Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 7

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Question 12

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 13

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 14

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 16

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Fruitwood Mid Century

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Ico Parisi Style Beechwood and Brass Suit Valet

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

Rare Pair of French Art Deco Lounge Chairs in style of Jean-Michel Frank

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Audoux Minnet - Bar - Straw Marquetry - Wood - 1950 - France - French Riviera

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Baker 9 Drawers Neoclassical 64" Long Dresser Credenza W/ Brass Ring Pulls MINT

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Very rare Fabrizio Poldaretti by Caccia Alla Volpe sideboards

Mid-20th Century English Early Victorian Easels

English Towel Holder Rack

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Pair of Italian Night stands -Side tables

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

John Van Koert Drexel Profile K4 Low Dresser with Matching Mirror

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair for M.Singer Sons

Antique Mid-19th Century French Country Stools

Antique French Campaign Style Folding Stool

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Post-Modern Italian Lounge Chair

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Ico Parisi Style Beechwood and Brass Suit Rack

Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Dressers

1940s Carlton House Mahogany 12-Drawer Triple Dresser

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Midcentury Black Leather Samurai Arm Lounge Chair By Luciano Frigerio Italy 1971

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1930.

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Mobili Sanguineti Chiavari - Set of Four (4) Wood and Wicker Chairs

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

1950 s Italian Desk and Chair in the Manner of Gio Ponti

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Decorative Boxes

Micro Mosaic Moorish Inlaid Jewelry Pen Box

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Jewelry Boxes

Vintage Jewelry Music Box Hand-Made in Italy

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Benches

Louis XVI Style Parcel Cream and Brown Painted Bench

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

pair of GIO PONTI armchairs white velvet brass feet for private residence 1955

Mid-20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1970 s Coffee Table / Bar

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

Set of Three Italian Modernist Midcentury Bronze-Mounted Coffee Tables

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Scandinavian Modern Armchairs for Selig

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

Vintage Hidden Bar Coffee Table by Alfred Hendrickx for Belfom, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Adam Style Chairs

Rustic Wood Chair with Removable Backrest

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Salad Green Lacquer Gold Hollywood Regency Rectangular Coffee Table

Antique Mid-19th Century British Country Windsor Chairs

Yew Wood Low-Back Windsor Armchair, North East Yorkshire England Circa 1850

Mid-20th Century Italian Other Chairs

Pair of Italian Chiavarine Vintage Chairs

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing End Tables

Chinese Peachwood Side Table, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Rare paradoxical planetarium of Jupiter and the Medici satellites, France 1840.

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Marquetry Marble Top Commode

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Vintage Italian Carved Fruit Wood Wall Mirror

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Decorative Art

Wooden Antique Garland Overdoor or Headboard

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

6 Fabulous Leather Strap Tomlinson "Sophisticate" Dining Chairs 2 Arms 4 Sides

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1950.

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Pair Guitar Pick Triangular Heart Shape Travertine Top End Side Lamp Tables MINT

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

De Bournais French Provincial Rafraichissoir Cooler Cocktail Coffee Table

Vintage 1920s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Francis Jourdain lounge chair and footstool, France 1920s

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Secretaires