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

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 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 Screen

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Framed Chinese Erotic Miniature Painting, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Chinese Erotic Album Leaf, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Framed Chinese Erotic Album Leaf, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Framed Chinese Erotic Album Leaf, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens

Edo Period (19th) Japanese antique painting of flowers

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Chinese Sign of Honor, circa 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Framed Chinese Erotic Pillow Book, c. 1850

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Hollywood Regency Paintings and Screens

Multicolored Batik with Butterflies on frame. Central Java

Mid-20th Century European Modern Paintings and Screens

Rudolf Jacobi (German, 1889 - 1972) A snow covered village, oil on canvas.

Mid-20th Century Chinese Paintings and Screens

Chinese Reverse Glass Painted Mirror of the Yangtze River Bridge

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Chinese Sign of Honor, c. 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Chinese Peony and Pheasant Canopy Painting, circa 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Paintings and Screens

19thC Circa 1840 Watercolour Gouache Chinese Guangdong School The Lotus Harvest

Mid-20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Japanese Single Panel Moon Landscape

Mid-20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Oil on Canvas Painting "Bath House in Tokyo" by Frances Blakemore

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Framed Chinese Erotic Album Leaf, c. 1850

Mid-20th Century American Other Paintings and Screens

Alfred Jensen "Yucatec" Oil on Canvas, 1969

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings and Screens

Silk 1940s Chinese Export Needlepoint with Nightingale on Branch with Blooms

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens

Paravento giapponese a sei pannelli dipinto su foglia d argento

Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Paintings and Screens

Reverse Glass Painting of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh from the Pal Collection

Mid-20th Century Balinese Tribal Paintings and Screens

Original Balinese Traditional School Painting Harvest Artisan Signed and Framed

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Chinese Phoenix and Auspicious Fruit Canopy Painting, circa 1850

Mid-20th Century Burmese Primitive Paintings and Screens

A Burmese painting showing a colourful scene of a a ceremonial celebration

Mid-20th Century Chinese Showa Paintings and Screens

Pair of Chinese Watercolour on Silk Paintings, China, c.1940

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings and Screens

Asian Chinese Horse Print

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings and Screens

Oil Painting by Genevieve Dael, Couple IV

Mid-20th Century Indian Post-Modern Paintings and Screens

Maqbool Fida Husain Pen Ink on Paper Untitled, 1950

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings and Screens

Large Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Hand-Painted Buddhist Scroll on Silk

Mid-20th Century Indian Agra Paintings and Screens

Indian Mughal Miniature Painting in Vizagapatam Inlay Frame

Mid-20th Century Asian Moorish Paintings and Screens

Middle Eastern Miniature Painting on Shell

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Vintage Mirrored Metal Square Patterned Room Divider

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Antique Hand-Carved Ornamental Room Divider

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Christopher Guy "Carree" room divider, or frame for mirror, Brutalist Style

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Screens and Room Dividers

Egyptian Mashrabiya 3-Panel Room Divider

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Midcentury Room Divider by Ludvik Volak for Drevopodnik Holesov, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Brazilian Designer, Room Divider, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1960s

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Southern Nursery Screen, 1970s

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Architectural Four-Panel Faux Bamboo and Rattan Room Divider, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

1950s Italian Teak and Black-Lacquered Room Divider with Diamond-Patterned Doors

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers