10 Best Auctions and Dealers for Buying Mid-Century Modern Furniture

If you’re looking to add timeless style and sophistication to your home, buying mid-century modern furniture is a great choice. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, finding the right auction or dealer is key to securing authentic, high-quality pieces. From well-known auction houses to specialty dealers, there are plenty of options available for those seeking iconic designs that blend both form and function. Explore trusted sources where you can find exceptional mid-century modern furniture that fits your style and budget.

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Wright Auctions

Wright Auctions is a major player in the world of mid-century modern furniture. They are known for their expertly curated auctions that feature a mix of classic and rare pieces from iconic designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Hans Wegner, and George Nelson. Wright takes great care in ensuring that each item is meticulously appraised and properly authenticated, offering buyers the confidence that they are investing in high-quality pieces. Their auctions typically feature one-of-a-kind items, and the presentation of the furniture is second to none, which makes it a preferred auction house for discerning collectors.

What sets Wright apart is their global reach and reputation for offering items that are hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for a vintage Eames lounge chair or a rare teak coffee table, their selection will meet the needs of both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the mid-century modern market. The auction house’s knowledgeable staff and attention to detail make it a top choice for anyone serious about acquiring mid-century modern furniture.

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s is a world-renowned auction house that has long been a trusted venue for buying and selling fine art and design, including mid-century modern furniture. Known for its prestigious auctions, Sotheby’s consistently offers a wide selection of high-value pieces from some of the best-known designers of the 20th century. Their auctions include works by legendary names like Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, and Florence Knoll, making them an excellent choice for those looking to invest in well-known and high-end pieces.

One of the advantages of buying from Sotheby’s is its global presence and extensive cataloging system. Whether the auction is held in New York, London, or Hong Kong, buyers from around the world can access the auction catalog and participate in bidding. With their expert team and reputation for quality, Sotheby’s is ideal for those seeking rare and valuable mid-century modern furniture with the potential for long-term value growth.

Bonhams

Bonhams is a respected auction house that offers a unique selection of mid-century modern furniture, focusing on classic designs and rare collectibles. Their auction events often feature pieces from well-known designers such as Hans Wegner, George Nakashima, and Vladimir Kagan. Bonhams is well-known for curating its auctions with an emphasis on quality, which appeals to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. The auction house’s reputation for transparency and fair appraisals ensures that the pieces on offer are of high standards, making it a trusted destination for buyers.

Bonhams also provides a range of items in various price brackets, giving a broader audience access to mid-century modern furniture. For collectors looking for something more unique, Bonhams’ auctions often feature limited edition and hard-to-find pieces, including rare pieces from mid-century designers who are not as frequently represented in other auctions. This diversity in the selection makes Bonhams an appealing choice for anyone looking to expand their collection with distinctive pieces.

Rago Auctions

Rago Auctions is renowned for its expertise in mid-century modern furniture and design. With a dedicated team of specialists, Rago Auctions brings together a well-curated selection of furniture that highlights the best of mid-century modern design. The auction house often features items from iconic designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nakashima, and Florence Knoll, ensuring that collectors have access to some of the most desirable pieces from this era. Their auctions are thoughtfully organized, with detailed descriptions of each item, making it easier for potential buyers to make informed decisions.

Rago Auctions’ commitment to high-quality service extends to both in-person and online auctions, offering flexibility for bidders. Their specialists provide detailed insights into each item’s provenance, making it a great choice for buyers who appreciate transparency and expert guidance. Rago is particularly attractive for those looking for well-maintained, vintage pieces as well as newer interpretations of mid-century designs, blending old and new in their auctions.

Phillips Auction House

Phillips Auction House is a global auction leader known for offering a top-notch selection of mid-century modern furniture. They regularly feature high-profile design sales that showcase pieces by legendary designers such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Charlotte Perriand. Phillips is renowned for its expertise in design auctions, bringing together iconic works from the mid-century modern period that attract both seasoned collectors and new buyers. The auction house’s reputation for offering unique and rare items makes it a trusted platform for those seeking to build or expand their collections.

Phillips’ auctions stand out because of their in-depth cataloging process and their ability to attract international buyers. This global reach ensures that buyers have access to a diverse range of pieces from different parts of the world. For collectors interested in owning high-quality, investment-grade mid-century modern furniture, Phillips offers excellent opportunities for acquiring rare and valuable items that will stand the test of time.

