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Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: Early 20th Century
Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet with One Roller Louver Door & Five Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet comes with up to 5 metal trays or shelves. They are in very good condition and completely original (as is the rest of this piece of furniture). The shelves hold plenty of love letters, sheet music, comics, photo albums, papers, etc. Thanks to its timeless design and excellent condition, this antique file cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet with Two Louvers Doors
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th filing cabinet with two louvers doors Made by unknown manufacturer, in Spain. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With One Roller Louver Door & Five Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet comes with up to 5 metal trays or shelves. They are in very good condition and completely original (as is the rest of this piece of furniture). The shelves hold plenty of love letters, sheet music, comics, photo albums, papers, etc. Thanks to its timeless design and excellent condition, this antique file cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Metal

French Display Cabinet or Store Fitting Restored
Located in Chicago, IL
This was most likely an old turn of the century French store fitting or display cabinet. Our old plank restoration department thoroughly restored the ca...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

20th Italian Coat Hanger Inlaid Brass Accessories Umbrella in the Lower Part
Located in Buggiano, IT
Early 20th Italian coat hanger inlaid with brass accessories, umbrella in the lower part. It is very elegant, practical and comfortable. It was ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet with Two Louvers Doors
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th filing cabinet with two louvers doors Made by unknown manufacturer, in Spain. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age an...
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With One Roller Louver Door & Eight Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet with Two Louvers Doors
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th filing cabinet with two louvers doors, by unknown manufacturer form Spain. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use,...
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Fine Carved and Ebonized Bar Cabinet
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid bar cabinet designed in the 1920s, of fine Italian craftsmanship, with great mastery of woodwork. The cabinet has two legs at the base that cover the entire depth of the base. The feet are made of wood and have a style that is, to say the least, classical, reminiscent of ancient Greek structures; they are made of white-painted grisaille wood. The central body has a very massive rectangular shape. Both the base and the top are bevelled and have a frame that protrudes, like the friezes on the columns. The top is framed by a very classical Greek fret in white painted wood. The base, on the other hand, is made entirely of ebonised wood, which gives an even more sumptuous effect. The cabinet at the front displays two doors that can be opened by means of a brass key in original patina. Each door is decorated with a rectangular antique Greek frame...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early 20th Century Wood Large French File Cabinet
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the charm of a vintage file cabinet hailing from the early 20th century, an intriguing creation by an unknown French manufacturer. This exquisite piece carries the whispers o...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Tomaso Buzzi Masterwork 1930 Triennale of Modern Decorative Arts Monza, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and important Tomaso Buzzi dining room server cabinet embellished with ornately detailed marquetry depicting the entrance to the ‘Bosphorus Straits’. The artwork is an imaginative rendition of one of the most economically and geopolitically important locations on the planet, namely, the vital trade route between East and West through the ancient city port of Constantinople or modern-day Istanbul. The piece reflects the influences of various historic Empires in the region, including Egypt in North Africa to the North West, and The Greek and Roman Empires to the North East, and the Turks to the East. The scene portrays a time when countless battles occurred in these provinces in order to control the flow of Maritime trade between the Continents of the Northeastern Hemisphere and The Orient or the Far East, along the ‘silk road’. The illustration includes numerous architectural icons including the Pyramids of Giza, Roman Colosseums, Roman Aqueducts, Greek Acropolis style buildings, The Galata Tower, The Obelisk of Theodosius, Rumelifeneri Castle, and The Blue Mosque of Istanbul amongst others. A variety of seafaring vessels, marine life, and geological landmarks are also included in the panorama. This masterwork was executed by Buzzi during his tenure at the school of arts and crafts in Sao Paulo Brazil in the late 1920s. This was during the time he joined the "Novecento Milanese" Group and began to collaborate with Gio Ponti on the newly developed Design Magazine, Domus. The cabinet was showcased as a centerpiece in the 8th Triennale of Modern Decorative Arts in Monza, Italy in 1930. It is well documented and retains the original brass plaque from the Institutional Authority of the Arts in Brazil. A copy of a promotional postcard from the exhibition signed by Buzzi and featuring this cabinet is part of the Buzzi Archive. Crafted from indigenous Brazilian...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Billy Haines Style Dark Walnut White Lacquered /Leather Cabinet/Chest Metal Leg
Located in Westport, CT
William "Billy" Haines style, dark walnut hand rubbed, and off white lacquered bureau, cabinet angled design middle is shorter depth than ends and center door is lacquered leather, w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger Early Important Tall Cabinet/ Bookcase Limed Sawed Oak Cane Door
Located in Westport, CT
Highly important Tommi Parzinger tall Limed sawed oak and Cane front Bookcase /Cabinet . 1930's together with original photo and sketch fro catalog page ,one of three possibly made. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Oak

Walnut and Bronze Cabinet by Alfred Chambon, Belgium, 1920s
Located in Brussels, BE
Walnut and bronze cabinet by Alfred Chambon, Belgium, 1920s.
Category

1920s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Modernist Vitrine with Two Shelves on the Sides
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist vitrine with two shelves on the sides. Other measurements_ Central Vitrine Wide: 28in Side Tables : 17.5inx14in From the floor to the marble : 38in
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th Century Vintage Rustic Wall Cabinet: Handcrafted Charm in Solid Wood
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step back in time with this early 20th-century vintage rustic wall cabinet, meticulously handcrafted in solid wood. Originally designed for displaying cutlery, this charming cabinet ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

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Late 20th Century Danish Modern Teak Two-Drawer Rolling Filing Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
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Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With One Roller Louver Door & Eight Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet...
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Walnut

Rare German Art Deco Filing Cabinet w. Perfect Roller Door, Five Drawers & Shelf
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Metal, Brass

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Previously Available Items
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Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Pair Antique Thai Persimmon Wood and Pine Bed Side Tables / Pillow Cabinets
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of unusual Persimmon wood veneer over Pine bedside cabinets / tables on recent custom made bases. Original paper lined interior with sold brass hardware and fittings. Early 2...
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Early 20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Late 20th Century Vintage Oak Office File Cabinet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage stained oak file cabinet designed and manufactured in Denmark circa 1900s. This beautiful file cabinet features four pull-out drawers giving you plenty of space for all your ...
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Early 1900s Danish Antique Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Brass

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to the eye. However, this original cabinet from the 1920s isn't just easy on the eyes. It is as stable as the day it was manufactured and as you can see it is very well cared for. The solid walnut roll up door also works perfectly and comes with a working lock and key. This handmade cabinet comes with up to 7 trays or shelves. They are in very good condition and completely original (as is the rest of this piece of furniture). The shelves hold plenty of love letters, sheet music, comics, photo albums, papers, etc. Thanks to its timeless design and excellent condition, this antique file...
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Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Oak

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet
Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet
H 58.1 in W 16.71 in D 14.6 in
Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With Two Roller Louver Door & Ten Shelves
Located in Miami, FL
This French filing cabinet is another good example of the quality furniture that was made in those days. The angular design and wonderful warm walnut-colored patina are a delight to ...
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Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Walnut

1930s Macy & Co Kitchen Cupboard
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
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Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Enamel

1930s Macy & Co Kitchen Cupboard
1930s Macy & Co Kitchen Cupboard
H 32 in W 24 in D 20 in
20th Century French Oak Filing Cabinet
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
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Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

20th Century French Oak Filing Cabinet
20th Century French Oak Filing Cabinet
H 47.25 in W 19.69 in D 16.54 in
Bernhard Ludwig Wein Cabinet, Vienna 1906
By Bernhard Ludwig 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Ludwig Wein Inlaid walnut cabinet with brass hardware from Vienna 1906. The doors open to ten small shelves and one larger storage space. There are two drawers below. In ori...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Bernhard Ludwig Wein Cabinet, Vienna 1906
Bernhard Ludwig Wein Cabinet, Vienna 1906
H 59.75 in W 31.5 in D 18 in
Vintage European Grey Hutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Vintage European Grey Hutch
Vintage European Grey Hutch
H 67 in W 39.5 in D 19 in
Vintage French Farm Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Vintage French Farm Cabinet
Vintage French Farm Cabinet
H 66.5 in W 34 in D 20 in
Vintage Abbess Oak Tambour Front Easel Top Cabinet Antique
By Abbess
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Oak

Brass and Marble Side Cabinet Early 20th Century Nightstand Bedside Table
Located in Mimizan, FR
French brass and marble side table, nightstand, bedside cabinet, circa 1920 Variegated white marble Superb decorators piece In original vintage condition incredibly solid and soun...
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Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Mid-century Modern cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern cabinets 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 cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern cabinets made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Lawson-Fenning, Joe Colombo, Paul McCobb, and Edward Wormley. 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 cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $228,000 while the average work can sell for $4,501.

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