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 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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

London Mid Century

Mid-20th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes

Harrods Porcelain Delivery Truck Lidded Tea Caddy Box London Pottery England

Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Drop-leaf and Pemb...

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Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Modernist Sterling Silver Salt Pepper Pots By George E Grant London 1971

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Albert RichardsonProf Sir Albert Richardson PRA London Bridge c. 1960 Watercolour painting, C.1960

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Prints

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Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of the Ceremony of Opening London Bridge by Hullmandel 1831

Vintage 1940s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

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Mid-20th Century English Queen Anne Chandeliers and Pendants

Brass and Faux Ostrich Egg Chandelier

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

His Her Sterling Silver Pair of Goblets, Christopher Lawrence London 1974

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

R M WhittenburyPool of London Ron Whittenbury Modern British Art Oil Painting Thames Shipping, 1952

Antique Mid-18th Century English More Dining and Entertaining

Exceptional George II Sauceboat Made in London by George Hindmarsh in 1731

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Maps

Vintage Barrister s Map of London, English, Framed, Inner, Middle Temple, C.1970

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Dennis FlandersSt Nicholas Cole Abbey and St Mary Somerset Church, London, The Blitz

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage 1950 s Oak Combined school Desk and Chair "George M Hammer Co London"

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern More Candle Holders

a pair of modernist 1970 s Sterling Silver Candleholders, London 1977, signed

Antique Early 1900s French Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Original New Old Stock Circa 1900 Liberty s London Marionette String Puppet

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

MERCEDES BENZ 1966 Royal London Radiator Grill Petrol Lighter In Lacquered Steel

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs

c1860

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles Hug River Thames and the Tower Bridge, London by Charles Hug ( 1899 – 1979 ), 1961

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Gerald Benney - Large Modernist Silver Beer Jug or Water Jug - London 1965

Mid-20th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

British SchoolThe London Skyline viewed from River Thames above its Bridges, original oil

Mid-18th Century English School Landscape Prints

Thomas Bowles IIIThe Monument of London in Remembrance of the Dreadful Fire of 1666, 1751

Antique Mid-18th Century Prints

Antique Print with Views of the London Bridge and Westminster Bridge, 1754

Antique Mid-19th Century English More Dining and Entertaining

Very Fine Cheese Scoop Made in London in 1846 by George Adams

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Robert D BeattieOil Painting of High Holborn London in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Imperial Sand Ballast Measure by De Grave Short Co Ltd of London

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

STUNNING WARING GILLOWS HARRODS LONDON CiRCA 1950 S BURR WALNUT BED STEAD

Antique Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Grandfather Clocks and Long...

Fine 19th C Lacquered Chinoiserie Grandfather Clock by Triggs and Sons London

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Stunning Pair of Tall Leather Elephants Probably Retailed by Liberty Co London

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Plate of the Kensington Museum in London by Delange 1869

Vintage 1950s English Other Scientific Instruments

Vintage Stereoscope Bar Parallax, Scientific Instrument, JM Glauser, London

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Plate of Mr. d Azeglio in London by Delange 1869

Mid-20th Century Austrian Games

Double Deck Boxed Set of Playing Cards by Harrods of London - New Old Stock

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Center Tables

London 1850 Post Modern Victoria Design Oval Walnut Tilt Top Table by Filmer

Antique Mid-19th Century British Elizabethan Center Tables

Gillows Of Lancaster Superb Victorian Carved Oak Library Table

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Art Deco Style Rock Crystal, Enamel Russian Green Jasper Lamp; Asprey London

Antique Mid-19th Century British George IV Floor Mirrors and Full-Length...

A Huge Near Pair of Fabulous Mirrors From Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye

Mid-20th Century English Pillows and Throws

Vintage Rare Liberty of London Purple Pink Silk Scarf Irish Linen Cushion Pillow

Antique Mid-19th Century Irish Early Victorian Bookcases

Antique Irish Burl Walnut Two Door Bookcase attrib Robert Strahan Dublin Ireland

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Bookcases

Albert Richardson
Prof Sir Albert Richardson PRA London Bridge c. 1960 Watercolour painting, C.1960

R M Whittenbury
Pool of London Ron Whittenbury Modern British Art Oil Painting Thames Shipping, 1952

Dennis Flanders
St Nicholas Cole Abbey and St Mary Somerset Church, London, The Blitz

Charles Hug
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British School
The London Skyline viewed from River Thames above its Bridges, original oil

Thomas Bowles III
The Monument of London in Remembrance of the Dreadful Fire of 1666, 1751

Robert D Beattie
Oil Painting of High Holborn London in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

Thomas Shotter Boys
St. Paul s From Ludgate Hill, from Original Views of London As It Is