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 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 4

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 5

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 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 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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Abstract

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Fernand Léger Color Lithographs 18.5"H x 25.25"W Mid Century Abstract Art

Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Midcentury Abstract Turkish Handmade Striped Flat-Weave in Persimmon Coral, Blue

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mid Century Abstract Bronze Figure on Walnut Panel Wall Hanging Sculpture 1970 s

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Mid-Century Abstract Brazil Textile Art Tapestry by Kennedy Bahia, circa 1960 s

1960s Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Vintage American School Modernist New England Landscape Framed Lake Oil Painting, 1960

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Mid Century Mixed Metal Sculpture

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Flemish Midcentury Abstract Expressionist Painting by A.C. Hermkens, 1961

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Pair of Midcentury, Abstract, Stein Böcks, in Cherry Wood from Austria

1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterTerror of History No. 1, Mid-Century Abstract Acrylic Sand, Blue and Yellow, 1962

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Abstract Art Acrylic Oil On Canvas Painting Artwork 1960s 1970s

Vintage 1950s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Vintage Midcentury Abstract Black and Red Wool Rug by Rug Kilim

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Dora Masters Abstract in Ochre, Rust and Jade , Mid-century Modernist American Woman Artist, Circa 1955

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Anthony LuchessiMid Century Modern Abstract -- Similar Objects, 1964

1960s Post-War Abstract Paintings

Leslie Luverne AndersonMid Century "Lightnings Infinite / Art of Living" - Horizontal Abstract #2, 1968

1970s Abstract Paintings

Jasper Jackson Abstract in Ultramarine and Pearl , Large 1970 s American Action Abstract Oil, Circa 1975

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Serge Guerin (1916)Mid Century French Abstract Cosmic Composition White on Black Paper

1960s Abstract Paintings

Abstract in Blues and Purples, Circa 1960

2010s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African Rugs

Modern Moroccan Mid Century Abstract Pink and Gray Area Rug by Silk Road Rug Inc

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ed Eller American Mid-Century Black and White Abstract Painting

Vintage 1970s African Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Mid Century Geometric Abstract Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Edward J HartmannSTRIKING 1964 Mid Century POP Abstraction /Expressionist Painting by EJ Hartmann, 1964

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Edward Marecak“Pods” Abstract Oil Painting by Edward Marecak Mid-Century Modern Art, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Abstract Paintings

French SchoolCubist Abstract Portrait of Seated Woman Colorful Geometric Forms French 1950 s, mid 20th Century

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Ezio Martinelli Abstract Figural Painting 65.25" x 46.25" Mid Century Modern Art

Vintage 1960s American Tapestries

Abstract Tapestry by John Smith

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Prints

Renée Lubarow 1"Fete" Mid Century Modern Abstract Etching Aquatint on Paper (Artist s Proof), 1960s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid Century Modern Original Geometric Abstract Oil Painting - Orbiting Forms, 1960s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ezio Martinelli Abstract Figural Painting 78.5" x 42.75" Mid Century Modern Art

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ezio Martinelli Abstract Figural Painting 62" x 34.75" Mid Century Modern Art

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Henriette "Yetti" StolzHenriette “Yetti” Stolz 1956 Abstract Oil – Mid-Century Modernist Painting, 1956

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Swedish Abstract Framed Oil Painting - Waves, 1960s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ezio Martinelli Abstract Figural Painting 77.25" x 41.5" Mid Century Modern Art

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ezio Martinelli Abstract Figural Painting 77.5" x 42.5" Mid Century Modern Art

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Mid Century Modern Vintage Swedish Abstract Cityscape Oil Painting -Urban Blocks, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Abstract Mid-century Farmhouse Oil Painting

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Serge Guerin (1916)Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Ink Drawing on Paper

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

1965 Mid Century Modern Swedish Original Abstract Oil Painting - Rhythmic Red, 1965

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

European Mid CenturyMid Century European Cubist Abstract Geometric Shapes Composition Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Terror of History No. 1, Mid-Century Abstract Acrylic Sand, Blue and Yellow, 1962

Dora Masters
Abstract in Ochre, Rust and Jade , Mid-century Modernist American Woman Artist, Circa 1955

Anthony Luchessi
Mid Century Modern Abstract -- Similar Objects, 1964

Leslie Luverne Anderson
Mid Century "Lightnings Infinite / Art of Living" - Horizontal Abstract #2, 1968

Jasper Jackson
Abstract in Ultramarine and Pearl , Large 1970 s American Action Abstract Oil, Circa 1975

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Abstract Cosmic Composition White on Black Paper

Edward J Hartmann
STRIKING 1964 Mid Century POP Abstraction /Expressionist Painting by EJ Hartmann, 1964

Edward Marecak
“Pods” Abstract Oil Painting by Edward Marecak Mid-Century Modern Art, Mid 20th Century

French School
Cubist Abstract Portrait of Seated Woman Colorful Geometric Forms French 1950 s, mid 20th Century

Renée Lubarow 1
"Fete" Mid Century Modern Abstract Etching Aquatint on Paper (Artist s Proof), 1960s

Henriette "Yetti" Stolz
Henriette “Yetti” Stolz 1956 Abstract Oil – Mid-Century Modernist Painting, 1956

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Ink Drawing on Paper

European Mid Century
Mid Century European Cubist Abstract Geometric Shapes Composition Oil Painting

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Circular Composition Ink on Paper

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Architectural Abstract Ink Drawing Tower Form Signed SG

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Gouache on Paper

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Black and White Geometric Abstract Composition

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Abstract Line Drawing Twin Female Figures Ink on Paper

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Black and Brown Ink Drawing on Paper

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Ink and Gouache on Paper

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Abstract Architectural Ink Drawing Signed Serge Guerin

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Blue Green Purple and White

Ralph Anderson
1940s Abstract Geometric Oil Painting: Framed Blue Green Basic Form #2, circa 1940

Harold Weiner
Geometric Abstract Lithograph in the Style of Kandinsky by Harold Weiner, 1969