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 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 4

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 5

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 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 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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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 Portrait Paintings

English School Mid 19th Century Oil - Lady in Lace and Fur, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

René GuinandSelf-portrait at a glance, 1938

Mid-19th Century Hudson River School Portrait Paintings

Richard ClaguePortrait of Woman with Jewelry, c. 1860

1970s Expressionist Portrait Prints

Gernot KesselPortrait of a Woman - Mid 20th Century German Expressionist Lithograph Print, c.1970

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Portrait of an Arab, with pyramids beyond

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Francis William EdmondsSelf Portrait of Francis William Edmonds, c. 1860s

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mino MaccariPortrait of Carlo Forte - Drawing by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - A Communal Puff, Unknown

1950s Modern Portrait Paintings

Al ParkerGlamorous Redhead Iconic Mid-Century Illustration, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Portrait Paintings

Rosemarie BeckPortrait of a Man, Yaddo, 1958

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - Lady in Evening Wear, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Character Caricature, C.1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Photography

Yousuf KarshPablo Picasso, 1954 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1954

Mid-20th Century Portrait Photography

Yousuf KarshMartha Graham, 1948 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1948

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Caricature Figure, C.1960s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Young Girl, C.1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

R. CassleyR. Cassley - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina in the Studio, Unknown

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Albert Mascaux (1900-1963) - Mid 20th Century Oil, The Seamstress, 20th Century

Mid-19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

Important Victorian portrait of Alexander Smith

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Manner of Joseph Levin (1894-1979) - Russian School Oil, Portrait of a Women, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Hunched Old Man Caricature, circa 1960s

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Portrait of Young Girl in Blue Dress, c. 1870s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Jaw Dropped Man Caricature, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Man with Red Nosecaricature, C.1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Caricature of Flapper Girl, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait - Caricature of Clerical Gentleman, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Lady Side Profile Caricature, circa 1960s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

George WeissbortGeorge Weissbort (1928-2013) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Contemplative Pose, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Religious Old Man Caricature, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Brunette Stylish Lady Caricature, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

1960 s French Portrait Bald Green Man Caricature, circa 1960s

20th Century Portrait Paintings

French School Mid 20th Century Oil - The Smell of Spring, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Nadi KenNadi Ken (b.1934) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Burning Bright, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

M. GM. G - Russian School Mid 20th Century Oil, Young Russian Cadet, Unknown

Mid-20th Century American Modern Portrait Paintings

Joseph Biel"Portrait of Dr. Monroe Mufson", 1945-47

Mid-19th Century English School Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Peter SkeolanPeter Skeolan mid 19th Century English silhouette portrait, Circa 1840

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Framed Mid 19th Century Oil - Two children in an Interior, Unknown

Mid-18th Century English School Portrait Paintings

Bartholomew DandridgePortrait of Ann Austen, nee Grey

Mid-19th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Fanny GilbertPortrait Jeune Fille Signé Fanny Gilbert (1820/…), 1870

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

René Guinand
Self-portrait at a glance, 1938

Richard Clague
Portrait of Woman with Jewelry, c. 1860

Gernot Kessel
Portrait of a Woman - Mid 20th Century German Expressionist Lithograph Print, c.1970

Francis William Edmonds
Self Portrait of Francis William Edmonds, c. 1860s

Mino Maccari
Portrait of Carlo Forte - Drawing by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Al Parker
Glamorous Redhead Iconic Mid-Century Illustration, 1950s

Rosemarie Beck
Portrait of a Man, Yaddo, 1958

Yousuf Karsh
Pablo Picasso, 1954 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1954

Yousuf Karsh
Martha Graham, 1948 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1948

R. Cassley
R. Cassley - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina in the Studio, Unknown

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

Nadi Ken
Nadi Ken (b.1934) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Burning Bright, Unknown

M. G
M. G - Russian School Mid 20th Century Oil, Young Russian Cadet, Unknown

Joseph Biel
"Portrait of Dr. Monroe Mufson", 1945-47

Peter Skeolan
Peter Skeolan mid 19th Century English silhouette portrait, Circa 1840

Bartholomew Dandridge
Portrait of Ann Austen, nee Grey

Fanny Gilbert
Portrait Jeune Fille Signé Fanny Gilbert (1820/…), 1870

Samuel Brecher
Samuel Brecher WPA Artist Mid Century Mod Modernist Oil Painting Circus Clowns, 1953

Suzanne Dinkes
Grey Haired Gentleman In Blue Tie Mid Century French Impressionist Painting, 1950 s

Suzanne Dinkes
Dark Haired Lady with Strong Features Mid Century French Impressionist Painting, 1950 s

Suzanne Dinkes
Mid Century French Impressionist Painting Lady Sunbathing Reading In The Garden, 1950 s

F de Korff
The Dandy a Salon in Paris 19th Century portrait of a young man French painting, 1848

Yousuf Karsh
Georgia O Keeffe, 1956 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1956

Edward Marecak
Edward Marecek “Demeter and Persephone” 1960s Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting, 1966

Tyldesley
Tyldesley - Mid 20th Century Oil, Woman In Pink, Unknown

George Weissbort
George Weissbort (1928-2013) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Lady in Fur, 20th Century

Yousuf Karsh
John F. Kennedy, 1960 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1960

Yousuf Karsh
Martin Luther King, 1960 - Yousuf Karsh (Portrait Photography), 1960