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 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 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 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.

Mid Century Portraits

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Regine DavidPortrait of a Man with Pipe Mid 20th Century s French Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

French SchoolMid 20th Century French Post-Impressionist Oil - Portrait of Man Writing at Desk

Mid-20th Century American Modern Portrait Paintings

Francis ChapinCharming Mid-Century Modern 1950s Portrait of a Young Girl by Francis Chapin, Ca. 1950s

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Oil Framed Painting - Portrait in Sepia, 1950s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Pauline PlummerPauline Plummer (b.1933) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Self-Portrait on Stool, Unknown

1940s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Charles Picart le DouxSelf Portrait - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil on Panel Painting, 1943

1960s Outsider Art Portrait Paintings

Mid Century Pulp Art - Sad Clown Portrait with Green, Yellow, Red, c.1960s

1750s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Mid-18th-Century German School, Portrait Of An Aristocrat In Armour, Oil, c. 1750

1960s Modern Portrait Paintings

Daniel BrennanWoman in Coat (Mid-Century, Modern, Portrait, Naive, ~40% OFF LIMITED TIME), 1960s

Mid-19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

English Victorian Oil Mid Victorian Portrait of a Lady Seated in a Chair Original 19th Century Oil, c. 1850 s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

J. Hanning-Lee - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil, Portrait of Iris Sanmugam, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Édouard Righetti (1924-2001)Portrait of Girl in Pink with Lemons, French Mid Century Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Josine VignonMid Century French Post Impressionist Oil on Canvas Portrait Man in Green Jacket, 1960 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil Portrait of a Fashionable Young Woman by Barrow c.1970, Circa 1970

Mid-20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Mid-century oil on canvas portrait painting of a seated woman, by Sierk Schroder, 1950

1940s Modern Portrait Paintings

Julio Moisés Fernández de Villasante"Modernist Portrait" Mid-20th Century Spanish Oil Painting on Canvas Framed, 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Douglas SwainsonMID 20th CENTURY BRITISH OIL - PORTRAIT OF A LADY IN PEARL NECKLACE - TEAL GREEN, c. 1950 s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Arthur SpoonerArthur Spooner (1873-1962) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Portrait of a Man, Unknown

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Etienne Ret"La Belle Fille" Large Mid Century French Painting Portrait of a Beautiful Girl

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Louise AlixMid 20th Century French Nude Man Folding his Arms posing for Portrait, oil paint, 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Prints

Domenico PurificatoPortrait of Woman - Lithograph by Domenico Purificato - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

1740s English School Portrait Paintings

Mid-18th-Century English Oil Painting, Portrait Of A Girl With A Posy, c. 1740

Late 19th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Fine Mid 19th Century Portrait Miniature of a Woman Wearing a Lace Bonnet, Circa 1890

1960s Portrait Paintings

Robert FarquharMan with a Bowl - Mid 20th Century Modern British Portrait Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-19th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings

Romantic painting Portrait woman with flowers French mid 19th

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Prints

Albert LepreuxThe Portrait - Original Etching by Albert Lepreux - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Mitchell FunkThe Bowery Skid Row Portrait. Urban Street Art - Mid Century Green Wall, 1969

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Honora BergMid Century Modern Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Oil on Masonite, 1950s

1650s Flemish School Portrait Paintings

Mid-17th-Century Flemish School, Portrait Of A Man Holding A Jug, Oil Painting, c. 1650

1960s Modern Portrait Paintings

Noëlle VerheggenPortrait of a Lady - Mid 20th Century Modern Belgian Oil on Board Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Molly GuionPortrait of a Woman, Mid 20th Century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Portrait of a Sculptor, Mid 19th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Regine David
Portrait of a Man with Pipe Mid 20th Century s French Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

French School
Mid 20th Century French Post-Impressionist Oil - Portrait of Man Writing at Desk

Francis Chapin
Charming Mid-Century Modern 1950s Portrait of a Young Girl by Francis Chapin, Ca. 1950s

Pauline Plummer
Pauline Plummer (b.1933) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Self-Portrait on Stool, Unknown

Charles Picart le Doux
Self Portrait - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil on Panel Painting, 1943

Daniel Brennan
Woman in Coat (Mid-Century, Modern, Portrait, Naive, ~40% OFF LIMITED TIME), 1960s

English Victorian Oil
Mid Victorian Portrait of a Lady Seated in a Chair Original 19th Century Oil, c. 1850 s

Édouard Righetti (1924-2001)
Portrait of Girl in Pink with Lemons, French Mid Century Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

Josine Vignon
Mid Century French Post Impressionist Oil on Canvas Portrait Man in Green Jacket, 1960 s

Julio Moisés Fernández de Villasante
"Modernist Portrait" Mid-20th Century Spanish Oil Painting on Canvas Framed, 1940

Douglas Swainson
MID 20th CENTURY BRITISH OIL - PORTRAIT OF A LADY IN PEARL NECKLACE - TEAL GREEN, c. 1950 s

Arthur Spooner
Arthur Spooner (1873-1962) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Portrait of a Man, Unknown

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Elegant Portrait of Young Lady Paris School Mid 20th Century Listed Artist

Etienne Ret
"La Belle Fille" Large Mid Century French Painting Portrait of a Beautiful Girl

Louise Alix
Mid 20th Century French Nude Man Folding his Arms posing for Portrait, oil paint, 1940 s

Domenico Purificato
Portrait of Woman - Lithograph by Domenico Purificato - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Robert Farquhar
Man with a Bowl - Mid 20th Century Modern British Portrait Oil Painting, c.1960

Albert Lepreux
The Portrait - Original Etching by Albert Lepreux - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mitchell Funk
The Bowery Skid Row Portrait. Urban Street Art - Mid Century Green Wall, 1969

Honora Berg
Mid Century Modern Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Oil on Masonite, 1950s

Noëlle Verheggen
Portrait of a Lady - Mid 20th Century Modern Belgian Oil on Board Painting, c.1960

Molly Guion
Portrait of a Woman, Mid 20th Century

Virgilio Guidi
Countess Portrait - Lithograph by Virgilio Guidi - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

William Mason
Portrait of Lady on Wedding Day - Mid 20th Century Impressionist Pastel by Mason, Circa 1950

Virgilio Guidi
Countess Portrait - Lithograph by Virgilio Guidi - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Virgilio Guidi
Countess Portrait - Lithograph by Virgilio Guidi - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Francis Chapin
A Vibrant, Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Young Woman in a Yellow Blouse, Circa 1945

Virgilio Guidi
Countess Portrait - Lithograph by Virgilio Guidi - Mid-20th Century, 1960s

Wesley Lea
Self-portrait (portrait of man)

Guy Nicod
French 20th Century Modernist Red Pastel Female Portrait

Svetlana Mihailova
Portrait - Drawing by Svetlana Mihailova - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Francisco Borès
Portrait - Drawing by Francisco Borès - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Piero Sbano
Composition - Watercolor by Piero Sbano - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century