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Mid-Century Modern Benches

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
Vintage Walnut Italian Long Gallery Bench - TWO Available
Located in North Miami, FL
Classical Italian design on display with these beautiful long gallery benches in walnut. Fine details such as saber legs and scalloped backrest, in the Ponti style, this very long s...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Swiss Design Bank Stühle, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl, Set of six, 1960s
Located in Renens, CH
A set of of six “Bank Stühle”, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl (also known for the Loop Chairs for Eternit AG), produced during the 1960s in Switzerland. The name Bench Chair is deriv...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Ash

Single Custom Channel Tufted Blue Soft Leather Waterfall Stool or Bench, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Single custom made channel tufted blue soft leather waterfall stool or bench, handcrafted in Florence, Italy by an artisan carpenter. One of a kind. Soft Italian leather in a sophist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Three Stools by Arthur Umanoff, Walnut Spindle Base, Leather Seats, Excellent
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 3 stools designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1950s. Expertly refinished and reupholstered with new off white / ivory leather tops. Together they also make a nice substitute for a benc...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

"Cansado" Bench by Charlotte Perriand for Steph Simon, 1950s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Authentic wood and metal bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in the 50s. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair Of French Black Mid-Century Benches With Brass Accents By Jacques Tournus
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French black Mid-Century benches by Jacques Tournus, featuring cast aluminum bases with circular brass medallions, and newly upholstered squared seats in striped black and charcoal gray fabric interspersed with gold threads. The best of of Mid-Century style with a nod to Neo-classical design, these stylish and sleek stools...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Bodil Kjaer Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Denmark, Bodil Kjaer bench in leather (Re-Edition).
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century P, Buffa Style Curved Wooden and Fabric Ottoman Bench, Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant bench (or ottoman) in curved wood, with seat upholstered in light green fabric. Italian production in the style of Paolo Buffa, 60s. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage 1960s Pair of Burl Wood Laminate Drum Benches Stools or Drink Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful vintage 1960s burl laminate stools, benches, drink, end or side tables. Very versatile and can be used as you like. Drum, cylinder with platform base. No damage or defects ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Burl

Spanish Gilt Iron Bench with Decorative Stretcher
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely iron bench was recently hand crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron-working techniques and materials. It features gracefully curved legs and a centra...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Fine Long Bench By The Charles Stewart Co.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and stylish Bench from Charles Stewart. A long designer bench in a dark stained wood frame with square tapering splayed legs. Upholst...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Monumental wooden bench by Bruno Nanni, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Wooden bench by Bruno Nanni, Italy, 1970s A monumental and sculptural work, the bench represents one of the very rare testimonies of Bruno Nanni's activity in the world of design. T...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Gilt Wrought Iron Base Beige Tufted Leather Upholstery Window Hall Bench MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Silver Gilt Wrought Iron Base Beige Tufted Leather Upholstery Window Hall Bench MINT.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Custom Oak Cream Bouclé Bench by Fosfeen Handcrafted, Made-to-Order (Extended)
Located in Plymouth, GB
(Extended-length edition — the original design is available in our other listings) A handcrafted oak and bouclé bench from Fosfeen’s Sunday Collection. Made to order with full custo...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Oak, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Fabric, Textile

Bench Eye Le Temoin by Man Ray for Studio Simon, Italy, 1971
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Bench pouf stool or coffee low cocktail table Eye sculpture "Le Témoin" by Man Ray for Studio Simon ( Dino Gavina ). An edition from the 1990s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Resin, Plywood

Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel Profile Series John Van Koert Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench Bench version of the Profile Series ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Upholstered Bench with Storage Compartment
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury bench with upholstered seating and backrests, plus sleek chrome supports and sled legs. The bench's seat lifts up to reveal a storage compartment...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Jan de Jong small bench made for Church Uden 1966
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare bench, designed by Jan de Jong for the Pauluskerk in Uden, Netherlands (1966/1968), is a unique piece of ecclesiastical furniture with a rich history and design pedigree. T...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Large Harvey Probber Bench in Mohair Upholstery with Brass Trim
Located in Dallas, TX
A hard to find extra long bench by Harvey Probber. Most are only 57". This one is 71.5" wide. We have reupholstered in a yellow/mustard mohair. The bras...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1960 s Design Stained Pine Low Slat Bench
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Period Design Darck Stained Pine Low Slat Bench or Side Table. Made in the 1960's. No maker markings or references found. Dark staine...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Italian Mid-Century Modern / Minimalist Bench by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Italian mid-modern / Minimalist bench resting on enameled metal legs with molded plywood seats and a center seat in leather-like material. The entire composition forms with black leather central seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

JH 574 - Bench in solid teak by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
JH 574 - Bench in solid teak with tapered legs. Branded by manufacturer Johannes Hansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches
Located in Doraville, GA
A pair of vintage benches designed by Harvey Probber for his own manufacturing company in 1955, the benches are in his catalog and are model nu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches
Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches
$1,520 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Mid-Century Slat Bench Coffee Table George Nelson Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
Amazing Mid-Century Modern George Nelson style slat bench coffee table. Classic slat wood coffee table bench. This table is exceptionally well made. Features clean lines and legs tha...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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 Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech

Italian Vintage Bench with Black Leather Seats
Located in Milano, IT
The vintage bench is of fine Italian manufacture and it is original from the 50s. It’s a multidirectional bench because the three seats can be placed to ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Hans J. Wegner Model JH-574 Bench for Johannes Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hans J. Wegner teak slat bench, model JH-574 for Johannes Hansen. The hand of the cabinetmaker echoes within this most simple design. This strong, robust six-legged bench boasts a cl...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, beech, braided straw, Italy, 1940s A well-executed design that features a frame in wood with a border that is meticulously adorned with braided straw. The elegantly bent fra...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Straw, Beech

Handmade Italian Modern Craftsman Bench / Sofa in the Spirit of Andrea Branzi
Located in New York, NY
A dramatic, Unique Italian Modern Craftsman sculpture / sofa / bench in the spirit of Andrea Branzi's Modern Rustic / Brutalist Aesthetic as seen in "Domestic Animals". This original...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Tight Cushioned Accent Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern furniture, this tight cushioned accent bench is built to order and completely customizable. The bench shown was custom made...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Italian Modernist Chrome Bench with Leather Seat Cushion, Italy, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
An Italian modernist cylindrical shaped chrome bench with a leather covered seat cushion. A wonderful contrast of complimentary materials, with the shine and gloss of the metal and ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Italian Vintage Modernist Brutalist Style Solid Wood High Back Settee Benches
Located in Firenze, IT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern period solid wood banquette settee was probably a chapel pews benches. These original and rare high back seatings str...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pace Collection Chrome and Leather Bench Mid Century 1970 s - 80 s
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted heavy sculptural flat bar chrome bench upholstered in luxurious chocolate brown leather. Designed in the manner of Leon Pace and the Pace collection, perfect for ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Erwin and Estelle Laverne Philharmonic Bench in Tufted Black Leather Circa 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Philharmonic leather bench by Erwin and Estelle Laverne for Lavern Originals USA circa 1961 Architectural design in original black tufted leather on arced stainless steel legs 85 i...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bespoke Cerused Oak Bench/ Cocktail Table on Sabre Legs
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke cerused oak bench /cocktail table on sabre legs. Please note that this item is customizable. It can be crafted in a variety of woods and finishes. Lead Time is 8-10 weeks. O...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Carved Mahogany Ladder Back Country Rush Seat Loveseat Bench MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Mahogany Ladder Back Country Rush Seat Loveseat Bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

Custom Upholstered Metal Vanity Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Metal bench with upholstered seat in your fabric or we can provide generic linen fabric. Perfect as vanity stool or entry hallway bench. We can size it to your needs. Different finis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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 Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech

Torbjørn Afdal and Harry Moen "Biri" Leather and Pine Bench, Norway 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) is remembered as one of the most well-respected Norwegian designers of the postwar period. Afdal’s work is characterised by a refined understanding of mate...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Nicos Zographos Daybed, Leather and Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Nicos Zographos Monumental Gallery Bench, Leather and Steel. Original black leather rests on polished stainless steel base. Bench is signed on the underside
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent pair of Michael Taylor benches designed for Baker Furniture's Far East Collection. The solid walnut frames have been refinished in an ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1960s Solid Teak “JH574” Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Victoria, BC
An outstanding example from the workshop that defined the pinnacle of Danish cabinetmaking, this 1960s JH574 bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen embodies everything collector...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Black Enameled Steel Slat Bench or Low Coffee Table, USA 1970 s
Located in New York, NY
Steel slat bench made of welded steel bars, enameled in black.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Frank Lloyd Wright Benches and Table from Wright s 1951 Unitarian Church
Located in Long Island City, NY
This trio of hinged bench seats and one table were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1951 for the Unitarian Meeting House, which Wright also designed, at 900 University...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Fir

Harrison Bench With Artisan Prism Sleek Fabric
Located in Freamunde, PT
The Harrison Bench is a bold statement of modern design, seamlessly blending geometric precision with plush comfort. Its sculptural silhouette, featuring asymmetrical upholstered cus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Side table / Bench in Oak by Aksel Kjersgaard for Odder furniture in 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Side table made of oak, by Aksel Kjersgaard for Odder in the 1960s. The table is made of solid oak with a simple and functional design, which is characteristic of Danish furniture de...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair, Pierre Guariche French Black Benches Steel Distressed Faux Leather 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Pierre Guariche French black benches or stools in steel & distressed faux leather 1960 designed. Hand stitched Faux Leather with rivets decoration. In all original distress...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Spanish Mid Century Gilt Iron Bench with Scrolled Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant mid century Spanish gilt iron bench from the 1950s features an ornate hand forged base with elaborate scrollwork and a stretcher with decorative central ring details and...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Iris Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Iris Bench finds its inspiration through the minimalist, clean lines of the Scandinavian design style. The refined textural warmth of the solid wood silhouette is the perfect co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mohair, Linen, Velvet, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Iris Bench
Iris Bench
$3,350 / item
GIO Bench Series 32 in Blackout Oak by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: a perfect blend of Gio Ponti's timeless design and modern functionality. This elegant bench features signature angled legs with metal sabots for add...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
These lovely classic X design brass stools/ benches by Paul McCobb, are in wonderful solid condition. NEW nubby boucle style fabric and an amazing patina to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Sergio Rodrigues Eleh bench made by OCA Brazil 1965
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Presenting a larger than usual version of the Eleh bench, a distinguished creation by the renowned designer Sergio Rodrigues, manufactured by Oca in Brazil in 1965. This versatile pi...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

60" Woven Rush Bench in Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Ash

Linear Bench in Natural Walnut Series 48 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern legend Edward Wormley, "The Linear Bench" embodies modern minimalism with clean lines and a sturdy metal stretcher. Explore our seven wood finishes an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mucki Bench in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1958, Brazilian Midcentury
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958 by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) and manufactured by Oca, the Mucki bench is an incredible and versatile piece – ideal for different kinds ...
Category

1650s Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

François Monnet Bench Stainless Steel and Tufted Faux Leather
Located in Miami, FL
A rare François Monnet bench, stainless steel and white leather. French Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship.
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tandem Five-Shell Seating by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Tandem Five-Shell (side scoops) Seating by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller,, Seldom seen black fiberglass shells,, all embossed "DESIGNED BY cHARLES EAMES" 40 years in this b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Odyssey Bench in White Oak
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Odyssey Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating fusion of sculptural artistry and impeccable craftsmanship. Constructed from solid oak or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Twill, Oak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Henredon Solid Walnut Bench Coffee Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern stunning solid walnut grain long bench coffee table with rolled edges and one drawer similar to Edward Wormley for Dunbar bench.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Stamford Modern, Carlos Solano-Granda, Lawson-Fenning, and Montage. 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.