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 Library

Mid-20th Century English Ladders

Mid-Century English Mahogany 4-Step Library Folding Ladder with Brass Hinges

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Midcentury 72-Drawer Library Card Catalogs

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

Large Austrian Midcentury Leather and Brass Magazine Rack by Carl Auböck

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Midcentury Rosewood, Brass and Steel Desk

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Library Style Dark Espresso Stained Maple Dining Table Bro-Dart Vintage Modern

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Midcentury Rosewood Desk Mod. 530 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Cabinets

Mid-Century Brushed Steel Cabinet Console by Library Bureau Solemakers

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Industrial Brushed Steel Desk By Library Bureau Makers

Antique 19th Century Ladders

Mid 19th Century Library Steps

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tables

Robert Whitley Mid-Century Modern Library Table

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

Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Chrome Library Office Writing Desk

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Armchairs

Mid Century French Provincial Walnut Club Lounge Library Fauteuil Armchair

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Mid-Century Restored 40-Drawer Library Card Catalog

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Mid-Century Danish Library Table by Børge Mogensen

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Swivel Library, Italy, 1960s

Antique Early 19th Century English Victorian Center Tables

A Mid-Nineteenth Century Octagonal Library Table

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Table Lamps

Mid Century French Bouillotte Adjustable Brass Candlestick Library Desk Lamp

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Stools

Set of Mid-19th Century Mahogany Library Steps

Mid-20th Century Bookcases

Large Mid 20th Century French Oak Library Cabinet

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Mid-Century Adjustable Brass Library Reading Floor Lamp

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Tables

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Rustic Library Table

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Club Chairs

2 Mid Century French Provincial Walnut Downfilled Club Lounge Library Armchairs

Antique Mid-19th Century English Regency Footstools

Set of mid 19th century mahogany library steps

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Mid Century General Interiors Corp Orange Velvet Library Wingback Arm Chair

Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cabinets

Mid-Century Modern 25-Drawer Oak Library Card Catalog, Newly Refinished

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Mid Century Red Velvet Walnut Highback Library Club Lounge Arm Chair

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Modern Brown Vinyl Sculpted Wood Office Library Armchairs, a Pair

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs

Walnut Library Staircase, Mid 20th Century, Napoleon III.

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Mid Century Walnut 3 Tier Spiral Library Book Staircase Step Ladder Brass

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Antique Mid 19th Century Mahogany Gothic Library Bookcase

Antique 19th Century Armchairs

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Library Tub Back Chair

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Tables

Mid-20th Century Birch Library Table of Large Proportions

Antique 1850s English Regency Shelves

Set of mid 19th century mahogany library steps

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Modern Danish Skipper Mobler Maple Bentwood Club Library Arm Chair

Mid-20th Century English Regency Revival Ladders

Mid-Century English Mahogany Folding Library Steps with Brass Hinges

Mid-20th Century French Louis XIII Ladders

Mid-Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Metamorphic Library Steps

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

2 Mid Century Orange Barrel Back Tufted Nailhead Club Library Lawyer Arm Chairs

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wingback Chairs

Mid Century Art Deco Style Plaid Channel Wingback Club Library Arm Chair

Mid-20th Century Queen Anne Wingback Chairs

Mid Century Queen Anne Mahogany Library Club Wingback Arm Chair Floral Crewel

Mid-20th Century Empire Floor Lamps