Mid-Century American Modern Iron Shelving Unit / Etagere by Freda Diamond
By Freda Diamond, Baumritter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versatile, modernist shelving unit designed by MOMA Good Design winner, Freda Diamond, for Baumritter, (ca. 1954, USA). Composed of a wrought iron frame supporting four steel inset m...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Rectangle Coffee Table by Freda Diamond Mesh Shelf Wire Legs
By Mathieu Matégot, Arbuck, Pacific Iron
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Rectangle Coffee Table by Freda Diamond Mesh Shelf Wire Legs
Wrought Iron
1950's Vintage Libbey Bar Glasses, Curio Line Designed by Freda Diamond
By Libbey Glass Co.
Located in Downingtown, PA
Horsepower of History: Libbey’s 'Curio' Barware by Freda Diamond (1950s) This charming, twenty-three-piece Vintage Libbey Bar Glass Set is part of the iconic Curio Line, designed by...
Glass
Weinberg / Mategot styled Mid Century Metal Etagere by Freda Diamond
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This very well constructed sturdy Mid Century piece designed by Freda Diamond in 1954 and stated by Life magazine as having done more that any other designed in furnishing American h...
Steel
Midcentury Wrought Iron Étagère with Wood Ball Feet and Finials
By Tony Paul
Located in Hanover, MA
This came out of the post-war modern craze for steel and wire frame decorative furniture and objects, such as those for Woodlin Hall by Tony Paul, Archie Kaplan, Sol Bloom, Andree Fe...
Wrought Iron
1950s Pacific Iron Works Style Iron and Glass Side Table
By Pacific Iron, Milo Baughman, Frank & Son, Arbuck, Freda Diamond
Located in New Windsor, NY
Iron frame and glass top table reminiscent of Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron Works. Featuring two glass tops with a nice flared leg frame. A nice accent table that can go just about ...
Iron
1950s Iron Room Dividers Shelves by Freda Diamond
By Freda Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron room dividers or shelves by Freda Diamond (1905-1998). Solid square iron with expanded metal shelves and a single laminate over wood section.
Iron
1950s Iron Tripod Guitar Pick Stool
By Freda Diamond, Frank & Son, Paul McCobb, Tony Paul
Located in New Windsor, NY
Iron tripod stool with guitar pick shaped seat. A wonderful 1950s accent piece. Graceful and refined design. Good overall condition with period fabric upholstery. Structurally sound ...
Iron
1950s Iron Spindle Fan Back Side Chairs, A Pair
By Freda Diamond, Modernmasters Inc., Paul McCobb, Clifford Pascoe
Located in New Windsor, NY
A very nice pair of spindle fan back side chairs. These are dining chair height and can also be used as a nice accent chair anywhere. Circa 1950-60. The iron chair base is reminiscen...
Iron
Minimalist Shelving by Freda Diamond, 1954
By Baumritter, Freda Diamond
Located in South Charleston, WV
Exceptionally multifunctional shelving unit by Freda Diamond that can be used as a room divider, etagere or bookcase for dining, living or even patio use with outdoor furniture.
Wrought Iron
Freestanding Squared Iron, Mesh, and Laminate Shelf by Freda Diamond
By Freda Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Designed by renown designer Freda Diamond, also is reminiscent of Weinberg, or Umanoff.
Metal
Sold
H 21.5 in W 29 in D 15.5 in
Classic Mid-Century Modern Iron and Laminate Shelf / Lamp by Freda Diamond
By Freda Diamond, Baumritter
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern iron and laminate shelf / lamp by Freda Diamond for Baumritter, circa 1955 reminiscent of Classic design by Frederick Weinberg, great display piece, retain...
Iron
1950s Folding Iron Magazine/Book Stand
By Frederic Weinberg, Freda Diamond, Mathieu Matégot
Located in New Windsor, NY
A great display item for your books, magazines or any media. Three iron and mesh shelves that can fold up flat for transport, circa 1950-1960. Shelf depth is 2.5". Good condition. ...
Iron
Modern Furnishings For The Home (1st edition)
By Charles Eames
Located in New York, NY
Showcases work by both iconic and lesser-known American designers including Franco Albini, William Armbruster, Benjamin Baldwin, Milo Baughman, Alexander Calder, Serge Chermanyeff, N...
Paper
Black Metal Bar Cart by Freda Diamond
By Freda Diamond
Located in Cambridge, MA
An iron bar cart or drinks trolley by American Industrial designer Freda Diamond, circa 1950s. Featuring a circular black frame with two metal mesh shelves all supported by four rubb...
Metal, Iron
Sold
H 54 in W 14 in D 29 in
Mid Century Bookshelf Display Cabinet and Lamp by Frederick Weinberg in Iron
By Freda Diamond, Frederic Weinberg, Paul McCobb
Located in Framingham, MA
Frederick Weinberg display shelving integrating a lamp using iron, parchment and Formica. All original. Seldom seen original tabletop with reversible Formica; bright white on one sid...
Iron
$495
H 15.5 in W 23.5 in D 23.5 in
Modernist Mid-Century Black Wire Frame Coffee Table with Square Glass Top, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern square coffee table with glass top and black powder coated bent tubular metal frame. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use. Shown...
Wire
French Designer, Coffee Table, Metal, Marble, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A red-lacquered metal and marble coffee table designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on metal frame. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Marble, Metal
$1,150
H 15 in W 36 in D 18 in
Classic Mid-Century Modern Wicker and Iron Cocktail Table by Danny Ho Fong
By Danny Ho Fong
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern wicker and iron cocktail table by Danny Ho Fong.
Iron
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Birch & Black Iron Bench / Coffee Table
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Light Wood Slat Bench / Table with Black Frame, Circa 1970's. Featuring an open rectangular form with Birch slats atop a geometric black enameled Iron framewo...
Iron
Mid-century Italian Bookcase Or Shelving Unit, 1960's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A unique 1960’s bookcase or shelving unit. Italian designer manufacturing, consisting out of a brass structure with wooden shelves. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinate...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Iron Base Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Iron Base Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 15 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Top Surface has Heavy Wear ...
Iron
Mid-Century Bertoia Slat Bench by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful slat bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll measures 72 inches wide, and is a wonderful piece from one of their most popular 1950's designers. Please confirm item locat...
Metal
$1,850
H 14.625 in W 39.625 in D 20 in
Artimeta Rectangle Coffee Table with Inset Stone Top and Black Enameled Frame
By Artimeta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch 1960s Artimeta rectangle coffee table or side table with thin black enameled metal frame and inset black stone top. In original condition with visible wear including chipping a...
Stone, Metal
$1,900
H 71.5 in W 36 in D 14 in
1970's Mid Century Milo Baughman Chrome Flatbar & Glass Etagere Wall Unit
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic asymmetrical design by Milo Baughman. This etagere features chrome framing with clear glass shelves. Very good well cared condition.
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Etagere by John Mascheroni
By John Mascheroni
Located in Wilton, CT
Simple and elegant 1960’s display shelf in a chunky tubular chrome frame. Designed by John Mascheroni, this stunning etagere has five glass shelves, including top and bottom. There a...
Chrome
Vintage Metal and Glass Etagere Shelves - Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Showcasing graceful Hollywood Regency lines and Chinoiserie elegance, this handsome pair of vintage open-back étagère display shelves features faux-bamboo metal framework with a rich...
Metal
Set of Six Mid Century Atomic Double Old Fashioned Glasses
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of Six Mid Century Atomic Double Old Fashioned Glasses. Decorated in 22k gold with a starburst design
Gold
Chrome mid-century modern etagere by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Chrome mid-century modern etagere by Milo Baughman in very nice original condition with white glass shelves.
Chrome
Michael Taylor Coffee Table by Baker Furniture, Mid-Century Design
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'New World' square coffee table with an ebonized wood frame, a walnut top, and a caned bottom stretcher shelf. (MICHAEL TAYLOR FOR BAKER FURNITURE COMPANY)
Wood, Ebony, Walnut
Metal X Shape Base Six Tier Shelves Etagere
By Maison Jansen
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Custom made 6 tier Mid-Century Modern style etagere shelving unit.
Steel
Large Mid Century Modern Multi Tear Level Shelf Wall Unit Etagere
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern shelf wall unit.
Chrome
$3,000 / set
H 35.44 in W 15.36 in D 20.48 in
Gigi Sabadin “Pala” Dining Chairs for Emme, 1973, Set of 2
By Gigi Sabadin
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gigi Sabadin “Pala” dining chairs for Emme, wood, Italy, 1973, set of two Designed in 1973 by Italian architect and designer Gigi Sabadin, the “Pala” chairs embody the radical exper...
Wood
$2,500 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$990 / item
H 18.5 in Dm 17.7 in
IDE Travertine Stone Side Table, 17.7Ø"x18.5"H - Accent, End Table, Coffee Table
Located in St Petersburg, US
IDE Table: a stunning piece that embodies the natural elegance of travertine stone. This table is crafted with precision and attention to detail, making it a unique addition to any ...
Travertine, Stone
$6,500 / set
H 29.73 in W 20.28 in D 17.72 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" Chairs for Molteni, Cognac Leather, 1974, Set of 2
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" dining chairs for Molteni, cognac leather and beech, Italy, 1974, set of two. The particular feature of this model is the support structure composed o...
Leather, Beech
$3,750
H 43.25 in W 50.25 in D 14.75 in L 43.25 in
USM Haller Custom White and Glass Bookshelf Cabinet Mid Century Modern
By Usm Haller
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Custom Bookcase, made by USM Haller, Swiss, circa 1990s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with four glass shelves on the right side, and a storage compartment or ...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
Paolo Buffa, Walnut Mid-Century Daybed, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare and very elegant wooden daybed Varnished walnut and fabric Model created circa 1940 H 58 × L 205 × W 95 cm Paolo Buffa was an Italian furniture des...
Velvet, Walnut
Teardrop Pendant, by JDP Interiors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pearl pendant features hand blown frosted glass in a teardrop shade with an unlacquered brass metal finish. Our take on a pearl earring. DIMENSIONS: 42.5" H x 10" W. Glass shad...
Brass
Terra 2 Wall Light
By Marz Designs
Located in BYRON BAY, NSW
The Terra 2 Wall Light features two slip-cast lamp holders with unique brass, brushed black or white satin detailing. A duo of ceramic cylinders stack together to form a bi-direction...
Brass
$650 / item
H 32.09 in W 15.75 in D 16.15 in
Green "Coffee Bean" Dining Chairs by Pierre Gautier Delaye, France, 1965
By Pierre Gautier-Delaye
Located in Antwerp, BE
These “Coffee Bean” chairs by French designer Pierre Gautier Delaye, circa 1965, are crafted in stained beechwood and now finished in a fresh green paint. Their organic split seat de...
Wood
$1,146
H 16.93 in W 70.08 in D 20.48 in
TV Stand/ Side Table by Italo900 with a Wooden Top and a Steel Frame, Italy 2010
By Italo900
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
It features a satined steel pedestal and an ebonized beech top. Limited edition. It is in perfect original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. Measures: width 178 cm ...
Steel
$27,520 / set
H 29.53 in W 63.78 in D 63.78 in
Art Deco Dining Room Set by Mercier Freres, France, 1920s
By Mercier Freres
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and stunning Art Deco dining-room set by Mercier Freres, dating from the 1920s, comprising a large, square, extendable table, eight chairs, a sideboard with top display cabinet,...
Japanese Bench
By AFM
Located in Highland, IN
This striking bench has a combination of wood slats and woven jute seats. Manufactured by AFM Quality Furniture in Japan it has a hand-hewn quality and the understated design reminds...
Jute, Wood
$3,750 / set
H 34.5 in W 23.5 in D 28.5 in
Mid Century Ebonized Slipper Chairs in the Style of Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These Mid Century Ebonized Slipper Chairs are crafted in the iconic style of Robsjohn-Gibbings. The ebonized finish adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Its slee...
Wood
Cini Boeri for Arflex 'Tuttoletto' Queen Bed in Oak
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cini Boeri for Arflex, 'Tuttoletto' queen bed, oak veneer, Italy, 1978 Exceptional piece of furniture designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex in 1978. This monumental bedroom unit present...
Oak
$6,900
H 38.98 in W 79.14 in D 16.54 in
19th Century Large Catalan Spanish Baroque Carved Oak Tuscan Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid oak, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing three drawers over three doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut...
Iron
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.