14 Most Sought After and Expensive Mid-Century Modern Furniture Pieces

The charm of mid-century modern furniture lies in its simplicity and elegance. With clean lines, minimalist design, and high-quality materials, these pieces remain a favorite among collectors and interior designers. Over the years, certain mid-century modern items have become incredibly valuable. If you are considering adding a statement piece to your home or collection, these iconic designs are worth exploring. Let us dive into some of the most coveted and expensive mid-century modern furniture pieces that have stood the test of time.

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Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The Eames Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, is one of the most iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture. Known for its luxurious comfort and innovative design, this chair remains highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts. A complete set with the ottoman can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on its condition and provenance. Its combination of high-quality leather and molded plywood makes it both durable and stylish, maintaining its place as a timeless classic.

This chair was originally intended to provide a modern take on the traditional club chair, offering both comfort and style. The iconic design, with its sleek curves and elegant wood veneer, has made the Eames Lounge Chair a status symbol in homes and offices. Because it is produced in limited quantities, an original or well-preserved model is highly valuable. Its continuing popularity keeps its value strong, making it a prized possession for collectors worldwide.

Noguchi Coffee Table

The Noguchi Coffee Table, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1947, is known for its sculptural, organic shape and minimalist design. The base of the table consists of two interlocking wooden pieces with a glass top, creating a striking visual effect. This unique coffee table can be valued between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on its condition and age. It remains one of the most recognizable pieces of mid-century modern furniture due to its innovative form.

Noguchi’s design approach blended sculpture with functionality, making the coffee table not just a piece of furniture but a work of art. The table is versatile and can fit well into a variety of interior design styles, maintaining its appeal across generations. Its enduring popularity and the craftsmanship behind it contribute to its high market value. Collectors especially prize early production models with the original materials and markings.

Florence Knoll Sofa

Florence Knoll’s sofa, designed in the 1950s, epitomizes the clean, modern lines of mid-century modern design. Its simple yet elegant structure, featuring low arms and a streamlined profile, makes it a highly desirable piece. Depending on the fabric, age, and condition, these sofas can range in price from $3,000 to $10,000. Its design remains a benchmark in furniture design, maintaining high demand in both vintage and contemporary furniture markets.

Florence Knoll’s influence on modern furniture design cannot be overstated, and her sofas are considered icons of mid-century style. The frame is typically constructed of steel, with the cushions and upholstery offering comfort and style. The simplicity and sophistication of the design have made it a popular choice for collectors seeking both form and function. The sofa remains a favorite among high-end interior designers and collectors alike.

Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair

The Egg Chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Radisson SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, is a symbol of Danish modernism. Its unique shape provides a comfortable cocoon-like feel while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look. The chair’s value can range between $6,000 and $12,000, with limited editions or vintage models commanding higher prices. Its timeless design and comfort make it a highly sought-after piece for those looking for iconic mid-century modern furniture.

The chair is often produced with high-quality leather or fabric upholstery, and its egg-shaped shell rests on a swivel base. Jacobsen’s design combined function with artistry, offering a piece that was not only visually striking but also ergonomic. Its continued popularity and its association with mid-century modern architecture have kept the Egg Chair in high demand. Vintage models, particularly those from the original 1950s production, remain some of the most expensive on the market.

Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair

Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair, designed in 1949, is a true representation of Scandinavian craftsmanship and simplicity. The chair’s unique Y-shaped backrest and woven seat make it both functional and aesthetically appealing. Depending on the model and condition, the Wishbone Chair can sell for anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500. Its design has stood the test of time, making it one of the most enduringly popular pieces of mid-century modern furniture.

The Wishbone Chair is made with high-quality wood, often oak or teak, and features a hand-woven seat, showcasing Wegner’s commitment to craftsmanship. Its lightweight and versatile design make it perfect for dining rooms, offices, and living spaces. The popularity of the chair has only increased over the years, with many collectors seeking out original or well-maintained versions. The timeless design ensures that the Wishbone Chair remains highly valuable in the mid-century modern furniture market.

Bertoia Diamond Chair

The Bertoia Diamond Chair, designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, is known for its striking wire-frame structure that forms a diamond-shaped seat. The chair is both sculptural and functional, combining the artistic vision of Bertoia with the practicality of modern design. It can range in value from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the specific version and condition. Its unique look and the innovation behind its design make it a favorite among collectors of mid-century modern furniture.

The Diamond Chair is often made from steel wire and can be upholstered in various materials such as leather or fabric. Its minimalist design is perfect for modern homes and adds an artistic flair to any room. Bertoia’s influence on furniture design, particularly with his use of metal, is evident in this chair’s design. The Bertoia Diamond Chair remains a timeless piece, appreciated for both its beauty and its craftsmanship.

Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chair (Plastic Version)

In 1956, Charles and Ray Eames introduced their iconic lounge chair, and the plastic version has become a coveted piece of mid-century modern furniture. This version was designed to be more affordable while still maintaining the high quality and comfort that the original is known for. Depending on the version and condition, the chair’s market value ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. The combination of functional design and lasting beauty has made this chair a must-have for collectors.

