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 Antiques

Mid-19th Century Realist Antique Mid Century Antiques

Alcide Joseph LORENTZThe Dueling Partners 1850 s French Oil, Chateau Staircase Interior Beautiful oil, c. 1857

Mid-19th Century American Sheraton Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Miniature English Mahogany Chest Sheraton Style Chest - Circa 1850 s

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antonio Cassi Ramelli 1940 s large console with marble top

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Antique Mid Century Antiques

1700’s Flemish Old Master Oil Shepherds Animals Sunset Landscape View

Mid-19th Century American Primitive Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Folk Art Diorama With Hand Carved Wooden Figures, Circa 1850 s

1910s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Cachepot Laveno Design Cristopher Dresser for Soc. Ceramica Italiana, Italy 1912

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Needlework "Fleetwood The Brigand At St. Joseph’s" by Miss S. Tarr c1840

Mid-19th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Pastoe FM01 Dutch design Chair by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1950 s Netherlands

Mid-19th Century Scottish Georgian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Samuel Bough a.r.s.a. Scottish Loch Ness Seascape Oil Painting

Mid-17th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Print of the Procession of Maria de Medici by S. Savery, 1638

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

U.S Navy Jack With 30 Stars, Entirely Hand-Sewn, Pre-Civil War Example

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

1930 s Umberto Giunti Italian Oil Tempera Wooden Panel Madonna Child Rose Garden

19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Pair Italian Sienna Green Vert Marble Obelisks Garniture Columns 1920 s

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

U.S. Navy Jack with 30 Stars, Entirely Hand-Sewn, Pre- Civil War Example

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Oil on Canvas Still Life Painting of Roses Signed by S. Campbell C1843

Mid-19th Century English Rococo Revival Antique Mid Century Antiques

Minton Majolica Carrier-Belleuse s Hogarth Figural Salt Cellars / Match Pots S/2

Mid-19th Century French Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique French Ebonized Cave A Liqueur, Original Bottles Glasses, Circa 1870 s

1920s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Seldon Seen Arts Crafts Weller Pottery Vase 1920 s Zaneville, Ohio

Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Mid Century Antiques

John Ridgway English Chinoiserie Style Floral Cobalt Imari Plates S/8 Dated 1845

1690s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Square Sofa and Armchairs Set by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 70 s

Mid-17th Century French Baroque Antique Mid Century Antiques

S.P. Mignard Signed Original Antique Oil Painting Depicting a Portrait of a Lady

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

Aesthetic E. Jaccard Sterling Silver, Pr S&P and Pr Master Salts, circa 1855

Early 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Pair of Chairs ‘Model 34’ Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1930 s

Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Mid Century Antiques

H. Boulenger Choisy-le-Roi Transferware Rebus Picture Puzzle Dessert Plates S/6

Mid-19th Century European Georgian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique 15ct Rose Gold Imperial Topaz And Half Pearl Ring Circa 1820’s

Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Mid Century Antiques

Finest Antique English Hand Chased Engr. S/P Armorial Crested Oval Biscuit Box

Mid-19th Century French Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique French Hand-Painted Fan with Gold Bronze Guards in Shadow Box, Ca 1850 s

Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Mid Century Antiques

19th-C Creil et Montereau Faïence Blue White Flora Morning Glory Plates, S/8

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Mid Century Antiques

Swedish 1840’s Painted Wood Large Table with Oval Top and Pedestal Base

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

Set of Ten Mahogany Chippendale Dining Chairs

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

24K Gold and Black Enamel Memento Mori Brooch Inset Hair Weave

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Mid Century Antiques

Large Camphor Wood Military Campaign Trunk

Early 20th Century French Antique Mid Century Antiques

A Fine Pair of Baccarat Crystal three light Candelabra

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Antique Mid Century Antiques

Art Deco Vintage Walnut Leather Stool / Bench

Early 20th Century Retro Antique Mid Century Antiques

Vintage Natural Jade Spider Pin Pendant Necklace

1880s English Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Antique Victorian circa 1880 Pitch Pine Bookcase with Vintage, circa 1950 Paint

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

French 1850 sAntique Mid 19th Century French Oil Painting Mother Child Carrying Straw, 1850 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Irish 19th Century1850 s Irish Landscape Large Oil Painting Sunset over Lough Waters Man Fishing, 1850 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

English School (19th century)Fine Antique 1850 s British Sporting Art Oil Painting Spaniels in Woodland Hunt, c. 1850 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Alcide Joseph LORENTZ
The Dueling Partners 1850 s French Oil, Chateau Staircase Interior Beautiful oil, c. 1857

French 1850 s
Antique Mid 19th Century French Oil Painting Mother Child Carrying Straw, 1850 s

Irish 19th Century
1850 s Irish Landscape Large Oil Painting Sunset over Lough Waters Man Fishing, 1850 s

English School (19th century)
Fine Antique 1850 s British Sporting Art Oil Painting Spaniels in Woodland Hunt, c. 1850 s

19th century British School
1850 s British Oil Highland Landscape with Figure and Dog before Country Cottage, 1850 s

English 1850 s
Fine 1850 s English Oil Painting Portrait of a Clergy Man in Clothing, 1850 s

French 1870 s
Fine 1870 s French Portrait of Man with Moustache Possibly Self Portrait Artist, 1870 s

French 19th Century
c.1870 s French Portrait of a Lady in Fine Lace and Silk Clothing Oil Painting

19th Century English School
1850’s English Fox Hunting Scene Pack of Hounds, Huntsman Horses in Woods

English 1830 s
Fine Large 1830 s English Sporting Art Oil Painting Huntsman on Horseback Dog, c. 1830

English 1840 s
1840 s English Antique Oil Painting White Horse in Stable Interior signed dated, 1842

French 1850 s
Antique French Oil Classical Trading Port Ancient Roman Architecture Ships, c. 1850 s

Giuseppe Vasi
18th Century Etching of "S. Pietro in Carcere" in Rome by Giuseppe Vasi, 1747

English Victorian artist
19th Century English Portrait Elderly Man in Glasses Large Oil Painting 1850 s