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Mid Century Modern Dresser 6 Drawer 5 Drawer

Dillingham Mid Century Pecky Cypress 5 Drawer Dresser
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dillingham Mid Century Pecky Cypress 5 Drawer Dresser This highboy measures: 18 wide x 19 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Cypress

Bassett 5 Drawer Walnut Dresser
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bassett Furniture 5 Drawer Tall Dresser. Drawers are just over 6" deep making this a perfect
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Bassett 5 Drawer Walnut Dresser
Bassett 5 Drawer Walnut Dresser
$1,250
H 46 in W 40.25 in D 20 in
Maitland Smith Contemporary 5 Drawer Chest
By Maitland Smith
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Maitland Smith contemporary 5 drawer chest This chest measures: 37.5 wide x 21 deep x 37 inches
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Contemporary 5 Drawer Chest
Maitland Smith Contemporary 5 Drawer Chest
$2,495
H 37 in W 37.5 in D 21 in
8-Drawer Triennale Mo. L-32-6 Dresser, Arne Vodder, Sibast Mobler, Denmark, 1950
By Arne Vodder
Located in Deland, FL
Vodder. Crafted in the mid-1950's this stately eight-drawer dresser is impressive in both scope and
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Danish Denmark Mid Century Modern Long Teak Dresser
Located in Baltimore, MD
to this mid-century Danish modern low dresser. Raised on a wrapped teak plinth base, this modern
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Paul Frankl 10 Drawer Lacquered Dresser in Sundried Tomato c. 1950
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
number of modern pieces for Johnson Furniture including this chest of drawers. Please allow 5-6 weeks for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Dresser Arne Vodder Style West Michigan Furniture
By West Michigan Furniture Co., Arne Vodder
Located in Baltimore, MD
Attractive long mid-century modern 6 drawer dresser in the style of Arne Vodder by West Michigan
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Tommi Parzinger Lacquered Dresser With Brass Hardware for Willow and Reed
By Tommi Parzinger, Willow and Reed
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
dividers. There are 6 sections total in these top two drawers- 5 across the front and a long one running
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Reed, Lacquer

Anglo Indian Black Six Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
stunning six drawer dresser is entirely handmade, featuring intricate bone inlay details that are nothing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Anglo Indian Black Six Drawer Dresser
Anglo Indian Black Six Drawer Dresser
$3,520
H 34 in W 60 in D 20 in
Ikat Navy Blue Six Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Ikat Pattern Bone Inlay Dresser, a true masterpiece of elegance and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Ikat Navy Blue Six Drawer Dresser
Ikat Navy Blue Six Drawer Dresser
$3,650
H 34 in W 60 in D 18 in
Spring Anglo Indian Blue Three Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
This stunning three-drawer dresser is entirely handmade, featuring intricate bone inlay spiral leaf
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Bloom Black Floral Pattern Four Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our Bloom Black Bone Inlay Dresser, where monochromatic hues meet timeless elegance in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Bloom Blue Floral Pattern Four Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our Bloom Bright Navy Blue Bone Inlay Dresser, where vibrant hues meet timeless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Blossom White Four Drawer Dresser with Blue Floral Pattern
Located in New York, NY
, this dresser offers both functionality and style. Each drawer is carefully crafted to glide open
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Love - Red MOP Four Drawer Dressers by House of Jaipur
Located in New York, NY
bedroom or living room. This stunning four drawer dresser is entirely handmade, featuring intricate mother
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
. Each Drawer Interior W 16 x D 10 1/4 x H 1 5/8 in.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

Mother of Pearl Snowy Floral Chest of Drawer
Located in New York, NY
creation. This dresser is not just a piece of furniture; it's a beautiful and elegant work of art that adds
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

70s 5 Piece Bedroom Suite, Dresser, Hanging Headboard, Matching Low Night Stands
Located in Monrovia, CA
bedroom suite, a walnut and Formica 6 drawer dresser, with matching custom walnut and Formica hanging
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Metal

Sunshine Inlay Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Brighten up your space with the dazzling charm of the Sunshine Orange Bone Inlay Dresser. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Sunshine Inlay Dresser
Sunshine Inlay Dresser
$3,650
H 34 in W 60 in D 18 in
Set of 6 Solid Brass Cabinet Pulls, Mexico 1950 s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
pieces are marked A.C.T. Taxco, Mexico. Measurements: 1.75 in diameter x 5/8 high/projection from drawer
Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Restored Reed Rattan "Baja" Bedroom Set With Rattan Pulls - 6 Pieces
Located in Van Nuys, CA
chest of drawers, a 6-drawer dresser/cupboard, a 44" tall wall mirror, and a headboard in a choice of
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Rattan

Syahi Handmade Navy Blue Indian Nightstand
Located in New York, NY
This stunning three-drawer dresser is entirely handmade, featuring intricate bone inlay spiral leaf
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bone, Wood

Syahi Handmade Navy Blue Indian Nightstand
Syahi Handmade Navy Blue Indian Nightstand
$980 / item
H 24 in W 18 in D 12 in

Recent Sales

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern 5-Drawer Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning midcentury dresser! Wonderful wood details with a lovely walnut stain. 5 drawers, with 6
Category

Mid-20th Century Dressers

American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut 6-Drawer Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
American of Martinsville Mid Century walnut 6-drawer highboy dresser Measures: 40 wide x 19.5 deep
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Bassett 9-Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Bassett lowboy dresser with 9 drawers (6 long and 3 short drawers) and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Dressers

Materials

Brass

1950s George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Edge Walnut 5 Drawer Dresser Mid Century
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
thin rounded edges, and harmonious sculpted aluminum pulls. Plenty of storage in the 5 drawer dresser
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 2 Triennale L-32-6 Dressers Arne Vodder, Sibast Mobler, Denmark, c. 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Deland, FL
set of matching 8-Drawer 'Triennale' Mod. L-32-6 Dressers is in 100% original, vintage condition! Both
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

1960s, Milo Baughman Style Highboy Dresser for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Medina, OH
its handles and legs. This tallboy dresser has 5 drawers (2 smaller drawers at 6" height and 3 larger
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Very Fine Dovetailed Double Dresser and Mirror from Heritage Henredon
By Heritage-Henredon
Located in South Charleston, WV
drawer opening., see image 6. This dresser is in original condition and is excellent. Has been kept
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Cherry

Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Chest of Drawers for Heritage Henredon Mahogany
By Frank Lloyd Wright, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
part of the Taliesin line. Perfectly balanced with a smaller drawer on top, a pair of doors opens up
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Florence Knoll Style Harmony House 6 Drawer Midcentury Lowboy Dresser
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Restored Florence Knoll style Harmony House 6 drawer midcentury louvered walnut lowboy dresser 50
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Twenty Drawer Double Dresser, 1950 s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
finish form, with 6 large center drawers, 4 top drawers, with right and left swing doors revealing 5
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Paul McCobb Maple 20-Drawer Maple Dresser #1510 T Pulls Iron Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury American designer Paul McCobb Maple 20-drawer dresser #1510 Original medium blonde
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Steel, Iron

Set of Dressers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Black Lacquer
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Charleston, WV
Dunbar, Edward Wormley Mahogany, black lacquer, USA, 1942 "Enduring Modern" collection from the
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Lacquer

Outstanding Set of Dressers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Black Lacquer
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Charleston, WV
. Recessed plinth bases are covered in black leather which has been reconditioned. 5. New feet added. 6
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Lacquer

Blossom White Four Drawer Dresser with Blue Floral Pattern
Located in New York, NY
, this dresser offers both functionality and style. Each drawer is carefully crafted to glide open
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Che...

Materials

Bone, Wood

Pair of Midcentury Stained Mahogany Chest of Drawers
By Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
/4 W-16 1/4 H-5 3/4 Bottom: L-26 3/4 W-15 3/4 H - 6 1/2
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Mid-century Danish Teak Dresser Chest of Drawers Tall Boy
By Maurice Villency, Falster Møbelfabrik, Arne Vodder
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
height 3- 5 1/2 inches height. 4- 5 1/2 inches height. 5- 7 inches height 6- 7 inches height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Teak

1950s Heywood Wakefield Encore 5 piece Queen Bedroom suite dressers nightstand
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
a 5 drawer tall boy. An oversized mirror is also included. The queen size bed is a modern
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Maple

6 Drawer Doorknocker Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Elegant sapele mahogany 6 drawer dresser with angled drawers. Each drawer is adorned with freshly
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Nickel

6 Drawer Doorknocker Dresser
6 Drawer Doorknocker Dresser
H 33.25 in W 58.25 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb Six-Drawer Dresser or Chest, Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Crockett, CA
Paul McCobb six-drawer dresser designed for the Planner Group and manufactured by the Winchendon
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Eliel Saarinen Highboy Dresser, Johnson Furniture Co.
By J. Robert F. Swanson, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, Johnson Furniture Company, Eliel Saarinen
Located in Crockett, CA
- 4 1/2", 2nd - 5 1/4", 3rd - 6 1/4", 4th - 8 1/2", 5th - 10 1/4". Matching dresser listed in
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Zinc

Midcentury Walnut Dresser or Chest with Tambour Doors and Drawers
Located in Crockett, CA
Nice walnut dresser with optimum drawer space. The interior height of the top two drawers on both
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-20th Century American Lacquered Mahogany and Brass "High Boy" Dresser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-20th century American mahogany ebony lacquered wood and gilt brass high boy dresser. This solid
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Chest or Dresser, Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Crockett, CA
accented with ring pulls. The top drawer has an interior height of 5 1/2" and the other two have a 6
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Danish Rosewood Highboy Dresser
Located in Crockett, CA
Very nice smaller size highboy dresser in rosewood with graduated drawers. The top drawer is 3
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Teak Tall Dresser
Located in Amherst, NH
1970s Danish teak tall 5-drawer dresser. The dresser drawers are all 6” H and have ample storage
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Tall Dresser
Danish Teak Tall Dresser
H 41 in W 30 in D 16 in
Eliel Saarinen Highboy Dresser, Johnson Furniture Co.
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, Johnson Furniture Company, Eliel Saarinen, J. Robert F. Swanson
Located in Crockett, CA
- 4 1/2", 2nd - 5 1/4", 3rd - 6 1/4", 4th - 8 1/2", 5th - 10 1/4".   
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Zinc

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George Nelson Thin Edge Group Dresser, Double, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article detailing the “Storage Wall”, George Nelson’s ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Bamboo Motif Armoire Linen Press by C
By Chelsea House
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking Late 20th Century chinoiserie armoire or linen press by Chelsea House, featuring exquisite hand-painted scenes in the chinoiserie style. The cabinet showcases a deep green...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Vintage Chinese Distressed Lacquer Storage Cabinet Console With Floral Motif
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming vintage Chinese lacquer console cabinet in gorgeous shades of ochre, blue, white, red and green. The painted floral door panels are accented with Chinese writing. Note the...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Credenzas

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Set of Four Ralph Lauren Highgate Leather Dining Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of four regency style leather dining chairs designed by Ralph Lauren. The chairs feature a hardwood frame with a neoclassical klismos inspired back. The frame has a d...
Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Chinoiserie Decorated Demi Lune Console Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese red chinoiserie decorated demi lune console table, circa 1900. With a demi lune top with raised gilt chinoiserie decorations, a scalloped apron with gilt decorations, resting...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinoiserie Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid Century Lowboy Dresser by Greta M. Grossman for Glenn of California, c1950s
By Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Discover the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with this stunning vintage mahogany dresser, a timeless piece designed by the renowned Greta M. Grossman for Glenn of California, ...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Lowboy Dresser by Greta M. Grossman for Glenn of California, c1950s
Mid Century Lowboy Dresser by Greta M. Grossman for Glenn of California, c1950s
$4,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 32.75 in W 64.5 in D 17.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Long Teak Dresser
Located in Baltimore, MD
Attractive long low Danish modern sleek smooth face teak 8 long low dresser. This is a very simple yet modern 8 drawer design. Each drawer has beautiful medium tone stunning teak gra...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Long Teak Dresser
Danish Mid-Century Modern Long Teak Dresser
$2,795
H 29.5 in W 71.63 in D 18 in
Chinoiserie Server Cabinet With Tooled Leather Top
Located in Elkton, MD
Chinoiserie server cabinet featuring a finely detailed tooled leather top. This decorator piece offers a compact design with dimensions of 32 inches in height, 40 inches in width, an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Dresser by Komfort
By Komfort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

PAIR OF RALPH LAUREN SINGLE DRAWER ROUND MACASSAR TABLE SIDE OCCASIONAL TABLEs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Ralph Lauren Macassar Ebony round occasional side tables with single drawers Please n...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Macassar

John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Dresser, 1960s
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with original rosewood and aluminum...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Regency Polo Ralph Lauren “Highgate” Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite set of four vintage Regency-style dining chairs by Ralph Lauren exudes sophistication and timeless elegance. Crafted with a sculptural silhouette, these chairs feature...
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Late 20th Century American Regency Dining Room Chairs

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Mid-Century Modern Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant dresser. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Dixie Furniture, features nine drawers for plenty of storage. An extremely well made and solid piece ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Lane Acclaim Dovetail Walnut Dresser
By Andre Bus, Lane Acclaim
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant Mid Century Modern Lane Acclaim 7-Drawer Dresser c. 1960s. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Lane Furniture. This beautiful dresser is a difficul...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Renzo Rutili, Dresser, Mahogany, Maple, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Renzo Rutili
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany, brass and maple dresser produced by Johnson Furniture Company USA, c. 1950s. Design attributed to Renzo Rutili.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning mid-century modern six-drawer dresser from the acclaimed “Espirit” Collection by Dillingham, designed by renowned American designer Merton Gershun. Crafted in the 1960s, th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Dillingham
Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Dillingham
$2,350
H 29.5 in W 74 in D 19 in
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Mid Century Modern Dresser 6 Drawer 5 Drawer For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer you’re looking for. A mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer — often made from wood, metal and walnut — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer, we have 1123 options in-stock, while there are 15 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. A well-made mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Paul McCobb, Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) and Drexel are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Dresser 6 Drawer 5 Drawer?

A mid century modern dresser 6 drawer 5 drawer can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,800, while the lowest priced sells for $200 and the highest can go for as much as $65,000.

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.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.