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French Mid Century Modern

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Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Lounge Chairs, Chandigarh, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Lounge Chairs, Chandigarh, 1950s Pair of rare Pierre
Category

Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical Faux Bamboo Wall Mirror, style JM Frank
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
French Midcentury Modern Neoclassical mirror composed of faux bamboo and rattan in the style of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern / Minimalist Iron Floor Lamps, Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche, Disderot
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sleek pair of French Mid-Century Modern Style hand wrought iron floor lamps in the style
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Custom Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Style Steel and Alabaster Side Tables
By Jean Prouvé
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern style architect designed end tables or nightstands in the style
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Alabaster, Steel

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Grid Back Iron Lounge Chairs, Rene Gabriel Style
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern wrought iron lounge chairs, side chairs or slipper chairs in the
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

50s Rare French Mid Century Modern Carl Aubock insp Minimalist Umbrella Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
50s Rare French Mid Century Modern Carl Aubock insp Minimalist Umbrella Holder Exquisite
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Materials

Chrome, Wire

2 French Mid-Century Modern Style Wrought Iron Stone Consoles, Marc Duplantier
By Marc du Plantier
Located in New York, NY
Two elegant French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical style hand wrought iron consoles or sofa tables
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Brass Faux Bamboo Bench by Maison Baguès
By Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical bench or stool by Maison Baguès in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

French Mid-Century Modern Steel and Glass Coffee Table by Pierre Guariche
Located in Westport, CT
A rare French Mid-Century Modern coffee table in black enameled steel and glass with brass details
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Steel

Three French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Solid Bronze Bar Stools, Giacometti
By Diego Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant and Timeless Set of Three French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical solid bronze bar stools
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Bronze

Six French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Wood and Leather Strap Bar Stools, 1940
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Six French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman bar stools with hand-carved hardwood bases and seats
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

2 Maison Lancel Brass, Bronze Black Glass French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp
By Maison Lancel
Located in Miami, FL
. Made in France, Mid-Century Modern era from the 1970s. Shade measures: Diameter: 14 inches, height: 12
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Metal, Brass

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Gilt Iron Side / End Tables by Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay, Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant, Timeless Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical gilt iron side / end tables by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair, French Mid-Century Modern Studded Black Leather End Tables, Pierre Lottier
By Pierre Lottier, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style black leather studded side tables
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass

French Mid-Century Modern "Croissilon" Sideboard / Credenza Attr. to Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical sideboard, credenza or cabinet circa 1940
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rattan, Cherry

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern Storage Chest, Teak, Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Dirty Linen Basket, Cane, Teak, Chandigarh, India c
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests

Materials

Cane, Teak

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Leather Console after Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Exquisite French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical console / sofa table or secretary in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Two French Mid-Century Modern Gilt Iron Consoles or Dining Table Bases, 1925
By Paul Kiss
Located in New York, NY
Two large French Mid-Century Modern / Art Deco Gilt iron table bases in the tradition of France
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Wood Chairs, Pierre Jeanneret
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Side or Lounge Chairs in the style of Pierre
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Two French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side Tables, Style Jean Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
2 Elegant and Timeless French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Style End or Side Tables/ Nightstands
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine, Wrought Iron

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Bagues Style Rock Crystal Cockatoo-Form Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of French Mid-Century Modern Louis XVI style and Bagues style cockatoo-form rock
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Metal

French Mid-Century Modern Hand Stitched Black Leather Floor Lamp Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, modern and timeless french Mid-Century Modern hand-stitched leather and brass floor lamp
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa, Chandigarh, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa, Chandigarh, 1960s Bridge Sofa, Mid
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical Rattan Console or Desk, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk / Writing table or Console in the
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Iron Parchment Floor Lamps by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Timeless Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical wrought iron floor lamps by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Wrought Iron Console by Gilbert Poillerat
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant and Timeless French Midcentury Modern Neoclassical Wrought Iron and Fossilized Limestone
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Limestone, Wrought Iron

French Mid-Century Modern Round Walnut Side or Coffee Table Attr. to Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical End or Side or Cocktail / Coffee Table in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Brass Table Lamps, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Timeless Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Solid Brass / Bronze table
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze, Brass

French Mid-Century Modern Six-Light Iron Chandelier in Leaf Motif w/Gold Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Mid-Century Modern six-light chandelier. This French chandelier has a modern design
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Iron

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Upholstered Arm Chairs, Cowhide
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, X-Leg 'Committee' Chairs, Off-White Cowhide
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Teak

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa Set, Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Sofa Set, Chandigarh Upholstered bridge sofa
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

French Mid-Century Modern Style Sofa / Couch in the style of Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Sober and Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Sofa / Couch in the style of France's most important
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Hardwood

