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.
Pair of Murano Glass Cabinets Black White Available Justfurnituress designer
Located in Guazzora, IT
These magnificent cabinets are true works of art, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Murano glass. Each cabinet features beautiful stained glass panels made from authentic M...
Brass
Pair Restored Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Cabinets
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of dressers was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional ...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Hutch by Lane Furniture, Walnut, 1965
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Exceptional mid-century modern Brutalist hutch by Lane Furniture, showcasing the bold architectural detailing that defines the era. Crafted in richly t...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful sideboard cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, made of sandalwood with solid brass hardware. Cabinet has drawers on each side, center Lucite pull out shelf and on...
Brass
Nightstands with Cristal Art crystal door Green Nile Giuseppe Raimondi 1970
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Nightstands with Cristal Art crystal door Green Nile Giuseppe Raimondi 1970
Crystal
Mid century highboard, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Great looking mid century bar cabinet with beautiful veneer wood and a chrome and wooden base. The bar cabinet consists of 2 doors and 2 drawers providing loads of storage space. V...
Wood
Brutalist Sideboard Oak, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This sculptural sideboard holds a quiet monumentality—its façade a study in balance, depth, and geometric relief. Two symmetrical doors are adorned with deeply carved concentric meda...
Oak
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Sliding Door Cabinets by Lyby Mobler
By Lyby Mobler, Kai Kristiansen, Laurits M. Larsen, Arne Vodder
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This pair of modular teak cabinets from Lyby Mobler exemplifies the thoughtful engineering and aesthetic restraint at the heart of Danish modernism. Designed as flexible components i...
Teak
Oak Cabinet by René Gabriel, France, Late 1940s
By Rene Gabriel
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Rare cabinet by french designer René Gabriel. Solid oakwood and oak veneer. The cabinet features 6 drawers on the lower part and 2 doors on the top part with functional keys and lo...
Oak
Large KW85 Sideboard by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, the Netherlands
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This minimalistic and modernist sideboard, model KW85, was designed by Martin Visser for ’t Spectrum in the Netherlands in 1965. It is made from black lacquered veneer wood and has w...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern credenza features ample room behind its four cabinet doors. A mirrored front and top makes this a unique addition...
Brass
Early Pair of Florence Knoll No. 126 Louvered 4-Drawer Cabinets, Late 1940s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the early 1940s in New York City, this pair of cabients was designed by Florence Knoll, widely regarded today as one of the most prolfic Knoll designers. Initially getting he...
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Cabinet by Christian Hvidt, Denmark, 1970s
By Christian Hvidt, Soborg Mobler
Located in PARIS, FR
Solid mahogany cabinet that sits on a removable base designed by Christian Hvidt in the 1970s and produced by Søborg Møbler. The beautiful proportions and quality of workmanship make...
Brass
1960s Milo Baughman Style Rosewood & Walnut Chests on Chrome Plinths - Pair
Located in St. Louis, MO
A spectacular and commanding pair of mid-century modern bachelor chests / cabinets, designed in the manner of Milo Baughman circa 1960s. This matched pair exhibits a masterful play o...
Steel, Chrome
Pair Campaign Style Curio Display Cabinets by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
We are very pleased to offer a great pair of gorgeous, sleek and minimalist display cabinets made by the famous Henredon furniture makers, made in the USA. Part of Henredon’s early 1...
Brass
$15,550 / set
Pair of Mastercraft Brass Display Cabinets
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is a pair of Mastercraft vitrines with highly polished lacquered brass along with two main compartments: two adjustable glass shelves in the top section and one in the lower ...
Brass
Thomas Pheasat Collection Mahogany Wardrobe/Bar (pair avail)
By Baker Furniture Company, Thomas Pheasant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall two door cabinet by Baker with dry bar interior. Both doors appear to be apothecary drawers with brass knobs, but open to an open cabinet design with mirrored back and pull out ...
Brass
$53,205 / set
Pair of Italian Furniture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Italian Furniture from 1967
Velvet, Wood
Mid Century Nightstand in the Manner of Paul Frankl (2 available)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a mid century nightstand featuring cork fronts Pair of walnut vintage nightstands or side tables with metal hairpin legs in the style of Paul Frankl. Featuring circular recessed bakelite pulls and cork facings. One with three drawers and the other features one top drawer and a pull down cabinet...
Steel
Italian Gio Ponti Stylecabinet from the 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Restored Italian cabinet, 1950s Italian "Gio Ponti Style" cabinet from the 1950s, carefully restored by us. The interior and shelves have been painted in a light green color, and g...
Glass, Wood
Modern Penedo Marble Display Cabinet, Calacatta Bianco, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Penedo Marble Display Cabinet, Hand-Crafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple The Penedo marble display cabinet captures the enduring beauty of nature’s landsca...
Onyx, Carrara Marble, Statuary Marble, Marble, Brass
Bar Cabinet by Erik Matsson, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet by Erik Matsson, 1950's Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Mjölby Intarsia in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 101.5 x 40.5 x 134.5 cm
Wood
Restored Credenza in Rosewood, Carlo Jensen for Hundevad and Co., Denmark, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a freshly restored compact credenza designed by Carlo Jensen for Hundevad & Co. Audacious in scope, design and materials utilized this extraordinary Danish-made credenza ...
Rosewood
Gio Ponti Display Cabinet Model 4120 for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare and important display cabinet by the master Gio Ponti, model 4120 for Singer & Sons. Elegant and architectural display cabinet in gorgeous Italian walnut with brass sabots and p...
Brass
Vintage French Brass Etagere Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
An extremely stylish and very well made vintage French brass etagere display cabinet. This was made in France, it dates from the 1970’s. The quality is outstanding, this is sturdy y...
Brass
1960's Roll fronted industrial oak storage cabinet
Located in Bern, CH
Roll fronted industrial oak storage cabinet with nineteen height adjustable internal pull out filing shelves. Lockable on each side with individual keys. Beautiful workmanship. Perfe...
Wood, Oak
$3,328Sale Price|48% Off
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Credenza, Sideboard, Bar or Cocktail Cabinet
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish large Mid-Century Modern Danish teak sideboard, credenza, bar or cocktail cabinet featuring fine craftsmanship with plenty of storage room. The cabinet has two sections. The bottom section has a large two door cabinet with a record player attached to a shelf as well as two side door cabinets in a lattice design on each side. The upper section features a drop down cocktail/ bar mirrored cabinet with white glass holders and installed light and a two door cabinet with multiple storing compartments and shelves also in a lattice pattern as well as two open shelves. The very useful and stylish MCM teak cabinet...
Mirror, Wood, Teak
Italian Mid-Century Lacquered Mahogany Wall Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century mahogany cabinet with a sycamore back panel and having a top section of a glass and wood sliding doors, and bottom with two door, resting on 2 front black lacquer...
Brass
1970s Italian Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Located in Praha, CZ
- Body Made of laminate with imitation of wood and Legs are made of Beech wood - Good original condition with minor signs of use
Laminate, Wood, Beech
Pair Modern Black Lacquered & Brass Curio Display Cabinets by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of modern Mastercraft black lacquered, brass and glass display cabinets or vitrines. These beautiful cabinets feature a burnished brass over a black lacquered frame, three adjus...
Brass
$675Sale Price / item|25% Off
Davis Allen For GF Oak Credenza with Stainless legs and Trim
By Davis Allen
Located in Pasadena, TX
A small vintage oak credenza designed by Davis Allen and from the Davis Allen Collection for GF. Drawers include three files for easy storage of ...
Oak
Mid Century Italian Rosewood Cabinet, Bow Front Design, 1950s
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Mid Century Italian Cabinet A stunning Italian cabinet from the 1950s, a true embodiment of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. This stu...
Rosewood
Modern Saqris Grey and Brass Cabinet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Saqris Quartz Bar Cabinet, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Saqris quartz bar cabinet draws inspiration from the cultu...
Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Danish Rosewood Drawer Unit by Stil i Stål, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Stylish Danish Mid-Century Modern drawer unit manufactured by Stil i Stål A/S, Helsinge, Denmark, in the 1960s. Featuring three black plastic drawers, a practical open shelf, and a b...
Rosewood
René Gabriel Patinated Oak Sideboard, France, 1940s
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Almelo, NL
René Gabriel Patinated Oak Sideboard, France, 1940s This mid-century sideboard, crafted from patinated French oak, was designed by René Gabriel in the 1940s in France. It was part o...
Oak
Wall-Mounted Rosewood Cabinets by Florence Knoll, Excellent Condition, Pair
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two rosewood wall mount storage cabinets or credenzas designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. Early production in Brazilian rosewood with whit...
Leather, Rosewood, Wood
Hand-Painted Green Malachite and Bakelite Chest
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Hand-painted faux malachite and bakelite chest, circa early 1950s. This extraordinary example has subtly curved black and white bakelite handl...
Bakelite, Wood
$2,601
French Limed Oak Armoire
Located in Antwerp, BE
Limed oak two door armoire. Height 210 cm. Width 127 cm. Depth 64 cm.
Glass, Wood, Oak
Walnut cabinet Eugen Hoglund Sweden 1963 signed
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare walnut cabinet by Eugen Hoglund signed and dated 1963 Sweden Nice vintage condition
Hardwood
$2,470Sale Price / set|35% Off
Bedside Tables Ceruse Oak Wood Glass, 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice ceruse oak bedside tables with drawers, made in the 1970s. Dimensions are 24" x 24" x 24" A quite versatile wooden pair of large bedside...
Brass
Trussardi Casa Vintage Leather Suitcase, Elegant Storage Cabinet, 1960
By Louis Vuitton, Trussardi Casa
Located in Palermo, IT
This vintage leather suitcase by Trussardi is a stunning testament to Italian luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. The interior is in excellent condition, lined with a sophisticated...
Brass
Amazing Thin Edge Sideboard by George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful mirrored rosewood veneer.
Rosewood
Double Sided Mahogany & Rattan Bookshelf by Michael van Beuren for Domus Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based Michael van Beuren created a highly functional modern design inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. Designed for Domus Mexico...
Mahogany, Rattan
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Passage Campaign Pecan Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Campaign style Drexel dresser circa 1970s Drexel Passage Series dresser in flaxen flared grain. Brass recessed pulls. This dresser provides compact ...
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Modern Cabinets by H. W. Klein for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By Henry Walter Klein, H.W. Klein
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This pair of vintage cabinets comes from Denmark and was made around 1960s. Designed most probably by Henry Walter Klein and made by Bramin Mobel. The cabinets showcase minimalistic ...
Nutwood
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Harvey Probber Bleached Mahogany and Tiffany Blue Leather Front Cabinets
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare pair of Harvey Probber two door cabinets with Tiffany blue leather covered recessed door panels. Bleached and toned mahogany casement, conica...
Leather, Mahogany, Lacquer
Vintage Swedish Walnut Drinks Cabinet by Johan Byström
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning and extremely well made vintage Swedish walnut drinks cabinet by Johan Byström. This was recently imported from Sweden, it comes with an original framed makers...
Walnut
Gianfranco frattini cabinet by Bernini Italy 1957
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Behold the exquisite craftsmanship of the small sideboard or cabinet, a testament to the visionary design of Gianfranco Frattini and the masterful production of Bernini, Italy, in 19...
Rosewood
Charles Flandre Cabinet in Solid Elm and Wrought Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Charles Flandre, cabinet, solid elm, pine, wrought iron, France, 1960s Crafted by French cabinetmaker Charles Flandre, this exquisite elmwood high cabinet beautifully blends rustic ...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Teak Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern cabinet offers generous storage and organization with its many drawers and roomy compartments. Rich teak woodgrain gives this piece a timeless look, while stu...
Teak
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Record Cabinet Danish Modern Media Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Danish Modern Teak Record Media credenza Features a pull out shelf for cassettes, compartment for records, and shelving. Brass pulls. Circa mid to late 2...
Teak
Amuneal's Blue Lacquer Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop and Integral Sink
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Blue Lacquer Bar Cabinet with Brass Countertop and Integral Sink features hand-polished lacquered cabinet doors and drawer faces inlayed with buffed brass and integral pulls to create a modern, tailored statement. The composition of the lower cabinet is set off against a polished and patinated brass counter, which brings a timeless nuance to this modern design. Amuneal’s collector's wall hung shelves...
Brass
1960s Walnut Wood Shoe Cabinet
Located in IT
Shoe cabinet with doors and wooden tubular supports for placing shoes. The cabinet dates back to the 1960s and is in excellent condition, having undergone a conservative restoration....
Walnut
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Cabinet
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Cabinet Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Beautifully crafted with heavy c...
Teak
Danish Viking Bar Cabinet
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very unusual, hand painted bar cabinet, as a Danish Viking, made in Italy. Striking naive/modern style, humorous and direct. The back is finished and ...
Wood
Robert Salleroli American Abstract Wood Assemblage Monumental Cabinet
By Robert Salleroli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Looking for a statement piece to add to your home or office? Look no further than this one-of-a-kind monumental cabinet, by Robert Salerolli, purcha...
Wood, Birch
$4,800 / set
A Pair of Erik Wörts Wall-Mounted Cabinets
By Erik Worts
Located in Dallas, TX
An exquisite pair of Erik Wörts wall-mounted cabinets crafted from oak and wenge. These cabinets offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, featuring clean lines and rich, con...
Oak, Wenge
$1,371Sale Price|20% Off
Teak Mid-Century Modern Corner Cabinet or Cupboard, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern corner cabinet or cupboard. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Solid teak and teak veneer. Three original drawe...
Teak
Vintage 1970's Custom Stereo Console Record Player 8 Track
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
YOWZA! Calling all audiophiles!! Custom mid century stereo console and record player along with 8Track. Unique faux wood grain cabinetry with solid brass locking hinges to hold tops ...
Wood
Beaver + Tapley Narrow Cocktail Bar in Mahogany #2
Located in Berkeley, CA
This narrow mahogany cocktail bar by Beaver & Tapley is designed to offer maximum function within a compact footprint. Crafted in England from rich mahogany, the tall and slender for...
Mahogany