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

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 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.

Mid Century Abstract

20th Century American Modern Abstract Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1973

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Tor hoffMid-Century Vibrant Blue Abstract painting w/ Silver, 1975

1960s Modern Abstract Paintings

Tommie OlsonEarly Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Richard AndresGarden, Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Modern geometric work, 1972

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

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

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Antique American Geometric Abstract Mid Century Large Oil Painting, 1960

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

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

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Boyer Gonzales Jr."Landscape Fragment II" Abstract 1960 Mid-Century Modern, 1960

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

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

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Cavallon11-1961 Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Expressionist, Mid-20th Century, 1961

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Mary Ann RobertsonPersian Morning II (Abstract expressionist mid-century Indiana artist painting), 1964

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Werner DrewesUntitled Mid Century Modern Abstract Woodcut, 1974

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Colbert Cassan (1899-1979)Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Cityscape of Lucerne Switzerland Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Toma YovanovichMid Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting Titled "Scheherazade", 1960 s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Sylvia WaldMoonlight (Abstract Expressionist mid-century print), 1954

1950s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Edward Arthur AndersonMid-Century Rocket Ship Cityscape Abstract Skyline, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid-20th Century Cubism Abstract Oil Painting, Multi Coloured, British Artist, c.1990s

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

George De GoyaAbstract Piece - Mid 20th Century Animal Abstract Piece by George De Goya, Circa 1950

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Richard AndresLarge Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Acrylic Painting, Cleveland School, 1968

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Richard AndresSailing, Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Oil, Cleveland Artist, 1973

1950s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Roy Newell"Untitled" Roy Newell, Mid-Century, Black Abstract Expressionist Composition, 1953

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid Century Modern Swedish Semi-Abstract Landscape Oil Painting - Canyon Edge, 1960s

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

James Daugherty"Abstraction" Mid 20th Century American Abstract 1960s Color Field, c. 1960 s

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

James Daugherty"Abstraction" Mid 20th Century American Abstract 1960s Color Field, c. 1960 s

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Vintage American Mid Century Modern Abstract Landscape Watercolor Painting, 1960

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Abram KrolFrench Mid Century Modern Abstract Interior Scene (Vase with Flowers)

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

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

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

French SchoolMid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Jerry OpperC.1950s Abstract Mid Century Lithograph, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Remo FarruggioRemo Farruggio, Blue Machine, mid century modern abstract painting signed titled, ca. 1949

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Coastal Landscape Oil Painting - Moonlit Sea, 1960s

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Virginia Sevier RogersMid Century Modern Multi-Color Geometric Abstract on Black, 1969

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Gwendolyn Dufill MeuxDawn of the Tigris: Mid-Century Modern Vertical Abstract Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Stefan AlexanderAbstract Composition with Figures Israeli Mid Century Modernist

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Charles Green Shaw"Happening" Charles Green Shaw, Abstract Red Composition, Mid Century, 1964

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Paintings

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 4 Pink, Blue and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Watson BidwellMid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting by Watson Bidwell, Bold Colors, 1960

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Marc ZimmermanMid Century Modern 2 - Abstract Floral Painting By Marc Zimmerman, 2024

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Serge Guerin (1916)Mid Century French Abstract Line Drawing Seated Figure Ink on Paper

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Tor hoff
Mid-Century Vibrant Blue Abstract painting w/ Silver, 1975

Tommie Olson
Early Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting

Richard Andres
Garden, Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Modern geometric work, 1972

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

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

Boyer Gonzales Jr.
"Landscape Fragment II" Abstract 1960 Mid-Century Modern, 1960

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

Giorgio Cavallon
11-1961 Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Expressionist, Mid-20th Century, 1961

Mary Ann Robertson
Persian Morning II (Abstract expressionist mid-century Indiana artist painting), 1964

Werner Drewes
Untitled Mid Century Modern Abstract Woodcut, 1974

Colbert Cassan (1899-1979)
Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Cityscape of Lucerne Switzerland Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

Toma Yovanovich
Mid Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting Titled "Scheherazade", 1960 s

Sylvia Wald
Moonlight (Abstract Expressionist mid-century print), 1954

Edward Arthur Anderson
Mid-Century Rocket Ship Cityscape Abstract Skyline, 1950s

George De Goya
Abstract Piece - Mid 20th Century Animal Abstract Piece by George De Goya, Circa 1950

Richard Andres
Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Acrylic Painting, Cleveland School, 1968

Richard Andres
Sailing, Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Oil, Cleveland Artist, 1973

Roy Newell
"Untitled" Roy Newell, Mid-Century, Black Abstract Expressionist Composition, 1953

James Daugherty
"Abstraction" Mid 20th Century American Abstract 1960s Color Field, c. 1960 s

James Daugherty
"Abstraction" Mid 20th Century American Abstract 1960s Color Field, c. 1960 s

Abram Krol
French Mid Century Modern Abstract Interior Scene (Vase with Flowers)

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

French School
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Jerry Opper
C.1950s Abstract Mid Century Lithograph, c.1950

Remo Farruggio
Remo Farruggio, Blue Machine, mid century modern abstract painting signed titled, ca. 1949

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Mid Century Modern Multi-Color Geometric Abstract on Black, 1969

Gwendolyn Dufill Meux
Dawn of the Tigris: Mid-Century Modern Vertical Abstract Oil Painting

Stefan Alexander
Abstract Composition with Figures Israeli Mid Century Modernist

Charles Green Shaw
"Happening" Charles Green Shaw, Abstract Red Composition, Mid Century, 1964

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 4 Pink, Blue and Yellow" Mid Century Watercolor Abstract, 1967

Watson Bidwell
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting by Watson Bidwell, Bold Colors, 1960

Marc Zimmerman
Mid Century Modern 2 - Abstract Floral Painting By Marc Zimmerman, 2024

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Abstract Line Drawing Seated Figure Ink on Paper

Richard Andres
Fragment, abstract expressionist mid-century painting, Cleveland School artist, c. 1970

Jolanta Banaszkiewicz
Refleksy (Reflexes), Mid-Century Wool Tapestry, Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture, 1973

Marc Zimmerman
Mid Century Modern 3 - Abstract Floral Painting By Marc Zimmerman, 2024

Corban Lepell
Mid Century Modern Silver Earthtone Abstract Expressionist - Corban Lepell, 1955

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

Antonio Vangelli
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Antonio Vangelli - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Richard Andres
Abstract expressionist blue, black green mid-century geometric painting, c. 1949

Richard Andres
The Grey Wall, Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Oil Painting, c. 1962

Anton Sipos
Vintage Abstract Expressionist Signed Original Mid Century Oil Painting, 1968

Serge Guerin (1916)
Mid Century French Black and White Geometric Abstract Drawing Signed SG

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

Kazaan Viveiros
Labyrinth, striking geometric abstract painting, mid-century modern palette, 2022

Richard Sorby
Richard Sorby Abstract Seascape – Mid-Century Modern Mixed-Media Painting

Eve Drewelowe
Alpha – The Beginning by Eve Drewelowe, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Abstract, 1957

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Mandala No. 5, Blue Abstract Ovoid Mid-Century Painting, 1968

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