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Optical Methacrylate light sculpture, France 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Unique optical methacrylate light sculpture, France 1970s. Wonderful dimensional light sculpture composed of multiple methacrylate pieces, the pieces are dynamically positioned in a ...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Paolo Soleri Ceramic Bell
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri c.1960's, USA. This bell features varying nautical creatures around the ceramic bell with a triangular metal clapper representing a fish tail. The bell h...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950s Kinetic Modernist Sculpture Machine by Engel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950's kinetic art sculpture, possibly created by Jules Engel of Los Angeles and very reminiscent of artworks by Jean Tinguely. Sculpture measures 35" in height by 21" wide by 15" d...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi, Italy 1963
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Important kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi (Milan, 1934), Italy, 1963. This work is one of the most significant pieces by Giovanni Anceschi: a 'magic...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Small ‘Mouse’ Stabile Sculpture by Margery Kahn 1950
By Margery Kahn
Located in Wiscasset, ME
the mid-20th century at the Met in NYC.
Category

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...

Materials

Metal

Grazia Varisco Kinetic Light artwork Schemi luminosi variabili , Italy 1962
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Rare and important Kinetic light artwork by Grazia Varisco (Milan 1937), Italy 1962. Intriguing work which shows a continuously changing ray of light streams, glittering like stars i...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Patriotic Flag Whirligig
Located in Lancaster, PA
Celebrate American craftsmanship with this charming c. 1940 patriotic whirligig. Crafted from wood and metal, this delightful piece features two men and an American flag, capturing a...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Paint

Rotating transparent acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, Argentina 1969
By Rogelio Polesello
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Transparent acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, with a moving cubic center. This particular piece plays with optical illusion due to transparency and light bounces. A little abou...
Category

20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Invertible Cube Signed, Colored and Handmade by Paul Schatz, 1898-1979
By Paul Schatz
Located in Munster, NRW
councillor and owner of a small engineering works. The technological achievements of the new century, in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Paper

Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
By Joseph Meerbott 1
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful enameled metal kinetic sculpture by Joseph Meerbott. In two pieces, some minor loss to enamel.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculp...

Materials

Metal

Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
$4,200 Sale Price
30% Off
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod Sounding Chess / B-2466 Copper Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod B-2700 Brass, Copper Silver Sound Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Large Bertoia Studios 24-Rod Star of Sound / B-2482 Copper Brass Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 24-rod 'Star of Sound B-2482' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod Time-Change through Sound B-2348 Brass Sculpture
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-rod 'Time-Change Through sound B-2348' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Art Deco WWII Military Strategy Chalk Teaching Globe on Stand by Denoyer-Geppert
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare art deco WWII military strategy chalk teaching globe by Denoyer-Geppert with period chrome stand, circa 1940s. The globe is in good condition with original paint; there are seve...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Chrome, Steel

1970 s Charles Taylor Large Modernist Kinetic Sculpture
By Charles Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous 1970's modernist large Kinetic aluminum sculpture designed by Charles Taylor Model #450 in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Danish Modern Blue and Green Kinetic Ball Sculpture
By Laurids Lonborg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vintage kinetic ball sculpture in the style of Laurids Lonborg, a Danish housewares and decorative objects powerhouse. Black metal base and stem, silver metal wires, and green and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Bronze Cosanti Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a great sound. Signed. A unique piece from a celebrated artist. Unique attribute to thi...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find a rare vintage wood measuring stick by Lenner.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

1970s Formula 1 Car Sculpture Made with Assorted Old Mechanical Metal Pieces
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Formula 1 car sculpture made with assorted old mechanical metal pieces: cars, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design
By Huffy Corp.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design.. Amazing design,, All original,, Nice condition,,great riding bike,, probably can use a good tune up..
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
display it on your wall, use it as a mobile to bring color to a child's room, or incorporate it into your
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Torch Cut Floral Arrangement from Brotman s Sausalito
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Hanover, MA
Torch cut brass and mixed metal kinetic floral spray in the style of Curtis Jere retailed through Brotman's Village Fair in Sausalito, CA circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Scultura cinetica italiana modern in plastica gialla di Franco Costalonga 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Scultura cinetica composta da un tubolare in plastica giallo senape e una sfera con all’interno una bacchetta di radio che genera fasci di colore giallo. Realizzata da Franco Costalo...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Plastic

Albert Chubac, Important Geometric Sculpture, France, circa 1960
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Lola Gassin's in Nice, in galleries in Nice - 1990: he made four mobiles for the MAMAC in Nice
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Modern Complex Tools Group Sculpture Welded Tools
By Feliciano Béjar
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Modern sculpture of real and old welded together tools. In style of Feliciano Bejar.  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

1970s Tank with Cannon Sculpture Made with Assorted Old Mechanical Metal Pieces
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s tank with cannon sculpture made with assorted old mechanical metal pieces: cars, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.  
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

1970s Helicopter Sculpture Made with Assorted Old Mechanical Metal Pieces
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s helicopter sculpture made with assorted old mechanical metal pieces: cars, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.  
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Table Top Acrylic Spray Sculpture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Fun table top kinetic acrylic and wire spray with small brass tips. Cube measures 2.25" with the diameter of the spray reaching out to 32" diameter. Top on arches measure around 11"....
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Albert Chubac, Sculpture, "TOTEM", Painted Iron, circa 1980, France
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
made four mobiles for the MAMAC in Nice, Exhibitions at the Galerie François Moulin in Lyon and Golden
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Albert Chubac, Cinetic Sculpture, "Cage", Painted Iron, circa 1980, France
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
made four mobiles for the MAMAC in Nice, Exhibitions at the Galerie François Moulin in Lyon and Golden
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Six Blenko Glass Zodiac Box
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Set of Blenko art glass zodiac plaques. Being sold individually. There are: 2 Taurus 1 Aries 2 Cancer 1 Libra.  
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Italian Vintage Green Wooden Door from Capri
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful Italian wooden door from Capri belonging to the 1960s, in a beautiful rustic chic style. The door is a classic rectangular door, but lower than the current norm because ho...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Acrylic Sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, Argentina, 1969
By Rogelio Polesello
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, Argentina, 1969. Untitled, both with magnifying acrylic effect. Iron base. Dimensions of each one: 220 cm height, 88 cm width, 5 cm ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass
Located in Milano, IT
A splendid 1980s sculpture designed and produced by the great painter Meloniski from Villacidro. The painter Meloniski was born in Villacidro in 1943. Completely self-taught, the Sar...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Beautiful Bronze Bell by Paolo Soleri
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful bronze Cosanti bell by Paolo Soleri. Uncommon shape and design. Fantastic patina and a great sound. Signed. A unique piece from a celebrated artist. Unique attribute to thi...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare Bill Curry Cattail Room Divider / Sculpture for Design Line 29 Cattails
By Bill Curry Design Line
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare Cattail Sculpture / Room divider designed by Bill Curry for Design Line,,Featuring 29 metal rods with beautifully shaped and painted oval tops..Amazing colors ,, shade...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Curtis C Jere Brass Spray Sculpture on Marble Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Wayne, NJ
Large Curtis C Jere brass spray sculpture on marble base ribbon forms with rods. Unsigned. many times from cleaning, the signature gets worn off through the years.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

Harry Bertoia Gold Plated Bronze Diagonal Double Tonal Sonambient Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sculptor and Artist Harry Bertoia gold plated bronze Sonambient sculpture, diagonal double tonal, circa 1965. Two groupings of thin rods at different angles on poured slab of bronze....
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Royal Dutch Navy Grumman Avanger TBM3 1960 Airplane Model
Located in Weesp, NL
Big and beautiful 1960 Grumman Avenger TBM3 Royal Dutch Navy airplane model. This beautiful replica once flew with remote control and it comes without remote control. It has not been...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Vintage 1960s Modernist Inspired Handcrafted Hanging Wall Sculpture/Room Divider
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1960s Modernist inspired handcrafted hanging wall sculpture / room divider by New Zealand Artist Andrew Reid. circa 1990s. Features a combination of geometric shapes with ro...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wire

Paul A. Lobel Sterling Fisherman Kinetic Sculpture
By Paul Lobel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul A. Lobel (1899-1983) modernist silversmith, sculptor and artist. Lobel sold his jewelry and art at his Greenwich village shop in the 1940s and 1950s. This two-piece sterling Kin...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kinetic Reeds Sculpture Incised Concrete Base Vintage 1950s Studio Craft
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Interesting kinetic tall grass / reeds sculpture on impressed or molded base. Fair vintage condition, showing wear to base. Measures: Base is W 6½ x D 6 in. Total height is 34 in.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Bronze and Aluminum Sculpture "The Flame"
Located in New York, NY
Bronze and aluminum sculpture and brass, rotating, "the flame." Nameless.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Bronze

William Bowie Kinetic Sculpture
By William Bowie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s Bowie Brutalist work composed of patinated steel rods and braze welded masonry nails with gilt decoration which fan out to create a free-form / moving sculpture. The cluster of...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Steel

Monumental Modernist Mixed Metal Kinetic Floor Sculpture by Irving Lehman
By Irving George Lehman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Titled Galaxy 79, which I believe to be the year? Amazing mixed metal sculpture, consisting of copper, brass, aluminum steel and wood. Aluminum frame consisting of five moving abstra...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Cut Steel, Aluminum

Set of 4 Chairs by Sorgente del Mobile, 70s
By La Sorgente del Mobile
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Introducing a set of 4 vintage chairs of exceptional quality, produced by Sorgente del Mobile, a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Mobile Statue - Drawing by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century
By Mino Maccari
Located in Roma, IT
Mobile Statue is a china ink drawing realized by Mino Maccari  (1924-1989) in the Mid-20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

Mid 20th century Scandinavian steel mobile clothes rail
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century scandinavian steel mobile clothes rail circa 1960. Tubular frame with leather
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Industrial Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Steel

Mobile Arm Tattoo, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
20th century arm, tattooed with a mobile ethnic tattoo in wood. H: 40cm, W: 10cm, D: 10cm Contact
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Mobile Bar Cabinet with Sculptural Base, 1950s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Sculptural mid-century modern mobile bar cabinet featuring an architectural arched pedestal base
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

1960s Danish Teak Turntable Cabinet - Mid-Century Modern
Located in Torino, IT
Questo mobile giradischi in teak degli anni Sessanta è un autentico esempio di design danese Mid
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Teak

Angelo Mangiarotti for La Sorgente del Mobile Programma S11 Extendable Round Dining Table
By Angelo Mangiarotti, La Sorgente del Mobile
Located in Waalwijk, NL
broader themes in mid-century modern architecture – especially the articulation of load-bearing structures
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 Programma S11 Chairs by Angelo Mangiarotti for Sorgente del Mobile, 70s
By La Sorgente del Mobile, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Add a touch of Italian mid-century elegance to your dining space with this Set of 4 Dining Chairs
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Kinnarps mobile Drawer units for office - Circa 1970
By Kinnarps
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid-Century Modern Kinnarps mobile Drawer units for office - Circa 1970 Desk - Office pedestals
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Credenza Palazzi del Mobile with Showcase , Paolo Buffa atributed
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Cupboard two bodies 1940s curved walnut folder, Cantu production by Paolo Buffa designer Top: Central display case with internal shelf and sandblasted stained glass; two doors with i...
Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

Cabinet with six drawers and worked glass top Mid Century 1970s
Located in Premariacco, IT
Mobile da camera o corridoio di produzione italiana anni '70 circa, arricchito da eleganti finiture
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Mobile For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century mobile you’re looking for. Each mid century mobile for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. If you’re shopping for a mid century mobile, we have 857 options in-stock, while there are 35 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century mobile — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century mobile bearing mid-century modern, modern or industrial hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one mid century mobile that is appealing in its simplicity, but Paolo Soleri, Curtis Jeré and Jim Hunter produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Mobile?

Prices for a mid century mobile can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $3,250,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,328.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Mid Century Mobile
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.