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 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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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

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 17

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 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

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 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.

Mid Century Art

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School1950 s French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolLe Pastis - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Alcohol Painting, c.1950

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century French School20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of a Swiss Castle, Lake landscape, circa 1930

1940s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolThe Fisherman - Mid 20th Century French Naïf Naive Portrait Oil Painting, 1946

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century French School20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of the Alps, church herdsman sheep, circa 1930

1960s Surrealist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century English SchoolSurreal Landscape - Mid 20th Century English Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCircus - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 1959

1970s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Italian SchoolSnowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century British SchoolGarden View - Mid 20th Century Modern British Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

1960s Pukeberg Art Glass Rose, Pink, White Pendants, Sweden

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolBust of a Lady - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Painting, c.1950

1950s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolPortrait of a Young Woman - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, 1957

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Sven Palmqvist Sommerso Red Glass Bowl / Vide Poche for Orrefors, Sweden ca 1947

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Mid-Century Royal Dux Porcelain Horse with Nude Female Rider Circa 1960

1960s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolParis Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

1969 Disneyland - Enchanted Tiki Room - Adventureland Original Vintage Poster

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps

Mid-Century Royal Haeger Shell-Form Lamp, Sculptural Coastal Decor, Vintage-Tags

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Mid-century Modern Style Italian Murano Glass and Brass Sconces

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century FrenchProvencal Hill Top Perched Village Cubist Signed 1950 s French Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century French School Landscape Paintings

Mid Century French1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Figures outside Old Convent Doorway Lush Green, 1952

1960s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolPortrait of a Black Man - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, c1969

1960s Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Belgian SchoolBridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Italian Vases

Fratelli Toso Murano Art Glass Amphora Vase with Twin Green Handles 1940s

Mid-20th Century French School Abstract Paintings

Mid Century French1950 s French Surrealist Erotic Figurative Signed Oil Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Mid Century French1950 s French Signed Sanguine Chalk Head Shoulders Portrait of Man

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Vintage Collectible Stoneware Candlestick Candle Holder

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Glyn Colledge Mid-Century Floral Pattern Denby Art Pottery Jug

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

European Mid CenturyLarge 1950 s Portrait of Dashing Gentleman Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

French Mid Century 1950 s French Signed Modernist Oil Painting Large Ship off the Coastline, 1950 s

2010s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pencil Reed Rattan Wall Mounted Lamp Midcentury Modern

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Art Deco Theater Terracotta Wall Mirror by Gmundner Keramik, Austria, 1930s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century French1950 s French Vintage Oil Painting Archway Farm Buildings in Country Landscape

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

French Mid Century Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950 s French Oil Paint, 1950 s

1950s Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolGrenoble, Place de Metz - Mid 20th Century French Naif Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century ItalianFishing Boats at Sunset off the Neapolitan Coastline, large signed oil painting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century FrenchBeautiful 1950 s French Signed Oil Dappled Light Riverside Pathway, framed

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

French Mid Century huge 1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid Century St Tropez Harbor Boats Moored Sleep Sunny French Old Town 1950 s Impressionist, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School
1950 s French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950 s

Mid 20th Century French School
Le Pastis - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Alcohol Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of a Swiss Castle, Lake landscape, circa 1930

Mid 20th Century French School
The Fisherman - Mid 20th Century French Naïf Naive Portrait Oil Painting, 1946

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of the Alps, church herdsman sheep, circa 1930

Mid 20th Century English School
Surreal Landscape - Mid 20th Century English Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
Circus - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 1959

Mid 20th Century Italian School
Snowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

Mid 20th Century British School
Garden View - Mid 20th Century Modern British Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
Bust of a Lady - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Portrait of a Young Woman - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, 1957

Mid 20th Century French School
Paris Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Mid Century French
Provencal Hill Top Perched Village Cubist Signed 1950 s French Oil Painting

Mid Century French
1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Figures outside Old Convent Doorway Lush Green, 1952

Mid 20th Century French School
Portrait of a Black Man - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, c1969

Mid 20th Century Belgian School
Bridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid Century French
1950 s French Surrealist Erotic Figurative Signed Oil Painting on Canvas

Mid Century French
1950 s French Signed Sanguine Chalk Head Shoulders Portrait of Man

European Mid Century
Large 1950 s Portrait of Dashing Gentleman Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950 s

French Mid Century
1950 s French Signed Modernist Oil Painting Large Ship off the Coastline, 1950 s

Mid Century French
1950 s French Vintage Oil Painting Archway Farm Buildings in Country Landscape

Mid 20th Century French School
Cafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

French Mid Century
Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950 s French Oil Paint, 1950 s

Mid 20th Century French School
Grenoble, Place de Metz - Mid 20th Century French Naif Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

Mid Century Italian
Fishing Boats at Sunset off the Neapolitan Coastline, large signed oil painting

Mid Century French
Beautiful 1950 s French Signed Oil Dappled Light Riverside Pathway, framed

French Mid Century
huge 1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950 s

French Mid Century
St Tropez Harbor Boats Moored Sleep Sunny French Old Town 1950 s Impressionist, 1950 s

French Mid Century
1960 s French Oil Oxen Cart in Sun Scorched South of France Landscape, 1960 s

English Mid Century
1950 s English Oil Travelers outside Gypsy Caravans with Horses in Landscape, 1950 s

Mid Century French
1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Northern France Open Landscape Framed

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French, circa 1930

Mid 20th Century French School
Bottles on a Ledge - Mid 20th Century French Still Life Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Jose Maria Kaydeda
Ultima Cena (Last Supper), Circa 1970

French Mid Century
Pink Flowers in Blue Turquoise Vase Signed 1950 s Oil on Canvas, 1950 s

Edward Chavez
1970s Mid-Century Minimalist Black White Abstract Oil by Edward Chavez, Circa 1975

French Mid Century
Red Yellow Flowers in Vase Signed French Impressionist 1950 s Oil Painting, 1950 s

Pierre Coquet
Abstract Composition – Original Oil on Board – 17.5 x 25.6 in

Mid 20th Century French School
French Art Deco marquetry Riverside town scene , with boat, houses, hills, circa 1930