Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 6

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

Accepted Answer

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

Question 12

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Mid Century Candlesticks

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Eye-Catching Trio of Mid-Century Modern Marble and Brass Candlesticks

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Lapis Lazuli and Silvered Candlesticks, circa 1970

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Pair Mid Century Danish Modern Enamel Ratten Sculptural Candlestick Holders

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Candlesticks

Pair of Early to Mid-19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Rare Pair of solid brass Candlesticks. Rustickly cast. Denmark Mid-20th century

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Mid century modern brass candlesticks by K-E Ytterberg, Sweden, 1960s

Vintage 1930s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Rare Mid-Century Modern Candlestick No 3433 by Carl Auböck Austria 1937

Vintage 1960s French Candlesticks

Vintage Porcelain Candlesticks, Hand-Painted Floral, Pair, Franc, Mid XX Century

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Red Enamel Candlesticks by Emalox Norway, 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Candlesticks

Pair of French Mid Century Folk Art Iron Cockerel/Rooster Candlesticks C1970s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Aldo Londi Ceramic Candlestick Blue Glazed Bitossi Mid 20th Century Rimini Blu

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Set of 3 Georg Jensen by Verner Panton Candlesticks in Mid-Century Modern Style

Vintage 1960s Italian Candlesticks

Set of 2 Large Mid-Century Bronze 5 Flame Candlesticks 1960s

20th Century French Candlesticks

Pair Of Mid Century Forged Iron Rat De Cave French Candlesticks

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Mid-Century Modern Brass Black Enamel Candle Holders, Candlesticks, Set of 3

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

4 rare large heavy Mid Century brass candlesticks from a Bavarian Church

20th Century English Candlesticks

Mid-20th Century Pair of Hand-Carved Rosewood Barley Twist Candlesticks

Antique Mid-19th Century French Candlesticks

Four French Mid-19th Century Bronze and Sienna Marble Candlesticks by Deniere

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Pair of Silver Serpent Candlesticks in Mid-Century Modern Style from 1954

Antique 19th Century French Candlesticks

pair of French mid 19th century Ormolu, Bronze and Carrara marble candlesticks

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Candlesticks

A pair of French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu candlesticks

Antique Mid-19th Century French Baroque Revival Candlesticks

Pair of Pearwood Turned Candlesticks, French, 19th Century

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Pair of Mid Century Modern Hand Blown Belgian Candlesticks by Val St. Lambert

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Mid Century Modern Set of 3 Vintage Cylinder Candlesticks in Brass circa 1960s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Set of 3 Mid Century Modern Candlestick Holders by Lino Sabattini, Italy 1960s

Antique Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Candlesticks

Pair of 19th Century Ottoman Copper Candlesticks

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Candlesticks

19th Century Painted Walnut Candlestick

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Brass Candle Holders or Candlesticks, Set of 3

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Danish Mid-Century 24 Carat Gold Plated Candlesticks by Hugo Asmussen

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Edith Sonne for Saxbo, Denmark. Small ceramic candlestick. Mid-20th C.

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Very Rare Pair of High Mid-Century Wooden Candlesticks by Selma Helmer Loberg

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Candlesticks

19th Century Brass Candlesticks, England, circa 1830-1860 Three Pairs

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Green Candlesticks Made of Aluminum by Emalox Norway

Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Candlesticks

Baroque Brass Candlesticks Pair. 18th Century Danish

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Set of Two 2 Danish Mid-Century Modern Candlestick Holders in Walnut

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

20th Century Ceramic White Candlestick, France, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

20th Century Metal Gold Decorative Candlesticks, Italy, 1960s

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Candlesticks

19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks

Antique Mid-18th Century Peruvian Spanish Colonial Candlesticks

Extremely Rare 18th Century Spanish Colonial Candlestick

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks