IMPORTANT UPDATE: This was the very FIRST story I did looking at mid mod sofas. It was revised again later in 2011 and again for 2013. Read our very latest update — 216 affordable mid century style sofas from 30 manufacturers. However, I am leaving this story up — because it contains reader comments that may be of use if you are in shopping and researching mode.
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!
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Well, mine’s more a “riff” on MCM, but I love it and it is a luscious shade of (interior) avocado green. It comes in butterscotch and oatmeal, too…while they still have them on Overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/JAR-Designs-The-Maxim-Sofa/5628602/product.html?rcmndsrc=2
Very, very comfortable, too. And those weird legs aren’t going to break or get wobbly any time soon.
OH! This company makes their stuff right here in the US of A, too.
We have a Petrie- or Blake-esque 60s original with no tufting and straight mahogany legs. It also has a small amount of mahogany trim along the base. The fabric is an intense blue velour that’s a breeze to vacuum and clean. I love that the three-cushion layout on the back and the seats lets me rotate them for wear. Great craigslist find!!
Recommend Room & Board (stores nationwide). Their selection is pretty fabulous. We are in love with their Reese sectional and plan to order it soon! Their furniture is also made in the U.S.A.!
I would like to comment on a couch I purchase in February. I got the Nixon and was so excited -the customer service, initially, was outstanding. When the couch came, I changed my mind. It’s extremely uncomfortable with hard cushions and back. I thought returning would be simple -they make it appear as if it is -but this has not been the case. It is now March 26 and I have been hearing for over a month that they are working on a return shipping order. Now they don’t even answer the phone or answer emails. Basically, I will be reporting this to the Better Buisiness Bureau. Just something to think about before making a purchase from them.
Update: March 29.
After posting my complaint, I received a call the next day from Ray. THIS is who you need to deal with when ordering or for pure excellence in customer service. Thrive, through Ray, is still working on my couch return pick up but has refunded my money for the purchase.
So, that is my advice. Deal with Ray when you order. Ask Ray to sit on the piece of furniture you want to purchase and ask him for an opinion. He’s the ticket to Thrive success.
Mitchell Gold CARA sofa versus Younger Furniture LILY sofa…. any input?? I love the look of both. They are almost identical (Younger’s LILY sofa’s arm is 3″ wider and the seat is 1″ wider but 1″ shallower than Mitchell Gold’s CARA; Lily’s sofa is also 2″ lower to the ground). Younger’s is also $300 to $400 less than Mitchell Gold’s sofa. I’m wondering if you had a chance to sit on either of them …. I did get a chance to sit on the CARA chair …and its very comfortable… if someone can vouch for comfort of Younger’s Lily … i’ll order it over internet.
Update! Although I absolutely love my Younger Furniture 40530-Sofa it needs a new home! I just saved an original from the dump and she’s being reupholstered as we speak. I’m in North Florida, and in case someone in my area is looking for a super sexy, hardly sat-on mid-century style sofa, hit me up at reneangers@att.net. She’s a great orangy-red that surprisingly goes with just about anything and fabulous buttons across the back.
Hey All,
I found a great (or what appears to be great) find on CraigsList for a Dania Bloom sofa in anthracite for $350 – besides the economic issues of a “Made in China” product, what else do I need to know? Any safety or chemical issues? To ease my eco-conscience, is upcycling worth any brownie points?
What a great community – Thanks all!
michelle
michelle, i suggest you talk to the manufacturer regarding this question….
Michelle,
My main concern with “upcycling” upholstered furniture would be BEDBUGS.
amypie
i would like to know if my sears sofa is vintage and of good quality.
I know this is an older post but THANK YOU for it! I’d been searching for a sofa forever, and last weekend bought the Lily. I can’t wait for it to arrive. It is perfect. I sat on a floor model and it seemed very comfortable and sturdy.
Anyone have any experience with Joybird Furniture? I’m eyeballing the Eliot Sectional and would love some feedback. Thanks!
Oldschool Chesterfield Sofa Bed would be one that is olso open up to sleeper bed
http://www.thestoragebeds.com/name/nobot/-innovation-usa-oldschool-chesterfield-vintage-brown-with-dark-wood-legs/
You did not evaluate Joybird, any reason?
They launched after this story. Search Joybird on our site, we have done stories. Note: They are an advertiser on this site now
With Danish wood legs, True Modern Luna sofa lends more contemporary feeling than the rest of offered. On the other hand, it’s still classic. But is it so comfortable and quality as it looks? Did anyone buy this sofa or anything from them? I usually don’t buy furniture online, but I found it in Ivory and I want it: https://www.thefurnituretoday.com/product/luna-sofa-in-calvin-ivory-cotton-blend-fabric/ And the price is far from “affordable”.