UPDATE: CLICK HERE to see the update to this story — 28 midcentury modern sofas – yes, with reader input, I found some more!
I just about blew my eyeballs out researching this story. I hunted and pecked all over the world wide web looking for affordable, new sofas in the mid century modern style. “Affordable”? The sofas shown here are $700-$1,999. ”Mid century modern style”? Some of these are more “modern,” I’d say, than they are “mid century modern”, but I gave some latitude. Also, I am not an expert on all the modernist furniture designers from back in the day so, again, I erred on the side of including more options rather than getting all twisted about how “authentic” each design might be.
To start, above in the orange: Gracie sofa by Perch Furniture. Based in Portland (there is a bird in their logo tee hee), workshop in LA. These guys get double extra bonus points for rockin’ the orange. (God help me, all the greiged-out neutrals on these furniture websites had me on a rip-roaring rant revival.) Gracie sofa by Perch Furniture.
Orange was too hard to resist for my lead photo, but this Lily sofa (above in gray) from Younger Furniture is my #1 favorite mid century modern reproduction sofa on the market today. As Gavin pointed when I originally posted about Younger, this is very similar to original Dunbar designs. There are additional modern designs from Younger Furniture, which also are well executed — like the sofas and chairs that Dave and Kristin used in their house. Mid century modern sofas from Younger Furniture
We have shared a lot of Macy’s love over the years. The Morgan, Blake (shown) and Corona are what popped out at me in the current lineup – as I type this, they all seem to be on sale for $699. Mid century modern style sofas and loveseats from Macys.
When I was at Rejuvenation Lighting two years ago, I saw this line of furniture for sale in their large showroom. It’s Castellano Custom Furniture — made right in Portland, and it sure appeared to be the real deal. I’m not sure it really hits under $2,000, but I’m putting it in anyway, it’s probably in the range. Modern sofa from Castellano Custom Furniture.
Gus Modern has a lot of styles — they seem to be going after this market pretty aggressively. Mid century modern sofas from Gus Modern
I love the look of this Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Cara sofa. Not sure if it’s really less than $2,000, but I’m guessing it’s close. There are some other possibilities in this line, as this is a company that tracks trends. Cara sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
You got your numerous choices from West Elm.
I was surprised that Room & Board did not have a wider array of mid-century modern style sofas. The only one I really thought fit my *I’ll know it when I see it* criteria, and which was less that $2,000, was the Dean. Mid century and modern sofas by Room and Board.
The lines of CB2′s Avec are too forced for me, but it seems to have its fans. Avec sofa from CB2.
Crate & Barrel gets in, with their Petrie Sofa. How do they get away with using that name without licensing it from The Dick Van Dyke Show? Petrie sofa from Crate and Barrel.
Arlington sofa from Pottery Barn.
There are some *possibilities* in this collection by Michael Weiss for Vanguard. One thing to consider and check for, on all the sofas that I show, is their size and scale. Back in the day, sofas were not 40″ deep — oversized — the way they often are today. Some of these sofas are more less-deep and less-high than others — more “authentically” proportioned for smaller mid century rooms with lower ceilings. Mid century = long, low, horizontal lines. On the other hand, deep sofas can be very comfortable if you are tall or large and also if you like to hunker down to watch TV. So — thinking about the proportion of the sofa to your space, vetted with how you will realistically use it, is the task. Note, I also could not get a retail price on this Weiss sofa without giving my coordinates to an online quoting place, which I refuse to do. (This exercise also made me an expert on website design and marketing for furniture makers, I swear. If any manufacturers want to hire me for a 25-point checkup, send me an email.) I’m going to guess that this, and others in this Vanguard line come in under $2,000 if you don’t go too crazy with the upholstery. Michael Weiss mid century style sofas for Vanguard.
Don’t forget to check Ethan Allen.
So now I started really poking down rabbit holes. I kind of like the look of this Byrd sofa from Furniture Outlet Warehouse in Fairlawn, NJ — those arms are kind of vintage Kroehler-esque. Don’t ask me about the quality, though. Goodness, before I bought a sofa, I’d want to see it in person… Anyway… Byrd sofa from Furniture Outlet Warehouse.
Here’s the True Modern Luna sofa, with its Danish Modern legs. Check out this company’s Sample Sale area, too. Luna Sofa from True Modern Furniture.
Blu Dot has a few options, and sounds like an interesting company. Paramount sofa by Blu Dot.
Bloom sofa from Dania. $699 – made in China. Don’t yell about only this one, though, I think most of the Gus Moderns are from China, too. I did not check country of origin as I did this research. Dania’s other sofas also are modern designs, at relatively low prices. Bloom sofa from Dania.
Okay, I’m sticking this one in — the Blake Sofa at Circle Furniture actually has a 1940s 1950s vintage Heywood Wakefield look, to me, especially with that contrast welting. There is another sofa in their line, the Collingwood, that has a modern feel. It is apartment sized, 75″. Blake Sofa from Circle Furniture.
Hey, do not be forgetting, you can STILL get Heywood-Wakefield sofas — NEW. Yes, they are still being manufactured, by a company that bought the rights. That’s the Margaret, above. I’m not counting this in my “mid century modern” count, though. Heywood-Wakefield sofas still made today.
The sofas at Lee Industries tend much more toward traditional and even wonderful mid-century modest. Boy oh boy, the Lee page is fun to look at — so many shapes and sizes — it’s a sofa primer: Sofas by Lee Industries.
Gosh. I am a perfectionist, so I just kept looking and looking til I couldn’t look no more. Did I miss any companies making mid mod sofas? If so, let me know in Comments, and I’ll add it to this list — which I would love to be #1 most conclusive in the interior design blog world. Thank you!
Mid-century modern sofas, chairs and accessories from Gus Modern 
Mid century modern sofas, sectionals and chairs — Made in the U.S.A. by Younger Furniture 
Bold modern sofas by Room Service in LA 
Become a fan
I just saw the Corona and Morgan sofas in Macys and they are quite nice in person. I think we’ll end up getting one of them.
I bought the Corona Sofa from Macy’s last May and I get a lot of compliments on it. I really wanted the Pear color but opted for the Stone (just in case I changed my mind about green). Since I didn’t already have a Macy’s charge card, I was able to save 15% by opening one; and, I got it during a ‘pay no tax’ sales event. I really scored!
Hi Pam,
I’m currently shopping for a small sectional sofa. I’ve checked out Room & Board and Gus Modern and plan to see a Younger product soon.
I too had heard that Gus Modern was made in China so I asked my local retailer to confirm or deny. They sent back a note from their Gus rep with the following:
“To answer your question, yes, the majority of our product line is manufactured in China. We do not source our product in China, rather, it is designed at the Gus* head office in Toronto and manufactured at our Gus* manufacturing facility in China. Additionally, there are items from the collection (mostly ottomans and accessories) that are manufactured in Canada.
We are proud that our all of our upholstery is FSC certified, which means the internal wood found in our sofas is sourced from well managed forests.”
I used the word “sourced” incorrectly in my initial question, thus the “tone” of their response.
I’ll be buying something made here in the US after finding the right one for me.
Pam,
Sorry if this is in the wrong spot, but had to share it knowing your current love of the orange.
http://www.rocketcentury.com/Store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=14&idproduct=129
luv it, thank you, wade!
Yay Corona! I have the sofa, chair and ottoman.
Mid Century Modern And More!
The Gold/Williams, Petrie, Arlington and Weiss sofas could easily fit into traditional rooms. Depending on fabric choice, they could easily be as dressed high-style or casual.
Good research!
Thanks. Yes, I totally agree — a number of these have “classic” lines — I like the Castellano a lot, too. Also, there are other sofas among a number of the manufacturers that could fit the bill. As much as anything, I wanted to get the list of manufacturers out there…
White on White make a good inexpensive Florance Knoll knockoff.
http://www.whiteonwhite.com/ 1500 bucks- I had one and the quality is great.
Thank you. Horrific website.
Hello,
Is this sofa comfortable? I love the look.
I’m loving my Petrie sofa…..in grey!
I’ve got the brown Corona from Macy’s and love it!
