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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
Hommage À Pierre Jeanneret Civil Bench For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Hommage À Pierre Jeanneret Civil Bench For Cassina Included in Cassina’s study of the furnishings of the city of Chandigarh, the Civil Be...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Brass and Lucite "Empire" Style Benches by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two sets available, one in polished brass and one in polished nickel. Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones. The benches were...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Rare and early Bossche School bench by Dom Hans van der Laan, 1970s.
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and poetic example of early Bossche School design, this austere yet deeply expressive bench was designed by Dom Hans van der Laan in the 1970s and executed by the Jan de Jong ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Style Waterfall Scroll Bench with Bouclè Upholstery
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic mid-century modern waterfall scroll bench made in the manner and style of Karl Springer. The bench has a modern redux with a stylish and soft boucl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Extra Long Mid Century Modular 6-Seat Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Unusual sectional, or modular, sofa having 6 distinct chair sections, which can be hooked together to form one very long sofa (143 inch) or used in s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

French Mid-Century Modern André Arbus Style Triangular Bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Mid-Century Modern André Arbus style triangular bench. This unusual bench, ottoman or poof has graceful tapered legs with brass sabots and is n...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Torbjørn Afdal Krobo Style Rosewood Planter Bench
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
1960s rosewood planter bench, similar to the 'Krobo' style benches by Torbjørn Afdal. Incredible rosewood grain and color throughout. Planter box and pa...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

French Design Classic: Pierre Chapo, S14 Benches, 1980s
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Pierre Chapo S14 “Banc à piliers pour trois”: Three-seat bench in elm. Would work great as an end of bed bench. As with all furniture by Chapo, th...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Topa Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa bench features a handcrafted roundover frame and secured tufted cushion. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles,...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Assembly, con...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Wood, Oak, Teak

Mid-Century Lucite Bench attributed to Charles Hollis Jones
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This Lucite vanity "Angel Wings" bench is a true work of art, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Hand made by Hill Manufacturing Corp and attributed to ren...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Mahogany Trestle Storage Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century Mahogany Trestle Storage Bench or Table. May be used as a piano bench, bedroom bench and as smaller space coffee table. Measures...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Ebonized Oakwood Bench with Carved Top by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Named a 2018 Best of Year Awards Honoree by Interior Design Magazine. KG bench merges mannerism with engineering. Carved out of thick slabs of Sessile Oak the...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Mid 20th Century Kindel Furniture Oxford Cherry Needlepoint Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid 20th Century Kindel Furniture solid Oxford Cherry and Needlepoint Upholstered Bench with flower gallore. Measures 24" in width, 14...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Vladimir Kagan Bench, from Kagan s Park Avenue Apartment
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Bench, from Kagan's Park Avenue Apartment, Tufted burnt orange suede with an acrylic plinth base. By Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. 1...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Suede, Acrylic

Renzo Rutili for Johnson Mahogany Cabinet Bench
Located in Astoria, NY
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Mahogany Cabinet and Bench, the cabinet with two doors opening to two shelves, and the long bench with two rush seats, all...
Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Metal

1940s bench made of maple wood and wool
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
1940s bench with maple wood legs and brass ferrule. The bench has been completely restored, new white woolen fabric upholstery. Perfect at the end of the bed or as an entry bench. ...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Senufo Bench from Ivory Cost, Monoxyle 1950
Located in LYON, FR
Large Senoufo African bed, from the 1950s, from the Ivory Coast. This is an entirely original and vintage collector's item. The bench has never been waxed ...
Category

1950s Ivorian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Warren Platner Long Bench for Lehigh Leopold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning and rare piece designed by Warren Platner and manufactured by Lehigh Leopold, c.1960s, USA. The long bench features a newly upholstered tan leather seat cushion with tufte...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

French antique soldid wood bench with narrow and long seat, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Mid-century French wooden bench with long narrow seat, 1930s Bench with narrow and long seat with rounded corners, entirely in solid wood. The square section legs facing outwards are...
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical steel brass curule bench by Maison Jansen 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful 1960’s Curule Savonarola bench made of heavy stainless steel metal with brass accents. This timeless bench was created by French interior design firm Maison Jansen in the e...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Modern Craft Associates Walnut Bench
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut This Modern Craft Associates...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5"H x 48.0"W x 18.0"D Seat Height (inches): 11.5" All ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pinewood Bench with Upholstered Seat by Krogenæs, Norway 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
A concern with the aesthetic design of crafts can be seen in the Scandinavian arts as far back as the Vikings. The first part of the new century saw a new wave of Norwegian design, h...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine, Sheepskin

GiIO PONTI - Walnut bench, pink velvet - Made in ITALY 1940s
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - Beautiful and elegant bench to be included in both modern and vintage decor . Sturdy and in perfect condition with its original rose-colored velvet upholstery , . Made in...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nutwood, Velvet

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

Row of Cinema Chairs / Bench by TON, 1950s Renovated
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1950s, Czechoslovakia - maker: TON (labeled) - perfect original condition - signed by number.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Coffee Table Bench
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful, mid-century, modern, retro, 1960’s, Danish style, coffee table/ bench, by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, from the Declaration series. The perfect length...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

John Behringer 3-Seat Bench in Bouclé Mid Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
John Behringer 3-Seat Bench for J.G. Furniture Co. The sculptural frame is polished aluminum and upholstered in Bouclé.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Modern Window Bench by Jonathan Adler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern style window bench in the style of Paul McCobb features unique tapered and splayed legs. Stylish design with plush white tufted upholstery and thick padde...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Charles and Ray Eames Vintage Fiberglas La Fonda Bench 1970s
Located in Münster, DE
3-seater bench, La Fonda seat shells with original full upholstery, orange-red Hopsak cover, vintage condition, 1970s, design Charles & Ray Eames, manufacturer Vitra American co...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Walnut and Cognac Leather Daybed
Located in Atlanta, GA
Walnut and cognac leather daybed, American, circa 2000s. Beautiful joinery and construction. It was made circa 2008 and has seen very little use.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Artisanal Bench in Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a stunning blend of art and functionality. Handcrafted from solid walnut or oak with captivating curves, this bench adds elegance ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Rope Stools / Benches, Audoux Minet.
Located in New York, NY
2 Rare pairs of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style stools or benches in hand wrought iron with handmade rope seats circa 1937-1940, attributed ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Stylish Practical Mid-Century Stable Long Bench / Stool or Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful design and condition, 1960s hand-crafted leather bench. This perfectly symmetrical and straight lined bench is in amazingly good condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pierre Jeanneret Bench from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh
Located in Soho, London, GB
Bench from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh. The rarity of this piece is further enhanced by the presence of a typical hand-stenciled marking on the rear crossbar that read...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Teak

Mid Century Upholstered Piano Bench with Storage
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage piano bench features hardwood construction, dark mahogany finish, vintage yellow upholstered seat, interior storage with brass accente...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Unusual and charming grey wooden bench, France ca 1890
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1890 / bench / wood / rustic / mid-century / industrial Rare wooden bench with genuine patina after many years of use. Made in France around 1890. With reinforcement beam a...
Category

1890s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll Sling Settee Sofa Design, 1970s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Knoll sling bench designed by Hannah Morrison, black coated aluminum frame with grey wool upholstery. Some small marks on the frame but in otherwis...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Small rustic French benches 1850
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Dating from around 1850 in France, these beautiful low benches are rustic and have a beautiful patina on the wood. Their low height of just 11 cm and their length of 198 cm make the...
Category

1850s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool or Bench
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool from the Henredon upholstery collection.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Bench or Coffee Side Table in Rattan and Wicker by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century Italian organic coffee table or bench in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stylish French Riviera style side table was designed in Italy during the 1960...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Mid Century Wrought Iron and Upholstered Loveseat Bench c. 1950 s
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wrought iron with a linen textured vinyl upholstered seat. This example has been newly painted black, and the seat has been professionally reupholstered. Classic Mid Cent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Long Asymmetrical Wood Coffee Table or Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully made long bench or cocktail table circa 1960's. It feature a well proportioned asymmetrical design with solid wood construction. Very clean and ready to use.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

American Mid-Century Black Tufted Faux Leather Bench
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century bench with a black tufted faux leather seat resting on three squared chrome support legs
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

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

Textile

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered and Wood Bench Set by Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A clean line modern bench set designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin 1960s. It features a solid maple frame with original metallic ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Naugahyde, Wood

Pair of Red Cinnabar Hand Carved Asian Elephants with Brass Tusks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Cinnabar red hand carved elephants with solid brass tusks. the trunks are up, allowing the good energy to flow wherever you place them. A Wonderfull statement flanking a doorway or can be used as a stool, or pull up from under a console table. many wonderful uses or simply as decorative items. A peacoefilled and lovely way to share such statement pieces. Chinese imports...
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench with Cushion by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

John Risley Monsieur Mademoiselle Patio Bench Sculpture 1960s
Located in Dallas, TX
Handmade John Risley Studio welded steel bench sculpture. Freshly restored in a stunning yellow-orange powder coat. Measures: Seat height is 17" Seat depth is 17".
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Convex Bench Series 48 in Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafted from solid oak or walnut, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool, made in natural woven and iron structure, the eyes are made in precious stone.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Adrian Pearsall Pair Swivel Pouf Ottomans Benches Stools with Cloth Bases, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of pink pouf benches was originally designed by Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Inc. The pink fabric has an airy and light feel but still offe...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and bronze-painted iron bench or coffee table designed by John Van Koert and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Børge Mogensen BM0699 Asserbo Bench in Oiled Eucalyptus for Carl Hansen Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Børge Mogensen 'BM0699 Asserbo' Bench in Oiled Eucalyptus for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Wengé Slatted Bench by Walter Antonis, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wengé bench, Walter Anthonis, Dutch, 1960s Solid wengé piece which could act as both coffee table and bench. Beautiful joints. Would fit a...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wenge

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.