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.
Fully Restored Jens Risom Walnut & Brass 8-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Danish design icon Jens Risom, this super rare model was made in the USA by his own company: Jens Risom Design Inc. This cabinet rarely comes up for sale, especially in t...
Brass
Mid Century Radio And Record Player Console Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A period Mid Century Stereo Cabinet with an interesting contrast door pattern with Oval grid inserts. Three sliding doors, one on the front ...
Other
$12,355 / set
Pair of Bookcases in Teak by Børge Mogensen, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Bookcases in Teak by Børge Mogensen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by C. M. Madsen in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H...
Teak
Wall-Mounted Rosewood Cabinet with Glass Doors, Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall-mounted cabinet crafted from rosewood with glass doors. The cabinet was made in the 1960s and represents Danish furniture design from the period. — Period: 1960s — Materials: R...
Rosewood
$7,283Sale Price|20% Off
Mid 20th Century wood Italian cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Berini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and beautiful wood cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1950 - 60s. A true classic of Italian Mid-Century design, capable of speaking with style and sophisticatio...
Wood
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Heritage Consensus Pecan Illuminated Bar Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Dry bar cabinet by Drexel Heritage Consensus Flaxen pecan with a mirror back. Pull-out hidden laminated shelf sits concealed on top of the ...
Wood
USM Haller Custom Black Metal and Glass Bookcase Cabinet Mid Century Modern
By Usm Haller
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Custom Bookcase, made by USM Haller, Swiss, circa 1990s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with two shelves on the right side and another magazine or art display shelf below them, and a storage compartment or planter to the left. The shelf space measures 13.25"h x 29.5"w x 13.5"d. The planter measures 13.75"h x 13.75"w x 13.75"d. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for another USM Haller white...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
$30,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vladimir Kagan Credenza, Rosewood, Vladimir Kagan Designs, 1970s
Located in Culver City, CA
This credenza is a rarity among Vladimir Kagan pieces -- and it is an absolute knockout. Featuring a rosewood top and sides with a crisp white lacquered body and chrome accents, all ...
Chrome
Cabinet in Oak and Brass by Oscar Nilsson, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cabinet in Oak and Brass by Oscar Nilsson, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Oak and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svensk mö...
Brass
Original T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Rectilinear Cabinet Credenza for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Miami, FL
Rare cabinet by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Signed with label on drawer. The doors have a rectilineal design achieved by the use of thin triangular molding. Classic propor...
Brass
Thaden-Jordan Two Piece Sideboard or China Cabinet
By Thaden-Jordan Furniture Co., Herbert Von Thaden
Located in Kansas City, MO
Herbert Von Thaden designed sideboard or china cabinet. All original, late 40's to early 50's production. The original finish is in very good condition.
Plywood, Wood
Jens Risom 1970s Paldao Wood Modernist File Cabinet
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1970s Mid-Century Modern paldao wood file cabinet designed by Jens Risom, fully restored with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Brass
$11,250Sale Price|25% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cabinet, Burlwood & Chrome, 1970s Modern
By Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...
Burl
Raymond Loewy for Doubinsky Frères DF 2000 MCM Red Fiberglass Valet Cabinet
By Raymond Loewy, Doubinsky Freres
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Raymond Loewy for Doubinsky Frères DF 2000 Mid Century Red Fiberglass Valet Cabinet This cabinet measures: 19.75 wide x 21 deep x 4...
Metal
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
Chin Hua Display Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua display cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Raymond K. Sobota started designing for Century Furniture in 19...
Burl
Decorative Dresser, Hand Painted, Brass, Cabinet, Hollywood Regency, Green
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted dresser with nine drawers and brass hardware.
Brass
$20,691 / item
Charlotte Perriand 513 Riflesso Storage Unit by Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1939. Relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Part of the Cassina collection since 2004, the Riflesso storage unit cr...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Oak Cabinet by Rene Gabriel, France, 1950s
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Mobilier d'urgence type v.150 by Rene Gabriel The 'Mobilier d'urgence type v.150' is a cabinet designed by French designer René Gabriel, part of a series of emergency furniture created as part of the reconstruction programme for the WWII-affected city of Le Havre. The model name is 'type v.150'. René Gabriel was a decorative artist and designer born in Maison Alfort, Paris, who designed the Chambre de Jeune Fille for the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925 for the International Ambassade de Française. He also devoted himself to designing wallpaper with block prints of flowers, landscapes and abstract paintings, and after the Second World War, Auguste Perret...
Oak
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno — Black Lacquered Sideboard, Six Doors, Italy, 1960s
By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno
Located in bari, IT
Designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, this six-door sideboard dates from the mature phase of the designer’s long collaboration with Osvaldo and Fulgenzio Borsani, the Milan-based firm...
Walnut
Mid-Century Afra & Tobia Scarpa Italian Wood Red Lacquer 1960s Tall Cabinet
Located in Madrid, ES
This cabinet, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s, is an elegant example of Italian modern design, distinguished by its architectural proportions, refined material contras...
Brass
$1,088Sale Price / item|20% Off
Kartell Componibili 2-Tier Modern Storage Cabinet, Hot Pink, Italy
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Componibili storage unit components in vibrant hot pink. Will come with 2 “body” units and 1 “top” The Componibili Storage Unit (1969) takes its name from componibile, Italian ...
Plastic, Acrylic
Mahogany Cabinet, Rungstedlund Series by Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, 1960
Located in Lejre, DK
Mahogany cabinet from the Rungstedlund series by Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. Classic Danish design with a functional and timeless appearance. — Origin: Denmark — Manufacturer: Poul ...
Mahogany
Vintage Mid Century Modern Cane Front Credenza Cabinet
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Elevate your storage solutions with this stunning vintage mid-century modern credenza, featuring elegant cane front detailing. Combining the clean, minimalist lines of the MCM era wi...
Wood
$3,749Sale Price|53% Off
Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps
By Johan Tapp, Gumps
Located in Lafayette, IN
Spectacular burled cabinet/wall unit designed by Johan Tapp for Gumps. Cabinet features beautiful book-matched burl veneered doors, solid brass hardwa...
Brass
Van Keppel Green, Cabinet, Solid Maple, Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid maple cabinet designed by Van Keppel Green and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Maple
Vintage Danish Mid-century modern 1967 Highboy 6 Drawer Dresser in Oak, 1960
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This stunning vintage Danish oak cabinet/dresser is a masterpiece of mid-century craftsmanship, blending timeless design with excellent functionality. In pristine working condition, ...
Brass
Minimalist Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Minimalist cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been refinished in a high gloss white lacquer. The lacquered doors are accented by the silver leaf "X" door pulls.
Lacquer
Mid-Century Danish Rosewood Cabinet with Ebonized Pulls, 1960
Located in Austin, TX
Cabinet from mid-century Denmark made of solid wood construction; primarily rosewood. This piece has four metal legs in a black lacquer. The two doors feature wooden pulls that have ...
Rosewood
Dom Hans van der Laan Wall-Mounted Cabinet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dom Hans van der Laan, wall-mounted cabinet, stained wood, the Netherlands, 1975 This wall-mounted cabinet was conceived in 1975 by Dutch Benedictine monk and architect Dom Hans van...
Wood
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 5 Drawers in Cumin for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Charlotte Perriand Two-Part Pine Cabinet for Les Arcs, France, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Charlotte Perriand Two-Part Pine Cabinet for Les Arcs, France, 1970s This rare two-part pine cabinet, designed by Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs ski resort in France during the 19...
Pine
Pair of wall mounted cabinets / nightstands by Vildbjerg
Located in Ranst, VAN
Set of two wall-mounted night cabinets in teak. Designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik. The nightstands are made of teak wood and each features on...
Teak
Asymmetrical Brazilian Modern Cabinet Attributed to Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Oakland, CA
Asymmetrical Brazilian Modern cabinet attributed to Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1963. The unique piece of Brazilian furniture is handcrafted of Caviuna wood and composed of differen...
Brass
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet Model 4036 For Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame credenza cabinet 'model 4036' was designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. The cabinet featur...
Steel, Chrome
Angelo Mangiarotti Chest of Drawers for Molteni 4D, in wood and marble, 1960s Mid-Century
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Molteni & C
Located in Palermo, IT
Angelo Mangiarotti. Storage cabinet / modular bar cabinet from the "4D" series, designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni. Designed in t...
Carrara Marble
American Phonograh Player Cabinet by Columbia Grafonola
Located in Germantown, MD
Restored American Phonograh Player Cabinet by Columbia Grafonola. Measures 19.5" in width x 21.25" in depth x 43" in height.
Walnut
$4,351Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Display Storage Attributed to Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi
By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi
Located in Munich, DE
Very elegant and rare storage.
Plywood
$6,715Sale Price|20% Off
One of a Kind Italian Midcentury Sideboard with Bar Cabinet a. Vittorio Dassi
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian 1950s one of a kind BAR / SIDEBOARD attributed to Vittorio Dassi birch root veneer - solid birch "feet" - stained glass top - mirrored bar compartment - carved upper orna...
Stained Glass, Birch, Burl
1940s Cabinet in Solid Oak with Latticework
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, oak, glass, Italy, 1940s A design that quietly bridges the gap between sleek modernism and handcrafted warmth. The cabinet’s facade is composed of three tall, narrow doors ...
Glass, Oak
Patricia Urquiola Hayama Cabinet, Lacquered MDF, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Hayama Cabinet For Cassina With her unmistakable design signature, what Patricia Urquiola creates is an invitation to travel, in the form of furniture – through t...
Lacquer
Tomaso Buzzi Masterwork 1930 Triennale of Modern Decorative Arts Monza, Italy
By Tomaso Buzzi
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and important Tomaso Buzzi dining room server cabinet embellished with ornately detailed marquetry depicting the entrance to the ‘Bosphorus Straits’. The artwork is an imaginative rendition of one of the most economically and geopolitically important locations on the planet, namely, the vital trade route between East and West through the ancient city port of Constantinople or modern-day Istanbul. The piece reflects the influences of various historic Empires in the region, including Egypt in North Africa to the North West, and The Greek and Roman Empires to the North East, and the Turks to the East. The scene portrays a time when countless battles occurred in these provinces in order to control the flow of Maritime trade between the Continents of the Northeastern Hemisphere and The Orient or the Far East, along the ‘silk road’. The illustration includes numerous architectural icons including the Pyramids of Giza, Roman Colosseums, Roman Aqueducts, Greek Acropolis style buildings, The Galata Tower, The Obelisk of Theodosius, Rumelifeneri Castle, and The Blue Mosque of Istanbul amongst others. A variety of seafaring vessels, marine life, and geological landmarks are also included in the panorama. This masterwork was executed by Buzzi during his tenure at the school of arts and crafts in Sao Paulo Brazil in the late 1920s. This was during the time he joined the "Novecento Milanese" Group and began to collaborate with Gio Ponti on the newly developed Design Magazine, Domus. The cabinet was showcased as a centerpiece in the 8th Triennale of Modern Decorative Arts in Monza, Italy in 1930. It is well documented and retains the original brass plaque from the Institutional Authority of the Arts in Brazil. A copy of a promotional postcard from the exhibition signed by Buzzi and featuring this cabinet is part of the Buzzi Archive. Crafted from indigenous Brazilian...
Wood
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Sliding Door Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sliding door cabinet designed by Harvey Probber, featuring dark mahogany with rich rosewood doors. Left side offers drawers, right side offers open shelving storage. Set on tapered l...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Storage Cabinet / Dresser
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This Mid-Century Modern dresser is a study in restraint and proportion, crafted in richly grained walnut with a soft, honeyed depth that'll bring natural warmth to any space. Its bal...
Raffia, Walnut
Borup Møbelfabrik "Bm207" Teak Corner Unit / Bar With Pullout Tray
Located in Berkeley, CA
This Teak Corner Bar Cabinet is a great example of thoughtful mid century design, made to fit neatly into spaces that are often overlooked. Its angled shape allows it to sit comforta...
Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, minimalist, open book case-cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg DK. Beautiful teak with dovetail joints and nice details. The teak has turned to a dar...
Teak
$6,800 / set
French Designer, Cabinets, Wood, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white and blue-lacquered wood cabinets or sideboards designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Moderate to heavy wear with imperfections on side panels and door faces. I...
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Contessa Mid Century 2 Door Bar Cabinet with Hutch
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield Contessa Mid Century 2 Door Bar Cabinet with Hutch The cabinet measures: 30 wide x 18 deep x 31.5 inches high The hutch measures:...
Wood
40's cabinet furniture in brushed wood and leather
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French cabinet from the 40s. Base, structure and top in brushed oak. The upper part of the cabinet is covered in dark green leather (original). Nice work on the decorative hinges and...
Leather, Wood
$7,926Sale Price / set|20% Off
Amazing Sideboard/Bar Cabinet by Giotto Stoppino for Acerbis, late 20th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard - Italian Collectible Design - Dark Wood bar Cabinet Italian modern Sideboard Parioli by Giotto Stoppino and Marco Acerbis for Acerbis, 1980s Sideboard ...
Stainless Steel
$8,647Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bodega Bar Cabinet, Cupboard in Warm Wood Marquetry Veneer by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
BODEGA CABINET Bodega Collection refers to cellar art or better known as chiaroscuro, a technique of extreme contrast of light and shadow used by Caravaggio. Cabinet designed by Jo...
Metal
Anna 2 doors Cabinet, in Black Limed Oak with brass details feet by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Anna Cabinet, in Black Limed Oak, Handcrafted by Duistt Anna is an imposing and elegant cabinet. With a high gloss lacquered body that contrasts with the brushed oak top and feet wi...
Brass
Customizable Italian Pink Murano Glass Cabinet with Birch Wood
Located in Guazzora, IT
Discover the epitome of Italian craftsmanship with this exquisite pink Murano glass cabinet, a limited-edition masterpiece. Handcrafted by skilled Venetian artisans, this cabinet s...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Chrome 15-Drawer Library Card Catalog
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare Mid-Century Modern 15-drawer library card catalog or file cabinet USA, Mid-20th Century Walnut, with durable laminate top, and chrome base. Measures: 35"W x 19.5"D x 41.75"...
Chrome
Charles & Ray Eames ESU 400 Storage Unit, 1994 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Eames storage unit for Herman Miller made in 1994. Great colors and designs on plywood. Plenty of storage space with wooden panels on the top and bottom. Shelves and 3 drawers in the...
Steel
French Pair Nightstands Maison Regain Charlotte Perriand Style Side Eim c 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
A pair of French vintage bedside tables made of solid light wood, featuring a soft, organic design inspired by 1970s mountain-style furniture. The lines are thick and rounded, with c...
Elm
Bert England for Johnson Furniture Hanging Wall Cabinet
By Bert England, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bert England Hanging Wall Cabinet for Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids Michigan. Simple and Elegant! Walnut body with vinyl covered doors and square bullets. Perfect for ...
Brass
Lawson-Fenning San Rafael Cabinet, Oak w/ Leather Door, Modern Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Rafael cabinet features a sturdy construction with upholstered doors and elegant contours. Cabinets can be custom-made in a two-door version with open storage or a one-door v...
Upholstery, Leather, Oak
1950s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Bali Cabinet Dresser Mid centu
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A tall cabinet designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1950s. This piece from the Bali Hi series features a pickled oak finish with fluted doors and drawers,...
Oak
Mid Century Transitional Modern Italian Burl Tall Dresser, Vanity or Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning highly stylized & sculptural Italian burl cabinet. It features a beautiful burl finish with many drawers & pop up mirror. Very ...
Burl
Vintage Cabinet 'Belmondo', High Gloss, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Novy Domov
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage cabinet with shelves and drawers from 'Belmondo' collection made in high gloss. Made in Czechoslovakia by Novy Domov (marked) in t...
Metal