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.
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Percival Lafer Earth Lounge Chair Ottoman Leather Suede Mid Century Modern 1970
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Authentic Signed Percival Lafer "Earth" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed and manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil. A celebrated example of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design, the set...
Metal
Danish Fritz Hansen Model 1490 Channel Back Lounge Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish large-scale club or lounge chair model 1490 by Fritz Hansen. Similar to famed model 1518 but with a straighter front which provides for a very cool look. Strong statem...
Beech, Wool
Hans Könecke for Tecta Pair of 'Sling' Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather and Steel
By Hans Könecke
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Könecke for Tecta, pair of 'Sling' lounge chairs, model 'D99', lacquered steel, steel, leather, Germany, 1960s This pair of 'D99' lounge chairs was designed by Hans Könecke fo...
Steel
Isa Bergamo Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Isa Bergamo, lounge chairs, metal, fabric, Italy, 1950s These 1950s Italian lounge chairs by isa Bergamo are characterized by their sculptural curved form and elegant mid-century pr...
Metal
Pair of Yellow Velvet Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti, Italy 1940's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of sculptural lounge chairs designed by the legendary Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino. The chairs feature a striking wraparound corbeille silhouette...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Oakwood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Springs ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Fabric, Wood, Oak, Walnut
Pair of Elegant Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Striped Upholstery and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, striped fabric, beech, Europe, 1950s These elegant lounge chairs feature tall, gently curved backrests, rounded seats and gracefully shaped armrests. The soft...
Fabric, Beech
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak & Cognac Leather Lounge Chair for Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full Grain-Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bri...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
Theo Ruth for Artifort 1950s Wingback Lounge Chair in Lilac Velvet
Dutch Mid-Century lounge chair attributed to Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s. The broad high back rises into gently flared wings and carries a restrained grid of button tu...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Cane and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, walnut, cane, fabric, metal, Europe 1940s Charming 1940s lounge chair, its silhouette dominated by curves. The walnut frame with cane sweeps continuously from the bac...
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Elda' Swivel Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort Design Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of Italian designer Joe Colombo’s best-known designs. This particular b...
Leather, Fiberglass
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of 'Quartet' Lounge Chairs in Beige Suede
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, pair of 'Quartet' lounge chairs, model '932', suede, Italy, 1964 Known as the Quartet, this lounge chair was designed by Mario Bellini as a reinterpretati...
Suede
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Rosewood OX Lounge Chair, Sergio Rodrigues Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair designed in the style of Sergio Rodrigues's iconic OX chair, representing 1960s Brazilian Modernism at its most sculptural. The dark rosewood frame is built low to the g...
Rosewood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and yellow brown fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratche...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Lounge Chair with Wing-Shaped Ears and Curved Armrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, oak, fabric, brass, Europe, 1950s Charming 1950s lounge chair defined by its sweeping curves and embracing silhouette. The back rises gracefully before folding forwar...
Brass
Fritz Hansen, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Beech, Denmark, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and dark-stained beech lounge chair produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Mi...
Fabric, Beech
A Rare Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Chairs, Model “Florida” by Vatne
By Vatne Møbler
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful and rare pair of "Florida" chairs, produced by Vatne Møbler in Norway in the 50s. These chairs have been newly reupholstered in a soft, long pile mohair in a champagne co...
Mohair, Teak
Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Leather, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable walnut and brown leather lounge chair or chaise longue designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, USA, 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible w...
Leather, Walnut
Kerstin Hörlin Holmquist, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green fabric and wood lounge chairs designed by Kerstin Hörlin Holmquist and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s. Moderate wear to feet. Reupholstered in Zak + ...
Fabric, Wood
Eames Rosewood Down-Filled 670 Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eames 670 Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Rosewood has been refinished! Leather has been cleaned and waxed! This is an earlier model with down-filled cushions and round gromets...
Metal
Gorgeous Avocado Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Not a color you see often! A classic signed Eames lounge chair and ottoman with freshly dyed Avocado leather and cleaned wood and metal components. 3-4 week production time. Signed a...
Leather
Leather Le Corbusier LC3 Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Leather Le Corbusier LC3 Italy 1980s
Chrome
Original Lounge Chair with Ottoman designed by Ernst Schwadron from 1950s
By Rena Rosenthal, Ernst Schwadron
Located in Miami, FL
Original Lounge Chair with Ottoman designed by Ernst Schwadron from 1950s. Mahogany legs. Back and seat cushion are down filled. The set was completely restored and expertly recovere...
Fabric, Mahogany
Eames Lounge Chair 670 & Ottoman 671 in Rosewood, Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A fine vintage example of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, Model 670, accompanied by its matching Model 671 Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced for the Herman Mille...
Aluminum
Guillerme & Chambron, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, France, 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and cream fabric and leather lounge chair or slipper chair designed by Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and produced by Votre Maison, France, c. 1960. In vintage conditi...
Fabric, Oak
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of coated fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scrat...
Wood, Fabric
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Cognac Leather "Swan" Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: New Full-Grain Cognac Leather, Aluminum ______________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we t...
Aluminum
American Mid-Century Modern Pair of Barrel Swivel Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of swivel lounge chairs, steel, fabric, United States, 1950s These American lounge chairs feature a rounded barrel form, with a curved back flowing into the armrests. Button tu...
Steel
Pair of Original 1960s Floral Patterned Swedish Lounge Chairs by Ope Møbler
By OPE Möbler
Located in Berkeley, CA
A wonderfully original pair of 1960s Swedish wingback lounge chairs by OPE Møbler, retaining their factory-original floral cut velvet upholstery in a rich palette of amber, rust, oli...
