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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
French Modern Neoclassical Lacquered Table / Bench by Alberto Pinto for Nobilis
Located in New York, NY
A rare and iconic French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical lacquered stool, bench, side or cocktail table by Alberto Pinto for Nobilis, Paris. The piece is conceived as both furniture ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Oak Bench by Edward Durell Stone for Fulbright Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare bench was designed in the 1940s by the noted architect, Edward Durell Stone for Fulbright Furniture. This example bears a remarkable patina, as it was likely used outdoors,...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

French Mid-Century Modern Barley Twist Bench in the Style of Louis XIII, 1940
Located in New York, NY
French bench or stool in the style of Louis XIII with legs and stretcher in the form of a barley twist.
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bench by David Smith Co
Located in Seattle, WA
Dark Toned Petite Rustic Bench. Makers Mark States “Handcrafted From Old World Java .” Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 22 W ; 12 1/2 D ; 18 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Seat in the Style of Sport Bench
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of leather, wood and steel Very good original condition with nice patina.  
Category

Early 2000s Czech Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful brass frame bench by Harvey Probber circa 1960s. Fully restored, and reupholstered
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Custom Made Quality Contemporary Calf Hide Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and solid feeling bench/ottoman. A rectangular bench In medium brown calf hide, raised on wide deep walnut stained block feet. The seat made separately from the base...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cowhide

Spanish Iron Bench in Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
This beautiful Spanish gilt iron bench was recently made by skilled European artisans and features gracefully scrolled legs and a stretcher with a decorative center twist. The hand f...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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, very much Ponti style, this very lon...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Modernist Wire Settee
Located in Portland, OR
A compelling and sculptural seating option made from welded steel wire rod. As acquired, with rust in spots and nice overall patina. Very structural...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Modernist Wire Settee
Modernist Wire Settee
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Tufted Mohair like Fabric Faux Bamboo Frame Mid Century Compact Bench MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tufted Mohair like Fabric Faux Bamboo Frame Mid Century Compact Bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Astor 60" Brass Bench in Navy Velvet by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Bench 60" is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an era o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Beech Bentwood Standing Planter, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Bench Iron Gold Leaf by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Very fine model of bench by Pier Luigi Colli. Hammered wrought iron and gold leaf . Fully upholstered with a lamb wool and cashmere wool fabric by Bisson Bruneel. The stools and cons...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Italian MCM Gio Ponti Design Benches with Brass Legs
Located in Dallas, TX
These Italian MCM Gio Ponti Design Benches with Brass Legs are stylish and retro-inspired furniture pieces. Upholstered in rich blue fabric. These benches feature sleek brass legs an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Valentine Pouf
Located in Carmel, CA
Designed by Ashley Yeates, 'The Modern Hepburn,' handcrafted in California using FSC-certified wood, natural tree latex foam, organic cotton, wool batting, non-toxic finishes and nat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Bench, Painted Iron, France, circa 1900
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Bench, Painted iron in the shape of bamboo, Back and seat in iron lattice, Original lacquer, wear consistent with age and use, France, circa 1900. Measures: 120 x 55 x 87 cm.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Upholstered Bench Design Institute America
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful bench by Design Institute America, Milo Baughman style. Used as a low bench and suited for the end of a bed. This multi-functional bench is raised over solid chrome flat ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll Pair of benches USA 1954 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches Pair of custom-sized Florence Knoll benches in a custom flat steel finish wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Brass Bench with Saddle Stitched Leather Cushion
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modern Brass Bench features a nude colored saddle stitched leather cushion. Since Schumacher was founded in 1889, our family-owned c...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Klismos Style Leg Metal and Woven Leather Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
A very unique style bench with a metal base supported by splayed klismos style legs. The bench is upholstered in a woven leather. Bench has nice wear to it and has a very organic, na...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Egyptian Bench with Modern Pearl Inlay, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Egyptian bench with Modern pearl inlay, 1960s. Great condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Tibetan Sheepskin Bench Lucite Tapered Legs Mid-Century Modern, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern bench with exotic Tibetan sheepskin in ivory. Fabulous bench has a sturdy platform supported by four tapered Lucite legs. The Tibe...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Lucite

Simply Modern Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Destined to be remembered, this expressive bed bench is as functional as it is fashion-forward. Its upholstered seat is plush yet supportive and framed in metal with a Zinc Oxide fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Simply Modern Bench
Simply Modern Bench
$1,197 / item
Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid-Century Couture Wabi Sabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A beautiful antique single teak panel taken from my finest collection, is expertly...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Carved Olive Wood Goatskin Benches / Stools
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sensual pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern carved solid olive wood benches / stools with long hair goat skin seats. References: Gio Ponti, O...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Goatskin, Olive

Andrianna Shamaris Monumental Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist monumental bench from the midcentury Couture Collection. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. Hand carved from a thick slab of centuries old teak wood and s...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Bench in the Manner of Andre Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French modern neoclassical bench in the style of the French Iconic designer of the 1940 period, Andre Arbus. 2 pieces are available and they are priced and sold as individual...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Uncommon Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Uncommon Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench. Additional images available upon request. Leather is the original upholstery. Most likely will require either reupholst...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Hand Carved Espresso Stained Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture Collection, featuring our unique Minimalist carving. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. Beautiful reclaimed teak wood taken from m...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Set of 3 White Painted Wooden Benches with 1 Armchair, Italy, 1960s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of three white painted wooden benches and an armchair was made in Italy in the 1960s. We covered the seats with jute straps. We would be ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Jute, Wood

Yngve Ekström Orange and Brown Pine Two-Seat Bench
Located in Weesp, NL
Elegant solid Pine bench designed by Yngve Ekström for Swedese. It has been produced in the late 1960s. The bench will be taken apart when shipped. It takes about 10 minutes to put ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Italian Japandi walnut and ebony Bench, 60s
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Introducing an exquisite Japandi bench from the 1960s, crafted with precision in Italy. Japandi style combines two fascinating worlds-Japan and Scandinavia. Simplicity, functionality...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Ebony, Nutwood

Chrome X-Base Upholstered Top Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice X-base fabric upholstery stainless steel bench.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

1960s Sculptural Carved Wood Lion Blue and White Bench Ottoman Stool
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning bench/ottomans you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

1930s Italian Working Bench
Located in Praha, CZ
- the wood has been treated by oil - wood with signs of age.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Long Six-Legged Blood Cherry Lacquer Finish Display Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative seven foot long carved frame bench or coffee table in thick dirty red lacquer enamel finish.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Minimalist Hand Carved Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful single slab of teak wood taken from my finest collection is hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench. The Mid-Century Couture Collection, feature...
Category

2010s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Jansen Benches Jacques Tournus Pair
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful sleek pair of black lacquered benches with zebra pattern upholstery. In the style of Jansen Mid-Century Modern. Attributed to Jacques Tournus. Measures: 17.5" W x 40" L...
Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Brass Benches by Charles Hollis Jones #HR-84, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of aged brass benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970s. Dimensions: 25" wide x 15.5" deep x 21" high to the top of the metal x 18" high from th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Custom Made Integrated Leg Tufted Velvet Bench
Located in New York, NY
Custom upholstered integrated leg velvet bench. Shown is rich chocolate brown velvet, with buttons and seaming. Available in any size custom made to order COM / COL. Legs can be bras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Mid century plywood benches in the manner of Alvar Aalto, 1960 - set of 2
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
This pair of mid century benches are made out of plywood curved seats and a wooden base. The design is much like the Alvar Aalto 51/403 chair produced by Artek. We cant confirm thi...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid-Century Couture Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the mid-century Couture Collection. Furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A two inch thick single slab of teak wood taken from my finest collection is hand ...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak

Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865
Located in New York, NY
Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865. Enameled metal and upholstery. Manufacture: Figli di Amedeo Cassina Lit: Roberta Lietti: Ico Parisi Design - Catalogue R...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865
Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865
$27,200 Sale Price
20% Off
huge and rare 251cm george nelson bench from the modular group
Located in Munich, DE
ultra rare an most possible made on special order very big george nelson bench. we also have a smaller bench available.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Astor Petite Brass Ottoman in Blush Mohair by Montage
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Montage, the Astor Petite ottoman is a wonderful addition to a refined interior space. Astor was designed with the delicate proportions of the midcentury, celebrating an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Provincial Carved Walnut Stools / Benches, Louis XIV, circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Mid-Century Hand Carved stools or benches in the Style of Louis XIV, Each in walnut and delicately carved and channeled into a perfect harmony of soft curves. These ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Walnut

Pair of Spanish Gilt Iron Benches in Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant pair of Spanish gilt iron benches was recently handcrafted by expert European artisans using traditional iron-working techniques. The hand forged iron bases feature a ce...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Vintage English Midcentury Goldenrod Painted Wooden Bench with Black Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English vintage painted wooden bench from the mid-20th century, with cylindrical armrests and faux bamboo legs. Born in England during ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Upholstered Bench by Directional
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered bench by Directional. The bench has an off-white upholstery with a loose cushioned seat.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Slatted Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sturdy walnut slatted bench at an ideal height for both seating and table use. Gorgeous mid-century details are great for living room use or entry way...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Faux Bamboo Base Tufted Upholstery Bench with Sides
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern silvered faux bamboo base tufted upholstery bench with upholstered side rails.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Gilt Iron Bench in Mauve Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant Spanish gilt iron bench was recently made by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working methods. The hand forged iron base features gracefully scrolled leg...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Racetrack Oval Shape Seat Upholstered Bench on Bracket Legs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass bracket base legs oval bench in style of Design Institute of America. Milo Baughman influence.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern New Blue Upholstery X-Stretchers Benches
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of new upholstery Italian Mid-Century Modern benches on X-stretcher bases and brass tips.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sport Bench
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of cow skin and wood Very good original condition with nice patina Good ice-breaking piece!
Category

1980s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Animal Skin

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.