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Mid Century Barware

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37 Italian Venetian Gold Flake Twisted Stem Coupe Wine Cocktail Glasses
Located in Dayton, OH
37 piece mid 20th century Italian Venetian barware / glassware including 14 Coupe Glasses, 11 Red
Category

Mid-20th Century Barware

Materials

Murano Glass

Large 19th Century Black Tole Metal Oval Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Unbeatable age and patina on this black painted and gilt on oval tray. The tray features leaves in an oval pattern. As found in Sweden, we see this metal tray functioning on a coffee...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Empire Barware

Materials

Metal

20th Century Italian Carved Wood Flask By Aldo Tura For Macabo c.1960
By Macabo, Aldo Tura
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
the fusion of form and function characteristic of mid century modern aesthetics. After establishing
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Napoleon III Burl Walnut Inlaid Complete "Cave a Liqueur"
Located in Dallas, TX
patterns and graceful silhouettes of the glassware reflect the luxurious aesthetic of 19th-century French
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Brass

Vintage Trophy Cup Worn Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket by Bristol
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Distressed Trophy Cup Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket by Bristol. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Nouveau Silver Plated Floral Repousse Champagne Chiller Wine Bottle Coaster
Located in Philadelphia, PA
EG Webster. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 4.5" H x 9.25" W x 6.5" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

20th Century Art Deco Silver Mounted Decanter by Aide Brothers Co, 1939
By Aide Bros.
Located in London, GB
A wonderful 20th Century Art Deco Decanter with a sterling silver mount collar. By Aide Brothers
Category

Mid-20th Century British Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 6 Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Tumblers or Mugs
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
the bases. Simply a wonderful Tiffany Mid-Century design! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Lead Crystal Decanter Style of Atlantis
By Atlantis
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Leaded Glass Crystal Decanter w/ Stopper ribbed glass 8.5 h x 5.38 w x 2.75 in the style of Atlantis crystal  Preowned vintage, refer to images please.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Bailey Banks Biddle Art Deco Silver Plated Martini Cocktail Shaker
By Bailey, Banks Biddle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bailey Banks & Biddle Art Deco Silver Plated Martini Cocktail Shaker. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Sheffield Edwardian Silver Plated Fretwork Draped Mahogany Wine Bottle Coaster
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheffield Edwardian Silver Plated Fretwork Draped Mahogany Wine Bottle Coaster. Circa Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Edwardian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Faux Bamboo Nutcracker
Located in New York, NY
. Italy, Mid-20th Century. Dimensions: 7.5” long x 1.25” wide X .5” thick
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Steel

1950s Drink Pepsi Cola Ice Chest Cooler
By Pepsi-Cola Soda Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
unrestored original vintage distressed condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Sheridan Victorian Bulbous Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Wine Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheridan Victorian Bulbous Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Wine Ice Bucket. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Ercuis Paris Silver Plate Bottle Holder Wine Pourer Server, 1950s
By Ercuis
Located in Atlanta, GA
French silversmith Ercuis, Paris, designed this stunning silver plate bottle holder, wine pourer, or server in the 1950s. The piece features a streamlined shape with a minimalist des...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Antique Cartier Sterling Silver Tastevin or Wine Tasting Cup
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
tastevin! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate
Category

Mid-20th Century French Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Glass Complete "Cave à Liqueur"
Located in Dallas, TX
Create a bar area with this elegant antique cave à liqueur. Created in France circa 1870 and built of bronze with floral decor in each corner, the decorative liquor box stands on cur...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Vintage Cut to Clear Cranberry Shot Glasses in Original Box Set of 6 - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
favorite finds of the year. The glasses come in their original box which is wrapped in a stunning mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing refined French
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing refined French
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage English Regency Silver Plated Lion Head Lidded Ice Bucket by Poole
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Poole. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9" H x 8.5" W x 7.5" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage FB Rogers Victorian Silver Plated Grapevine Wine Bottle Holder w/ Handle
By F.B. Rogers Silver Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage FB Rogers Victorian Silver Plated Grapevine Wine Bottle Holder w/ Handle. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Art Deco Silver Plated Glass Lined Lidded Ice Bucket by Federal Silver
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Art Deco Silver Plated Glass Lined Lidded Ice Bucket by Federal Silver Co. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

English Art Deco Cocktail or Martini Shaker
By Cavalier
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English cylindrical martini or cocktail shaker of fine plate silver featuring stylish Art Deco design, with removable cap and strainer and three decorative rings on the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Barware

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate, Copper

WM Rogers Silver Plated Twin Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage WM Rogers Silver Plated Twin Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucet. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Midcentury Gold Aluminum Metal Folding Rolling Bar Cart Server with 3 Trays
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, circa mid-20th century. Measurements: 29.5" H x 22" W x 15" D. 25.5" H (Surface).  
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Sheffield Victorian Silver Plated Lidded Twin Handle Ice Bucket
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
interior, ornate handle, original hallmark. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9" H x 9" W x 7.25" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Kent Silversmiths Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
By Kent Sivers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kent Silversmiths Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket. Circa Mid 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Eales Victorian Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Eales Victorian Style Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Midcentury 22-Karat Gold and Green Tall Cocktail Glassware by Culver, Set of 5
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
. Culver Ltd is a highly collectible brand of glassware made in the mid-20th century. Sold in high end
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Gold

Reed Barton Twin Handle Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
By Reed Barton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10" H x 10" W x 9" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Sheffield USA Silver Plated Ornate Twin Handle Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
By Sheffield Silver Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9.5" H x 9" W x 7.25" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Pewter Patinated Brass Faux Crocodile Planter Pot Wine Cooler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A classic piece on a bar or kitchen counter when entertaining. We also see this piece on an entry table or console with or without a plant inside.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Vintage MCM Blue Ice Bucket by Morgan Company Bucket Brigade
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage MCM a.k.a. mid-century modern ice bucket blue vinyl with white plastic lid and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Plastic

John Jack Prip American Modernist Pewter Tall Cocktail Pitcher or Ewer
By John Prip
Located in Philadelphia, PA
innovation. Simply a great Modernist pitcher or ewer! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Pewter

French Cut Crystal Port Decanter With Handle, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This wine or Port decanter dates to the 1950s or 60s. Its many cut edges are beveled softly. It can contain around 0.7 liter. Very reminiscent in style to similar designs from Saint-...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Crystal

Dorothy Thorpe Allegro Style Set 5 Tumblers 4 Stems Black Kraftware Ice Bucket
By Kraftware, Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century MCM or Mid Century Modern Dorothy Thorpe Allegro collection style silver
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Chrome

19th Century Copper Ale and Wine Funnel Set A Good Trio the Ale and Wine Funnel
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century copper Ale and wine funnel set A Good Trio, the Ale and Wine Funnels are all in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Arts and Crafts Barware

Materials

Copper

Vintage Dansk Danish Modern Rare Woods Cocobolo Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Fully marked to the base. Simply wonderful Danish Modern design! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Barware

Materials

Plastic, Cocobolo

Vintage Regency Style Silver Plated Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
" monogram to center, floral repousse twin handles, very nice vintage item. Circa Mid 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage English Regency Lion Head Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket 1971 Skeet Award
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bucket made in Spain by W.A. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 8.75" Diameter .
Category

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

1960s Brass Black Leather Hip Flask Spain
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Spanish Gold Brass or Plated Black Leather Flask Decanter Secret Bottle Label underneath. 6 h x 4 x 1.25 d Made in Spain Preowned original vintage condition See images provided.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage EPCA Silverplate by Poole 423 Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage EPCA Silverplate by Poole 423 Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket. Circa Mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

WM Rogers Son Paul Revere 27 Silver Plated Lidded Ice Bucket with Glass Liner
By Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, glass liner, clean modernist lines, original hallmark. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 9.5
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Italian Gold Gilt Iron Rope Hollywood Regency Bar Table Liquor Caddy (A)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, raised on 3 ball form feet, original "Made in Italy" tag. Mid 20th Century, Italy. Measurements: 15" H x
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Barware

Materials

Iron

Vintage GM Co. Silver Plated Art Deco Cocktail Bar Martini Shaker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage GM Co. Silver Plated Art Deco Cocktail Bar Martini Shaker. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Green Tole Serving Tray
Located in New York, NY
condition, a beautiful steel blue speckled green. United States, mid 19th century Dimensions: 32" W x 18" D
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Fisher K308 Modern Silver Plated Lidded Ice Bucket with Glass Liner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hinged handle, shapely form, glass lined interior, very nice vintage ice bucket. Circa Mid 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Italian Gold Gilt Iron Rope Hollywood Regency Bar Table Liquor Caddy (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, raised on 3 ball form feet, Original "Made in Italy" tag. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Overall
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Barware

Materials

Iron

Set 21 Blown Glass Multi Color Small Cocktail Snifters Cordials or Shot Glasses
Located in Topeka, KS
. Circa, Mid-20th Century Note: Photo props not included. Now this is a party waiting to happen
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Vintage Boho Chic Bamboo Rattan Bentwood Green 2 Tier Rolling Bar Cart Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
tiers, green destressed painted finish, sculptural bentwood frame, very nice vintage item. Circa Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Bohemian Barware

Materials

Glass, Wood

Retro 3 Piece Glass with Enamel Dog Cocktail Set.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Retro 3 Piece Glass with Enamel Dog Cocktail Set. 1 Pitcher with Stopper: 10 1/4" H x 4 1/4" D 2 Glasses: 3 1/4" H x 2 1/4" D
Category

Mid-20th Century Barware

Materials

Enamel

Antique Salterini Mt Vernon Wrought Iron Art Nouveau Serving Bar Tea Cart
By Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Salterini Mt Vernon Wrought Iron Art Nouveau Serving Bar Tea Cart. Circa Mid 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Wrought Iron

1960’s Gold Glitter Ice Bucket
Located in Charleston, SC
Retro Plastic Ice bucket for your bar ! Inside liner off-white. Measures 11” tall with lid in place; From handle to handle 10” ; 7” in diameter. Ice bucket flares out to handles on e...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Plastic

Vtg Engraved "TCC Presidents Cup Winner 1973" Silver Plated Champagne Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, very nice vintage item, great style and form. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 10.5" W x
Category

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

W&S Blackinton Ice Chiller Wine Champagne Bucket Silver Plated Trophy Cup
Located in Philadelphia, PA
twin handles, decorated rim, trophy cup form, original label, very nice vintage item, circa Mid-20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

MCM Silver Fade Ombre French Carafe Decanter 8 Stems Style Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage mid-century modern beverage serving set of eight silver fade ombre French stem
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

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Mid Century Barware For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of mid century barware you’re looking for. An item from our selection of mid century barware — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. Find 3514 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of mid century barware now, or shop our selection of 6 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect object in our assortment of mid century barware — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. An option in this array of mid century barware made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. A well-made piece of mid century barware has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Aldo Tura, Carl Auböck and Culver Ltd. are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Barware?

Prices for a piece of mid century barware can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $35 and can go as high as $15,462, while the average can fetch as much as $595.

Finding the Right Barware for You

Whether it’s streamlined or sophisticated, a bar area is always a welcoming feature in any home interior. A cheery well-made drink with friends and family has the potential to yield some unforgettable moments alongside those that aren’t easily remembered. And the only way to conjure that exemplary cordial is by putting the proper antique or vintage barware to work.

Essential barware equipment ranges from sterling-silver barspoons for mixing your cocktails in tall collins glasses to jiggers, shakers and strainers that allow you to whip up martinis and old-fashioneds.

From a design standpoint, some barware, such as our array of Art Deco glass whiskey sets or mid-century modern silver-banded tumblers crafted by Dorothy Thorpe, can help position your bar as a bold and attractive centerpiece to a room. At the very least, a carefully curated collection of barware can elevate with subtlety the bar’s nearby fixtures, as a handcrafted crystal decanter might do for your vintage 1960s bar cart.

As cocktail hour draws near, find inspiration in our gorgeous gallery of home bars in locales ranging from London to New York to San Francisco, and browse the exquisite selection of antique, new and vintage barware and glassware on 1stDibs.

Questions About Mid Century Barware
  • 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 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 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
    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 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 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 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, 2021
    Mid 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 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 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 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 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 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.