Best sources for by new or vintage pieces
Finding authentic and high-quality mid-century modern (MCM) furniture can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for vintage pieces or modern reproductions, several sources offer a wide range of options.
Whether you’re looking for new mid-century modern furniture or prefer the charm of second-hand vintage pieces, there are plenty of sources to explore. By choosing the right sources, you can find the perfect mid-century modern furniture to fit your style and needs.
Headings
Where to Buy New
Where to Buy Pre-Owned or Vintage
Slow Furniture Movement
The Value of Investing in Authentic
Why Authentic Furniture is Worth the Investment
Where to buy new mid-century modern furniture
Finnish Design Shop
Finnish Design Shop is an excellent source for those looking to incorporate Scandinavian elements into their mid-century modern living room. Specializing in Finnish and Nordic design, the site offers a wide range of furniture, lighting, and home accessories from iconic brands like Artek, Vitra, and Louis Poulsen. Moreover, Finnish Design Shop is particularly known for its curated selection of timeless pieces that blend functionality with beautiful design. As a result, it has become a go-to destination for authentic Scandinavian mid-century modern furniture.
Mohd (Mollura Home Design)
Mohd.it is an Italian online retailer that offers a wide selection of high-end furniture, lighting, and home accessories, including many mid-century modern pieces. They feature iconic designs from brands like Cassina, Knoll, and Flos, providing customers with access to some of the most renowned mid-century modern designs. Consequently, Mohd.it is ideal for those looking to invest in authentic, luxury mid-century modern furniture with a focus on Italian craftsmanship and design.
Herman Miller
Herman Miller is a legendary name in the world of mid-century modern design. They are the original producers of some of the most iconic pieces in MCM history. Including the Eames Lounge Chair and the Noguchi Table. Herman Miller has been a key player in modern design since the mid-20th century. Collaborating with designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi. Their commitment to quality and innovation ensures that you are purchasing not just a piece of furniture, but a piece of design history. Herman Miller is a must-visit source for anyone serious about mid-century modern design.
Knoll
Knoll is an American company that has been a leading name in modern design since the mid-20th century. They offer a range of mid-century modern furniture, including iconic pieces like the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer. Knoll’s products are known for their high quality and timeless design. They continue to produce classic pieces that stay true to the original designs, making Knoll a reliable source for mid-century modern enthusiasts.
Design Within Reach (DWR)
Design Within Reach is a retailer that specializes in modern and mid-century modern furniture. They offer a mix of original designs and high-quality reproductions from iconic designers such as George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Hans Wegner. Moreover, DWR is known for making classic modern design accessible, offering pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Their collection includes everything from lounge chairs to lighting, making it a great one-stop-shop for mid-century modern enthusiasts.
Where to buy pre-owned or vintage mid-century modern furniture
Chairish
Chairish is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of vintage and pre-owned furniture, including mid-century modern pieces. Chairish allows individual sellers to list their items, so you can find unique and rare pieces at various price points. The site offers a user-friendly shopping experience, with the ability to search by style, designer, and price range. Chairish also provides a “Make an Offer” feature, allowing for some negotiation on pricing.
1stdibs
1stdibs is a premier online marketplace for luxury antiques and design pieces. It’s one of the best sources for authentic mid-century modern furniture. In fact, you can find a wide selection of vintage items from well-known designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Eileen Gray, and Eero Saarinen. Although prices can be high, 1stdibs offers a curated collection of furniture that has been vetted by experts, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Etsy
Etsy is well-known for handmade and vintage items, making it a great place to find mid-century furniture. Many sellers on Etsy specialize in restoring and selling vintage MCM pieces, as well as creating reproductions inspired by the era. You can find a wide range of furniture, from iconic lounge chairs to unique, handcrafted items that capture the mid-century modern aesthetic. Etsy is an excellent choice for those looking for something more personalized or budget-friendly
Pamono
Pamono is an online marketplace that offers a curated selection of vintage and contemporary design pieces. Including a strong focus on mid-century modern furniture. Not only can you find original pieces from renowned designers, but you can also discover modern reinterpretations. Furthermore, Pamono sources items from dealers and galleries around the world. Offering a unique selection that includes rare and collectible pieces. Therefore, it is a fantastic option for serious collectors and design enthusiasts.
Slow furniture movement
The slow furniture movement is a response to the fast-paced, throwaway culture that dominates much of today’s consumer market. It advocates for a more mindful approach to furnishing our homes, focusing on quality over quantity. The movement encourages consumers to invest in pieces that are made to last—both in terms of durability and style—rather than opting for cheaper, trend-driven items that quickly become obsolete.
By purchasing authentic mid-century modern furniture, you are embracing the slow furniture movement. You are choosing pieces that are not only beautifully designed but also built to last a lifetime. This approach not only benefits you as a homeowner—by providing you with lasting value and enjoyment—but also contributes to a more sustainable world. High-quality, timeless furniture reduces waste, minimizes the need for constant replacements, and supports the skilled artisans who create these masterpieces.
In conclusion, while the cost of authentic mid-century modern furniture might seem steep, it’s important to view these pieces as long-term investments. They offer unmatched quality, timeless design, and a commitment to sustainability that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. By choosing slow furniture, you are investing in a future where quality and care take precedence over convenience and disposability.
The value of investing in authentic mid-century modern furniture
When it comes to mid-century modern furniture, there’s a significant difference between owning a real, authentic piece and a reproduction. While the genuine versions of these iconic designs can be expensive, they are more than just furniture—they are investments in both quality and sustainability. Purchasing authentic mid-century modern furniture aligns with the principles of the slow furniture movement, a concept that prioritizes quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility over mass production and disposable culture.
Why authentic furniture is worth the investment
Authentic mid-century modern furniture is crafted using the highest quality materials and superior craftsmanship. These pieces are built to last, often made from durable woods, metals, and fabrics that withstand the test of time. Unlike cheaper, mass-produced furniture, these items don’t just wear out or go out of style after a few years. Instead, they become timeless additions to your home, pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Moreover, investing in real mid-century modern furniture is also about sustainability. The slow furniture movement emphasizes the importance of buying fewer, better-quality items that have a longer lifespan. By choosing authentic furniture, you are supporting this movement, reducing the demand for cheap, fast-made alternatives that contribute to environmental degradation. Authentic pieces are designed with care, ensuring that they not only look beautiful but also endure daily use without the need for frequent replacements.
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