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 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 3

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 4

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 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 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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.

Question 12

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

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

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 19

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 20

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.

London Mid Century

Vintage 1960s English Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Stuart Devlin - Mid Century Pair of Sterling Silver Salt Cellars - London 1969

Mid-19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

19th Century English SchoolLarge Mid Victorian Oil Painting Portrait of Seated Gentleman with Newspaper

Antique 1860s British Victorian Armchairs

Mid 19th century Gillows open armchair in Colefax and fowler printed linen

Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Pair of Mid-19th Century Mahogany Tall Chests of Drawers attributed to Gillow

Antique Mid-18th Century French Prints

18th Century Etching of Westminster Bridge, London

Mid-20th Century English Band Rings

Vintage 22ct Gold Platinum Band, Hallmarked London 1960

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Paintings

Thelma Gladys Speed HoustonTrafalgar, London, circa 1965

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

Handpainted Rosewood Turnidge of London Dry Bar

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Grandfather Clocks and Longcas...

18th Century Lacquered Japanned Longcase Clock from London

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Photography

Historical Photo - London With Arrol Johnston - Early 20th Century, Early 20th Century

20th Century English Armchairs

Mid Century ’Hexagon’ Armchair by Peter Murdoch and Made by Hille of London Ltd.

Antique 19th Century English Cabinets

Mid-19th Century Pair of Figured Burr Walnut and Glass Panel Cabinets by Gillows

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Mantel Clocks

A very fine mid Victorian skeleton clock by Johnston of London

1950s Realist More Prints

James HartJames Hart Festival of Britain 1951 London Transport map poster UK Mid Century, 1951

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

A mid Victorian mahogany wine table attributed to Gillows

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Henry Waltermar DoaneLondon Lodge, c.1950

Mid-20th Century English Choker Necklaces

Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold, Tubogas Collar Necklace, Hallmarked London 1947

Vintage 1970s English Scandinavian Modern Platters and Serveware

Stuart Devlin - Stylish pair of Mid Century silver dishes made in London in 1970

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Dutch Blue-and-White Ceramic Table Lamp, 1977, with New Liberty London Shade

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Thames Divers - London Embankment River Thames Photography 1930s London

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

The Masquerade – 19th-Century Engraving after Edward Corbould, London Paris

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Table Lamps with New Liberty Lampshades

Mid-20th Century English Signet Rings

Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum Octagonal Signet Ring Hallmarked London 1932

Mid-20th Century English Brooches

18ct Gold, Cat Brooch with Natural Diamond Eyes Collar, Hallmarked London 1962

Mid-20th Century British Sofas

20th Century Sofa Bed by Greaves and Thomas of London

Mid-20th Century English Chain Bracelets

9ct Rose Gold, Curb Albert Bracelet with T-bar Swivel, Hallmarked London 1934

Antique Mid-17th Century European Prints

Antique Woodcut View of London – Thames River Panorama with London Bridge, c1650

Mid-18th Century English School Landscape Prints

The South West Prospect of London – English School 18th century, 1670

Mid-20th Century English Pendant Necklaces

9ct Gold 1960 London Hallmarked Claret Blue Enamel Jockey s Riding Cap Pendant

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Vivian BewickSt Paul s Cathedral, North Transept Portico, 20th Century British London

Antique Mid-19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Tables

Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table or Window Table

Antique Mid-19th Century Moroccan Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables

Antique 19th Century Hardwood Tea Table Decorated With Etched Brass Tray

Mid-20th Century English Brooches

Vintage 9ct Gold Diamond Seed Pearl Star Brooch/Pendant Hallmarked London 1965

Mid-20th Century English Mantel Clocks

Elliott of London Caddy Top Mahogany Bracket Clock

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Grandfather Clocks and Longca...

18th Century Antique Walnut Longcase Clock by James Blackborow of London

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Vintage Ostrich Egg Candlestick Holder

Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography

Bill BrandtNude, London, 1952 - Bill Brandt

Mid-20th Century English Signet Rings

Vintage 18ct Two Colour Gold Star Set Diamond Signet Ring Hallmarked London 1939

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Gillow Walnut 19th Century Kidney Writing Table

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Sterling Silver

19th Century English School
Large Mid Victorian Oil Painting Portrait of Seated Gentleman with Newspaper

Thelma Gladys Speed Houston
Trafalgar, London, circa 1965

James Hart
James Hart Festival of Britain 1951 London Transport map poster UK Mid Century, 1951

Henry Waltermar Doane
London Lodge, c.1950

Vivian Bewick
St Paul s Cathedral, North Transept Portico, 20th Century British London

Bill Brandt
Nude, London, 1952 - Bill Brandt

Marianne von Werther
Berkeley Square, London - 20th Century British watercolour by M von Werther, circa 1950

John Cole
John Cole - 20th Century British Oil Painting of a London Shop Front, 1945

Sébastien Leclerc
The Royal Exchange of London, 1754

Wolfgang Suschitzky
Big Ben and Bodicea, London, circa 1940