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Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

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
Waste Bin in Patinated Leather and Brass. Made for Illums Bolighus, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Waste bin in beautifully patinated leather and brass. Made for Illums Bolighus in the 1950s. Great original condition. Made in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Decorative Screen with Napoleon motif
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This decorative Napoleon decor screen is made of red velvet and printed material
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

Chic Set of Tessellated Stone Mid-Century Modern Bookends and Candlestick
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Chic mid-century set of bookends and matching chunky candlestick beautifully made of tessellated stone. Makes a stylish accessory set. Candlestick 9.25 h 4.5 round at top; 5.75 round...
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Stone

Pair of Blanc De Chine Foo Dog Sculptural Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of handsome and Striking Blanc De Chine Foo Dog Bookends or Sculpural objets d'arte. A beautiful pair. When we get these they don't last long - they are very special and a c...
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

French industrial brise-soleil aluminium panel by Jean Prouvè, 1956
Located in MIlano, IT
French industrial brise-soleil aluminium panel by Jean Prouvè, 1956. Aluminum panel or brise-soleil, from the facade of the school in Beziers, France. The structure is composed of a...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Aluminum

Large Vintage Leather Brief Case, Doctors Bag
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large vintage leather brief case, doctors bag. This a superb quality piece, it is made in heavy quality tan pig skin, with brass working ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Leather

Vintage Groovy Mushroom Bookends
Located in Seattle, WA
Patina + character. Vintage condition as pictured, Listing is for described item only. Box H5 Dimensions. 4” W ; 1.50” D ; 5.50” H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Craftsman Four Panel Wood Screen, USA, 1970 s
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century modern four panel screen on brass casters. Unique artisan meets craftsman. Heavy and well made, the freestanding screen incorporates multiple mixed wood species creatin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Room Divider / Screen Totem Sculptures
Located in London, GB
Natasha Dakhli Totems/Room Divider, 2021 Material: Stoneware, white enamel Dimension; H 185 x 163 x 52 cm Modular totems sculptures made of white ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Stoneware

Superior Quality Bamboo Bookcase, Room Divider
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superior Quality Bamboo Bookcase, Room Divider This is a mid century Bamboo Bookshelf, beautifully and sturdily designed on small legs, the shelf unit has a geometric design to...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bamboo

Rare Wood Screen of Kalengo Wood by Jerome Abel Sequin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautifully crafted wooden screen is by the designer and artist Jerome Abel Seguin who carves and works these beautiful pieces in his studio in Fran...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique French Sheet Music Veneered Obelisks
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French 1940s-style antique (16th century) vellum veneered obelisks with caligraphy music manuscript notation (priced as pair).
Category

16th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Hartman Skymate Vintage Carry on Cosmetic Case
Located in Ferndale, MI
Partially made famous by Ian Fleming by describing James Bond as carrying a Hartman Skymate suitcase in live and let die ca. 1954 . Trimmed in leather with nickel plated hardware Hartman is some of the finest luggage available . This mini case...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Leather, Wood

Knoll International Vintage Orange and Yellow Striped Room Divider Screen Panel
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare example of mid-century modern architecture and textile design, this Knoll International room divider panel fuses graphic vitality with minimalist structure. Upholstered on bot...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Midcentury Black Marble Coiled Snake Sculpture Door Stop Desk Statue
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Interesting, large and heavy marble sculpture of a coiled snake. In the manner of Alexander Girard. Simple and playful form.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Marble

Louis Vuitton, Ave Marceau, 78bis, Paris, 1950 s Suitcase
Located in Montreal, QC
Rigid suitcase in monogram canvas, lozinated edges, corners and closure in brass. Bought from Saks Fifth Ave New-York.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Leather

Curtis Jere Mars Venus Gold Gilt Bookends Sculptures Signed Jeré, 1968
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A beautiful, and in lovely condition, pair of Mars and Venus Curtis Jere sculptures or bookends depicting the male and female gender symbols on square bases made of gold leafed cast iron. In beautiful condition with original patina and signed "C. Jeré 1968". The gilt really adds a nice warmth and glow. These would look exquisite displayed in a lit bookcase, in a master bedroom, master bath...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron, Gold

Rand McNally Illuminated Globe with Stand by Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illuminating globe on a mahogany stand designed by Edward Wormley for map company Rand McNally. The globe features three mahogany legs with stainless steel capped feet. The globe has...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Stainless Steel

A Large Italian Mid Century Terrestrial Globe by Ricoscope
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Italian Mid Century Terrestrial Globe by Ricoscope This is a Very Large and Stylish Terrestrial Globe from the 1960s by Ricoscope, it is fully illuminated and is set on a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bentwood

Screen in Rosewood Two Fabrics, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s - Lot 191A
Located in New York, NY
This striking screen comprises three panels crafted from Brazilian Rosewood. The wood has been carefully restored to highlight its beautiful natural veins. The upholstered panels fea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Hardwood, Cotton, Ultrasuede

Rattan Bamboo Folding Screen Room Divider, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching handcrafted rattan / wicker and bamboo three-panel folding screen / room divider with filigree decoration. Manufactured in Spain, 1960s. This rattan folding screen combi...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane

Mid-Century Modern Rattan French Riviera Room Screen Paravent Divider, France
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Authentic rattan screen from the 60s. Very nice work of rattan with its curls and crosses patterns. 3 panels. This screen has been carefully cleaned in the workshop for imme...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Rattan

Large Dome Shape Mother of Pearl Decorated Jewelry Box or Small Truck
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern dome shape lid mother of pearl decorated jewelry box.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Pair of Vintage Cast Metal Cold-Painted Figural Chestnut Horse Head Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of cast and cold-painted sculptural horse head bookends are unsigned, but presumed to have been made in England in approximately 1960 in a realistic style. The well execute...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Granite, Spelter

Original And Early Halliburton Aluminum Travel Case ca 1940
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and early ca' late 1930's-early 40's Halliburton aluminum case.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Aluminum

Wooden Sculpture by Jerome Abel Sequin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautifully crafted wooden sculpture is by the designer and artist Jerome Abel Seguin who carves and works these beautiful pieces in his studio in France. The sculpture has th...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Ben Seibel Bookends for Jenfred-Ware
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ben Seibel design copper plated bookends for Jenfred-Ware, U.S.A.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Copper

Vintage Italian Murano Glass Bird Bookends - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming pair of vintage art glass sculptures captures the refined elegance of mid-century Italian design. Crafted from thick, weighty glass in a stunning, deep cobalt blue hue,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Murano Glass

1930s Light Brown Canvas Extra Large "Cube Shape" French Hat Trunk, Hat Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This large hat box features light brown canvas, leather trim and solid brass clasps and corners as well as a leather handle on the top. Beautiful and warm patina. 1 key. Original b...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Luxury Vintage Six Person Fortnum Mason Wicker Picnic Hamper Crystal
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage large Fortnum & Mason six person wicket picnic hamper RRP £2550 A very well made and decorati...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wicker

Set of 16 Mid-Century German Minimalist Colorful Metal Bookends, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Minimalist Colorful Metal Bookends from Soennecken, 1960s, Set of 16, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure ...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

Carl Aubock III Pair Triangular Golden Iron Bookends 5443, Vienna/Austria, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimal yet beautiful triangular metal bookends from the 1970s, model #5443, designed and crafted by Carl Auböck III at the Carl Auböck Werkstätte workshop. They are made o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Bauman Style Screen, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bauman style screen circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Beech

Striking Vintage Clear Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking Vintage Clear Glass Bookends by Blenko, circa 1980s. These beautiful vintage Blenko Glass bookends showcase the brand's signature craftsm...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Glass

Pair of Sculptural Brass Jack / Jax Bookends in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of cast iron sculptural jack / jax bookends in the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition with a fabulous patina and measu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Travel Suitcase Chest Box Canvas Trunk Art Déco
Located in Berlin, DE
Decorative travel suitcase 1900-1920 (The interior trim can be renewed)
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

Artie Ladder White
Located in Cincinnati, US
Scandinavian inspired blanket/towel ladder. Simple, minimal and clean rack.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Steel, Wire

Vintage Blenko handmade Art glass Bookend
Located in Seattle, WA
A single Blenko glass bookend. Heavy. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only. Dimensions. 4”W ; 4”D ; 4”H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century American Modern Illuminated 12" Library Globe by Replogle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Replogle Library Globe composed of a paper over plastic 12" orb with ocean finishes in an attractive aqua with bold accent hues representing continents / countries. Dates between 195...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

Heavy Rare Bronze Train Locomotive Bookends France 1940´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Nice & Rare Silvered Bronze Train Locomotive Bookends 1940´s. Heavy Bookends. Hight quality. Train entering a tunel. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau an...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Cast Terrier Dog Bookend Doorstop Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming Terrier sculpture, bookend or small doorstop. circa 1960's. We see this sturdy guy or girl displayed in a foyer, family room or home office seeking a classic vibe. Grea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Pair of Library Bookends with Books and Candle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming set of bookends featuring books and a candle, circa 1960's. We see these sturdy sculptures displayed in any family room or home office seeking a classic vibe. Great gif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Don Shoemaker Mexican Modern Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand carved bookends in Cocobolo by Mexican Modernist Don Shoemaker. Amazing grain. Retains original label from his workshop in Señal Mexico. This design was included in the 2017 Don...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Cocobolo

Rosewood luggage stand attributed to Don Shoemaker
Located in Ferndale, MI
Attractive and nicely crafted luggage or tray stand . Solid Rosewood with leather straps . Very much in the style of Don Shoemaker .
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Vintage Room Divider With Floral Motif.
Located in Seattle, WA
Three Pane Room Divider , Painted Green on one Side with a Floral Motif on the Other. Edges are Yellow , the Top of the Middle Pane is White, Probably From Exposure to the Elements O...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Bamboo Screen, Room Divider, natural color. Spain 1970s
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
Bamboo screen, Room divider . Circa 1970. Spain. There is nothing metal, the same bamboo acts as a hinge. It is in very good condition . This type of material was widely used in the ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bamboo

Carl Aubock Iron Brass Coin Medal Midcentury Bookend, Austria, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a rare modernist book end, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck III in the 1970s. The bookend consists of a large brass medal, which displays the coat of arms of the hous...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass, Iron

Murano Art Glass Apple and Pear, Hand Blown, Blue, Purple, Excellent Condition
Located in Kansas City, MO
Murano art glass apple and pear Sommerso blue and purple designed by Alfredo Barbini. Both have two flat surfaces for display or can be used as bookend...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Art Glass

Pair Carl Auböck Flat Iron Brass Cane Bookends #3530, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of lovely sculptural bookends, affectionately referred to by the Auböck family as “Flat Iron” due to their distinctive form. Model number 3530-2, designed by Carl Auböck in th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Decorative Mid-Century Modern Artisan Iron and Glass Screen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brilliant and uniquely constructed, artisan free-standing wrought iron screen. Acquired from the original owner, this stunning decorative arts piece was purchased back in the early 1...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Steel

American Contemporary Metal Globe
Located in Queens, NY
American contemporary metal globe of the world on a lucite stand.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Mid-Century Vintage Brass "Indian Planes Rider on Horse" Figure Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Vintage Brass "Indian Planes Rider on Horse" Figure Bookends, circa 1950s. Elevate your shelves with this striking pair of mid-century brass bookends, each depict...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Illuminated Globe Lamp by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Featured in Catalog)
Located in Chicago, IL
Globe Lamp attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Globe illuminates. Illustrated in in Dunbar Catalog. Included catalog photos in listing at end.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Octagonal Solid Blue Glass Obelisk by Venini
Located in London, by appointment only
An Italian 1970s glass octagonal obelisk, of a bluish black almost anthracite color. Signed underneath Venini Italy, circa 1975. ​ Height 14 in (35.5cm).
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Glass

Pair of Italian "Old World" Style Globe Bookends on Wood Bases
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic pair of Italian old world style globe bookends on wood "L" shaped bases in walnut, circa 1970s. The bookends are in very good vintage condition and measure 12.75"W x 4.5"D x ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

Waste Bin in Patinated Leather, Illums Bolighus, 1950s, Dainsh Midcentury
Located in Lejre, DK
Waste bin in beautifully patinated leather and brass. Made for Illums Bolighus in the 1950s. Great original condition. Made in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Chinoiserie Room Divider Screen
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful vintage Italian chinoiserie or oriental room divider screen with stitched panels of foliage, flowers and birds of different colo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Serge Damon, Mid-Century Folding Screen, Gilt and Lacquered Wood, France, 1950
By Serge Damon
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary folding screen depicts four musicians holding, from left to right, a drum, a tambourine, a lute, and a pipe. The four stand before a structure in the background, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wood

Teak Cedar Chest
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century Danish made blanket chest with cedar inside. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Teak

Wrought Iron and Wood Mediterranean Modern Folding Screen or Divider
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wrought iron and wood (balls) Mediterranean Modern folding screen or divider. Wonderful bronzed verde green patina, bi-fold, hand delivery availab...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Home Accents

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-century Modern home accents for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern home accents 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 home accents created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern home accents made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original home accents, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Blenko, Ben Seibel, and Replogle Globes. 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 home accents differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $188,000 while the average work can sell for $1,200.

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