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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Etagere

Mid-20th Century Shelves

Vintage Bamboo Rattan Decorative Shelf Etagere Bookcase, 1950s-1970s

Antique Mid-19th Century Shelves

Antique Victorian Rosewood Etagere with Reticulated Graduated Carved Shelving

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Shelves

English Oak Etagere or Open Shelves, circa 1850

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Vintage Arched Rattan Tall Etagere - Woven Wicker Bookshelf, 1970s

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Pair of Deep Profile Chrome and Lucite Étagères Shelves

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Collectible Open Etagere Shelving Unit Late 1940s Northwest Chair Company

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Glass Étagère with Five Shelves

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Chrome and Glass Étagère or Shelving or Display

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Vintage Brass Etagere in the Style of Milo Baughman

Mid-20th Century French Shelves

Art Deco Etagere Display Shelf By Siegel, France 1930

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Lucite Stainless Steel Etagere By Amparo Calderon Tapia

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Vintage MCM Oak Frame Smoked Glass Etagere Display Shelf Bookcase

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Charles Hollis Jones "Treillage" Brass and Glass Etagere

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Large Scale 1970s Woven Rattan Wrapped Modernist Étagère

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Fine Polished Brass Three-Tiered Etagere Side/Cocktail Table

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Grande bibliothèque étagère vintage en rotin des années 60

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Faux Bamboo Etagere with Four Shelves and Mate Chrome Finished

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Chiseled Edge Green Glass Etagere Vitrine Table after Max Ingrand

Antique Mid-19th Century English Magazine Racks and Stands

Antique English Mahogany Etagere with Lectern, Circa 1840-1860

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Bamboo Leather Figural 13" Square Profile Dome Shape Etagere MINT

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Lucite, Brass Nickel Etagere by Charles Hollis Jones, Metric Collection

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Chrome and Glass Etagere Attributed to Milo Baughman, 1970s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Custom Lucite and Chrome Étagère by Charles Hollis Jones

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Raffia Cloth Finished Rounded Angles Étagère Display Unit Glass Shelves

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Frederick Weinberg Iron White Enamel Shelves Etagere Wall Unit

Mid-20th Century Regency Shelves

Vintage Billy Baldwin Brass Etagere With Green Lacquered Shelves

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Midcentury Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker Bookcase or Etagere, Italy 1960s

Antique Mid-19th Century English Shelves

Antique English Rosewood 3 Tier Shelf Etagere, Circa 1850-1860.

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Paul Evans Custom Cityscape Etageres with Lighting, Signed, c. 1970s

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Design Institute of America (DIA) Chrome Plated Steel Etagere

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

1970s Brass Faux Bamboo Etagere Unit, Hollywood Regency 1980s

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Organic Modern Shelves

Pair of Vintage Organic Modern Restored Braid Rattan Etagere Shelves

Mid-20th Century Shelves

Pair of Jansen Style Etageres With Reeded Brass and Glass

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Petit Compact Class and Brass 4-Tier Étagère Shelf Bookcase

Mid-20th Century French Bookcases

French Maison Jansen Manner Etagere with Black Glass and Brass

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Brass etagere from the 1970s, Maison Jansen style

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Carts and Bar Carts

Large French Three-Tier Serving Bar Cart Etagere Trolley

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Faux Goatskin Display Etagere Bar Cabinets by JOHN STUART

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Large Chrome and Glass Greek Key Étagère Baughman Style

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves