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 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 3

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Antiques

Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Mid Century Antiques

Delft porcelain plate, c. 1700 s

Mid-19th Century American Federal Antique Mid Century Antiques

American 1800’s Federal Style Two Drawer Drop-leaf Side Table

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

1900 s Antique Easel from UK

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

Blue Gold Floral Hand Painted Saucer or Catch All Dish Haviland France 1800 s

1910s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

1910 s Enamelled Baby Bath Tub

Mid-19th Century English Antique Mid Century Antiques

1850 s English Pine Blanket Chest

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1860 S BOTANNICAL WATERCOLOUR DRAWING - RUBUS SPECTABILIS PAINTED 1867, c. 1860 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Set of 5 Fine 1860 s English Botannical Watercolour Drawings, circa 1860

Mid-18th Century American American Colonial Antique Mid Century Antiques

1700’s Kentucky Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table With Gate-Legs

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1850 S ENGLISH OIL - TRANQUIL LAKELAND LANDSCAPE CATTLE WATERING FIGURES, c. 1850 s

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

Estate American Stand-Mounted Evinrude Scout Outboard Motor, Circa 1940 s

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

1860 s 5.32 Carat Victorian Diamond Silver Gold Bangle Bracelet

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Victorian EnglishFine Victorian Portrait of a Gentleman Original 1870 s English Oil Painting, 1870 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Frank Traies1850 s English Romantic Landscape Oil Shepherd Boy crossing Stream with Cattle, 1850 s

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

Large Female Nude Oil Painting 1930 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Victorian EnglishFine Victorian Pastoral Landscape Shepherd with Animals in Village Lane 1860 s, 1950 s

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid Century Antiques

Estate 1950 s American Reed Barton Silver 3 Piece Lotus Flower Butter Dish

1920s Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Floor Hanger Ton / Thonet 1920 s, Czechoslovakia

Mid-19th Century English School Antique Mid Century Antiques

English Victorian Oil 1850 s Portrait of British Officer in Red Military Uniform Antique Oil Painting, 1850 s

Mid-18th Century French Antique Mid Century Antiques

Pair of French Octagonal Brass Candlesticks, 1750 s

Mid-19th Century English School Antique Mid Century Antiques

British Sporting ArtFine 1870 s British Sporting Art Large Oil Painting Chestnut Horse in Stable, 1870 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

1840 s English Hunting Oil Painting Huntsman on Horse Pausing for Refreshments, c. 1840 s

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

Pair of mounted Chinese hardwood wash boards, 1850 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

English, circa 1845Large 1840 s English Fine Oil Painting Country House Landscape with Children, 1845

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1860 S BOTANNICAL WATERCOLOUR DRAWING - PAINTED IN 1867 ON THE COTE D AZUR, c. 1860 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1860 S BOTANNICAL WATERCOLOUR DRAWING - PAINTED IN 1867 ON THE COTE D AZUR, c. 1860 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1860 S BOTANNICAL WATERCOLOUR DRAWING - PAINTED IN 1867 ON THE COTE D AZUR, c. 1860 s

Mid-19th Century French Art Deco Antique Mid Century Antiques

Rare Find, Hermes, 1950 s Lipstick Gold Tone Petrol Lighter

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Antique Mid Century Antiques

Circle of Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765)Huge 1700 s Italian Old Master Oil Painting Figures before Classical Roman Ruins, c. 1750 s

Mid-18th Century Rococo Antique Mid Century Antiques

French SchoolLarge 1700 s French Portrait of a Nobleman Red Waistcoat Oil Painting on Canvas, 18th Century

Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Antique Mid Century Antiques

British Sailor s Woolwork of H.M.S. Algiers, circa 1865

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Mid Century Antiques

Chinese export porcelain plate decorated in cobalt underglaze blue, c. 1750 s

1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

I.C.S. Industria Ceramica Salernitana Capri Tile Irene Kowalski

Mid-19th Century Antique Mid Century Antiques

Lithograph on Carton, Vintage Promotion Board for Cognac Jacquet, ca.1950 s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

Fine 1860 s Botannical Watercolour Drawing - Painted in 1867 on the Cote D azur, circa 1860s

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

Lagardo Tackett Ceramic Planter Model S-04 for Architectural Pottery circa 1960s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

FINE 1860 S ENGLISH BOTANNICAL WATERCOLOUR DRAWING STRAWBERRIES FROM A CASTLE, C. 1860

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Antique Mid Century Antiques

C. PoyardAntique 1800 s French Ink Wash Drawing Distant Monastery in Ancient Landscape, 1857

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Mid Century Antiques

W. H. Chapman1850 s VIctorian English Oil Painting White Dog Sleeping on Cushion Interior, 1856

1670s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Mid Century Antiques

Victorian English
Fine Victorian Portrait of a Gentleman Original 1870 s English Oil Painting, 1870 s

Frank Traies
1850 s English Romantic Landscape Oil Shepherd Boy crossing Stream with Cattle, 1850 s

Victorian English
Fine Victorian Pastoral Landscape Shepherd with Animals in Village Lane 1860 s, 1950 s

English Victorian Oil
1850 s Portrait of British Officer in Red Military Uniform Antique Oil Painting, 1850 s

British Sporting Art
Fine 1870 s British Sporting Art Large Oil Painting Chestnut Horse in Stable, 1870 s

English, circa 1845
Large 1840 s English Fine Oil Painting Country House Landscape with Children, 1845

Circle of Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765)
Huge 1700 s Italian Old Master Oil Painting Figures before Classical Roman Ruins, c. 1750 s

French School
Large 1700 s French Portrait of a Nobleman Red Waistcoat Oil Painting on Canvas, 18th Century

C. Poyard
Antique 1800 s French Ink Wash Drawing Distant Monastery in Ancient Landscape, 1857

W. H. Chapman
1850 s VIctorian English Oil Painting White Dog Sleeping on Cushion Interior, 1856

Joseph William Allen
1850 s Large British Oil Panoramic Rural Landscape Sheep Windmill Landscape, 1850

Leon Hatot
Leon Hatot (1883-1953) 1930 s French Impressionist Oil - Loading Harvest Cart

Lucienne Estival - Grandgerard
1940 s FRENCH SIGNED OIL PAINTING - WHITE FLOWERS IN GREEN GLASS VASE - LARGE

William Traies
Very Fine 1850 s English Oil The First Bridge on The Dart Romantic Landscape, 1850