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 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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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 Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration, Stunning Woman in Light Blue Dress, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration - Stylish Blonde Lady in White Dress, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration, Lady with Green Eyes in Admiration, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Beautiful Bride Child Portrait Scene, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s French Fashion Illustration, Elegant Three Women Face Portraits, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s French Fashion Illustration, Stunning Ballerina in White Dress, circa 1940s

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Museum-Quality Illustration of Rare Pacific Fish, Hand-Colored 1846

Mid-20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

1930 s Original Parisian Fashion Illustration Watercolor Black Oriental Dress, circa 1930s

1960s Photorealist Nude Paintings

Jon BlanchetteMid Century Nude Study, Reclining Figure on Blue Original Oil, 1959

1950s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Ben DenisonArnolt Bristol - Blue Sports Car Mid-Century Good Life - Playboy Cartoon, 1957

1950s Figurative Paintings

Bob PeakElegant Couple Shopping in Urban Street Scene - Magenta and Orange Mid-Century, 1959

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Vintage Fish Illustration – Sea Bass and Mottled Soapfish, Paris 1846

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print with Nine Illustrations of Various Lions and Leopards

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Children Asleep Under A Tree - Original Illustration for a book by C. Farrère, Mid 1900

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Raoul Dufy Hand Colored Illustration Pochoir From The Estate of CZ Guest

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

2001 Mary Lynn Blasutta Textile Shoe Shopper Fashion Illustrations Mixed Media

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

Kurt ArdBoy Dressed as an Indian Playing a Violin - Original Illustration

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Hanging Wall Art Decor possible Calendar or Zodiac Illustrations.

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Whimsical Paint Illustration of British Soldier in Wood Frame.

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Italian Foldable Magazine Rack in Walnut and Brass with Illustrations

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Edda Maxwell HeathMid Century Carmel Valley Figurative Landscape -- The Roadside Grocer, 1950

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Samuel George CahanVintage Illustration Judaica Painting, The Rabbi s (Men at Prayers)

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

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

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Antique Print of Arctic Chimaera Fish – Rare French Scientific Illustration 1845

1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Rose Marie Ansel"Mutual Admiration" Flower Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting Monterey Artist, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Stylish Blonde Lady In White Dress, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s French Fashion Illustration, Chic Lady In Blue Detailed Dress, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Gaston Hoffmann"Not True: Good Accounts Make Good Friends" Satirical French Illustration, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

1940 s Fashion Illustration, Three Elegant Women Walking Through The Park, circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century American Drawings

Charles Ellis 1922-2004 Original Churchill Downs Illustration, circa 1950s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

1930 s Original Parisian Fashion Illustration Watercolor Pink and Blue Dress, circa 1930s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Lady In Dashing Green Ball Dress, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Stunning Woman In Light Blue Dress, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s Fashion Illustration - Posed Lady In Vibrant Pink Dress, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Geneviève Thomas1940 s French Fashion Illustration - Elegant Three Women Face Portraits, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

French SchoolPair of Delicate Oval Watercolor Illustrations of Pastoral Still Life

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

L. HutchingsMountain Lake - Mid Century Modern Landscape with Heavy Impasto in Oil, 1965

Antique Mid-19th Century French Maps

Antique Map of Maine-et-Loire with Illustrations – Vuillemin c.1850

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Swedish 3-Door Elm Cabinet with Nordens Flora Illustrations, Josef Frank Style

1950s Post-War Abstract Paintings

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

Jon Blanchette
Mid Century Nude Study, Reclining Figure on Blue Original Oil, 1959

Ben Denison
Arnolt Bristol - Blue Sports Car Mid-Century Good Life - Playboy Cartoon, 1957

Bob Peak
Elegant Couple Shopping in Urban Street Scene - Magenta and Orange Mid-Century, 1959

Kurt Ard
Boy Dressed as an Indian Playing a Violin - Original Illustration

Edda Maxwell Heath
Mid Century Carmel Valley Figurative Landscape -- The Roadside Grocer, 1950

Samuel George Cahan
Vintage Illustration Judaica Painting, The Rabbi s (Men at Prayers)

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

Rose Marie Ansel
"Mutual Admiration" Flower Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting Monterey Artist, 1960s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Stylish Blonde Lady In White Dress, c. 1940 s

Gaston Hoffmann
"Not True: Good Accounts Make Good Friends" Satirical French Illustration, 1950s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Lady In Dashing Green Ball Dress, c. 1940 s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Stunning Woman In Light Blue Dress, c. 1940 s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Posed Lady In Vibrant Pink Dress, c. 1940 s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s French Fashion Illustration - Elegant Three Women Face Portraits, c. 1940 s

French School
Pair of Delicate Oval Watercolor Illustrations of Pastoral Still Life

L. Hutchings
Mountain Lake - Mid Century Modern Landscape with Heavy Impasto in Oil, 1965

Honora Berg
Mid Century Bay Area Figurative Original Oil Painting -- Motherhood, Circa 1950

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Modern Portrait of Woman in Green Dress Original Oil Painting, Circa 1960

Ze ev Raban
"Song of Songs Illustration", Pencil and Ink, Old Testament Story

Margaret Wherry Ziegler
Nude with Tree at El Capitan - Yosemite Mid Century Figurative Landscape, 1957

Josine Vignon
1950’s Fashion Illustration Original Painting Of A Chic Lady, 1960 s

Geneviève Thomas
1940 s Fashion Illustration - Three Elegant Women Walking Through The Park, c. 1940 s