The chair features molded plastic shell seating with wooden legs, offering both style and comfort. Its smooth, ergonomic design ensures comfort during long sitting sessions, making it ideal for reading or lounging. The chair’s simple design and high functionality make it a versatile piece that remains relevant in modern interiors. The plastic Eames Lounge Chair continues to be a sought-after piece of mid-century modern design, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Saarinen Tulip Table

Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table, designed in 1956, revolutionized the way furniture was perceived by eliminating the traditional four-legged design in favor of a sleek, single pedestal base. Its simple, elegant design makes it a favorite for collectors of mid-century modern furniture. Depending on size and material, these tables can sell for $3,000 to $6,000, with rare materials like marble or special editions increasing the value. The Tulip Table remains a classic, offering both beauty and practicality for dining and office spaces.

The round table is most commonly paired with matching chairs, creating a seamless, modern look. Its design was revolutionary for its time, offering both a unique aesthetic and a functional solution for smaller spaces. Saarinen’s design philosophy of no more leg clutter” is fully realized in the Tulip Table, which remains a functional and visually appealing piece. Collectors continue to seek out both vintage and modern versions of this iconic piece.

George Nelson Bubble Lamps

George Nelson’s Bubble Lamps, designed in the 1940s, are another standout example of mid-century modern design. These lamps feature a simple, round shape that gives off a soft, diffused light, making them an attractive addition to any room. The original versions, particularly those produced by Herman Miller, can be valued between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size and condition. The timeless design and the calming effect of their light make them a popular choice for collectors.

The lamps come in various shapes and sizes, with the most famous being the saucer, ball, and coconut shapes. Nelson’s innovative use of plastic and metal created a unique aesthetic that continues to influence lighting design today. These lamps were initially designed for mass production, but the original versions have become rare and highly sought after. The clean, modern lines of the Bubble Lamp make it a perfect fit for any contemporary space.

Finn Juhl 45 Chair

The Finn Juhl 45 Chair, designed in 1945, is celebrated for its sculptural form and comfortable seating. The chair combines organic curves with functional design, making it a standout piece of mid-century modern furniture. Depending on the condition and materials used, the price for this chair can range from $4,000 to $10,000. The chair’s elegant and timeless design makes it a highly collectible item in the world of vintage furniture.

This chair features a beautifully curved wooden frame with a soft, upholstered seat, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style. Juhl’s design philosophy focused on human-centered forms, resulting in a piece that is both visually striking and functional. The 45 Chair remains a rare and valuable find for collectors, as only a limited number of these chairs were produced. Its place in design history guarantees it a spot in any premium mid-century modern collection.

Louis Poulsen PH5 Pendant Light

The PH5 Pendant Light, designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958, is a well-known fixture in mid-century modern lighting. Its unique design, with multiple shades that direct light in a way that eliminates glare, makes it both functional and stylish. Depending on the version and condition, this light fixture can sell for around $1,500 to $3,500. Its warm, diffused light creates an inviting atmosphere in any room.

This pendant light is available in various colors, allowing it to seamlessly fit into different interior styles. The design reflects Henningsen’s commitment to combining form with function, creating a piece that not only illuminates but also adds to the room’s aesthetic. The PH5 remains highly regarded in the world of design, with original models highly sought after by collectors. Its continuing popularity ensures that it retains its value and influence on modern lighting design.

Vitra Panton Chair

The Vitra Panton Chair, designed by Verner Panton in 1960, is one of the most iconic examples of modern furniture design. The chair’s fluid, continuous shape is made from a single piece of molded plastic, making it both unique and comfortable. These chairs typically range in price from $400 to $1,200, depending on the material and production year. Panton’s bold and unconventional design has made the chair a favorite in both contemporary and mid-century modern collections.

The Panton Chair is a true testament to mid-century modern design, offering both style and functionality. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing it to fit into a wide range of interiors. The chair’s simplicity and innovation make it highly collectible, with vintage models often commanding higher prices. Its enduring appeal and groundbreaking design have kept the Panton Chair relevant for decades, making it a must-have for collectors.

Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair

The Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929, remains one of the most iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture. Its sleek, minimalist design, featuring a stainless steel frame and leather cushions, makes it both luxurious and timeless. The price for an original or high-quality replica of this chair can range from $4,000 to $7,000. The chair’s elegance and simple design continue to make it a staple in high-end interiors.

This chair was originally designed for the Spanish Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition, symbolizing the merging of functionality and beauty. Its iconic form has made it one of the most photographed pieces of furniture worldwide. Mies van der Rohe’s use of clean lines and quality materials ensures that the Barcelona Chair remains relevant in both modern and traditional spaces. Its enduring popularity and luxury status have solidified its place in mid-century modern furniture history.

Eero Saarinen Womb Chair

The Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1948, was created to provide comfort and relaxation in a modern, sculptural form. Its curved, enveloping design makes it a perfect lounge chair for any home, and it has remained a popular piece ever since. The price for an original or vintage Womb Chair can range from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on condition and upholstery choice. Saarinen’s work with soft materials and organic shapes has made this chair a highly sought-after piece.

The Womb Chair’s spacious and comfortable design was intended to create a sense of being cradled, offering relaxation with style. It remains a favorite among collectors due to its timeless appeal and association with mid-century modern design. Knoll originally produced the chair, and original models are highly collectible. Its enduring comfort and sculptural form make it a piece that has stayed relevant for decades.

Mid-century modern furniture remains a symbol of quality and design, cherished by collectors and homeowners alike. These pieces continue to captivate with their minimalist style and lasting functionality.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.