Mid Century 80s
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Svend Lindhart for Bing
Grøndahl, 3 Blanc De Chine Figurines, Denmark 1948-80s
By Bing
Grøndahl, Svend Lindhart
Located in Andernach, DE
''headache''.
Gorgeous set in lovely, very nice mid century condition.
Stamp mark & Lindhart press mark.
No
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Vase Centerpiece Decorative Objects Moda Mostra Art Murano Glass by Bizzotti 80s
Located in Palermo, IT
Moda Mostra l'arte di Murano set by Mario Bizzotti.
Features a contemporary design with wavy edges and a satin and transparent finish.
Decorated with stylized black motifs and colore...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Unusual, Unique Table in the Style of Ettore Sottsass, France, 1970/80s
By Ettore Sottsass, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An unusual, unique table in the style of Ettore Sottsass, France, 1970/80s. Black and white stone
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Pair 80s John Risley Inspired Man and Woman Pop Art Bar Stools
By John Risley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
1980s pair of John Risley inspired Pop Art Man and Woman heavy wrought iron chairs or bar stools
Offered in a separate listing is the complementary Man and Woman wrought iron two-se...
Category
Vintage 1980s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Celestina folding chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta - 70s, 80s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
company Tecno of Giuliano Mosconi bought 80% of Zanotta's shares. However, the two companies maintain
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Alessandro Giusti Egidio Di rosa 80s console table in the Memphis style
By Ultima Edizione
Located in bari, IT
Alessandro Giusti Egidio Di rosa 80s console table in the Memphis style
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
$1,900 Sale Price
20% Off
Art Deco Style Double Sided Pictures Frame in gilded Brass
Glass, 80s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Roma, IT
We offer for sale a very elegant table picture frame, most likely made in Italy between the late 1970s and early 1980s, though its design evokes the timeless elegance of the 1930s.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Picture Frames
Materials
Metal, Brass
Desk Chairs Model Vipera Designed by Luca Leonori for Pallucco, Italy 80s, Pair
By Pallucco
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice pair of desk chairs designed by Luca Leonori for Pallucco in the 80s
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Eight of Modern Italian Murano Glass Iridescent Milk Wall Sconces, 80s
By Maestri Vetrai
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Eight iridescent vintage wall lamps in milky Murano glass, produced by Maestri Murano. These are of high quality and give off a nice warm glow. Each wall light contains three medium ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
1970s/80s Postmodern Deco Themed Pierre Cardin 3 Part Credenza in White
Chrome
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning and sturdy three part credenza or dresser which consists of a pair of Pierre Cardin designed nightstands with a separate 40" wide chest placed between. Practical yet elegant...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Night Stands
Materials
Chrome
pair of elegant vintage WALL LIGHTS sconces structured glass and chrome 1970/80s
Located in Mannheim, DE
A beautiful and elegant pair of sconces manufactured in the 1970s to 1980s. The base is made of chrome-plated metal with a slight Bauhaus touch in the design. The shades are made of ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Dramatic 1970s / Early 80s Solid Bronze Antelope Head Desk Table / Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
A Dramatic Table base seeing as either a Dining Table, Buffet Table, or Desk. Dating to the 1970s to possibly the 1980s.
Mounted at each corner are Solid Heavy Bronze Antelope hea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 70s Daniel Gluck Brutalist Maze Coffee Table MCM Retro 80s Postmodern
By Daniel Gluck
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage 1970s Daniel Gluck Brutalist bronze maze coffee table featuring a sculptural, hand-crafted bronze base with an intricate maze-inspired form and a thick, tempered glass top. B...
Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Caned Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Verdigris Bronze Finish Metal Legs circa 80s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cane Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Verdigris Bronze Finish Metal Legs, in the manner of Diego Giacometti, probably Italian, circa 1980s. They have been newly upholstered in an ivory ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
Gorgeous pendant
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
Gorgeous pendant
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Midcentury Pandant Lamp Nordic Style in Metal and Glass by Glashütte Limburg 80s
Gorgeous pendant
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Collection of TinTin Porcelain Dish Coffee and Plate by Hergé , AXIS Paris 80s
By Hergé
Located in Halle, DE
Ultra-rare and huge collection of famous TinTin porcelain Dish made in the 1980s as a Collector Edition by AXIS,Paris .
On the international markets it is only possible to get some...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 4 foldable garden chairs from the 70s and 80s in white lacquered wood
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of four foldable garden chairs from the 70s/80s. Frame, backrests, and seats in solid white
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Ice Bucket Arnolfo Di Cambio in Crystal and Metal, 80s Italian Design
By Arnolfo di Cambio
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This vintage ice bucket by Arnolfo di Cambio embodies Italian elegance, crafted in thick crystal with a metal handle and rim that exude sophistication. The structured design reflects...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Italian Signed Barovier
Toso Blown Murano Glass Table Lamps Orange 80s, Pair
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Miami, FL
great Collection of French & Italian Art Deco & Mid-Century Modern Era lighting and sconces.
More than
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Luci Milano ‘Sat 50’ Flush Mount Lamp - Futuristic Design New Old Stock 80s
By Boccato Gigante Zambusi, Luci Milano
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
gem of vintage design. This impressive 80s design lamp, a maxi version of the iconic creation by
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Italian Modern Gruppo Chairs, De Pas, D
Urbino
Lomazzi for Bellato, Italy 80s
By Gionathan de Pas
Donato D’Urbino
Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare set of 4 Italian modern Gruppo model chairs designed by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Bellato in 1979.
Chairs mod. Group with light wood structure with square section legs an...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
1 of 19 Vintage Stackable "Strax" Armchairs by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Casala, 80s
By Hartmut Lohmeyer, Casala
Located in Zagreb, HR
Six vintage “Strax” armchairs designed by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Casala. Birchwood frame, black plastic seats and backrests with orange fabric.
Produced in 1982.
Labeled.
Chairs are i...
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Plastic, Birch
Pair of Folding Chairs Celestina 70s, 80s by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
Italian furniture company Tecno of Giuliano Mosconi bought 80% of Zanotta's shares. However, the two
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Modern Italian Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces "Corteccia", 80s
By Maestri Muranesi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of vintage Italian Murano glass wall lights, produced by the Masters of Murano, "Corteccia" glass curved on a metal and brass structure. These are of high quality and give off a...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Bright Orange Glazed 80s / 90s Memphis Style Pop Art Vase by Ju Schnee 2024
By Motel a Miio, Ju Schnee
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Bright, vivid orange coloured glazed bent, twisted, curvy 1980s / 1990s "Pop Art" vase designed by Austrian artist Ju Schnee for Motel a Miio, Portugal, in 2024. The vase with it's d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
80s Design Ceramic Vases - Modern Vintage Home Decor Made in Italy - set of 2
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Transport yourself back to the vibrant era of the 1980s with this exquisite pair of 80s ceramic
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Set 6 Flutes and 6 Stem Glass Cenedese Murano Cobalt and Gold Accents, 80s
By Maestri Muranesi, Amelio Cenedese
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
serve as a water or wine glass, whilst the flute is for sparkling wine.
Attributed to the 80s decade as
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Gold Leaf
$2,137 Sale Price / set
25% Off
ruscha art VASE jug drip glaze shades of purple black brown 1970 80s model 370
By Ruscha
Located in Mannheim, DE
A fantastic vintage West German vase manufactured by Ruscha Keramik in the 1970s to 80s. Great
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Floor lamp and plant stand "CLOSE ENCOUNTER" by Kerst Koopman, Dutch design 80s
By Kerst Koopman
Located in DE MEERN, NL
FLOOR LAMP AND PLANT STAND "CLOSE ENCOUNTER" BY KERST KOOPMAN, NETHERLANDS 1980S
Introducing the "Close Encounter" Floor Lamp and Plant Stand, designed by Kerst Koopman in the Nethe...
Category
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Milk Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Vitrix Studio Blown Black Scavo Clear Art Glass Vase Thomas Buechner Op Art 80s
By Thomas Buechner III
Located in Miami, FL
Scavo and transparent color.
Mid-Century Modern Op Art made in 1982 at the Vitrix Studio in America.
In
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass, Art Glass
Vitrix Studio Blown Light Blue
Gold Art Glass Vase Thomas Buechner Op Art 80s
By Thomas Buechner III
Located in Miami, FL
blue, gold and transparent color.
Mid-Century Modern Op Art made in 1980 at the Vitrix Studio in
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass
Set of 6 vintage velvet Milo Baughman for D.I.A dining chairs, 1970s 80s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Hastings, GB
Set of six elegant steel & brass Milo Baughman for Design Institute of America (DIA), c1970s. Burnished brass finish, with scroll backs and gilt brass deco style roundels. Two carver...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Livio Seguso, Heavy Murano Glass Bowl, Rainbow Design and Glass Orb, 80s Signed
By Murano 5, Bisazza Vetro, Livio Seguso
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Exceptional historical piece. It has the rainbow patter. A sequence of canes that Livio loved to place in sculptures where the play with the lens effect of the other clear massiccio ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
$3,420 Sale Price
20% Off
80s Original Andy Warhol Diamond
Dust Pop Art Shoes Boots Area Rug Ltd Ed 8x5
By Andy Warhol
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
80s Original Vintage Andy Warhol Diamond and Dust Pop Rug Shoes and Boots Area Rug Textile Art
Category
Vintage 1980s Egyptian Mid-Century Modern North and South American Rugs
Materials
Wool, Acrylic
Artifort - Pierre Paulin - Sofa - Groovy Chair - Aluminium, Wool
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Budapest, HU
Vintage Artifort Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin – Beige Mid-Century Modern (1970s–80s)
Made in the
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
3 Vintage Designer Chairs Steen Ostergaard Manufacturer Cado 60s
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Paris, FR
Magnani Paolozzi Herman Miller Minvielle Minimalist Brutalism 1950s 1960s 1970s 80s Mid Century 1930s
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Aroa Marble Travertine Design Table Midcentury Original Marble Marquetry
Brown
By Meddel, Joaquín Moll
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
coffee table is an original piece from the 80's, manufactured by Creaciones Moll in Segovia, Spain. The
Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
Materials
Crystal, Travertine, Marble
$5,615 Sale Price / item
40% Off
Set of 2 Vintage Ceramic Mugs, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Keramikhof Naunhof. These mugs in 80s mid-century design are a real eye-catcher with their brown stoneware
Category
20th Century Vases
Materials
Ceramic
$287 / set
Vintage Italian Space Age Yellow Leather Accent Swivel Chair by Antonia Astori
By Antonia Astori, Cidue
Located in Milano, IT
Yellow Vintage Latex Armchairs 70's/80's - Mid Century Modern Timeless
Vintage Italian "Cidonio
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Swivel Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel
$2,672 Sale Price
10% Off
Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti, Leather Armchair 1970s, 1980s Vintage, Italy
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Paris, FR
chair will accommodate people of all sizes ??.
.
Giovanni Offerdi
ITALIAN, 1927-2007
About his mid
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Murano glass deco inspired 80
s Demilune Glass Table Lamp
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Mid-Century Murano glass, Memphis style, art deco inspired desk lamp. Featuring a beautiful half
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Italian Spaghetti bar stool, Giandomenico Belotti 1970s 80s
By Alias, Giandomenico Belotti
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
A great Spaghetti stool by Giandomenico Belotti made in italy 1970/80s for Alias.
A single kitchan
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Vintage desk lamp adjustable gooseneck lamp, 70s 80s
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
matt finish
Stylish, chrome-plated vintage gooseneck lamp from the 70s/80s.
