Midcentury Valet

Fratelli Reguitti Valet Stand

Coat Valet

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Mid-Century Modern French Wood and Brass Men s Valet Stand, Coat Stand

$1,495

Mid-Century Clothing Valet by Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti Italy

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

Mid-Century Modern clothes valet stand designed by Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti during the

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Clothing Valet by Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti Italy

$1,305

Mid-Century Modern French Wood Marquetry and Metal Men s Valet Stand, Coat Stand

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern French men's valet stand/coat stand handmade out of wood Marquetry, metal and

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern French Wood Marquetry and Metal Men s Valet Stand, Coat Stand

$1,995

Fratelli Reguitti Italian Valet by Ico Parisi Italian Mid-Century Modern

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, ani Italian Valet by Ico Parisi Italian for Fratelli Reguitt. Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Hat Racks and Stands

Materials

Wood

Fratelli Reguitti Italian Valet by Ico Parisi Italian Mid-Century Modern

$645

Italian Mid-Century Modern SPQR Birch, Brass Clothing Valet Suit Stand Chair

By SPQR

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern SPQR birch & brass clothing valet suit stand chair. Item

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern SPQR Birch, Brass Clothing Valet Suit Stand Chair

$1,800

Ico Parisi For Fratelli Reguitti Mid Century Italian Maple Clothing Valet Stand

By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico Parisi

Located in Dayton, OH

An exquisite Mid Century Modern clothing / butlers valet designed by Ico Parisi for Fratelli

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Maple

Ico Parisi For Fratelli Reguitti Mid Century Italian Maple Clothing Valet Stand

$650

Mid-Century Modern Solid Mahogany Mens Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico Parisi

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant solid mahogany Mid-Century Modern gentlemen valet by Ico & Luisa Parisi for Fratelli

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Solid Mahogany Mens Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

$875

Italian Mid-Century Modern Clothes Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, c.1960s

By Ico Parisi

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century clothes valet by Fratelli Reguitti Italy, in the style of Ico Parisi. Beechwood with

Category

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

Materials

Beech

Italian Mid-Century Modern Clothes Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, c.1960s

$575

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, circa 1960-70 s

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-Century Modern valet stand dressboy, in the manner of Ico and Luisa Parisi. This valet is made

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, circa 1960-70 s

$660

Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Mens Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico Parisi

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant solid light maple Mid-Century Modern gentlemans valet by Ico & Luisa Parisi for Fratelli

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Mens Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

$925

Mid-Century Modern Wood and Rope Valet Manner of Ico and Fratelli Ruggitti

By Ico Luisa Parisi

Located in Buffalo, NY

Mid-Century Modern wood and rope valet, manner of Ico Parisi and Luisa Fratelli Ruggitti. Features

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Wood and Rope Valet Manner of Ico and Fratelli Ruggitti

$1,480

Mid-Century Modern Beech Brass Vintage Valet Ico Luisa Parisi, 1950s, Italy

By Ico Luisa Parisi

Located in Vienna, AT

This Mid-Century Modern gentlemen vintage beech and brass valet / coat rack was designed by Ico

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Beech Brass Vintage Valet Ico Luisa Parisi, 1950s, Italy

$2,907

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Beech Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

By Ico Luisa Parisi

Located in Vienna, AT

This vintage X-form Mid-Century Modern gentlemen valet by Ico & Luisa Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Beech Valet by Ico Luisa Parisi, Italy, 1950s

$2,610

Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Italian Sculptural X Form Valet

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti

Located in St. Louis, MO

Hard to find this sculptural double X form Mid-Century Modern clothes valet by Fratelli Reguitti

Category

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

Materials

Beech

Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Italian Sculptural X Form Valet

$2,650

Mid Century Walnut Valet

Located in Fairfield, CA

A vintage walnut valet to meet all your organizing needs. Features several inset areas for

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Walnut Valet

$45

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet Chair by Ico and Luisa Fratelli Reguitti

By Ico Parisi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

compartment on the top. Very unusual Italian mid-century piece from the 1950s era makes the perfect eye

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet Chair by Ico and Luisa Fratelli Reguitti

$1,300

Mid Century Beech Brass Vintage Valet Coat Rack Coat Stand Union, 1970, Germany

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage valet coat rack or coat stand by Union from brown stained and lacquered

Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Beech

Mid Century Beech Brass Vintage Valet Coat Rack Coat Stand Union, 1970, Germany

$1,720

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Beech Valet Ico Luisa Parisi Attributed, 1960

By Ico Luisa Parisi

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage brass beech valet attributed to Ico & Luisa Parisi, circa 1960 Italy

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Beech Valet Ico Luisa Parisi Attributed, 1960

$2,943

Mid-Century Modern Yellow Metal Valet by Mathieu Mategot Attributed 1950s France

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Vienna, AT

A Mid-Century Modern yellow lacquered metal valet by Mathieu Mategot attributed, which was designed

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Yellow Metal Valet by Mathieu Mategot Attributed 1950s France

$2,848

Mid-Century Modern Brown X Form Valet Ico Parisi Fratelli Reguitti 1950s Italy

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage valet or coat rack from beech in warm brown color by Ico Parisi for

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Modern Brown X Form Valet Ico Parisi Fratelli Reguitti 1950s Italy

$2,954

Fratelli Reguitti Midcentury Valet Stand in Beechwood and Brass, Italy, 1960s

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Roma, IT

Very rare midcentury valet stand in a stunning beechwood and brass. This gorgeous item was produced

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass

Fratelli Reguitti Midcentury Valet Stand in Beechwood and Brass, Italy, 1960s

$712

Mid-Century File Cabinet with Roll-Up Tambour Door

Located in Dallas, TX

Mid-century file cabinet with roll-up tambour door was designed to be incredibly versatile

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century File Cabinet with Roll-Up Tambour Door

$3,700

Fratelli Reguitti Midcentury Valet Stand in Beechwood and Brass, Italy, 1960s

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Roma, IT

Very rare midcentury valet stand in beech and brass. This gorgeous item was produced during the

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass

Fratelli Reguitti Midcentury Valet Stand in Beechwood and Brass, Italy, 1960s

$712

Italian Mid-Century Valet, 1950s

Located in Rome, IT

An Italian modern valet that came from the 1950s. Made of brass, wood and iron. Fully restored

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass, Iron

Italian Mid-Century Valet, 1950s

$1,898

Italian mid-century modern Wooden valet stand by Fratelli Reguitti, 1950s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern Wooden valet stand by Fratelli Reguitti, 1950s Iconic and vintage floor

Category

Vintage 1950s Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Italian mid-century modern Wooden valet stand by Fratelli Reguitti, 1950s

$474

Gentlemans Mid Century Brass Valet

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Brass valet with all the accouterments to supply your daily wardrobe.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Neoclassical Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Gentlemans Mid Century Brass Valet

$950

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Valet in Walnut and Cane with Brass Finishes

Located in New York, NY

superlative construction that collectors of Scandinavian Mid Century Modern design cherish. These chairs have

Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Valet in Walnut and Cane with Brass Finishes

$4,475

Mid-Century Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large full size valet by Fratelli Reguitti Complimentary delivery within 3 hours drive of

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

$825

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Valet

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous Italian valet featured in rich wood grain is made by Fratelli Reguitti. (Please

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Valet

$480

Mid Century Brass and Iron Valet

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Beautiful brass and iron gentleman's valet. Solid brass elements to include coat hanger topped with

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid Century Brass and Iron Valet

$1,680

Mid-Century Modern Italian Gentleman s Valet

Located in Austin, TX

A stylish valet from the 1960s. Made of brass, walnut and lacquered steel. This is the perfect

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Italian Gentleman s Valet

$1,450

Mid-Century Modern Valet Butler Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage modern valet chair features a leather seat and backrest. Unique design has

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Valet Butler Chair

$800

Mid Century Green Crystal Valet Tray by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960

By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand

Located in Conversano, IT

Catchall Dish · Green Crystal Tray 1960s · Mid-Century Murano Glass · Vintage Italian Glass Object · Desk

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Green Crystal Valet Tray by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960

$1,008

Mid-Century Chrome and Pine Tripod Valet

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique valet stand is comprised of a pine hanger, stem, and change or cufflink holder. There

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Chrome and Pine Tripod Valet

$600

Mid Century Modern Beech Clothing Valet Italy

By SPQR

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple yet elegant beech clothing valet with two racks, sculpted for shirt & jacket and a separate

Category

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

Materials

Beech

Mid Century Modern Beech Clothing Valet Italy

$495

Mid-Century Modern Beech Clothes Valet Italy

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Italian made and signed clothes valet in beechwood. A place for your daily clothes. Showing some

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Beech Clothes Valet Italy

$495

Mid Century Classical Styled Brass Clothes Valet

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and effective way to house your clothes overnight. A place for it all, pants, shirt, jacket, watch and coins, etc etc. Keep them in top shape while you're resting. Well made, ...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Neoclassical Revival Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Classical Styled Brass Clothes Valet

$795

Midcentury Valet Black Color, Italy, 1950s

Located in Mombuey, Zamora

A mid-20th century Italian valet of wood black color and bar to hang the pants It is very

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Valet Black Color, Italy, 1950s

$913

Midcentury Valet with a Secret Compartment

Located in Pasadena, CA

This valet is of black stained wood. The seat and the top are covered with cane. On each side of

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Valet with a Secret Compartment

$650

Small Mid-Century Brass Valet or Towel Rack

Located in Astoria, NY

A small brass valet or towel rack produced during the mid-20th century in Italy. Recently polished

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Small Mid-Century Brass Valet or Towel Rack

$1,650

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Valet Stand

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Excellent vintage condition, marked made in italy. This valet has a spot for an entire days worth

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Valet Stand

$595

Mid-Century Modern Clothes Valet by Fratelli Regiutti

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous expandable from 44.5 down to 34. Seat lifts for storage. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Seat measure: Height is 17. Stamped made in Italy. This item can b...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Clothes Valet by Fratelli Regiutti

$695

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet by Henry Hanger

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage suit stand features brass detail and sculpted feet. The sleek design has various options for hanging and pressing clothes. The original directions are on in the...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Valet by Henry Hanger

$900

Mid-Century Italian Mahogany Valet Stand by SPQR

By SPQR

Located in Wilton, CT

Vintage 1950's Italian Clothing Valet Stand with woven seat and compact pull out drawer. The valet

Category

Vintage 1950s Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Mahogany Valet Stand by SPQR

$850

Italian Midcentury Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, 1950s

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Paris, FR

A 20th century Italian valet composed of solid oak, designed by Fratelli Reguitti, circa 1950s. In

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Italian Midcentury Valet by Fratelli Reguitti, 1950s

$1,424

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Clothing Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous clothes valet by Ico Parisi for Fratelli Reguitti. Beechwood with brass accessories. A

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Hat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Clothing Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

$1,295

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Press Valet Italy

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Created out of maple with brass fittings this valet sports a pants press with all the necessary

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Press Valet Italy

$495

Mid Century Modern Mahogany Clothes Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Vintage mahogany clothes valet by Fratelli Reguitti. On casters for easy movement. Will outfit an

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Mahogany Clothes Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

$595

Mid-Century Brass and Maple Valet Stand with Drawer

By Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This elegant brass, maple and burl valet stand features an interlinking tubular brass frame, maple

Category

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

Materials

Burl, Cane, Maple

Mid-Century Brass and Maple Valet Stand with Drawer

$900

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Clothing Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

By Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Beautiful design by Ico Paris for Fratelli Reguitti in Italy from Mahogany in very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Castor wheels roll and it's very tight.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Clothing Valet by Fratelli Reguitti

$1,295

Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray/Valet Tray, Italy, 1950s

Located in Palermo, IT

Murano glass ashtray/valet tray, Italy, 1950s Purchased by my great-grandparents and has always

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray/Valet Tray, Italy, 1950s

$275

1970s Italian Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Wood Valet Stand Dressboy

Located in Carimate, Como

Vintage 1970s Italian wood dressboy valet stand, with classic carved column and pedestals completed

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Marble, Brass

1970s Italian Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Wood Valet Stand Dressboy

$1,186

Vereinigte Werkstätten Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Cesare Lacca Style, 1970s

By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Cesare Lacca

Located in Vienna, AT

This 1970s sculptural modernist Lady’s and Gentleman’s valet clothing stand exudes elegance in the

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass, Nickel

Vereinigte Werkstätten Mid-Century Clothing Valet, Cesare Lacca Style, 1970s

$1,600

Mid Century Modern Brass and Leather Vintage Valet 1960s Italy

Located in Vienna, AT

This beautiful and elegant brass valet was designed and manufactured in Italy. The valet has a

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Brass and Leather Vintage Valet 1960s Italy

$1,685

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Valet Stand Ico Parisi

By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous sculptural clothes valet by Fratelli Reguitti created out of beech with brass accents

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Fratelli Reguitti Clothes Valet Stand Ico Parisi

$1,195

Mid-Century Italian Gentlemen s Brass Valet with Lion s Head Trim

Located in Astoria, NY

An Italian gentlemen's brass valet, produced circa 1960s, with open rocaille handle as finial

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Gentlemen s Brass Valet with Lion s Head Trim

$495

Mid-Century Modern Teak Clothes Valet Chair, Fratelli Reguitti Italy

By Ico Parisi

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and elegant clothes valet from Italy with lift lid seat for storage. Created from teak and

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Hat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Teak Clothes Valet Chair, Fratelli Reguitti Italy

$695

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Midcentury Valet For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the midcentury valet you’re looking for. A midcentury valet — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect midcentury valet — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A midcentury valet made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Hollywood Regency — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made midcentury valet over the years, but those crafted by Fratelli Reguitti, Ico Parisi and Jacques Adnet are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Midcentury Valet?

The average selling price for a midcentury valet at 1stDibs is $833, while they’re typically $185 on the low end and $9,106 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

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

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

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

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.