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 Finials

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Pair of Gilt Carved Wood X-Bases Benches with Lion Head Finials

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Oval Glass and Brass Coffee Table with Finials Circular Base Stretchers

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Small Chair, Rush Seat and Ball Finials, Attributed to Charles Dudouyt, France

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Wonderful Pair Of Square Rock Crystal Lamp Shade Finials Modern Transitional

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Oval Racetrack Top Shape Solid Brass Console Table with Swan Motive Finials

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

"La source murmure sans fin même ton Amour” Box, Line Vautrin France

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Large Brass Oval Coffee Center Table X-Base Stretchers Rams Head Finials Hoof

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Rare 1950s Woodard Wrought Iron Mesh Tub Chairs Table, Aluminum Ball Finials

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Flush Mount

Gilt Bronze Finish Flush Mount with Inset "Jewel" Elements and Drop Finial

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Stylish and Rare Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Parabolic Fin Lamps

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair New Textured Smoky Murano Glass Fan-Shaped Sconces With Black Finial

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Table Lamps

Scandinavian Art Deco Table Lamp With Chrome Shade And Solid Brass Finial

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Restored Pair of Vintage Limestone and Lucite Lamps with Blown Glass Finials

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Maison Baguès Pair of Side Tables with Two Leather Top Shelves and Acorn Finials

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1950s Widdicomb Fin-Leg Red Marble Coffee Table Ski Chalet CabinModern Rustic

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Tall Gordon and Jane Martz Ceramic Table Lamp with Shade and Finial

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

Sphere Shape French Vintage Cut Crystal Ball Table Lamp with Crystal Finial

Mid-20th Century Table Lamps

Pair of Frederick Cooper for Tyndale Decorative Brass Lamps with Finials, 1950s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Wrough Iron Round White Marble Top Dining Table 6 Chairs w/ Brass Finials Set

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Side Chairs

Pair of Gilt Iron Chairs Crown or Harlequin Style Ball Finials Art Deco

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large Gordon and Jane Martz Gray Ceramic Table Lamp with Shade and Finial

Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Fireplaces and Mantels

French Four Panel Molded Edge Ball Finial Folding Fire Place Screen, Circa 1840

Vintage 1970s Brutalist Table Lamps

Mid Century Brutalist Sculptural Table Lamps by Laurel Lamp Co.

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Handblown Murano Glass Vase in Ombre Tones of Rose and Chambord

Antique Mid-19th Century Persian Bohemian Table Lamps

2nd Half 19th Century Bohemian Blown Cut Glass Decanter, Now as a Lamp

Antique Late 19th Century Czech Bohemian Table Lamps

2nd Half 19th Century Bohemian Vaseline Glass Lamp

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

1960s Pair Vintage Metal Pineapple Table Lamps Antique Bronze Finish

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Rare 1950s Moss Radio Lamp, Woman with Poodle, Working Radio, B W Acrylic

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Cenedese Murano Vintage Red Silver Leaf Italian Art Glass Decorative Fish Bowl

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Stiffel Porcelain and Brass Ostrich Egg Table Lamp

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Flush Mount

Art Deco Flush Mount, Blue Marbled Opaline Glass, Germany 1920s to 1930s

Antique 19th Century Table Lamps

Mid 19th Century Pair of French Gatepost Finial Lamps

Antique 19th Century French Table Lamps

A pair of Mid-19th century French Zinc Finial Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

"Fin, " Studio-Built Table Lamps by Roberto Giulio Rida

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

"Fin, " Studio-Built Table Lamps by Roberto Giulio Rida

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-century Ceramic Table Lamp

Vintage 1950s Garden Ornaments

Mid Century Marble Finial

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-20th Century Tole Pineapple Finials

Mid-20th Century Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-20th Century Round Giltwood Lamps with Matching Finials

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps