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.
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 52 amber green petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 glasses, green colors, nickel metal structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, luster of these ...
Art Glass
Murano Glass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By AVMazzega, Gino Vistosi, Paolo Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in München, DE
Beautiful and large Murano glass wall or ceiling lamp. High-quality craftsmanship and fantastic Italian design. The textured glass creates a sparkling light. Manufacturer: Mazzega D...
Metal
Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 78 ALABASTER WHITE glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large albaster white glass tubes in a star shape. Per...
Alabaster
Fantastic pair of Murano glass tube wall sconces—13 green alabaster glass tubes
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The polished nickel frame supports 13 large green alabaster glass tubes arranged in a star sha...
Blown Glass
Murano Chandelier / ceiling light Original Palmette, two levels, 82 pink glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 82 Murano pink glasses, two levels, in a gold painted metal frame. The chandelier also has a Murano cle...
Art Glass
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine curvy cloud sofas for Directional, circa 1970's. These highly collectible and desirable sculptural modern designer sofas f...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Mid Century Modern Paper Lamp in the Style of Isamu Noguchi, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculptural paper pendant lamp shade in the style of Isamu Noguchi, produced by an unknown manufacturer during the 1990s. The shade features a softly rounded, organic silhouette form...
Paper
Large Murano glass Chandelier - 101 turquoise tube glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 101 large turquoise glass tubes which have a slightly textured effect...
Blown Glass
$880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Chrome 'Paperclip' Kinetics Stools
By Kinetics
Located in Toronto, ON
Very cool chrome stools made in the 1970s by Kinetics. Referred to as 'k700' stool, the tubular stool was originally designed by Philip Salmon ans Hugh Hamilton. This midcentury mode...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table for Meblo Slovenia 1970s
Glass, Wood
Aldo Tura Mid-Century Green Leatherette and Brass Umbrella Stand, Italy, 1970s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique Mid-Century umbrella stand in a lovely green-toned leatherette with brass details. This incredibly stylish piece is attributed to Aldo Tura and was produced in I...
Brass
Set of 4 Gastone Rinaldi Chairs for RIMA Design Italia, 1970s Mid-Century Modern
By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Palermo, IT
Iconic Sets of 4 Vintage folding chairs made of chrome-plated steel tubing from the 1970s, designed by the renowned Italian designer Gastone Rinaldi for the RIMA company. This model...
Metal, Chrome
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
Pair of articulated "Cocoon" wall lights, resin and pine, Italy, Circa 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of articulated "cocoon" wall lights, Italy, 1970s. Each sconce showcases masterful hand-applied resin threads over a metal frame, creating the iconic cocoon effect — a...
Pine, Resin
LT305 Lotus Lamp, Designed by Carlo Nason for AV Mazzega
Located in London, GB
Carlo Nason designed Lotus Lamp LT305 for AV Mazzega The iconic design “Lotus” Lamp LT305 by Carlo Nason and manufactured by AV Mazzega Crafted from hand-blown Murano glass, its la...
Metal
Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce - green triedri - Column model
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 green prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The wall lamps can be inst...
Art Glass
Rare Set of Three Italian Capiz Shell Wall Sconces, circa 1970s
Located in Hannover, DE
A striking and exceptionally rare set of three handcrafted wall sconces, most likely produced in Italy during the 1970s. Their elegant sculptural silhouette, combined with the natura...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
$904Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Cantilevered Chrome Chairs with Cushions
Located in Toronto, ON
A pair of chrome chairs with cream cushions. The chairs frame is cantilevered and well made. The cushions are a cream colored corduroy fabric. The cushions are removable and washable...
Aluminum, Chrome
Pair of XXL "Alien" Wall Sconces by Taller Uno, Spain, 1970s
By Pete Sans
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Rare oversized pair of 1970s "Alien" wall lights by Pete Sans for Taller Uno. Futuristic chrome-plated metal frames with sweeping, sinuous arms hold translucent glass shades. When li...
Chrome
De Sede DS600 'Nonstop' 30-Piece Sectional Sofa Set, Curry Nappa Leather
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15-piece De Sede DS600 sectional sofa. Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, and Heinz Ulrich for De Sede, the DS600 consists of individual modular units that zip together ...
Leather, Felt
Dennis & Leen for Formations Furniture Waterfall Cocktail Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Dennis & Leen for Formations Furniture Waterfall Cocktail Table.
Wood
Large Elpis Table Lamp by Harvey Guzzini for IGuzzini, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Designed in 1968, this is the largest version of the Elpis table lamp manufactured by Harvey Guzzini. The construction features a weighted, polished chrome base supporting a wide, mu...
Chrome
Crystal Prism Sputnik Chandeliers - 50 multicolored prisms
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Sputnik chandelier surrounding 50 multicolored crystal glass 'triedri' prisms radiating from a center black metal nucleus. Brass lamp holder. Period: late xx century Dimensions: 51,2...
Art Glass
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 'Toro' Sofa in Dark Forest Green Upholstery
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, 'Toro' sofa, model ‘P20B', fabric, metal, Italy, 1979 This sofa model 'P20B Toro' is designed by Luigi Caccio Dominioni in Milan and produced by ...
Metal
Wooden Box, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...
Wood
Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Italian Sputnik chandelier in brass plated metal frame, 51 rare transparent glass tips. Murano blown glass in a traditional way. 10 light points. Period: late xx century Dimensions: ...
Art Glass
German Midcentury Set of Four Murano Ice-Glass Wall Sconces by Hillebrand, 1970s
By Hillebrand, Egon Hillebrand
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning and beauty Set of Four Murano Ice-glass Wall Sconces by Hillebrand Leuchten. These fixtures were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Germany. Model 8527-211. Each ...
Metal
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
Adjustable Rattan Pendant Hanging Light, Italy, 1970
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Spiral-wrapped pencil reed pendant in diabolic shape, Italy 1970s, the stem can be extend by pulling out at 80-130 cm and with a rotating technique, the shade can be placed in ...
Bamboo
Celestia Ceiling Light by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1980/90s
Located in Milano, IT
More than a lighting fixture, the Celestia ceiling lamp is a sculptural presence that reflects Tobia Scarpa’s distinctive approach to design for Flos during the 1980s. Defined by its...
Metal
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France
Located in Vero Beach, FL
20th Century French Fauvist Painting of the Village de Ollioules, France Beautiful and vibrant landscape painting in oil on canvas of the Village de Ollioules la Provence, France. T...
Canvas, Wood
Kinetic Sculpture in Iron and Foam, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Originating from France and created around 1990 by an unknown artist, this captivating kinetic sculpture embodies the essence of motion and creativity. Constructed from a combination...
Metal
Rare Modernist Florian Schulz Brass Pendant Lamp Model Duan, Germany 1970s
Located in München, BY
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern ceiling lamp model “Duan” designed by Florian Schulz, Germany 1970s. Featuring polished brass frame and two circular round brass shades - lacquer...
Metal, Brass
1980s Christian Dior Style Silver Plated Shell Jewelry Box
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful jewelry box designed in Italy in the 1980s. Silver plated box depicting a shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will decorate your inte...
Metal, Silver Plate
Capiz Shell Wall or Flush Lamp
By Verner Panton, J.T. Kalmar, Ingo Maurer, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful floral shell wall or ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and high-quality workmanship. The design creates a fantastic play of light. Condition: Very good vint...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Large Brass and Murano Glass Wall Lamps, 1980s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of brass and Murano glass wall lamps, Italy, 1980s. These striking vintage sconces feature tall cylindrical glass elements with a warm amber tone and a finely textured Murano su...
Murano Glass
Colette Houtmann Pink Ceramic Table Lamp, Ruelland Style - France c.1980
By Colette Houtmann
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
A signed French studio ceramic table lamp by potter Colette Houtmann, circa 1980. It features a rounded globular shape with a beautiful glossy mottled red and pink glaze. This charm...
Ceramic, Stoneware
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, 1 Minor Chip Shown in Pic Materials: Italian Travertine Stone, Original Glass Top, 1 Minor Chip on Glass
Travertine
1970s Dutch Manou Bamboo Sofa by Mondileder, Gerard van den Berg Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured by Mondileder in the 1970s, this large three-seat sofa features a frame built from thick, dark-lacquered Manou bamboo, bent and stacked into horizontal rails that form t...
Leather, Lacquer, Rattan, Bamboo, Upholstery
Venetian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror, Handcrafted in Spain, Dated 1989
Located in Valencia, VC
Octagonal wall mirror with a brass-mounted frame combining iridescent and mirrored glass panels. The frame is composed of two borders: an outer border of iridescent mirrored glass in...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern Willy Rizzo Style Chrome and Glass Console Table, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern glass and polished chrome console table in the style of Willy Rizzo. This sleek modern console features geometric fretwork design with a removable clear inset gla...
Chrome
Pair of Sculptural Murano Glass Pendant Light, Hand Blown Glass & Brass In Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of sculptural Italian Murano glass pendant light featuring a hand-blown two-tone glass shade suspended from a decorative brass chain with matching brass canopy. The refined glas...
Brass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Cartier Playing Cards Box, Red Leather, Silk Lined, France
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Paper
De Sede DS-76 Style 5-Piece Natural Leather Modular Sectional
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five-piece modular sectional in natural tan leather, configured as two corner pieces and three straight sections arranged in an L-shape. Each module measures 36 inch wide by 37.5 inc...
Metal
Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...
Metal
Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Attributed Chrome & Dark Brown Leather Chairs, Cidue
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four cantilever armchairs attributed to Willy Rizzo, produced by Italian manufacturer Cidue. Each chair features a continuous thick tubular chrome frame that forms the cantile...
Chrome
Original John Saladino Modern Blown Glass Cylindrical Table Lamps, Pair
By John Saladino, Pyrex
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of original Model #999 table lamps designed by John Saladino, circa 1970's. These iconic lamps are constructed of heavy-walled, industrial-grade clear Pyrex glass. One lamp ha...
Chrome
Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green floral-printed fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric with staining, ideally reupho...
Fabric, Wood
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...
Plastic
Karl Springer Orb Brass Large And Small Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of late 1970's solid brass Orb small and large table lamps designed by Karl Springer, in vintage original condition, with some noticeable wear and patina to the brass du...
Brass
Pierre Vandel Coffee Table
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A large double level cocktail table in lucite and brass by Pierre Vandel.. This table is signed and with new glasses, as the old ones have been replaced . This table fits with any ...
Brass
Set of Six Mario Papperzini for Salterini, Iron Lattice Outdoor Armchairs
By Salterini, Mario Papperzini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional set of six wrought iron outdoor armchairs designed by Mario Papperzini for Salterini, among the most iconic names in American and Italian mid-century garden furniture....
Iron
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern woven wool 3 seat sofa on pine legs circa 1970 in the style of Hans Wegner. Manufacturer in Denmark with solid pine wood frame and legs with original cushi...
Upholstery, Pine
Midcentury Chandelier Wrought Iron and Hammered Glass by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
Mario Papperzini for Salterini Iron Patio Dining Set, 6 Chairs & Matching Table
By Mario Papperzini, Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and increasingly rare seven-piece wrought iron patio dining set designed by Mario Papperzini for Salterini, dating to the 1970s. Celebrated for its refined architectural l...
Wrought Iron
very beautiful mid century modern cocoon PENDANT LIGHT 1970s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Mannheim, DE
A beautiful pendant lamp from the 1970s. Unmarked, but likely manufactured by Goldkant-Leuchten Friedel Wauer. It features a large "Cocoon" shade made of synthetic material with a lo...
Plastic