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.
1958 Japanese Series KU10 Wardrobe by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured in 1958 by Pastoe (UMS) in the Netherlands, this KU10 wardrobe is part of Cees Braakman's celebrated Japanese Series. The two-compartment case is clad in teak veneer wit...
Metal
Large Italian Wardrobe in Teak with Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, teak, maple, brass, Italy, 1950s This exquisite large Italian wardrobe from the 1950s is a striking example of mid-century design. This piece is crafted in rich teak wood ...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Single Armoire Wardrobe by White and Newton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Single Armoire Wardrobe by White and Newton is a rare piece of furniture designed specifically for small places, offering great storage without c...
Teak
$39,500
Monumental Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Oak with Diamond Shaped Colored Panels (560cm/220in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large wall unit/shelve unit, oak, lacquer, Italy, 1950s It is rare to encounter a piece as striking and monumental as this Italian wall unit from the 1950s. With an impressive width...
Oak, Lacquer
Gio Ponti Three-Door Wardrobe by Dassi, Blond Walnut, Mid-Century
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Wood
Unique Osvaldo Borsani Highboard in Cherry with Romantic Painted Panels
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, wardrobe, cherry, paint, lacquered wood, brass, glass, Italy, circa 1950 A truly exceptional piece designed custom for a private cli...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Triple Armoire Wardrobe by G plan Danish Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Danish style triple door Armoire by G Plan from the Fresco range is designed by VB Wilkins. It offers ample storage with both hanging rail and shelving, providing funct...
Teak
Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Ico Parisi Style, Italy, 1950s
By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Modernist valet clothing stand for both ladies and gentlemen, dating from the 1950s, in the style of Ico & Luisa Parisi. Executed by Fratelli Reguitti, Italy. Crafted fr...
Wood, Beech
La Permanente Mobili Cantù Highboard in Maple
Located in Waalwijk, NL
La Permanente Mobili Cantù, wardrobe, maple, mirrored glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming armoire of Italian origin is beautifully crafted and manufactured by La permanente Mob...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Tambour Door Armoire Wardrobe By Austinsuite
By Austinsuite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the stunning Mid Century Modern Vintage Armoire Teak Wardrobe by Austinsuite, a timeless piece that will elevate any bedroom or living space. Crafted by the renowned Brit...
Teak
Paolo Buffa Large Highboard or Wardrobe in Cherry 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or large cabinet, cherry, brass, Italy, 1940s This rare wardrobe exudes subtle decorative charm and is the work of the talented Italian designer and architect ...
Brass
Phillip Lloyd Powell Large Cabinet in Walnut and Gold Leaf
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, large cabinet, walnut, gold leaf, painted wood, United States, circa 1965 Crafted by the skilled hands of Phillip Lloyd Powell, this highboard stands as a test...
Gold Leaf
Guillerme & Chambron Large Cabinet or Wardrobe in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or cabinet, solid oak, France, 1960s. This wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the well-designed constr...
Oak
Armoire vintage en bois de chêne des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Armoire vintage des années 60, en bois de chêne, pieds compas, beaux rangements : 2 portes coulissantes, 2 tiroirs avec poignées dorées, très bon état général avec quelques signes du...
Wood
Taichiro Nakai for La Permanente Mobili Wall Cabinet in Maple and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Taichiro Nakay (Nakai) for La Permanente Mobili, bookcase, coated steel, glass, brass, maple and mahogany, Italy, ca. 1955 Taichiro Nakai is an incredibly talented Japanese designe...
Metal, Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Carved Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wardrobe, oak, France, 1960s This grandiose armoire is a good example of excellent woodwork by virtue of the well-designed construction based...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Brass Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Paolo Buffa attributed cabinet, Italy, 1950s Elegant cabinet attributed to Paolo Buffa, crafted in richly figured walnut with brass details. The façade is defined by a striking geome...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Cabinet or Cupboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, cabinet or cupboard, solid oak, France, 1960s This cabinet is a strong example of thoughtful woodworking, where structure and surface are tre...
Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Wardrobe in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or wardrobe, oak, brass, France, 1960s This charming wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the graphical de...
Brass
Gio Ponti Italian Walnut Wardrobe with Horizontal Striped Veneer, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The wardrobe reads as a sequence of horizontal bands: the entire carcase, both front and sides, is veneered in walnut in a tight rhythm of lighter and darker stripes that runs withou...
Walnut
Lane Staccato Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Armoire Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Staccato Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 38 wide x 18.75 deep x 64 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Minor Scratches and Small Areas of ...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Butilux Armoire Wardrobe Danish Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Mid century wardrobe made by British furniture maker Butilux, this stunning example delivers plenty of storage space with a hanging rail as well as a shelf and mirror. Cr...
Teak
Tobago Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Armoire Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tobago Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 40 wide x 21.5 deep x 72.5 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Armoire has Wear and Scratches Throughout...
Walnut
Tall and Narrow Painted Wooden Armoire, circa 1950, Italy.
Located in Brussels, BE
Very tall and narrow cabinet or armoire, neo-classical style, circa 1950, Italy. Painted wood in a beautiful light blue-green color. 4 doors, 6 shelves. Dimensions: 230 cm H, 80 cm W...
Brass
Rare Oak Wardrobe by Italo Gamberini, Tuscany, Italy, 1940s
By Italo Gamberini, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant and exceptionally well-crafted wardrobe designed by Italo Gamberini and produced in Tuscany during the 1940s. This refined piece embodies the transition between Italian rat...
Brass
Mid Century Rattan and Bamboo Loundry Baskets, Italy 60s Pair
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century bamboo and rattan loundry baskets. Made in Italy in the 60s. Both in good condition with some signs of wear (all visible on photos). Price is for pair dimensions: h75cm,...
Bamboo, Rattan
Enrico & Paolo Borghi High Sideboard in Mahogany with Carved Doors
By Enrico e Paolo Borghi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Enrico & Paolo Borghi, sideboard, mahogany, Italy, 1950s Admirable high sideboard in mahogany with carved doors by Italian duo Enrico & Paolo Borghi, manufactured in the 1950s in Ca...
Mahogany
$1,346Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 60's wooden wardrobe cabinet design ZAM Milano Italy
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wooden wardrobe cabinet with a hanger holder and two shelves inside, design Z.A.M. Milano Italy, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: ...
Metal
Exquisite Italian Wardrobe with Mirrored Doors in Walnut Burl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large Italian wardrobe, walnut burl, glass, brass, mahogany, maple, Italy, 1950s This exclusive Italian wardrobe has a remarkable size; with its width of over 10ft, this cabinet off...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Cherry
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, cherry, walnut, mahogany, iron, Italy, 1958 This library unit is designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini an...
Iron
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Armoire Wardrobe by Austinsuite Danish Style
By Austinsuite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing this Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Tripple Armoire with Tambour Door by Austinsuite, a stunning addition to any mid century furniture collection. This British-made piec...
Teak
Italian Large Cabinet in Teak and Geometric Fronts
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe or highboard, teak, Italy, 1950s Beautiful cabinet originating from Italy. This spacious 1950s piece showcases timeless modernist elegance. The graphic front of this cabine...
Teak
Demountable French Blond Oak Wardrobe with Diamond Pattern Doors, France, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Demountable French Blond Oak Wardrobe with Diamond Pattern Doors, France, 1950s Product Description A beautifully proportioned French mid-century wardrobe crafted in blond oak and d...
Metal
$2,160Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Modern Lane 5 Drawer 2 door Walnut tall Wardrobe Chrome legs
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Mid-Century Modern Lane patchwork walnut and rosewood Wardrobe dresser Armoire circa 1970s well built. Has 2 center front cabinet doors with 2 Interior drawers behind them. Has ...
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Armoire Wardrobe by G Plan Kofod Larsen Bedroom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning wardrobe by renowned furniture maker G Plan as part of their Danish range, this Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Armoire Wardrobe was designed by Kofod Larsen and is one of...
Teak
Large Italian Mirrored Wardrobe in Walnut with Mirror Panels
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, walnut burl and veneer, mirrored glass, glass, brass, Italy, 1950s A beautiful and luxurious Italian wardrobe or very large cabinet. With its seven doors this wardrobe has...
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century danish modern teak 2 door wardrobe storage cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern teak 2 door wardrobe cabinet. Behind the doors are open shelves. (8) adjustable shelves total with pins. (4) on the left and (4) on the right side. Great fo...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Highboard in Mahogany and Alabaster
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, mahogany, maple, mirrored glass, brass, alabaster, glass, steel, Italy, 1960s With its six doors, this Italian armoire has an impressive presence. Two mirrored doors flank...
Alabaster, Brass, Steel
Exquisite Hammer-Blown Solid Brass Shoehorn, Handmade in Austria
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant shoe horn, meticulously crafted by hand using the traditional hammer-blown method. It takes approximately 2,000 hammer strikes to create its distinctive and s...
Brass
$9,400 / item
Italian Large Cabinets in Teak and Geometric Fronts
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobes or highboards, teak, Italy, 1950s Beautiful cabinets originating from Italy. These spacious 1950s pieces showcase timeless modernist elegance. The graphic fronts of these ...
Teak
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Large Cabinet or Wardrobe
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre maison, armoire, oak, France, 1960s This grandiose wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the graphical designed door panel...
Oak
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Armoire Wardrobe by White and Newton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a stunning armoire that perfectly captures the timeless elegance of Mid Century Modern design. Crafted from rich teak, its beautiful wood grain adds warmth and character, co...
Teak
Mid-Century Teak Armoire by McIntosh Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sleek mid-century armoire by A.H. McIntosh (1960s, Scotland), crafted in warm teak veneer. With minimalist lines, subtle Scandinavian-inspired details and a practical interior (han...
Brass
Orrefors Crystal Crown Bowl
By Orrefors
Located in Riverdale, NY
Orrefors Crystal Crown Bowl of heavy lead crystal from the 1970's. Perfect for candies or decoration. Signed Orrefors on base, likely designed by La...
Glass
Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Ico Parisi Style, Italy, 1950s
By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Modernist valet clothing stand for both ladies and gentlemen, dating from the 1950s, in the style of Ico & Luisa Parisi. Executed by Fratelli Reguitti. Crafted from beec...
Wood, Beech
Room '56 bedroom closet for Dico, 1950's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This refined wooden bedroom closet was designed for the former and renowned Dutch bed manufacturer DICO in the 1950's. It was part of the 'Kamer 56' (tr...
Metal
Lane Staccato Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Highboy Armoire Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Staccato Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Highboy Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 38 wide x 18.75 deep x 63.75 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Scratches and Areas of S...
Walnut
$12,775 / item
Oak Balboa Cabinet by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Balboa Tall Cabinet features two doors wrapped in a brass band which extrude out to become an elegant hand tooled brass pull. The case is available in American walnut or white oa...
Brass
Mid Century Wardrobe Armorie by American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid Century two door, wardrobe, armoire by American of Martinsville, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consi...
Wood
Armoire vintage en bois de chêne des années 50 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Armoire vintage des années 50 60, en bois de chêne, superbe design dans le style de René Gabriel ou de Roger Landault, pieds compas, beaux rangements : 2 portes avec 2 clés et poigné...
Wood
Beech wardrobe with roller shutters, glass shelves, interior light, Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A large wardrobe with roller shutters in beechwood, featuring glass shelves, coat hooks, and interior lighting. Italian craftsmanship, 1950s. Where do our dinner guests hang their c...
Brass
1970s Danish Midcentury Teak Corner Cabinet
Located in Elkton, MD
1970s Danish Corner storage cabinet with full interior shelving for display or bar use Teak veneer over case with solid teak framing Quarter-round form with four paneled doors Inter...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Armoire Wardrobe with Mirror by Austinsuite
By Austinsuite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning armoire made by renowned British furniture maker Austinsuite, this Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Wardrobe with Mirror offers great storage space while showcasing timeles...
Teak
Midcentury Wall Hook "Lion" by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "lion". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-R-14-A c. 1857–58 Low Cupboard
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Authentic PJ-R-14-A Storage Unit or Low Cupboard, c. 1957–58 by Pierre Jeanneret. Designed for the Secretariat (1958) and various administrative buildings. It has four doors equipped...
Metal
Midcentury Wall Hook "Rabbit" by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
rare brass ebonized wall hook "rabbit". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
$370 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Dog" by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "dog". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
$2,100 / item
PAir Milo Baughman Burl Olive Armoire's
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair Cabinets attributed to Milo Baughman,, Dramatic, tall Burl Olive wood ,, book match veneer,, Two doors with shelves interior,, 3 drawers, ****NOTE***Priced per unit Han...
Walnut, Burl
Willy Van Der Meeren cabinet / wardrobe for Tubax. Belgium c1952
By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax
Located in London, GB
Two Willy Van Der Meeren cabinets or wardrobes. Belgium c1952
Metal
$370 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Bear" by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare brass ebonized wall hook "bear". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass