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.
$6,403Sale Price / item|20% Off
Magnificent Murano Italian Pink Cabinet Ninety Jewelry Available
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
$3,120Sale Price|51% Off
Modular French Wall Furniture Orange Made in the 60s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This is a French wall system orange in color and made of multiplex wood. The freestanding flexible modular shelving system is built in plywood, reminiscent of the great French des...
Wood
Biosca Brutalist Highboard In Solid Pine, Spain 1960's
By BIOSCA
Located in Sittard, LI
Biosca brutalist highboard in stained pine, Spain 1960s. An exceptional Spanish sideboard crafted by Biosca, showcasing impressive design and craftsmanship. The door panels feature a...
Metal
$84,182Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hermès by Guido Faleschini - Extremely Rare 6-Unit Modular Sideboard 1971
Located in Palermo, IT
Masterpiece Overview In the realm of Mid-Century Modern and collectible design, very few pieces manage to seamlessly merge architectural rigor with high-fashion heritage. This extrao...
Metal, Steel
Scandinavian Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Scandinavian sideboard, 1960s. Sideboard made of patinated teak veneer wood, with essential line and right proportions. It consists of two sliding doors and four side drawers. The ha...
Wood, Teak
Amazing Mid-Century Italian Bar Cabinet 1940' Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and unusual bar cabinet. Decorated front door with geometrical inlaid. Door panels inside with mosaic mirror and brass and glass shelfs. ...
Wood
Lorin Jackson for Grosfeld House Double Door Chest of Drawers
Located in Hanover, MA
Early 1940's sideboard or linen press by Lorin Jackson for Grosfeld House. Two banks of four open drawers behind double doors. Carved foliate handles and curved notched corners. T...
Walnut
Italian Grid-Panel Cabinet, Carved Cherry, Tapered Legs, 1950s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Italian Grid-Panel Cabinet, Carved Cherry, Tapered Legs, 1950s. This cabinet is built from solid cherry with a warm honeyed finish, its three doors composed of nine hand-carved rece...
Brass
Two EU/NU-11 Japanese Series Wall Cabinets by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1958
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern EU/NU-11 Japanese Series wall cabinets. Design by Cees Braakman for Pastoe Utrecht. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. The EU-11 wall ...
Milk Glass, Mirror, Teak
Founders Mid Century Cabinet by Jack Cartwright
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two door smaller sized cabinet with birch wood case and dark chocolate doors having chromed U shaped finger pulls . Sitting on adjustable brushed stainless steel legs with foot pad...
Birch
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Hans Wegner Danish Teak Single Column Freestanding Modular Wall Unit Room Divide
Located in Baltimore, MD
A remarkable teak, freestanding, modular, room divider, bookcase, storage cabinet, made in Denmark attributed to Hans Wegner for RY Mobler. This amazing vintage wall unit/ storage ca...
Teak
$2,247 / item
Small Mid Century Cabinet - Fruitwood Finish
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
Perfectly balancing style and functionality, Classic Regency designs, and mid century modern elegance, this piece is a stunning addition to any home decor. The small sand shallow si...
Wood
Quite Unique Florence Knoll Three-Door Hanging Cabinet
Located in Munich, DE
Designed in 1947 and made by Knoll International. Only build on special order. One drop front door and two sliding doors. One cutlery drawer and several shelfs. Signed. Teak wood -...
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet in Solid Oak and Glass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cupboard, solid oak, glass, France, 1960s Charming cupboard designed by the acclaimed designer duo Guillerme et Chambron. One can hide its pe...
Glass, Oak
Restored Florence Knoll Walnut & Maple Cabinet Model No.541 New York, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This iconic cabinet was designed in the 1960s by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll International for sale in the heart of New York City on Park Avenue. Built of a finely grain...
Metal
Pair of Henredon Black Lacquered and Brass Display Cabinets/Vitrines
By Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional pair of tall 1970s black lacquer and brass vitrines by Henredon. Featuring clean lacquered frames with brass trim on the doors. The cabinets feature beveled glass sides a...
Brass
Bodil Kjær 1950s Rosewood 2-Drawer Cabinet
By Bodil Kjaer
Located in San Francisco, CA
designed in 1959 by Bodil Kjær to accompany her iconic ‘James Bond’ desk in a well-figured and deeply patinated rosewood; manufacrtured by E. Pedersen & Søn for Jason Møbler; fitted ...
Rosewood
Misouri Furniture Mid-Century Mahogany Two Door French Notary Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century Mahogany Two-Door French Notary Cabinet. Double French doors open to reveal 20 tray drawers, all operating smoothly. Wood backing. Measures 26 " in width, 16 " in depth...
Mahogany
Long French Mid-Century Lattice Front Sideboard/ Cabinet
Located in North Miami, FL
This piece is an extra long latticed cabinet from the 1940s in the style of Jean Royère. 5 doors open to open shelving. Incredible vintage condition. T...
Oak
De Coene Display Cabinet or Book Shelf, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage early 1970s bookshelf or display cabinet by De Coene, Belgium. This three door cabinet is made of solid wood with clear glass. The doors have magnetic closures. Moveable shel...
Wood
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Burl Chrome Armoire Wardrobe Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin burl and chrome armoire/wardrobe. This piece is very rare and hard to find, this is the 1st time we have ever had one. It is in wonderful vintage...
Chrome
Italian Secretaire with Geometric Veneer and Carved Panels, 1950s
Located in Meda, MB
Elegant Italian secretaire produced in the 1950s, distinguished by its refined architectural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The cabinet is entirely veneered in a richly figured ...
Maple, Lacquer
Modernist 2-door cabinet designed by Edmond Spence /Sweden
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Birdseye maple cabinet with brass inset handles. Designed by Edmond J. Spence.Classic modernist design.. Great size..Left side interior ,3 drawers,, right side shelves. Hand...
Brass
Heywood-Wakefield 2-Piece 'Champagne' China Cabinet with Glass Doors, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern china cabinet by Heywood-Wakefield, circa 1960s. Featuring a distinctive "Champagne" finish, the 2-piece hutch is made from the finest maple and birch that retains...
Glass, Birch, Maple
Handmade Carved Oak Sideboard With Emperor Marble Top, Italy
Located in Madrid, ES
Hand-carved oak sideboard with three hinged doors and central interior shelf. Top and plinth made of 3 cm thick emperor marble. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of...
Marble
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Mid Century Storage Cabinet - Medium Tone Brown by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Mid Century Storage Cabinet by Thomasville. Beautiful piece! 4 drawer, 1 adjustable shelf and 1 adjustable/ removable shelf. Color i...
Wood
Elegant modernist cabinet from the 1930s.
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant modernist cabinet from the 1930s, made in painted wood and distinguished by its beautifully balanced proportions and refined architectural presence. The piece embodies the cl...
Wood
Mid-Century Standing Jewelry Chest by Kipp Stewart for Glenn of California
By Kipp Stewart, Glenn of California
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare standing jewelry chest by Kipp Stewart for Glenn of California. Simple and handsome design with rosewood front drawers inside a teak frame....
Rosewood, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Tall Brutalist Wardrobe by Lane
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall wardrobe with brutalist mosaic motif by Lane Furniture. Designed for their Pueblo collection, featuring both cabinet and drawer storage. Please...
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Dry Bar
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Bar USA, circa 1950s A refined and increasingly scarce diminutive cabinet designed by Paul McCobb f...
Brass
A Pair of Parchment Covered Two-Door Cabinets, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A refined pair of mid-century modern cabinets, each fully wrapped in natural parchment (pergamino) with a soft, matte sheen that subtly enhances their clean, architectural lines. The...
Brass
$5,547Sale Price|40% Off
Alexander Girard & George Nelson Inc. Wall Mounted Vanity, Model 1030
By Alexander Girard, George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
An unusual and rare wall mounted vanity from the 1964 Herman Miller accessory line to the CSS storage system. A collaborative design by Alexander Girard...
Aluminum
Mastercraft Modular Wood Brass Library Wall Unit Bookcase Vitrines Set of 3
By Mastercraft
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, three pieces modular style cabinets you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful ...
Brass
$4,416Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase Cupboard Display Cabinet with Locks
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 1960s Danish modern teak cupboard display cabinet featuring 3-drawer cabinet with large open fixed 3-shelf display on top all resting a tapered leg base. All 3 drawers featuring bronze skeleton...
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Drawers by Interlübke, Wood, Germany, 1960s
By Interlübke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Interlübke single-drawer cabinet units from the 1960s, each with a white lacquered carcass and a teak-veneered drawer front. The units sit low to the floor with a fully rectilinear f...
Wood
Late 20th Century Oak Two-Drawer Letter Size Filing Cabinet with lock
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Oak Two-Drawer Letter Size Filing Cabinet with lock. Will hold legal size and letter size file folders. Come with two keys. Measures 16" w x 16"D x 27.5"H.
Oak, Wood
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Cabinet Bar with Two Stools, Italy 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing cabinet cocktail bar in bamboo and rattan with white formica top and pair of round stools in rattan and bamboo in the style of Tito Agnoli. Made in Italy in the 1...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Laminate
Mid-century bar cabinet in Bubinga wood by Alfred Hendrickx 1958
Located in Zemst, BE
Bar cabinet by Alfred Hendrickx Made in Bubinga and beech wood. The bubinga is veneered on plywood. The bar cabinet dates from 1958. Can be seen on the original mirror ( which we r...
Bubinga, Plywood
$3,500 / item
Constantine Blackened Oak Storage Cabinet
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Constantine blackened oak storage cabinet features slatted doors entirely constructed and finished by hand, with brass details, adjustable shelf. and...
Oak
20th Century Black Tall Library Cabinet in MDF, United Kingdom
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This elegant tall library cabinet from the United Kingdom, crafted in the 20th century, combines classic architectural presence with the clean, understated lines of modern design. Fi...
Wood
$6,350
Early USM Haller Cabinet
By Usm Haller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s - this piece has lots of wear including scratches, scuffs, and discoloration. See photos for details
Metal
Baughman Style Chrome Floating Bar Cabinets Credenza Mid-Century Modern Founders
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful set of four Milo Baughman style chrome mirror clad floating cabinets by Founders. Two upper cabinets with built-in lighting and two lower cabinets with one adjustable shelf...
Chrome
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Cabinet Sideboard whit Drawers, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Rectangular sideboard in bamboo and rattan composed of three drawers with handles and three shelves. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Modular Cabinet and Picnic Tray Box by INSULEX England 1970s
Located in Torquay, GB
Rare and highly sculptural modular picnic trolley by Insulex, England circa 1970s. Executed in cream and brown molded plastic with integrated rotating storage compartments and compl...
Plastic, Acrylic
Paul Frankl Classic Nightstand with X Handles
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic nightstand designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, ca' 1950s. Nickeled X handles, drop down front with 2 drawers below. Original finish ...
Maple
Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Style Chrome Plated Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern two door cabinet with striped polished and matte chrome top, sides and front. Ample storage, adjustable shelf. Great as sofa side cabinets. (Please confirm item l...
Metal, Chrome
Paolo buffa chestnut cabinet with drop-down front and drawers, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A secretaire with drop-down front, drawers and open compartments, chestnut wood, design by Paolo Buffa, Italian manufacture, 1940s In the 1940s, Paolo Buffa’s style embraced the tas...
Chestnut
Pair of Danish Vintage Teak Cabinets by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
An outstanding and very rare pair of Danish vintage teak cabinets by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen. They were made in Denmark by Soborg Mobler, they date from the 1960’s. Th...
Teak
$5,675Sale Price / item|20% Off
Purple Cabinet in Murano Glass Made in Italy Available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Murano glass kitchen cabinet, jewelry-inspired design. Handcrafted birch wood frame with fine Murano glass and brass feet. Ninety vibrant Muran...
Brass
Wim Rietveld Free-Standing Bookcase in Black and White Metal
By Wim Rietveld
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wim Rietveld, bookcase, black and white coated metal, The Netherlands, 1960. This free-standing bookcase was originally designed by Wim Rietveld for the famous Dutch high-end department store De Bijenkorf in 1960. The clear structure of the shelf creates a striking design. All horizontal shelves are colored black and in contrast with the white vertical elements. Due to the expressive unsymmetric arrangement of the two white sides and the white element functioning as a backwall, the black shelves...
Metal
Bongo Marble Bar Cabinet, Automated Doors, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Bongó Bar Cabinet, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Bongó marble bar cabinet elevates the act of enjoyin...
Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Brass
1970s Brutalist Paul Evans Style Brass & Mirrored Cabinet
By Lane Acclaim, Lane Furniture, Paul Evans
Located in Bensalem, PA
Restored Renewed ready for its next destination please look at pictures as well as video for overall details. Feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Danish Teak Side Table w/ Storage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single Danish side table in teak grain with storage. Simple mid-century design with one removable shelf. Perfect for bedside or living room storage. Please confirm location with vend...
Teak
$9,595Sale Price|20% Off
Arne Vodder Rosewood Credenza with Blue & White Drawers, Denmark, 1960
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and striking example of Arne Vodder’s celebrated cabinet designs, this credenza showcases his distinctive sculptural drawer fronts in a highly sought-after rosewood variant. M...
Rosewood
J.C. Mahey pair of small green lacquer and brass cabinets 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
These twin cabinets in a beautiful green and dark brown lacquer could serve as sturdy end tables in a living room or office, or as spacious nightstands in a bedroom. The crisp mix of...
Brass
Stunning Frank Kyle Drawer with Pepe Mendoza Pulls
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
If you are searching for a piece that represents the most iconic and amazing Mexican Modernist era, we have for you this stunning and rare Frank Kyle Drawer, custom made in México ci...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Meas...
Maple, Lacquer
Mid-Century Cabinet High Gloss by Tatra Pravenec, 1970s Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970's - Made of wood - In high gloss - Good condition.
Wood
Italian Rosewood and Parchment Cabinet by Paolo Buffa circa 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very good labeled Paolo Buffa for Arrighi Serafino rosewood and parchment front cabinet circa 1940. Having upper open shelf with sliding glas...
Rosewood, Parchment Paper
1960s Italian Cabinet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood