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Mid Century Barware

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"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. We believe it is made of metal and...
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Bronze Hand Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bronze

"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. We think it is made of cast iron.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mid-Century Saks Fifth Ave Set of 3 Barware Drink Trays
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Sold by Saks Fifth Avenue Guest Gift Shop in the 1950s. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first "Guest and Gift Shop" in New York City in 1951. These silver trays were used to hold ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Decanter Shot Glass Set Gold Nautical Design Barware, Czech, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
, circa mid-20th century, Europe. Beautiful gold details include nautical scene of a ship with sails, boat
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Barware

Materials

Crystal

"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. We think it is made of metal and co...
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Metal Girl Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany.
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Horse Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1930s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Germany.
Category

Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Lobster Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

"The Tramp" Vintage Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Sea Horse Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Breweriana Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Germany.
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Nickel

Set of 10 Mid-Century Hand-Painted Heraldic Highball Glasses
Located in Northport, MI
classic European-inspired interiors. Exceptional for collectors of heraldic art, mid-century barware, and
Category

Mid-20th Century Glass

Materials

Glass, Paint

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Stacked Lucite Ice Bucket Attached Swing Lid Barware
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern finely detailed ice bucket in Lucite. The tight fitted lid swings open and is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Lucite

Mid Century Modern Ceramic Barware Spirit Bottle by Raymor, circa 1950, a Trio
By Raymor
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-Century modern artistry, this exceptional set of ceramic spirit bottles by Raymor was masterfully
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Silvered and Clear Glass Barware Set Mid Century Modern Set of 18 Pieces
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage mid century modern barware set of 18 glasses in 3 different sizes is very chic with
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver

Vintage Aldo Tura Style Jug Painted Wood, Brass &Cork Barware Mid Century 1950 s
By Aldo Tura
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous mid century modern Italian Aldo Tura style jug has the original color painted wood
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Wood, Cork, Paint

Mid-20th Century 17-Piece Cocktail / Barware Set in Tree of Life Pattern
Located in Nantucket, MA
Seventeen piece vintage barware suite in a "Tree of Life" pattern which appears to be inspired by
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

19th Century Murano Glass / Inlaid Gold Barware Set
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th Century Murano art glass with inlaid gold design details pair barware / tableware decanter set
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Barware

Materials

Gold Leaf

Brass and Bakelite Finger Food Nut Bowl Stand Mid-Century Modern 1950s Barware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s German minimalist barware. Nice addition to your room. These small decoration
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Geometric Barware Set in Black and White Enamel with 22 Karat Gold
Located in Nantucket, MA
Thirteen piece geometric patterned barware set in a black and white enamel with 22k gold design of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

A mid-century, silver-plated barware attribued to Jacques Adnet circa 1930/1940
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Mouscron, WHT
A mid-century, silver-plated barware attribued to Jacques Adnet circa 1930/1940
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Lalique Crystal Barware / Tableware Cooler
By Lalique
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully & elegant detailed champagne cooler / ice bucket shown in the. The cooler / ice bucket is frosted & molded. It features dancing nudes in celebration of the grape harvest....
Category

Mid-20th Century French Barware

Materials

Crystal

Brass Lady Leg Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Barware Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Gold Plated Barware Set of Glasses Mixer by Culver c. 1965
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large and complete 22k gold plated Mid-Century Modern barware set by Culver that's in great
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Gold Plate

Brass Lady Leg Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Metal Barware Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s bottle opener. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Brass

Baccarat Crystal Barware Tableware Service / Ten People
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 20th century Baccarat crystal barware / tableware service for ten people. Each glass is in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Barware

Materials

Gold

English Sheffield Plated Barware Wine Cooler
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English Sheffield silver plated wine cooler / ice bucket with removable insert and lion head design details handle. Maker’s mark on bottom. The bucket is in good vintage condition wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

English Silver Plate Barware Wine Cooler / Stand
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 20th Century English barware / tableware Silver plated champagne bucket / wine cooler on stand
Category

Mid-20th Century English Arts and Crafts Barware

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

English Silver Plated Barware / Tableware Ice Bucket
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English silver plated barware / tableware ice bucket with exterior design details and side handles
Category

Mid-20th Century English Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

English Silver Plate Barware Bottle Holder
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English silver plated tableware or barware bottle holder with exterior design details and side
Category

Mid-20th Century English Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

MCM Set of Three Glasses Highball Barware Bubble Bottom
By Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
MCM Glasses Barware Tumbler Highball Bottom Bubble design 6.13 h x 2.75 diameter Preowned vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Modern Vintage Barware Decanter Carafe Four Glass Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern Smoke Decanter and Four Glass Set Glass 4.5 h x 1.75 Decanter 10 h x 3.25 Preowned original vintage condition See images shown
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Aubock Rare Barware Decanter
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Auböck Rare Barewear Decanter, cork top, mahogany wood with leather embossed clock face image. Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, c. 1950 glass, embossed leather with gilding, cork...
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Cork

Murano Glass / Inlaid Silver Barware Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 20th century murano glass with exterior inlaid silver design detail barware / tableware service
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Barware

Materials

Silver

Lucite and Glass Equestrian Barware Tray
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Round Dorothy Draper style Lucite and Equestrian Etched glass top barware and serving tray with two
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

Vintage Couroc Floral Design Barware Serving Tray
By The Couroc Company
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Modern serving tray by Couroc of Monterey California floral design barware. A mid
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bakelite

Silver Dolphin Bottle Opener Midcentury Mad Barware
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Silver Plate Dolphin Bottle Opener Midcentury Mad Barware 2 h x 6.5 long x 2.38 w Original vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Horn and Stainless Steel Wine Corkscrew / Barware
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well constructed MCM horn and stainless steel wine corkscrew / barware, circa 1970s
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Baccarat Crystal Tableware / Barware Service / 12 People
By Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richly and beautifully design inspired by a jeweled tiara, with sparkling cuts surrounding the glass. The deep cuts allow the light to retract and shine to a brilliant finish from an...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Barware

Materials

Crystal

Baccarat Crystal Tableware / Barware Service / 12 People
By Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richly and beautifully design inspired by a jeweled tiara, with sparkling cuts surrounding the glass. The deep cuts allow the light to retract and shine to a brilliant finish from an...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Barware

Materials

Crystal

MCM Bakelite Stainless Steel Wine Corkscrew / Barware
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well constructed MCM bakelite and stainless Steel wine corkscrew / barware, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mexican Modernism Stamped 925 Silver Wine/Barware Bottle Holder Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mexican Silver Wine / Tequila Barware Bottle Holder. Fairly Certain this was executed by
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Midcentury Napier Silver Plated Barware Jigger Spoon
By Napier Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Midcentury silver plated barware jigger drink spoon by Napier. Long drink spoon with attached
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Culver Ltd Highball Cocktail Glasses with 22K Gold Owls Hollywood Regency 1950s
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
-Century Modern Gold Embossed Culver Owl highball tumbler glasses set of 6. Wonderful vintage mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

1960s Japanese Barware Set Rosewood Stainless Steel
By Gio Ponti, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Barware 1960s Japanese modern cocktail bar tool set sculpted stainless steel & tapered rosewood
Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Port Decanter, English, Cut Glass, Liqueur, Spirit Vessel, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
20th century, circa 1950. A fine example of classic mid-century barware, offering elegant form and
Category

Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Glass

Vintage Vitreon Queen s Luster Lusterware Barware Glass Set
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Las Vegas, NV
16 piece set of Vitreon Queen's Luster barware set. Also known as "Lusterware" with silver fade
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Style Stainless Steel Wine Corkscrew / Barware
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well constructed art deco style stainless steel wine corkscrew / barware, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Soda King Barware Syphon Selter Art Deco Bottle
By Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Norman BelGeddes, this would add a bit glamor to any bar or staged with your other barware collectables
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Feltman Langer Ceramic Pitcher Art Deco Barware
By Feltman Products
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
. Midcentury vintage grey color Retro barware pitcher with handle has a modern stylized form with embossed
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Complete Set of Ceramic "Stuzzichini" Barware Appetizer Bowls
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) Complete Set of Six Ceramic "Stuzzichini" Barware Appetizer
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Barware Cocktail Tortoise Lucite Barrel and Multicolor Stirrers
By Raymond Sudre
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning barware bar cocktail stirrers were made in France circa 1950. This Mid-Century bar
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Plastic, Lucite

Mid Century Brass Bottle Opener Italy
By Aldo Tura
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Wonderful mid century brass or gold plated bottle opener attributed to Aldo Tura, Italy. Heavy
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

MCM Danish Stelton Georg Jensen Serving Barware Tools
By Stelton, Georg Jensen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
pieces to add to a collection of these iconic Mid-Century Modern Georg Jensen pieces.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Moroccan Hamsa Hand Brass Bottle Opener Boho Talisman Barware 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
bottle opener is a striking and functional piece of mid-century boho barware, hand-cast in solid brass
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

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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 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 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs 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 ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs 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 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.