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.
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s. Organically shaped Mid-Century Modern sofa made by Danish master carpenter in Denmark in the 1940s or 1950s. Striped ...
Wool, Oak
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
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, Italy, 1950s
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Federico Munari Curved Sofa, wood and velvet, Italy, 1950s This curved sofa is by Federico Munari, produced in Italy around 1950. Its asym...
Velvet, Wood
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa in Dedar Chenille (15 pieces)
Located in Miami, FL
This iconic Mah Jong modular seating system designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is composed of deep quilted cushions and adjustable backrests, the Mah Jong allows for e...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220 Papa Bear Style, 1960's
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 220. This iconic sofa has a slight curve to it ...
Wool
Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Blue 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
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in a grey/dark blue upholstery. The backrests are adjustable and me...
Fabric
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
De Sede DS-19 model 'Pagoda' modular Sofa in Cognac Leather
By De Sede
Located in Amsterdam, NL
High-quality modular Sofa DS-19, model 'Pagoda', designed by De Sede in the 1970s, Switzerland. Two corner elements that can be set up as a two-seater or as separate seating elements...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 71.75 wide x 26.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Teak
Italian Corner Sofa in Bright Red Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, wood, Italy, 1950s Beautiful and very spacious sofa dating back to the 1950s, crafted in Italy. This corner sofa is an eye-catching piece that has all the characteris...
Velvet, Wood
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful striped wool 3 Seat Sofa by Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful Mid century Danish modern off white / gray striped woven wool 3 seat sofa Birch wood frame and legs. Designed by Erik Jørgensen. Beautiful light gray striped upholstery is ...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
Italian Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Light Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1950s. Simplistic Italian sofa with clean lines and a high back. The sofa features small tapered wooden legs. The high back embraces the sitter in com...
Fabric, Wood
Pieter De Bruyne Four Seat Sofa in Wool and Padouk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pieter de Bruyne four seat sofa, padouk, wool, Belgium, 1960s Spacious and powerful sofa designed by Belgian designer Pieter de Bruyne. This sofa is made mainly in padouk, the prefe...
Wool, Padouk
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa, Rattan & Stainless Steel, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Outdoor Sofa For Cassina A two- or three-seater sofa designed by Antonio Citterio and inspired by textural contrast. The exoskeleton of the base supports a...
Rattan
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Daybed Sofa France and Sons Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Rare Extra Long Danish modern Minerva Daybed Sofa. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart circa 1960's. Beautiful sleek Mid Century Design. Rare extra long size...
Teak
1970's Yngve Ekstrom Style Fat Pine Framed Reclining Sofa with White Upholstery
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chunky pine frame sofa designed in the manner of Yngve Ekström's work for Swedese, dating to the 1970s. The large-scale frame is constructed from solid pine with thick rectangular sl...
Upholstery, Pine
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Sofas in Camel Brown Leather & Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' three and four seat sofa, leather, oak, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of func...
Leather, Oak
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Cream Leather by Ueli Berger
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sofa in Patinated Cream Leather, 13 Elements, Switzerland, 1972 Description: A true icon of 20th-century design, the De Sede DS-600 sectional sofa, also known...
Metal
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Big Sofa Vivai del Sud Italian Design Bamboo Black Flowers Multi-Color, 1970s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Big sofa Vivai del Sud Italian design bamboo black flowers multi-color, 1970s.
Fabric, Bamboo
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-Seater Sofa in Teak & Yellow Striped Fabric for FH Outdoor
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' 3-seater sofa in teak and yellow striped fabric for FH Outdoor Fritz Hansen's outdoor collection (originally Skagerak) emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly sourced materials and production methods that minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. Each piece of handcrafted furniture is designed to age with grace and last for generations. Virkelyst is a series of modern outdoor furniture with the seating comfort of indoor furniture. The simple wooden 100% FSC Certified Teak frame strikes a contrast with the thick, soft cushions. Able to withstand wind and weather, the upholstery fabrics are Oeko-Tex certified...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed designed by Miroslav Navratil, 1960s.
By Interiér Praha, Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
- very iconic sofa - adjustable - confortable - rare colored
Fabric, Wood
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
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
Three-Seater Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Textile, Foam
Afra & Tobia Scarpa new Soriana Sofa or Lounge Chair or Chaise Longue by Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
The price is dependent on the chosen size, material and color. Available as a lounge chair, two-seater, three-seater. a chaise longue or a stool. Lounge chair = 95 x 105cm, two-sea...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of two. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edi...
Velvet, Plastic
De Sede DS 600 Sofa Snake by Ueli Berger chocolate Leather - 21 Elements
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in Munster, NRW
Legendary De Sede endless Sofa - the DS 600 in chocolate + supersoft leather. Originally designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt. A Sofa...
Leather
20th Century , Yellow Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
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...
Fabric
Lacquered sofa by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina. Italy, 1975
Located in MADRID, ES
A sofa by Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama featuring a box-shaped wooden frame lacquered using traditional Japanese techniques, with softly rounded edges and large, original cushi...
Steel
Drabert Lobbytop Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf, Black, Modern Design, 1970
This Lobbytop three-seater leather sofa is upholstered in soft, high-quality leather and is in very good condition. The black, smooth leather shows a slight patina on the seat cushio...
Leather
$11,225 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
$2,220Sale Price|29% Off
Mid-Century Modern Italian Damask Velvet Corner Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Original Italian corner sofa from the 1950s, the upholstery is from the time, in damask velvet, in good condition but the intervention of the upholsterer is recommended.
