Skip to main content

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.

to
118
1,093
438
1,200
302
64
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1,355
478
258
277
238
257
232
250
231
249
230
249
1,442
251
214
137
126
105
98
88
87
66
63
62
62
48
42
41
27
6
10
1,184
366
10
793
255
2
1
13
24
217
274
169
36
16
1,016
599
542
243
204
669
642
616
245
145
1,566
1,315
1,372
65
48
25
25
21
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Cinema Chairs from Ton (Thonet), 1960s, Set of 13
Located in Żory, PL
Set of 13 cinema chairs by TON (formerly Thonet) from the 1960s, arranged in configurations of 2, 3, 4, and 4 seats. Made from beech wood and bent plywood, these chairs are in origin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Italian Designer, Bench, Steel, Teak, Vinyl, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A steel, moulded teak plywood and black vinyl bench designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 17.625” H x 49.75” W x 12.75” D
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

New Upholstery John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Couch
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New basket weave fabric upholstery Widdicomb sofa love seat slipper chair booth sofa. Black lacquer hardwood frame.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Göran Malmvall Bench for Karl Andersson Söner, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Svensk Fur” bench is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design relays an insight about the society and culture...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A multifunctional piece designed in the 1950s by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Most commonly seen as a bench, the piece has a walnut frame that tapers towards each end with ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Tri-Mark Designs Bench, Chrome, Cream Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
Tri-Mark Bench, Chrome, Upholstery. Tri-Mark Designs of Pennsylvania manufactured this bench in two sizes - this is the smaller 3 foot version with an appealing proportion and very c...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Swedish Bench in Pine by Sven Larsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sven Larsson is one of the Swedish pioneers of the robust pine furniture era that started in the late 1960s and grew popular in the 1970s. With a great feeling for details and qualit...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Walnut Live Edge Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century live edge bench or coffee table is crafted of a solid walnut slab raised tapered wood legs.Can be used as a bench or a coffee table. Restored in a natural oil finish. Exc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of "Bamboo" style benches by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of benches in "bamboo" style gilt metal, upholstered with a fabric by Métaphore. Creation by Studio Glustin. France, 2024
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Bench in Holly Hunt Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
Exemplifying the superb craftsmanship and enduring elegance of mid-century modern design, the iconic Florence Knoll bench graces your living space with a touch of timeless sophistica...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Two Seat Bench attr. Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart
Located in Trenton, NJ
This mid-century two-seat bench attributed to Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart, Inc. captures the sleek elegance and sculptural design sensibility of 1950s modernism. With its clean li...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This bench has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long creating a versatile solid oak walnut stained...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Benches in the Style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of stools or benches in bronzed wrought iron in the modern neoclassical taste of Jean Michel Frank. The wrought iron frame is in the Classic X-form and the apron is in t...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Custom 1960s Italian Style Velvet Sofa or Bench with Brass Base by Adesso Import
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom 1960s Italian style sofa or bench with handmade brass base upholstered in light pink velvet. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Can be done in different colors, fabrics an...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Van Keppel Green "VKG"Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Van Keppel Green "VKG" Outdoor/Indoor Bench 1955c. Custom made by California Living 2000c. Metal T legs with mesh top covered by 2" thick cushion' Di...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans Set of three Raised diamond pattern. Unmarked. Similar to Paul Evans Argente cube side ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of soli...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid- century Italian Bench in Beech wood
Located in Houston, TX
The mid-century Bench is made of beech wood. It has been newly reupholstered in a light velvety fabric and repolished. The legs are beautifully carved and intertwine on the bottom. ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

A Brutalist Bench by Aranjou, France, c. 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A wonderful brutalist bench manufactured by Aranjou, France c. 1960s. Massive dark stained oak and organic shape. Wear consistent of age and use. Marks, scratches.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Bench in Chrome and Leather by Steelcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Thin frame chrome and leather bench by Steelcase.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mario Lopez Torres Wicker Panther Stool, Early 1970s
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Mario Lopez Torres Wicker Panther stool, Made in the early 1970s. Panther stool or could be used for a small table. The Panther has copper teet...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wicker

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century slat bench crafted in solid walnut, showcasing a streamlined form and beautiful natural grain. Its versatile design allows it to function as seating, a coffee tab...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Brutalist Modern Solid Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A unique vintage bench from the 1960s. This bench features a heavy solid carved wood base with upholstered seat cushion. Base was lacquered silver at some point, would look great rei...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

20th Century, Gio Ponti Wooden and fabric Bench
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Crescent Bench in Brass by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Crescent Bench - a harmonious blend of elegance, stability, and artistic craftsmanship. Supported by four solid brass casted legs, this exquisite be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

George Nakashima Studio Conoid Bench Signed Mira Nakashima, 1992
Located in New York, NY
George Nakashima Studio Conoid bench signed Mira Nakashima 1992. The bench is walnut has hickory spindles and rosewood butterfly joints. This bench was commissioned for a private col...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hickory, Walnut

Brutalist Oak Wooden bench Vintage
Located in Paddington, NSW
Vintage live-edge bench crafted from solid oak wood, showcasing a beautifully sculptural seat with organic, flowing contours that emphasise the natural character of the material. The...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Brazilian Designer, Bench, Árvore, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid Árvore wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Some splitting wood present on top and minor separation where the legs meet the seat. Dimensions: 16.25” H x 48...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Charlotte Perriand. Edited by Steph Simon. Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania (Africa). In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserv...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Pair of French Bronzed Iron Stools / Benches after Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of stools / benches in bronzed wrought iron in the modern neoclassical taste expressed by Jean Michel Frank. The wrought iron frame is in the Classic X form and the apro...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Modern Iron and Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern iron and leather bench with a hammered iron modern tapered frame and box leather upholstered seat cushion. Dimensions 30" W x 14" D x ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Black Tufted Canvas Museum Bench by Metropolitan Furniture, 1986
Located in Miami, FL
Museum bench with newly upholstered heavy black canvas fabric on square tubular chrome frame by Metropolitan Furniture, 1986.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

