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 Cityscape

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Buck Schiwetz"DALLAS CITYSCAPE" ILLISTRATION MID-CENTURY ARTIST BUCK SCHIWETZ DIED 1984, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Fabian LundqvistVintage Mid Century Modernist Figure Cityscape Oil Painting - Quiet Commune, 1960s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Magnificent Paul Evans Chrome Cityscape Kingsize Bed Mid-Century Modern

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Wonderful Paul Evans Cityscape Mid-Century Chrome Sideboard Buffet Credenza

Vintage 1950s Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Mid-Century Modern Oil on Canvas Cityscape by M. Dick

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonMid Century French Original Pastel Painting of a Vibrant Hillside Cityscape, 1950 s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Table Lamp by Paul Evans, Directional Cityscape, Brass Chrome, Mid-Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Mid Century Modern Vintage Swedish Abstract Cityscape Oil Painting -Urban Blocks, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Framed Oil Painting, Cityscape , 20th Century

1960s Abstract Geometric Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modernist Cityscape Oil Painting - Geometric Neighbourhood, 1959

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Rectangle Mid Century Modern Cityscape Brutalist Style Frame Wall Mirror MINT!

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Handsome Paul Evans Cityscape Mirror and Console Chrome Mid-Century Modern

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Paintings

Henriette "Yetti" StolzLarge Mid-Century Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting by Henriette Yetti Stolz

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid-Century Futuristic French Cubist Cityscape. Oil and Acrylic on Canvas., 1970s

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Raoul Dufy Original Mid Century Mourlot Art Poster, French Cityscape Poster

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Cityscape Painting Pencil on Board Framed France Mid-Century Modern 70s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Modern Italian Oil Painting Losi Cinello (1928-1982) Cityscape

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonMid Century French Original Painting of a Hillside Cityscape w/ Lush Vegetation, 1950 s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Magnificent Signed Paul Evans Burl Chrome Cityscape Dining Table Mid-Century

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Eleanor PerryKansas City Cityscape, Mid Century Modern Primary Colors Urban Landscape, 1969

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Thompson Church Cityscape Watercolor

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass Chrome

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardMid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Ink and Wash Cityscape with Palm Tree

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rare Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Paul Evans "L" Shaped Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Alfred CunninghamCityscape, c.1965

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Brass, Chrome and Glass Square Cocktail Table

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Modern Bridge Sunset Dusk Painting Framed

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Prints

Tana Kasimir HoernesCityscape, c. 1930

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Prints

Hans FiguraCityscape, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Prints

Josef EidenbergerCityscape, c.1960

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

1970 s Signed Orange and Yellow Mid-Century Modern Harbor and Cityscape Painting

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Painting "Skyline v" by M. Baker Signed

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Prints

Jean CarzouCityscape, 1964

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Buck Schiwetz"DALLAS CITYSCAPE" ON DRAFT PAPER MID-CENTURY ARTIST BUCK SCHIWETZ DIED 1984, 20th Century

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Paul Evans Cityscape Cubist Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern Boucle Fabric 1970s

1930s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Phillip Goodwin"Times Square" Mid 20th Century 1937 Modernism Broadway Drawing NYC Cityscape, 1937

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Chrome Brass

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Cityscape Painting Acrylic on Board Black White Framed Mid-Century Modern 70s

Mid-20th Century Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Paintings

60s Mid Century Heshi Yu Abstract Cityscape Naive Chinese Modernist Painting O/C

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Buck Schiwetz
"DALLAS CITYSCAPE" ILLISTRATION MID-CENTURY ARTIST BUCK SCHIWETZ DIED 1984, 20th Century

Fabian Lundqvist
Vintage Mid Century Modernist Figure Cityscape Oil Painting - Quiet Commune, 1960s

Josine Vignon
Mid Century French Original Pastel Painting of a Vibrant Hillside Cityscape, 1950 s

Henriette "Yetti" Stolz
Large Mid-Century Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting by Henriette Yetti Stolz

Josine Vignon
Mid Century French Original Painting of a Hillside Cityscape w/ Lush Vegetation, 1950 s

Eleanor Perry
Kansas City Cityscape, Mid Century Modern Primary Colors Urban Landscape, 1969

Anne Marie Migette Perard
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Ink and Wash Cityscape with Palm Tree

Alfred Cunningham
Cityscape, c.1965

Tana Kasimir Hoernes
Cityscape, c. 1930

Hans Figura
Cityscape, c.1950

Josef Eidenberger
Cityscape, c.1960

Jean Carzou
Cityscape, 1964

Buck Schiwetz
"DALLAS CITYSCAPE" ON DRAFT PAPER MID-CENTURY ARTIST BUCK SCHIWETZ DIED 1984, 20th Century

Phillip Goodwin
"Times Square" Mid 20th Century 1937 Modernism Broadway Drawing NYC Cityscape, 1937

Sam Thal
Cityscape Mid-20th Century Modern Social Realism American Scene Regionalism WPA, c. 1940s

Vincent Pershing O Brien
Vincent O’Brien Lights at Night 1962 Mid-Century Abstract Cityscape, 1962

Ernest Fiene
NYC Cityscape American Scene WPA Modern Realism Mid 20th Century Architectural, 1930

Max Arthur Cohn
"6th Avenue El" American Scene Social Realism Mid-20th Century Cityscape Modern, 1929

Isabelle Graham Reese
Italian Cityscape, ca. 1950s

John Opper
Ninth Avenue El (New York City), Mid 20th Century Cityscape Oil painting, c. 1935

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Abstract Cityscape Mid 20th Century Modern Cubist Work on Paper Drawing Ariel, c. 1950s

Charles Levier
Charles Levier Large Street Scene, Signed Oil on Board, Framed c. 1960, circa 1960

Earl Horter
NEW YORK CITYSCAPE