Early French Mid-Century Modern Folding Lounge Chair by Robert Mallet-Stevens
By Robert Mallet-Stevens, Pierre Dariel
Located in New York, NY
An Early French Mid-Century Modern Folding Chair by the luminary French Modernist Architect, Robert
Category

Vintage 1920s French Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Beech

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Sofa, X-Leg, Chandigarh, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Upholstered Sofa, X-Leg, White Linen, India, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen, Teak

French Mid Century Modern Accolay Vase
By Accolay Pottery
Located in New York, NY
French Mid Century ceramic vase featuring a speckled ombre effect glaze in blues and burnt orange
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

French Mid-Century Modern Center Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This mid-century modern center table from France is sure to make a statement in your interior. The
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage French Mid Century Modern Audoux Minet Style Coil Lasso Rope Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Very Rare Vintage French Mid Century Modern Audoux Minet Style Large Coiled Lasso Rope Sculptural Floor
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stylish Mid-Century Modern floor lamp with custom white linen shade. This modish fixture has a
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair Rare French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Floor Lamps, Jean Charles Moreux
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of rare and poetic French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman floor lamps, handmade from roots of
Category

Vintage 1930s French Brutalist Floor Lamps

Materials

Twig, Hardwood

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Grid Back Cherry Lounge / Armchairs, Rene Gabriel
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
An Iconic pair of French Mid-Century Modern armchairs, club or lounge chairs in solid cherry by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Upholstery, Cherry

Pair French Mid-Century Modern Grid Back Cherry Lounge / Armchairs, Rene Gabriel
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
An Iconic pair of French Mid-Century Modern armchairs, club or lounge chairs in solid cherry by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of French Midcentury Modern Perforated Metal Consoles Attr. Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
A rare and important pair of French Mid-Century Modern Consoles / Sofa Tables Attributed to Mathieu
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Steel

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Six Dining Chairs, Teak, Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Six Dining Chairs, Teak, Chandigarh Set of six Pierre
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Console by Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional and Important Work of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Decorative Arts, this
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Travertine, Wrought Iron

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Chairs, Chandigarh c. 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Bridge Chairs, Chandigarh c. 1960s Pair of Pierre
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Gilt Iron Table Lamps attr. to Jacques Quinet
By Jacques Quinet
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Midcentury Modern Gilt Wrought Iron Table Lamps in an Abstract Form Attributed to
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Midcentury Modern Maple Armoire
By N.F. Ameublement
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large dressing armoire produced in France in the 1950s to 1960s, granted an "Ameublement N.F
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mirror, Maple

French Mid-Century Modern Side / End Table by Jacques Adnet Max Ingrand
By Saint Gobain, Jacques Adnet, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
creators of the French Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern movements. This exquisite piece fuses elements of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Fireside Sofa, Teak, White Cowhide
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Fireside Sofa, Teak, White Cowhide, Chandigarh Rare
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Cowhide, Teak

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Solid Pine Sofa with Original Upholstery .
Located in Almelo, NL
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Solid Pine Sofa with Original Upholstery This solid pine 3-seat
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

French mid-century modern dark wood and straw chairs by Georges Robert, 1950s
By Georges Robert
Located in MIlano, IT
French mid-century modern dark wood and straw chairs by Georges Robert, 1950s Set of 4 chairs with
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Straw, Wood

Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Slipper Chairs, Black Cowhide, Teak
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Slipper Chairs, Black Cowhide, Teak, Chandigarh Pair
Category

Vintage 1950s Slipper Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Teak

French Mid Century Modern Perforated Brass Sconces
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Modern Perforated Brass Sconces, France, circa 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Metal

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Screen by Bagues
By Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical screen / room divider in gilt wrought iron faux bamboo by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Mid Century Modern Silvered Floor Lamp
Located in Buchanan, NY
This mid-century French 1950s floor lamp embodies a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of the Jetsons
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Silver

French Mid Century Modern Brass Bar Cart
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French brass and glass bar cart from the 1950s features a brass frame with a stylized
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

French Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp
Located in Barcelona, ES
Black Lacquered Tripod Floor Lamp, Iron, Brass. France, 1950s Tripod floor lamp made in France at
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

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French Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal French mid century modern for your home. Frequently made of metal, wood and brass, every French mid century modern was constructed with great care. There are 28656 variations of the antique or vintage French mid century modern you’re looking for, while we also have 921 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer French mid century modern, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A French mid century modern, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Scandinavian Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one French mid century modern that is appealing in its simplicity, but Charlotte Perriand, Guillerme et Chambron and Maison Jansen produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a French Mid Century Modern?

Prices for a French mid century modern can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $1,228,234, while the average can fetch as much as $2,836.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About French Mid Century Modern
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

    Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.