Its neck allows it to be
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Sofa bed by Robin Day for Habitat 80
s
By Robin Day
Located in LYON, FR
of the 80s. Hille London produced it in the 1950s. Originally called the Convertible Bed-Settee
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Vintage 80s Landline / Cream
Located in Melville, NY
Trade in your iPhone for an 80s buttonless landline. No incoming calls, cant make any calls
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Vintage 80s Landline / Black
Located in Melville, NY
Trade in your iPhone for an 80s buttonless landline. No incoming calls, cant make any calls
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Vintage De Sede DS 80 Patchwork Leather Daybed, Switzerland, 1960`s
By De Sede
Located in Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire
We are delighted to bring to you an extremely rare De Sede DS 80 patchwork leather daybed with
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Materials
Leather, Wood
80s Alabaster Table Lamp
Located in PARIS, FR
Alabaster lamp from the 1980s. Its designer is unknown. Its structure is entirely in alabaster with a semi-circle and a cylinder on its upper part framing the bulb.
In very good co...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Alabaster
Copy of Vintage 80s Landline / White
Located in Melville, NY
Trade in your iPhone for an 80s buttonless landline. No incoming calls, cant make any calls
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Baker Club Chair in 80s Fabric
By William Millington, Baker Furniture Company, Winsor White
Located in Houston, TX
armchair is upholstered in whimsical 80s fabric. Perfect for new upholstery or keep as is, a true classic
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
80s Thayer Coggin-Style Tuxedo Sofas
By Thayer Coggin
Located in New London, CT
Great set of down-filled tuxedo sofas in the manner of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin (they have the identical legs and lines of some of their sofas). Vintage fabric is in clean sha...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
$3,300 / set
80s Charles Pollock ‘Penelope’ Chairs for Castelli Set/6
By Castelli, Charles Pollock
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
1982, The designer Charles Pollock created a real design classic: Penelope. The American designer developed for Castelli a revolutionary chair from a technical and formal point of vi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Metal
80s Achille
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni ash tray for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Achille
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
Servomuto is actually a small family of sidetables and always an everlasting object whose shape perfectly matches its function. It has a stable base with a very limited hindrance; a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Aluminum
80s Tubular Steel Coffee Table with Laminated Wooden Top
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
This small coffee table with chromed tubular frame is clearly from this Bauhaus movement. The table is in good condition!
Category
Mid-20th Century German Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
80s A&E Design ‘lucifer’ Table Lamp for Fagerhults
By Fagerhult
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
Lucifer is a desk lamp made entirely of plastic and designed for Fagerhult in 1975 by the well-known designer duo A&E Design, Tom Ahlström and Hans Ehrich. The duo had an early inter...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Post-Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Acrylic
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Mid Century 80s For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of mid century 80s available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, animal skin and leather, all mid century 80s available were constructed with great care. Find 205 antique and vintage mid century 80s at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 14 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Mid century 80s have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 17th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century 80s made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many mid century 80s are appealing in their simplicity, but De Sede, Niels Otto Møller and Poul Kjærholm produced popular mid century 80s that are worth a look.
How Much are Mid Century 80s?
Mid century 80s can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $4,080, while the lowest priced sells for $250 and the highest can go for as much as $180,000.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 Mid Century 80s
- Are the 1970s mid-century?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Fashion accessories were very popular in the '80s and some of the trendier ones included leg warmers, scrunchies, large neon earrings, plastic bangles and neon fingerless gloves.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, tracksuits were popular in the 1980s. During the decade, the world of fitness heavily influenced fashion, with everything from leg warmers and tracksuits transitioning from the gym to the runways and the street. Velour tracksuits were especially popular looks of the day. Explore a collection of 1980s apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of bags were popular in the 1980s, including belt bags made of a variety of materials. Some designer handbags carried by celebrities of the era include the Hermès Birkin, Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag, the Chanel Gold Chain Classic Flap and various Prada nylon bags. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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.
- What is a mid-century sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A 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.
- What is mid-century artwork?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- What is mid century decor?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- What is a mid-century chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A 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.
- What does mid century mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- What is mid-century jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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, 2021Mid 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, 2021Mid 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, 2024The 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 ExpertMay 3, 2024The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To 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.
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