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 Italian shelves in chrome Metal attributed to Banci circa 1970
By Banci
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant pair of shelves of library in chrome metal attributed to Banci Italy 1970 Glass shelves Size is Height 183 cm for one and 163 cm for the second
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Victorian Wine Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
Appears to be in the Shape of a Tree. Materials is Woven in the Center. Possibly Cast Iron or Similar Material. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 10 W ;...
Cast Stone
$2,399 / set
QUADRO Wardrobe set, Jürgen Lange, Schönbuch
Located in Neuss, NW
Seven-piece Space Age QUADRO wardrobe set by Jürgen Lange for Schönbuch from the 1970s. Plastic frame with two mirrors, two coat racks and three coat hangers in orange. Quality Feat...
Plastic
Mid century modern Bedside Tables, teak Wood, by Roger Rougier , Canada, c1970
Located in Montréal, CA
Elegant yet highly functional, each cabinet offers concealed storage behind double doors while maintaining a refined architectural presence. Their versatile scale allows them to func...
Teak
Vintage pencil reed cabinet, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Elegant pencil reed cabinet with two doors and two drawers. Very elegant curved legs and a nice reeded pattern running troughout. Good condition. 1970s - France Dimensions: Lengh...
Bamboo
1970 Italian sideboard by Luciano Frigerio
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
White lacquered wood and brass sideboard by Luciano Frigerio di Desio. This high-quality 4-door unit opens onto shelves and a set of 4 drawers in the center. Italian design from the...
Brass
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Dresser with Brass & Wooden Legs
Located in Seattle, WA
Clean lined 3 drawer dresser form American of Martinsville. Elliptical inset drawer openings and four brass-clad mahogany deeply recessed legs with high set mahogany stretchers. Dim...
Wood
$1,680Sale Price|40% Off
Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dresser by Broyhill, Walnut, USA, 1970
By Broyhill
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing well designed walnut wood Highboy dresser. Has nice detailed top working doors. Has been refinished and left im excellent condition. Legs are all sturdy and strong. Great for...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Four-Tier Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Étagère with Glasses
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian gilt metal faux bamboo étagère with glass shelves. 1970s This étagère can come as a set together wit...
Metal
Large vintage black wicker bookcase with shelves
Located in Premariacco, IT
Large black lacquered wicker bookcase with shelves, ideal for vintage or modern settings. It goes well in summer homes or in living rooms or before an entryway with plants on the sh...
Wicker
Small Italian chest of drawers 1970
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Small Italian chest of drawers with 2 doors silver and smoked glass, golden brass. Italy around 1970. Height 80 cm Width 105 cm Depth 40 cm
Brass
Guillerme and Chambron Credenza in Oak, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Guillerme and Chambron Credenza in Oak, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970 Votre maison : a style, a concept, a mindset. The Votre Maison story begins in 1940 in Prussia, near the ...
Ceramic, Oak
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Fantastic Pencil Reed Rattan Credenza Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic credenza with split bamboo and brass hardware. Curved waterfall top with 6 drawers. This piece is in lovely vintage condition and ready to slip right into your luxury decor...
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Custom Made Oak Dresser With Burl Accent.
Located in Seattle, WA
Four Drawers Dovetailed Dresser. The Top three Drawers have Dividers built in as Shown. Unique Shape to the Legs with Stretchers For Support. Vintage ...
Wood
1970s table M1, Stefan Wewerka, Vintage
Located in Neuss, NW
Versatile table in Bauhaus design. Model M1 by Stefan Wewerka for Tecta. Draft from 1979. High-quality construction consisting of a base with two doors and four shelves and a table t...
Wood
Wicker and bamboo cabinet with glass shelves 1970s
Located in Premariacco, IT
1970s living room or veranda cabinet with wicker and bamboo frame and clear glass shelves. Small size, perfectly placeable in any environment. Glasses are new, cabinet shows normal...
Bamboo, Wicker, Glass
Vintage Mid Century Modern 4 Drawer Dresser Dovetail Drawers by Basset
Located in Seattle, WA
Mid Century Vintage Walnut Tallboy Dresser by Bassett Furniture in Excellent Condition. Four Drawers Including Double Drawer. Dovetail Joinery a...
Walnut
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Storage Accessory Cabinet with Casters, Fixed Shelves
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique Storage Accessory Cabinet with Casters. Fixed Shelves. Dimensions. 20 W ; 17 D ; 49 1/2 H
Wood
Vintage Dutch Colonial Style Cabinet With Carved Wood Accents.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Dutch colonial cabinet opens from the top, front and back as shown. Every side is enhanced with Carved wood Floral detailing and lining. Carved wood legs. Hardware is original. ...
Wood
Set of Credenza and Nightstands by Luciano Frigerio
By Frigerio
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of credenza and nightstands by Luciano Frigerio.
Brass
Vintage Victorian Style Three Tired Graduated Shelf.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Shelf with Beautiful Turned Legs and Ornate Carvings on the Edge of Each Shelf. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 23 W ; 17 D ; 34 H
Wood
Italian 3 doors sideboard
Located in Brussel, BE
Italian 3 doors sideboard with elegant details. Inside, in the left part, 3 drawers.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Bookcase by Christian Hvidt, 1970s
By Soborg Mobler, Christian Hvidt
Located in PARIS, FR
Solid mahogany bookcase designed by Christian Hvidt and edited by Søborg Møbler in the 1970s. The design is sober and functional, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood, the pre...
Mahogany
Maison Jean Charles, Neoclassic Buffet in Lacquered Wood and Brass, circa 1970
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Maison Jean Charles, neoclassic buffet in lacquered wood and brass, circa 1970-1980 Opening with 2 doors and 4 drawers, good general condition, small scratches of use.
Brass
$4,080Sale Price|40% Off
Brown Laminate Cabinet Mario Sabot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brown laminate italian cabinet from the 1970's, located in NY.
Chrome
Vintage Modern Circular Étagère Display Shelf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Mid-Century Modern shelf unit includes smoked glass shelves in an x-style frame, ideal for shop or home display. Vintage display étagère...
Chrome
Oak Storage Cabinet by Guillerme et Chambron, circa 1970
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Guillerme et Chambron, cabinet in oak, Edition Votre Maison circa 1960/1970. Votre maison : a style, a concept, a mindset. The Votre Maison story begins in 1940 in Prussia, near t...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo Chest of Drawers or Commode, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian bamboo dresser with 7 drawers and glass top from 1970s.
Bamboo, Wicker
$4,400Sale Price|32% Off
Jorge Zalszupin Brazilian Cabinet
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful cabinet can be used as a side table as well. With a rich patchwork of Brazilian Rosewood by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.
Wood
Guillerme et Chambron, Oak shelf and Stool, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Guillerme et Chambron, oak stool and his shelf Edition Votre Maison circa 1970. Measures: Shelf : 36 x 56 x 30 cm. Votre maison : a style, a concept, a mindset. The Votre Maison...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Palm Wood Sideboard, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern palm wood sideboard, 1970s.
Palmwood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Romeo Rega Vitrine, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian Romeo Rega chrome and brass framed vitrine with smoked glasses. The inner part of the vetrine has a glass shelf.
Brass, Chrome
"Loico" Marble Bookcase by Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper White Carrara Marble 'Loico' Bookcase, originating from 1970s Italy, is a striking and iconic furniture piece. Crafted by the renowned Italian arch...
Carrara Marble
Milo Baughman Style Chrome and Glass Étagère
Located in Stamford, CT
A five-glass shelved chrome étagère in the style of Milo Baughman boasts clean linear lines.
Chrome
Italian Brass and Cork Marquetry Sideboard 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
The doors and side of this piece are decorated with cork marquetry, lending it a natural texture and look. Gleaming brass feet, handles and accents highlight the sideboard superb pr...
Brass
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Paul Frankl, USA, 1970, Six Drawers
By Paul Frankl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage refinished Paul Frankl 6 drawer dresser. Has been refinished and well kept. Great design and style with beautiful base and legs. Brass handles are well kept. Drawers slide ou...
Wood
$15,673Sale Price|28% Off
Loico Bookcase by Angelo Mangiarotti in White Carrara Marble, Italian Mid Modern
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare bookcase designed by Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper. Structure made of Carrara marble. The bookcase is part of the "Loico collection" for the Skipper factory Italy 1970s . Compo...
Carrara Marble
Jumbo Bookcase by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Jumbo Bookcase by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1970s
Leather, Wood
Bamboo Venturini Chest of Drawers, Hollywood Regency, 1970s
By Venturini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tropical modern bamboo chest of drawers designed by Italian architect Venturini from Florence. The high-quality piece is made out of 3 larger drawers and finished with Bamboo. This u...
Bamboo
$550 / item
Chrome Plated Clothes Hanger by Carl Aubock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stainless steel sculptural clothes hanger.
Stainless Steel
$3,094
Erik Buch dry bar
By Erik Buch
Located in Brussel, BE
Erik Buch dry bar with black leather top. The 2 upper sliding glasses are missing but that's not impacting the esthetic of the piece.
Metal
$6,589
Glass and Marble Shelf
Located in Brussels, BE
Glass and marble shelf.
Marble
$1,223Sale Price|20% Off
Occasional Furniture in walnut and Formica, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Occasional furniture in walnut and formica, circa 1970.
Formica, Walnut
Pr. Mid-Century Gilt Bronze 3-Drawer Side Cabinet/Commodes w/ Chinoiserie Decor
By Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
A Fabulous Pair of Mid-Century Gilt Bronze Three-Drawer Side Cabinets/Commodes with Chinoiserie Decoration. This pair of dressers is fashioned with three drawers for storage each. T...
Brass