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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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 Illustrations

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Joshua Charles ArmitageMr Punch - How to Grow Tobacco - Original ink 20th Century British illustration, c.1950

1950s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Peggie BachHappy California Prune Farmers - Female Illustrator - Mid Century, 1950s

1950s Feminist Figurative Paintings

Mary BlairBaby s House Kitchen Interior - Woman Illustrator Mid-Century, 1950

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Henryk DzienczarskiMid Century Figurative Seascape with Sailboats, 1956

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

1950 s Swedish Dresser with Nordens Flora Illustrations

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Prints

Gaston HoffmannSatirical French Illustration of Man and Woman, 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Genevieve RogersDriftwood on the Beach, Mid Century Coastal Landscape, c.1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

1950 s Swedish Dresser with Nordens Flora Illustrations

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Prints

Gaston Hoffmann"The Blatant Mortal Sin" - Satirical French Illustration

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration, Lady in Chic Headscarf, circa 1940s

1960s Mixed Media

Ben DenisonRed Corvette, Hot Car - Playboy Cartoon - Mid-Century, 1961

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Outsider and Self Taught Art

Vintage Everlast Boxing Punching Bag with Folk Art Illustration

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Margot Wilson LoweMid Century Northern California Mountain Lake Landscape, 1950s

1960s Fauvist Landscape Paintings

R. StephensMid Century Fauvist Swiss Lake Village Landscape, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

1950’s Swedish Cabinet With Nordens Flora Illustrations

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century High Sierra Mountains Landscape, Circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Other Art Style Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Ze ev Raban"Song of Songs Illustration" Old Testament, Watercolor

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Honora BergMid Century Abstract Impressionist Monterey Bay Kelp Forest, c 1960

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Don HannanMid Century Coastal Clouds Sunrise Seascape, 1960

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fred Darge"Study of Crickets" Green and Brown Abstract Watercolor Illustration of Crickets, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Prints and Multiples

Maurice DenisIllustration from Poemes, Surrealist Lithograph by Maurice Denis, 1939

Antique Mid-19th Century German Bauhaus Prints

Vintage Botanical Mushroom Illustration, by E. Hochdanz, Stuttgart, Germany

Antique Mid-19th Century German Bauhaus Prints

Vintage Botanical Mushroom Illustration, by E. Hochdanz, Stuttgart, Germany

1950s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Zeke ZinerRomance Love Triangle on Fishing Boat - Mid-Century, 1957

Mid-20th Century Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Jack DavisAuburn University Tigers Football Illustration; Original Art

1950s Nude Paintings

Victor KalinSteamy Romance Lovers Embrace in Bed - Mid Century Paperback, 1959

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid Century Boat Docks Pacific Grove Landscape, 1950

1950s Post-War Landscape Paintings

Max FischelMid Century Santa Barbara Eucalyptus and River Landscape, 1953

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Eve Sheldon-Williams1950s British Fashion illustration by Eve Sheldon-Williams, circa 1950

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century Slovakian Village by the Lake, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Zack BrownZack Brown "Thieves Carnival" Costume Illustration c.1967, 1967

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - The Two Elegant Brides, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Four Brides Holding Candles, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration - Beautiful Bride Child Portrait Scene, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Anita JohnsonMid-Century Modern American Oil Painting Abstract Female artist black and white, 1960

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Mixed Media

Vintage Mixed Media American Cityscape Illustration c.1960s, Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century French Books

La Bible “Illustrations for the Bible” by Marc Chagall

1950s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Dancing Dogs , Impressionist Mid-century Circus Scene, Banjo Man, Acrobat, Circa 1955

1960s Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Gianni RennaHigh Drama Adventure Scene - Italian Illustrator Mid-Century Jules Verne, 1963

1950s American Modern Portrait Paintings

Joshua Charles Armitage
Mr Punch - How to Grow Tobacco - Original ink 20th Century British illustration, c.1950

Peggie Bach
Happy California Prune Farmers - Female Illustrator - Mid Century, 1950s

Mary Blair
Baby s House Kitchen Interior - Woman Illustrator Mid-Century, 1950

Henryk Dzienczarski
Mid Century Figurative Seascape with Sailboats, 1956

Gaston Hoffmann
Satirical French Illustration of Man and Woman, 1950s

Genevieve Rogers
Driftwood on the Beach, Mid Century Coastal Landscape, c.1960s

Gaston Hoffmann
"The Blatant Mortal Sin" - Satirical French Illustration

Ben Denison
Red Corvette, Hot Car - Playboy Cartoon - Mid-Century, 1961

Margot Wilson Lowe
Mid Century Northern California Mountain Lake Landscape, 1950s

R. Stephens
Mid Century Fauvist Swiss Lake Village Landscape, c.1960

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century High Sierra Mountains Landscape, Circa 1960s

Ze ev Raban
"Song of Songs Illustration" Old Testament, Watercolor

Honora Berg
Mid Century Abstract Impressionist Monterey Bay Kelp Forest, c 1960

Don Hannan
Mid Century Coastal Clouds Sunrise Seascape, 1960

Fred Darge
"Study of Crickets" Green and Brown Abstract Watercolor Illustration of Crickets, Mid-20th Century

Maurice Denis
Illustration from Poemes, Surrealist Lithograph by Maurice Denis, 1939

Zeke Ziner
Romance Love Triangle on Fishing Boat - Mid-Century, 1957

Jack Davis
Auburn University Tigers Football Illustration; Original Art

Victor Kalin
Steamy Romance Lovers Embrace in Bed - Mid Century Paperback, 1959

Max Fischel
Mid Century Santa Barbara Eucalyptus and River Landscape, 1953

Eve Sheldon-Williams
1950s British Fashion illustration by Eve Sheldon-Williams, circa 1950

Zack Brown
Zack Brown "Thieves Carnival" Costume Illustration c.1967, 1967

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - The Two Elegant Brides, c. 1940 s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Four Brides Holding Candles, c. 1940 s

Anita Johnson
Mid-Century Modern American Oil Painting Abstract Female artist black and white, 1960

Gianni Renna
High Drama Adventure Scene - Italian Illustrator Mid-Century Jules Verne, 1963

Coby Whitmore
Mid Century Blond Beauty Make Up the Airport Customs, 1960

Kalakewich
Mid Century Oil Painting, South Lake Tahoe in Winter, 1962

Toma Yovanovich
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Still Life Oil Painting, 1960 s

Pearl Frush
Pin Up Girl in Red Dress, Mid-Century, Female Artist, 1945

Maurice Freed
Humorous Illustration of a Stock Trader by Maurice Freed, c. 1940

Brady
Original Army Military Poster and Magazine Illustration of 26th US Infantry, c. 1960

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Beautiful Bride Child Portrait Scene, c. 1940 s

Emma Heinzelmann
Original Graphic Hungarian Illustration Art Emma Heinzelmann Children s Book Art, c.1950-1970 s

Emma Heinzelmann
Original Graphic Hungarian Illustration Art Emma Heinzelmann Children s Book Art, c.1950-1970 s