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Vintage Boho Dimuntive Leather Elephants After Omersa - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
them a wonderful addition to Boho Chic, Safari, Eclectic, or Mid-Century Modern inspired spaces. Bring
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Leather

1988 Abstract Figurative Collagraph Print "Indian Ill - Elephant" by B. Dodson
Located in Seattle, WA
Original collagraph print titled Indian Ill - Elephant by artist B.Dodson, dated 1988. This
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Wood

Herman Miller Eames Elephant Hide Grey DSR Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Herman Miller Eames DSR fiberglass chair on Eiffel base in elephant hide grey. Chair dates to 1961
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Maitland-Smith Faux Elephant Hide Finished Leather Pedestal
By Maitland Smith
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant, classic Maitland-Smith glazed leather pedestal with faux elephant hide finish and gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Pedestals

Materials

Leather, Wood

Charming Vintage Leather Elephant Sculrpture * Free Worldwide Delivery
Located in Portlaoise, IE
A charming vintage sculpture of an elephant, beautifully crafted in brown leather and aged to
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Pair Kay Bojesen White Oak Elephants, Iconic Danish Wooden Toy
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Oakland, CA
Classic Kay Bojesen wooden elephants crafted of solid white oak with articulating leg, neck and
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys

Materials

Oak

Pair of Ostrich Egg Urns on Carved Elephants
By Anthony Redmile London
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid-century pair of Anthony Redmile urns crafted with an eccentric array of materials featuring
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Urns

Materials

Ostrich Eggshell, Hardwood

Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Dinner Plate- Elephant Ear Soup
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
of mid-20th-century art and marketing. Fleming Joffe—a small but creatively ambitious New York hide
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mini Menagerie: Giraffe, Elephant Horse Costume Pins, Enamel and Rhinestones
Located in Lomita, CA
Mini Menagerie: Giraffe, Elephant Horse Costume Pins Charming mini menagerie of vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel

Bronze Elephant Mounted on Leather Base Side Table
By Maitland Smith
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of bronze elephants with glass tops mounted on gold leaf tooled leather plinth. Top quality
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Bronze

Art Glass Elephant Sculpture by Oggetti for Murano Glass
By Oggetti, Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful art glass elephant sculpture by Oggetti for Murano glass, circa 1970s. The sculpture is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

1970s Modernist Faux Elephant Tusk Brass Lucite Console Table
By Suzzane Dahl Jerry Barich
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Demilune Elephant Motive Base Console Sofa Table Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demilune elephant motive base console sofa table stand.
Category

20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Sculptural Travertine Elephant Table Lamp by Fratelli Mannelli
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Münster, DE
Very rare sculptural travertine table lamp made by the Italian manufacturer Fratelli Manelli in the 1970s. The lamp is in original condition including the lampshade.
Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Stylish Elephant Sommerso Art Glass Sculpture by Murano Glass
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish elephant sommerso art glass sculpture by Murano Glass, circa 1970s. The piece has a
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Elephant Family by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Vicke Lindstrand, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Knivsta, SE
original Upsala-Ekeby label, adding provenance and collector appeal. A beautifully sculptural mid-century
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO Murano Glass Rare ADOLESCENT Elephant Figurine NERO Series
By Archimede Seguso
Located in Richmond, VA
Archimede Seguso Murano Glass elephant sculpture from the mid 1950s. Seldom seen model of an
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

1930s by Ercole Barovier Gold Glass Murano Animal Elephant
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Elephant by Ercole Barovier, 1930s. Gold Murano glass Perfect condition.
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Folded Leather Origami Elephant Sculpture from England circa 1960s
By Deru
Located in Oakland, CA
Hand crafted folded leather Elephant from England circa 1960s. A very creative approach using a
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Leather

Pair of Vintage White Ceramic Elephant Figurines by Pereiras of Portugal
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare duette of ceramic sculpture, this pair of white elephants from Pereiras of Portugal offers
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bay Keramik Glazed Elephant Figurine Bank, West German Pottery
By Bodo Mans, Bay Keramik
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare, unusual ceramic elephant figurine features semi-matte burnt orange and espresso brown glaze
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large Elephant by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Knivsta, SE
artistic expression and minimalistic refinement. A striking and sculptural mid-century piece – ideal as a
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Hand Carved Wood Elephant from the Dr. Livingstone Collection
Located in Medina, OH
Unique hand carved Elephant sculpture by Dr. Livingstone Collection. It is in great condition and
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Italian Travertine Sculpture Elephant by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wonderful sculpture by Fratelli Mannelli for Travertino di Rapolano. Elephant shape travertine
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Travertine

Italian Ceramic Elephant Table Lamp, 1970s Fabric dome
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian ceramic elephant table lamp 1970s, fabric hat. Very elegant and particular design.
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Fabric

Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Set of Four MCM "Republican Party Elephant" Beaded Drink Coasters
Located in San Diego, CA
A cool set of four MCM "Republican Party Elephant" beaded drink coasters, circa 1970s. The
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Beads

Vintage Emerald Green and Blue Murano Art Glass Elephant Sculpture Paperweight
By Andromeda Murano
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
treasure especially if you collect unique elephant. Circa late-20th century, Italy. 1970's. Dimensions
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

1950s Hand-Decorated Vase with Elephants, Palmtrees, Leaves
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish soft shaped vase with hand-painted elephants and palmtrees. Light cream yellow glaze with
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

1970’s Jack Lenor Larsen Style Upholstered Elephant Bamboo bench
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Charleston, SC
1970’s jack lenor Larson style upholstered elephant Bamboo and leather wrapped Bench.
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Bamboo

Vintage Elephant Bronze Sculpture Set of 2 in Green Verdigris
By Loet Vanderveen
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
trunk. Fabulous Mid-Century Modern meets Art Deco style sure to add some vintage charm to your desk or
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Travertine Elephant Sculpture / Bookend by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing sculpture / bookend in travertine marble in the shape of elephant by Fratelli
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Pierre Cardin Bookend Silver Elephants Black Base Design, 1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pierre Cardin bookend silver elephants black base design, 1980.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Schwabe, Original Vintage Poster, Swissair, Africa, Elephant Ivory Aviation 1961
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
elephant in paper collage to represent the African continent. About Us: Moufflet & C° - Paris Fine Arts We
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Italian Rattan Elephant Magazine Rack or Newspaper Stand, circa 1970s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
of Italian mid-century craftsmanship, where everyday objects were reimagined as playful works of art
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Rattan

Bruno Gambone Stoneware Elephant Limited Edition 1975 Set of 3
By Bruno Gambone
Located in Munich, DE
Cream white glazed ceramic Elephant made by Bruno Gambone in the 1970s, signed Gambone Italy on the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

1952 Zenith Elephant Gray Fiberglass Bullet Planter With Iron Tripod Stand
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid-Century Modern Fiberglass Bullet Planter With Original Black Tripod Metal Stand, One Planter At
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Metal

Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

A Unique Pair of Vintage Stylized Elephant Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fantastic pair of Stylized elephant lamps, circa 1970's. Lovely ceramic pieces that have been
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Rocks Glasses in Blue Green Enamel with Elephant Medallions
Located in Nantucket, MA
at top and bottom and having a medallion to one side with a caparisoned elephant within a wreath of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Italian Ceramic Elephant Sculpture by Bruno Gambone, circa 1970s
By Bruno Gambone
Located in London, GB
Ceramic Indian motif white elephant by Bruno Gambone (circa 1970s). This is an absolutely charming
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Maitland-Smith Faux Elephant Tusk Tessellated Stone Console Table
By Maitland Smith
Located in North Miami, FL
Hand Made Tessellated Stone with Elephant Tusk Leg Console Table. Made in the 1970s this piece was
Category

Vintage 1970s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s Original condition The candle is
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Set Of Two Travertine Elephant Sculptures Desk Organizer by Fratelli Mannelli
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in München, BY
Set of two travertine elephant sculptures as desk organizers by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. A
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Sculpture of Vienna, Palm Trees Giraffe and Elephants
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Large sculpture made of iron and metal from Vienna.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Lighter Elephant in Travertine attributed to Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Rome, IT
Table lighter elephant in Travertine attributed to Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Metal

Klein, Original TWA Poster, India, Sacred Elephant, Plane, Tourism Aviation 1960
By David Klein
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
: Klein chose to highlight on this poster an elephant in shimmering colors, a sacred animal in India
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1950s Orientalist Ceramic Italian Figure of a boy on an Elephant by Sica
By SICA
Located in Aci Castello, IT
representation from the mid-century Italian ceramic tradition. The figure is in lovely vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Elephant Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
. Thank-you for looking. Title: Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Elephant Silk Scarf with Irish Linen
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Textile, Linen, Silk

Whimsical "Rimini Blu" Ceramic Elephant by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1980s
By Raymor, Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful classic Rimini blue ceramic Whimsical elephant sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Iridescent Red Murano Glass 1960s Elephant Attributed to Archimede Seguso
By Archimede Seguso
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Murano handmade glass elephant in the style of Archimede Seguso. Very high quality. Perfect
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying an elephant family. A very humorous design by Walter
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1950s Norwegian Teak Elephant Figure Sculpture Midcentury Arne Tjomsland Style
By Arne Tjomsland
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
. This sculpture is a perfect add-on for any Mid Century interior or a perfect gift for a collector of
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Teak

1950s Zenith Elephant Gray Fiberglass Bullet Planter With Iron Tripod Stand
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Monrovia, CA
Original 1950s vintage elephant gray fiberglass bullet planter with it's original tripod rod iron
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Metal

Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Modern Elephant For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century modern elephant for your home. Each mid century modern elephant for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, plastic and ceramic. Find 553 options for an antique or vintage mid century modern elephant now, or shop our selection of 5 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century modern elephant — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century modern elephant, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern elephant over the years, but those crafted by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Walter Bosse are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Elephant?

A mid century modern elephant can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,257, while the lowest priced sells for $60 and the highest can go for as much as $59,560.

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.

Questions About Mid Century Modern Elephant
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    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. 

    Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.