What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?

Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

What is modern furniture design?

Modern furniture design is an overarching term for the new approach that designers began taking in the early 20th century. Many experts cite the Bauhaus movement as the start of the modern era. Its style was defined by the instructors and students at a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. In Bauhaus-style furniture, the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials. As the Bauhaus movement was emerging, so too was Art Deco. This iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked; they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture. After World War II, modern design continued with the mid-century modern movement. The style 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. Historians typically say that the modern approach to furniture design ended in the mid-1960s or early 1970s. Pieces made after that time may be called postmodern or contemporary. Shop a large collection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.

What is modern style furniture?

Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.

What is modern furniture made of?

Modern furniture is made of many different types of materials. Some modern furniture makers used natural materials like wood for frames and leather and linen for upholstery. Metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel and nickel, were also common, as were some plastics. Explore a diverse assortment of modern furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is Danish modern furniture?

Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?

The difference between modern furniture and old furniture is in the specificity of the term. Generally, pieces considered modern date from between the end of World War II in 1945 and the end of the 1970s. During this period, more furniture makers mass produced pieces, and designers increasingly used new materials, such as plywood and plastic. Old furniture is not a specific term. People frequently use the term old for anything that subjectively appears aged. Explore a large selection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.

What is mid century modern furniture?

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?

Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames , Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

What type of wood is used in Danish modern furniture?

The material typically used in Danish modern furniture is teak.

What material did Marcel Breuer introduce to modern furniture design?

Marcel Breuer introduced the material of tubular steel to modern furniture design. He employed it in many of his chairs, tables and sofas, prizing the material because it minimized the weight of pieces without sacrificing their strength. Shop a range of Marcel Breuer furniture on 1stDibs.

Iconic Modern Furniture

White Fiberglass Furniture

Crate Chair

Mid Century Atomic Table Lamp

Prototype Chair

Ball Chair By Eero Aarnio

Tomato Chair

Iconic Chandelier

Murano Frosted Chandelier

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass

Arne Jacobsen Iconic brass bowl for Stelton brassware Denmark 1960 s

$1,893 Sale Price

20% Off

Remarkable Set of 12 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Atlanta, GA

The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) Iconic modern cane

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Remarkable Set of 12 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950

$96,000 / set

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Vase Model. 3030, Deep Green, Iittala 1960s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

furniture and lighting for the numerous buildings that he designed worldwide. His work includes architecture

Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Vase Model. 3030, Deep Green, Iittala 1960s

$1,656

Vintage Porsche Signed and Number Lithograph Suite by the Iconic Erich Strenger

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

I'm excited to offer for sale a suite of 5 signed and numbered prints by Erich Strenger. Strenger was the man that put Porsche art on the map. Erich had a 30 plus year relationship w...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Porsche Signed and Number Lithograph Suite by the Iconic Erich Strenger

$11,950 / set

1970s Marcel Breuer Iconic S64 Chairs by Gordon International, a Set of 4

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Germantown, MD

1970s Marcel Breuer S64 Chairs by Gordon International made in Italy. Good vintage condition. Measures 23.6"W x 23.6"D x 31.5"H seat height is 17.7".

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1970s Marcel Breuer Iconic S64 Chairs by Gordon International, a Set of 4

$1,500 / set

Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Atlanta, GA

The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) Iconic modern cane

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950

$64,000 / set

Iconic Early “BULB” Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design-M, Germany 1966

By Design M, Ingo Maurer

Located in London, GB

pop culture. The success of Bulb — its fans included American design icon Charles Eames — led to the

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Iconic Early “BULB” Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design-M, Germany 1966

$1,637

Iconic Aldo Tura Brown Goatskin Bar Cabinet with Electric Lift Mirror Interior

By Aldo Tura

Located in Oirlo, LI

stunning piece of furniture but also a conversation starter, showcasing the legacy of Aldo Tura, who stood

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Goatskin, Smoked Glass, Wood

Iconic Aldo Tura Brown Goatskin Bar Cabinet with Electric Lift Mirror Interior

$53,254

Iconic Space Age Version Mr. Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft

By George Mulhauser, Plycraft

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Iconic space-age version of the Mr. Chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. This molded ply lounge

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Iconic Space Age Version Mr. Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft

$2,920 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Set of 6 iconic Göran Malmvall Dining Chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s

By Goran Malmvall

Located in Ystad, SE

Set of 6 Göran Malmwall Pine Dining Chairs, Sweden, 1940s A rare set of six iconic dining chairs

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of 6 iconic Göran Malmvall Dining Chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s

$5,301 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Iconic Vintage PH5 Chandelier for L. Poulsen of DK with Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

An Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage PH5 Chandelier for L. Poulsen of DK with Art Work

$408 Sale Price

57% Off

Set of 4 iconic Göran Malmvall dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s

By Goran Malmvall

Located in Ystad, SE

Set of 4 Göran Malmwall Pine Dining Chairs, Sweden, 1940s A distinctive set of four iconic dining

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of 4 iconic Göran Malmvall dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s

$3,548 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Iconic AT 16 coat rack designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1961.

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Rare and iconic AT 16 coat stand designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1961, first production. Aluminum supporting frame, stitched cowhide upholstery, beech wood inserts stained in v...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic AT 16 coat rack designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1961.

$8,284

Stellar Restored Pair of Iconic Brass Flame Lamps by Chapman, circa 1993

By Chapman Manufacturing Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

A fabulous restored pair of large-scale lamps from a difficult to find series produced by Chapman, circa 1993. The stunning twisted solid brass form evokes a flame, mounted atop a ch...

Category

1990s American Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Stellar Restored Pair of Iconic Brass Flame Lamps by Chapman, circa 1993

$7,950 / set

Iconic "Uchiwa" pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany 1970

By Ingo Maurer

Located in Vienna, AT

The Uchiwa pendant light, designed by Ingo Maurer for Design M, presents a captivating fusion of tradition and avant-garde, serving as an outstanding example of artistic exploration ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bamboo, Parchment Paper

Iconic "Uchiwa" pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany 1970

$35,529

Iconic 50s Ice Bucket by Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel - Vintage Italian Charm

By Ettore Sottsass, Rinnovel

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

Dive into the retro charm of the Fifties with this iconic Ettore Sottsass‘ 50s Ice Bucket produced

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic 50s Ice Bucket by Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel - Vintage Italian Charm

$591

Paavo Tynell Large Ceiling Lamp from the Iconic Aulanko Hotel, Taito 1938

By Paavo Tynell

Located in Helsinki, FI

One of the few lamps Paavo Tynell designed and made for the cigar room in the famous Aulanko Hotel. These lamps along with the Märta Blomstedt "Aulanko Chair" were designed for the h...

Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paavo Tynell Large Ceiling Lamp from the Iconic Aulanko Hotel, Taito 1938

$37,869

Modernist Cupboard by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax – Belgian Design Icon, 1950

By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax, Jean Prouvé

Located in Dronten, NL

to functionality, affordability, and architectural clarity. Created for use in modern social housing

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Steel

Modernist Cupboard by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax – Belgian Design Icon, 1950

$3,050

Paavo Tynell Sizable Ceiling Lamp from the Iconic Aulanko Hotel, Taito 1938

By Paavo Tynell

Located in Helsinki, FI

One of the few lamps Paavo Tynell designed and made for the cigar room in the famous Aulanko Hotel. These lamps along with the Märta Blomstedt "Aulanko Chair" were designed for the h...

Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paavo Tynell Sizable Ceiling Lamp from the Iconic Aulanko Hotel, Taito 1938

$44,970

An Iconic MODERNIST "Ariete 1401" ASHTRAY by ICO PARISI, STILDOMUS, Italy, 1960

By Ico Parisi

Located in PARIS, FR

An hexagonal floor ashtray, Modernist, Space-Age, in wooden strips and metal, the iconic model

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

An Iconic MODERNIST "Ariete 1401" ASHTRAY by ICO PARISI, STILDOMUS, Italy, 1960

$4,260

Luigi Massoni 1970s Iconic Candle Holders Guzzini in Red Yellow, Set of 2

By Luigi Massoni, Fratelli Guzzini

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

70s. Ideal for collectors, design lovers, or anyone looking to add a pop of iconic style to their

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Acrylic

Luigi Massoni 1970s Iconic Candle Holders Guzzini in Red Yellow, Set of 2

$437 / set

Large Holy Land Mother-of-pearl, Abalone Shell and Olive Wood Icon

Located in London, GB

A large Holy Land mother-of-pearl, abalone shell and olive wood icon Jerusalem, early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Modern Religious Items

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Olive

Large Holy Land Mother-of-pearl, Abalone Shell and Olive Wood Icon

$43,678

The Indigo Requiem: A Vintage Overdyed Sugar Skull Rug of Iconic Design

By Alexander McQueen, Wunderkammer Studio

Located in Dallas, TX

Persian weaving into a striking modern allegory. The expressive sugar skull—hand-shaved into the surface

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

The Indigo Requiem: A Vintage Overdyed Sugar Skull Rug of Iconic Design

$9,999

Iconic Sixties White Cane Parrot Hanging Chair With Metal Frame By Rohe Noordwolde The Netherlands

By Rohe Noordwolde

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

1950's Specialized craftsmen created gems of wicker and bamboo furniture In the 1960's the industry

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Iconic Sixties White Cane Parrot Hanging Chair With Metal Frame By Rohe Noordwolde The Netherlands

$1,500

Iconic + Rare Early Edition Bar Cart by Alvar + Aino Aalto for Artek, 1936

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Chicago, IL

An earlier edition of the Alvar and Aino Aalto Tea Trolled for Artek. Using new technology to bend birch wood, the dynamic design duo created a heritage piece that has stood the test...

Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Iconic + Rare Early Edition Bar Cart by Alvar + Aino Aalto for Artek, 1936

$7,200

Vintage 1970s Paolo Soleri Bronze Bells Wind Chime Cosanti Originals Iconic MCM

By Paolo Soleri

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Wonderful and rare variation of a large Paolo Soleri wind chime, with a wind span of 17 inches. No breaks, no loose welds, each bell is signed with embossed Paolo Soleri logo

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 1970s Paolo Soleri Bronze Bells Wind Chime Cosanti Originals Iconic MCM

$2,695

Iconic Rare 1st Edition Poul Henningsen PH 5 Chandelier Pendant Lamp from 1958

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic rare 1st edition vintage PH 5 chandelier pendant lamp from 1958 in purple ( series 1

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Iconic Rare 1st Edition Poul Henningsen PH 5 Chandelier Pendant Lamp from 1958

$488 Sale Price

34% Off

Postmodern Italian Metal Wire Mesh Dining Set by EMU, 1980s

By EMU Furniture

Located in PRAHA 5, CZ

A striking postmodern garden set from iconic Italian manufacturer EMU, crafted in the 1980s. This

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal, Wire

Postmodern Italian Metal Wire Mesh Dining Set by EMU, 1980s

$1,408

Small Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vitruvian Man, Icon Wall Decoration by Davide Medri

Located in Geneve, CH

Small Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vitruvian Man, Icon Wall Decoration by Davide Medri Dimensions: D 10 x

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Small Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vitruvian Man, Icon Wall Decoration by Davide Medri

$7,502 / item

Iconic Mid Century Drexel Rare Brigade Line Campaign Dresser Dry Bar Case Piece

By Drexel

Located in West Hartford, CT

Coveted signed Drexel Furniture Campaign style dresser/chest/dry bar from their rare Brigade line

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Iconic Mid Century Drexel Rare Brigade Line Campaign Dresser Dry Bar Case Piece

$2,320

21st Cent Iconic Signature Black Rug by Deanna Comellini In Stock 200x300 cm

By Deanna Comellini

Located in Bologna, IT

G.T.DESIGN’s "Le Materie Viscosa Nero Ideale", is a modern rug made in viscose in black color

Category

2010s Indian Modern Western European Rugs

Materials

Other

21st Cent Iconic Signature Black Rug by Deanna Comellini In Stock 200x300 cm

$2,538

Iconic Pair of French Plaster Lamps by Jacques Grange for Yves Saint Laurent

By Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Jean-Michel Frank, Jacques Grange

Located in New York, NY

transcend all classifications, whether it be modern, neoclassical, Neo-Baroque through their exquisite

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Plaster

Iconic Pair of French Plaster Lamps by Jacques Grange for Yves Saint Laurent

$6,850 / set

Iconic "Palm" XL Table Lamp Pine Wood Natural Silk Shade Temde 1960s Boho Tiki

By Temde Leuchten

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

. Its pinewood base and stem are crafted to resemble a stylized palm tree, exuding mid-century modern

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Iconic "Palm" XL Table Lamp Pine Wood Natural Silk Shade Temde 1960s Boho Tiki

$1,065

1950s Patinated Brass Storage Box with Lid by PAL-BELL, Iconic Israeli Design

By Pal-Bell

Located in Lejre, DK

This storage box with a lid is crafted from patinated brass and is an iconic design from the 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Israeli Scandinavian Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Brass

1950s Patinated Brass Storage Box with Lid by PAL-BELL, Iconic Israeli Design

$600

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1960s with

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

$424 Sale Price

55% Off

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

$424 Sale Price

55% Off

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

$424 Sale Price

55% Off

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with

Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

$424 Sale Price

55% Off

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work

$424 Sale Price

55% Off

Design Icon: Eames ES105 Lobby Chairs - Herman Miller for Vitra, set of 2

By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Renens, CH

The Time Life Lobby or Executive Chairs were originally designed by the Eames couple for the Time & Life Building in New York. These particular examples are late 1970s / early 1980s ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Design Icon: Eames ES105 Lobby Chairs - Herman Miller for Vitra, set of 2

$14,201 / set

20th Century, Iconic, Barovier e Toso Murano Smoking Set of Four Pieces

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Catania, IT

Rare and amazing, smoke set by Barovier & Toso. Green inside with white jacket and outside in shades of black in Murano blown glass set of four pieces. Large ashtray for cigars, medi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

20th Century, Iconic, Barovier e Toso Murano Smoking Set of Four Pieces

$1,183 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960 s

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in New York, NY

Classic Mid Century desk, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, circa 1960's. This stylish desk features a two tier top, the upper section having two sliding doors, that open to rev...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960 s

$2,800

Set of 2 Piero Della Francesca, The Dukes Of Montefeltro, Icon by Davide Medri

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 2 Piero Della Francesca, The Dukes Of Montefeltro, Icon Wall Decoration by Davide Medri

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Piero Della Francesca, The Dukes Of Montefeltro, Icon by Davide Medri

$10,319 / set

Schumacher Iconic Leopard 20" x 14" Lumbar Pillow Two-Sided Pillow in Graphite

By Schumacher

Located in New York, NY

This pillow features Iconic Leopard Fabric (Item# 175722) with a Self-Welt finish. We first

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen

Schumacher Iconic Leopard 20" x 14" Lumbar Pillow Two-Sided Pillow in Graphite

$248 / item

Schumacher Iconic Leopard 22" x 14" Lumbar Pillow Two-Sided Pillow in Graphite

By Schumacher

Located in New York, NY

This pillow features Iconic Leopard Fabric (Item# 175722) with a Self-Welt finish. We first

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen

Schumacher Iconic Leopard 22" x 14" Lumbar Pillow Two-Sided Pillow in Graphite

$255 / item

Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

of furniture and lighting for the numerous buildings that he designed worldwide. His work includes

Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s

$4,544 / set

Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair 1970s

Located in Debrecen, HU

This high-back vintage armchair is an iconic piece of modern furniture design from the 1970s. Its

Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair 1970s

$431

Iconic Design Reborn: Gio Ponti-Style Dry Bar with Cream Murano Glass 1950s

By Gio Ponti

Located in Guazzora, IT

This mid-century modern dry bar, inspired by Gio Ponti, is an extraordinary piece of Italian

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Iconic Design Reborn: Gio Ponti-Style Dry Bar with Cream Murano Glass 1950s

$7,857 Sale Price

63% Off

Pair of Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandeliers for L. Poulsen of Dk with Art Work

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Søborg, DK

Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with

Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandeliers for L. Poulsen of Dk with Art Work

$1,080 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Iconic Space Age Lucite Ice Bucket Designed by Paolo Tilche for Guzzini Italy

By Paolo Tilche, Guzzini

Located in San Diego, CA

Great design on this rare lucite sphere with chrome handle, and lid Italian Ice bucket designed by Paolo Tilche for Guzzini circa 1970's.

