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 Cuff

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

Jean Ferrière French Mid-20th Century Lapiz Lazuli and Gold Stirrup Cuff Links

Mid-20th Century Cufflinks

Carnelian Onyx Gold Cuff links

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Tiffany Co. Ladies Yellow Gold Leather Cuff Wristwatch

21st Century and Contemporary Pants

GUCCI black red navy web cuff zip slit mid waist cropped pants IT38 XS

20th Century Mexican Modern Collectible Jewelry

Modernist Los Ballesteros Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1970s French Cufflinks

1970s Cartier Gold Cuff Links

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modernist More Bracelets

William Spratling Wood and Gold Cuff Bracelet

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Collectible Jewelry

Mexican Vintage Silver and Copper Cuff Links

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cufflinks

Tiffany Co. Modernist Gold Cuff Links

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Hedgehog by Line Vautrin – Cuff bracelet in gilded bronze

Mid-20th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Collectible Jewelry

Egyptian Revival Brass or Enamel Scarab Cuff Bracelet

Mid-20th Century Danish Bangles

Hans Hansen Sterling wide Bangle Cuff Denmark C.1960

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Vintage Italian 18k Gold Florentine Finish Cuff-Bracelet circa 1960s

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

1960 s Gold and Ruby Stirrup Cuff Links

Mid-20th Century Beaded Bracelets

Mesh Pearl Bead Woven 21 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Bracelet Cuff

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

French Stained Wood Sofa with Cuffed Armrests, France, ca 1940s

Vintage 1960s Cufflinks

Tiffany Co. Mid-20th Century Garnet Gold Cufflinks

Vintage 1950s Cufflinks

Tiffany Co. 1950 s Sapphire and Gold Cuff Links

Mid-20th Century American More Bracelets

Signed "Ruser" 14KT YG Plat Dia Sapphire Cuff Bracelet Watch

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Retro Modern 18-Karat Gold Bangle Cuff Bracelet with Black Cabochon, 66 Grams

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian More Bracelets

18 Karat Rose Gold and One Oval Cabochon Emerald Cuff Bracelet

Mid-20th Century Cufflinks

European Made 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Lapis and Diamonds Cuff Link

Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Band Rings

Vintage Mario Buccellati Leaf Cuff Ring Sterling Silver 18k Gold Italy

Mid-20th Century American Retro Cufflinks

Lapis Lazuli Oval Yellow Gold Cuff Links by Larter, Circa 1950 s

Vintage 1960s British Cufflinks

Ruser Mid-20th Century Black Opal and Gold Cufflinks

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

2.25 Carat Diamond Sapphire Cuff Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Estate Jewelry

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

Boucheron Paris Mid-20th Century Sapphire and Gold Stirrup Cufflinks

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Dante Ou les Neufs Cercles de l’enfer by Line Vautrin Gilt Bronze Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1970s English Cufflinks

Sannit Stein London 1970 s Tiger Eye and Gold Cuff Links

Vintage 1970s American Cufflinks

American 1970s Gold, Enamel and Emerald Poodle Cuff Links by David Webb

Mid-20th Century Greek Modern Band Rings

Vintage Sapphire Cuff Ring 22k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Wide Band Greek Jewelry

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

Tiffany Co. French Mid-20th Century White Coral and Gold Baton Cufflinks

Vintage 1960s French Cufflinks

Marchak Paris 1960s Lapis Lazuli and Gold Cufflinks

Vintage 1950s American Cufflinks

Ruser 1950s Sapphire and Gold Golf Cufflinks

Vintage 1950s American Cufflinks

Mid Century Gold Onyx Cuff link Shirt Stud Set

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Early to Mid-20th Century Large Silver Hand-Stamped Cuff, Libya

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Mid Century Modern Rebajes Comedy and Tragedy Copper Cuff Bracelet

20th Century Modern Cuff Bracelets

Vintage Mid-Century Stephen Burr Brutalist Cast Brass Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Tiffany Co. Anton Michelsen Mid-Century Modern Silver Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Cuff Bracelets