Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The ultimate collector’s resource, including hundreds of pieces by both well- and lesser-known designers from around the world.

The period between the mid-1940s and early 1970s was one of the most productive, creative and exciting eras for objects and furniture in the home. Post-war optimism, new modes of living, innovation in manufacturing and inventive material use all gave rise to an explosion of domestic design. From armchairs and chaises longues to cabinets and nightstands, this comprehensive and richly illustrated publication offers a complete overview of mid-century modern furniture design, with hundreds of pieces by both well- and lesser-known designers from around the world, making it the ultimate resource for collectors, aficionados and lovers of timeless design.

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From armchairs and chaises longues to cabinets and nightstands, the period between the late 1930s and early 1970s was one of the most productive, inventive and exciting eras for objects and furniture in the home. Post-war optimism combined with new manufacturing methods and material techniques to create an explosion of new design and objects of desire.

The appetite for mid-century modern remains as strong as ever, both for classic designs – many still in production since they were launched – and for rare, hard-to- find or out-of-production pieces from lesser-known designers. While numerous books surveying mid-century modern style have appeared over the years, no publication has been specifically conceived for the increasing collector’s market in mid-century modern design, focusing on each piece of furniture as an object of formal invention, manufacturing intelligence and material innovation.

This definitive book profiles hundreds of pieces in a substantial format perfect for reference in design libraries, studios and the homes of private collectors – or as an object of design in its own right. Each item of furniture is presented in detail, illustrated in colour and profiled via in-depth descriptive texts by Dominic Bradbury. The book’s substantial reference section includes essays on materials (eg, plywood) and designer profiles. Work by a host of influential talents is profiled throughout, alongside lesser-known pieces by Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson, Lina Bo Bardi and Alexander Girard.

Contents List:

Introduction
Chairs
Armchairs • Dining Chairs • Occasional Chairs • Task Chairs
Chaises Longues
Chaises Longues • Recliners • Rocking Chairs
Stools
Low Stools • Bar Stools
Sofas
Sofas • Benches • Modular Seating
Tables
Dining Tables • Coffee Tables • Occasional Tables
Consoles & Credenzas
Consoles • Credenzas • Cabinets • Sideboards • Bars
Desks & Storage
Desks • Storage • Shelves • Bookcases
Beds & Bedside
Beds • Daybeds • Night Stands
Ways of Making
Wood • Plywood • Plastics • Steel
Directory of Designers
Bibliography

About the Author:

Dominic Bradbury is a journalist and writer specializing in architecture and design. He is the author of many books on the subject, including New Nordic Houses, The Iconic House, The Iconic American House, Vertical Living, Mid-Century Modern Design, Modernist Design Complete, The Iconic Interior, Mediterranean Modern and New Natural Home, all published by Thames & Hudson.