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

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 19

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

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.

Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Mid Century Nyc

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

1960s Maxwell Phillips NYC Solid Brass Bar Cart

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Resin Wall Lights by Sirmos Circa 1975 NYC

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Boris VassiloffMarinescape with Boat Long Island NYC Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Ary Stillman NYC School Abstract Expressionist Russian-American Painter Pastel Drawing

Mid-20th Century Modern Prints and Multiples

Robert GwathmeyVintage Lithograph Poster Robert Gwathmey Terry Dintenfass Gallery NYC

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mirror NYC Skyline Wall Mount Sculpture by Mechanical Mirror Works Inc

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Massive Tommi Parzinger Originals Custom-Made Coffee Table, NYC 1972

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Etched Brass Top Coffee Table Imported by John Stuart, Nyc

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Signed Mirrored Mosaic Cityscape NYC Skyline Sculpture Mirror George Norbor

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Edith Isaac-Rose1960s Gouache and Pencil Abstract NYC Female Artist "Valentine Abstract", 1960s

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

Coffee Table by Richard Troy for Art Industry Soho NYC

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Street Lights, Original Lighting from The 1964 World s Fair Queens, NYC

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

1970s Sculpted Aluminum Kettle Pot Lid Footed Design Industrial Minalloy NYC

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rare Architectural "Medici" Coffee Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, NYC

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Bevelled Mirror from Russian tea room NYC circa 1960 American

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Doorway" 1950s Mixed Media Abstract Expressionism NYC Artist Brooklyn Museum, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Samson SchamesSubway No. 1 NYC Scene Midcentury Expressionist New York Scene Painting

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Ceiling Fixture by Gaetano Sciolari for Penn Hotel, NYC, Circa 1970

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Chaim GrossRare Chaim Gross Watercolor Painting Manhattan Skyscrapers Train NYC WPA Artist, c.1920s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Fabulous Large Loren J. Munk Painting NYC Incased Mirrored Mosaic Framed Art

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Amazonia Vase by Gaetano Pesce made by Fish Design, NYC, circa 1995

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Maurice KishAround East River, NYC Bridge, City Scene Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972"5th Avenue in Winter" Impressionist NYC Winter Street Scene Oil on Canvas, Circa 1950

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Coffee Table in Solid Wood and Steel Made in 1978 NYC

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff1960s "Vietnam" Oil and Sand Abstract Painting Art Brut NYC Brooklyn Museum, 1960s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Sculpted Bronze "Excursion" Coffee Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, NYC 1969

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table by Alexander Girard Charles Eames for La Fonda NYC, 1960

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Iconic Four Seasons Design Ashtrays, Set 4 NYC Restaurant by Emil Antonucci

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Powder Blue Mixed Collage Abstract Modern by Fred LAROS 1966 NYC Funky Art

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Pair of Tables in Walnut Stamped Made in Denmark by Mills 1956 for NYC

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Still Life of Fruit Bowl Casein on Paper Painting by Anonymous NYC Artist 1950s

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Four Dining Chairs in the Style of Paul Laszlo, Made Custom in 1980, NYC

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Rush Dining Chairs in the Style of Charlotte Perriand

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Midcentury Modern Rocking Chairs in Hardwood Cream Aqua Block cushions, Brazil

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Table Lamps

1980s Artemide Sidecar Table Lamp

Vintage 1960s Swiss Paintings

Great oil nude men on a beach with horses by H.R. Portmann 1961

1950s Modern Still-life Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"The Bird" Mid Century NYC Female Artist Brooklyn Museum, c. 1960s

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

One off Walnut and Milk Glass Desk Lamp Designed by Phillip Enfield

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sylvia RutkoffMid Century Abstract Painting "Cat" NYC Artist Sylvia Rutkoff, c. 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Boris Vassiloff
Marinescape with Boat Long Island NYC Oil Painting

Ary Stillman
NYC School Abstract Expressionist Russian-American Painter Pastel Drawing

Robert Gwathmey
Vintage Lithograph Poster Robert Gwathmey Terry Dintenfass Gallery NYC

Edith Isaac-Rose
1960s Gouache and Pencil Abstract NYC Female Artist "Valentine Abstract", 1960s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Doorway" 1950s Mixed Media Abstract Expressionism NYC Artist Brooklyn Museum, 1950s

Samson Schames
Subway No. 1 NYC Scene Midcentury Expressionist New York Scene Painting

Chaim Gross
Rare Chaim Gross Watercolor Painting Manhattan Skyscrapers Train NYC WPA Artist, c.1920s

Maurice Kish
Around East River, NYC Bridge, City Scene Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972
"5th Avenue in Winter" Impressionist NYC Winter Street Scene Oil on Canvas, Circa 1950

Sylvia Rutkoff
1960s "Vietnam" Oil and Sand Abstract Painting Art Brut NYC Brooklyn Museum, 1960s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"The Bird" Mid Century NYC Female Artist Brooklyn Museum, c. 1960s

Sylvia Rutkoff
Mid Century Abstract Painting "Cat" NYC Artist Sylvia Rutkoff, c. 1950s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Crossed Arms" Mid Century Abstract Expressionist NYC Female Artist, 1960s

Martin Rosenthal
1969 "Balancing Act" Mid Century Abstract Painting NYC Artist, 1969

Donald Stacy
1950s "Waiting" Mid Century Female Nude Ink Drawing NYC Artist, 1953

Bea Kreloff
1975 "Carnival" Figurative Silkscreen NYC Female Mid Century Artist, 1975

Richard Huntington
Richard Huntington 1960s Abstraction Large Mid Century Modern NYC, 1968

Frank Kleinholz
Mid-Century Oil Painting In the Marketplace WPA Era NYC Tenements, 1950

Richard Huntington
Richard Huntington 1960s Geometric Abstraction Large Mid Century Modern NYC, 1964

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract #2" Michael Knigin NYC Mid Century Ink Brush Drawing, 1967

Martin Rosenthal
1960s "Square Pegs" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1960s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Martin Rosenthal
1969 "White Circle Orange Circle" Mid Century Abstract Painting NYC Artist, 1969

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Blue Cloud Over Head" Mid Century Abstract Expressionist NYC Female Artist, 1960s

Martin Rosenthal
1965 "The March" Mid Century Encaustic Oil Paint Abstract NYC Artist, 1965

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 6" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Gregorio Prestopino
"NYC Trolley" American Modernism WPA Mid-Century Transit Scene Realism Cityscape, .c 1940s