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 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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 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

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Art

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Vintage Italian Art Glass Bowl After Murano

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

1950s Zelezny Brod Sklo Jaroslav Brychta Nobleman Art Glass Figurine

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Large Vintage 1970s Brass Glass Wall Lights with Four Globe Shades

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

14 Sapphire Vintage Floral Clip Earrings, 14K Gold, Art Deco Flower Circa 1940

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Ermanno Nason for Cenedese Italian Brown Amber Murano Massello Glass Sculpture

Vintage 1930s Swedish Industrial Table Lamps

1930s Desk Lamp / Table Lamp by Harald Notini for Arvid Böhlmarks

Vintage 1930s Swedish Bauhaus Table Lamps

Black Desk / Table Lamp by Boréns Model 528 Simular to Svenskt Tenn 8528, 1930s

Early 20th Century Italian School Landscape Paintings

Yves GianniCosta Ligure

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century English SchoolInto the Woods, English 20th Century Abstract Oil Landscape

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Judith Daner Enamel Artwork Wall Panel Geometric Mid-Century Cityscape, a pair

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Signed Livio Seguso Murano Gold-Accented Pear Apple Glass Sculptures

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Sculptural Green Art Glass Vase — Textured Avocado Glass Vessel

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Scandinavian mid 20th century1950 s Scandinavian Oil Painting on Canvas Moody Atmospheric Beach Jetty

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Miriam Moss Art Pottery Horse Brooch Pin Mid-Century Modern California Art

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid 20th Century1950s French Impressionist Oil Painting Beach Scene Vintage Sailing Boats Harbor, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid 20th Century1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Coastal Harbour Scene Old Stone Jetty, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid 20th Century1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Beach Scene Elegant Figures Parasols, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid 20th Century1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Harbor Scene Vintage Sailing Boats, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

French Mid 20th CenturyLarge 1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Ladies Washing Clothes at Public Baths, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist Mid Century1950 s French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

1960s Prints and Multiples

Earl NewmanOriginal 1964 screen print by Earl Newman - Sausalito California, 1964

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Modernist Metal Sculpture by Jay McVickers – Signed

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...

Pair of Textured Smoked Murano Glass Sconces

1950s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Paul Kauvar Smith1950s Original Geometric Abstract Oil Painting, Vertical Horizontal Art, circa 1955

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Lux 2-Gray, Wool Cut Pile Rug in Scandinavian Design

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Italian Mid 20th CenturySigned Italian Oil Painting c. 1950 s Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Lux 2 Oatmeal, Wool Cut Pile Rug in Scandinavian Design

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Archimede Seguso Murano Small Sommerso Blue Glass Geode Bowl, 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

French Art Deco Wrought Iron and Travertine Console Attributed to Edgar Brandt

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Fontana Arte Large Double-Sided Nile Green Photo Frame with Mirror, Italy, 1950s

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Monumental French Plaster Sculpture, 1950s — Organic Modernism

1910s Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Charlotte Marie WeissBouquet of flowers, 1916

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Centerpieces

Vintage Barovier Toso Murano Glass Bowl with Gold Leaf

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Fish Sculpture by LeJan, France, 1930

Mid-20th Century Modern Nude Paintings

Guy NicodSeated Nude in a Expressive Green Landscape French Modernist Oil Painting

1970s Prints and Multiples

Fairfield Porter Exhibition Poster, Offset Print, 1970, Unframed, Rare, 1970

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Swedish Table Lamp by Monica Backström for Pukeberg, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Swedish Table Lamp by Monica Backström for Pukeberg, 1970s

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...

Pair of Sconces in Emerald Green and Crystal Murano Glass on Silver Frame

20th Century American Art Deco Contemporary Art

Yves Gianni
Costa Ligure

Mid 20th Century English School
Into the Woods, English 20th Century Abstract Oil Landscape

Scandinavian mid 20th century
1950 s Scandinavian Oil Painting on Canvas Moody Atmospheric Beach Jetty

French Mid 20th Century
1950s French Impressionist Oil Painting Beach Scene Vintage Sailing Boats Harbor, 1950 s

French Mid 20th Century
1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Coastal Harbour Scene Old Stone Jetty, 1950 s

French Mid 20th Century
1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Beach Scene Elegant Figures Parasols, 1950 s

French Mid 20th Century
1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Harbor Scene Vintage Sailing Boats, 1950 s

French Mid 20th Century
Large 1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Ladies Washing Clothes at Public Baths, 1950 s

French Cubist Mid Century
1950 s French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Earl Newman
Original 1964 screen print by Earl Newman - Sausalito California, 1964

Paul Kauvar Smith
1950s Original Geometric Abstract Oil Painting, Vertical Horizontal Art, circa 1955

Italian Mid 20th Century
Signed Italian Oil Painting c. 1950 s Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

Charlotte Marie Weiss
Bouquet of flowers, 1916

Guy Nicod
Seated Nude in a Expressive Green Landscape French Modernist Oil Painting

Mid 19th Century English School
Fine Victorian English Rural Oil Painting Plough Team Horses Figures in Field

Henri Laurens
1958 original exhibition poster by Henri Laurens Sculptures en Pierre, 1958

Maurice Élie Sarthou
The pond with nine willow trees, 1961

Gladys Rockmore Davis
Young Girls in the Forest Sisters - Twins - Friends, 1946

Mid 20th Century French School
French 1950 s Interior Room Scene Woodburner Stove Attic Room Oil Painting

Mid 20th Century English Impressionist
Sunflowers in Vase 1950 s English Impressionist Signed Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950 s

Guy Nicod
Evening Bar Scene French Modernist Cubist Gouache by Guy Nicod

Guy Nicod
French Modernist Still Life with African Masks and Sculptural Forms