Question 1

What is a 1940s style dress?

Accepted Answer

The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.

Question 4

What is Danish modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is modern furniture made of?

Accepted Answer

Modern furniture is made of many different types of materials. Some modern furniture makers used natural materials like wood for frames and leather and linen for upholstery. Metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel and nickel, were also common, as were some plastics. Explore a diverse assortment of modern furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is modern furniture design?

Accepted Answer

Modern furniture design is an overarching term for the new approach that designers began taking in the early 20th century. Many experts cite the Bauhaus movement as the start of the modern era. Its style was defined by the instructors and students at a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. In Bauhaus-style furniture, the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials. As the Bauhaus movement was emerging, so too was Art Deco. This iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked; they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture. After World War II, modern design continued with the mid-century modern movement. The style is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Historians typically say that the modern approach to furniture design ended in the mid-1960s or early 1970s. Pieces made after that time may be called postmodern or contemporary. Shop a large collection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is modern style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.

Question 8

What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between modern furniture and old furniture is in the specificity of the term. Generally, pieces considered modern date from between the end of World War II in 1945 and the end of the 1970s. During this period, more furniture makers mass produced pieces, and designers increasingly used new materials, such as plywood and plastic. Old furniture is not a specific term. People frequently use the term old for anything that subjectively appears aged. Explore a large selection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

Question 10

How do you identify 1800s furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 1800s furniture, first check to see if your piece bears any maker's marks. Should you locate any, researching them using trusted online resources can help you determine the maker and age of your furniture. To determine if unmarked pieces date back to the 19th century, look for tool marks and variations in their carvings and ornamentation. Since 19th-century furniture was handmade, you should expect to find these signs of hand craftsmanship. A piece that shows no marks or inconsistencies in details is likely a contemporary machine-made reproduction. Familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of Rococo, Chippendale, Gothic Revival, neoclassical and other 19th-century styles can also be helpful. If you struggle to make an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a range of 19th-century furniture.

Question 11

What do you call furniture from the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Furniture from the 1960s is often called mid-century modern. This style emphasizes the importance of good design that looks attractive and performs its function well. Notable mid-century modern designers include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 12

What is 1950s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Question 13

What is 1970s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 1970s furniture is called varies. Generally, you may see pieces produced during the decade classified as "vintage" or "retro" furniture. During the 1970s, some makers continued to produce furniture that boasted the characteristics of mid-century modern works. The disco era yielded furnishings with organic, often rounded shapes, unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and a mix of materials. The showy leather furniture of the 1970s, which was both sexy and comfortable, is seeing a resurgence in today’s homes. Shop a wide variety of vintage 1970s furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is ’70s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What ’70s furniture is called depends on its style. Generally, pieces from this decade can be called vintage furniture. However, pieces with certain stylistic characteristics have other names. For example, some 1970s furniture is mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, was developed in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of 1970s furniture.

Question 15

What is 1920s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 1920s furniture is called depends on its style. However, the most prominent design style of the decade was Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture often featured bold geometric lines, floral forms, shimmering mirrored finishes, sleek metal accents, and the use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Art Deco furniture.

Question 16

How do you identify 1930s furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.

Question 17

Which designer was called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

1940s Modern Furniture

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dry Bars

Bar Cabinet in Elm and Brass Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking, 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Tapestries

Vintage Märta Måås-Fjetterström Grodbla Tapestry, 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Tapestries

Vintage Märta Måås-Fjetterström Clog Tapestry, 1940 s

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Ceiling Lamp in Copper and Brass by Paavo Tynell, 1940 s, Taito Oy

Vintage 1940s Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Industrial Bakelite Wall or Ceiling Light, 1940 s.

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Pair of Swedish Mid Century Modern Wooden Armchairs in Pine Sheepskin, 1940s

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Original Brown Wool Upholstery, 1940s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Pair of Swedish Modern Armchairs with Green Upholstery, Sweden ca 1940s

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Danish Modern Sofa with Leather Upholstery and Oak Frame, Denmark 1940s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Midcentury Modern Floor Lamps by Bertil Brisborg, NK, Sweden, 1940s

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Credenza in Hardwood att. to Joaquim Tenreiro for Laubitsch Hirth, 1940 s

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

1940 s Kittinger Mandarin Greek Key Nightstand

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Pair of Easy Chairs in Ash Legs with Velvet Mohair by Flemming Lassen, 1940 s

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Scandinavian Modern "Frosted" Vase Sweden, ca 1930-1940s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Erik Matsson, Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Early Ceiling Lamp in Black Metal, Opaline Glass Brass by Paavo Tynell, 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

1940 s Karel Koželka Antonín Kropáček Armchairs, a Pair

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

A Pair Of Small Dressers By Edward Wormley For Dunbar Ca 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Marble Table Lamp, Original Shade, 1940s Design

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Exquisite Burl Wood Veneer and Brass Italian Commode from 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Faux Coral Chandelier in Iron, Italy, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirrors

Swedish Modern bamboo and rattan mirror, anonymous designer, 1940s–1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Swedish Modern lounge chairs attributed to Gustav Axel Berg, Sweden, 1940s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Swedish Modern Birch Armchairs with Blue Faux Leather Upholstery, 1940s

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Swedish Modern Chandelier by Böhlmarks in Brass and Wood, 1940s

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

Art Deco Spitfire Wooden Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Danish Modern Fritz Hansen "Funkis" Sofa Bench in Beech Blue Fabric, 1940s

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Ceiling Lamp in Cage-shaped Frame in Lacquered Metal by Hans Bergström, 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian mid-century modern stackable metal and glass coffee tables, 1940s

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Streamline Modern Dazor Lighting Floating-Arm Metal / Fiberglass Desk Lamp 1940s

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Side Table, 1940s

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Early Floor Lamp in Black Metal, Brass and Wrapped Cane by Paavo Tynell, 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia

Vintage Table Top Apothecary Scale in Walnut Brass, c. 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Swedish Modern, Sofa, Green Velvet, Elm, Sweden, 1940s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Round Rustic Oak Coffee Table, France 1940 s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Large Round Oak Coffee Table, France 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp from Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Four Dining Side Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland 1940 s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirrors

Scandinavian Modern Brass Wall Mirror by Lars Holmström, Sweden, 1940s

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs