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

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Curtains

Antique Mid-19th Century French Regency Curtains and Valances

Pair of Mid-19th Century French Regency Style Giltwood Window Cornices, Valances

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Verner Panton Mira-X Fabric Wave 102" x 84" section

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Curtains and Valances

Tie-Backs Set of Four, 24-Carat Gold Plating

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Curtains and Valances

Verner Panton Set of Two Curtain Panels Mira-X Collection, 1960s

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Pablo Picasso, Carolyn Winters, Café Picasso Modern Textile, England, UK, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Armenian Kazak Curtains and Valances

Beautiful Vintage Armenian Hand Embroidered Table Cloth

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Original 1960s Hand Screen Printed Hull Traders "Totem" Fabric New Old Stock

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Curtains and Valances

Louis XVI Style 11 Gilt And Chiseled Bronze French Curtain Rings

Mid-20th Century Italian Prairie School Curtains and Valances

Frank Lloyd Wright for Schumacher, Imperial Peacock Textile Set, Curtain Duvet

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Marc Chagall "Evening Enchantment" Textile Pattern for Fuller Fabrics

Mid-20th Century Italian Curtains and Valances

Vintage Fortuny Valance

Antique Mid-19th Century French Other Curtains and Valances

Rare Bed Cover or Tablecloth in Corneline Tissue

Antique Mid-19th Century French Baroque Curtains and Valances

Collection of 21 Curtain Tie Backs for Gladys

Mid-20th Century Turkmen Other Curtains and Valances

Samarkanda Embroidery Susani Uzbekistan

Mid-20th Century American Mission Curtains and Valances

Frank lloyd Wright Schumacher Textile Swatch fabric Collection 1986

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Curtains and Valances

French Provençal Rustic Hand-Woven Initialed Linen Red Kitchen Torchons Towels

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Jack Lenor Larsen "Durrow" Medieval Velvet Fabric

Antique Mid-19th Century French Arts and Crafts Curtains and Valances

Brass Curtain Rod Antique Long Fine

Mid-20th Century Central Asian Other Curtains and Valances

Strip of Carpet as Ornament

Mid-20th Century Central Asian Other Curtains and Valances

Ornament for Curtain or for Horse

Mid-20th Century African Tribal Curtains and Valances

Beautiful Antique African Painted Leather Rug

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Musterring Mid-Century Wardrobe with Curtains, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Sideboards

Nicholas James Neoclassic Mahogany Sideboard with Curtains and Mesh Doors

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Pair of 1970s Glass Curtains Attributed to Mazzega

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Quilts and Blankets

Pair of Frank Lloyd Wright "Taliesin Line" Curtains ca. 1950s

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Italian 1940s Curtains Wall Mirror with a Wood Frame by Brusotti

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Quilts and Blankets

Nine Panels of Frank Lloyd Wright "Taliesin Line" Curtains, circa 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Curtains and Valances

Pair of Mid-20th Century Fortuny Fabric Panels with Custom Seaming

Vintage 1940s Curtains and Valances

Set of 3 "Mid Century" Valences

Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Curtains and Valances

19th Century Antique Pair of Block Printed Indienne Cotton Panels

Mid-20th Century Unknown Curtains and Valances

Set of Steel and Bronze Ivy Leaf Curtain Hardware

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian French Provincial Curtains and Valances

Tree of Life Cotton Mezzarro Genoa, circa 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Indian French Provincial Curtains and Valances

Tree of Life Cotton Mezzarro French, 1840-1850

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Two Paul McCobb For Riverdale Fabric Panels "Hexagonal" Pattern

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Red and Black Houles Paris Curtain Tassel Tieback

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Amazone Green and Black Houles Paris Curtain Tassel Tieback

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Quilts and Blankets

David Klein Vintage Travel Poster Fabric Curtains

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

4 Vintage Barkcloth Custom Curtain Panels with Drapery Hooks

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Midcentury Parcel Gilt Faux Bamboo Cornice or Mantle

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Valances

Paulette Victorine J. Van Roekens
Red Curtains, American Impressionist Ballet and Orchestra Theater Scene