Mid Century Atomic
to
161
1,032
304
1,368
19
7
1,258
13
10
5
4
2
1,368
26
2
995
139
1
9
269
280
98
12
2
949
381
318
299
168
722
677
484
109
108
1,390
1,384
1,384
25
24
16
15
15
Sort By
Atomic Multi-Globe Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Munich, DE
Amazing nine-armed Mid-Century Modern Sputnik multi-globe chandelier or pendant lamp by Kaiser
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Laurel Lamp Co. Atomic Sputnik Polished Chrome
Brass Table Lamp, C. 1970
By Tommi Parzinger, Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Laurel Lamp Co. Sputnik Polished Mixed Metal Table Lamp with Glass Shade. Featuring a sturdy, repolished, reflective Aluminum (5D) conical base, detailed with a bright Brass starburs...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Metal
Up of 3 Identical J.T. Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to three identical huge Austrian Mid-Century Atomium chandeliers, designed and executed by J.T
Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Nickel
1950s Atomic Expanded Metal+Wire Hi-Fi End Table LP Vinyl Record Stand
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice mid-century accent. Shelf One Height is 7 in. / Shelf Two height is 16.5 in.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Steel
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Pair of Atomic Age Ceramic Bullet Planters on the Metal Stands by Bauer
By Bauer Pottery
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of atomic age ceramic bullet planters with iron bases by Bauer, circa 1950's. The pair
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Iron
$1,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Arteluce Atomic Space Chrome Disk Lamp Mira "C" Designed by Ezio Didone
By Ezio Didone, Arteluce
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage midcentury Arteluce saucer lamp.This Mira C Suspension provides diffused upward and downward light and features aluminum chrome lamp body finish a sandblasted, acid-etched gl...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum
$1,047 Sale Price / item
20% Off
1950s Atomic UFO Ashtray in Black and Red Molten Lava Space Age Midcentury
By Erwin Kalla
Located in Hyattsville, MD
6 and a half inch round dish ashtray with cork bottom, and makers markings.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
$236 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Georges Briard Gilt Glass Appetizer Dish 1960
By Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s Kitsch designs.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Art Glass
Atomic Age Gold Metal and 8 Ball Flush Mount Light by Kinkeldey, 1970s, Germany
By Kinkeldey
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Atomic Age Gold Metal and 8 Ball Flush Mount Light by Kinkeldey, 1970s, Germany
Sculptural very
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
1950s Christmas Silver Atomic Space Age RayGun Nutcracker Nut Gun Fun Gag Gift
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Awesome design. Functioning as designed, and appears it will crack a nut.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Aluminum
$468 Sale Price
20% Off
Atomic Age Metal and Glass Flush Mount or Wall Lamp by Hustadt, 1960s Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Atomic age metal and glass flush mount or wall lamp by Hustadt, 1960s Germany
Sculptural very
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut
Platinum Velvet Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern atomic side chair was realized in Italy, circa 1950. They feature
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Vintage 1960s Walnut Chalkware Table Lamp
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern atomic plaster and walnut table lamp with original shade, circa 1960s. Features
Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Pottery, Walnut
Set of 3 Bill Curry Gold Bronze Finished Cast Iron Jacks Sculptures Atomic Age
By Bill Curry
Design Line, Bill Curry
Located in Miami, FL
Curry of Design Line, 1967.
Features a Mid-Century Modern atomic, geometric shape made out of cast iron
Category
Late 20th Century American Space Age Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Monumental Mid Century Porcelain and Brass Genie Torchiere Lamps
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Striking, monumental, Genie shaped, atomic mid century torchiere lamps.
These could be considered
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$1,500 Sale Price
25% Off
Mid Century Modern Cone Brass Candle Holders, Two Sets Available
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
are a total of four which are available in two sets. Classic atomic mid century style!
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Candelabras
Materials
Brass
Laurel Lamp Mid Century Danish Modern! Gerald Thurston 1950s Brass Tripod Walnut
By Laurel Lamp Company, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
LAUREL LAMP
RARE ROCKET TRIPOD!
MID CENTURY MODERN
BRASS & WALNUT
ATOMIC AGE ELEGANCE
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Restored Mid-Century Rattan and Mahogany Bookcase Console Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
WWII boom of Hawaiian cultural and Atomic Age Mid-century design.
Measurements: 28" H x 37" W x 13" L
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Rattan
$2,175 Sale Price
25% Off
German Mid-Century Floral Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Honsel, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
-century lighting, 1950s ceiling fixture, atomic style light, mid-century design lighting
Category
Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Flush Mount
Materials
Brass
Very Rare Stamped Waring
Gillow 1960 U.K.A.E.A UK Atomic Energy Authority Desk
By Waring
Gillow
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
walnut U.K.A.E.A Uk Atomic Energy Authority double sided walnut desk
This desk is sublime, the quality
Category
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Chrome Sputnik 1960s Chandelier with Unusual Angled Stem
Located in New York City, NY
Unique Mid-Century Modern, atomic style chrome Sputnik chandelier.
This chandelier has an unusual
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Rare Robert Sonneman Chrome Small Table Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Lighting 1960s
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Peoria, AZ
SONNEMAN!
MID CENTURY MODERN
ATOMIC AGE
CHROME TOWERS
SMALL TABLE LAMP!
ICONIC!
EPIC DESIGN
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$1,235 Sale Price
35% Off
Murano Sommerso Art Glass Vase Seguso Flavio Poli Elongated Neck Mid Century Mod
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d
Arte
Located in Palm Beach, FL
spectacular work of functional art. A fine example of the finest mid century modern design of the atomic age
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern "Twilight Zone" Lamp MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
MID CENTURY LIGHTING!
ATOMIC AWESOME!
DIMENSIONS: HEIGHT: 38.5" SHADE: 19"
MILK GLASS DIFFUSER
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$6,000 Sale Price
47% Off
Rare Mutual Sunset 4-Light Mid Century Modern Italian Marble Table Lamp 1950s
By Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
Located in Peoria, AZ
FABULOUS MODERNISM!
MUTUAL SUNSET
4-LIGHT
MID CENTURY MODERN
TABLE LAMP!
ITALIAN MARBLE AND
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid Century Modern Richard McCarthy for Selrite Style Glass Top Table
4 Chairs
By Selrite
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Atomic Space Age Richard McCarthy for Selrite Style Forged Wrought-Iron and Oak
Category
Mid-20th Century American Space Age Dining Room Sets
Materials
Wrought Iron
Post War Restored Mid-Century Rattan and Mahogany Bookcase Console Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
great example of the post-WWII boom of Hawaiian culture and Atomic Age Mid-century design
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Materials
Rattan
$2,175 Sale Price
25% Off
Mid Century Modern Space Age Chrome and Glass Three Tier Floor Lamp
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Toronto, ON
the lamp. It is equipped with a three-light switch. This mid-century modern and atomic-inspired floor
Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Flush Mount
Materials
Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Nason "Space Age" Pendant Lamp, 1970s
By Carlo Nason
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern "Space/Atomic Age" design pendant Lamp with Carlos Nason's
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Steel
$656 Sale Price
67% Off
Pair Frederick Weinberg Black Wire Framed
Parchment "Guitar" Wall Lights
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Buffalo, NY
painted,(FLAKING). Classic. Atomic. American Mid Century.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Iron, Wire
Vintage Large Sculptural Iron Jack by Bill Curry
By Bill Curry, Bill Curry
Design Line
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Segundo, California. 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax.
Nice well worn iron metal, some
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Iron
Rare Chair Attributed to Knud Færch for Slagelse Møbelvaerk, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Knud Faerch
Located in Deland, FL
design backdrops from Mid-Century Modern to Atomic to Contemporary and everything in between. Truly
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak
Puigdemont ceramics. French Riviera large wall plates, Spain, 1950s
By Josep Vilà Clara Garriga, Bitossi, Puigdemont
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
the 50s and 60s. Mid-Century and Atomic style.
Very much in the style of the Catalan ceramic
Category
Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Ashtray, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Atomic midcentury ashtray with magazine holder.
Beautifully shaped with brass feet and a blue and
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Three Tier Transparent Glass Globe And Chrome Table Lamp
Located in Toronto, ON
. This mid century modern and atomic inspired table lamp would be a great and timeless addition to
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Georges Briard Midas Hyalyn Porcelain Ashtray with Gold Design
By Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s Kitsch designs.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of S5 Armchairs by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium, 1958
By Alfred Hendrickx, Belform
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Style: Mid-Century Modern meets Atomic Age, with a touch of Art Deco geometry
Design Highlights
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Wood, Beech
1950s French Roger Feraud "Clé de Sol" Treble Clef Iron Hat
Coat Stand
By Roger Feraud, Roger Ferraud
Located in London, England
and object designer, celebrated especially for his imaginative midcentury coat racks with their atomic
Category
Mid-20th Century French Space Age Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Iron
1950s Constructivist Mechanical Futuristic Rug/Tapestry. Made in France
Located in Milano, IT
vibrant color palette identify it as a mid-century masterpiece from the Post-Atomic Age design era. This
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Western European Rugs
Materials
Wool
Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Walnut In the Manner of Ico Parisi, Italy, c. 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Deland, FL
of design backdrops from Mid-Century Modern to Atomic to Contemporary this phenomenal table set is
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables
Materials
Walnut
Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
against a myriad of design backdrops from Atomic to Mid-Century Modern to Industrial and everything in
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Iron and steel Bertoia Style Sculpture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Mid century weathered steel and iron atomic age sculpture. In the style of Bertoia. Can be used
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Midcentury Georges Briard Gilt Glass Appetizers Dishes Set of 2
By Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
the 1950s to 1970’s. Georges Briard is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...
Materials
Art Glass
Bill Curry Jacks Sculptures Bookends Paperweights for Design Line Vintage C.1967
By Bill Curry
Design Line, Bill Curry
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Segundo, California.
1960s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax.
Nice well worn iron metal, some
Category
Mid-20th Century American Bookends
Materials
Iron
Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960
s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
seamlessly against a myriad of design backdrops from Atomic to Mid-Century Modern to Industrial. Make them
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Georges Briard 22k Gold and White Glassware Barware Fish Marine Design Set of 3
By Culver Ltd., Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
the 1950s to 1970’s. Georges Briard is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Barware
Materials
Glass
Georges Briard the Forbidden Fruit Pattern Turquoise and Gold Glasses Set of 6
By Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
is prominent through many eras, but is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 70s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Barware
Materials
Glass
Georges Briard the Forbidden Fruit Pattern Turquoise and Gold Glasses Set of 2
By Culver Ltd., Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
eras, but is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 70s Kitsch designs. The Georges
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Barware
Materials
Glass
Space Age SPHERE POD Lounge Chair set, France 1960
s
By Boris Tabacoff
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern French Space Age Atomic Design 'SPHERE POD' Lounge Chair set of 2. Made
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$4,759 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 6 Model 037 Chairs, Geoffrey D. Harcourt for Hans Kaufeld, Germany, 1960s
By Geoffrey D. Harcourt
Located in Deland, FL
of design backdrops from Mid-Century Modern to Atomic to Industrial and everything in between. Make
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chrome
1960s Georges Briard Milk Glass Bowl with Golden Harvest Design Art Deco Style
By Georges Briard
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
. Georges Briard is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s Kitsch designs.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Platters and Serveware
Materials
Art Glass
Frederick Weinberg Black Wire Framed
Stitched Parchment "Guitar" Wall Light
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Bainbridge, NY
. Classic. Atomic. American Mid Century. Unmarked. Professional Packaging will be needed to provide safe
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Iron
Hourglass Table Lamp in Walnut Attributed to Phillip Lloyd Powell , USA, 1960
s
By Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Deland, FL
backdrops from Mid-Century Modern to Atomic to Contemporary and is sure to make a BOLD impression in any
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Walnut
German Art Deco Beige Wall Clock with Black Numerals by Welby
By Welby Clock Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940s/early 1950s, Germany).
Blending Art Deco with early atomic/Mid-Century design, this piece works
Category
Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
A Petite Lightolier Pendant Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic atomic stile, midcentury pendant light by Lightolier. Ceiling flush mount with glass
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Brass
Atomic Brass Table Lamp, Switzerland, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic brass table lamp with nine-glass globes. The globes are hand blown and fitted with a
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Atomic Chandeliers with 12 Lights, 3 Pieces Available
Located in Retie, BE
3 Midcentury atomic chandeliers with 12 handblown opaline glass globes.
12-armed molecular space
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Mid Century Atomic", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
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.
Read More
A Basket-Weave Pattern Adds Country Charm to Paolo Buffa’s Elegant Cabinet
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
End Your Quest for Fire with This Handmade Majolica Chimney
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Who Were Guillerme et Chambron? French Veterans of WWII with a Knack for Clever, Quirky and Livable Furniture
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
39 Incredible Swimming Pools
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
More Ways To Browse
Vintage Mesh Top
Bullet Shaker
Petite Etagere
Grand Server
Red Wing Pottery Vintage
Mid Century Starburst Clock
Used Furniture Springfield
Atomic Fish
Mid Century Atomic Clock
1950s Fiberglass Desk Lamp
Culver Shot Glasses
Eames Lamp
Galvanized Shelf
Knoll Desk Lamp
Metal Wire Shelf
Round Mid Century Nightstand
Vintage Wire Shelf Rack
Atomic Ice Bucket