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

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 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 Portraits

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Jean HannonSelf Portrait, 1965

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Josine Vignon20th Century Portrait of Woman Head Shoulders Study, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian School Portrait Paintings

Luigi CorbelliniFrédérica portrait

Mid-20th Century English School Portrait Paintings

Joan Fairfax Whiteside ARRC FMAASelf Portrait, 20th Century Female Artist Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century American Modern Portrait Paintings

Joseph SolmanPortrait of a Seated Woman, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Carl FelkelSelf Portrait, 20th Century Jewish Artist Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Prints

Benigne Portrait Lithograph by Georges Rouault, Mid-20th Century, 1969

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Frédéric SchmiedPortrait study

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings

French Surrealist20th Century French Surrealist Portrait of Woman with Landscape Hair signed oil, 20th Century

Mid-18th Century Rococo Portrait Paintings

18th Century French Rococo Period Portrait of Women Oil Painting on Canvas, 18th century

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

18th Century Italian Portrait Credited to Maria Giovanna Battista Clementi, 1740 ca.

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)Fine 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Woman in Headscarf

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mino MaccariPortrait - Pencil by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Eduard Leonardus Roelant19th Century Oil Portrait of Two Sisters With Their Dog, Circa 1853

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Reynold ArnouldPortrait - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Reynold ArnouldPortrait - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Realist Portrait Paintings

Ruby Walker UsherUntitled Portrait, ca. 1950

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 19th Century Oil - Lady in Mourning, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Cubist Portrait Paintings

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)Head Shoulders Portrait Young Man 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Fauvist Portrait Prints

François DesnoyerPortrait d Souza, Signed Lithograph, Fauvist Style, Mid-20th Century, 1930-1960

Mid-19th Century American Realist Portrait Paintings

Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Pipe, Mustache, Antique Portrait, circa 1860s

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Manuel AvedánHead - Oil and Mixed Media by Manuel Avedán - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

18th century antique portrait Edmund Hoyle Circle of James Latham, Edmund Hoyle, 18th century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 19th Century Oil - The Matron, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Elisa MerinoPortrait, Surrealist Mixed Media Painting by Elisa Merino, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Cubist Portrait Paintings

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)Fine 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Woman Turquoise Dress

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 19th Century Oil - Victorian Widow, Unknown

1850s Other Art Style Portrait Paintings

Elise HügelRussian Princess Olga Meyendorff, born Gorchakov, 19th Century Portrait, 1858

Mid-18th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings

Friedrich WigandPortrait of a Young Man (Russian male portrait), 1841

17th Century Flemish School Portrait Prints

Pieter de Jode II after Anselmus Van HulleAmelia Elisabetha, mid 17th century Flemish portrait engraving, 1651, 1651

19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

Mid-19thC Austrian School Portrait Of A Lady In Spanish Attire, Oil Painting, c. 1860

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mino MaccariPortrait - Charcoal Ink By Mino Maccari - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 19th Century Oil - Girl With Basket, Unknown

Mid-17th Century Baroque Portrait Paintings

Michael Conrad HirtPortrait of a Boy, 1647

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Jacques Coulais (1955-2011)French Expressionist Abstract Portraits Of Figures Provenance, Mid 20th Century

20th Century Modern Portrait Prints

Robert BallSelf Portrait, Mid 20th Century, British Artist, Signed Etching

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Portrait of a Lady, c. 1780

Mid-20th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings

Max SchneiderShoemaker at Work - Portrait in Oil on Masonite, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Irina HalePortrait of a Female Deep In Thought British Modernist Pencil Sketch, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Jean Hannon
Self Portrait, 1965

Josine Vignon
20th Century Portrait of Woman Head Shoulders Study, 1950s

Luigi Corbellini
Frédérica portrait

Joan Fairfax Whiteside ARRC FMAA
Self Portrait, 20th Century Female Artist Oil Painting

Joseph Solman
Portrait of a Seated Woman, Mid 20th Century

Carl Felkel
Self Portrait, 20th Century Jewish Artist Oil Painting

Frédéric Schmied
Portrait study

French Surrealist
20th Century French Surrealist Portrait of Woman with Landscape Hair signed oil, 20th Century

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)
Fine 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Woman in Headscarf

Mino Maccari
Portrait - Pencil by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Eduard Leonardus Roelant
19th Century Oil Portrait of Two Sisters With Their Dog, Circa 1853

Reynold Arnould
Portrait - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Reynold Arnould
Portrait - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Ruby Walker Usher
Untitled Portrait, ca. 1950

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)
Head Shoulders Portrait Young Man 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting

François Desnoyer
Portrait d Souza, Signed Lithograph, Fauvist Style, Mid-20th Century, 1930-1960

Manuel Avedán
Head - Oil and Mixed Media by Manuel Avedán - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Elisa Merino
Portrait, Surrealist Mixed Media Painting by Elisa Merino, Mid-20th Century

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)
Fine 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Woman Turquoise Dress

Elise Hügel
Russian Princess Olga Meyendorff, born Gorchakov, 19th Century Portrait, 1858

Friedrich Wigand
Portrait of a Young Man (Russian male portrait), 1841

Pieter de Jode II after Anselmus Van Hulle
Amelia Elisabetha, mid 17th century Flemish portrait engraving, 1651, 1651

Mino Maccari
Portrait - Charcoal Ink By Mino Maccari - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

Michael Conrad Hirt
Portrait of a Boy, 1647

Jacques Coulais (1955-2011)
French Expressionist Abstract Portraits Of Figures Provenance, Mid 20th Century

Robert Ball
Self Portrait, Mid 20th Century, British Artist, Signed Etching

Max Schneider
Shoemaker at Work - Portrait in Oil on Masonite, mid 20th Century

Irina Hale
Portrait of a Female Deep In Thought British Modernist Pencil Sketch, Mid 20th Century

Irina Hale
Portrait of a Female Deep In Thought British Modernist Pencil Sketch, Mid 20th Century

Manfredo Borsi
Portrait - Original Pastel by Manfredo Borsi - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Max Liebermann
Max Liebermann (1847-1935) - Mid 20th Century Lithograph, Self-Portrait, Unknown

Adolf Reinhold Hallman
Portrait - Drawing by Adolf Reinhold Hallman - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

French School
19th Century French Realist Oil Profile Portrait of Lady Beautiful Quality

Samuel Brecher
Portrait of Working Class Man, Circa Mid-Late 1900 s

Anne Marie Migette Perard
French Mid-Century Surrealist Portrait of Dual Faces and Symbolic Landscape

Francis John Wyburd
Francis John Wyburd (1826-1909) - Oil, Portrait of the Artist s Mother, Mid-19th Century

Robert Philipp
Portrait of a Young Woman

Elisa Merino
Portrait of Man, Surrealist Mixed Media Painting by Elisa Merino, Mid-20th Century

Nickolas Muray
Frida Kahlo, The Breton Portrait - Black and White Portrait, Celebrity, Woman, 1939

Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024)
Portrait of a Young Woman in Beige 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting