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 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 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

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 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 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 16

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 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

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 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

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Sconces in Rostrato Murano Glass Barovier Style, Clear Glass Wall Lights

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

Pair of Textured Smoked Murano Glass Sconces

Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Bronze Greyhound Dog Sculpture on Wood Base, Circa 1950

Vintage 1960s Turkish Art Deco Turkish Rugs

Vintage Zeki Müren Rug in Red Gold with Vibrant Patterns by Rug Kilim

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Early 20th Century Filing Cabinet With One Roller Louver Door Eight Shelves

Mid-20th Century European Art Nouveau Lanterns

Art Nouveau Style Gilt Metal Three-Light Lantern with Subtle Scrolling Effects

Vintage 1960s Belgian Art Deco Side Tables

Pia Manu square Cast Iron and Marble Side Table, Belgium 1960s

Mid-20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

French mid 20thLarge French 20th Century Oil Painting Portrait of Young Woman, signed

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Folk Art - American Vintage Photograph - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Functional Art- American Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

L. Descatoire (19th-20th century) Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Painting Provence Landscape Trees

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Paul Evans Sculpture 1950s 1960s Mid Century Brutalist Abstract Metal Modern Art

1950s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Art SeidenHeavy Hauler - Mid-Century Illustration - Children s Books, 1950s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

English School (19th century)19th Century English Naive Folk Art Portrait Farm Boy Dog Having Picnic Lunch

1960s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century British SchoolPortrait of a Young Man - Large Modern British Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, 1962

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

20th Century British SchoolFounded on Sand, Gouache and Ink Artwork, British School Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Baccarat style. Hand-carved Murano glass table lamps, Italy, 1920s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

20th century Canadian SchoolMid 20th Century Canadian snow covered landscape, Halliburton Highlands Ontario, Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Art Museums in America- Vintage Photograph - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Guy NicodAbstract Seated Nude with Red Background French Modern Figurative Gouache

Early 1600s Portrait Paintings

Mid 16th Century English SchoolPossible Portrait of William Shakespeare

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Vintage Pencil-Signed Coastal Lighthouse Lithograph by Virginia Miller

Mid-18th Century Dutch School Landscape Paintings

Dutch 18th century18th-Century Dutch Pastoral Scene with Travelers and Livestock Golden Landscape, mid 18th Century

1950s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century British SchoolPortrait of a Young Man - Modern British Impressionist Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

American Mid-20th Century Folk Art Rooster Bootscrape

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

20th Century French SchoolMid 20th Century French Signed Oil River Seine Paris Notre Dame Book sellers, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

20th Century British SchoolMid 20th Century British Portrait of a Man with Mustache in a Hat oil painting

Vintage 1960s Turkish Art Deco Turkish Rugs

Vintage Zeki Müren Rug in Mustard with Geometric Patterns by Rug Kilim

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

French mid 20th1950 s French Oil Elegant Portrait of a Woman with Floral Accents in Bonnet, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Israeli Art Chess Set by Hans Teppich

1960s Prints and Multiples

Georges BraqueCirca 1960 original poster by Georges Braque - Trois Oiseaux, Circa 1960

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Expo Art Glass Plate by Olle Alberius for Orrefors, Sweden 1977

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Dümler Breiden German Lava Glazed Twin Handled Moon Vase

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Guy NicodAbstract Cubist Still Life with Geometric Forms French Gouache

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

20th Century French SchoolMid Century French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Apples on Green Table Interior

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Oil on Board by Einar Granum, Norway, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

American Folk Art Collection - American Vintage Photograph - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Roosters from Turner Wall Accesory

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Guy NicodModernist Figurative Study With Seated Figures French Charcoal Drawing

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

French mid 20th
Large French 20th Century Oil Painting Portrait of Young Woman, signed

L. Descatoire (19th-20th century)
Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Painting Provence Landscape Trees

Art Seiden
Heavy Hauler - Mid-Century Illustration - Children s Books, 1950s

English School (19th century)
19th Century English Naive Folk Art Portrait Farm Boy Dog Having Picnic Lunch

Mid 20th Century British School
Portrait of a Young Man - Large Modern British Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, 1962

20th Century British School
Founded on Sand, Gouache and Ink Artwork, British School Mid-20th Century

20th century Canadian School
Mid 20th Century Canadian snow covered landscape, Halliburton Highlands Ontario, Circa 1960

Guy Nicod
Abstract Seated Nude with Red Background French Modern Figurative Gouache

Mid 16th Century English School
Possible Portrait of William Shakespeare

Dutch 18th century
18th-Century Dutch Pastoral Scene with Travelers and Livestock Golden Landscape, mid 18th Century

Mid 20th Century British School
Portrait of a Young Man - Modern British Impressionist Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

20th Century French School
Mid 20th Century French Signed Oil River Seine Paris Notre Dame Book sellers, 1950 s

20th Century British School
Mid 20th Century British Portrait of a Man with Mustache in a Hat oil painting

French mid 20th
1950 s French Oil Elegant Portrait of a Woman with Floral Accents in Bonnet, mid 20th Century

Georges Braque
Circa 1960 original poster by Georges Braque - Trois Oiseaux, Circa 1960

Guy Nicod
Abstract Cubist Still Life with Geometric Forms French Gouache

20th Century French School
Mid Century French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Apples on Green Table Interior

Guy Nicod
Modernist Figurative Study With Seated Figures French Charcoal Drawing

Guy Nicod
Still Life with Tulips, Lemons and Red Candle French Modernist Gouache

Raoul Ubac
1978 original exhibition poster by Raoul Ubac - Galerie Maeght, 1978

Edward Marecak
“Pods” Abstract Oil Painting by Edward Marecak Mid-Century Modern Art, Mid 20th Century

20th Century French School
Mid 20th Century French Signed Oil Beautiful Flowers in Teal Vase Pink Back

Joyce Tilley Nagel
Joyce T. Nagel Woodcut "Vegetable Forms No. 1" Signed Dated Ltd Ed, 1970

Joyce Tilley Nagel
Joyce T. Nagel Monoprint Abstract "Dropout" Signed Dated, 1983