Teak
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Petit Repos' lounge chairs, solid oak, wool, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furn...
Wool, Oak
Pair of Vintage 1950s French-Style Plush Ivory Lounge Chairs
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Vintage 1950s French-Style Plush Ivory Lounge Chairs.. Unmarked, no label present from the maker. Very comfortable. Dimensions: 28" H x 39" W x 29...
Fabric, Wood
Danish 1950 Low Back Easy Chair with Down Cushion
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish low back armchair from the 1940s. Solid and sturdy construction and very comfortable. A detail that makes this chair a little different from most other chairs ...
Wool, Beech
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Vinyl, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brown vinyl low lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light su...
Wood, Faux Leather
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a beautiful pair of “Sirocco” armchairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. Crafted with ash wood frames and upholst...
Leather, Ash
Jens Risom Model-654 Walnut & Woven Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Walnut, Original Cotton Webbing Designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll Studio, this Model 654LA lounge chair is a later produ...
Cotton, Walnut
$6,700 / set
Asymmetrical Scroll Arm Lounge Chairs
By Casa Bique
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in wool with leather piping.
Leather, Wool
Leather Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
By Le Corbusier
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Leather Le Corbusier LC2 Longue Chair Italy 1980s
Chrome
Scoop Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall, Model CW 705, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning pair of “Scoop” Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950s, Model CW 705. Exemplifying Pearsall’s iconic mid-century modern aesthetic, these sculpt...
Bouclé, Walnut
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Italy, 1950s
A walnut and blue fabric lounge chair, model 811, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Meda, Italy, c. 1956. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with a...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored - Hans J. Wegner "Papa Bear" Cognac Leather Chair w/ Ottoman
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by A.P. Stolen in Denmark during the 1950s, this iconic Papa Bear Chair and matching ottoman have undergone an extensive, museum-quality r...
Leather, Teak, Wood
Original 1950s Mid Century Modern Armchair by Ernest Race
By Ernest Race
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
A beautiful example of an original Ernest Race Heron Chair circa 1955. Designed by Ernest Race and Manufactured by Race Furniture. Owned by one famil...
Steel
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of moulded bamboo, rattan and red floral-printed fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Some distress to rattan. Wear consistent with age and use. Vi...
Fabric, Rattan, Bamboo
Fritz Hansen 1950s Wingback Chair Model 8023 in Teak Danish Midcentury
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic Danish midcentury wingback chair model 8023 designed by Fritz Hansen and first seen in Fritz Hansen's 1951 catalog. Very elegant design with a slim silhouette and a strong ...
Wool, Teak
George Mulhauser “Mrs. Chair” for Plycraft
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An elegant mid-century modern “Mrs. Chair” designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This sculptural lounge chair features a beautifully curved molded plywood shell with broad, swee...
Metal
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Wood
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Carved Oak With Wooden Wings
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Great Danish midcentury design, circa 1940s wingback chair in hand carved solid oak with exposed sides and brass tacks. Style of Henning Kjærnulf. Sturdy and strong construction of g...
Wool, Oak
Expertly Restored -Modern Reclining Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Oak Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Fagas Straps Dimensions: 31in H x 28in W x 29in D Seat Height 16.50in Ottoman: 15.50in H x 23.50in ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Oak, Walnut
Pair Easy Chairs by Knoll Antimott in Germany of Solid Ash Mid-century 1960s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of easy chairs by Knoll Antimott in Germany made in the 1950-60s period The chairs are made of solid ash with oil treatment and the loose cushions are upholstered with olive col...
Fabric, Ash
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Teak
Swivel base leather lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson for Dux, Sweden 1970s
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Brown Leather swivel Lounge Chair .Turn able . Design by Bruno Mathsson for Dux 1970s Sweden . molded plywood armrests . This Chair is well used ,and comes with users m...
Leather
Red Mid-Century 1401 Lounge Chairs by Wim Rietveld for Gispen
By Wim Rietveld, Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century '1401' lounge chairs designed by Wim Rietveld for Gispen of the Netherlands, priced individually. Each chair combines a black enameled tubular steel frame with angled spl...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lounge Chairs in Muted Moss Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, velvet, wood, Europe, 1950s These mid-century modern armchairs have a quiet confidence to them. Their form is simple, but not severe: the gently angled arms ...
Velvet, Wood
Frits Hansen Model 1628 Spindleback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sculptural and very beautiful 1940s Model 1628 open arm lounge chair with spindle back. Designed by Tyge Hvass for Fritz Hansen 1940's. Rare find. M...
Wool, Beech
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Grand Repos' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of 'Grand Repos' lounge chairs, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furnitur...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Safari Chair Brown, Wood, Leather Lounge Chair, 1960s, Scandinavia
By Arne Norell
Located in Andernach, DE
Fantastic original 1960s design, in a robust Scandinavian hunting or Safari chair style. Quite unusual and beautiful composition of high end materials & craftsmanship indeed. Rus...
Leather
Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise Longue in Cowhide for Cassina, 1970s
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic LC4 Chaise Longue designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, and produced by Cassina under exclusive worldwide license from the Fondation Le C...
Chrome
Razorblade Danish Brutalist Lounge Chair Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s Danish
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Henning Kjærnulf's lounge chair, known as the "Razorblade," epitomizes Danish Modern design from the 1960s. Crafted from dark oak with original upholstery by Nyrup Møbelfabrik, its u...
Oak
$6,350 / set
Italian lounge Chairs c1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Italian lounge chairs circa 1950s with solid wood legs and button-tufted upholstery.Flared backs and tapered legs define the chair's distinctive silhouette. Sourced in Italy....
Upholstery, Wood