28 places to shop for an affordable midcentury modern style sofa

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This story was the SECOND one I did rounding up mid mod sofas. Read our even more expansive THIRD update (done in April 2013) — 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.

Following my original story about places to buy an affordable midcentury modern style sofa, I have incorporated reader suggestions. For this research exercise:

• “Affordable” was designed as less than $2,000.
• Some of these are more “modern” than “mid century modern”. I gave some latitude.
• The list is re-ordered to roughly correspond to the order I would likely do my own additional research, if I were in the market.
• Note that many of manufacturers listed make more than one design, you must dive into their websites to see them all. With this list, at least, you have a starting place.

Younger Furniture: This Lily sofa (above in gray) from Younger Furniture is the first sofa that I would look at if I were in 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

UPDATE: Be sure to see the new Avenue 62 line up of Younger Furniture — MORE MID MOD SOFAS!

Castellano Custom Furniture: 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.

Perch Furniture: Above, 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.

Design Within Reach: Reader Amy reminded me:

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!

Yup – as I write this update, both the 73″ and 86″ Bantams are on sale for less than $2,000 each. These are nice looking sofas, for sure — and come in a nice selection of upholstery designs. Thank you, Amy. Bantam Sofa by Design Within Reach.

Mitchell Gold: 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.

Rowe Furniture: Readers reminded me of Rowe Furniture, and indeed, the Abbott (above) is just one of least five sofas that could look beautiful in our midcentury interiors. Even more, really — a lot of their line has what I’d call “modern-to-traditional” styling, meaning they are very versatile. Be sure to look at Rowe – easy to use website. Mid century style couches by Rowe. 

Room & Board: I was initially 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. But, readers clued me to also check out the Andre, Eugene and Reese. Maybe I missed them the first time or maybe their price went down below my threshold for this story. Anyway, check ’em out, lots of choices:. Mid century and modern sofas by Room and Board.

Lee Industries: 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.

Lazar Industries: There are quite a few choices from Lazar Industries — made in the U.S.A. Mid century and modern style sofas from Lazar Industries.

Sofa Craft: Update: Reader Gavin served up Sofa Craft, now known as Monarch Sofas, a third-generation family-owned company with showrooms in California and Texas. Some nice looking sofas at great prices, here, and Gavind says, “Made in USA, good prices, foam or down, choice of springs and best yet: A Warranty!” Above: The Amanda. Mid century style sofas from Sofa Craft/Monarch Sofas.

Vanguard: 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, above, 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.

Gus Modern: Gus Modern has a lot of styles — they seem to be going after this market pretty aggressively. Mid century modern sofas from Gus Modern.

West Elm: You got your numerous choices from West Elm.

Ethan Allen: Don’t forget to check Ethan Allen.

Crate & Barrel: 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. UPDATE: See reader comment on the original story reflecting experience with quality/durability issues.

CB2: The lines of CB2’s Avec are too forced for me, but it seems to have its fans. Avec sofa from CB2.

Plummers: Update: If you live in Southern California, Tikimama spotted this Paramount sofa, Made the U.S.A., at Plummers. I am guessing this sofa may be made by someone already shown on this list… I will check later. No online sales. Paramount sofa for sale at Plummers stores.

Pottery Barn: Arlington sofa from Pottery Barn.

Ikea: Update: A reader asked about Ikea. I don’t live by any Ikeas, so I never get to see their products. To be sure, their products are generally inexpensive. The Kivik sofa, above, is $599 – about the same as the Macy’s Corona on sale. In regard to buying a sofa, I’d generally counsel to buy the best you can possibly afford — aim to own it a lifetime, even. Kivik sofa by Ikea.

Urban Outfitters: Update: If you’re considering the cheap and cheerful route, another reader suggested taking a look at Urban Outfitters. Mid Mod style sofas from Urban Outfitters.

Eq3: So now I started really poking down rabbit holes. Update: This Byrd sofa, originally spotted on another website, is actually designed by EQ3, based in Winnipeg. They have a number of other sofas with contemporary / modern / Euro lines. Byrd sofa from EQ3.

True Modern: 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.

Blue Dot: Blu Dot has a few options, and sounds like an interesting company. Paramount sofa by Blu Dot.

Dania: 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.

White on White: Update: After my original story, reader Kurt suggested the “Florence Knoll” knockoff from White on White, shown above. At 57″ wide, I’d not quite call this a sofa, but it makes the list because it’s nice to see new, smaller companies. Mid century modern style sofas from White on White.

Heywood Wakefield: 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.Thanks, readers, for your continuing help in making this the #1 most conclusive list of midcentury modern style sofas in the U.S. interior design blog world. If you find more manufacturers — let me know via the Comments. Also, please also feel free to share you experiences with any of these products.

Looking for an MCM sectional?:

Looking for a sectional? Click here to see my other story, 29 midcentury style sofa sectionals available today.