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Set of Three Vintage Atomic Jacks/Jax Bookends/Doorstop Attributed to Bill Curry
By Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax. The pieces can be used as
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron, Aluminum

1950s Industrial Atomic Age Scissor Multidirectional Wall Lamp by Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and hard-to-find wall mount scissor lamp, circa the 1950s. The shade is in perforated metal with a black patinated finish and the arm is metal with chrome. The arm is collapsab...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1950s Atomic Age Brushed Aluminum Brass Finish Multidirectional Wall Sconce
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
A hard to find single 1950s wall sconce, in brushed aluminum brass finish, swivel switch these pair looks like very light used the condition it's great the wiring its like new with c...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

MCM Fred Press Old Fashioned Glasses in an Atomic Period Starburst Pattern
By Fred Press
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of four mid-century modern old fashioned glasses designed by Fred Press with panels of yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Atomic Design Mosaic Tile Coffee Table by Genaro Alvarez, circa 1955
By Genaro Alvarez
Located in Camden, ME
Atomic mosaic coffee table by Mexico's leading post-war tile craftsman, Genaro Alvarez. Stamped
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s Atomic Age American Modern Ottoman Footstool Upholstered in Houndstooth
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple elegant original footstool / ottoman circa 1950s freshly upholstered in houndstooth fabric, freshly lacquered black tapper legs with brass polished tips , excellent condition ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Atomic Brass Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Temde Leuchten, Max Bill
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic floor lamp with six-glass globes was designed by the Swiss artist and designer Max Bill for
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Atomic Brass Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Temde Leuchten, Max Bill
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic floor lamp with six-glass globes was designed by the Swiss artist and designer Max Bill for
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Atomic Space Age White Cone Head Tension Pole Floor Lamp Eames Style
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Mid Century Modern white atomic age single cone head tension tole floor lamp
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Art Deco Atomic Mirror with Beveled Edges Reverse Etched Detailing
Located in New York, NY
an atomic silhouette with four rhombus form mirrored segments adjoined around a rectangular mirrored
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

Huge Rare Sputnik Cosack Chrome Atomic Light Pendant, Germany, 1970s
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning rare Sputnik chrome ceiling light, made by Cosack , in Germany original from the Space Age era 1970s. The black segments are flexible and rotatable. Measures: 65". High q...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Pendant Lamp by Trix Robert Haussmann for Swiss Lamp International
By Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in Centreville, VA
Designed by Trix & Robert Haussmann in the mid 1960s. The Swiss design team of Robert Haussmann
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Atomic Pendant Lamp by Trix Robert Haussmann for Swiss Lamp International
By Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in Centreville, VA
Designed by Trix & Robert Haussmann in the mid 1960s. The Swiss design team of Robert Haussmann
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Atomic Pendant Lamp by Trix Robert Haussmann for Swiss Lamp International
By Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in Centreville, VA
Designed by Trix & Robert Haussmann in the mid 1960s. The Swiss design team of Robert Haussmann
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Large Chandelier / Pendant, Space Age Sputnik, Atomic, Italy, 1990s
By Stilnovo
Located in Praha, CZ
- nice style of lighting - representative.
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Six Fred Press "Atomic Eclipse" Double Old Fashioned Glasses in Coral 22k Gold
By Fred Press
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Six Fred Press Atomic era double old fashioned glasses in the "Atomic Eclipse" pattern with 22
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Tony Paul Pair Atomic Brass and Metal Candle Sconces, ca 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Cathedral City, CA
favored lighting design. During his career he associated with many of the Mid-Century's top industrial
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Candle Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Original Modernist 1960s Atomic Wall and Ceiling Light by Cosack Lights, Germany
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: atomic light wall and ceiling light Producer: Cosack Lights, Germany
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Sciolari Italian Atomic Era Chandelier in Polished Brass with Cylindrical Prisms
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Astoria, NY
An atomic era chandelier by Sciolari with cylindrical brass arms, each capped with Lucite prisms
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

1950 s Atomic age Paisley Shape Salad Bowl 4 Salad Palates
By Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful dramatic shape salad server and salad bowls in paisley shape, circa 1950's solid monkeypod wood great condition. each small bowl is 7" in diameter. this shape is rare to find.
Category

20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Materials

Wood

Big Midcentury Sputnik Chandelier, Robert Hausmann, Space Age, Atomic, 1970s
By Stilnovo, VEB Leuchten
Located in Praha, CZ
Very nice style of lighting. 11 balls. Space Age style. Marked by label of VEB Wohnraumleuchten. Very good original condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Atomic Era Gerald Thurston for Stiffel Rocket Table Lamps
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Southampton, NJ
An attractive pair of vintage atomic era rocket lamps having brass stems and ebonized steel bases
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Atomic Era Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Rocket Table Lamps
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Southampton, NJ
An attractive pair of vintage atomic era rocket lamps having brass stems and ebonized steel bases
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

1950s American Modern Set of Four Atomic Age Wrought Iron Dining Chairs
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Diego, CA
design, hard to find circa 1950s Atomic age look.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wonderful Heavy Brass Body and Atomic Glass Flush Mount, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wonderful heavy brass body and atomic glass flush mount, 1950s, Italy Sculptural very elegant
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Trix and Robert Haussmann Molecule Atomic Age Chandelier for Swiss International
By Robert Haussmann, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Swiss Lamps International
Located in Haderslev, DK
All original stunning piece of Swiss design from the 1960s. The atomic age molecule chandelier
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

1950s American Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Insert Tile Atomic Design
By Lane Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare walnut coffee table in walnut with white designer tile and brass rings on tapered legs, freshly refinished, solid and sturdy, great lines and deign the tiles have great design...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Rare! Iconic Snider Atomic Clock Lamp! Metal Fiberglass Bat Wing Bow Tie Design!
By Snider Clock
Located in Peoria, AZ
Snider Clock Lamp Atomic Age Masterpiece! With the "Iconic Golden Glow" Incredible Mid Century
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

1950s American Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Insert Tile Atomic Design
By Lane Acclaim
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare walnut coffee table in walnut with grey designer tile and brass rings on tapered legs, freshly refinished, solid and sturdy, great lines and design the tiles have a great desi...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch, Walnut

1950s Atomic Age American Walnut Oval Coffee Table with Brass Knobs
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and unique on this beautiful American walnut coffee table, circa 1950s in the style of Paul McCobb, freshly refinished, solid and sturdy nice condition. With two single small ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Three 1950s Swedish Round Atomic Side Tables in Teak Brass by Albert Larsson
By Albert Larsson, Peter Hvidt, Alberts Tibro
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
examples of Swedish design, they have atomic brass legs with wooden globe feet. Carefully restored, they
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s Vintage Western Flyer Blue White Childs Tricycle Pedal Bike Atomic
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1960s Western Flyer tricycle. Blue & White with black tires. Features a double step in the rear. Great for display and use!    
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Dazzling White Atomic Fiberglass Side Chair Set Eero Saarinen Style 1970s Mexico
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration: Sculptural atomic Mid-Century Modern exceptional pair of side chairs in
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Fiberglass

Pair of Atomic Age Fiberglass Lounge Chairs in Original Orange Fabric, Italy
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Atomic Age lounge chairs featuring striking silhouettes with curved fiberglass bases
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

1930 s Belgian Tubax Atomic Metal Rod Store Display Shelf Etagere
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unknown Designer, Stamped, "Belgium." Shelf will be shipped with 1/4 Inch Glass Shelves cut upon purchasing. Or smooth Slate panel shelving can be ordered for an additional $750, an...
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Midcentury Coat Rack Hat Stand Roger Feraud Atomic Space Age 1950-1960
By Roger Feraud
Located in Labrit, Landes
Vintage original French midcentury coat and hat rack hall stand Designed by Roger Feraud. Lacquered metal with colored wooden balls. Unusual model. Architectural.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

4 Vintage Magis Bombo Atomic Bar Kitchen Swivel Piston Stools Stefano Giovannoni
By Magis
Located in Dayton, OH
4 Original vintage Magis Bombo atomic white bar stools designed by Stefano Giovannoni
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of Four Lightolier 1960s Midcentury Sputnik Atomic Chandeliers Glass Globes
By Lightolier
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare set of four matching Mid-Century Modern Lightolier 30-light sputnik chandeliers, circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp with Atomic Details and Fibreglass Shade, 1950s
Located in London, GB
fibreglass with black gimping. An interesting example of Mid-Century design, in original vintage condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1950s Danish Teak and Upholstered Small Sofa with Original Atomic Design Fabric
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Fabulous little Mid-Century sofa, in all original condition, fabric is very special ! It does have
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Atomic 1950s Dutch Design Glass and Wood Display Cabinet Vitrine, Shop Counter
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage midcentury vitrine by Haasdijk, Rotterdam. Atomic era design in gray and yellow with gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Woodard Sculptura Outdoor Round Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern atomic woodard sculptura table Offered is a mid century Danish modern woodard
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Atomic Age Iron Base Ottomans by Joseph Cicchelli, California Design
By Joseph Cicchelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of atomic age iron base ottomans / benches by Joseph Cicchelli, circa 1950s. - Great
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

1950s American Midcentury Gooseneck Double Head Atomic Age Brass Desk Lamp
By Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in San Diego, CA
Double head patinated brass finish gooseneck table/desk lamp, circa 1950s great condition very clean condition original finish can be polished 3-way perfect working condition.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Slipper Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, atomic-age, slipper, lounge chair features a tubular steel frame with newly
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s Swiss Temde Design Atomic Globe Table Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Temde Leuchten, Max Bill
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
the 1960s. Design: Max Bill. Model: Atomic, Orbit, Sputnik. Style: Space Age, Mid-Century
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Original Modernist 1960s Atomic Wall and Ceiling Light by Cosack Lights, Germany
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Atomic light usable as wall or ceiling light Producer: Cosack Lights, Germany
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Pair of Ebonized Tommi Parzinger Style Atomic End Occasional Tables circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
walnut and the bases are ebonized and fitted with brass feet. These tables have that atomic look popular
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Walnut

American Mid Century Airguide Walnut Case Desktop Barometer
By AirGuide
Located in San Diego, CA
condition great for mid century Danish modern atomic age home decor.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Atomic Chrome Floor Lamp by E. R. Nele for Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Temde Leuchten, E. R. Nele
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic floor lamp with six-glass globes was designed by the Swiss artist and designer E. R. Nele
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Atomic Age Rare Brushed Brass Finish Double Head Cone Wall Sconce
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful rare double cone wall sconce nice patina with a solid patinated brass neck, perforated brushed brass aluminum finish, circa the 1950s, in working condition ceramic socket...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1950s Atomic Age Pair of Fiberglass and Brass Multidirectional Wall Sconces
Located in San Diego, CA
A hard to find and rare pair of 1950s wall sconces, with fiberglass shades and brass base, swivel switch these pair looks like was never used the condition it's great the wiring its ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair of Atomic Age Iron Ottomans by Joseph Cicchelli California Design
By Joseph Cicchelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of freshly upholstered ottomans, solid iron pipping legs with nice turquoise fabric freshly upholstered and the base its resprayed in flat black.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Upholstered Hoop Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of atomic, mod, Mid-Century Modern, wrought iron, hoop chairs upholstered in deep aubergine
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Scandinavian Modern Plaster Musician Lamp Pair in Blue, Fin Art, 1960s Atomic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern Plaster Musician Lamp Pair in Blue, Fin Art, 1960s Atomic Art Deco style
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Plaster

Sophisticated Atomic Table Lamps Black Mahogany Fine Brass Rods Style Raak 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, RAAK
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Delightful midcentury sputnik atomic table lamps. Sculptural Mahogany wood with black lacquer
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1960s Switzerland Atomic Modern Hanging Lamp Style Robert Haussmann Swiss INTL
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration: Hanging Chandelier Pendant Lamp Made in Switzerland. Aluminum Tube construction with sculptural cuts allowing the light to be diffused spectacularly. Attrib...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

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Mid Century Atomic For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century atomic for your home. Frequently made of metal, wood and brass, every mid century atomic was constructed with great care. There are 479 variations of the antique or vintage mid century atomic you’re looking for, while we also have 7 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century atomic — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century atomic bearing Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one mid century atomic that is appealing in its simplicity, but Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar and Lightolier produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Atomic?

The average selling price for a mid century atomic at 1stDibs is $1,450, while they’re typically $175 on the low end and $31,000 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Mid Century Atomic
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    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.