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.
Mid-Century Modern Petite Disc Cabinet by Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Mid-Century Modern petite disc cabinet by Michael Van Beuren, made in mahogany plywood and brass details, includes VB original l...
Mahogany
$1,500Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Traditional style Dry Bar Storage Cabinet by Lane Furniture Company
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Vintage Traditional style Dry Bar Storage Cabinet by Lane Furniture Company. Doors open to reveal bottle/ glass and supply storage. Very good condition. Miami Beach estate pur...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Brass Bookcase Etagere by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in North York, ON
An iconic piece of mid-century modern design, this walnut and brass bookcase étagère by Paul McCobb was crafted in the USA circa 1970’s. The sleek brass frame provides a refined arch...
Brass
Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Thomasville, "Huntley" Collection USA, 1977 Walnut, with original brass hardw...
Brass
$2,802Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage italian chromed bar cart for drinks with wheels, 1970's space age object
Located in Milano, IT
Offered is a very rare and extremely well preserved bar cart made in chromed metal and smoky glass 1970's. Great accessory for any living room and to carry your drinks around the s...
Brass
Brazilian Rosewood 8-Drawer Dresser Sideboard by Westnofa Sweden
Located in Stamford, CT
Scandinavian Modernism represents a body of work that has had a tremendous impact on the furniture industry. Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian designers and manufacturers placed great i...
Rosewood
$467Sale Price / item|20% Off
Marcello Siard Bar Trolley Model GAME for LONGATO in plexiglass
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the charm of 1970s Italian design with this extraordinary bar cart, designed by Marcello Siard for LONGATO. Made of ivory-colored plastic, this trolley is a perfect example ...
Iron
Leonard Eisen for Pulaski Wall Mounted Bar Cabinet
By Pulaski Furniture Corporation
Located in Hanover, MA
Designed by Leonard Eisen in 1971 for Pulaski Furniture as part of his Contour 70's collection we have repurposed an original sculptural door panel with its organic modernist design ...
Maple, Walnut
Ivory Lacquer Sideboard in burl wood by Jean Claude Dresse, 1970s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
High quality luxurious sideboard by Jean Claude Dresse in the 1970s. Jean Claude Dresse is a highly appreciated Belgian artist and designer. This glamorous statement piece was made...
Brass
$4,560Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller "Action Office" Rolltop Desk Exec.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Basel, BS
Very Rare and highly collectible original vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller rolltop "Action Desk". These early productions of these Herman Miller products hold more value than the more modern productions. This desk is beautiful from all angles. It is a brutalist, post modern, collectible work of art. Measures: Height: 34 inches Width: 54 inches Depth: 30 inches. Note: We do have the Herman Miller Aluminum Group desk chair...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Vivai del Sud Sideboard in Bamboo, Italy, 1970s
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vivai del Sud Sideboard with Diamond Marquetry Doors, Bamboo, Italy, 1970s This sideboard by Vivai del Sud stages bamboo not as a rustic material but as a graphic system: chevron-cu...
Wood
Vintage Stained Satinwood Nine-Drawer Dresser with Brass Pulls by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious Hendredon nine-drawer chest of drawers/dresser (ca. 1970s, USA). Composed of a richly stained satinwood chest featuring seven long and two short drawers with interlocking b...
Brass
Grande bibliothèque modulable de 6 parties avec 30 étagères vintage en pin
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Très grande bibliothèque étagère modulable des années 70 80, grande dimension et superbe design, composée de 6 parties comprenant 30 étagères. Très bon état général avec signes d’usa...
Pine
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
American Mid-Century Modern, Chrome, Glass, Etageres, United States, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
American Mid-Century Modern, Chrome, Glass, Etageres, Shelving Units, United States, 1970s Pair of American modern etageres or shelving units designed and produced in the United Sta...
Chrome
$4,800
Pace Wall Mount Console
By Janet Schweitzer, Pace Collection
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1970s. A chic floating cabinet by Janet Schweitzer for The Pace Collection. Most likely from the “Obra” line, this versatile piece features dramatically grained Macassar ebo...
Macassar, Lacquer
$9,459Sale Price|25% Off
norman sideboard series sideboard designed by Luciano Frigerio of Desio 1970s
Located in taranto, IT
splendid and rare sideboard , Produzione Frigerio Di Desio, design Luciano Frigerio, model "Norman," with finely ad artistically crafted front, composed of four doors with five drawe...
Wood
Guido Faleschini TUCROMA Swivel Dressing Cabinet for i4Mariani – 1971
By i4 Mariani, Hermès, Guido Faleschini
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
This ia a 1970s original piece and a real statement of design – a functional icon. Introducing the Tucroma 360º swivel dressing cabinet: a refined piece of furniture rooted in the vi...
Chrome
Vintage Oak Bar Cabinet by Guillerme Et Chambron with Tile Top
Located in New York, NY
Vintage solid oak credenza by the incredible French design duo Guillerme Et Chambron with ceramic top and pull out door/desktop. 2 sliding door with carved geometric patterns. Sculpt...
Ceramic, Oak
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
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Almelo, NL
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, 1970s Elegant, bold, and timeless—this rare Sequoia Burl Display Cabinet, designed by Willy Rizzo for Ma...
Burl
$3,700 / item
Janet Schweitzer "Orba" Shelving Units by Pace
By Janet Schweitzer, Pace Collection
Located in Highland, IN
Janet Schweitzer's "Orba" system produced by Pace is an innovative and elegant design. Combining aluminum uprights, glass shelves, and a cabinet clad in rich burled wood, these two s...
Aluminum
Kent Coffey Perspecta Triple Dresser Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern long dresser by Kent Coffey. Minimalist Danish Modern inspired profile. A handsome example of American craftsmanship. Stunning walnut dresser with rosewood accents...
Rosewood, Walnut
A Pair Of Brass Clad Bedside Cabinets By Sarreid LTD
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A pair of brass clad two drawer bedside or small commodes by Sarreid ltd Spain. Riveted top and edges, stood on four feet, with decorative handles. In their original condition, with ...
Brass
Vintage Cabinets by Guido Faleschini for Hermes, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare vintage cabinets designed by Guido Faleschini for Hermès. The cabinet offers plenty of storage space for coat hangers and has the characteristic leather and a metal ring handle...
Aluminum
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Harvey Probber long Rosewood 9 drawer dresser credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A gorgeous Mid Century Harvey Probber rosewood 9 drawer dresser or credenza with ebonized trim and carved handles. The dresser has lots of storage with nine drawers. Very clean insid...
Brass
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
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 34 deep x 28 high, with a chair clearance of 26.75 inches The return measures: 41 inches deep The combined de...
Walnut
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Chest of Drawers, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency chest of drawers By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Furniture USA, 1970s Acid etched brass, with black lacquered trim, and original...
Brass
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Sliding Door Credenza / Sideboard.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Credenza or Sideboard featuring a clean, minimalist case design and warm teak veneer exterior. The cabinet sits on tapered round legs and is fitted ...
Wood
$1,567Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Cardin White Veneer and Chrome Highboy Dresser for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Pierre Cardin
Located in Miami, FL
Highboy or tall dresser designed by Pierre Cardin and manufactured by Dillingham, France. Made of wood with white lacquered veneer outer shell and chrome accents, the doors open reve...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Four Position Rosewood Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
A classic design by Florence Knoll, the 'four position' credenza is an elegant cabinet appointed with many refined details. Supported by a polished chrome steel base, the case is ven...
Marble, Steel
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
Rosewood palissandre credenza c1970’s 9 drawers intercontinental
Located in Montréal, CA
An exceptional 1970s low dresser by Intercontinental Furniture, expertly crafted in richly figured rosewood veneer. The striking continuous grain across the ninth drawers fronts is b...
Metal, Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Brass Etagere
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Modern Brass Etagere in the style of Milo Baughman. Nice dome shaped top with 5 glass shelves. Perfect for displaying your...
Brass
$1,656Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Dresser
Located in Pasadena, TX
This unique American walnut dresser features stunning vintage craftsmanship, evident in it's simple yet elegant details. From rounded corner tapered legs to sculpted cabinet front, t...
Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Birdseye Maple and Brass Bedside Chests, Pair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern three-drawer nightstands or bachelor chests By Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin USA, 1970s Stunning birdseye maple, with brass plinth ba...
Brass
Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Cityscape Credenza, Directional, Signed, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
This credenza is absolutely stunning! Paul Evans Cityscape line is a furniture collection that was designed by American sculptor and furniture designer Paul Evans in the 1970s. The Cityscape line is characterized by its geometric forms, mixed materials, and bold, textured finishes. Paul Evans was renowned for his innovative use of metals and his mastery of the sculpting and welding techniques required to create these types of unique designs. He combined different materials like burl and chrome-- in this piece to create stunning pieces of furniture that were functional works of art. Paul Evans Cityscape line pieces are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike, and are considered iconic examples of Mid-Century Modern furniture design. Paul Evans (1931-1987) was an American artist, sculptor, and furniture designer who is best known for his unique and highly sought-after modern and Brutalist furniture designs from the mid-20th century. Born in Pennsylvania, Evans began his career as a metalworker, first studying at the School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, New York and later at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. He then went on to work for several different furniture manufacturers before eventually founding his own studio in the mid-1950s. Throughout his career, Evans was known for his innovative use of metals and his mastery of sculpting and welding techniques. He created furniture that was both functional and artistic, with a strong emphasis on texture and surface treatments. His signature designs often featured geometric forms, mixed materials, and bold finishes, and were highly influential in the development of Mid-Century Modern design. Evans' work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His furniture is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts, and remains an important part of the Mid-Century Modern design movement. This credenza would look incredible in any Mid-Century Modern, modern or contemporary environment. We currently have this credenza paired with a Milo Baughman burl dining table. When this piece is in the room, it steals the show. We had this piece featured in our booth at Round Top with a Rafael Raffel...
Chrome
Henredon Style Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign Walnut Bookcase
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign bookcase with drop front secretary desk In the manner of Henredon USA, Circa 1970s Burled walnut, with original brass acce...
Brass
Komfort Mid Century Danish Teak 12 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Komfort
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Komfort Mid Century Danish Teak 12 Drawer Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 71.75 wide x 18.75 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Teak
$2,429Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury French Hollywood Regency Chrome Brass Étagère Display Glass Shelf
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Mid-Century Hollywood Regency display glass shelf was made in France in the 1970s. It is made in high quality. The étagère wi...
Brass, Chrome
Hollywood Regency Bar in the style of Willy Rizzo Black Suede Brass Chrome 1970s
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage 1970s Willy Rizzo (Style) Cocktail Bar. The barstools are exactly the same as the only documented and most common offered model by Willy Rizzo so this one most likely is also...
Brass, Chrome
SOLD 10/10/23 Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut Curved Buffet and Hutch
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut Curved Buffet and Hutch The buffet measures: 64 wide x 19 deep x 24.75 inches high The hutch measures: 60 wide x 12.5 deep x 49 inches high Th...
Glass, Walnut
1970s Kartell Beylerian Componibili Modular Cabinet, Anna Castelli, Red, Signed
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Beylerian LTD
Located in New York, NY
1970s Kartell Beylerian Componibili Modular Cabinet, Anna Castelli, Red, Signed. 1970s modular cabinet designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell as part of the company’s pioneer...
Plastic
Sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 2 black sliding doors, each containing height-adjustable shelves and one door that can be locked designed by George Nelson. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPI...
Metal
Dal Vera - Armoire - Bamboo - Rattan - 1970 - Italy - French Rivera
By Vittorio Bonacina, Dal Vera, Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A study in disciplined warmth, this Italian wardrobe by Dal Vera reveals a language of measured proportion and tactile serenity. Crafted in the 1960s, its architecture embodies the m...
Brass
Set of 3 Etagere Bookcases in Metal and Fume Glass, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Modular, modular and freestanding modern Italian bookcase with chromed metal frame and smoked tempered glass dating from the 1970s. Modelli simili sono stati prodotti da vari design...
Metal
$1,950Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door. Has 3 white lacquered drawers behind cabinet door. Has black lacquered accents on front in between drawers. The credenz...
Walnut
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi 'Sapporo' Sideboard in Walnut Italy c1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi 'Sapporo' Sideboard in Walnut. Italian modernist design. Modular grid with alternating open and closed storage. Sourced in Milan, Italy. Dimensions: 98...
Walnut
SOLD 03/08/24 Lane Staccato Mid Century Walnut Brutalist Armoire Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Staccato Mid Century Walnut Brutalist Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 38 wide x 19.25 deep x 64 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Walnut
Enfilade Maison Regain vintage en orme massif des années 70
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Enfilade basse vintage des années 70, Maison Regain, très beau design de Maison Regain dans le goût de Pierre Chapo, en orme massif (même l’intérieur), avec insertion d’un magnifique...
Elm
Midcentury Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Wood Leather Storage Chest of Drawers
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two italian midcentury modern design tall chests of drawers and storage units from the Artona series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Maxalto. Made of lamin...
Leather, Walnut
Vintage Henredon Italian Style Black High Chest
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Henredon Italian Style Black High Chest. Featuring a straight line design, six drawers for storage, original brass hardware, and beautiful black refinis...
Brass
$11,386 / set
Mid-Century Modern Bar, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bar, Italy, 1970s Front part : 177 x 51,5 x 101 cm Back part : 180,5 x 24,5 x 195 cm
Metal
Florence Knoll Sideboard, Black Lacquer, Oak Interior, 1970s Design
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare and desirable sideboard designed by Florence Knoll, produced in the 1970s. Distinguished by its elegant proportions and refined material palette, this piece exemplifies the en...
Wood
Mid-Century Bar Counter, Teak Wood, Metal, Travertine, Italy, circa 1970
Located in Regensburg, DE
Stunning mid-century bar counter in teak wood, metal, and travertine, from Italy, circa 1970. * Curved, tapered diamond shape design. * Teak wood veneer and lacquered finish. * Chrom...
Travertine, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Peter Lovig Mid Century Danish Teak Flip Top Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Lovig Mid Century Danish Teak Flip Top Desk This desk measures: 63.75 wide x 28.75 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches W...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s 1 stool
Metal
Raymond Loewy DF 2000 Mid Century Jewelry Chest
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Raymond Loewy for Doubinsky Freres jewelry chest circa mid 1970’s. This all original example has lipstick red molded plastic drawer fronts, rosewood trim and opens at the top and bot...
Plastic, Rosewood
$5,595 / set
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk This desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches The depth including the return is 78 inches We take...
Metal