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Mid century Brass atomic floor lamp
Located in Malton, GB
This is a very stylish mid century brass floor lamp. It has three arms and a gorgeous atomic type
Category
Mid-20th Century Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Red Wing Pink Atomic Pitcher
By Red Wing Pottery 1
Located in Red Lion, PA
Mid-Century Modern Red Wing Ceramic Atomic-Style Pitcher – Pink Speckled Glaze
This striking Mid
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Mid Century Brass
Wood
Atomic
Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian mid century brass & wood 'Atomic' lamp
Italy, 1950s
A unique mid-century lamp, the lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Style Atomic Satellite Chandelier
Located in Astoria, NY
Mid-century modern style chrome pendant, with six bulbs grouped around a central support.
Category
20th Century Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Metal Stool
By Meadowcraft
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern atomic orange metal stool, circa 1960's. This piece is made
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Modern Atomic Walnut Gondola Sofa Couch 96"
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Dayton, OH
Adrian Pearsall mid century modern / atomic era sofa or couch featuring traditional gondola form
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,500 Sale Price
30% Off
Machine Age Mid Century Brass Atomic Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An American Brass Machine Age / Mid Century chandelier. Machine age Mid Century chandelier with
Category
Vintage 1940s Machine Age Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
$1,200 Sale Price
33% Off
Vintage Atomic Mid-Century Modern Style Accent Table
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Atomic Mid-Century Modern Style accent table
Dimensions. 19 1/2 W ; 15 D ; 23 3/4 H.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid Century Chandelier Sputnik / Atomic, Germany, 1970s.
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting
- rare type
- representative.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Metal Wire Gold Magazine Rack Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Metal Wire Gold Magazine Rack Stand. Circa Mid 20th Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Set of 8 Atomic Libbey Mid - Century Modern Tumblers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 Libbey Mid-Century Modern Tumblers. Atomic decoration in blue and teal, accented with 22k
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Gold, Enamel
1950s Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Atomic Table Lamp Pair
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Atomic Table Lamp Pair
15 h at shortest 23.25 at tallest to socket
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Lamp With Pleated Shade
Located in Charleston, SC
A fabulous colorful Quartzite lamp with a textured body, on a brass base. The lamp and shade are cream colored and the shade is still in the plastic with no flaws as far as I can t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Fabric, Paint
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Laminate
Wood Coffee Table Set - 3 pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
.
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Laminate & Wood Coffee Table Set - 3 pc Set. Item features (2) end
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Circular Accent Side Table
Located in Seattle, WA
Circular Side Table with Atomic Curvature to the Column Trunk. Circular Base. Vintage Condition
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Wrought Iron Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Wrought Iron Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs after Maurizio Tempestini - Set of
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Rare Sputnik / Atomic Chandelier, Italy, 1970s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very nice style of lighting
- Rare type.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Huge Rare Mid Century Chandelier Sputnik, Atomic, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very representative
- Extremely rare type
- Adjustable of height
- Possible to use different light bulbs.
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
$7,796 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Club Chair on Pencil Legs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern atomic orange club chair on pencil legs
Offered is a vintage mid-century
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Abstract Chrome Starburst Memphis Sculptural Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
a Memphis Design style meets Space Age / retro / atomic / Mid-Century Modern feel.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Clocks
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$560 Sale Price
30% Off
ORIGINAL MiD CENTURY MODERN ATOMIC SPACE AGE WALL MOUNTED COAT RACK SUPER COOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
paint, Atomic Mid Century space age coat rack in white
This is a true piece of pop culture from the
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
ORIGINAL MiD CENTURY MODERN ATOMIC SPACE AGE WALL MOUNTED COAT RACK SUPER RETRO
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
paint, Atomic Mid Century space age coat rack in white
This is a true piece of pop culture from the
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Teak Wood White Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Teak Wood White Textured Sculpted Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Teak
ATOMIC Mid Century Modern Ebonized DINING TABLE, c. 1950
s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Atomic Mid Century Modern Ebonized Dining Table, c. 1950’s. Loads of delicious design features
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Period Highball Glasses with Gold Starbursts
Located in Nantucket, MA
Eight Mid-Century Modern highball glasses in an atomic pattern with open rectangles, some vertical
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Green Flying Saucer Gold Table Lamp - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Era Green "Flying Saucer" Gold Table Lamps after Tommi Parzinger
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modernist Chrome Atomic Space Age Sputnik Orbit 10-Light Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Vintage midcentury Italian chrome atomic Space Age Sputnik orbit chandelier with frosted opaline
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950. We offer this Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot
Category
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Iron
Mid century brass tripod table lamp, 1950s, Atomic age
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large and unusual tripod table lamp. Made during the 1950s from solid polished brass with very high level of craftsmanship and finish. Original shade has been reupholstered with crem...
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Vintage Empire Art Products Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set - 3 Pcs
By Empire Art Products Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Empire Art Products (USA, 1963) Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set with Blue
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
Rare Mid Century Floor Lamp Atomic, Sputnik, Cosack, 1970s
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting
- rare type
- representative.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Metal Atomic Style Lamps, 1960
s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Geometric Metal Table Lamps. Very versatile pair of MCM lamps that are
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Chrome, Brass, Metal
$472 Sale Price
27% Off
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Iron Wire Book Shelf or Rack
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple Mid-Century Modern atomic iron wire book shelf or rack, circa 1970s.
The piece has three
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Iron
$300 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Azure Cranberry Culver Shot Glasses With Atomic Caddy
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Azure Cranberry Patterned Mid-Century Modern Glasses With Atomic Caddy, in Bright Sunshine Yellow
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass
Materials
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Yellow Chrome Open Arm Chairs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Chrome Open Arm Chairs
Offered is a very cool Pair of Mid-Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Tall American Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in San Diego, CA
A Klassik Mid-Century Modern Atomic design ceramic tall lamp with brass fittings in perfect working
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century German Brass Atomic Ceiling Pendant Lamp by Dorothee Becker
By Dorothee Becker, Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-Century German brass Atomic ceiling pendant lamp by Dorothee Becker for Cosack in very nice
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
American Mid Century Modern Atomic Age Pair of Candleholders Set
By Weinberg
Located in San Diego, CA
Great simple design on these pair of atomic age welded black enameled metal, striking design circa
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Candle Holders
Materials
Metal
$380 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Haeger 1950s Abstract Pink Pottery Mid Century Modern Atomic Table Lamp
By Haeger
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE!
HAEGER ABSTRACT, ATOMIC AGE
PINK POTTERY TABLE LAMP!
VERY RARE!
CLEAN DESIGN
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Atomic Mid Century Teak Danish Modern European Westclox Pedestal Mantel Clock
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage 1950s Mid Century Teak Danish Modern European Westclox Pedestal Battery Operated Desk
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mantel Clocks
Materials
Metal
Glorious MId Century Danish Modern Atomic Fiberglass Shade Table Lamp 1950s
By Hansen Lighting Co., Frederic Weinberg
Located in Peoria, AZ
Sweet!
Mid Century Modern
Fiberglass Tripod
Table / Accent Lamp!
Rare design!
This is a
Category
Mid-20th Century Table Lamps
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
$1,024 Sale Price
20% Off
mid-century minimalist Joan Miro Inspired Atomic Coat Stand 1950s
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
A rare and hard to find tipi shaped coat / hat and shoe stand. I only did find these in Belgium and this only for the 3th time in 20 years. Because of its playful shapes and color, i...
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Atomic Oval Hanging Bubble Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Atomic Oval Hanging Bubble Lamp
George Nelson designed the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Atomic Age Chrome Plated Mid Century Japanese 12 Candle Holder
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool design on this cast metal chrome plated small candle holder Made in Japan, circa 1950's , 12 candle capacity 1/4" diameter per candle .
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Tripod Table Lamp! Atomic Heifetz Era 1950s Inverted Shade
By Heifetz
Located in Peoria, AZ
ICONIC POPULUXE!
MID CENTURY MODERN
WROUGHT IRON METAL
TRIPOD / HAIRPIN
TABLE LAMP!
ATOMIC
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Pair! Raymor Mid Century Modern Atomic Pottery Table Lamps Aqua Copper Sputnik
By Raymor
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT!
Spectacularly Rare Pair
Raymor Mid Century Modern
Atomic Pottery & Metal
Table Lamps
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$3,904 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Mid Century Modern Spartus Atomic Wall Clock! Hyper-Rare NOS Unused
Mint!
By Spartus Clocks
Located in Peoria, AZ
is a spectacular find! An unused Sputnik style mid century modern Spartus wall clock! Gold hands and
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
$1,200 Sale Price
33% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modernist Chrome Atomic Space Age Sputnik Orbit Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Vintage midcentury Italian chrome atomic space age sputnik orbit chandelier
Measures:
Diameter 17
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Glorious MId Century Modern Atomic Table Lamp. Mint Green Fiberglass Shade 1950s
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Peoria, AZ
WoW!
1955 Porcelain & Fiberglass
Mid Century Modern
Atomic/Sputnik Table Lamp
Original
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$2,040 Sale Price
20% Off
American Mid Century Modern California design Coffee Tea Set Atomic Age
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical rare set of 6 cups, sugar creamer, and caddy set by California pottery Leucadia Vadna Ware , great condition each coup has a different color beautiful rare hard to find set...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Atomic Brass Rocket Table Lamp 1950s Sputnik Torpedo Shape
By General Lighting
Located in Peoria, AZ
Stunning!
Mid Century Modern
Brass Accented
Rocket Ship Style
Table Lamp!
Here is a marvelous
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
$1,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Glorious Mid Century Modern Atomic Table Lamp. Black White 24kt Gold 1950s
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Peoria, AZ
WoW!
1955 Porcelain
Mid Century Modern
Atomic Modern Table Lamp
Black White and Gold
Squiggle
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$719 Sale Price
34% Off
Minty! Space Age Aluminum
Brass Mid Century Modern Table Lamp! 1950s Atomic
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
Superb!
Mid Century Modern
Table Lamp!
Aluminum and Brass
Incredible Brushed Brass!
Very Fine
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-century Anchor Hocking Atomic Snowflake Glasses Set of 8
By Anchor Hocking
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Mid-century Anchor Hocking Atomic Snowflake Glasses Set of 8
Aqua blue frosted Tom Collins Glasses
Category
Vintage 1960s American Glass
Materials
Glass
$236 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Atomic Era Dining Chairs Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Atomic Era Dining Chairs Circa 1960s
Features solid walnut frames
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Atomic Brass Finish 6 Hourglass Double Sided Cone Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Atomic Brass Finish 6 Hourglass Double Sided Cone Chandelier
This Mid Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Majestic Table Lamp! Atomic MCM Luxcraft Brass 1950s Incredibly Rare
By Majestic Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAJESTIC MID CENTURY TABLE LAMP
STUNNING!
PERFORATED SCREENS
WOOD & BRASS
EXQUISITE MID CENTURY
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
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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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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, 2024The 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.
- What is a mid-century sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A 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.
- What is mid-century artwork?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- What is mid century decor?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- What is a mid-century chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A 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.
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- What is mid-century jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- What does mid century mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
- Are the 1970s mid-century?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, 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.
- Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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 ExpertMay 22, 2019
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.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The 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, 2024The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To 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, 2023To 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023A 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.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, 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.
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