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 Clown

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Photography

Lee Denim Clad Rodeo Clown Black and White Photo, 1960s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Whimsical Oil on Board Painting Clown by Joe Arcos 1952

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Bronze Low-Relief Clown Masks Italian Design Signed BRONZARTE, 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Figurative Sculptures

Joseph Burlini Metal and Enamel Clown on Unicycle, circa 1969

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Painting of a Sad Clown by Artist Philip Kran Paval

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

Vintage Pair of Papier Maché Clown Sculptures by Jeanne Valentine, circa 1960

Mid-20th Century American Figurative Sculptures

Vintage 1970s Hopi Katsina Figure "Hano Clown" Kachina Doll, circa 1974

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

World s Most Famous Clown "Ronald" 1977 Licensed McDonald s Balloon Tank Head

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Paintings

French Art Deco Painting Female Clown, Pierette by B. H. Sebastiani, 1930

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Wall Art Panel ‘LE CLOWN’ by Artist La Grange for Vallauris C1960 FREE SHIPPING

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Art

Set 1 of 3 Vintage Italian Marquetry Wood Inlay Musician Clowns Stamped

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Silvered Bronze Sculpture of a Clown by Marcel Bouraine, 1930, France

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Toys and Dolls

Art Deco Carl Schneider Full Figure Mardi Gras Clown Girl Pin Cushion Half Doll

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Art

Set 2 of 3 Vintage Italian Marquetry Wood Inlay Musician Clowns Panels Stamped

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

Abram KrolTwo Clowns, Mid Century Oil Painting

1960s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie May BlakeMid Century Pink Clown (Portrait #3), circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...

Vintage Murano Venetian Glass Clown Dish Mid-Century Modern

1970s Modern Figurative Paintings

Jean-Claude GaugyMid Century Figurative - Pagliacci The Clown, C 1970

Vintage 1950s French Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Mid-20th Century French Articulated Clown Marquette

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Clown, Italy, circa 1960s

1950s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Donald (Don) HirlemanMid-Century Three Clowns by Jazz Man Don Hirleman, 1956

Mid-20th Century More Furniture and Collectibles

Vintage Clown Shoes

1950s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Mid Century Cubist Figurative After Pablo Picasso -- Pierrot Clown Nun, Circa 1950

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Mid Century Murano Art Glass Clown Bust by Alfredo Barbini ** Saturday Sale **

1960s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Fabian LundqvistMid Century portrait of a Harlequin Clown playing an instrument., Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Claude LionColourful Mid Century Circus Scene, Pierrot et Pierrette, Bring On The Clowns ., 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Dame Laura KnightSome Clowns., 1930

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Vintage Circus or Carnival Clown Diamond Red White and Blue Clown Shoes

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Murano Ceramic Clown

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Portrait Prints

Bernard BuffetClown With Fez, 1968

Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings

Abraham HankinsThe Clown (Abstract Portrait), ca. 1950

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Animal Paintings

Henry BotkinClown with Orange Wig

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Murano Glass Clown, Italy, 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Murano Glass Clown Italy, 1950s

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Vintage Ron Lee Clown Figurine Clown With Umbrella on Tightrope, Circa 1984

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Murano Art Glass, Clown Decanter

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Fiberglass Clown Trash Can Topper Lid

Mid-20th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures

Murano Glass Clown, Italy, circa 1950

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Fine Roncato Clown Italian Oil/Canvas Framed

Antique Mid-19th Century Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Abram Krol
Two Clowns, Mid Century Oil Painting

Marjorie May Blake
Mid Century Pink Clown (Portrait #3), circa 1960s

Jean-Claude Gaugy
Mid Century Figurative - Pagliacci The Clown, C 1970

Donald (Don) Hirleman
Mid-Century Three Clowns by Jazz Man Don Hirleman, 1956

Mid Century Murano Art Glass Clown Bust by Alfredo Barbini Saturday Sale

Fabian Lundqvist
Mid Century portrait of a Harlequin Clown playing an instrument., Circa 1960

Claude Lion
Colourful Mid Century Circus Scene, Pierrot et Pierrette, Bring On The Clowns ., 1950s

Dame Laura Knight
Some Clowns., 1930

Bernard Buffet
Clown With Fez, 1968

Abraham Hankins
The Clown (Abstract Portrait), ca. 1950

Henry Botkin
Clown with Orange Wig

Alberto Trevisan
Large Italian Surrealism Painting Colorful Scarecrow Clown, Surrealist Landscape, c.1950 s