What is the history of Martinsville furniture?

The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.

What is the history of Kartell furniture?

The history of Kartell furniture begins with Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. They founded the company in 1949 as an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. The affordability and infinite range of styles and hues won devotees of Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans and dish racks. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, including the KS 1146 Bucket, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. In 1972, Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1988, Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, who has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.

What is Danish modern furniture?

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

What is modern furniture made of?

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

What is modern furniture design?

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

What is modern style furniture?

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

What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?

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

What is mid century modern furniture?

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

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

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

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

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

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

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

What type of wood is used in Danish modern furniture?

The material typically used in Danish modern furniture is teak.

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

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

What material did Marcel Breuer introduce to modern furniture design?

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

Modern History Furniture

Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen Series 7 Chairs

Colored Glass Vases

Mid Century Modern Door Hardware

Category

Late 20th Century English Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Leslie Thornton, Large Mixed Media Floor Sculpture, "History of Printing"

$1,650

Emergence Collection Round Dining Table in Walnut by Aaron Saxton

By Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

Emergence Collection released January 2026 by Aaron Saxton, designed and built in the USA. As shown 47x84x30" tall with ovals available up to 120" in length and 60" in depth. See var...

Category

2010s American Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood, Teak, Walnut

Emergence Collection Round Dining Table in Walnut by Aaron Saxton

$14,950 / item

Emergence Collection Oval or Round Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton

By History Never Repeats, Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

The Emergence collection released January 2026 by Aaron Saxton, designed and built in the USA. As shown 54x36x15 3/8" tall with ovals available up to 84" in length and 47" in depth a...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany, Oak, Teak, Walnut

Emergence Collection Oval or Round Coffee Table by Aaron Saxton

$8,450

Surrealist Bird Butterfly Jungle Scene in Illuminated Natural History Diorama

By Tennant New York

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Flood, 2016, is an illuminated update on the traditional Victorian glass-cased diorama depicting a surreal jungle encounter between an upcycled vintage taxidermied tiny egret and...

Category

2010s American Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Brass

Surrealist Bird Butterfly Jungle Scene in Illuminated Natural History Diorama

$4,390

Emergence Collection Coffee and End Table base by Aaron Saxton

By History Never Repeats, Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

Emergence Collection released January 2026 by Aaron Saxton, designed and built in the USA. As shown 27.5 tall x 36.5 x 22.25" available in heights 14" up to 48" for use as coffee, en...

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Cherry, Ebony, Oak, Rosewood, Teak

Emergence Collection Coffee and End Table base by Aaron Saxton

$4,750

"Some Fun Tonight" Two Volume History of the Beatles by Chuck Gunderson

Located in San Diego, CA

Tours of 1964 -1966" two volume history of the by Chuck Gunderson, circa 2013. The large books are

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

"Some Fun Tonight" Two Volume History of the Beatles by Chuck Gunderson

$175 / set

White Australia Has A Black History by Australian Artist Colin Russel, 1987

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

'White Australia Has A Black History' by Australian artist Colin Russel, 1987 Colin Russel is an

Category

Vintage 1980s Oceanic Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

White Australia Has A Black History by Australian Artist Colin Russel, 1987

$1,200 Sale Price

20% Off

The Blue Planet a Natural History of the Oceans Hardcover Book

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

The Blue Planet A Natural History of the Oceans. From space Planet Earth is blue. It floats like a

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Books

Materials

Paper

The Blue Planet a Natural History of the Oceans Hardcover Book

$65

Entrance or Passage Way Large Double Door Starburst Hardware Kit

By Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

their own existing or newly purchased door for a modern look For use on exterior or interior doors

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Entrance or Passage Way Large Double Door Starburst Hardware Kit

$2,495 / set

Entrance or Passage Way Large Single Door Starburst Hardware Kit

By Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

their own existing or newly purchased door for a modern look For use on exterior or interior doors

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Entrance or Passage Way Large Single Door Starburst Hardware Kit

$1,295 / set

Entrance or Passage Way Large Starburst Door Hardware Kit

By Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

their own existing or newly purchased door for a modern look For use on exterior or interior doors

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Entrance or Passage Way Large Starburst Door Hardware Kit

$1,295 / set

Desk, Vintage, Mahogany, Gilding, Book-Spine Form Drawers, History of England

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

in the shape of book ends on gilded ‘HISTORY OF ENGLAND’ above a dummy single long drawer in the

Category

Vintage 1980s English Post-Modern Desks

Materials

Giltwood, Mahogany

Desk, Vintage, Mahogany, Gilding, Book-Spine Form Drawers, History of England

$6,854

Vintage, The Queen s Book of the Red Cross, Royal History, First Edition, WWII

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

retaining its original dust jacket, this is a highly collectable piece of wartime history. Published in

Category

Vintage 1930s British Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Vintage, The Queen s Book of the Red Cross, Royal History, First Edition, WWII

$360

Starburst Entrance Door for New and extant Residences

By Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

Model Sunburst Atomic Made to order by History Never Repeats LLC by Aaron Saxton, with image

Category

2010s American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Starburst Entrance Door for New and extant Residences

$17,950

The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 Hardcover Book by Ken Burns

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 Hardcover Book. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007. First

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 Hardcover Book by Ken Burns

$95

A History of Ballet and Dance in the Western World Book by Alexander Bland

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A History of Ballet and Dance in the Western World Book by Alexander Bland. Title A History of

Category

20th Century American Modern Books

Materials

Paper

A History of Ballet and Dance in the Western World Book by Alexander Bland

$55

Modernist Single Entry Door Built to Order in Walnut

By Maria Armada, Aaron Saxton, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

Made to order by History Never Repeats LLC. Designed by Aaron Saxton & Maria Armada. Custom

Category

2010s American Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Brass

Modernist Single Entry Door Built to Order in Walnut

$10,125 / item

Modernist Entrance Door Custom Built

By History Never Repeats, Maria Armada, Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

Custom made to your specifications. As shown 96" x 42". Interior doors will be significantly less expensive (exterior door shown). Can be produced in Teak, Walnut, Oak, Ash, etc. Pro...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Walnut, Oak, Teak

Modernist Entrance Door Custom Built

$8,900 / item

Modernist Starburst Single Entry Door Built to Order

By History Never Repeats, Maria Armada, Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

Modern production and made to order by History Never Repeats LLC. Designed by Aaron Saxton & Maria

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Brass

Modernist Starburst Single Entry Door Built to Order

$10,125 / item

New Radial Sunburst Walnut Double Entry Residence Door by Aaron Saxton

By Aaron Saxton, Maria Armada, History Never Repeats

Located in South Charleston, WV

Radial sunburst Entrance Door in walnut made to order by History Never Repeats LLC. Designed by

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Brass

New Radial Sunburst Walnut Double Entry Residence Door by Aaron Saxton

$28,500 / item

Mid Century Modern Early Version C1946 Evans Eames LCW Lounge Chair in Birch

By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company

Located in Port Jervis, NY

cherished. A piece of modern furniture history.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Mid Century Modern Early Version C1946 Evans Eames LCW Lounge Chair in Birch

$4,295

Scand Modern Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Black Chrome Office Chair by Fritz Hansen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Topeka, KS

an icon in modern furniture history. The Fritz Hansen website states that the chair is made from 9

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Scand Modern Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Black Chrome Office Chair by Fritz Hansen

$2,295

Early modernist LaWo1 armchair by Han Pieck for Lawo Ommen, the Netherlands 1946

By Han Pieck, Lawo Ommen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Pieck, whose work remains underrepresented yet increasingly recognized within the history of modern

Category

Vintage 1940s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Early modernist LaWo1 armchair by Han Pieck for Lawo Ommen, the Netherlands 1946

$8,900

Marcel Breuer Early Canvas Model B3 "Wassily" Chair by Gavina

By Marcel Breuer, Gavina

Located in Dronten, NL

. Designed in 1925, the Wassily chair remains a landmark in modern furniture history — the first to employ

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Marcel Breuer Early Canvas Model B3 "Wassily" Chair by Gavina

$3,350

Mies Van Der Rohe “Brno” Steel Chair for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

iconic designs in modern furniture history. Presented here in original vintage condition, it is a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mies Van Der Rohe “Brno” Steel Chair for Knoll

$995

Signed Mies Van Der Rohe “Brno” Steel Chair for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

iconic designs in modern furniture history. Presented here in original vintage condition, it is a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Signed Mies Van Der Rohe “Brno” Steel Chair for Knoll

$995

Katavolos Kelley and Littell T armchairs ICF Italy 1952

By Douglas Kelly, Ross Littell and William Katavolos, ICF De Padova

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

, remains a celebrated design in modern furniture history. In fact, the T-chair is part of the permanent

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Katavolos Kelley and Littell T armchairs ICF Italy 1952

$10,027

Set of 4 Fritz Hansen "Series 7" Counter Stools

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Dallas, TX

The "Series 7" stool is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 4 Fritz Hansen "Series 7" Counter Stools

$4,200 / set

Pair “Yin” Chairs by Richard Nissen for Nissens Trævarefabrik, Denmark 1960s

By Nissen, Richard Nissen

Located in Utrecht, NL

celebrated movements in modern furniture history. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair “Yin” Chairs by Richard Nissen for Nissens Trævarefabrik, Denmark 1960s

$9,800 / set

PAIR Original 70s Brown Leather Afra Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia Dialogo Chairs

By Afra Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia

Located in Madison, WI

history of modern furniture design. Afra (1937–2011) and Tobia (b. 1935) Scarpa were an Italian architect

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

PAIR Original 70s Brown Leather Afra Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia Dialogo Chairs

$2,850 / set

Set of 8 Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Dubai, AE

The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 8 Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

$6,621 / set

Pair of Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Dubai, AE

The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

$1,661 / set

Set of 6 Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Dubai, AE

The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 6 Series 7 Chairs, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

$4,966 / set

Set of 6 Emeco 1006 Navy Chairs — Brushed Aluminum Finish

By Emeco

Located in Los Angeles, CA

, design history, modern classic furniture, authentic Emeco, factory modernism.

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 6 Emeco 1006 Navy Chairs — Brushed Aluminum Finish

$1,650 / set

Maralunga Lounge Chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina

By Vico Magistretti, Cassina

Located in Beerse, VAN

of the most beloved pieces in modern furniture history. Its soft, organic lines and generous

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Maralunga Lounge Chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina

$3,500

Set of 4 Black Series 7 Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Chicago, IL

furniture history. It was originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955 but has been in production ever

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Black Series 7 Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

$1,750 / set

Set of 4 Series7 Chair, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Dubai, AE

The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Series7 Chair, Burnt Yellow Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen

$3,180 / set

Black Model 3217 Swivel desk Chair by Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in London, GB

The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. The

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Black Model 3217 Swivel desk Chair by Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

$3,394

Set of 6 Stackable 40/4, Red/Orange Chairs by David Rowland - GF Business

By David Rowland, General Fireproofing Company

Located in Beirut, LB

in modern furniture design. Its slim profile and stackable design make it perfect for space-efficient

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 6 Stackable 40/4, Red/Orange Chairs by David Rowland - GF Business

$5,933 / set

Model 3117 Office Swivel Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1994

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Series 7 chair is an icon of modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its

Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Model 3117 Office Swivel Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1994

$1,768

Custom one of a kind Oak and Brass table

By Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

One of a kind table by History Never Repeats, designed and custom built in USA by Aaron Saxton

Category

2010s American Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Custom one of a kind Oak and Brass table

$19,900

1960 s Jorge Zalszupin Coffee Table Petalas Brazil wood Atelier

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Milano, IT

sophistication, and enduring relevance within the history of Brazilian modern furniture. Dimensions: 130 cm

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

1960 s Jorge Zalszupin Coffee Table Petalas Brazil wood Atelier

$45,095

Imbuia Wood Sofa by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazil, Dedar Milano Fabric

By Moveis Cimo

Located in Amsterdam, NL

role in Brazil’s modern furniture history, bridging artisanal tradition and mass production on an

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Imbuia

Imbuia Wood Sofa by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazil, Dedar Milano Fabric

$23,141

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet / TON, 1950s Czechoslovakia

By Thonet

Located in Almelo, NL

. Haerdtl’s collaboration with Thonet and later TON represents a key chapter in modern furniture history

Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Beech

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet / TON, 1950s Czechoslovakia

$3,750 / set

Rare Sofa by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s, Ivory Velvet

By Moveis Cimo

Located in Amsterdam, NL

role in Brazil’s modern furniture history, bridging artisanal tradition and mass production on an

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Rare Sofa by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s, Ivory Velvet

$34,059

Arne Jacobsen Black Series 7 Swivel Adjustable Armchair Model 3217 Fritz Hansen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

for Fritz Hansen circa 1955 and is an icon in modern furniture history. The chair is made from 9

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs a...

Materials

Chrome

Arne Jacobsen Black Series 7 Swivel Adjustable Armchair Model 3217 Fritz Hansen

$1,895 / item

Set Of Four Series Seven Chairs Model 3107 In Black Fabric By Arne Jacobsen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Lejre, DK

recognizable designs in modern furniture history. Created with a focus on ergonomics and aesthetics, model 3107

Category

Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Set Of Four Series Seven Chairs Model 3107 In Black Fabric By Arne Jacobsen

$2,130 / set

Monumental Architectural brass and Red Oak cocktail table

By Aaron Saxton

Located in South Charleston, WV

New table by History Never Repeats, designed and custom built in USA by Aaron Saxton. 76.75" x

Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Monumental Architectural brass and Red Oak cocktail table

$19,900

Set Of 6 Dining Table Chairs Model 3107 In Yellow By Arne Jacobsen From 1990s

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Lejre, DK

Syver chair is one of the most popular and recognizable designs in modern furniture history. Created

Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Set Of 6 Dining Table Chairs Model 3107 In Yellow By Arne Jacobsen From 1990s

$2,209 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Set Of 5 Dining Table Chairs Model 3107 Made In Light Blue By Arne Jacobsen

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Lejre, DK

Syver chair is one of the most popular and recognizable designs in modern furniture history. Created

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set Of 5 Dining Table Chairs Model 3107 Made In Light Blue By Arne Jacobsen

$1,851 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Imbuia Wood Pair of Armchairs by Móveis Cimo 1960s Brazil Dedar Milano Fabric

By Moveis Cimo

Located in Amsterdam, NL

role in Brazil’s modern furniture history, bridging artisanal tradition and mass production on an

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Imbuia

Imbuia Wood Pair of Armchairs by Móveis Cimo 1960s Brazil Dedar Milano Fabric

$23,141 / set

Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s, Ivory Velvet

By Moveis Cimo

Located in Amsterdam, NL

role in Brazil’s modern furniture history, bridging artisanal tradition and mass production on an

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s, Ivory Velvet

$34,059 / set

Guseul. Ceiling light

By WKND Lab

Located in Miami Beach, FL

. This piece is a fusion of diverse techniques and rich history, blending modern furniture design with

Category

2010s Korean Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Copper

Guseul. Ceiling light

$9,800

Mid-Century 1950s Vintage Zanine Caldas Lounge Chair

By José Zanine Caldas

Located in London, GB

weight to different elements. It is considered an important piece in the history of Brazilian modern

Category

Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Mid-Century 1950s Vintage Zanine Caldas Lounge Chair

$35,601

Mid-Century 1950 Vintage José Zanine Caldas Lounge Chairs

By José Zanine Caldas

Located in London, GB

Caldas’ lounge chair is considered an important work in modern Brazilian furniture design history

Category

Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Mid-Century 1950 Vintage José Zanine Caldas Lounge Chairs

$35,601

Customizable Gebruder T 214 Cafe Chair by Michael Thonet

Located in New York, NY

product in the world to date: it initiated the history of modern furniture. The basis was a new technique

Category

2010s German Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Customizable Gebruder T 214 Cafe Chair by Michael Thonet

$1,386 / item

Customizable Gebruder T S 34 Cantilever Armchair by Mart Stam

By Mart Stam

Located in New York, NY

construction principle that became an important building block in the history of modern furniture design with

Category

2010s German Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Customizable Gebruder T S 34 Cantilever Armchair by Mart Stam

$2,584 / item

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Modern History Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of modern history furniture on 1stDibs. Frequently made of brass, metal and wood, every piece of modern history furniture was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for an item from our selection of modern history furniture, we have 15 options in-stock, while there are 18 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each choice in our collection of modern history furniture bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Empire hallmarks is very popular. A well-made object in our assortment of modern history furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by History Never Repeats, Aaron Saxton and Maria Armada are consistently popular.

How Much is a Modern History Furniture?

Prices for a piece of modern history furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $11,960, while the average can fetch as much as $1,822.

Questions About Modern History Furniture

What is the history of Martinsville furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the history of Kartell furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
The history of Kartell furniture begins with Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. They founded the company in 1949 as an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. The affordability and infinite range of styles and hues won devotees of Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans and dish racks. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, including the KS 1146 Bucket, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. In 1972, Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1988, Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, who has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
What is Danish modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is modern furniture made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Modern furniture is made of many different types of materials. Some modern furniture makers used natural materials like wood for frames and leather and linen for upholstery. Metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel and nickel, were also common, as were some plastics. Explore a diverse assortment of modern furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is modern furniture design?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Modern furniture design is an overarching term for the new approach that designers began taking in the early 20th century. Many experts cite the Bauhaus movement as the start of the modern era. Its style was defined by the instructors and students at a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. In Bauhaus-style furniture, the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials. As the Bauhaus movement was emerging, so too was Art Deco. This iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked; they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture. After World War II, modern design continued with the mid-century modern movement. The style is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Historians typically say that the modern approach to furniture design ended in the mid-1960s or early 1970s. Pieces made after that time may be called postmodern or contemporary. Shop a large collection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is modern style furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.
What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between modern furniture and old furniture is in the specificity of the term. Generally, pieces considered modern date from between the end of World War II in 1945 and the end of the 1970s. During this period, more furniture makers mass produced pieces, and designers increasingly used new materials, such as plywood and plastic. Old furniture is not a specific term. People frequently use the term old for anything that subjectively appears aged. Explore a large selection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What is mid century modern furniture?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What year is mid-century modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
What defines mid-century modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
What type of wood is used in Danish modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 11, 2019
The material typically used in Danish modern furniture is teak.
Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
What material did Marcel Breuer introduce to modern furniture design?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Marcel Breuer introduced the material of tubular steel to modern furniture design. He employed it in many of his chairs, tables and sofas, prizing the material because it minimized the weight of pieces without sacrificing their strength. Shop a range of Marcel Breuer furniture on 1stDibs.