French Brutalist Modular Wall System – Industrial Elegance, ca. 1950
Located in Oirlo, LI
Stunning and robust French brutalist wall system from the 1950s crafted from high-quality, knot-free solid pinewood. This freestanding modular unit features a strong frame and can ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Upholstered Bench with Spider Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Small Bench or Stool, Newly upholstered and Base refinished.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Stainless Steel Benches by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning modernist pair of stainless steel benches designed by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s. This versatile pair of benches would work in...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian 1940s Bench in Wood and Yellow Velvet Upholstery
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1940s bench in wood and yellow velvet upholstery Attributed to Studio BBPR.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Tri-Mark Designs Bench with Chrome Frame Ivory Bouclé Upholstery c. 1970s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy sleek chrome bench by Tri-Mark Designs newly reupholstered in soft highly durable ivory bouclé. Ivory bouclé is breathable and keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Strong bookend style chrome legs support a soft and comfortable upholstered seat. Clean lines. High art look. A good choice for a sleek art filled entry or passage way, or in a large walk in closet...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Norwegian Teak Modular Bench/Coffee Table by Gerhard Berg for Westnofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Imagine a beautifully crafted vintage teak bench/coffee table that embodies both elegance and versatility, designed by the talented Gerhard Berg and manufactured by P.I. Langlo Fabri...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Gilt Iron Bench with Scrolled Feet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This beautiful Spanish gilt iron bench was recently handcrafted by skilled European artisans and features a hand forged iron base with gracefully scrolled legs and a stretcher with a...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl / John Stuart Storage Ottoman, Footstool Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Johnson Furniture Co. and lab...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Benches For Cassina A living room system designed to define the domestic landscape in a fluid, flexible manner. The first project designed by Antonio Citter...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Slat Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Wood slat bench with metal legs. Tagged.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Style of Knoll Chrome Bench Restored w Grey Cotton Velvet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very special and a rare form bench with a gallery style rail support which is a square tube that is incorporated into the frame. Completely restored chrome polished to perfection and...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rare 1960s Walnut Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Stool Bench Ottoman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Inc. from the 'Stingray' Series. Can be matched with the Model 2466-C Lounge Armchair. Tight and sturdy frame. Architectural form, with staved A...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Italian Ash Bench with Boucle
Located in New Orleans, LA
A sleek mid-century Italian ash bench featuring clean, architectural lines and upholstered in plush bouclé—balancing warm wood tones with soft texture for a sophisticated modern stat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Ash

Gio Ponti Rare Pair of Benches in Walnut and Ivory Bouclé, Italy, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti early rare pair of benches with walnut frames and ivory bouclé fabric, Italy, 1930s. These elegant benches have a graceful frame with curved cabriole tapering legs connecte...
Category

1930s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Andrianna Shamaris Midcentury Couture Espresso Stained Teak Wood Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the midcentury Couture collection, furniture constructed by hand from start to finish. A long Minimalist bench made from a single three inch slab of reclaimed teak wood t...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

1960s Cinema 5-Seats Bench by TON, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The wooden parts has been re-polished - Height of seat 45 cm.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Japanese Bench
By AFM
Located in Highland, IN
This striking bench has a combination of wood slats and woven jute seats. Manufactured by AFM Quality Furniture in Japan it has a hand-hewn quality and the understated design reminds...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Jute, Wood

Ate van Apeldoorn Style Pine Two Seat Bench with Green Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ate van Apeldoorn style two seat pine bench with green skai seat and newly upholstered green fabric back cushion. An attractive piece with rounded edges and organic hand-carved detai...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather, Pine

Pair of Mid-century Neoclassical Iron Gilt Benches / Stools, Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical handwrought iron and gilt benches or stools in the style of Jean-Michel Frank and attributed to Maison Baguès. The...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mel Smilow Slatted Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Bench on Tapered Dowel Legs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mel Smilow Slatted solid walnut Mid-Century Modern bench on tapered dowel legs.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Charlotte Perriand Refolo Low Table, Bench or Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Low table that can also be used as a sofa or bench designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953. Relaunched by Cassina in 2004. Manufac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Long "Krobo" Table/Bench in Rosewood by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, fully restored long “Krobo” bench designed by the influential Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo. Constructed from a mix of solid and veneered Brazilian rosewood with stu...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Sergio Rodrigues, Slatted Mucki Bench, LinBrasil
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mucki Bench Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century modern walnut wood bench dating 1970s Italian manufacturing
Located in Milan, IT
Walnut wood bench dating back to around the 1970s, Italian manufacturing. The bench has simple and solid lines. Very good condition, however it may show traces of age.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Hand Tooled Leather Folding Bency by Angel Pazmino for Muebles De Estilo
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare vintage hand tooled leather folding bency by Angel Pazmino for Muebles De Estilo of Ecuador, circa 1960s. The bench is in go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Tandem Eames for Herman Miller for Three Shells and a Table Top
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Tandem Base and Table without shells. Show signs of use. 35 cm H incl the height of the bar of the base/ 40 incl the top of the seat support/ 42 cm incl the top of the table top su...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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.