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 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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 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 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.

Mid Century Abstract

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

20th Century French SchoolLarge 20th Century French Abstract Painting, Bright Colors Vivid Shapes

1970s Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Vintage American Modernist Signed Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting, 1970

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

RawlinsMid-Century Modern Floral Abstract, 1961

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Malcom Edgar CaseMid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, circa 1940

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Abstract Composition - Oil Paint - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Louis BellonProvence Abstract mid 20th Century Painting, c. 1950s

1950s American Modern Figurative Paintings

George CarterGeorge Cecil Carter Mid-Century Modern Abstract Figurative Oil Painting, 1950s, circa 1970 s

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

S. PalmerMid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Earth Tone Abstract, c.1960s

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

François Aubrun#263, mid century French Abstract, 1966

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Duane ArmstrongMid Century Primordial Pictograph Abstract, Circa 1960

1950s Abstract Abstract Sculptures

Abstract Cityscape Sculpture, Mid 20th Century, c. 1950-60

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Martin RosenthalMid-Century "Crossed Lines" Abstract Painting, c. 1965

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Ernest Engel-PakLarge Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Convergence Symphony in Red Orange, After 1947

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Abstract Composition - Drawing - Mid-20th century, Mid-20th century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures

Thomas MorinUntitled abstract expressionist mid-century modern sculpture, 1962

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Joseph FioreUntitled (abstract expressionist mid-century modern painting), ca. 1955

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Paolo BuggianiPaolo Buggiani Mid Century Modern Abstract

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 1 Orange and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Michael Knigin1967 Abstract 2 Purple and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 3 Blue and Purple" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Louis RibakOriginal Mid-Century Modern Abstract Gouache Painting by Taos Artist Louis Ribak, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Mid 20th Century British Abstract Painting Blues Pinks, c. 1960 s

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Peter WitwerAbstract Expressionist Composition on an Orange Field - Oil on Canvas, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid-Century Geometric Abstract Oil Painting by Ralph Anderson, Framed, 1960s, circa 1940

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Abstract Composition - Original Lithograph - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures

Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Abstract Expressionist Sculpture

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Zoute (Leon Salter)Abstract Composition by Zoute (Leon Salter) Mid Century, 1940 s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Martha Moore Modernist Expressionist Oil, Ca. 1960s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Murray HantmanComposition (Abstract Expressionist mid-century gestural action painting), 1951

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Toma YovanovichMid-Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 1960 s

20th Century Abstract Abstract Sculptures

Edward Arcenio ChavezEdward Arcenio Chavez Abstract Painted Metal Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern Art, Mid 20th Century

1950s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Abstract Expressionist Painting (Mid-century Modern action composition), 1957

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

CHARLES FODORComposite #6, Abstract Geometric Shapes, Mid-20th Century, 1969

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Rare Geometric Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture - France - 1970s

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Toma YovanovichMid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting "Window", 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Pair of Mid Century Geometric Abstract Paintings Signed "GAC", 1972, 1972

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Robert TosaRobert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952, 1952

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Paintings

Claude DechezelleAbstract Composition - Oil Paint by Claude Dechezelle - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Riccardo BassoAbstract Composition - Oil Painting by R. Basso - Mid-20th Century, Mid 20th Century

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

20th Century French School
Large 20th Century French Abstract Painting, Bright Colors Vivid Shapes

Rawlins
Mid-Century Modern Floral Abstract, 1961

Malcom Edgar Case
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, circa 1940

Louis Bellon
Provence Abstract mid 20th Century Painting, c. 1950s

George Carter
George Cecil Carter Mid-Century Modern Abstract Figurative Oil Painting, 1950s, circa 1970 s

S. Palmer
Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Earth Tone Abstract, c.1960s

François Aubrun
#263, mid century French Abstract, 1966

Duane Armstrong
Mid Century Primordial Pictograph Abstract, Circa 1960

Martin Rosenthal
Mid-Century "Crossed Lines" Abstract Painting, c. 1965

Ernest Engel-Pak
Large Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Convergence Symphony in Red Orange, After 1947

Thomas Morin
Untitled abstract expressionist mid-century modern sculpture, 1962

Joseph Fiore
Untitled (abstract expressionist mid-century modern painting), ca. 1955

Paolo Buggiani
Paolo Buggiani Mid Century Modern Abstract

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 1 Orange and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 Abstract 2 Purple and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 3 Blue and Purple" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Louis Ribak
Original Mid-Century Modern Abstract Gouache Painting by Taos Artist Louis Ribak, Mid 20th Century

Peter Witwer
Abstract Expressionist Composition on an Orange Field - Oil on Canvas, 1960s

Zoute (Leon Salter)
Abstract Composition by Zoute (Leon Salter) Mid Century, 1940 s

Murray Hantman
Composition (Abstract Expressionist mid-century gestural action painting), 1951

Toma Yovanovich
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 1960 s

Edward Arcenio Chavez
Edward Arcenio Chavez Abstract Painted Metal Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern Art, Mid 20th Century

CHARLES FODOR
Composite #6, Abstract Geometric Shapes, Mid-20th Century, 1969

Toma Yovanovich
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting "Window", 1950 s

Robert Tosa
Robert Tosa Mid Century Modern Abstract Portraits c.1952, 1952

Claude Dechezelle
Abstract Composition - Oil Paint by Claude Dechezelle - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Riccardo Basso
Abstract Composition - Oil Painting by R. Basso - Mid-20th Century, Mid 20th Century

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

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

Louis Bellon
French Futurist Abstract Figure Mid 20th Century Signed Painting, c. 1950s

Americo D Ambrosio
Mid Century Modern Yellow, Blue, and Grey Abstract, 1964

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

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

John Bolam
Abstract Rush Hour - Mid 20th Century Abstract Piece by John Bolam, Circa 1960

Wilma Fiori
Wilma Fiori Abstract Expressionist Oil, Mid-Century Modern Geometric Composition

French School
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Composition Bold Geometric Forms Textured Layers, mid 20th Century

Frank Vavruska
The Humming Bird: Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting

Gustaf Skoglund
1959 Mid Century Modern Abstract Landscape Oil Painting - Coastal Abstraction, 1959

Jean Louis Ladislas
Mid-Century French Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas., 1969

Don Clausen
Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting by Don Clausen C.1959, 1959