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Barware

Materials

Chrome

Iconic Space Age Lucite Ice Bucket Designed by Paolo Tilche for Guzzini Italy

$220 Sale Price

20% Off

Large Iconic Mid-Century Ceramic Art Piece by French Maker Verceram 1930-1971

By Verceram Ceramique 1

Located in COLMAR, FR

Mid-century modern at its very best. An iconic piece of authentic mid-century French art pottery

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Ceramic

Large Iconic Mid-Century Ceramic Art Piece by French Maker Verceram 1930-1971

$632 Sale Price

42% Off

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack

By Arthur Umanoff, George Nelson

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack

$1,900 Sale Price

45% Off

Mid Century Danish Modern Folke Ohlsson Sofa

By Folke Ohlsson

Located in Tulsa, OK

. 3. **Notable Designs**: - **DUX Furniture**: Ohlsson's work with DUX produced a range of iconic

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Folke Ohlsson Sofa

$5,294

Danish Modern Mid Century Teak Sideboard Dyrlund

By Dyrlund

Located in New York, NY

Century Modern furniture. Set on plinth base with three sliding doors. Behind two doors is a continuous

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Mid Century Teak Sideboard Dyrlund

$2,600

CraftAssociates Credenzas, Milo-Baughman Modern Credenza, Maple

By Craft Associates, Milo Baughman

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

available in walnut, teak or maple. Designed in the spirit of Milo Baughman’s iconic mid-century modern

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Wood, Maple

CraftAssociates Credenzas, Milo-Baughman Modern Credenza, Maple

$6,750 / item

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco Preto, 1953

By Branco Preto

Located in New York, NY

Brazil's forerunners of interior architecture and modern furniture. The iconic armchair has a structure in

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco Preto, 1953

$72,800 / set

Mid-century Modern Craftsman Style Wood, Cork Table Lamps, Pair

Located in Miami, FL

-century modern Craftsman style lamps comprised of walnut, cork and brass. These iconic styled lamps are

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern Craftsman Style Wood, Cork Table Lamps, Pair

$2,800

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Iconic Modern Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of iconic modern furniture available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of iconic modern furniture — often made from metal, wood and fabric — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a choice in our collection of iconic modern furniture, we have 779 options in-stock, while there are 155 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect object in our assortment of iconic modern furniture — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each option in this array of iconic modern furniture bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one piece of iconic modern furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Terje Ekstrom, Poul Henningsen and Eero Aarnio produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Iconic Modern Furniture?

Prices for a piece of iconic modern furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $79,522, while the average can fetch as much as $2,802.

Questions About Iconic Modern Furniture

What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
What is modern furniture design?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Modern furniture design is an overarching term for the new approach that designers began taking in the early 20th century. Many experts cite the Bauhaus movement as the start of the modern era. Its style was defined by the instructors and students at a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. In Bauhaus-style furniture, the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials. As the Bauhaus movement was emerging, so too was Art Deco. This iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked; they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture. After World War II, modern design continued with the mid-century modern movement. The style 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. Historians typically say that the modern approach to furniture design ended in the mid-1960s or early 1970s. Pieces made after that time may be called postmodern or contemporary. Shop a large collection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is modern style furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.
What is modern furniture made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Modern furniture is made of many different types of materials. Some modern furniture makers used natural materials like wood for frames and leather and linen for upholstery. Metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel and nickel, were also common, as were some plastics. Explore a diverse assortment of modern furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is Danish modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between modern furniture and old furniture is in the specificity of the term. Generally, pieces considered modern date from between the end of World War II in 1945 and the end of the 1970s. During this period, more furniture makers mass produced pieces, and designers increasingly used new materials, such as plywood and plastic. Old furniture is not a specific term. People frequently use the term old for anything that subjectively appears aged. Explore a large selection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is mid century modern furniture?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
What defines mid-century modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What year is mid-century modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
What type of wood is used in Danish modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 11, 2019
The material typically used in Danish modern furniture is teak.
What material did Marcel Breuer introduce to modern furniture design?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Marcel Breuer introduced the material of tubular steel to modern furniture design. He employed it in many of his chairs, tables and sofas, prizing the material because it minimized the weight of pieces without sacrificing their strength. Shop a range of Marcel Breuer furniture on 1stDibs.

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