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 Kidney

2010s Modern Abstract Paintings

Ryan RivadeneyraTranslucent Teal Kidney Pools, Mid-Century Shapes and Layers in Cold Blue Tones, 2021

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks

Fine 19th Century Mahogany Kidney Shaped Pedestal Desk

20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Mid Century Tiki Atomic Age Kidney Shape Monkey Pod Wood Catch It All Bowl

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

French 1950s Kidney Shape Commode

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Kidney Shaped Coffee Table

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

Atomic Modern Coffee Table with Sculptural Kidney-Form

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Gampel and Stoll Kidney Shaped Elephant Desk

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Kidney Shaped Cork and Oak Coffee Table

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Quartet of Glass Kidney Shaped Tables

Mid-20th Century Spanish Louis XV Night Stands

20th Century Pair of Mahogany Nightstands with Kidney Shape and Two Drawers

Antique Mid-19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century French Kidney-shaped Veneer Writing Desk with Brown Leather Top

Mid-20th Century Unknown Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage French Regency Cherry Wood "Kidney Bean" Desk Console Table w/ Drawer

Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Pillows and Throws

Striped Wool Mexican Weaving Elongated Kidney Pillows

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Side Tables

Italian Hollywood Regency Gold Rope Tassel Kidney Shape Mirror Top Side Table

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Side Tables

Maison Ramsay Marble Brass Kidney Shaped Side Table

Mid-20th Century Danish Side Tables

Danish Edmund Jorgensen Walnut Kidney Shape Side Table

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

Jens Risom Danish Kidney-Shaped Beige Mica and Walnut Cocktail / Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1970s Biege Plaster Textured Sculptural Kidney Coffee Table

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

Organic Kidney Shape Faux Marble Finish Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Side Tables

French Kidney-Shaped Side Table Louis XVI Style

Mid-20th Century American Other Desks

Ruder Brothers New York Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Kidney Desk

Mid-20th Century American Regency Candle Stands

Ferguson Bros. Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Galleried Kidney Candle Stand

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage Postmodern Adrian Pearsall Kidney Shaped Cloud Sofa For Upholstery

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Stunning Pair of Curved Kidney Shaped Sofa Midcentury

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

Spanish Colonial Carved Wood Kidney Shape Coffee Table, 1950s

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

Vintage Post Modern Kidney Freeform Biomorphic Coffee Table Maitland Smith

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Conference Tables

1950s Oak Glass Kidney Biomorphic Coffee Table, Noguchi Style

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Vladimir Kagan Kidney Desk with Credenza in Tawi Wood

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Vanities

1940s Two-Drawer Continental Marquetry Mahogany Kidney Dressing Table

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

Richard Hohenberg Boomerang Kidney Form Walnut and Tile Top Coffee Table

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Unusual Pair of Weiman Ruched Kidney Shaped Curved Sofa

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Modernist Miniature s, Kidney Shaped Bowls from Nymolle, Denmark, 1960s

Vintage 1970s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Vintage Maitland Smith Decorative Tessellated Stone Kidney Shaped Box Keepsake

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Handblown Cherry Red Biomorphic Kidney Murano Glass Ring Tray

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Pair of Large Kidney Shape Silk Upholstery Sofas c1970s Custom Design

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Kidney-shaped design desk by C. F. Christensen Silkeborg, Denmark 1970

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Large Kidney Shaped Side Table, vintage 50s inspired, Geometric Pattern

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Kidney, ca. 1900

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Antique Italian Kidney Shaped Inlay Walnut Burl Wood Writing Desk Table

Mid-20th Century Empire Serving Tables

Ryan Rivadeneyra
Translucent Teal Kidney Pools, Mid-Century Shapes and Layers in Cold Blue Tones, 2021