Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 16

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 17

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Cherry

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Mersman Midcentury Solid Cherry Pedestal Tripod Lamp Table

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished

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

Mid-Century Modern Cherrywood Coffee Table Josef Frank attributed Sweden 1950

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Dressers

Baker Furniture Milling Road French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Triple Dresser

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Mid-Century Modern Oval Chrome and Mosaic Low Table

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Pair of Italian Cherry Wood and Broccatello Marble Console Tables, Italy

Mid-20th Century Anglo-Japanese Screens and Room Dividers

8 Panel Japanese Cherry Blossom Painting Byobu Folding Screen Room Divider

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Solid Cherry Brass Wooton Style Folding Box Shape Bar Liquor Cabinet Wheels

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Two-Tier Side Table, Newly Refinished

Vintage 1960s American American Colonial Dining Room Tables

Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of MCM Armchairs "Mitzi" by Ezio Longhi, cherry wood and plush, Italy 1960s

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Sixteen 20th Century Light Crème Boucle Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs 1960 Europe

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Twelve 20th Century Cream Boucle and Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs, 1960s, Europe

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

1980s Kai Pedersen Studio Craft Counter stools Ash Cherry - a pair

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

John Widdicomb Cherry Wood and Brass Mirror 1950s Signed

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Cupboards

French Louis XV Period 1750s Cherry Buffet à Deux-Corps with C-Scroll Motifs

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Wall Mirrors

Vintage Kindel Belvedere French Provincial Cherry Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools

French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Leather Strap Stool

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

PJ 149/2 - 2-seater Colonial sofa in cherry by Ole Wanscher

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Modernist Cherry Brass Side Table Coffee Table Josef Frank, 1950s, Sweden

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of 4 Cherry Queen Ann New Alcantara Suede Upholstery Dining Arm Chairs MINT

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Gentleman s Chest, Circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

1940s Early American Style Cherry Drop-Leaf Side Table

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens

Japanese Asian Signed Four Panel Folding Byobu Cherry Blossom Pine Tree Screen

Mid-20th Century Night Stands

Pair of 3 Drawer Nightstands in Cherry

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Ernst-Martin Dettinger in Cherry Wood

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of Nino Zoncada Armchairs with Cherry Wood Frame Padded Velvet Upholstery

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Henredon Style Mid-Century Hollywood Regency King Size Headboard, 1960s

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

Michael Taylor for Baker Cherry and Cane Two-Tier Coffee Table, Newly Refinished

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Bowed Front Solid Cherry Desk with Suspended Drawers Maine Studio 1980s

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe End Tables

Italian Lectern in Louis Philippe Cherry Wood with Ornamental Carved Friezes

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Planters, Cachepots and Jardini...

French 1850s Louis XV Style Cherry Planter with Quatrefoil Motifs and Tôle Liner

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Gianfranco Frattini desk for Cantieri Carugati in cherry wood, Italy 1958

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Vintage Circular Coffee Table Cherry Wood Josef Frank circa 1932 Vienna

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

1940s Mid-Century Nightstand, Bedside Table, Cherrywood Gio Ponti attributable

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

1980s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Set of Two King Series Cherry Armchairs

Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Chairs

Set of 4 impressive Biedermeier chairs made of cherry wood and ebonized around 1

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Nakashima Style Cherry Bookcase by Mack and Rodel, circa 1992

Mid-20th Century Moroccan and North African Rugs

Abstract Variety Rug in Cherry Red

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