The Best Shops For Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Mid-Century modern furniture emerged onto the scene in the 1950s in America after World War II. It embodied a futuristic style characterised by sleek lines, soft curves and clean silhouettes. It was the start of a significant shift away from traditional decor styles and yet 70 years on its popularity continues to grow. Slender bar carts stocked up with all the cocktail essentials are being rolled back into living rooms and classic G-Plan sideboards are helping to create focal points in our homes. Focusing on functionality and modern simplicity, Mid-Century modern furniture offers a versatile look suitable for large open plan living or even the most compact of spaces.

See also: Mid-century modern furniture – your complete guide

We have compiled a list of the best online shops for Mid-Century modern furniture, from the highly sought after original pieces to the modern take on this classic look. So what are you waiting for? Why not embrace 1950s Palm Springs vibes and find that perfect piece for your home.

1stDibs

1stDibs is undeniably one of the best places to source extraordinary design. Their beautifully curated inventory of mid-century modern furniture is enough to convince anyone to embrace the sleek and slender silhouettes of this iconic movement. This really is the go-to destination for that ‘special piece’ - just like this circa 1950s lounge chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings with its svelte walnut frame, olive green velvet cushions and springy webbing base.

Prices for furniture start from approximately £500 and then the skys the limit.

CHASE & SORENSEN

Mid-century modern design may have started in America but the widespread reach of the movement led to beautiful variations of the style worldwide. The East London company CHASE & SORENSEN are motivated by their own interest in 20th century Scandinavian design. Their varied collections focus on introducing the unsurpassable build quality and ergonomics of mid-century Scandinavian furniture into a contemporary context. Sourced directly from Denmark and Sweden, they stock both Scandi vintage classics as well as contemporary furniture design.

Furniture prices start from £45.

Saffron & Poe

Mid-century modern furniture can sometimes look a little blunt with it’s hard lines and rigid forms. Not at Saffron & Poe. They have taken the classic mid-century style and given it a contemporary and cosy boho twist. The soft shapes, turned wooden legs and warm-toned saddle leather strapping respectfully acknowledge the mid century aesthetic, but have taken it in a softer direction. These inspired pieces of furniture are sure to give your space added comfort and style.

Furniture prices start from $895.

Etsy

Home to a wealth of talented makers and curated vintage shops, Etsy is a fantastic place to browse for unique and creative goods - all whilst supporting small independent sellers. Peruse through a treasure trove of vintage Mid-century sideboards and upcycled sleek teak shelving units, or discover made-to-order Scandi chic desks. Still can't find what you’re after? No problem. Many of the skilled makers offer a custom order service to help your modernist furniture fantasy become a reality.

Vitra

Representing groundbreaking 20th century design, Vitra is one of the best online shops for die-hard mid-century modern furniture fanatics. Their collaborations with contemporary designers has allowed Vitra to push the boundaries of modernism whilst still retaining the classic character of the movement. With classic pieces like the 1956 lounge chair & ottoman from pioneering designers Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra is the pinnacle of design led Mid-century modern furniture.

The Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman starts from £6325.

Dyke & Dean

If you are looking for a little less retro and a little more trend-setter when it comes to mid-century furniture design, then look no further than Dyke & Dean. With an expanding selection of furniture from coffee tables to desk chairs, their modernist inspired range embraces the simplistic clean lines and craftsmanship of classic Mid-century modern furniture but with an edgy up to date twist. The gorgeous Danish sofa is a brilliant example of a beautifully inspired design that could seamlessly slot into any modern interior.

The Danish sofa starts from £1300 for a 3 seater whilst the Galvanitas chairs start from £230.

Arteriors

From vintage brass and walnut-coloured woods through to slender silhouettes and leather finishes - Arteriors boasts a varied collection of mid-century modern designs for those looking to add a touch of refined contemporary decor with a retro edge into their homes. With atomic accent tables, abstract lamps and winged-back upholstery, Arteriors’ Mid-century inspired designs are versatile and easy to work into any contemporary decor scheme.

eBay

eBay is the hub of all things secondhand. If you are looking for the real deal to fulfil your mid century furniture dreams on a budget, then eBay is your place. Whether you find a suave Danish lounge chair from a ‘buy it now’ shop, or engage in a retro G-Plan bidding war at auction, you are bound to come away with a steal.

Prices can start from as little as £0.99 at auction.

See also: How To Get The Mid-Century Modern Look In A Modern Home

What are the best Mid-century modern furniture stores on eBay?

Buying Mid-Century Modern furniture on eBay could not be easier. With so many wonderful shops such as the Ercol outlet or modernistiks-modern design you really are spoilt for choice.

What are the top places to sell your Mid-Century modern furniture?

eBay and Etsy are always a good place to start when selling your mid-century modern furniture. There are also stores such as MCM Interiors that buy and sell original high quality items by some of the most respected American, British and Scandinavian designers of the era.

How do you identify Mid-century modern furniture?

Mid-Century modern furniture can typically be characterised by clean lines, open space and classic shapes. Simplicity in form is often the key and both the modern inspired pieces and the vintage originals will abide by this rule. Materials also play a large part in identifying the style. Mid-Century furniture is often crafted from solid woods such as elm, teak, beech and walnut.