Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Organically-shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Deep Orange, Gold and Clear Fluted Vase, Signed
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Deep orange, gold and clear fluted vase, signed.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Skoby Joe Textured Ceramic Vessel Wabi Sabi Mid-Century Modern Sculpture
By Skoby Joe
Located in La Jolla, CA
Joseph Skoby is a Southern Californian whose work is inspired by the nature of his native state. His ceramics, created in his own lush garden, recall his intimate dance with the ocea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Vase of the "barbarici" Series by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950
Located in Carpaneto Piacentino, Italy
Vase of the "barbarici" series in grey glass with the gilded surface corroded with the application of metal oxides under heat. The central hole and the applied foot are rimmed with b...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Red Opalescent White Italian Art Glass Centrepiece Fish Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Large vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white and red striped Italian art glass flat fish sculpture. Attributed to the Cenedese Company. The piece has a wavy red stripe on the top...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass, Glass
Ettore Sottsass Set of Two Planters for Poltronova, Italy, circa 1961
Located in Carpaneto Piacentino, Italy
Ettore Sottsass set of two stained wood planters for Poltronova, Italy, circa 1961
This rare set is composed by two brown large plant holder and is combined with another set compose...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Satinwood, Wood
Murano Reddish Pink Gold Flecks Bubbles Italian Art Glass Vanity Powder Box
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown transparent reddish pink and controlled bubbles Italian art glass powder or jewelry box. The lidded jar has pulled glass on the sides, with a swir...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
1950s Italian Art Deco Pair of Black Panther Bronze Frosted Glass Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
A very rare pair of Italian animals sculptural sconces of ethnic design, representing the head of black panthers with whiskers in black patinated bronze resting on conical brass supp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Murano White and Baby Blue Italian Art Glass Pear Apple Fruit Sculpture Set
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright white and baby blue Italian art glass pear / apple fruit set. Created in the manner of Archimede Seguso. Unusual color combination. Nice de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Seguso Murano Millefiori Flower Canes Italian Art Glass Pink Incalmo Rim Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown Millefiori canes and pink "Incalmo" rim Italian art glass bowl. Documented to designer Archimede Seguso. The piece has a squared shape, ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Salviati Murano Orange White Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Duck Sculpture
By Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown orange, white, and gold flecks Italian art glass bird sculpture. Documented to the Salviati Company, with original label underneath. Profusely cov...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Table Lamps Featuring Chinese Monkeys Designed by Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A unique and rare pair of painted metal lamps, both base and shades. These lamps are from the estate of Tony Duquette and still retain their Christies lot stickers. As seen in image ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Mario Dal Fabbro Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mario Dal Fabbro sculoture no. 25
"Cube With Inner Space" 1976
Multi-disciplinary artist Mario Dal Fabbro was born in Cappella Maggiore, Italy in 1913. He trained in his family...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Sculpture Ceramic by Elie van Damme for Amphora, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Moulded sitting Girl sculpture, edited by Amphora, created by Elie Van Damme. Black metallic glaze.Perfect condition. Belgium 1960s.
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Pierced Studio Pottery Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare design-
paper I.D. number-
typical wheel thrown form by Gertrud-
glazed with fissure accents and geometric piercings by Otto-
no chips, cracks or repairs
in the late 194...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Op Art Lucite Elephant Sculpture Abraham Palatnik
Located in Montreal, QC
Lucite pop art Elephant figurine sculpture by Brazilian artist, Abraham Palatnik (b. 1928) Pioneer of Kinetic and Op Art. Approx. size: 9" high x 4.5" wide x 1.5" deep. This Beautifu...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Venini 1980s Italian Vintage Emerald Green Murano Glass and Brass Photo Frame
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated Venetian modern design horizontal picture frame in thick blown crystal clear Murano glass decorated with a Sommerso inset ribbon in luscious emerald green color, by V...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Barovier Murano Green Gold Flecks Swirl Cloud Design Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful large Murano hand blown gold flecks and green swirling design Italian art glass bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company, circa 1955-196...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Tony Paul Metal and Wire Magazine Rack with Ball Feet
By Tony Paul
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern magazine rack in the style of Tony Paul. This nifty wire rack with sturdy metal frame, ball feet and heavy wire sides is a Classic. The open wire sides lends an op...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Wire
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1970s, Signed
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in the 1970s Switzerland and signed and dated underneath. This...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete
Mid Century Italian Brass Black Large Mobile Chandelier "Magico e Meditativo"
Located in Milano, IT
Original Italian brass mobile chandelier manufactured in a very small handcraft production in Milano, 20th century
Large, magic and poetical mobile chandelier with brass and black s...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Wire
Fratelli Toso Murano Triangle Orange Iridescent Italian Art Glass Decanter
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful large vintage Murano hand blown orange iridescent Italian art glass decanter with original stopper. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, with original made in Italy lab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Silas Seandel Sun Spots Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Silas Seandel Sun Spots,Sculpture, composed of hand cut bronze, steel, copper and brass elements.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 27.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1968 Switzerland. This special low-profile an...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete
JE Caldwell American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver box. Retailed by JE Caldwell in Philadelphia. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and curved with molded rim. Box interior cedar lined. C...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Langserud, SE
One large vase with handle designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. This vase with its wonderful glaze and leaf/relief pattern gives the sculpture lif...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Rare French Doré Bronze and Agate Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A unique gilded bronze and banded agate floor lamp, signed and dated by the artist, 68 inches tall, 18 inches wide square.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Ormolu
Timo Sarpaneva, Crystal Art-Object "Orkidea" (Orchid), Model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Timo Sarpaneva, crystal art-object "Orkidea" (Orchid), model 3568, Iittala, 1957
Artist
Timo Sarpaneva (Helsinki, Finland 1926-Helsinki, Finland 2006) was an influential Finnish ...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Prototype Salvador Dali 'Salivasofa' from 1974 with Certificate of Authenticity
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing and super rare Salvador Dali lips 'Salivasofa' prototype dating from 1974. Five or six such prototypes were slowly developed in stages during the period 1972-4 by Dali in col...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Foam
Murano Formia for Marta Marzotto Green Art Glass Cactus Plant, 1990
Located in Rome, IT
Italian design by Marta Marzotto creator of style, this cactus is a fashion icon of the Italian style, emerald green with a blue and azure colored spot, the flower.
In limited edi...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Beautiful Porcelain and Brass Sculptured Bird on Brass and Lucite Stand
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Beautiful porcelain and brass sculptured bird on brass and lucite stand.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Salviati Murano White Amber Gold Italian Art Glass Birds Centerpiece Sculptures
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous matched pair of vintage Murano hand blown white, dark amber and gold flecks Italian art glass bird on branch sculptures. Documented to the Salviati company, with worn origin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Bronze Etruscan Horse and Chariot Sculpture in the style of Frederick Weinberg
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant Etruscan bronze horse and chariot sculpture in the style of Frederick Weinberg, circa 1970s. Minimalist and modern, this piece has nice etched detailing and is per...
Category
20th Century Greek Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Rare Early Modernist Silver Plated Cigarette Box by Gabriella Crespi, Signed
Located in London, GB
a rare early modernist silver plated cigarette box by Gabriella Crespi, Engraved Signature, circa 1960's to 1970's18.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Ceramic Bowl Rörstrand Carl Harry Stålhane, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Langserud, SE
Wonderful bowl on a small foot. Manufactured in the 1950s at Rörstrand, designed by Carl Harry Stålhane.
The bowl has a wonderful glaze and it lifts the shape of the bowls to be won...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Yellow and Lime Green Murano Glass Dish
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Large yellow and lime green murano glass dish.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Art Deco Franz Hagenauer Style Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Large Art Deco era figural wood sculptures
Of a stylistic woman and man playing a Lyre.
Each stands 19" tall.
They stand alone on table top or can be wall hung.
Not signed.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Murano Glass Brass Mobile Chandelier Red and Yellow Glass Elements
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Mobile chandelier with solid brass metal structure. Murano glass elements.
Three arches that are balanced on a pivot center allowing swing and rocking movement.
No wires. The lig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Metal
Fratelli Toso Murano Red Blue Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown red, blue, and aventurine flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company. The piece has a pinched rim, with scroll ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Abstract Murano Glass Blow, Clear with Red and Blue
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Abstract murano glass bowl, clear with red and blue.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair of Mid-Century Candle Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of chic mid-20th century Italian candle sconces with simple steel diamond-form frames and single arms supporting brass candle cups. The sconces can accommodate pillar and tape...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Steel
Midcentury Pair of Sven Palmqvist Orrefors Heavy Crystal Vases Clear Blue
By Orrefors
Located in Langserud, SE
Orrefors heavy dropped formed blue vase and one large rounded heavy vase designed by Sven Palmqvist.
Wonderful glass with exceptional blue color that collaborates with the clear gl...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Blue Murano Tear Drop Vase with Incised Linear Design, Signed
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Blue murano tear drop vase with incised linear design, signed.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Seguso Murano Sommerso Blue Red Art Glass Bowl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Blown glass Sommerso Murano bowl /ashtray with folded rim. Attributed to Archimede Seguso, Italy, 1950s-1960s.
Triple cased red, white and blue blue glass with the Sommerso techniqu...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Cofrac Art Verrier Glass Centerpiece, France
By Cofrac
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of the largest pieces of Cofrac Art Verrier glass, at 28" wide, that I have come across. Unmistakeable in its assymetrical free form design. These crystal centerpieces ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Green and Gold Murano Glass Handled Pitcher with Diagonal Fluting
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Green and gold murano glass handled pitcher with diagonal fluting.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
American Modern Sterling Silver Heart-Shaped Ring Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver ring box. Made by Thomae in Attleboro, Mass. Heart-shaped with hinged cover. Box interior velvet lined. Holds one very special ring. Gross weight: 2...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Iron and Tin Rooster Movie Prop from "The Cincinnati Kid"
Located in Stamford, CT
Very cool hand wrought iron and tin rooster, the bird shown strutting and showing off his regalia of life-like feathers. Large scale at 28 by 26 by 12 inches.
You can see this roost...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Toso Murano Green Orange Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights Set
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (3 ppwts available as shown). Beautiful Murano hand blown flower design Italian art glass paperweights. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company. Top is called a "Crow...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
Deep Orange and Clear Murano Glass Footed Bowl
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Deep orange and clear murano glass footed bowl.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Sterling Silver and Rosewood Hinged Box Mid-Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
This sterling silver substantial hallmarked Mid-Century Modern box has a beautiful ebonized rosewood interior. The Mayan Aztec design that is drawn is symbolic of a heritage that is ...
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Perpetual Desk Calendar
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid-Century Modern vintage Tiffany & Co. sterling silver perpetual desk calendar marked 925 , T& Co, 1837. The desk calendar is in excellent condition and comes with the original b...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter Box, Ceramic, Chartreuse, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter box, ceramic, chartreuse, signed. Small scale lidded box decorated with impressed geometric patterns and glazed in chartreuse, burnt orange, green and gr...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Green Murano Glass Controlled Bubbles Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern peridot green decorative bowl, vide-poche or cigar ashtray of Venetian hand blown glass organic floral form. It features hues of emerald green, controlled ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Raymor Bitossi Ball Vase, Ceramic, Orange with Brown, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Raymor Bitossi ball vase, ceramic, orange with brown collar, signed. Chunky orange glazed spherical form vase with coarse matte brown clay collar. Signed on underside 4029 B, Italy. ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
A.Ve.M. Murano Red Millefiori Flower Silver Flecks Ribbon Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown red, silver flecks, copper aventurine, millefiori flower murrines and twisted ribbons Italian art glass bowl. Documented to the A.Ve.M. (Arte Vetr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Leaf
Brass Mid Century Tic Tac Toe Square Game Set on Lucite Base
Located in North Miami, FL
This polished brass Mid-Century Modern Tac Tac Toe square game set has 10 players total of X's and 0"s. A new lucite base was made to give it height and easier room to play. All was ...
Category
1950s Taiwanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Alfredo Barbini Murano White Gold Leaf Top Italian Art Glass Vanity Powder Box
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass vanity powder or jewelry box. Documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950s. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Winged Murano Vase by Sergio Costantini
Located in Austin, TX
Murano hand blown vase of opaline glass made by prestigious Italian glassblower, Sergio Costantini. Clear glass with polvere d'oro (23-karat gold leaf flecks) is layered over white o...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
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