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Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
1970s Set of Round Mirror and Two Shelves, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- made of palstic - good original condition with minor signs of use - re-polished - 2KS 30x40x24;50x50x5
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plastic

Willy Guhl Conical Planter
Located in Bozeman, MT
Willy Guhl Conical Planter for Eternit, ca 1960s Switzerland
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Boho Brass Nautilus Shell Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking brass nautilus shell spoon warmer with etched spiral detailing and a textured pedestal base. Bold silhouette and sculptural lines give it a strong presence in any setting. P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Brass Bipartitecurtain Rod with Brackets, Vintage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Lucite and brass Bipartite curtain rod with brackets, vintage. 40’’ each, connects at middle, includes 3 brackets.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Heavy Antique Wrought Iron Outdoor Chairs His Hers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Heavy antique wrought iron outdoor chairs his & hers. Metal ribs slots and rivets design, good looking form.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Vintage 19th Century Brass Cannonball Andirons - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add historic charm to your fireplace with the American style Vintage 19th Century Brass Cannonball Andirons. These antique andirons feature c...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Waldemar Rothe for Rosenthal Relaxer I Hammock
By Waldemar Rothe, Albert Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Waldemar Rothe for Rosenthal, 'Relaxer I' hammock, beech, fabric, rope, iron, Germany, 1974 For a calm day off or a break in-between, this wonderful hammock by Waldemar Rothe will e...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Willy Guhl Chalice Shaped Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique concrete planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Planter in the shape of a chalice. Especially unique in that the base matches the top with pointed facets. Great vintage condi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Ficks Reed Chinoiserie Bamboo Style Chaise Longue
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s vintage Ficks Reed bamboo or rattan style wood chaise longue with a chinoiserie flair. Original yellow finish with original fabric. Cushion foam has hardened. In quite remarkab...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

Henry Olko Pair of Mid-Century Modern Square Series Rattan Armchairs
Located in Stamford, CT
An exquisite and rare pair of rattan chairs by well known Henry Olko for his Willow and Reed company, circa 1975. These unique chairs are from Olko's Square series. - Substantial and...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Hardwood

Large Door 50s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Large hinged door with related frame made of solid beech wood and beech veneer and with glass.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Glass, Beech, Walnut

Mid-century Shabby Chic Wrought Iron Outdoor/ Patio Mesh Coffee Table by Woodard
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century wrought iron and steel mesh low coffee table for patio and outdoor use by Woodard. The coffee table features a trellis pattern on each side of the table and curved legs. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Large Clear Glass Door Handles Pair, Round Push Pull
Located in London, GB
Pairs of round double door 1960's push and pull handles in clear glass with subtile wave relief, cast glass (2cm thick) with aluminum fittings. They are designed for a glass doors bu...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Cast Iron Fire Starter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, cast iron, fire starter by George Nelson for Howard Miller.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Vintage French Jardiniere
Located in Austin, TX
Jardiniere from France made of reconstituted stone.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

David Cressey Flame-Glazed Bullet Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Follis Bullet planter with David Cressey's signature “Flame Glaze” for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery. The planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stoneware

Tropitone Leilani Brown Jordan Aluminum Frame Pool Patio Lounge Chairs - Set 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tropitone Leilani Aluminum Frame Pool Patio Lounge Chairs - Set 4. Item features a nice wide aluminum frames, vinyl strap seats, original label, great style...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Early Walter Lamb Bronze Canvas Patio Chaise Lounge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The late 1940s or early 1950s early S-Lounge patio chair by Walter Lamb predating his partnership with Brown Jordan. The chaise lounge is rendered in thick bronze tubing with a canva...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Salterini Curve Back Outdoor Chairs B
Located in Wilmington, DE
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Salterini curve back outdoor arm chairs Offered is a set of 4 Mid-Century Modern outdoor arm chairs in the style of Salterini(circa 1960's). Features ena...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Modernist Donald Deskey Andirons and Tools
Located in Water Mill, NY
Iron and brass andirons and tools by Donald Deskey for Bennett.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage 1990s Arras-Style Tall Weathered Metal Garden Planter Stand
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage 1990s Arras-style tall metal plant stand is a beautifully decorative garden or patio piece that blends classical European inspiration with rustic outdoor charm. Crafted ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Pair of Exceptional Decorative Andirons in Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and exceptional decorative andirons in polished brass, American, 1970s. These are very high quality.     
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Willy Guhl Petite Ridged Planter, 1970s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite ridged planter by Willy Guhl. Concrete planter in the shape of a rectangle with an upper rim and ridged sides. Great scale. Very good vintage condition. Only one available.    
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

3 cast iron urns Sweden circa 1900
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautifull set of 3 cast iron urns Sweden circa 1900 High quality heavy
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Plant Stand, Faience, 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
Faience plant stand in form of a elephant, 20th century.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Faience

Willy Guhl Large Tulip Planters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare large cement tulip planters by Willy Guhl. Switzerland, 1960s. With drainage hole.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Large Tulip Planters
Willy Guhl Large Tulip Planters
$4,000 Sale Price / item
33% Off
Metal Wire Modernist Garden Set, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Metal Wire Armchair is a standout piece from 1970s France, designed as part of a modernist garden furniture set, it showcases the era’s fascination with industrial materials and...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Spanish Style Life Size Wire Bull
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish-style life size wire bull figure resting on a black plinth (1950s).      
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wire

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Round Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio dining table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The round frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Rectangular Push and Pull Door Handle in Bronze with Spiral Relief
Located in London, GB
Single rectangular door handle with soft corners has a spiralling relief of squares on the surface. Cast bronze relief in perfect condition. The bronze has a subtitle patina due to t...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

1970s, Beech Bench / Planter Stand, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Beech

Henry Olko Mid Century Modern Square Series Rattan Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
An exquisite and rare rattan sofa by accomplished Henry Olko for his Willow and Reed company, circa 1975. This unique sofa is from the Olko's Square series. Substantial and sturdy rattan and hardwood construction with precision cane detail. A very comfortable sofa. Cushions are in great condition. There are matching pieces available: A pair of arm chairs...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fabric, Rattan, Cane, Hardwood

Clear Glass Square Double Door Handles Pairs with Gold Metal
Located in London, GB
A pair of double door handles, push and pull, square textured clear cast glass with mat gold anodised aluminum. They are designed for a glass or wooden doors but suitable for any kin...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Rare Lovely Brass and Copper Watering Can, 1950s Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare Lovely Brass and Copper Watering Can, 1950s Austria
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper

Mid-Century Modern 19.375 in. Peach Ceramic Wall Sink
Located in New York, NY
Vintage peach porcelain ceramic wall sink with a rectangle shaped basin. No hardware is included. Good condition with surface scratches on the porcelai...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Vintage Plastic Shelf, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Bronze Horse Statues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous pair of bronze horse statues. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

1960s Hand Crafted Painted Etched Brass Planters
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, hand painted and etched brass planters you could hope to find. Outstanding design ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

1940s Mid Century Italian Capital for Column
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian stone capital for column 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Charles Zublena Fiberglass Pool Chaise Lounges, France
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles Zublena designed, mod, fiberglass, poolside, chaise lounges manufactured by Les Plastiques de Bourgogne, France, 1960, marked underside “LP/Club 41 Salbris.” Depending on how...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fiberglass

Southwest Door Knobs Solid Brass Green Patina Gold Accent Manner Of Pepe Mendoza
Located in Monrovia, CA
1960s Vintage Southwest Door Handle Handsets Brass Aztec Mayan Green Patina and Gold Accent in the Manner Of Pepe Mendoza. Listing 1 Handset At A Time. These Beautiful Handsets Are ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Trio of French Faux Bois Stone Benches
Located in Faversham, GB
A delightful trip of mid-century faux bois benches. The benches are designed to form a circle around a central table with a curve to each example. The benches are made from composi...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone, Concrete

Monumental Stan Bitters Stoneware Ceramic Planter for Hans Sumpf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental Stan Bitters stoneware ceramic planter for Hans Sumpf.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stoneware

Donald Deskey Andirons in Brass and Iron
Located in Kansas City, MO
Donald Deskey Andirons. Heavy iron with Brass fronts. Very good condition and may have been restored at some point in time. Few if any signs of use.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Boho Cast Plaster Over Wood Column Pedestals - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your space with this exquisite pair of vintage cast plaster-over-wood column pedestals, rich in neoclassical flair. Each pedestal features finely fluted shafts and ornate dra...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Painted Metal Sculpture of Palm or Banana Tree and Flower
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A painted metal palm tree or banana with removable leaves. Detailed trunk and leaves and a fabulous white flower. What is it about palm trees, that conjures up the romantic? Perfect ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excelle...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Pair of American Mid-Century Wooden Architectural Elements
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American (20th Century) large stripped wood architectual elements having a ball finial top over a bottle form and resting on a square tiered base (PRICED AS PAIR) Conditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Bamboo and Rattan Foldable Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Elegant pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and bamboo side chairs or lounge chairs. They have a classic X-form leg structure and are constructed using rattan slatting arranged...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Custom 4 Person Outdoor "Circle 8" Iron Table with Glass Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Custom made 4 person outdoor "circle 8" iron table with glass top. The table features a unique repeating circle 8 design made up of individua...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Iron

Salterini Maurizio Tempestini Style Midcentury Wrought Iron Dining Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Salterini Style midcentury Wrought Iron Table Rare wrought iron table attributed to Salterini. Structurally sound and sturdy. Could be used indoor or outdoor. The table is being off...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Three Seater Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze three seater bench by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. The bench has simple construction in tubular bronze with a patinated finish. The bench has four rounded square supports and...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Set 3! XL 22" Diam. 11.6" H Tapered Concrete W. Guhl Eternit Planter A+ Patina
Located in Basel, BS
One conical concrete planter created by Willy Guhl for Eternit. We currently have three available, sold here as a set with combined shipping! This designer planter pot is designed b...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Standing Bronze Horse Fountain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bronze wall horse fountain. Beautiful piece perfect to create ambiance in any outdoor garden setting. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Modernist Russell Woodard Patio Set, 6 chairs with table
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome mid century set - perfect for poolside! Armchairs have rubber tip glides, 4 armless chairs have iron glides. Weld contacts are durable and sturdy. Designer of table is unkn...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Matte White Architectural Pottery Planter by Laggardo Tackett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful planter designed by Lagardo Tackett for Architectural Pottery. Meausres 12.5 in round, 12.5 inches tall. This planter has a great matte white glaze. It's in pretty good ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Three American Midcentury Painted Concrete Mushroom Garden Ornaments
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three American Midcentury painted concrete mushroom garden ornaments with red and black tops and nicely weathered appearance. Envelop your garden in a veil of enchantment with this set of three American Midcentury painted concrete mushroom garden ornaments. Conjuring up images of fairytale...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Mid-Century Modernist Sculptural Polished Brass Fire Tool Set by Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable fire tool set, designed by the influential Donald Deskey, showcases exceptional Mid-Century Modernist design and craftsmanship. Created in America circa 1940 for the ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Two Woodard Sculptura Round Top Side Tables in Gloss Black
Located in Ferndale, MI
Two Woodard occasional tables from the sculptura series. 20" diameter tops sit at 19" tall galley surrounding the top adds 2" to height. Both ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Occasional Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio side table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and a circu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Mid-century Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Russell Woodard, Eternit, and Woodard Furniture Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $55 and tops out at $1,078,195 while the average work can sell for $1,887.

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