Hard to find pair of brushed aluminum wall sconces, we cleaned them and rewired them, multidirectional shade, the arm moves from side to side, great for indoors or outdoors. with bl...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

1950s American Mid-Century Atomic Age Pair of Aluminum Wall Sconces

$778 / set

Mid Century Modern J. T. Kalmar Franken KG Atomic 7 Chrome Table Lamp

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Lafayette, IN

shape of an atomic molecule and features 7 individual sockets/bulbs. This is a fantastic Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern J. T. Kalmar Franken KG Atomic 7 Chrome Table Lamp

$2,274 Sale Price

35% Off

Mid-Century Fred Press Highball Glasses in Black with Gold Atomic Fish

By Fred Press

Located in Nantucket, MA

stylized vertical fish in the atomic style on the exterior.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Fred Press Highball Glasses in Black with Gold Atomic Fish

$625 / set

50s Atomic Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Smith UK Teak Bentwood Mantel Clock

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Smith United Kingdom Teak Bentwood Footed Desk Mantle Clock

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

50s Atomic Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Smith UK Teak Bentwood Mantel Clock

$525

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Rug in Beige Brown Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

Hand knotted in a unique blend of wool and silk, this 6 x 8 rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk, Yarn

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Rug in Beige Brown Atomic Age Pattern

$4,300

Set of Four Huge Rare Mid Century Chandeliers Sputnik, Atomic, 1960s

By Stilnovo

Located in Praha, CZ

- very representative - extremely rare type - adjustable height - possible to use different light bulbs.

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Huge Rare Mid Century Chandeliers Sputnik, Atomic, 1960s

$28,422 Sale Price

20% Off

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Decor

By Clay Michie

Located in Peoria, AZ

Palm Springs atomic ranch, NY penthouse or West Palm Beach estate! Magnificent Mid Century Lighting

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Decor

$5,500

Mid-Century Modern Glass Ashtray Set in Caddy- Atomic Starburst Pattern

Located in Northport, MI

mid-century bar or tabletop accessory.

Category

Late 20th Century Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Glass Ashtray Set in Caddy- Atomic Starburst Pattern

$120

Mid-Century Modern Atomic Space Age Chrome Glass Marble Side End Lamp Table

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, Mid-Century Modern, Atomic Space Age, chrome side

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Atomic Space Age Chrome Glass Marble Side End Lamp Table

$2,389

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Light

By Clay Michie

Located in Peoria, AZ

: Approximately 17" Tall Base: 8" Shade Diameter: 11" Here is the large, iconic, mid century award winning desk

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Knoll Clay Michie Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Atomic MCM Light

$3,900

Vintage Mid-Century Atomic Wire Mesh Black Table Top Book Shelf

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredibly clean and modernist lines define this unique table top book shelf. This simple piece carries strong lines that manifest its era and carry onto your style.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid-Century Atomic Wire Mesh Black Table Top Book Shelf

$260 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid Century Modern Atomic Winged Art Glass Vase Barbini Murano Italy Blue Grey

By Barbini

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Fantastic and futuristic mid century modern atomic age art glass vase handcrafted on the venetian

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Smoked Glass

Mid Century Modern Atomic Winged Art Glass Vase Barbini Murano Italy Blue Grey

$1,750

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Rug in Beige Brown Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

Hand knotted in a unique blend of wool and silk, this 6 x 8 rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk, Yarn

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Rug in Beige Brown Atomic Age Pattern

$3,440

Mid-Century Modern Samuel Marx Style Large Atomic 15-Arm Brass Chandelier

By Samuel Marx

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Stunning and glamorous to the max 1950s Mid-Century Modern Atomic Chandelier in the style of Samuel

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Samuel Marx Style Large Atomic 15-Arm Brass Chandelier

$16,400

1950s Atomic Wire Mesh Trash Can Wastebasket Vintage Mid-Century Architect Era

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Hyattsville, MD

its strength. These attributes made it a favorite among 20th century builders, and the Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Metal

