Mid Century Formica
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1960s Danish Folding Campaign Side Table In Teak By Torsten Johansson For Bo Ex
By Torsten Johansson, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
the other in black formica, the top can be reversed depending on its use.
Its design has a clear
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Formica, Teak
Bremshey
Co. / Gerlinol Dinette Serving Trolley
Located in Bern, CH
Bremshey
Co. Germany Chromed steel folding frame with wood effect Formica surface. Practical
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal
$329 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Bremshey
Co. / Gerlinol Dinette Serving Trolley
Located in Bern, CH
Bremshey
Co. Dinette Chromed steel folding frame with wood effect Formica surface. Practical
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal
$329 Sale Price
25% Off
Martin Visser Wenge Table for
t Spectrum, Netherlands, Circa 1960s
By
t Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in San Antonio, TX
Dutch mid-century modern wenge wood rectangular table with formica top designed by Martin Visser
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Formica, Wenge
Bovenkamp Coffee Table, circa 1950
By Bovenkamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
iconic design aesthetic of the mid-century era. The formica top not only exudes a sleek and stylish look
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood
Furniture series Fitting by Piarotto, Years 60-70
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
formica, maniglie in alluminio ottonato.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Formica
$29,074 / item
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Formica
$32,706 / item
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Formica
$29,074 / item
Brazilian Modern File Cabinet Pair in Wood by Geraldo de Barros, c 1970, Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Hobjeto made in 1971 is awesome.
These handsome Mid-Century Modern pair is not only rare but convenient
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Formica, Hardwood
$8,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Lewis Butler Coffee Table for Knoll
By Knoll, Lewis Butler for Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lewis Butler for Knoll Formica Top Coffee Table. Design dates to the early 1950's, reintroduced by
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica, Walnut
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Formica
$48,062 / item
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
The soft, welcoming lines of this sofa spell comfort and flexibility. Circular, semi-circular and rectangular shapes alternate to create a dy...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Formica
$41,772 / item
Desk by Elmar Flototto
By Elmar Flötotto
Located in Brussels, BE
formica surface, showcasing the Profilsystem design. Its natural beech construction exemplifies mid
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
$4,509
Pair of Q BUS cabinets by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1960s
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice and multi functional rolling Cabinets . Manufactured By Dutch Design firm Pastoe . from the Q Bus series . 1960s
The system stands on 4 wheels each and is easily attach...
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Formica
Hauner
Eisler - Moveis Artesanal - Rare Pair of 1950s nest table in rosewood
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in São Paulo, SP
mid-1950s, is a rare and iconic example of modern Brazilian design. Made from solid rosewood, the
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking T...
Materials
Formica, Rosewood
Marcel Breuer b34 Chair 1930s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer B34 chair was made in Czechoslovakia in 1930 for Bata Snofmaner store.
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Formica
$2,456 Sale Price
20% Off
Celina Decorações Set of Nesting Tables
with Original Labels
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Washington, DC
Set of 3 vintage Brazilian nesting tables by Celina Decoracoes. Each table has original manufacturer's seal.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood
$5,480 Sale Price / set
20% Off
pair of GIO PONTI laminate wall cupboard doors with mirrors Hotel PdP Rome, 1964
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Principi in Rome, 1964
ash, formica-laminate- mirror
green-blu formica-laminate on the cover and white
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Mirror, Formica, Ash
Friso Kramer Revolt folding table Ahrend Netherlands 1955
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
design.
This particular table stands out with its rectangular off white Formica top and rare olive green
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1960s Reed
Barton Bar Beverage Service Tray
By Reed
Barton
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1960s Reed & Barton Round Service Tray Bar Beverage
wood formica and silver plate
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
Materials
Silver Plate
Cabinet
Prisma Collection
50s-60s with drawers
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
inserti in formica su differenti spessori. Elegante e ricco vano scrittoio in frassino con vani a giorno e
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1960
s Bremshey Gerlinol
Dinette
folding serving / drinks trolley
Located in Bern, CH
, Sollingen, Germany. Metal folding frame with formica wood effect tabletops. Perfect solution for storing
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Metal
Celina Decorações Bar Cart
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Washington, DC
rich Brazilian wood and Formica. A staple of mid-century Brazilian design, it was frequently featured
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Formica, Wood
$14,500
Tavolo Anni 60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Tavolo con base in metallo smaltato e piano in legno ricoperto in formica. Un tavolo da
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Metal
$890
Vintage Decorative Panel with an American Scene on a Wooden Board
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Italy, 1950s - 1960s.
This is a decorative panel with a printed formica layer on a wooden board.
It
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Formica, Wood
1970
s Variable Coffee Table, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage coffee table from former Czechoslovakia. The top can be flipped with yellow formica on one
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood
T Angle Coffee Table by Florence Knoll for Knoll International 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Early edition T Angle coffee table by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. Beautiful condition. The table still has the original creme colored rubber feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Pair of Atomic Expo Tripod Tables from Erdal, 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Pair of Atomic Expo Tripod Tables from Erdal, 1950s
plant holder table - side table - expo 58 - Tripod
True collector's items, this original 1950s tripod side tables by Erdal. Period...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Metal
Pierluigi Ghianda Vintage "Gabbiano" Table in Wood
By Pierluigi Ghianda
Located in Milano, IT
.
The structure is made of wood while its top is made of formica. The table is supported by 4
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,898 Sale Price
20% Off
Scrittoio degli Anni 50-60 restaurato
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
, piano ricoperto in formica. Completamente restaurato.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
Rare Restored Rattan Single Strand Tappered Leg Dining Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired Mid-century single-strand rattan dining table. The
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Rattan, Formica
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal/ Side Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table. Aluminum Base with a formica top and maple edge
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Metal
‘Saturnus’ Black Round Coffee Table by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, Finland, 1970s
By Haimi Oy, Yrjö Kukkapuro
Located in Karis, Nyland
this exceptional work.
The table features a generously sized black Formica top, paired with a bold
Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
$5,059 Sale Price
30% Off
Duotone Metal Desk by Marko, Blue and Gray, Two Drawers
By Marko, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
blue and gray finish that embodies mid-century utilitarian aesthetics. With its robust construction and
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Jazz Low Table Depicting Musical Instruments
Located in London, GB
A 1960s "Jazz" coffee table by Ward & Barker of Manchester.
Formica top depicting wind
Category
Mid-20th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
$2,259 Sale Price
21% Off
Tavolo Anni 60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
ricoperto in formica.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
$2,254
Ray Kappe RK5 Credenza in Red Oak / Teak by Original in Berlin, Germany, 2020
By Original in Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Teak veneered doors, formica sliding doors and red oak boards.
California Modernism is synonymous
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Formica, Oak, Teak
Coffee Table "Urio" by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Formica top.
Ico Parisi designer and MIM production (Mobili Italiani Moderni), Italia, 1950s. Label
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
$2,658 Sale Price
20% Off
DSS-TA Chair, Charles
Ray Eames, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Neuss, NW
fibreglass seat shell and a foldable table top made of Micarta and plywood with Formica coating in white
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian Vintage Desk in Style of Anonima Castelli
By Anonima Castelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid century desk in style of Anonima Castelli. Top is Formica, Oak veneer total of nine
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rare Freeform Coffee Table by Mauser Werke, 1950s
By Mauser Werke
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A rare coffee table produced by Mauser Werke Waldeck in Germany during the 1950s. The freeform shape of the top and curved tubular steel legs make this a very playful design. Rarely ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
‘Saturnus’ Black Square Side Table by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, Finland, 1970s
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Haimi Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A sculptural side table from Yrjö Kukkapuro’s ‘Saturnus’ series, produced by Haimi in the 1970s. The table features a square top with rounded corners set on a boldly flared pedestal ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Metal
Small Desk 1950s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio con sotto piano, legno di faggio tinto e piano in legno ricoperto in formica.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
$830
Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
is crafted from steel, and it boasts a Formica top that is in good shape for its age. There is one
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
3 Breuer Designed Tables Made in Finland by Stendig 1 End Table 2 Coffee Tables
By Stendig Co., Marcel Breuer
Located in New York, NY
good, original condition, clean and ready to use.
Formica laminate tops, tubular chrome legs
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
$3,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Midcentury Two-Tier Eiffel Tower Brass Sculptural Cocktail Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid Century era 2 tier Eiffel Tower sculptural side table made with a black painted solid brass
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Table in Oak Brass and Red Laminate Italian Manifacture 1950s Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Large table or desk with structure in oak wood, tabletop in red laminate and brass details.
Designe by Gio Ponti for Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, Italian manufacture from the 1950s.
...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Brass
Chest of drawers by Jiri Jiroutek – Czechoslovakia 1962
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Girona, Girona
fronts covered with pink, black and grey-white Formica. Original label on the back.
Model U453
Design
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Plastic, Formica, Oak
80s Classic Sideboard
Located in Neuss, NW
surface is coated with cream white Formica
Quality Features:
very good workmanship
high-quality materials
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Formica, Oak
$3,026
Maurice Burke Arkana Surfboard Coffee Table
By Burke, Inc., Eero Saarinen
Located in Chicago, IL
Scarce Maurice Burke for Arkana, England surfboard coffee table. Possibly a custom formica top with
Category
20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica
Harvey Probber Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harvey Probber Credenza with 2 vinyl and brass sliding doors and pull out drawers. Formica Top is
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
$2,400
Rare Decorative Sideboard by Jos De Mey for Luxus, 1950s
By Jos De Mey, Luxus Kortrijk
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Absolutely stunning sideboard designed by Jos De Mey for Luxus (Kortrijk) during the 1950s. These early fifties designs by De Mey are very hard to find and less known than his work f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass, Steel
Rectangular coffee table – Italy 1960
Located in Girona, Girona
strut, two drawers acting as trays covered in red Formica opening at both ends, brass details, shellac
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Rosewood Lazy Susan Rotating Coffee Table, 1968
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
coffee (or tea) table would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Danish Modern home
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Formica
$11,400 Sale Price
24% Off
T1 Tangram Dining Table by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax, 1954
By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
frame is made of black painted metal, the top is covered with light mint green formica.
This table is in
Category
Vintage 1940s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Steel
Small desk in solid sapele – France 1960
Located in Girona, Girona
Small desk in solid sapele with waxed finishing and original burgundy red formica, chrome bar on
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Sapele Wood
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Mid Century Formica For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century formica for your home. Frequently made of laminate, formica and wood, every mid century formica was constructed with great care. Find 1192 options for an antique or vintage mid century formica now, or shop our selection of 3 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mid century formica you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century formica, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one mid century formica that is appealing in its simplicity, but Herman Miller, George Nelson and Cees Braakman produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Mid Century Formica?
Prices for a mid century formica can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $165 and can go as high as $55,271, while the average can fetch as much as $2,162.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Questions About Mid Century Formica
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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.
- What does mid century mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
- What is a mid-century chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A 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.
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- What is mid-century jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- What is a mid-century sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A 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.
- What is mid-century artwork?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- What is mid century decor?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-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.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To 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.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most 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.
- Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The 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. - 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The 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.
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