Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Andirons

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 legendary 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.

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.

115
3
to
12
91
26
118
115
116
74
74
63
61
57
55
31
25
25
17
16
16
11
6
4
1
115
3
1
85
17
12
32
12
14
1
Height
to
Width
to
117
95
58
38
11
74
73
38
30
4
17
6
3
1
1
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Fireplace Andirons Wrought Iron Firedogs, France, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of andirons of the périod Mid-century modern Wrought iron firedogs French circa 1960. Good condition Shipping: 52 / 30.5 / 50 cm 14 kg     
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Edouard Schenck Dog Dachshund Andirons Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Paris, IDF
Here is a pair of vintage wrought iron dachshund andirons designed by Edouard Schenck in the early 1950s. Edouard Schenck was a French andiron maker who designed zoomorphic pieces as...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Custom Mid-Century Modernist Style Polished Brass Rectangular Andirons
Located in New York, NY
This ultra chic pair of custom andirons feature a minimalistic vertical rectangular front panel displayed in polished brass. They are fully customizable in terms of the dimensions an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair Of Artistic Wrought Iron Andirons, circa 1970, France.
By Lynn Chadwick
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of graphic and minimalist andirons, circa 1970, France. This pair can be presented in two different positions, for two unusual geometric compositions. Wrought iron. A very nice ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Chrome Dancing Flames Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chrome Dancing Flames Andirons. Probably dating to the 1950's but they have an Art Deco feel to them. Heavy twisting bands of chrome bars mimic the flames of a fire. In very good ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Chrome, Iron

Vintage Patinated Brass Sculptural Andirons by Donald Deskey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural blade-form andirons designed by Donald Deskey (ca. 1959, USA). Inspired by Samuel Gottscho's 1939 "Trylon and Perisphere" exhibited at the 1939 World's Fair, the bulbous, ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Modernist Andirons Fire Dogs, 1940s
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful pair of modernist stylized dog andirons. Literal fire dogs. Iron. 1940s.
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Andirons, France, 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Nickelled metal spiral-form andirons, featuring iron bases and bars.           
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Torqued Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome
Located in New York, NY
This bold and elegant Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Torqued Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome originate from the United States, Circa 1970. Features a dynamic minimal composition ren...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Owl Cast Iron Andirons, circa 1970, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice owl andirons, circa 1960, France. Fine and detailed metal work. Cast and wrought iron. Original good condition. Dimensions: 41 cm D, 33 cm H, 29 cm W. All purchases are covered ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Vintage English Equestrian Horse heads and Brass Hoof Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage English Equestrian Brass and cast-Iron Horse Heads Andirons and Hoof Andiron Supported by Bronze Hoof Base
Category

1940s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Cast Iron Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An excellent pair of cast iron andirons. The andirons feature a patinated Arts & Crafts style front design with a sphere finial atop each. A perfect comp...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Large Cast Iron Arts and Crafts Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of oversized cast iron andirons. This large pair of andirons feature a patinated Arts & Crafts style front design with a curved detailing seen at both the front and back of the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Brass Arts & Crafts Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass andirons featuring spindle feet and a tapered shaft with a layered three disc finial atop each.  Dimensions 8" width x 17" depth x 16" height Condition Good vintage c...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass

Large Andiron, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Large Andirons, each is made to fit horizontally in a fireplace so these are ideal for a dual fireplace grand room. Sold individually.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Cut Steel

Pair of Andirons with Brass Ring Detail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These modernist andirons feature a curved front facing wrought iron bar topped with a brass sphere and square ring. A perfect compliment to your home fireplace. Dimensions 6” width ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Modernist Brass Ribbon Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass andirons. The andirons feature two ribbon like twisted fronts with varied heights with a curved base. Dimensions 7.25" width x 6" depth x 25" height. Condition Good ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer Style Polished Brass & Block Cast Iron Andirons, C. 1960
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modernist Karl Springer Style Cast Iron & Polished Brass Fireplace Andirons. Featuring 1" deep, thick cast iron block bases, polished reflective curved and double sided rectangular ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Donald Deskey for Bennett Brass Blade & Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in West Chester, PA
The iconic Donald Deskey for Bennett Brass Blade & Iron andiron set!
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Flame Brass Andirons, circa 1960, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Very nice pair of stylised flame andirons, circa 1960, France. Polished brass, wrought iron. Dimensions: 43 cm D, 38 cm H, 18 cm W. All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Rare Belt Andirons With Gold Bronze Buckels by Jules Wabbes, Belgium 1960.
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of "Belt" cast iron andirons with polish bronze "Buckels". General Decoration for Jules Wabbes. Litt. "Garde feu" of the same design by General...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Melchiorre Bega Andirons in black steel and nickel
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Melchiorre Bega 1950s fireplace andirons in steel and nickel Never used.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Donald Deskey Pair of Andirons in Wrought Iron and Brass 1950s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Pair of andirons in wrought iron with polished brass fins by Donald Deskey for Bennett, American 1950's (signed “Bennett” on shanks). Deskey, a ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Fred Meyer Andirons Often Attributed to Donald Deskey, USA, 1950's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Fred Meyer Andirons Often Attributed to Donald Deskey, USA, 1950's.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair Of Chic Flower Andirons in Brass 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of loop andirons, brass with stylized flowers, American 1950's. These andirons would lend a touch of elegance to any fireplace. Dimensions are for each.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair Of Large Andirons In Wrought Iron with Brass Orbs 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large andirons in wrought iron with brass orbs on top by Stover, American 1970's (signed “STOVER MFG. CO.” on base of andiron). Thes...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Elegant Flame Andirons in Polished Chrome 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of flame andirons in polished chrome, American 1960's. These andirons are very chic. The flames of a fire would reflect beautifully off the gently curving surfaces of the andir...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Chrome, Wrought Iron

Pair of Artisan Andirons in Polished Brass and Wrought-Iron 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and exceptional andirons in polished brass and wrought-iron, American 1970's. These andirons are beautifully made and would add a touch of elegance to any fireplace. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Chinese Style Andirons in Hammered Brass 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese style Modernist andirons in hammered brass, American 1950's. These andirons are very chic. Dimensions are for each.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Chrome Flame Form Andirons
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chrome and steel flame form andirons. Stylish combination of form with a function, in very good original condition.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Paire de chenets en acier brossé par Jean-Paul Créations vers 1970
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paire de chenets en acier brossé et métal chromé édition Jean-Paul Créations. France, vers 1970. Parfait état.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Metal

Andirons and Complete Fireplace Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Andirons and Complete Fireplace Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for "Dimensione Fuoco", Italy, 1970s The fireplace set consists of three different elements: a set of fireplace tools (wit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Metal, Brass

1980s Virginia Metalcrafters Polished Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
We are offering from a Richmond, Virginia estate a very fine pair of Virginia Metalcrafters (Harvin) brass andirons in the "Binney" design. These are not ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Custom Mid-Century Modernist Style Polished Nickel Caliber Andirons
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural and sophisticated pair of andirons were custom fabricated by artisans in New York State. Offering a vaguely figurative form, these polished nickel andirons are compos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron, Nickel

1980s Virginia Metalcrafters Polished Brass and Iron Fireplace Fender
Located in Germantown, MD
We are offering from a Richmond, Virginia estate a very fine pair of Virginia Metalcrafters (Harvin) brass and iron wire mesh in the "Binney" design firep...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Modernist Twisted Bronze Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of bronze modernist andirons. The andirons feature a ribbon like twisted front with curved footed detail. A beautiful detail to compliment to your fireplace. Dimensions 9.6" w...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Set of Mid-20th Century Modern Wrought Iron Gilted Andirons by Gilbert Poillerat
Located in North Miami, FL
Set of mid-20th century Modern wrought iron gilted andirons by french metalworker and decorator Gilbert Poillerat By: Gilbert Poillerat Material: iron, metal, wrought iron Technique...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of Donald Deskey Black Cast Iron Brass Andirons, Circa 1960
By English Bellows, Donald Deskey
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modernist Donald Deskey Pair Brass & Black Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons. Featuring a heavy balanced cast iron framework, u shape design in f...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

"Scottie" Inspired Fireplace Andiron
Located in Hudson, NY
The distinctive Scottie dog-inspired fireplace andiron, shown here, serves its intended purpose with a bit of whimsy. Designed to mimic the look of a Scottie terrier, the decorative ...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Cast Iron Fireplace Insert Grate
Located in New York, NY
Larger than most, this impressive fireplace insert grate is solid and sturdy - the surface shows obvious signs of age and use, normal and consis...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of Cast Iron Flame Andirons , circa 1950, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice pair of sculptural andirons, France circa 1950. Stylized flame in cast iron. Dimensions: 25 cm H, 18 cm W, 39 cm D. Good original condition. All purchases are covered by our Buy...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

20th Century Italian Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Brass Oval Fireplace Andirons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian pair of andirons made of hand crafted iron and polished brass, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1940 - 1960, Italy.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

1960-1970’s MCM to Modern Andirons or Firedogs Solid Brass Wave Scroll or S Shap
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage MCM or Mid-Century Modern to Modern Andirons or Firedogs comprised of solid brass wave, scroll, or S shaped. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vint...
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass

Playful Animal Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great pair of wrought iron andirons/log holders. Playful dog forms, heavy and nicely hand made.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid Century Wrought Iron Log Holder
Located in New York, NY
Well crafted wrought iron mid century log holder with unusual steel tray base. Nice medium scale dimensions make this log holder perfect for either indoor or outdoor use.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Pair of 1960s Brass and Iron Duck Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of 1960s neoclassical Brass and Iron Duck Andirons. Measures 9" in width, 18" in depth and stand 13.5" tall.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

1950s Vintage Andirons Brass Breasts + Nipple Minimalist Modernist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Good weight, quality construction. W 9.25 x D 25.25 x H 22 in.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Modernist Brushed Steel, Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of modernist andirons is made of brushed steel, brass and iron. This is a very nice model, large and made of very good quality. This is a French work. circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Donald Deskey Andirons in Brass and Iron
Located in Kansas City, MO
Donald Deskey Andirons. Heavy iron with Brass fronts. Very good condition and may have been restored at some point in time. Few if any signs of use.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Brass & Black Cast Iron Andirons, by Donald Desky for Bennett
Located in New York, NY
United States, circa 1950 These stunning Art Deco Andirons were realized by the legendary designer Donald Deskey- the visionary behind Radio City Music Hall- for Bennet in the Uni...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of 1940 Anchor-Shaped Andirons in Polished Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of anchor-shaped andirons in polished brass with black iron stand. Made in USA, circa 1940.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Andirons in Chrome, Enameled Steel & Glass, Designed as Knights
Located in East Hampton, NY
This amazing 1950s designed pair of Andirons in steel, chrome and glass, depicting two Knights with shields and lances. Very whimsical and HEAVY! NOTE: One of the knights head reclin...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair Donald Deskey Brass & Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of fireplace andirons designed by Donald Deskey circa 1950 for Bennett. Sculpturally cut and formed forged blackened iron J swoops (al...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons Firedogs France ca. 1950s Jacques Adnet Style
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A highly decorative pair of large black patinated hand wrought iron andirons or firedogs in the manner of Jacques Adnet., marked with an unreadable artists signature.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Artisan Made Iron Fire Screen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine artisan made iron fire screen, the openwork front with scalloped and criss-cross sections decorated with stylized flowers and leafy buds. With a ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Iron

Frederic Weinberg Solid Brass 1960's Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of 1960's solid brass and iron horse andirons by Frederic Weinberg, in good vintage condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Unusual Octagonal Mid Century Log Holder in Wrought Iron ca. 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Unusual octagonal form, nice usable scale, good clean, ready to use condition, recently repainted black. Most MCM log holders are circular in form, this...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of French Midcentury Brass & Iron Fireplace Andirons
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
These sculptural brass and wrought iron fire dogs were designed and manufactured in France in the 1950s to 1960s. The brass rings have been polished and the iron elements were restor...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Mid-century Modern andirons for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern andirons 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 andirons created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern andirons 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 andirons, popular names associated with this style include Donald Deskey, Bennett Co., Virginia Metalcrafters, and Afra & Tobia Scarpa. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for andirons differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $395 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $2,728.

Recently Viewed

View All