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 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 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 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

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 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

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Atomic

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Atomic Sideboard Bar Cabinet c.1950’s, Refinished

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Single Iron Jack-Jax Bookend Doorstopper

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Chromcraft Atomic Mid-Century Modern Smoked Lucite Glass Table 4 Tulip Chairs

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Mid-Century Vintage "Clef de Sol" Atomic Coat Rack by Roger Ferraud, 1950 s

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

1950 s American Mid Century Gooseneck Double Head Atomic Age Desk Lamp

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Space Age Atomic Blue Acrylic Spaghetti Ribbon Pendant Lamp

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Blue Ceramic and Pickled Oak Desk Table Lamp Atomic Boho MCM

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Mid-Century Modern Space Age Atomic Glass, Chrome and Marble End Table Jetson

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

MID CENTURY MODERN 1960 s VITRA EAMES SPUTNIK ATOMIC SPACE RACE MAGAZINE RACK

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Pierre Cruège Atomic Bookcase

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

1950s Mid-Century Modern Rare Atomic Age Floor Lamp in Brass and Ceramic

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Brass and Black Enamel Table Lamps

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

1950s Atomic Age Pair of Mid-Century Ceramic Table Lamps on Walnut Bases

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Teak Atomic Floor Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Atomic Glass Brass Table Lamp by Mutual Sunset Co.

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Pair of Iron Jack-Jax Bookends in Orange

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Pair of Iron Jack-Jax Bookends in Red

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

1950 s Atomic Mid Century Libbey Golden Tumblers Set of 8 Highball Glasses Caddy

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Pair of Mid Century Modern C1950s Floor Lamps Atomic Towers by Majestic Lamp Co.

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Italian Atomic Pendant

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Unique Atomic Side Table

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Dimensional Atomic Model 1950s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

American Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Set of Bowl Vase by Viejas of La Jolla

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Mid Century Space Age Atomic White Glass Globe Tulip Floor Lamp by E.R. Nele

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century Space Age Atomic White Glass Globe Tulip Table Lamp by E.R. Nele

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

Large Atomic Chandelier in Chrome and Glass

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Italian Brass Atomic Floor Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Gerald Thurston Atomic Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

1950 s Atomic Magazine Rack

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Frenchmans Atomic Tripod Table

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Atomic Starburst Brass Ceiling Fixture

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Armchairs

Pair of Vintage Midcentury French Atomic Orange Armchairs

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Robert Sonneman Atomic Lamp, 1950s

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

Rare Atomic Style Coffee Table

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

1950s Atomic Tripod Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Sculptural Atomic Table Lamp

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ritts Company Atomic Ottoman

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Atomic Table Lamps

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Lite Craft Hanging Atomic Chandelier

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables