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 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 4

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 5

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 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 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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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 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 Atomic

20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Mid Century Tiki Atomic Age Kidney Shape Monkey Pod Wood Catch It All Bowl

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Atomic Age Boomerang Dresser

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

French 1950s Googie Atomic Chandelier

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

1960s Atomic wooden science sculpture

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Atomic Teak Bureau/Desk

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

Atomic Era Cocktail Table

Mid-20th Century Belgian Table Lamps

1950s Belgium Atomic lamp

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Atomic Age Boomerang End Tables

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Atomic Age Ashtray on Foot

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

Rare Atomic Age Magazine Rack

Vintage 1950s Belgian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Age Belgian Pendant

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Th...

Pair of Vintage Atomic Age Throw Pillows

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Chrome Orb Atomic Age Starlite Candle Holders, Pair, Midcentury Modern

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

Atomic Modern Coffee Table with Sculptural Kidney-Form

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Cantilever table lamp, brass, atomic age

Mid-20th Century North American Collectible Jewelry

Modernist 18K Yellow Gold Necklace and Earrings, Atomic Style

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

Atomic Pendant Lamp in cased glass

Mid-20th Century French Floor Lamps

An Unusual Atomic Ebonised Standard Lamp

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Chnadelier by Robert Haussmann

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Brass Chandelier, Switzerland, 1960s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

1950s Atomic Ceiling Mounted Light

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Atomic Splash Tray

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Atomic Swedish Modern Table Lamp

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Atomic Physicist A.G. Shenstone Princeton Gyroscope

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...

Atomic Sputnik Chandelier by Lumfardo Luminaires

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Danish Modern Atomic Teak + Oak Desk

Mid-20th Century Candlesticks

Atomic Polished Brass Candlestick Holders, a Pair

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Space Age Atomic Chrome Spiral Floor Lamp

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

1950s German Atomic Plant Stand / Fountain

Mid-20th Century Space Age Serving Pieces

1970s Space Age Atomic Folding TV Tray

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Brass Table Lamp, Switzerland, 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

United Brass Spindles Sunburst Atomic Clock, 1960s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Space Age Atomic Chrome Abstract Table Lamp

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Atomic Space Age Chandelier, 1970s, 12 Bulbs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Atomic Double Cone Ball Table Lamp

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Dining Room Chairs

Vintage Retro Atomic Era Metal Kitchen Dining Chairs w/ Blue Yellow Flowers Pair

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Space Age Atomic Chrome Sputnik Chandelier

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards