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.
Bill Curry design for Design Line California Pedestal Lamp
By Design Line, Bill Curry & Design Line
Located in New York, NY
Cool tall pedestal lamp designed by Bill Curry for Design Line circa 1960's. The lamp has a rectangular green body, on a black plinth base, with origina...
Glass, Wood
Small Italian Florentine Gilt Wood Blue Gold Display Pedestal Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming Florentine stand from the 1960’s. Functionally this stand can be used to display a small treasure. The colors are blue and golds. These Italian pieces make a wonderful ...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Square Mid-Century Modern Lucite Pedestal Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Square Mid-Century Modern Lucite Pedestal Table Pedestal is sold without the glass top illustrated Pedestal is sold with a square glass top.
Glass, Lucite
Pair of 10" Square Italian Mid Century Modern Travertine Pedestals Stands MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 10" Square Italian Mid Century Modern Travertine Pedestals Stands MINT! Dimensions: -Large Pedestal: 10in x 10in x 32in -Small Pedestal: 10in x 10in x 27in
Travertine
French Midcentury Turned Beech Pedestal or Plant Holder Dudouyt Style, c. 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
This plant holder or sellette is from the French midcentury period. It has been made in the Dudouyt Style. Massive beech The crack along the column is not structural and is part of t...
Beech
Mario Ceroli La Rosa dei Venti Table in Pinewood with Inlays by Poltronova 1970s
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Round table model La Rosa dei Venti, part of the Mobili nella Valle series, it's entirely realized in pinewood, with inlays on table-top, it was designed by Mario Ceroli and produced by Poltronova in the 1970s. The beautiful inlays on the table top represent a compass rose, it's a figure that can be found on a compass, map, nautical chart, or also a monument used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west) and their intermediate points. Rosa dei Venti is a masterpiece of Ceroli and it's very precious to the artist to its intrinsic meaning, directly connected with the cardinal points and our planet. Behind the homage to this element lurks the desire of Ceroli to reconcile the majesty of the wood with the limitless of the sea. Manufacturer's brand marked with fire on the table structure. Literature: Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000", Allemandi, 2011, p. 214. Mario Ceroli (1938) is one of the most influential artists of the Italian post-war period. Ceroli graduated from 'Accademia delle Belle Arti' in Rome, where he studied with Leoncillo, Fazzini and Colla. In the early stages of Ceroli's career he concentrated on ceramics and in 1958, he exhibited these works at the Premium Spoleto. In the same year Ceroli held his first solo exhibition at Galeria San Sebastinello of Rome. During 1959 he began to experiment with new materials, particularly with raw wood, such as Russian pinewood. He used these materials to create silhouetted shapes in his furniture and objects that related simplistically to the surrounding space. Ceroli relates back to the traditional medieval craftsmen, focusing on an overall and overwhelming attraction that holds a dialogue with the spectator. Between 1967-1968, Ceroli took part in exhibitions related to the "Arte de Povera" group. He had also been involved as screenplay director collaborating with "II Teatro Stabile" in Turin and with "La Scala" In Milan. Characteristically Ceroli's designs are dramatic and sculptural, with exaggerated forms and bold lines and often paying tribute to historical artworks. One of Ceroli's major works was his 'Mobili nella Valle' series, inspired directly by De Chirico's 1927 painting...
Pine
$1,800 / item
Vintage Brunswick Bowling Aluminum Bistro Tables
By Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company 1
Located in Hanover, MA
We have a total of three of these 29 inch high 36 inch round pedestal refreshment tables from the now defunct Bowl-O-Mat in Beverly, Massachusetts produced by Brusnwick Corporation i...
Aluminum, Steel
Turned Solid Oak Pedestal in Line of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
A turned solid Oak Pedestal in line of Charles Dudouyt. France, 1950s. Perfect for a Plant, Vase or other purpose.
Oak
$2,000Sale Price|31% Off
1947 Charles and Ray Eames IT-1 Incidental Folding Side Kids Table Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Museum quality early example. Retains rare paper label.
Steel
Set of 3 Pedestals and Console Table by Jacques Grange, France, 1973
Located in PARIS, FR
⸻ Set of 3 Pedestals and Console Table by Jacques Grange, France, 1973 Elegant architectural ensemble composed of three pedestals and one console table, designed by Jacques Grange...
Brass
Pair of Midcentury Made, Dismantable Solid Oak End Tables of Excellent Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, stylish and highly practical pair of midcentury tables. These beautifully designed and smartly handcrafted end tables or small pedestals could not be in better condition. We t...
Oak
Large French Turned Oak Pedestal, France, 1940s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Beautiful carved wooden pedestal/side table, made in France, 1940s, dark stained wood. This piece is sleek and modern. The pedestal has a lovely patina, adding to its charm, and is in very good condition. It would be perfect for creatively filling any corner. It's big enough to be noticeable but slender enough to fit in any room. It's ideal for showcasing an art sculpture or hanging plant. This piece combines brutalism with sculpturalism and would be perfect for any contemporary, minimalist, wabi-sabi, Axel Vervoordt, or Vincent Van Duysen style interior. In the manner of Charles Dudouyt, sourced in the south of France. Check out our Daddy Deco...
Wood, Oak
Mid-Century Modernist Matte Black Laminate Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modernist matte black laminate pedestal is a striking piece that reflects the clean, minimalist aesthetics characteristic of the mid-20th century. Crafted in America...
Laminate
Alanda Square Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alanda; Paolo Piva; 1980s; Italy; B&B Italia; coffee table; Modern Design; Late 19th century; Glass; Steel; Carlo Scarpa; Alanda coffee table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. one of I...
Steel
Vintage Danish Teak Tripod Side Table, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Tripod Side Table, 1950s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern three legged pedestal table in solid teak. Made in Denmark in the 1950s and most likely originally desi...
Teak
Pair of 1980s Burlwood Cylindrical Pedestals with Black Lacquer Tops
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of 1980s Italian, cylindrical pedestals featuring richly figured burl wood veneers and black lacquered trim tops. These beautiful pedestals feature an organic symmetry of burl...
Burl, Lacquer
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Tessellated Travertine Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
These sculptural pedestals from the 1980s showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of Mid-Century Modern design with a contemporary twist. Constructed from meticulously tessellated tr...
Travertine
Vintage Mid- Century Italian Hexagon Travertine Pedestal Pillar
Located in Elkton, MD
A striking hexagonal travertine pedestal from Italy. This piece features a geometric form with clean lines and showcases the natural beauty of travertine stone, including its charact...
Travertine
MidCentury Unique Flowerbed Pedestal, Ceramic Mosaic, Side Table, Germany, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The original wood and ceramic mosaic flower bed made in the 1970s. Nice and light form will decorate any interior. Very good vintage condition. Also can be a decoration in kids room.
Metal
Black Gloss Finished Rectangle Pedestal Table Sculpture Stand Column MidCentury
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern rectangle black gloss lacquered pedestal, table, sculpture stand or column. Made out of solid Wood and has some weight to it. Great to...
Wood, Lacquer
Midcentury Rattan Flowerbed Pedestal, Side Table, Germany, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The original rattan flower bed made in the 1970s. Nice and light form will decorate any interior. Very good vintage condition. Also can be a decoration in kids room.
Rattan
Mid-Century Modernist Matte Black Laminate Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modernist matte black laminate pedestal is a striking piece that reflects the clean, minimalist aesthetics characteristic of the mid-20th century. Crafted in America...
Laminate
Oversized Large Faceted Brass Pedestal Table Base by Mastercraft / Dining
By Tommi Parzinger, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Oversized Large Faceted Brass Pedestal Table Base attributed to Mastercraft. Some spots of wear to the brass. Please request additional deta...
Brass
Faux Onyx Plinth/ Table Pedestal
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Absolutely convincing in its bid to be taken as a real chunk of lustrous Onyx, Use as an end table or use as a sculpture or object display pedestal. Dimensions: 13.75” by 13.75” by...
Other
$2,021Sale Price|25% Off
Lucite 24 Karat Gold Plated Pedestal Display Stand Charles Hollis Jones Style
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one Of our Recent Palm Beach Estate fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Charles Hollis Jones Style lucite, Glass & 24 Karat Gold Plated Pedestal Display stand by Regency HOUSE...
Gold
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid Century Modern Mahogany Flare Form Sculpture Display Stands 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Pair of Mid Century Modern Mahogany Flare Form Sculpture Display Pedestals 20thC Measure - 51"h...
Mahogany
Lacquered Burl Wood Mid Century Modern Tall Lamp Table Stand Pedestal MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lacquered Burl Wood Mid Century Modern Tall Lamp Table Stand Pedestal MINT
Walnut, Burl
Tommaso Barbi Octagonal Table Pedestal in Burl Wood and Brass, Italy, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible octagonal pedestal table designed and signed by Tomasso Barbi, this fantastic piece was produced in Italy in the 1970s. This gorgeous column is fully made in briarwood...
Brass
Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Modern Pedestals by Drexel Heritage, Refinished
By Drexel, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern pedestals or plant stands In the manner of Milo Baughman By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Beautiful book-matched burled olive wood, with ...
Brass
$356Sale Price|25% Off
Small Scandinavian Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pedestal Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern cobalt blue Glazed Ceramic pedestal table.
Ceramic
Pair of Tessellated Marble Tapered Square Obelisk Shape Pedestals Stands MINT!
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Enrique Garcel, Maitland Smith
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Tessellated Marble Tapered Square Obelisk Shape Pedestals Stands MINT!
Marble
$1,677Sale Price|40% Off
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Trefoil Trifoliate Clover Pedestal Drum Table
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Mastercraft trefoil trifoliate clover shaped pedestal drum table base in original lacquered faux parchment finish with double band o...
Brass
Light Green Onyx Pedestal Table, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This display pedestal table is made from solid, light green onyx. It is finished with smooth, round edges. The veining of the stone ranges from mossy green tones, amber and golden hu...
Onyx
Tessellated Stone Brass Inlay Square Pedestal Stand End Table Black & Grey Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tessellated Stone Brass Inlay Square Pedestal Stand End Table Black & Grey MINT.
Marble, Brass
Pedestal in Chrome and Brass by Maison Jansen, France, 1970's
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pedestal in Chrome and Brass by Maison Jansen, France, 1970's Mid Century Pedestal in Chrome Glass and Brass by Maison Jansen. Three-legged tall pedestal table...
Chrome, Brass
$15,700 / item
Pedestal Extension Table in Walnut by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2014, this solid walnut extension dining table with pedestal base is beautifully versatile. The simplicity of...
Walnut
Pair of Vintage Italian Travertine Hexagonal Pedestals or End Tables or Console
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A unique pair of travertine marble pedestals, probably sold as a taller version of the popular hexagonal low tables, which have a nearly identical footprint. The carefully selected v...
Travertine
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Cabin Modern Martz Table Walnut + Chocolate Ceramic Tile Plant Stand MCM
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Harder to find, smaller Marshall Studios square tile side table, all original No chips to the ceramic tiles, and the glaze has held up very w...
Ceramic, Walnut
1960s Wooden Bench for Flower Pot, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- solid ash wood - good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood, Ash
Italian Travertine Side Table or Pedestal, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian pedestal or side table, handcrafted out of travertine. It is fabricated in the early 80's.
Travertine
Mathieu Mategot (Att) Center Pedestal Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron pedestal with a center post (for an umbrella) pierced top and an interesting movement to the legs. Three of these tables are available, sold as a single.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Polished & Rough Stone Tiles Cone Shape Non Matching Pair of Pedestals
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of polished & rough stone tiles cone shape non matching pair of pedestals small: 14 × 36 tall : 14 x 43.
Stone, Marble
Large 18" in Diameter 42" Tall Faux Green Marble Pedestal Stand Black Base MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Custom 18" in Diameter 42" Tall Hand Painted Faux Green Marble Pedestal Stand Black Base MINT!
Hardwood
Luigi Saccardo UFO Pedestal Table in Steel and Glass by Maison Jansen 1970s
By Maison Jansen, Luigi Saccardo
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Round pedestal dining table model UFO with a base in brushed steel and tabletop in thick glass with a black enamel decorative circle. Designed by Luigi Saccardo and manufactured by Maison Jansen in the 1970s. Maison Jansen was a Paris-based interior decoration office founded in 1880 by Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen. From its beginnings, Maison Jansen combined traditional furnishings with influences of new trends including Anglo-Japanese style, the Arts and Crafts movement, and Turkish style. The firm paid great attention to historical research with which it attempted to balance clients' desires for livable, usable, and often dramatic space. Within ten years the firm had become a major purchaser of European antiques, and by 1890 had established an antique gallery as a separate firm that acquired and sold antiques to Jansen's clients and its competitors as well. In the early 1920s Jean-Henri Jansen approached Stéphane Boudin, who was then working in the textile trimming business owned by his father and brought him on board. Accounts of the arrangement vary. Speculation existed that Boudin was able to provide financial solvency to the prominent but capital-poor atelier. Boudin's attention to detail, concern for historical accuracy, and ability to create dramatic and memorable spaces brought increasing new work to the firm. Boudin was made director and presided over an expansion of the firm's offices and income. Not originally equipped with its own workrooms for producing furniture the firm began by relying upon antiques and the furniture contracted to outside cabinetmakers. By the early 1890s Maison Jansen had established its own manufacturing capacity producing furniture of contemporary design, as well as reproductions, primarily in the Louis XIV, Louis XVI, Directoire, and Empire styles. Throughout the firm's history, it employed a traditional style drawing upon European design, but influence of contemporary trends including the Vienna Secession, Modernism, and Art Deco has also appeared in Jansen interiors and in much of the custom furniture the firm produced between 1920 and 1950. Under Boudin's leadership, Maison Jansen provided services to the royal families of Belgium, Iran, and Serbia; Elsie de Wolfe, and Lady Olive Baillie's Leeds Castle...
Steel, Iron
American Clear Tubular Lucite Pedestal Faceted Platform & Base Sculpture Stand
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern transparent pedestal, columns, sculpture stand in Lucite. Tubular middle part & square faceted top and base makes this pedestal so interesting. Stunner done and u...
Lucite
Block Pedestal, Black Limed Oak & High Gloss Black Lacquer wood top with Brass
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Block Pedestal, Limed Oak and Brass Details, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The Block Pedestal is a strong masculine piece composed of clean lines and allowing a variety of finis...
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite & Black Acrylic Lighted Pedestal Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite & Black Acrylic Lighted Pedestal Stand. I...
Acrylic, Lucite
$4,685 / set
Set of two Black Pedestals in Belgium Hard-stone
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Beautiful set of 2 very large pedestals in black Belgium marble. They can be used inside or outside the house. They are made of beautiful and massive marble. Please take notice of ...
Belgian Black Marble
Illuminating Faux Travertine Pedestal
Located in Chicago, IL
Illuminating Faux Travertine Pedestal Polished resin pedestal with faux travertine finish, topped with a frosted lucite surface. Fitted with a plug-in cord and on/off switch. Provide...
Resin, Lucite
Classic Mid-Century Modernist, Regency Bamboo Dining Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modernist, Hollywood Regency dining table by McGuire of San Francisco. Beautiful bundle of wheat form constructed of bamboo, age appropriate wear. Top measures 25...
Bamboo
Reversed Obelisk Shape Tapered Square Marble Veneer Tiles Pedestal MINT!
By Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Reversed Obelisk Shape Tapered Square Marble Veneer Tiles Pedestal MINT!
Marble
Chrome Patchwork Pedestal in the Manner of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Highland, IN
With its patchwork of chrome plates, this pedestal has a similar quality to Paul Evans' "Cityscape" designs for Directional.
Steel
Neal Small Cityscape Light Pedestal Table Stand for Kovacs / Paul Evans Sonneman
By Neal Small, George Kovacs, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Neal Small Tall Illuminated Light Pedestal Table Stand for Kovacs. In the style of Paul Evans Cityscape Line. Nice to use for sculpture or Glass/Ceramic Arts corners of the removab...
Metal
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Ray Eames Time Life Walnut Apple Core Stool Table Chess Plant Stand Rustic
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Patinated 1970s production Herman Miller stool in its original finish. 4 matching stools were acquired at the same time from a Grosse Pointe Michigan Estate. This one is often re...
Walnut
Square Light Pink Marble Pedestal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern square light pink salmon color marble pedestal stand.
Marble
$640Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Grasscloth Pedestals in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in Trenton, NJ
These vintage grasscloth pedestals showcase a dramatic flared hourglass shape reminiscent of iconic Karl Springer forms. With their crisp geometry and sculptural curves, they serve a...
Metal
Bamboo and Rattan Table in the Style of Louis Sognot, 1950s France
By Louis Sognot
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
An elegant example of French Mid-Century Modern design, this bamboo and rattan harness table, designed by Louis Sogniot, embodies the refined craftsmanship and organic aesthetic that...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Turning Top Lighted Electrified Tessellated Marble Round Pedestal Stand MINT!
By Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Turning Top Lighted Electrified Tessellated Marble Round Pedestal Stand MINT!
Marble
Round Black & White Marble Top Wrought Iron Pedestal Stand Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative wrought iron marble top pedestal stand. Marble top diameter is 11".
Marble, Wrought Iron
Beige Large Petrified Wood Organic Stomp Shape Stand End Side Table Pedestal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beige to Black Petrified Wood Organic Stomp Shape Stand End Side Table Pedestal
Petrified Wood