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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Piano

Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

1950 s Vintage Piano Form Brass Ashtray by Dayagi Israel Set of 3

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Stools

Antique Piano Stool, English, Painted Frame, Music Seat, Riser, Victorian, 1850

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

"Piano Disteso" Bronze Sculpture Signed Luigi Mazzella and Numbered 32/100

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Tavolo con piano in vetro di Lyda Levi per McGuire Anni 80

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Ico Parisi Style Tavolo da Pranzo Tondo con Piano Azzurro, Italia 1950s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Poggibonsi Att. Round Coffee Table with Enameled Top in Abstract Motifs, Italy 1970s

Mid-20th Century Modernist More Jewelry

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold French Baby Grand Piano Articulated Charm Pendant

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Tavolo ovale anni 50 in mogano e ottone con piano in vetro

Mid-20th Century Belgian Art Deco Paintings

Art Deco Oil Painting Woman at the Piano Leo Bervoets Belgium 1920

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Tavolo con piano in vetro attribuito a Ico Parisi, Italia, anni 50

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Fontana Arte Style Metal Coffee Table with Mirror Top, Italy 1980s

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Sideboards

Vintage French Louis XVI Style Piano Black Sideboard with a Marble Top

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

1960s carved wood table with decorated green glass top

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Sideboards

French Louis XVI Style Piano Black Side Board with Gilt Brass Trim

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Comodini anni 60 in radica di mogano con piano in vetro

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Tavolino in radica di noce con piano girevole e doppio ripiano in vetro

Vintage 1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Rectangular walnut-root table with glass top Years 20-30

Antique Mid-19th Century Rococo Stools

Rare and Unique Rococo Style Parcel-Gilt and Red Painted Keyboard Piano Stool

Mid-20th Century Dutch Musical Instruments

Slimline, 1950 s, Rippen Grand Piano in Cherry Polyester with an Aluminium Case

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

LB7 two-bay bookcase with top Franco Albini for Poggi 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Tavolo rotondo attribuito a Ico Parisi 1950, piano in marmo base in legno mogano

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Tavolo da Pranzo con Scultura Cigni Legno Nero Oro Piano Opalina Vetro Nera 1950

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Tavolo da fumo con base foche in ottone e piano rettangolare in cristallo, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Side table, 1950s tripod with round white marble top

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Ico Parisi Style Tavolino in Legno e Piano Tondo in Vetro, Italia 1960s

Mid-20th Century American William IV Benches

English William IV Regency Style Mahogany Window Seat Foyer Hall Piano Bench 48"

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Tavolo Eta Beta di Marco Zanuso per Zanotta anni 70-80 con piano in vetro

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Treble Clef Piano Desk Lamp in Brass Black Enameled Base by Laurel Lighting

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

Tris di tavoli da caffè con struttura in ottone e piano in vetro fumè, 1970 ca.

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Modern Black Lacquered Credenza

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Midcentury Occasional Neoclassical Style Table

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Scandinavian Midcentury Adjustable Swivel Stool

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Mid-Century Piano Chair, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid-Century Piano Bench or Vanity Stool

1990s Czech Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Mid-Century Piano Chair/ Ton, 1990 s

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Danish Mid-Century Upright Piano in Teak by Brødrene Jørgensen

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Stools

Black Midcentury Round Beech Piano Chair, Original Preserved Condition, 1950s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Teak Mid Century Danish Modern Baldwin Acrosonic Piano w/ Matching Bench

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Mid-Century Modern Baldwin Acrosonic Piano in Walnut and Caning, 1960 s

Vintage 1940s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments