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William “Billy” Haines Brass Campaign Tufted Leather Dining Chairs MCM
By William Billy Haines
Located in Atlanta, GA
William "Billy" Haines (American, 1900-1973), circa 1950. A pair of Iconic Hollywood Regency, conceived by the father of Hollywood Regency glamour—William “Billy” Haines. The fram...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Maple Tallboy Chest of Drawers Secretary MCM
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century Modern tallboy dresser. Reminiscent of a secretary. Made from Maple with five dovetailed drawers and wooden handles. Attributed to Heywood Wakefield. Measure: 48".
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Maple

MCM Heywood Wakefield Crescendo Vanity with Mirror and Vanity Stool / Poof
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky
Located in Chicago, IL
dressing room, closet or bedroom set. Circa: 1940’s Dimensions: Vanity with Mirror: H: 58.5” w/ mirror
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Velvet, Mirror, Birch

MCM Paul Evans Lane Pueblo Collection Style Brutalist Walnut Armoire Chest
By Paul Evans, Lane Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Paul Evans Lane Pueblo Collection Style Brutalist Walnut Armoire Gentleman's Chest This is an exceptional Paul Evans style Mid-Century Modern brutalist Walnut Arm...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Large White Opalescent and Clear MCM Murano Glass Centerpiece Bowl Biomorphic
Located in Topeka, KS
MCM shape with pulled ends. It is in wonderful vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or fleabites on
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Art Glass

Gorgeous MCM Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Las Vegas, NV
American of Martinsville walnut highboy Mid-Century Modern dresser from their Accord collection. Super cool wicker doors at top of dresser with two drawers inside. Dresser has 3 d...
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Lane Staccato Brutalist MCM Walnut 5 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentlemans Armoire
By Lane Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Staccato Brutalist Mid Century walnut 5 drawer highboy dresser Gentleman's Chest Armoire Armoire measures: 38.25 wide x 18.75 deep x 54 inches high All pieces of furniture...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Witco Oceanic MCM Brutalist Pedestal Base 6 Drawer Gentleman s Chest Highboy
By Witco
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Witco Oceanic mid century Brutalist pedestal base 6 drawer gentleman's chest highboy This highboy measures: 45 wide x 19 deep x 62 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Style MCM Armoire Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville style Mid Century diamond walnut armoire highboy dresser This dresser is 41.5 wide x 19 deep x 70.75 inches high All pieces of furniture c...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman for Directional MCM Walnut 9-Drawer Lowboy Sideboard Credenza
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional midcentury walnut 9-drawer lowboy dresser sideboard credenza Credenza measures: 72 wide x 18.25 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Dixie Campaigner Walnut Highboy Chest of Drawers Campaign Dresser MCM 767
By Dixie
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa 1975 Dixie Campaigner tallboy chest of drawers or dresser. Drawing inspiration from British Colonial Campaign Styling. Made of walnut with five dovetailed drawers with recesse...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Dressers

Materials

Brass

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration MCM Walnut 3 Drawer Gentleman s Chest
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration mid century walnut 3 drawer gentleman's chest This chest measures: 36 wide x 19.5 deep x 31.5 inches high ?All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Dania Collection MCM Lowboy c. 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Denville, NJ
"Please request a shipping quote from us directly by sending your zip code. We can ship most items between $300-$600. We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives a...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Lane Brutalist MCM 2 Piece Walnut Gentlemans Chest Highboy Dresser Armoire
By Lane Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Brutalist mid-century 2 piece walnut gentlemans chest highboy dresser armoire. Armoire measures: 40 wide x 20.25 deep x 72.75 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be h...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman Style Crawford Furniture MCM Blonde 9-Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Milo Baughman, Crawford Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman style Crawford Furniture Mid Century blonde 9-drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 29 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Vintage MCM Broyhill Brasilia Premier Series 6130-41 Gentleman’s or Door Chest
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Topeka, KS
, or function justly as a highboy dresser in a bedroom or dressing area. It has ample storage space for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

1971 MCM Lane Dresser Credenza Buffet Tower Suite Collection Walnut Rosewood
By Lane Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
going to be a fabulous dresser in your bedroom but maybe you love this piece and don’t necessarily need
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Metal

MCM Brutalist Brasilia Broyhill Premier Series Dresser 6130-33 Walnut Brass
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Topeka, KS
to be a fabulous dresser in your bedroom BUT maybe you love this piece and don’t necessarily need a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

MCM Walnut Six Drawer Highboy Dresser in the Style of George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous MCM walnut six drawer highboy dresser with aluminum two finger pulls in the style of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Fabienne Jouvin Cloisonne Vintage Paris French Studio MCM Canister Jar Box
By Fabienne Jouvin
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage Fabienne Jouvin Cloisonné jar and cover with intricate design of multi colored bars. Great design, beautifully executed. This Parisian artist is still working. These were mad...
Category

1990s French International Style Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel

Broyhill Brasilia Style Brutalist MCM Dark Walnut 5 Drawer Highboy Dresser
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia style Brutalist mid century dark walnut 5 drawer highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 43 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Bronze

Hoke Wood Products MCM Walnut and Burlwood Gentleman s Chest Highboy Dresser
By Hoke Wood Products
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hoke Wood Products mid century walnut and burlwood gentleman's chest highboy dresser Dresser measures: 39.75 wide x 21.25 deep x 56.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Kent Coffey Perspecta MCM Walnut and Rosewood Armoire Gentlemans Chest Highboy
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kent Coffey Perspecta mid-century walnut and rosewood armoire gentlemans chest highboy dresser Dresser measures: 40.75 wide x 19.25 deep x 51.75 inches high All pieces of furni...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Milo Baughman Style Young Manufacturing MCM Walnut and Burlwood Lowboy Dresser
By Milo Baughman, Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman style young manufacturing mid century walnut and burlwood lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 60 wide x 20 deep x 24 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Burl

MCM Mainline by Hooker Walnut Credenza Media Center with Sliding Doors
By Broyhill Brasilia, Mainline by Hooker, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mainline by Hooker Credenza. This rare find is a true Mid-Century Modern TV stand media center. The sliding doors allow easy access to the three bay entertainment center. The left an...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Kent Coffey Perspecta MCM Walnut Rosewood 12 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kent Coffey Perspecta Mid Century Walnut and Rosewood 12 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza Dresser measures: 77.5 long x 20 deep x 31.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Style West Michigan MCM Walnut Brass Rattan Highboy Dresser
By West Michigan Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Style West Michigan Furniture Company mid century walnut brass and rattan highboy dresser Dresser measures: 40.5 wide x 20 deep x 47 inches high All pieces of furnitu...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Acclaim Dresser Mirror MCM Era
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Offering a nice Mid-Century Modern dresser or credenza with mirror by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. The dresser offers three drawers on each side with aluminum offset ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Tall Dresser MCM Era
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stylized dresser features contrasting walnut veneer, two doors with four rattan panels, and this lines signature inset nickel “x” on each corner of the top. Rich walnut grain gr...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

MCM Blue White Two Dragons Pearl Porcelain Incense Burner Tripod Bowl
Located in Cookeville, TN
Vintage Blue and White Asian Incense Burner Pot, Tripod Chinese Pot with Dragon Motif and Handles, Chinoiserie Dragon Porcelain. Blue and white porcelain incense burner three footed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Jars

Materials

Porcelain

George Nelson Style Kroehler MCM Walnut, Rosewood, Metal 6 Drawer Lowboy
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson style Kroehler Signature Line mid century walnut, rosewood, and metal 6 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 56.25 wide x 19 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Metal, Chrome

MCM Walnut "Declaration" Five Drawer Highboy Dresser by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous MCM five drawer highboy walnut dresser designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

MCM Solid Walnut 14 Drawer Dresser by ACE-HI Prelude California Design
Located in San Diego, CA
Century Solid Walnut 14 Drawer Dresser by ACE-HI Prelude Mid-Century Modern · Walnut Furniture · Bedroom
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

1975 Dixie Campaigner Oak Highboy Chest of Drawers Campaign Dresser MCM 767
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
"Dixie Campaigner tallboy chest of drawers or dresser, circa 1975. Made of oak with brass accents. 767-307 Dixie Furniture Company was founded in 1946 at 533 King Street by Abe Ki...
Category

Vintage 1970s Campaign Dressers

Materials

Brass

1975 Dixie Campaigner Walnut Highboy Chest of Drawers Campaign Dresser MCM 545
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
"Dixie Campaigner tallboy chest of drawers or dresser, circa 1975. Made of walnut with brass accents. 545-307 Dixie Furniture Company was founded in 1946 at 533 King Street by Abe...
Category

Vintage 1970s Campaign Dressers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Milo Baughman for Lane MCM Burl wood Lowboy 9 Drawer Dresser
Located in Seattle, WA
A gorgeous mid century modern designed by Milo Baughman for Lane burl wood dresser/credenza with 9 drawers. In good vintage condition as pictured and in video. Circa 1970 Dimensions...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Burl

Danish MCM Teak Rocking Chair by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin Møbler
By Bramin Mobler, Frank Reenskaug
Located in Mexico City, MX
Comfortable teak rocking chair by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin Møbler Denmark. The rocking chair's teak frame has been restored to excellent condition. Woven cane seat was added in ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Teak

Bitossi Raymor Large Rimini Sahara Decor Vase Italian Pottery Ceramic MCM
By Bitossi
Located in Wilton, CT
Large Bitossi vase in Sahara glazes with impressed Rimini decoration, circa 1960s. Measures: 14" high, 8" diameter. Remnants of Bitossi inventory label. Excellent condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Eduardo Vega Ceramic Art Pottery Enameled Geometric Vase Raymor MCM Signed
By Eduardo Vega
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage ceramic vase with lively enameled geometric pattern between copper luster base and top by renowned Ecuadoran artist Eduardo Vega. Signed on lower panel, circa 1970s. Measures...
Category

Vintage 1970s Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Bitossi Londi Raymor Vase Italian Vintage MCM Pottery Labels Platinum Metallic
By Bitossi
Located in Wilton, CT
Bitossi cylinder vase in gloss platinum and gray metallic glaze with green enamel stripe at midsection, circa 1960's. Dark and mysterious. Measures: 3 3/4" high, 6" diameter. Excelle...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Bitossi Londi Raymor Striped Vase Italian Vintage MCM Pottery Label Platinum
By Bitossi
Located in Wilton, CT
Striking Bitossi vase in purple and platinum stripes, circa 1960's. 6" high, 6" diameter. Excellent condition. Original Bitossi inventory label.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

MCM Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Bowtie Back Side Chairs - Pair
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Bowtie Back Side Chairs - Pair Wonderful mid century modern pair of Danish style side chairs designed by Stewart MacDougall a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Kipp Stewart Drexel Declaration George Nelson Thin Edge Style MCM Walnut Dresser
By George Nelson, Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration George Nelson thin edge style mid century walnut 8 drawer lowboy dresser This dresser measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 31.25 inches high All pi...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman Style Crawford Furniture MCM Solid Wood 6 Drawer Highboy Dresser
By Milo Baughman, Crawford Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman style Crawford Furniture mid century solid wood 6 drawer highboy dresser. This dresser is 34 wide x 20 deep x 44.5 inches tall All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Albert Parvin Style American of Martinsville MCM Walnut 6-Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Albert Parvin style American of Martinsville Mid Century walnut 6-drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 73.5 wide x 19 deep x 32.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

MCM 6 Drawer Dresser Framed Arch Mirror by Dillingham Walnut Pecky Cypress
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Topeka, KS
bedroom but maybe you love this piece and don’t necessarily need another dresser at this time. No problem
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Cypress

Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville MCM Diamond Walnut and Brass Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century diamond walnut and brass 9 drawer lowboy dresser This piece measures: 70 wide x 18.5 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of f...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

William Hinn Style Kent Coffey "The Auburn" MCM Walnut Pecan Highboy Dresser
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
William Hinn style Kent Coffey "The Auburn" mid century walnut and pecan highboy dresser Dresser measures: 83 wide x 20 deep x 49 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Chrome

United Style Young Manufacturing MCM Walnut and Brass 12-Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Young Manufacturing Company, United Furniture Corporation
Located in Franklin Park, IL
United style young manufacturing midcentury walnut and brass 12-drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 78 wide x 20 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord MCM Long Walnut and Cane Lowboy
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Accord mid-century long walnut and cane lowboy dresser The dresser measures: 84 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furn...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Cane, Walnut

MCM Solid Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser by ACE-HI Prelude California Design
Located in San Diego, CA
American solid walnut striking high-quality dresser is beautiful and unique. California design freshly refinished in great condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb Style West Michigan Furniture MCM Caned and Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By West Michigan Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb style West Michigan Furniture Company mid century caned and walnut lowboy dresser. This dresser measures: 70 wide x 19.5 deep x 30 inches high All pieces of furniture...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

David Parmalee Founders MCM Rosewood Ebonized Ash 8 Drawer Jewel Lingerie Chest
By David Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
David Parmalee for Founders mid century rosewood and ebonized ash 8 drawer jewelry lingerie dresser chest Dresser chest measures: 14 wide x 14 deep x 36.25 inches high All pieces...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood, Ash

Heywood-Wakefield Contessa MCM Walnut Formica and Brass Cats Eye Highboy Dresser
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood-Wakefield Contessa mid century walnut formica and brass cats eye highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 43.5 high All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Henredon Scene Three MCM Walnut and Brass Ebonized 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Henredon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Henredon scene three midcentury walnut and brass ebonized 6 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 64 wide x 19 deep x 28 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Lane MCM Walnut and Cane Plinth Base Armoire Gentleman s Chest Highboy Dresser
By Lane Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane mid century walnut and cane plinth base armoire gentleman's chest highboy dresser Dresser measures: 39.25 wide x 18 deep x 56.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Kent Coffey Tableau MCM Walnut and Stainless 9 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kent Coffey Tableau mid century walnut and stainless 9 drawer lowboy dresser credenza Credenza measures: 72 wide x 19 deep x 31.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Mcm Bedroom For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mcm bedroom available at 1stDibs. Each mcm bedroom for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and walnut. Find 536 options for an antique or vintage mcm bedroom now, or shop our selection of 7 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mcm bedroom you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A mcm bedroom made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mcm bedroom over the years, but those crafted by American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun and Kent-Coffey are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mcm Bedroom?

A mcm bedroom can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,571, while the lowest priced sells for $45 and the highest can go for as much as $60,000.

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

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.