montis in Buffalo Leather, 1979
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Ringo' loveseat by Gerard van den Berg for Montis features a fully upholstered, low-slung form with deeply rounded corners and an enveloping silhouette. Buffalo leather upholste...
Leather
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By ICF De Padova, Marco Comolli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 A highly comfortable sofa by Marco Comolli due to down filling and well-designed proporti...
Leather, Walnut
Mah Jong Sofa Missoni Fabrics by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois 21st C
By Hans Hopfer, Missoni, Roche Bobois
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare and iconic 21st century Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' modular sectional sofa designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer (Germany b. 1931). The sofa is a "Composition Missoni" featuring dramati...
Fabric, Foam
Expertly Restored - H.W. Klein Teak & Tweed Love Seat Sofa for Komfort
By Komfort, H.W. Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is li...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two Seater Sofa in Green Velvet and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Two seater sofa, velvet fabric, mahogany, Italy, 1950s An Italian sofa from the 1950s, its shape is characteristic of postwar modern design. The armrests are striking in their desig...
Fabric, Mahogany
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...
Chrome
Italian Post-Modern Sculptural Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, cognac leather, sofa, Italy, circa 1970 This striking sofa is executed in beautiful cognac leather that contributes to a refined monochrome appearance, emphasizing the sculptu...
Leather
Danish Modern Sofa with Teak Paws, Oak H - Base, 1960's, 2 Configurations
Located in Culver City, CA
Every now and then a piece like this lands in our hands with no label, no tag, and no paper trail, one of two things is true. Either it's a forgettable piece from a forgettable factory, or it's the kind of thing that spent sixty years quietly being beautiful while the design world caught up to it. This one is very much the second thing. I mean, look at it. That low, sweeping silhouette with the back that rakes back just enough to say "I'm relaxed but I have standards." Those angled sides that taper down into the seat like the whole sofa is mid-exhale. The beautifully proportioned H-stretcher base in warm honey oak, four dowel legs with just enough spread to feel grounded without feeling heavy. And then ~ those teak paws. Those gorgeous, rounded, perfectly placed teak armrest caps that sit proud of the upholstery like little punctuation marks at the end of the perfect sentence. You know where else you've seen large teak paws like that? On Hans Wegner's Mega Papa...
Velvet, Oak, Teak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09G' Sofa or Bench in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench, 'L09G', elm, fabric, France, 1978 This piece is an early edition designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and clean design and construction pr...
Fabric, Elm
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Knoll, Gavina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Vintage Bastiano 3 seat long low sofa with a rosewood frame and Original tan leather cushions. All straps are original and functional the frame has a beautiful rosewood w...
Brass
Danish 1940's Banana Sofa with Straight Back and Front
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming upholstered sofa made in Denmark sometime in the 12940's. Voluptuous organic design lines. This sofa is unique by having a straight back and front and not the curvatur...
Beech, Wool
Contemporary 3 Seater Curved Sofa with Tailored Upholstery & Brass Plinth
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Brass
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Green Corduroy
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Fabric, Foam
De Sede Daybed DS 80 Patchwork Nut Brown Aniline Leather Wood Frame 1969
By De Sede
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage DS 80 daybed launched and designed by Swiss De Sede in 1969 It's upholstered with the original high end quality soft aniline nut brown leather. The patchwork pieces are sust...
Leather, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa 'Denis' in Solid Oak and Red Pink Velvet
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sofa model 'Denis', velvet, oak, France, 1960s Extraordinary Guillerme and Chambron sofa in solid oak with the typical characteristic decorat...
Velvet, Oak
Finnish Design Curved Sofa Attributed to C. J. Boman, Circa 1940s
By Boman OY
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking curved sofa of generous proportions, often referred to as a banana-shaped sofa, manufactured in Finland during the 1940s and most likely by Boman Oy under the direction of...
Fabric, Wood
Elegant Curved Four-Seat Sofa in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved sofa, upholstery, Italy, 1960s This sofa bears multiple dynamic features. The shape of the sofa is slightly curved. Four loose seat cushions structure the sofa. Elegant legs ...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Sofa in Elm and Checked Fabric
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sofa, elm, checkered fabric, Italy, 1975. Cubic ‘Artona’ sofa by Italian designer couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa. This sofa shows absolute st...
Fabric, Elm
Guillerme et Chambron Curved Oak Sofa Bench for Votre Maison, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
A fantastic curved sofa bench by French design duo Guillerme et Chambron, produced by Votre Maison, circa 1970s. This beautifully constructed piece features a sculptural waxed oak fr...
Upholstery, Oak
$1,800Sale Price|50% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Red Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Red leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful Red leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great D...
Leather, Oak
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
De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza Sofa Pair by Ubald Klug, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic De Sede 'DS-1025' Terrazza sofas by Ubald Klug, 1970s. Upholstered in rich dark moss green leather. Designed for quintessential Swiss manufacturer De Sede. Its distinctive lay...
Leather
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Sofa in Beige Upholstery
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussman for De Sede, three-seat sofa, fabric and chrome plated metal, Switzerland, design 1954. This comfortable three-seat sofa is designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede...
Metal, Chrome
Saporiti Large Sofa in Structured Turquoise Upholstery
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Saporiti, sofa, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s Large sofa manufactured by Saporiti. This sofa is designed to be comfortable, soft and inviting. It has three seats with round sloping ar...
Metal
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Molteni & C, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
Vintage 80's Italian Modern Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful leather sofa. Wooden frame with curved sides and decorated with a lattice pattern. The back, side and seat cushions are padded and covered in cognac leather with a zipper. ...
Leather, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
DS-1025 Terrazza Sofa by Ubald Klug for De Sede, 1970s
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular leather sofa by De Sede, Model: DS-1025 Terrazza. Seat height: 39 cm. Length of one section: 156 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST P...
Leather, Fabric
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful black Leather long loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful black leather long loveseat sofa with white oak wood legs. Beautiful black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Gre...
Leather, Oak
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa
By Georg Thams
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 32 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Excellent Vintage Con...
Upholstery, Teak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Sienna ultrasuede 3 Seat Sofa birch Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Sienna ultrasuede Long leather 3 seat sofa with round Birch legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful ultrasuede is soft and shows no signs of use ...
Birch, Ultrasuede
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Germany, 1960s This streamlined sofa has a simple look, yet the combination of materials and the defined geometry of this piece, this sofa radiat...
Steel, Chrome
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
Elegant Velvet Sofa with Piping Detail & Upholstered Feet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable and modern sofa is a study in streamlined design and understated elegance. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the contours of which are gracefully outli...
Upholstery, Velvet