1950s Atomic Wire Mesh Trash Can Wastebasket Vintage Mid-Century Architect Era

$556 Sale Price

20% Off

1960 s Atomic Age Mid Century Modern Futuristic 3 Light Table Lamp

Located in Opa Locka, FL

Beautiful and Unusual 1960's Atomic Age Mid Century Modern Futurist Ceramic Table Lamp. Shade

Category

Vintage 1960s American Futurist Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

1960 s Atomic Age Mid Century Modern Futuristic 3 Light Table Lamp

$1,032 Sale Price

20% Off

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs Set B

By Salterini

Located in Wilmington, DE

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Salterini Style Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs Set B

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs Set B

$995 / set

Rare Mid-Century Modern Atomic Pendant Lamp by Gebrüder Cosack Germany 1970s

By Gebrüder Cosack

Located in Munich, DE

Exceptional, elegant and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern four-flamed pendant lamp. Designed

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid-Century Modern Atomic Pendant Lamp by Gebrüder Cosack Germany 1970s

$2,309

Mid Century Modern Saucer Desk Lamp ... Space Age UFO Atomic Era Table Lamp

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in Chicago, IL

landing and UFO sightings. Very streamlined version of this iconic, mid-century shape with clean lines and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Saucer Desk Lamp ... Space Age UFO Atomic Era Table Lamp

$270 Sale Price

50% Off

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

A 4x12 rug from the Mid-Century Modern Collection by Rug & Kilim—a bold reimagining of 1950s styes

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

$3,200

Large 8 + Atomic Age Mid-Century Modern Style Unique Space Atom Wall Sculpture

By Kenny Scharf, Curtis Jeré

Located in St. Louis, MO

One of a kind Atomic Age large Mid-Century Modern style wall sculpture made of round black painted

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Iron

Large 8 + Atomic Age Mid-Century Modern Style Unique Space Atom Wall Sculpture

$6,500

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Single Iron Jack-Jax Bookend Doorstopper

By Design Line, Bill Curry Design Line

Located in San Diego, CA

Gold Leaf finish on this solid iron jack, which can be used as a bookend or door stopper, is circa 1950s original finish is nicely worn.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Single Iron Jack-Jax Bookend Doorstopper

$195

Mid Century Modern Space Age Atomic Era Chrome Brass Glass Side Table Floor Lamp

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Space Age Atomic Era Chrome Brass & Glass Side Table / Floor Lamp. Circa

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Space Age Atomic Era Chrome Brass Glass Side Table Floor Lamp

$695

Gio Ponti Murano Glass Canne Pitcher Vase Carafe Atomic Age Mid-Century Modern

By Gio Ponti, Venini

Located in Palm Beach, FL

a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern design and Italian craftsmanship. Created in the 1950s, this

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Gio Ponti Murano Glass Canne Pitcher Vase Carafe Atomic Age Mid-Century Modern

$1,125 Sale Price

25% Off

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

A 4x12 rug from the Mid-Century Modern Collection by Rug & Kilim—a bold reimagining of 1950s styes

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

$3,200

Mid Century Modern Atomic Eyeball Table Lamps by Sijaj Hrastnik, 70s, Pair

Located in Lucija, SI

Very retro red pair of Mid Century Eyeball Table Lamps were made by Sijaj Hrastnik Yugoslavia in

Category

Vintage 1970s Slovenian Space Age Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Atomic Eyeball Table Lamps by Sijaj Hrastnik, 70s, Pair

$698 / set

Mid-Century Modern Handmade Turkish Room Size Rug in the Style of Atomic Art

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Turkish Anatolian room size rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Very much in the

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century Modern Handmade Turkish Room Size Rug in the Style of Atomic Art

$7,625

Atomic Pendant - DelightFull

Located in Rio Tinto, PT

A modern design interpretation of the atomic age,inspired by the composition of the atom. Building

Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Atomic Pendant - DelightFull

$5,070

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

A 4x12 rug from the Mid-Century Modern Collection by Rug & Kilim—a bold reimagining of 1950s styes

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Rug Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Art Rug, Green, Blue Atomic Age Pattern

$3,200

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Rare Boomerang Snack Server Trays

By Don S. Shoemaker

Located in San Diego, CA

Nice set of 4 snack serving bowls in the style of Don Shoemaker. Solid palm wood versatile, and great for parties.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Palmwood

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Rare Boomerang Snack Server Trays

$191 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Vintage Mid Century Post Atomic Age Table Lamp in the style of Gerald Thurston

By Gerald Thurston

Located in San Diego, CA

, Glam, Mid-Century, Minimalist, Brutalist, Boho, Modernist, Coastal, Modern, Scandinavian, Eclectic.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Post Atomic Age Table Lamp in the style of Gerald Thurston

$232 Sale Price

20% Off

1950 s Rare Etagere in Iron Glass Mid Century Atomic by Thinline California

By Thinline, Tony Paul

Located in San Diego, CA

a very rare petite etagere circa 1950's made by Thinline of Santa Ana , California design solid iron in a brown patinated finish , we left the original finish but looks like it was ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

1950 s Rare Etagere in Iron Glass Mid Century Atomic by Thinline California

$875

Mid-Century Austrian Space Age Atomic 12 HL Pendant Lamp from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Color: Silver Styles: Mid-Century Modern Period: 1960s Brand: Kalmar Country of Origin: Austria Item

Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Austrian Space Age Atomic 12 HL Pendant Lamp from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s

$8,205

Atomic Age Lucite String Red Acrylic Pendant

Located in Astoria, NY

Atomic Age Style Lucite String and Red Acrylic Pendant Lamp. 25" H x 12" Diameter. Provenance: From

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Atomic Age Lucite String Red Acrylic Pendant

$850 Sale Price

39% Off

Atomic Teak Bureau

Located in Puslinch, ON

Condition: Pre-Restored Dimensions: 37.5” L x 18.5” D x 53.75” H (29.5” Desk Height) Description: A vintage teak desk/bureau with drawers. Freshly imported from Denmark. Turn-arou...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Atomic Teak Bureau

$2,495

Mid-Century Modern German Space Age Brass Atomic Ceiling Wall Lamp from Cosack

By Dorothee Becker

Located in Hamburg, DE

Rare Space Age Atomic ceiling or wall lamps by Cosack based on a design by Dorothee Becker from the

Category

20th Century German Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern German Space Age Brass Atomic Ceiling Wall Lamp from Cosack

$2,931 / item

Mid Century Tiki Atomic Age Kidney Shape Monkey Pod Wood Catch It All Bowl

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful shape and condition on this freeform snack Catch it all bowl, circa 1960's hand crafted in the Philipines.

Category

20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Tiki Atomic Age Kidney Shape Monkey Pod Wood Catch It All Bowl

$225

Atomic Age Boomerang Dresser

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern nine drawer dresser in walnut wood grain and brass accent hardware. Beautifully

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Atomic Age Boomerang Dresser

$2,200

1960s Atomic wooden science sculpture

Located in London, Lambeth

Scientific model used for educartional purposes in science classes to represent molecules or Atomic

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Beech

1960s Atomic wooden science sculpture

$1,365

1950s Belgium Atomic lamp

Located in London, Lambeth

Beautiful small table lamp in an Atomic style in brass with a small chain switch all original

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1950s Belgium Atomic lamp

$614

Atomic Era Cocktail Table

By Edward Ihnatowicz

Located in Hanover, MA

American atomic-era cocktail table of black enameled and gilt iron with inset glass top and

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Atomic Era Cocktail Table

$2,250

Atomic Wall Ligh - Delightfull

Located in Rio Tinto, PT

Atomic Wall Lamp by Delightfull is a mid-century modern lighting design inspired by the atomic

Category

2010s Portuguese Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Steel

Atomic Wall Ligh - Delightfull

$2,680

Atomic Teak Bureau/Desk

Located in Puslinch, ON

Condition: Pre-Restored Dimensions: 37.5” L x 18.5” D x 53.75” H (29.5” Desk Height) Description: A vintage teak desk/bureau with drawers. Freshly imported from Denmark. Price inc...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Atomic Teak Bureau/Desk

$2,495

Atomic Age Belgian Pendant

Located in San Francisco, CA

Mid-Century stylized atomic, enclosed glass, form pendant supported by lower glass dish with

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Atomic Age Belgian Pendant

$985 Sale Price

70% Off

Cantilever table lamp, brass, atomic age

By Gerald Thurston

Located in San Francisco, US

Step back into the Atomic Age with this striking Mid-Century Modern brass cantilever table lamp

Category

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Cantilever table lamp, brass, atomic age

$1,100

Atomic Age Boomerang End Tables

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern bedside tables with beautifully sculpted base and matching boomerang handles

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Atomic Age Boomerang End Tables

$1,700 / set

Atomic Age Ashtray on Foot

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this rare Atomic age ashtray on foot made of steel and brass accents, circa 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Steel

Atomic Age Ashtray on Foot

$900

Rare Atomic Age Magazine Rack

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this Rare Atomic Age Magazine Rack made in cedar wood and brass details, recently restored

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Rare Atomic Age Magazine Rack

$1,500

An Unusual Atomic Ebonised Standard Lamp

Located in London, GB

A mid-twentieth century atomic style standard lamp with a crystal ball mounted at the top, on a

Category

Mid-20th Century French Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

An Unusual Atomic Ebonised Standard Lamp

$3,714 Sale Price

20% Off

1950s Atomic Ceiling Mounted Light

By Gill Glass Fixture Co

Located in Hanover, MA

midcentury molecular/atomic form. Takes a single Edison screw bulb up to 100 watts. Mounts to standard

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

1950s Atomic Ceiling Mounted Light

$396 Sale Price

20% Off

Atomic Pendant Lamp in cased glass

By Prescolite

Located in South Charleston, WV

A perfect shape. Subliminal lines and proportions from the atomic age. Designed to be seen

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Art Glass

Atomic Pendant Lamp in cased glass

$945

Atomic Chnadelier by Robert Haussmann

By Robert and Trix Haussmann

Located in Vienna, AT

, resembling an atomic core. Silver-colored aluminium, white plastic connections, original filament bulbs

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Chnadelier by Robert Haussmann

$5,900

Chrome Orb Atomic Age Starlite Candle Holders, Pair, Midcentury Modern

Located in Chicago, IL

Fun Pair of Chrome Orb-shaped Atomic Age Candle Holders from the Mid-20th Century. Super shiny and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Chrome

Chrome Orb Atomic Age Starlite Candle Holders, Pair, Midcentury Modern

$220 Sale Price / set

35% Off

Atomic Brass Chandelier, Switzerland, 1960s

Located in Aachen, NRW

Atomic brass chandelier with nine-glass globes. The globes are hand blown and fitted with a

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Atomic Brass Chandelier, Switzerland, 1960s

$2,309

Atomic Swedish Modern Table Lamp

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Sweden Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Metal Measurements: 14.5? tall Condition: In excellent original condition.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Atomic Swedish Modern Table Lamp

$870

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Atomic Midcentury Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of atomic midcentury furniture available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of atomic midcentury furniture — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a choice in our collection of atomic midcentury furniture, we have 755 options in-stock, while there are 9 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of atomic midcentury furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one option in this array of atomic midcentury furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Temde Leuchten, Kaiser Leuchten and Max Bill produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Atomic Midcentury Furniture?

A piece of atomic midcentury furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,248, while the lowest priced sells for $102 and the highest can go for as much as $65,500.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.

A Basket-Weave Pattern Adds Country Charm to Paolo Buffa’s Elegant Cabinet

With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.

This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet

The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.

End Your Quest for Fire with This Handmade Majolica Chimney

Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.

Who Were Guillerme et Chambron? French Veterans of WWII with a Knack for Clever, Quirky and Livable Furniture

Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.

39 Incredible Swimming Pools

It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem

Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.