Design Miami/Basel

Design Miami/Basel is a premier event that is not an auction house per se, but it offers a unique experience for those interested in acquiring mid-century modern furniture. Held annually, Design Miami/Basel brings together top dealers, designers, and collectors from around the world, offering a carefully curated selection of vintage and contemporary furniture. The fair is known for its focus on innovation in design, with a strong representation of mid-century modern furniture that appeals to both collectors and design enthusiasts. It’s an excellent destination for anyone looking to buy pieces that reflect both historical significance and modern appeal.

At Design Miami/Basel, buyers can access a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, ranging from iconic pieces by top designers to more obscure works. Dealers engagingly present their collections, allowing buyers to appreciate the craftsmanship and design of each piece. The event is a must-visit for those who are serious about collecting and looking for pieces that may not be found at traditional auctions.

The Consignment Gallery

The Consignment Gallery is an established dealer specializing in vintage mid-century modern furniture. They offer a range of high-quality pieces, including items from famous designers such as Florence Knoll and Herman Miller. What makes The Consignment Gallery stand out is its commitment to offering pieces that are both authentic and well-preserved, ensuring that collectors receive furniture that not only looks great but is also built to last. With a focus on providing a wide selection at various price points, this dealer makes mid-century modern furniture accessible to a broad audience.

Their collection is carefully selected, and each piece is given detailed attention to ensure it meets the high standards of mid-century modern design. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home or a vintage gem to complete your collection, The Consignment Gallery offers an excellent source for mid-century modern furniture that combines value with style.

Midcentury Modern Finds

Midcentury Modern Finds is an excellent source for purchasing quality mid-century modern furniture, especially for those who appreciate a personal touch. This dealer specializes in sourcing rare and iconic pieces from designers like Charles Eames, George Nelson, and Jens Risom, ensuring that every item in their collection is both timeless and stylish. Midcentury Modern Finds focuses on delivering furniture that embodies the essence of mid-century design while making sure that the pieces are fully restored to preserve their beauty and functionality. This makes it a great place for buyers looking for pieces that are both authentic and in great condition.

Their online platform offers a diverse selection of furniture, lighting, and decorative objects, all clearly curated to reflect the distinct style of the mid-century period. Whether you are interested in an Eames lounge chair or a Danish teak credenza, Midcentury Modern Finds makes it easy for collectors to purchase items with confidence. Their commitment to customer service and satisfaction ensures a smooth purchasing experience, which adds to their appeal as a reliable source for mid-century modern furniture.

Modernica

Modernica is a renowned manufacturer and dealer of high-quality mid-century modern furniture. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, Modernica produces iconic pieces that have become synonymous with the mid-century style, such as their fiberglass chairs and Case Study collection. The company is also known for its ability to recreate classic designs with accuracy, offering buyers the opportunity to acquire both original and modern versions of their favorite pieces. If you’re looking for pieces that stay true to mid-century modern aesthetics, Modernica is an excellent place to start.

Alongside their production of new items, Modernica also features vintage pieces that have been expertly restored. This combination of original designs and modern reproductions makes Modernica a great option for buyers seeking furniture that blends authenticity with functionality. Their commitment to preserving the legacy of mid-century design while delivering high-quality, lasting furniture makes them a top choice for enthusiasts looking to invest in both classic and contemporary pieces.

1stdibs

1stdibs is a luxury marketplace where buyers can find a broad selection of mid-century modern furniture from some of the world’s most renowned dealers. Featuring an impressive collection of vintage furniture, 1stdibs brings together pieces from notable designers like Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, and Jean Prouvé. Their curated marketplace is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it an excellent resource for collectors looking for high-end, one-of-a-kind furniture. The site also offers a wealth of information on each piece, including provenance and design history, which adds to the buying experience.

As a marketplace that connects buyers with some of the top dealers in the world, 1stdibs provides access to rare and valuable items that are difficult to find elsewhere. Whether you’re seeking a statement piece for your home or a valuable addition to your collection, 1stdibs offers an exceptional selection of mid-century modern furniture. With its international reach, 1stdibs ensures that buyers have access to a diverse array of pieces, including unique and hard-to-find items that are sure to appreciate over time.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.