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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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 Airline

Mid-20th Century Landscape Prints

Edward McKnight KaufferOriginal Vintage Travel Poster – American Airlines to Chicago, 1950

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

"Colorado" Vintage United Airlines Travel Poster, circa 1970s

Mid-20th Century American Realist Landscape Prints

Bill SimonSan Francisco National Airlines original vintage travel poster, 1960s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

Rare "Cutaway Westway Aircraft Models, Airlines, Travel Agency

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

Collector Model Plane French Airline UTA Union de Transport Aeriens

Vintage 1960s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

Vintage Midcentury Rare China Airlines Marble Ashtray or Vide-Poche

1950s American Modern Landscape Prints

Original OAXAC Mexicana / Pan American Airlines travel poster, 1950s

Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Posters

Original Vintage Poster USA Fly BOAC Airline Travel America Midcentury Design

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Vintage 1959 Airline Tuxedo Electric Guitar, Barney Kessell, Art Deco Design

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Original Vintage Airline Poster, Brussels by Clipper, Pan American PanAm, 1951

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Jean Even, Original Vintage Airline Poster, Air France, Istanbul, Turkey, 1950

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

"Fort Worth" Vintage Delta Airlines Travel Poster by John Hardy, circa 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

American Airlines DC-3 Airplane Vanity Full Size Bed Set by Virginia Maple Co.

Vintage 1950s American Posters

Original Vintage Pan American World Airways Travel Poster - Pan Am Paris France

1960s More Prints

David KleinOriginal Vintage Travel Poster By David Klein Africa Fly TWA Iconic Zebra Design, 1967

1950s More Prints

David KleinOriginal Vintage Las Vegas Fly TWA Poster By David Klein Trans World Airlines, 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Framed Original David Klein St. Louis Poster for TWA

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Palm Sprins American Airlines Poster Circa 1963

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

1960s United Airlines Hawaiian Menehune Figure, Tourist Office Display, Large

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

United Airlines Hawaii Outrigger Travel Poster by Stan Galli

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

United Airlines Hawaii "Outrigger" Poster by Stan Galli, 1960s, Original

20th Century Living Room Sets

Florence Knoll Eastern Airlines Mid-century Club Chair And Sofa

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Vintage Mid Century Record Player/Stereo Console by Airline

1960s American Modern Prints and Multiples

"Chicago - Continental Airlines" Original Mid-Century 1960s Travel Poster, 1965 ca.

1950s American Modern Prints and Multiples

"Chicago, " American Airlines and Pacific Original Mid-Century Travel Poster, 1958 ca.

1960s American Modern Prints and Multiples

"Chicago - United Air Lines" Original Vintage Mid-Century Modern Airline Poster, 1962 ca.

1950s More Prints

Gaston van den EyndeOriginal Mid-Century Travel Advertising Poster - To London With Sabena Airlines, 1950s

1950s More Prints

Frank McNamaraOriginal Vintage Mid Century Travel Poster - Australia So Near By Qantas Airline, 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Posters

Vintage United Airlines Poster

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Vintage American Airlines Astrojet Aviation Model

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Vintage United Airlines Travel Poster Denver by Jebary

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects

Massive Boeing 727 Cutaway Jet Model for Avensa Airlines

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Rare Settee from Braniff Airlines by Alexander Girard, 1965

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Pair of Lounge Chairs Created for Sabena Airlines by Alfred Hendrickx

1950s More Prints

Aaron FineOriginal Vintage Pan American World Airways Travel Poster - Pan Am Paris France, 1950s

1950s More Prints

Aaron FineOriginal Vintage Travel Advertising Poster - London by Jet Clipper, Pan Am, 1950s

1950s Pop Art Figurative Paintings

Stan GalliBeing a Mother Yourself..., 1951

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

1950s Air Algerie Poster by Georget Featuring a Lockheed Constellation

1960s More Prints

David KleinOriginal Vintage Mid Century Travel Poster Paris Fly TWA Jets Ft. Eiffel Tower, 1962

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern More Furniture and Collectibles

Edward McKnight Kauffer
Original Vintage Travel Poster – American Airlines to Chicago, 1950

Bill Simon
San Francisco National Airlines original vintage travel poster, 1960s

David Klein
Original Vintage Travel Poster By David Klein Africa Fly TWA Iconic Zebra Design, 1967

David Klein
Original Vintage Las Vegas Fly TWA Poster By David Klein Trans World Airlines, 1950s

Gaston van den Eynde
Original Mid-Century Travel Advertising Poster - To London With Sabena Airlines, 1950s

Frank McNamara
Original Vintage Mid Century Travel Poster - Australia So Near By Qantas Airline, 1950s

Aaron Fine
Original Vintage Pan American World Airways Travel Poster - Pan Am Paris France, 1950s

Aaron Fine
Original Vintage Travel Advertising Poster - London by Jet Clipper, Pan Am, 1950s

Stan Galli
Being a Mother Yourself..., 1951

David Klein
Original Vintage Mid Century Travel Poster Paris Fly TWA Jets Ft. Eiffel Tower, 1962

Aaron Fine
Original Vintage Midcentury Design Pan Am Travel Poster To London By Jet Clipper, 1950s