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 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

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century "No 9" Cylindrical Table Desk Lamp by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll, 1940s

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

Early Jens Risom Coffee Table, Solid Cherry Top

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Japanese Two Panel Screen, Cherry Blossoms in Willow Landscape

21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs

APEX Swiveling Dining Chair Organic carved Seat Mid Century Modern chair T

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Handblown Cherry Red Biomorphic Kidney Murano Glass Ring Tray

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of Blue Armchairs attributed to Melchiorre Bega, Cherry Wood, Italy

Antique Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Industrial and Work Tables

Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Table circa 1850 with Turned Legs a

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Hans J. Wegner Chair Model 4283 China Chair Cherry

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Cherry Round Pedestal Base Dining Table Cast Iron Amicalola Base

Antique 1750s Italian Louis XV Farm Tables

Italian, Savoy, Rococo Period Cherrywood 2-Drawer Farm Table, mid 18th century

Antique Mid-18th Century American Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century New England Queen Anne Highboy

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Rex Sideboard in Cherry-wood with Hand Spun Gold Pulls and Drop-down Mirror

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side / Desk Chairs by Paolo Buffa

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Italian Cherry Ivory Skai Dining Chairs, 1950s, Set of 6

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Cocktail Chairs with Dark Glazed Cherry Wood Legs, Europe, 1950s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Vallauris France, Chocolate, Cherry and Honeycomb Palette Lava Splash Bowl

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Taichiro Nakay for La Permanente Mobili Wall Cabinet in Cherry

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Asian Rose Quartz Cherry Bunches Jade Leaves Hard Stone Fruit Pair

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Bruce Beasley Cherry Picker Pecker Sculpture, Signed, 1969, USA

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Albert Haberer Cherry Wood Chairs for Hermann Fleiner, Germany 1950s

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

2 French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side /Desk Chairs Attr. to André Arbus

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

French Cherry Wood Chairs with Seats of Woven Papercord, France 1950s

Mid-20th Century Japanese Ceramics

Japanese Arita Ware Porcelain Ceramic Plate Gold Cherry Blossoms Kinrande Kyoto

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Long Six-Legged Blood Cherry Lacquer Finish Display Bench

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

Knut Hesterburg "Propeller" Coffee Table in Cherry Enamel over Anodized Aluminum

Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Chinese enameled pin tray decorated with mums cherry blossoms, 1950 s

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed F...

Classic Modern Bed by Pete Deeble Midcentury Walnut Cherry Rosewood King

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

20th Century American Walnut, Cherrywood Writing Desk

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Japanese Ceramic Vase Decorated with Geisha Cherry Flower Branch, France c1960

Vintage 1940s American Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century "No 9" Cylindrical Table Desk Lamp by Isamu Noguchi for Knoll, 1940s

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Benches

Italian 18th Century Bench

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Murano Italian Art Glass 7 Piece Pear Cherry Banana Orange Gold Fruit Sculptures

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Vintage Danish Garlic Jar in Cherry and White Glazed Ceramic

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

J.C. Mahey cherry red lacquer brass console table, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Italian Cherry Valet Stand Dressboy in the Manner of Fratelli Reguitti, 1960s

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Sideboards

Antique French Sideboard, 19th Century. Elegantly hand crafted from cherrywood.

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Bitossi Flavia Set Table Lamp and Ashtray - Vide Poche with Cherry Blossom Motif

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Planters, Cachepots and Jard...

Japanese Edo Period Bronze Jardinière w/ Birds Cherry Blossom Tree, 19th C.

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

China Chair Model FH 4283 In Cherry Wood Cognac Leather By Hans J. Wegner

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures