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

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Portraits

Mid-19th Century Hudson River School Portrait Paintings

William Garl BrownPortrait of President John Tyler, c. Late 1840s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Angela LandoAngela Lando - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Henri Fehr Portrait of a man

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Watercolor Portrait of Woman

Mid-18th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Portrait of Languid Girl in Blue Camisole 18th century Italian Rococo Master, e.g. 1740-1750

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Carvallo After Van Dyck (1599-1641) - Oil, Self Portrait in Three Positions, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Thomas NashThomas Saunders Nash (1891-1968) - Framed Oil, Portrait of the Artist s Son, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Character Caricature, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Young Girl, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Lison FavargerPortrait of a woman, 1948

Mid-20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Jose Mitjans PicoPortrait of a Young Woman, ca. 1960

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Continental School Mid 20th Century Oil - Fetching Water, 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - Woman Knitting, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Academic Portrait Photography

Josef BreitenbachPortrait of Bertold Brecht, 1937/c.1950s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - Fashionable Woman, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Arnold BlanchAfrican American Sitting Portrait

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marguerite Lacroux1940 s French Impressionist Portrait of Young Lady Self Portrait Signed Oil

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Victor ManuelVictor Manuel Portrait of a Woman

Mid-19th Century English School Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century English Victorian silhouette portrait, Circa 1840

1860s Realist Portrait Paintings

Antique 1868 Oil Portrait Young Woman European Lady Gilt Frame 19th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Virginia Sevier RogersPortrait Painting of Young Boy, 1952

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Michelle MichauxPortrait of a Woman in Black

Mid-20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Mary Kiisel GreenwoodPortrait of a Handsome Beatnik, ca. 1955

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

French School1930 s French Post-Impressionist Oil Portrait of Woman in Pensive Thought, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Portrait Prints

Nicolas Carrégaportrait, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Claudine RibouletCLAUDINE RIBOULET (French 1924-2013) LARGE SIGNED OIL - PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN, Mid Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Alberto Giacometti Vintage Portrait Photo, 1976

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Susi Zimmermann (b.1883) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Dapper Gentleman, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Irina HalePortrait of a Young Child In Poke Dot Dress British Modernist Pastel Sketch, Mid 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Susi Zimmermann (b.1883) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Folded Arms, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Irina HalePortrait of A Dapper Man In Top Hat Bright Blue Colours British Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Eugene Gabe - French Mid 19th Century Oil, Child with Kitten, Unknown

Mid-20th Century American Modern Portrait Paintings

Donald S. VogelPortrait of Kevin s playmate, circa 1960

Mid-20th Century American Modern Portrait Paintings

Donald S. VogelPortrait of Young Girl

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Claude BenardLarge 20th Century French Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Lady in Grey Dress, 1960

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Walter BiggsPortrait of African American Family, c. 1950s

Mid-19th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Portrait Of A Military General, 1840

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Mid Century Modern Vintage Abstract Figurative Oil Painting - The Exchange, 1960s

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Francesco Paolo PalizziPortrait of his sister Luisa

20th Century Portrait Paintings

William Garl Brown
Portrait of President John Tyler, c. Late 1840s

Angela Lando
Angela Lando - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina, Unknown

Henri Fehr
Portrait of a man

Thomas Nash
Thomas Saunders Nash (1891-1968) - Framed Oil, Portrait of the Artist s Son, Mid-20th Century

Lison Favarger
Portrait of a woman, 1948

Jose Mitjans Pico
Portrait of a Young Woman, ca. 1960

Josef Breitenbach
Portrait of Bertold Brecht, 1937/c.1950s

Arnold Blanch
African American Sitting Portrait

Marguerite Lacroux
1940 s French Impressionist Portrait of Young Lady Self Portrait Signed Oil

Victor Manuel
Victor Manuel Portrait of a Woman

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Portrait Painting of Young Boy, 1952

Michelle Michaux
Portrait of a Woman in Black

Mary Kiisel Greenwood
Portrait of a Handsome Beatnik, ca. 1955

French School
1930 s French Post-Impressionist Oil Portrait of Woman in Pensive Thought, mid 20th Century

Nicolas Carréga
portrait, mid 20th Century

Claudine Riboulet
CLAUDINE RIBOULET (French 1924-2013) LARGE SIGNED OIL - PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN, Mid Century

Irina Hale
Portrait of a Young Child In Poke Dot Dress British Modernist Pastel Sketch, Mid 20th Century

Irina Hale
Portrait of A Dapper Man In Top Hat Bright Blue Colours British Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

Donald S. Vogel
Portrait of Kevin s playmate, circa 1960

Donald S. Vogel
Portrait of Young Girl

Claude Benard
Large 20th Century French Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Lady in Grey Dress, 1960

Walter Biggs
Portrait of African American Family, c. 1950s

Francesco Paolo Palizzi
Portrait of his sister Luisa

Martha Moore
Patricia, Portrait of a Girl, circa 1940

L Bernard
1950 s French Modernist Portrait of Woman by the Window Textured Oil Painting, mid 20th Century

George Weissbort
George Weissbort (1928-2013) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Blonde, 20th Century

Samuel Edmund Oppenheim
Portrait of a Woman with Flowers

Paul Marigny
Paul Marigny Female Portrait Painting, Unknown

Bartholomew Dandridge
Portrait of Ralph William Grey

Nicolas Carréga
Portrait, mid 20th Century