Are the sofas from Ikea too modern for this post?
I’ll go look. I was worried about Ikea’s longterm quality….Thanks!
Design Within Reach also has a mid-century sofa in both 73″ and 86″. It’s called the Bantam and is very similar to Macy’s Corona. They are currently having a sale on their site as well!
http://www.dwr.com/product/living/sofas/upholstery/bantam-sofa-73-in.do?sortby=ourPicks
Ack, how did I forget DWR! Many thanks!
Pam,
New here (but I’ve been “lurking” the site for a few years!)
I own the Bantam (in yellow!) and the reasons I love it are:
a) the cool mid century design
b) the seat is not too deep (I wanted a sofa that wouldn’t hurt my lower back and that no one could slump into). I find it really comfortable to sit upright on this one, unlike many where I sink in. I can actually sit up and watch tv without falling asleep
.
It is also very easy to move around.
Well, I’m so glad we got you out of lurking status, Amy! Thanks for the Bantam vote of confidence! And for YELLOW!
You mean Design Out of Reach…. I did buy my lights there though….
I have this from Urban Outfitters in my living room that isn’t used very often. I don’t think I’d get it for a main sofa, but it looks the part… http://goo.gl/yJhmT
Also.. about a smaller sectional with a mid-century look (sort of), this just arrived at our house and we LOVE it…
http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/6227-8457/Sectional/?fabric1=A890707
Tina, I looked at La-Z-Boy, did not see any sofas that fit the bill. Specifically, for this post, was not looking for sectionals. Based on your tip, I will show Urban Outfitter’s Night & Day when I revise this post. Armless — like yours — I am not going to add to this post, but this style is no questio mid-mod-mad. Thanks!
Tina! What is the quality like on that Urban Outfitters sofa? It is the #1 possiblity on our list for our tiki room seating, so I would love to know!
I wouldn’t have it for everyday use. It’s in my living room, which gets little use. I would imagine it wouldn’t hold up well with any rough use. But it makes a good extra bed for an occasional guest.
Also… The back is metal bars. You wouldn’t want it to show.
Does my Bantam not count? Or did you miss Design (Not) Within Reach?
http://www.dwr.com/product/living/sofas/upholstery/bantam-sofa-86%22.do?sortby=ourPicks
I missed DWR. Thanks for all the tips — this is Exactly what I wanted: To build a definitive list!
Here’s a sofa we got from Macy’s, a pebbled leather in a lime green: they call it the Astro collection, on sale as well:
http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=285340&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-_-7-_-85-_-MP785
Thanks, Lisa! Yes — once I show a manufacturer, those who are in buying mode, should jump down each rabbit hole – becasue there may be others in the line equally appealing. Lime green: YOU GO, GIRL!
Thanks for posting this! I have been looking to find out what type of sofa and chair I have in my living room. I absolutely love it. It is a gold-orange color. After seeing this post, I think that it is a Kroehler or a knock off of it…
I picked it up at a thift store for $100 for the couch and chair. I wouldn’t get rid of it though. They are my most favorite pieces!
awesome article! I never thought about macy’s as a couch source, but those look really nice. Thanks for the research. Bookmarking it. (but that orange would be awesome.) Inspirational, as always!
Great info. You may want to look at Rowe and Palliser. Palliser has a great 3 pc. sectional with a bumper. I almost bought it but it’s a little to large for my room.
Thanks for these two tips, donzie!
Thank you! This list is so helpful (and fun to peruse…)
(On a side note, I was in C&B a few weeks ago and talked to a salesperson about the “Petrie”. I wondered why she pronounced it in such a strange way…I assumed she hadn’t seen the show. Now I wonder if that’s their way of attempting to get around the licensing issue.
I love this article Pam! We bought the Corona couch and chair from Macy’s in chocolate brown and I have throw pillows in turquoise and deep teal. The quality of the furniture is awesome and we got the couch for $599 and the chair for $499! My front living room will get the Petrie couch next year. We checked it out and it’s great too.
Are there any MCM sofas out there NOT using foam?
I wonder about its durability, enviromental and health effects, but also its “substance”.
The original forms of these pieces would have needed 4 hefty guys to lift.
yup, you can always buy: Vintage. but this post was for folks who wanted a modern day off the shelf solution…
Pam, I’m surprised you didn’t include Room & Board’s Anson Sofa. It’s quite 50s-looking. We considered it for a long time, but eventually the retro gods sent us the tweedy gold vintage couch we’d been looking for…and at $500 instead of $1,900!
nice! I’ll be doing an update so will note it! thanks!
In addition to the Anson, which someone just beat me to, from Room & Board, I was going to mention the Andre. Also (I’ve been doing research for the “perfect” 40s/mid century couch for years!), I think the Clarke would have fit the bill last year, but now for some reason the website only lists the Clarke as a sectional for ~3k, and mentions you can buy the individual pieces, each of which are, I’m sure, less than 2k.
I have not yet made it to a brick-and-mortar R&B to sit in any of these to evaluate their comfort, but they *look* comfy! I’ve been coveting the Clarke for several years now but I don’t really like the fabrics it comes in. For my money, I also like the Dean (though I think it’s definitely sporting a 40s rather than mid century vibe), and what I’m really hoping for is to find a nearly-mint vintage Florence Knoll sofa in red boucle for cheap at a garage sale
Go for it. I feel like we should predetermine a moment when everyone who reads the blog sends out positive vibes to the RDG’s so that everyone finds the sofa they want.
Personally, I am a Margaret / HW fan, of the pictures in the post – love the added curvy wood in the front!
Also, I wonder Pam – I was at Rejuvenation two years ago as well (maybe we were there at the same time and didn’t know it!). They had a gorgeous true-authentically-done art deco sofa, complete with the wood trim up the arms, made by a local guy in Portland. Did you see that when you were there? It was just at the top of the stair landing on the 2nd floor. I don’t remember that it was made by Castellano though – and was pretty pricey at $4k.
Speaking of pricey – but some great stuff – Decodame.com has both original stuff, as well as custom order pieces (love their Uptown sofa!) – all for a price, and only “affordable” if money isn’t really an object. Still fun to look at though!
http://www.decodame.com/decofurniture/index.html
I think all that furniture was Castellano — check out their website. Yes, it may be over my “affordable” mark — but perhaps the quality is that much better…? Back in the day, interestingly enough, good sofas — but still, ones bought by mainstreet America — cost the equivalent of like $5,000!
I am looking at my mother’s MINT 1964 Henredon curved/tufted sofa right now. It is just one of the items I grabbed (with 4 bigs guys) from her house. The sales slip was under the cushion. $925. (6,500. in todays $)
Christmas meant you got to go in the living room.
Woah. Yes: $6,500 in today’s dollars!
These days, I really think that if you get at least a really solid frame, and quality construction details – a big one is zippered cushion covers, but i don’t think those are very common any more (?) – maybe that’s where today’s price of $5-6k would come in!
If you have zippered covers, then you can have the cushions replaced with latex foam cushions, which are pretty expensive but well worth it in the long run. My mom had a 1968 velvet Flexsteel sofa which had latex cushions and they lasted and held their shape for 25 years!
http://www.plummers.com/home_living_sofas_fabric/item/3473
Plummers has a few sofas that fit the bill. I’m linking to the Paramount, because it says it’s Made in the USA!
Don’t know the quality, as I haven’t checked them out in person, but I used to have an entertainment center from them, lasted for years, through many moves, and only cost $300.
I am wondering about the comfort of these sofas. I really want to sit on a sofa before I buy it. I just bought a sofa and looked at thousands on line, but really needed to sit on it to test for comfort, which is really why we buy.
I agree with you, Jane. I think that many, if not most, of these sofas showcased can be found in brick-and-mortar stores as well as online. If someone sees one they like, they need to dive into the website and figure out where they can go look.
For anyone in northest Pa. – Penn Furniture in Scranton is a high end furniture store that will knock your suzy decorator socks right off! They have everything from primitive to mid-century modern. Whatever, if it’s in there it’s the best of it’s kind. There is a killer gray linen contemporary sofa in there that I visit regularly. Also check out Baker Furniture company online. They have a wide selection of wonderful contemporary sofas.
Baker is my favorite. (I have two vintage Baker loveseats, yum.) But: Not under $2K for sure. Will do a post on aspirational mcm sofas soon! Thanks for the tip, Linda!
Room & Board’s Eugene certainly struck us as being a classic MCM design, and we bought it when redoing our living room.
yes – how did i miss that? thank you!
I thought I saw some possibilities on the Rowe Furniture site although I have no idea as to their price.
Billie
thank you, billie, i’ll be checking these out and likely adding some Rowe!
I love my Corona! Its got the right lines, not too fussy (ie expensive) for me to kill my kids over, and they offer custom colors without extra charge. I ordered mine in “paprika” and they are beautiful and fit well with my vintage pieces.
LOVE, does not even do this justice….LOVE!!
Hi Pam,
Love, LOve, LOVE your sight! Have been following faithfully now for the last nine months or so. I must confess, I’m addicted.
Room & Board also has the Reese L- Shaped sectional that if you flip the arm to the left, looks almost identical to Rob and Laura Petrie’s first sofa.
well thanks for the LoVe, duki, and for coming out of lurking status! start a-commenting, dear! and yes: my evil goal is to addict you all buhahaha
The Corona series from Macy’s is awesome and made in Mississippi USA!!! I have another sofa from same manufacturer, MaxHome, that is used daily and with my dog, unbelievable quality. Please people, support jobs in the USA!
Anyone ever hear of SofaCraft in California?
Made in USA, good prices, foam or down, choice of springs and best yet: A Warranty!
I will add it to my research and the updated post. Thank you, Gavin!
Howdy! Back in the seventies, my parents were given a set of “danish modern” furniture that was covered in a yellow/brown tweed material. Very low and long. It was given to them by a friend who was settling her aunt’s estate. They also got the triangular glass tables that rest on the walnut tripod legs. Anyway, I remember the name on the tag – designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin. I googled it and the company is still in business and stating that it’s manufactured in USA. I think the couch was several years old when my parents aquired it and it is no more, the material gave way but they got 25 years out of it. I have a feeling that the stuff now costs $$$$. The company was started in 1953, it doesn’t get any more mid mod then that. Oh well, the end!
Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin is smokin’ hot collectible, I am pretty darn sure. Fabulous!
I really like Rowe’s Dorset sofa, especially that they carry it in an apartment size as well as the larger size. I had priced it out late last year and it was under $1000.
http://www.rowefurniture.com/product/K520.html?start=1
There are two from Room & Board that I think would fit into a mid-century modern or modest home.
André: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=3047&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201198
Reese Sectional: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=3177&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201195
I covet the Reese. I’d get it in gunmetal and then add some colorful throw pillows.
Whoops, missed the under $2K part.
That’s okay. I’ll do a roundup of spendy sofas sometime soon, as well. I really appreciate the tip!!
I guess the André goes as low as $1700. My friends have this sofa in one of the larger sizes. It’s lovely.
The Byrd sofa is from EQ3 (http://eq3.com/cat-eq3/process/locale/en_CA/currency/en_CA/page/30058-01.html). They have a few others that might fit the bill.
Thank you, Margaret!!!
Some of these sofas are totally expensive but there are a few that are in the specified range. Regardless, I really love some of the offerings at this site!
http://www.hayneedle.com/furniture/family-room/modern-living-room-furniture.cfm
too many choices – and I was just thinking about a new sofa! thx!
*bookmark*
Well, yes, too many choices – but now that are in one place to sort through at least! Good luck, let me know what you end up with !
Great choices! Several years ago I was searching for a sofa to complement my mid century decor and I ended up nearly tearing all my hair out! I couldn’t find anything I liked. Thanks to your informative post you’ve now made it easier to find just the right one:)
Thank you, Theresa. Let us know what you ultimately get!
Pam –
Lazar has a good selection of midcentury styled sofas – plus they’re made in Southern California & North Carolina:
http://www.lazarind.com/ourfurniture.asp?FurnCat=28
Thanks for the tip, bepsf. We haven’t heard from you for a while! Nice to see you back!
We have the Crate and Barrel Petrie sofa. USA made.
Beautiful. My only complaint is the buttons on seat cushions can be
uncomfortable. Other than that very happy. Oh takes about 6 to 8 weeks to make
the sofa.
I also covet the Bantam from DWR, and the Theatre sofa, which also has a mid century modern vibe but exceeds your 2k limit, and then there are the two sofas Modernica offers, which right-now-this-week are under 2k (but are usually more like $2500): http://modernica.net/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=110
Thank you, Zoe, I really appreciate it. It is soooo exciting to have a comprehensive list — all this reader input is really pushing this over the top! Yay!
Sorry, forgot to mention the names of the sofas from Modernica: there’s the “Case Study Couch” and the “Split Rail Sofa.” They have a nice mid-century selection of upholstery choices, too.
I really hope we can get some new LR furniture by the end of the year. This list really helps! Thanks!
This is a great resource! Thanks Pam. I had no idea that Gus Modern existed. Found a local dealer and went to see there collection yesterday. Divine…
I covet the orange couch. BUT…. we’re looking for a mid-mod couch that is slip covered and we’re not having much luck. There’s the Jasper on Room and Board, but otherwise all we’re finding for slip covered couches is skirts. I hate skirts! Anyone have any suggestions?
As a professional upholster for at least twenty five years, I guess I can’t believe that there is no mention of finding a true MCM sofa , and having it upholstered. Not to mention I bet most of these sofas are probably not made in America. These sofas have much better frames, than anything on the market today.
Janine, I love vintage, too — actually prefer it, and tend to write about it a lot — but, some folks don’t want the hassle. So this story is just about new. Note, the very next day I did a post about MCM sofas here: http://retrorenovation.com/2011/03/12/couches-for-1940s-1950s-1960-living-room-upload-photos-of-your-sofa/ .. For sure, there are lots of fans of vintage here!
stupid name but this place
http://www.funkysofa.com/
custom makes all sorts of sofas. huge sail right now mostly around $1k. and if yer an animal rights wacko like i am, you’ll be happy to know they can make your couch out of fake leather!
not sure about shipping. i live in l.a. so i was able to just pick it up after a couple weeks.
I am soooo glad they are finally getting away from those big puffy, ugly sofas that are all you could buy for the last 10 years! I just wish I could find the style I like, 1940′s with cabbage rose upholstery.
What about the Jasper from Room & Board? I love that one!
(It’s @guerillagirl, by the way. De-lurking. Lol.)
Welcome out from your de-lurker status and into the bright shiny dazzling retro light, gg!
I feel all shiny and new.
back at you
eq3, a company in my city of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) makes reasonably-priced furniture for the younger, hip market… prices tend to be lower, and styles are simple, straightforward and clean lines; styles that would look good in warehouse lofts, other hip environments and, of course, mid-century modern abodes.
What I love about the eq3 line: 1) There are several styles of sofas that have a ‘regular-sized’ sofa and a smaller-scaled ‘apartment-sized’ one (which is still considerably bigger than a loveseat). Many of us have smaller spaces, whether we live in smaller homes, apartments, or lofts, so these apartment-sized sofas are welcome. 2) There are lots of fabric colours, patterns, and type of fabrics to choose from… many of them channelling that ‘retro’ feel. 3) Most sofas have a choice of legs, wooden or steel.
My very favourite sofa is the Replay — I would love to get the REPLAY apartment sofa.
http://eq3.com/cat-eq3/process/locale/en_CA/currency//page/30001-91.html
Another very MCM-style sofa that I love is the BYRD sofa:
http://eq3.com/cat-eq3/process/locale/en_CA/currency/page/page/30058-01.html
I adore this one, also, so it would be a toss-up between the Byrd or Replay.
I find the PEKOE sofa very retro-looking, too. The PEKOE sectional is especially suited for a 1960s era MCM vibe.
http://eq3.com/cat-eq3/process/locale/en_CA/currency/page/page/PEKOEsectional.html
Thank you, sandy! I think that second one is the one I spotted at the New Jersey company.