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

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

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.

Question 20

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.

Mid Century Nyc

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Joel BernsteinBruce Springsteen in Alley, NYC, Aug. 19th, 1979

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Allan TannenbaumThe Cure, Columbus Ave, NYC, April 11, 1980

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Richard E. AaronIke Tina Turner, Academy of Music, NYC, 1975

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Bob GruenJohn Lennon, Yoko Ono Mick Jagger, NYC, 1972

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Bob GruenAndy Warhol, Lou Reed Danny Fields, NYC, 1978

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Joel BernsteinBruce Springsteen in Alley, NYC, Aug. 19th, 1979

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Elliott LandyThe Band, Fillmore East, Joshua Light Show, NYC, 1969.

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Elliott LandyLevon Helm, The Band, backstage Fillmore East, NYC, 1969

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography

Allan TannenbaumThe Clash, Posing for SoHo Weekly News, NYC, 1976

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Jay BlakesbergRobert Plant and Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, NYC, 1988

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Graham NashTwiggy, Justin de Villeneuve, and Larry Kurzon, NYC 1969

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Pair of Glass Brass Floor Lamps by Hansen, NYC, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography

Allan TannenbaumYoko Ono and John Lennon, Dakota Apartments, NYC, November 21, 1980

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography

Bob GruenDavid Johansen, Danny Fields, Earl McGrath, Joey Ramone Arturo Vega, CBGB, NYC

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Barware

Stork Club Circa 1940 s Original Water Pitcher New York Nightclub Manhattan NYC

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Jay BlakesbergB.B. King, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter, NYC, 1979

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Jay BlakesbergB.B. King, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter, NYC, 1979

1940s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Leon DoliceEMPIRE STATE BUILDING Drawing Modern Modernism WPA Mid-Century NYC, 1940s

1950s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Charles SilbermanMan in Fedora Eating at the Diner, 1956

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Table Lamp by Heifetz NYC

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Paintings

Donald Stacy1950s "Parisian Woman" Mid Century Figurative Painting NYC Artist, c. 1950s

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

1950s Abstract Painting NYC Artist Mid Century Original Painting, c. 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

George Jay Rogers1950s "Blue Bubbles" Mid Century Abstract Oil Painting NYC Artist, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Edith Isaac-Rose"Hay in Front" Mid Century Original Impressionist Drawing NYC Artist, 1960s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Custom Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Creative Woodwork Co., NYC

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Daniel Jones Nyc Attrib. Mid Century Modern Burlwood Flip Top Server

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Martin Rosenthal1964 "Twosome" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1964

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Donald Stacy1950s "Reaching Praying" Mid Century Figurative Ink Line Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950

Mid-20th Century Minimalist Figurative Paintings

Edith Isaac-Rose1960s "Soldier" Acrylic and Charcoal Painting NYC Mid Century Female Artist, c. 1960s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Martin Rosenthal1964 "Pieces Apart" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1964

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Martin Rosenthal1962 "Flowers Blooming" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1962

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Mid-Century Modern Bar Swivel Stools with Pollack NYC Velvet Upholstery, Pair

1930s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Gerald Bernstein"Staten Island Ferry" WPA Modern NYC Cityscape Mid-Century Realism 20th Century, 1930s/40s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 3" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

1940s American Realist Mixed Media

Arthur Getz"Diner" NYC New Yorker Illustration Mid-Century Modernism Realism American Scene, c. 1940s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 18" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 4" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 7" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 9" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Joel Bernstein
Bruce Springsteen in Alley, NYC, Aug. 19th, 1979

Allan Tannenbaum
The Cure, Columbus Ave, NYC, April 11, 1980

Richard E. Aaron
Ike Tina Turner, Academy of Music, NYC, 1975

Bob Gruen
John Lennon, Yoko Ono Mick Jagger, NYC, 1972

Bob Gruen
Andy Warhol, Lou Reed Danny Fields, NYC, 1978

Joel Bernstein
Bruce Springsteen in Alley, NYC, Aug. 19th, 1979

Elliott Landy
The Band, Fillmore East, Joshua Light Show, NYC, 1969.

Elliott Landy
Levon Helm, The Band, backstage Fillmore East, NYC, 1969

Allan Tannenbaum
The Clash, Posing for SoHo Weekly News, NYC, 1976

Jay Blakesberg
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, NYC, 1988

Graham Nash
Twiggy, Justin de Villeneuve, and Larry Kurzon, NYC 1969

Allan Tannenbaum
Yoko Ono and John Lennon, Dakota Apartments, NYC, November 21, 1980

Bob Gruen
David Johansen, Danny Fields, Earl McGrath, Joey Ramone Arturo Vega, CBGB, NYC

Jay Blakesberg
B.B. King, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter, NYC, 1979

Jay Blakesberg
B.B. King, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter, NYC, 1979

Leon Dolice
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING Drawing Modern Modernism WPA Mid-Century NYC, 1940s

Charles Silberman
Man in Fedora Eating at the Diner, 1956

Donald Stacy
1950s "Parisian Woman" Mid Century Figurative Painting NYC Artist, c. 1950s

George Jay Rogers
1950s "Blue Bubbles" Mid Century Abstract Oil Painting NYC Artist, 1950s

Edith Isaac-Rose
"Hay in Front" Mid Century Original Impressionist Drawing NYC Artist, 1960s

Martin Rosenthal
1964 "Twosome" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1964

Donald Stacy
1950s "Reaching Praying" Mid Century Figurative Ink Line Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950

Edith Isaac-Rose
1960s "Soldier" Acrylic and Charcoal Painting NYC Mid Century Female Artist, c. 1960s

Martin Rosenthal
1964 "Pieces Apart" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1964

Martin Rosenthal
1962 "Flowers Blooming" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1962

Gerald Bernstein
"Staten Island Ferry" WPA Modern NYC Cityscape Mid-Century Realism 20th Century, 1930s/40s

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 3" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Arthur Getz
"Diner" NYC New Yorker Illustration Mid-Century Modernism Realism American Scene, c. 1940s

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 18" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 4" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 7" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 9" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 1" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Max Arthur Cohn
"NYC Subway" American Modernism Scene WPA Mid-Century Realism Cityscape Transit, 1940s

Frank Kleinholz
Mid-Century Watercolor Painting Over Lithograph WPA Artist NYC Frank Kleinholz, 1972

August Mosca
"Approach Lincoln Tunnel" WPA Mid-Century Modernism American Scene NYC Cityscape, 1950

Martin Rosenthal
1965 "Cobalt in the Middle" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1965

Harry Sternberg
"Barber Shop" Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modernism NYC, c. 1940s

Saul Kovner
Depression Era Mid 20th Century Social Realism Modern WPA American Scene NYC, 1945

Albert Pels
"Lightning on the Beach" NYC Modern WPA American Scene Mid-Century LGBT, 1930s/40s

Alfred S. Mira
Jackson Square, NYC WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Ashcan Modernism Realism, c. 1930s

George Beline
"For New Subway, " NYC, WPA, Men Working Modern Art Mid Century American Scene, 1940s

Sylvia Rutkoff
Mid Century "Man at the Bar" Impasto Oil Painting NYC Artist Sylvia Rutkoff, c 1950s

Christopher Willett
"Mid Town NYC" Impressionist Snow Scene in New York City Oil Painting Framed, 20th Century