Question 1

Is Art Deco mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

Question 2

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 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 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 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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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 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 17

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 18

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 19

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 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 Art

Vintage 1960s Turkish Art Deco Turkish Rugs

Vintage Mid-Century Art Deco Style Runner Rug

20th Century Bauhaus Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Art Deco Style Glass Pendant Lamp

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Italian Mid-Century Art Pottery Textured Vase Signed Jolie

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Art

Mid Century Art Deco Engraved Wood Panel with a bronzed metallic finish

1960s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Lorraine FoxIntrospective Woman / Actress on Movie Set. Mid Century Art, Female Illustrator, 1960s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Mid-Century Art Brutalist Aluminum Copper Large Wall Sculpture Don Freedman

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Set of Five Mid-Century Art Glass Doria Pendants

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mid-century Art Pottery Ceramic Wall Sculpture Brunette Mermaid

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Dinner Plates

Saint-Clement Mid-century Art Ceramic Oyster Set, 1960s

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Dinner Plates

Pornic French Mid-century Art Ceramic Oyster Set, 1950s

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Big Mid Century Art Glass Table Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1970s

Mid-20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Table Lamps

Mid-Century Art Studio Hammered Bronze Copper Table Lamp

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid Century/Art Deco Coffee Table after Gilbert Poillerat

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Vintage Poole Mid-Century Art Pottery Flask Vase, UK

Vintage 1960s Turkish Art Deco Turkish Rugs

Vintage Mid-Century Art Deco Zeki Muren Style Rug

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Mid-Century Art Deco Porcelain Centerpiece Bowl with Birds

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Larry (Lawrence) HarrisOriginal 1970s Abstract Floral Oil Painting, Red Earth Tones, Mid-Century Art, circa 1975

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Small West Germany Ceramic Vase, Vintage Mid-Century Art Pottery

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Pol Chambost Mid-Century Art Pottery Black Yellow Glazed Vase

Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Doris Leslie Blau Midcentury Art Deco Chinese Rug

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Strong Man Weightlifter Hagenauer Mid-Century / Art Deco Sculpture, Austria 1930

Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Doris Leslie Blau Midcentury Art Deco Chinese Rug

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Val Saint Lambert Midcentury Art Glass Bowl Centerpiece

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

1950s Hermes Winged Coat Rack, Mid-Century Art Deko Style

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Male Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Japan Geisha Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vases

Mid-Century Art Deco Stoneware Vase, Glazed, France, Circa 1950s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mid-century Art Pottery Ceramic Mermaid Seahorse Wall Sculpture set

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid Century Art Deco Machine Age Lacquered Architectural Cocktail Table

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Italian Fratelli Fanciullacci Attributed Mid Century Art Pottery Sgraffito Vase

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Linen Presses

Vintage Mid Century Art Deco Walnut Tallboy / Linen Cabinet Press

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Josef Hospodka Czech Mid-Century Art Glass Chribska Glass Bowl

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Mid-century Art Glass Dolphin Sculpture by Miloslav Janků for Zelezný Brod, 1960

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Large Mid-Century Art Deco Style Copper Brass 12-Light Chandelier

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Design Hotel Midcentury Art Glass Floor Lamp, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Vases

Lorraine Fox
Introspective Woman / Actress on Movie Set. Mid Century Art, Female Illustrator, 1960s

Larry (Lawrence) Harris
Original 1970s Abstract Floral Oil Painting, Red Earth Tones, Mid-Century Art, circa 1975

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Male Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Japan Geisha Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Nell Walker Warner
Mid-Century Art Deco Figurine w. Dogs Lilies Still Life by Nell Walker Warner, 1940