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Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

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
Vintage Mid Century Silver Plated Photo Frame by Carrs of Sheffield
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and architectural silver plated vintage photo frame. A legacy in design, Carrs of Sheffield proposes whimsical design for home decor. This beautiful piece exudes silver met...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver Plate

Tommaso Barbi Porcelain and Brass Ceramic Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Picture or photo frame rendered in ivory glazed porcelain ceramic and patina brass designed by Tommaso Barbi, Italy, 1970s, Signed. Fits a 4x6 photo.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

1980s Vintage Italian Picture Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian mid size vintage wood picture frame made in Italy 1980s.  
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Vintage Small Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage small Italian picture frame made in Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Gold Colored Open Center Frame
Located in Seattle, WA
Frame Features a Floral Motif. Possible Signature Reading JM as Pictured. Perina and Wear Consistent with Age Dimensions. 16 W ; 4 D ; 18 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Cartier Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Square Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
American Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Square window in wide, flat, and plain surround. With glass, silk lining, and wood laminate...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Set of 4 Harris G Strong Framed Ceramic Hand Finished Tiles, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful tiles by American ceramic artist Harris G Strong. Harris G Strong stands for his iconic work in earthenware hand painted tiles. This set of 4...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Vintage Italian Blue Murano Picture Frame 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Blue Murano Picture Frame from the 1980s is a captivating and elegant photo frame originating from Murano, Italy. Crafted with exquisite blue Murano glass, this f...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Picture Frame by Burber
Located in Mérida, YU
Very rare Murano glass picture frame made by Burbe. All original signed with Vetri stamp. Nice warm colors blends easy with all types of decors.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern picture/mirror frame attrib to Adrien Andoux & Frida Minet.
Located in London, GB
Unusual picture or mirror frame made from twisted rope and limed oak. This quality frame has areas of rope around it. The oak frame has been treated with a lime wash, popular in t...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Oak

Vintage Italian Picture frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s, featuring brass corners, is a charming and stylish photo frame hailing from Italy. Adorned with brass corners that add a touch of so...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Big Picture Frame in Pine Wood & Steel by Felice Antonio Botta, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Big Picture Frame in Pine Wood & Steel" by Felice Antonio Botta, Italy, 1970s, is a vintage Italian artwork that combines the warmth of pine w...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Pine

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s is a charming and ornate photo frame originating from Italy. Crafted with intricate detailing and a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Lucite, Rattan and Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant decorative picture photo frame is perfect for a living space or vanity. The frame features a square shape with clear Lucite and rattan or wicker cane work. Genuine natur...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Vintage Italian Decorative Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Decorative Picture Frame 1980s: A captivating and nostalgic picture frame from 1980s Italy, exuding classic Italian design and craftsmanship. This charming piece show...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fully brass Italian square picture frame made in Italy 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Solid Brass Display Easel/Book Holder
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Beautiful detailed vintage solid brass easel, could be use to hold a small painting, a book, a religious piece or music piece, can oleo be used to hold a family picture it’s a very ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Picture Frame Decorative Object Silver 800 Plexiglass Midcentury Italy 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular semicircle-shaped photo frame made of transparent and black plexiglass and 800 silver. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Signature at the top right, as you can see in the photo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver

Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic and Brass Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible mid-century frame in white ceramic and brass. This wonderful object was designed by Tommaso Barbi, as you can see his signature on the back, in Italy in the 70s. This piece is unique for the fine artisanal work on the white ceramic in combination with the brass interior decoration. A picture frame in perfect condition that will complete a midcentury-style living room or bedroom. Italian designer Tommaso Barbi is best known for his whimsical furniture...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vallauris Tiles Guitare Poulbot by R. Leduc Midcentury Studio Pottery, France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Vallauris R. Leduc Poulbot with Guitare on tiles, circa 1970, France The theme of the "poulbot" was frequently declined by Raymonde Leduc with many variants. The name "poulbot" des...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Faience

Vintage italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s captures the essence of Italian elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s captures the essence of Italian elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Tommaso Barbi Midcentury White Ceramic and Brass Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible mid-century frame in white ceramic and brass. This wonderful object was designed by Tommaso Barbi, as you can see his signature on the back, in Italy in the 70s. This p...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Pink Leather Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink ostrich leather and nickel-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 10.5 inches, width 8.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in Los ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, Nude Portrait by Skipper Mize, c1960
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern abstract oil painting on board by Skipper Mize offers impressionist full length nude portrait of figure, artist signed lower right, seated in matting and frame, ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Italian Picture Frame, 1960s.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Picture Frame from the 1980s is a classic and elegant display piece that embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of Italian desi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Murano Green Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 3 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and green Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Picture Frame, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian picture frame made with wood and brass details.  
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Whimsical Silver Photo or Picture Frame with a Ruched Fabric and Bow Motif
Located in Miami, FL
Picture or photo frame rendered in silver with a whimsical bow and ruched fabric motif. Fits a 4 x 6 photo.
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver

2000s Barovier Toso Italian Royal Blue Twisted Murano Glass Brass Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated Venetian modern design vertical photo frame in thick blown Murano glass worked in a luscious deep blue jewel color, by Barovier Toso, signed piece. The elegant texture of the tightly twisted glass frame...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Picture Frame 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful decorative Italian Picture frame made in Italy 1980s
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome

Christian Dior Style Lucite, Vienna Straw and Silver Italian Picture Frame 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcetury lucite and Vienna straw picture frame enriched with a silver frame. This astonishing item was made in Italy during the 1970s following the style of Christian Dior....
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Silver

Paolo Traversi Photo Frame Mother of Pearl with Brass Design Gold Italian, 1970
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Paolo Traversi photo frame mother of pearl with brass design gold, Italian, 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Italy Brass and Plexiglass Frame Midcentury Design Style, Contemporary Product
Located in Brescia, IT
This item is the example how the design can create a beautiful ordinary object. It is fully handmade in Italy with heavy thick plexiglass and brass p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Hand Painted Sign Sillhouette of Marilyn Monroe
Located in Pasadena, CA
Hand Painted Sign Silhouette of Marilyn Monroe. Measures approx - 33w x 40h x 2d Signed in back - Signature unknown '71
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Wood

Hand-Stitched Brown Crocodile Leather Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This luxury modernist leather picture photo frame was hand-crafted in France in the 1940s. This sophisticated piece boasts an all-leather construction built with thick multi-layers o...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Leather, Glass

Umberto Mascagni Shiny Gilt Aluminum Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Umberto Mascagni from Bologna designed this lovely picture photo frame in the 1970s. The piece boasts shiny gilded aluminum with a bronze color geometric line design...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Photo frame Decorative Object Nickel-plated Brass Mid-Century Italy from the 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant round photo frame, in nickel-plated brass. Transparent glass. High quality. It retains all its original parts. Italia 1970s. Recommended piece Depth: 12.5 cm Weight: 600 gra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, transparent with golden glitter. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame with transparent glass and go...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Cartier Modern Sterling Silver Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
Located in New York, NY
American Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular window in wide and flat surround. With glass, paper lining, and wood laminate b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Murano Glass Vintage Frame by Venini
Located in Austin, TX
Murano glass photo frame with brass detailing attributed to Venini. This vintage piece has a ribbon of blue glass fused within the clear glass in the sommerso technique. The frame ha...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Rare Gucci Picture Frame c.1970's
Located in Bath, GB
A rare vintage photograph frame by the iconic fashion house, Gucci. The frame has spent some time in my silversmith's workshop where new gold plating was applied to the borders as...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in pink color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in pink color designed and manufactured by Veni...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in kiwi green color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in kiwi green color designed and manufact...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in amber color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in amber color designed and manufactured by Ve...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist light blue glass and brass picture frame. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in light blue color designed and manufactured by V...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Chrome and Brass Geometric Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish picture frame from the 1970s was designed and crafted by Italian designer A. Elle. The gilded brass and chrome geometric design has a Kinetic effect. The easel and back ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Midcentury italian Murano glass frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to create a thick ribbed texture. Beautif...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Bamboo and Brass Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant brass and bamboo cane photo frame with rectangular shape.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

SALE Christian Dior Italian Sterling Silver Frame in Mid-Century Modern Style
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior sterling silver picture frame in Mid-Century Modern style, made in Italy, and in oval shape. In new condition and sold with its original papers, pouch, and box, it has...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Murano Smoky Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and smoky Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell and Brass, Christian Dior, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century photo frame in tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This charming piece was made in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to a Christian Dior production. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

30% OFF Sale Christian Dior Italian Sterling Silver Frame
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior sterling silver picture frame in Mid-Century Modern style, made in Italy. In new condition and sold in its original box, it measures 9 5/8'' by 7 5/8'' in outer dimens...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Montagnani Italy Walnut Wood and Metal Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture photo frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut wood geometric ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass, Aluminum

Italian Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Honeycomb Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in wide and flat surround with incised honeycomb pattern on front; edges plain. With glass, silk lining, and velve...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Montagnani Italy Metal and Walnut Wood Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this elegant picture photo frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts a rectangular shape, with burl walnut wood geometric veneer ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass, Aluminum

Mid-century Modern picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern picture frames 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 picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern picture frames made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original picture frames, popular names associated with this style include Barovier&Toso, Fontana Arte, Gucci, and Tommaso Barbi. 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 picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $16,687 while the average work can sell for $970.

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