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 La

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Vase, by BLAIN "La Borne"

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

La Borne 20th century design stoneware ceramic vase or bottle 1970 B. Delfosse

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Paul Lucien DessauLa Place de Concorde Lithograph, Signed, 92/220, Mid-20th Century, mid 20th Century

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

20th Century Design Stoneware Ceramic Cylinder by Bernard Prigent La Borne, 1970

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp XXth Century Design La Borne Unique Piece

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Modern Murano glass pendant light Fazzoletto Handkerchief swirl

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Rare Pair of Triangular Sconces by La Murrina

Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Paul GavarniLa Soeur D Armand - Lithograph By Paul Gavarni - mid 19th century, mid 19th century

Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Paul GavarniLa Gardien des Scelles - Lithograph By Paul Gavarni - mid 19th century, mid 19th century

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

20th century design brown stoneware ceramic pitcher by JP Turpin La Borne 1970

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

c1960s Large 37x61 Rectangle Solid Aluminum Frame Mid Century Modern Wall Mirror

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

20th Century Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp by La Borne Potters 1970 Design

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

La VilletteButcher s Shop - Original Etching by La Villette - 1957, 1957

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Murano Glass Table Lamp by La Murrina Italy 1970s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Black and grey 20th century design ceramic plate or bowl vide-poche La Borne

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

La Murrina, Vintage large Murano glass chandelier from 70s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Xl La Murrina Pendant Light in Murano Glass, 1970s

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vases

20th century art deco red and black ceramic vase by Alexandre Foucher La Borne

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Vintage 20th Century Black and Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp by La Borne

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Blue Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp by La Borne Potter Jacques Vilain 20th Century

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Black and brown design 20th century stoneware ceramic vase La Borne 1970 signed

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

La Borne 1970 20th Century Brown and Abstract Ceramic Decorative Box or Jewelry

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

20th century modernist grey stoneware ceramic vase by Armand Bedu La Borne 1940

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Mino MaccariCherchez la Femme - Woodcut Print by Mino Maccari - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Two 1970s Mid-Century Modern Clear and Brown Petal Murano Glass Wall Sconces

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

20th century art deco wood imitation ceramic vase by J Talbot La Borne 1940

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Bindel La Borne Abstract Blue and Grey Ceramic Table Lamp XXth Century Lighting

Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Doucement la Mère-Lithograph after Nicolas Toussaint Charlet - mid-19th century, Mid-19th Century

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vases

Lucien Talbot La Borne art deco 1940 grey stoneware ceramic vase 20th century

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

1970s Multicoloured Vintage Murano glas Pendant light by La Murrina

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Murano Card Holder Signed La Murrina from the 1970s

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

20th century brown stoneware ceramic table lamp by La Borne potter unique piece

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

20th century yellow stoneware ceramic table lamp by Lucien Talbot La Borne 1940

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Vintage murano wall lamp Seashell by "La Murrina", Italy 1980s

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Pair of 20th century brown ceramic bowls by Askett La Borne design 1970

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...

20th century brown stoneware ceramic dish or bowl realised in La Borne 1970

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Large 20th Century Grey Stoneware Ceramic Vase Bottle by La Borne Potters Unique

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

art deco 20th century black and brown ceramic panther sculpture by Kapi La Borne

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Rare Pair of Large Wing Sconces by La Murrina

1970s Contemporary Abstract Prints

Paul Lucien Dessau
La Place de Concorde Lithograph, Signed, 92/220, Mid-20th Century, mid 20th Century

Paul Gavarni
La Soeur D Armand - Lithograph By Paul Gavarni - mid 19th century, mid 19th century

Paul Gavarni
La Gardien des Scelles - Lithograph By Paul Gavarni - mid 19th century, mid 19th century

La Villette
Butcher s Shop - Original Etching by La Villette - 1957, 1957

Mino Maccari
Cherchez la Femme - Woodcut Print by Mino Maccari - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Fernand Boilauges
La Famille au Bord de la Rivière - Mid 20th Century French Naïf Oil Painting, c.1970

La Redoute
La Redoute French Vintage Set of 6 Roses Flower Prints - Ideal Interiors Set, 20th century