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French Mid Century Modern

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Pair 1950s Mid Century Tall Bronze Bamboo Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues France
By Maison Baguès
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 1950's Tall French Mid Century Modern Bronze Bamboo Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Quite the
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

1950 s French Grand Scale Bronze Sailing Ship Nautical Wall Lamp/ Sconce
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950 French Mid Century Modern Grand Scale Detailed Bronze Sailing Ship/ Nautical Theme Wall Lamp
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

A TRIPOD Free-Form BRUTALIST RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN COFFEE TABLE, France 1950
By George Nakashima
Located in PARIS, FR
French Mid-Century Modern "return to je nature" movement, adapting modern shapes to traditional knowledge
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Two French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Fire Screens Attributed to Gilbert Poillerat
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Firescreens attributed to French master iron worker
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

50s XL Mid Century Modern French Crystal Beaded Ship Galeon Chandelier Restored
By Maison Baguès
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Unique and a very special piece. 1950s French Mid Century Modern Beaded Crystal Galeon Ship
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal

Jules Leleu Bronze Sconces Wall Lights Black Gold Shades Mid-Century Modern
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
shades. French Mid-Century Modern design from the late 1950s. Measures: Height with shades on 13 inches.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Modern Neoclassical Crystal Table Chandelier/ Girandole by Maison Baguès
By Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
A Rare French MId-Century Modern Neoclassical table lamp or table chandelier in crystal with a
Category

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

Materials

Crystal, Wrought Iron

Large French Midcentury Oval Red Ceramic Serving Platter by Voltz, Vallauris
By Vallauris AM
Located in New York, NY
Very large French Mid-Century Modern oval red ceramic serving tray or platter, handmade by Voltz
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Chaty Vallauris Oval Metal Sunburst Wall Mirror Gold Finish France, 1970
By Chaty Vallauris
Located in Miami, FL
Superb French Mid-Century Modern oval metal sunburst wall mirror in gold finish. Marked on the
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirrors

Materials

Iron

François Monnet Bench Stainless Steel and Tufted Faux Leather
By François Monnet
Located in Miami, FL
A rare François Monnet bench, stainless steel and white leather. French Mid-Century Modern
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Brass Floor Lamps by Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical floor lamps for Maison Jansen
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair c1960 s French MCM Red Crystal Floral Form Wall Sconces "Flowers Petals"
By Maison Baguès
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair French Mid Century Modern Red Crystal "Flowers and Petals" Form Wall Sconces attributed to
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal

Jacques ADNET French Mid-century Magazine Rack, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Rack by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s. Elegant French Mid
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Iron

French Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical Vanity Chair, Attributed André Arbus, 1930
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical / Art Deco vanity chair or stool attributed to André
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Stools

Materials

Walnut

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Gilt Iron Benches, Style of Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Sober Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical benches / stools in the style of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Ebonized Wood Benches /Stools, Jean Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Sober, Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Benches / stools in ebonized wood
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood, Upholstery

Pair Maison Lunel 6-Light Chandelier Black Steel Brass Mid-Century Modern 1960
By Maison Lunel
Located in Miami, FL
max 40 watts. Please have a look at our largest collection of Italian and french Mid=Century Modern
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Steel

French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Parchment Table Lamp Attr to Gilbert Poillerat
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
A Rare. Elegant, Hand made, Unique French Mid-Century Modern table lamp or desk lamp in hand forged
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

1 French Mid-Century Parchment Coffee Tables , Style ofJean-Michel Frank
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
One French Mid-Century Modern coffee tables in parchment shaped in an inverted U form, a classic
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Parchment Paper

1950 Gerard Guermonprez Side, Bedside Table, Night Stand Oak Wood France
By Gerard Guermonprez
Located in Miami, FL
. Beautifully carved and very elegant in appearance. French Mid-Century Modern made in the 1950.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Rope Stools / Benches, Audoux Minet.
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in New York, NY
2 Rare pairs of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical style stools or benches in hand wrought iron
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic Wabi Sabi Three Legged Stools, Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern 1940 s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rustic; France; Mid-Century Modern; Stools; Barstools; Rustic wooden stools made in France, we
Category

Vintage 1940s French Rustic Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Midcentury Louis XVI Style Cerused Oak Benches /Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of delicately carved French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical stools or benches in cerused oak
Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Set of Two Midcentury Modern Stools in Pine, France, 1960s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Set of two French Mid-Century Modern stools, 1960’s. Well proportioned design made of solid Pine
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

French Midcentury Round Aluminum and Glass Center Dining Table by Boris Tabacoff
By Boris Tabacoff
Located in New York, NY
French Mid-Century Modern round center or dining table with a cast aluminum base and a smoked glass
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Aluminum

French Ebonized Wood Verre Eglomise Wall Console or Nightstand, Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical wall-mounted console with exquisitely reverse-painted (Verre
Category

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

Pair Large French Mid-Century Gilt Iron Floral Wall Sconces Attr. Maison Bagues
By Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Pair of French Mid-Century Modern (1940 period) partially gilt wrought iron sconces
Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rustic French 1940s Wooden Bamboo Style Coat Rack
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rustic French Mid-Century Modern bamboo style wooden coat rack with three large rounded pegs and
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Vallauris Coffee Set Yellow Brown Ceramic, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Paris, FR
Authentic French Mid Century Modern creative full coffee set with incredible stunning shapes in a
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Maison Barbier French Two Spheres Chrome Finish Table Lamps 1960
By Maison Barbier
Located in Miami, FL
French Mid-Century Modern Pair of two spheres Maison Barbier Table Lamps. The Chrome Finish is in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel, Chrome

French Modern Ash and Laminate Low Table, 1950s
Located in Astoria, NY
French Mid-Century Modern low table made of ash and black laminate, dating back to the 1950s. Here
Category

20th Century Finnish Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Double Level Brass Side Tables, Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical double level brass side tables / nightstands with
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Lounge Chairs 1950s on Brass Legs in Black and Gold
Located in London, GB
French Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs are elegant and compact, reupholstered luxurious in black
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Modern Club Chairs by Pierre Vandel
By Pierre Vandel
Located in Houston, TX
pair of French Mid-Century Modern club chairs or lounge chairs attributed to designed by Pierre Vandel
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Onyx Ashtray or Vide Poche, French Mid-Century 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Onyx Ashtray or Vide Poche, French Mid-Century Modern. This ashtray was handcarved into a block of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Maison Lunel Pair of Ornate Glass and Brass Lantern Wall Mounted Sconces, France
By Maison Lunel
Located in Miami, FL
French Mid-Century Modern Maison Lunel pair of engraved glass and brass lantern wall-mounted sconce
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

French Modern, Ash, Straw, Occasional Chairs, France, 1960s
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Manhasset, NY
Charlotte Perriand Style, French Mid-Century Modern, Ash, Straw, Low Lounge Chairs, France, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Straw, Ash

2 Pairs, French Modern Neoclassical Wrought Iron Sconces, Marc Du Plantier Style
By Marc du Plantier
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Hand-Made wrought iron torch wall lights / sconces
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Modern Neoclassical Wrought Iron Chandelier, Gilbert Poillerat, 1940
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical partially gilt wrought iron chandelier with six
Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Modern Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Benches/ Stools, Andre Arbus, Pair
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, timeless pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical mahogany and leather benches or
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Modern Craftsman Hand Carved Wood Alpine Bench in an Organic Form, 1930
Located in New York, NY
A Unique, French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Hand Carved bench or settee from the French Alpine
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Keramos, French Modern, Glazed Ceramic, Table Lamp, France, 1940s
By Keramos Sèvres
Located in Manhasset, NY
Keramos, French Mid-Century Modern, Glazed Ceramic, Urn Form Table Lamp, France, 1940s A modernist
Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Mid-Century Modern Console, Bar and Sideboard in style of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
A Sober, Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Console in the style of Willy Rizzo that can function as
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Pair French Mid-Century Neo-Baroque Gilt Terracotta Sconces
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Two Rare and exotic pairs of French Mid-century Modern gilt terracotta wall lights attributed to
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Plaster, Terracotta

2 French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Pendants / Flush Mounts, Jean-Michel Frank
By Arlus, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
2 French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical style pendants / chandeliers in the style of Jean Michel
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Painted Wood Marble Side Tables, Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical end or side tables in the Louis XVI style
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Large French Midcentury Rectangular Red Ceramic Serving Platter Voltz, Vallauris
By Vallauris AM
Located in New York, NY
Very large French Mid-Century Modern rectangular, red ceramic serving platter or tray handmade by
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

French Modern Neoclassical Polished Nickel and Glass Coffee Table, Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, timeless French Mid-Century Modern style cocktail table in the Neoclassical spirit of
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Pierre Giraudon, a Pair of Lucite Sculptures "Neon", France, Midcentury
By Pierre Giraudon
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of resin/lucite sculptures designed by Pierre Giraudon, model "Neon", France Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal

Rouge Boat Shape Marble Top Dining Table on Compass Shape Solid Walnut Legs
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Rockaway, NJ
French Mid-Century Modern deco solid walnut compass shape legs base marble top dining or conference
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Mid Century MODERN Rosewood + Mahogany French NIGHTSTANDS, circa 1950s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
One of a kind French Mid Century Modern Rosewood + Mahogany nightstands, c. 1950's. This superbly
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Rosewood

French Modern Neoclassical Oval Gilt Iron Sunburst Mirror, Gilbert Poillerat
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
A Unique French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical oval form wall / sunburst mirror with double level
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Cognac Mid-Century Dining Chairs, France, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
French wood & leather dining chairs; Mid-Century Modern; Craftsmanship; 1950s, France; Mid-century
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Ebonized Ottoman in the Manner of Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen, Dominique, Jules Leleu
Located in Houston, TX
stool has a matte Ebonized finish, tapered legs with brass sabots. This French Mid-Century Modern bench
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of French Midcentury Nickel Parchment Leather Side Tables, Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern cantilevered nickel and parchment leather side / end
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Pair of French Modernist ‘Bauhaus’ Stools with Upholstered Seats by Hermès
By Hermès, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Rare and Exquisite Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Bauhaus style benches / stools fabricated with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2 French 1940 Brutalist Wrought Iron Chandeliers or Pendants in Poillerat Style
By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern 1940s chandeliers or fixtures in the style of Gilbert Poillerat
Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
    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.