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

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Cubist

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Harold HaydonA Distinctive, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Cubist Portrait Study of Two Young Men, circa 1950

Mid-20th Century Cubist Still-life Paintings

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)Fine 20th Century French Post Cubist Oil Painting The Crab Lemon Still Life

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles

"Bumblebee, " Mid Century Jug in Purple Blue by Gambone w/ Cubist Influence

Late 20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Rustic Mid-Century Modern Cubist Style

Late 20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Rustic Mid-Century Modern Cubist Style

Mid-20th Century Cubist Prints and Multiples

Óscar DomínguezStill Life, Cubist Etching by Oscar Dominguez, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Torero, Cubist Lithograph after Georges Braque, 1950 (later printing)

Vintage 1940s American Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Cubist Artist James Koenig Buffalo NY1948 Titled Tangent

Vintage 1940s American Expressionist Paintings

Mid Century Modern Cubist Artist James Koenig 1948 Titled, Cool Canopy

Late 20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Rustic Mid-Century Modern Cubist Style

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

J. Ormond Sanderson Straw Valley Pottery Mid-Century Modern Cubist Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century Cubist Nude Paintings

Helene DadoneLarge 20th Century French Cubist Nude Portrait of Lady Picasso Style Oil

1970s American Modern Still-life Paintings

E.A.BlakeMid-Century Modern Abstracted Cubist Table Still-Life in Acrylic on Masonite

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Mid 20th Century Architectural City Back Streets Modernist Cubist Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Iris LegerColourful Cubist Abstract, Signed Original Oil Painting, 1970

Mid-20th Century Unknown Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Postmodern Cubist Face Sculpture

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Therese HummelMid 20th C French Oil Cubist Nude Portrait of a Blonde Woman in a Grey Interior, 1950

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Yiizhak AmitaiCubist Still Life with Musical Instruments, 1963

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marguerite LacrouxHuge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Signed Oil Fisherman with Boats Harbor Quay

Mid-20th Century Cubist Portrait Prints

George BraqueCubist Profile - Original lithograph, Signed (Vallier #153)

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Lionel GilbertStudio Corner (Mid-Century Modern Abstract, Cubist Still Life of Interior Scene), c. 1960

2010s Art Deco Vases

Pair of Cubist inspired geometric Mantle Vases - Blue Glass Mid Century Style

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Sculptures

Bill Low Blue Tone Tower : Modernist Vibrant Blues Cubist Sculpture by Bill Low, Mid 20th century

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Sculptures

Pablo Picasso Womans Magical Head Cubist Chicago Sculpture Maquette Mid-Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Henry RameyFigure - Lithograph by Henry Ramey - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Jean-Yves FromangePetit dejeuner French Cubist Signed Painting, c.1980 s

1950s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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

Mid-20th Century Cubist More Prints

Ossip ZadkineComposition - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist More Prints

Ossip ZadkineUntitled - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Lane cubist mirror

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Curtis Jeré Brass Cubist Cubist Chandelier, Signed (2 Available)

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Eurybia and Eros, Cubist Etching after Georges Braque, 1932 (later printing)

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Composition - Lithograph after Fernand Leger - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Paintings

Henri Van Der Beck1930 s French Cubist Signed Oil Nude Lady, 1930 s

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Oiseaux - Lithograph after Georges Braque - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Prints

Jacques VillonCubist Composition, Aquatint Etching by Jacques Villon, c. 1965

1960s Modern Still-life Paintings

Jef FribouletPlant in a Pot - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Cubist Still Life Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Prints

Max WeberAmerican Modernist Cubist Lithograph Screenprint "Reclining Woman" Max Weber, 1956

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ferdinand Leger French Cubist Lithograph, Titled: "Three Women"

Mid-20th Century Unknown Busts

Harold Haydon
A Distinctive, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Cubist Portrait Study of Two Young Men, circa 1950

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)
Fine 20th Century French Post Cubist Oil Painting The Crab Lemon Still Life

Óscar Domínguez
Still Life, Cubist Etching by Oscar Dominguez, 20th Century

Helene Dadone
Large 20th Century French Cubist Nude Portrait of Lady Picasso Style Oil

E.A.Blake
Mid-Century Modern Abstracted Cubist Table Still-Life in Acrylic on Masonite

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Mid 20th Century Architectural City Back Streets Modernist Cubist Oil Painting

Iris Leger
Colourful Cubist Abstract, Signed Original Oil Painting, 1970

Therese Hummel
Mid 20th C French Oil Cubist Nude Portrait of a Blonde Woman in a Grey Interior, 1950

Yiizhak Amitai
Cubist Still Life with Musical Instruments, 1963

Marguerite Lacroux
Huge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Signed Oil Fisherman with Boats Harbor Quay

George Braque
Cubist Profile - Original lithograph, Signed (Vallier #153)

Lionel Gilbert
Studio Corner (Mid-Century Modern Abstract, Cubist Still Life of Interior Scene), c. 1960

Bill Low
Blue Tone Tower : Modernist Vibrant Blues Cubist Sculpture by Bill Low, Mid 20th century

Henry Ramey
Figure - Lithograph by Henry Ramey - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Jean-Yves Fromange
Petit dejeuner French Cubist Signed Painting, c.1980 s

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

Ossip Zadkine
Composition - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Ossip Zadkine
Untitled - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Henri Van Der Beck
1930 s French Cubist Signed Oil Nude Lady, 1930 s

Jacques Villon
Cubist Composition, Aquatint Etching by Jacques Villon, c. 1965

Jef Friboulet
Plant in a Pot - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Cubist Still Life Painting, c.1960

Max Weber
American Modernist Cubist Lithograph Screenprint "Reclining Woman" Max Weber, 1956

Ossip Zadkine
Guitar Player - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Ossip Zadkine
Lute Player - Lithograph by Ossip Zadkine - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

George Braque
Cubist Profile in Grey - Original lithograph, Signed (Vallier #153)

French Modernist
Modern French Cubist Abstract Colourful Signed Oil Painting in Frame

Paul-Louis Bolot (French 1918-2003)
1970 s French Modernist Gouache Painting Colorful Cubist Figures, 1978

rene leroy
Julie by Rene Leroy, French Cubist Figurative Painting on Carton, circa 1960

French Cubist 1950 s
1950 s French Thick Impasto Oil Painting Abstract Bold Textures Vibrant Colours, 1950 s

Paul-Louis Bolot (French 1918-2003)
1960 s French Cubist Oil Painting Bright Landscape with Tree Amazing Colors, 20th Century

Rita Gombinski
Figural Abstract Mid Century Modern Lithograph Portraits, Judaica, Jewish Print, Mid 20th Century