Velvet, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Curved Sofa Set with Table in Oak and Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, curved sofa, solid oak and fabric, France, 1960s. This sculptural seating ensemble by Guillerme and Chambron features two curved sofas connec...
Fabric, Oak
Anfibio Sofa + Bed Alessandro Becchi 1971 by Giovannetti Vintage Cognac Leather
By Giovanetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Munster, NRW
We are offering you the extremely rare opportunity to purchase an original vintage Anfibio sofa in cognac leather. It comes from first ownership, ...
Leather
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Padova, IT
Condition: Good condition with small signs of age and use especially on the feet The GS195 sofa, designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963, is a highly regarded Mid-Century Mode...
Fabric, Wood
21st Century Oscar 2-seaters Sofa, in 100% Cotton Velvet Siège, by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Sofa, in 100% Cotton Velvet, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR sofa allures for its sensual and fre...
Fabric, Wood, Velvet, Foam
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa by Cassina - Modern Leather Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Philippe Starck Privé Sofa For Cassina A family of elegant, comfortable seating options, ideally suited to any decor style, formal or informal, and any siz...
Leather
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Oak, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and oak sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina- New Upholstery
Fabric
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Studio BBPR, Augusto Romano
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
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa Daybed in Black Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or daybed, leather, chrome-plated steel, Austria, 1960s. This mid-century modern sofa is designed by the acclaimed Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spalt. The design is characterized by a solid construction based on sharp lines and angular shapes noticeable in the body of the seat and the chromed steel base, underlining the clear structured design. The metal legs elevate the seat in a graceful way, which establish an open and more transparent look to the whole unit. The tufted seat with buttons is upholstered in black leather. As outcome, this creates more visual interest and adds a graphical touch to the quite simplistic design. By only one hand movement the 'Constance' transforms from a comfortable sofa to daybed. A very elegant and also nifty technique. Johannes Spalt (1920-2010) was a postwar Austrian architect. In 1952 he founded the collective "Arbeitsgruppe 4" together with Wilhelm Holzbauer, Friedrich Kurrent and Otto Leitner. Their ideas and designs are still a great example of Austrian architecture...
Steel, Chrome
Expertly Restored - Early Hans J. Wegner JH-555 Teak Sofa for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history b...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Italian Lounge Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Italian Lounge Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather, 1960s A striking and generously proportioned Italian lounge sofa from the 1960s, beautifully crafted in patinated cognac leather with rich character and unmistakable mid-century presence. This three-seat design showcases the casual luxury and ergonomic comfort that defined Italian modernist aesthetics of the period. The sofa features gently rounded lines, subtly curved arms, and plush, oversized cushions for both seat and back. The patinated leather surface has aged gracefully, presenting a warm, amber-toned cognac hue with visible natural wear—adding depth, personality, and authenticity to the piece. Light scratches and marks consistent with age and use are present, enhancing the vintage appeal without affecting its structural integrity. Built for comfort, the deep seat and slightly reclined back invite relaxed lounging. The overall silhouette is soft and inviting, with a solid presence that makes it a perfect anchor piece for both vintage-inspired and contemporary interiors. From loft-style living rooms to moody libraries or refined office spaces, this piece brings Italian heritage and timeless design to any setting. Condition: Good vintage condition with attractive natural patina. Light surface wear and age-related marks, but no structural damage. The leather remains supple and rich in tone. Details: Origin: Italy Period: 1960s / Mid-20th Century Style: Mid-Century Modern Material: Leather (original) Color: Cognac Dimensions: Width: 220 cm (86.6 in) Depth: 90 cm (35.4 in) Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Seat Height: 38 cm (15 in) This is a rare opportunity to own an authentic vintage Italian leather sofa...
Leather, Beech
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Tan Leather by Ueli Berger, Switzerland, 1972 An enduring icon of avant-garde furniture design, the DS-600 sectional sofa by Ueli ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage ed...
Velvet, Plastic
Lara sofa Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso Stilwood 1958
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning so-called ‘Lara’ sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and manufactured by Stilwood, Italy, 1958. This beautiful puzzle-shaped sofa has a striking ...
Fabric
$24,970 / item
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Beam Sofa System For Cassina An innovative upholstered seating system, supported by a beam that allows sectional elements to be combined i...
Foam
Vintage Bamboo Sofa, Made in Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. It is made in bamboo. This sofa is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition a...
Bamboo
Studio Gruppo 14 T.E.E. 3-Seater Sofa by Busnelli, Italy, 1970s
Studio Gruppo 14 T.E.E. 3-Seater Sofa by Busnelli, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sofa, manufactured by the renowned Italian company Busnelli, is a remarkable find due to its rarity....
Upholstery, Foam
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
$4,682
Mid-Century Sofa Bed
Located in London, England
Mid-Century sofa bed with solid teak frame newly polished and re-covered in cream boucle fabric. U.K circa 1960.
Fabric, Teak
Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in tan leather
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...
Leather, Foam
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s. Dimensions: H= 80 cm; W= 207 cm; D= 85 cm; H seduta= 40 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
$1,235Sale Price|63% Off
Giovanni Offredi Leather Sofa by Saporiti Italia, Curved Design, 1970s
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather sofa comes in very good condition. The black leather is soft and supple and shows hardly any signs of wear. There are 2 dents in the leather on the back of the sofa, but...
Leather
$3,999Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage 1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-300/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa Rare model GE300/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer solid light oak solid wood frame and legs with original patina has original sp...
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage Italian Modern Walnut Divan Sofa Bed Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural sofa/divan bed/sofa bed attributed to Paolo Buffa (Italy, ca. late 1940s/early 1950s). Composed of a straight rail back connecting elegantly curved arms above x-form slats...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut