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 Seascape

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Pierre NeveuFrench Brittany Harbour Scene Coastal Watercolour Seascape by Pierre Neveu

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Pierre NeveuFrench Brittany Harbour View Coastal Watercolour Seascape by Pierre Neveu

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Vintage European Marine Original Oil Painting Tall Ship Seascape Signed Framed

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Vintage Oil On Board New York Seascape Painting “Long Beach Island” C1964

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Patrick von KalckreuthPatrick von Kalckreuth (Germany, 1892–1970) oil on canvas, Antique Seascape

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine Vignon1950s French Post Impressionist Provencal Olive Grove Hill Seascape, 1950s

Late 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Boat at Moss Landing, Monterey Bay California Seascape, 1960

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Helen Marie StocktonBass Rocks, Gloucester Impressionist Seascape; New Jersey Artist Helen Stockton, ca 1950

Mid-20th Century Danish Romantic Paintings

Original vintage maritime seascape oil painting with ships cutting the waves

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

MCM Seascape / City Scene Mosaic on Board by David Lavington

Mid-20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Arthur R. SaffordAfter The Storm, Seascape, Nautical, Maritime, Sailing Ships, Boston Artist, circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Camille MeriotVintage French Signed Impressionist Crayon Drawing Brittany Coastline Seascape, c. 1940 s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Charles Levier Seascape and Still Life Oil on Canvas Painting

Mid-20th Century Pointillist Landscape Paintings

Lucia Fortuny"Port de Plaisance" Pointillistic Seascape with Sailboats Oil Painting on Canvas, 1972

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

John Steane (b.1931)Dorset Coastal Cliffs Seascape with Rock Formations Watercolour 1970, 1977

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Paintings

Framed Seascape Genre Painting of Fishermen Next to a Lake

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Richard Kimbel“Mending Nets”, Rockport, MA, bearskin neck Seascape of Fishermen working

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Nicolai Cikovsky"On the Beach, " Nicolai Cikovsky, American Impressionism, Landscape Seascape

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

MCM Original Oil on Canvas Seascape / Regatta Painting by N. Shiffler Bush

Mid-19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Simeon Marcus Larson1857 Swedish Romantic Oil Seascape Sailing Fishing Boats Signed by Marcus Larson, e.g. 1857

Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Seascape Themed Iron Sculpture Signed A. Melia, Architectural Wall Art

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

American Modern Seascape Painting Robert Taugner Audubon Artists Annual - NYC

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antique American Exhibited Impressionist Seascape with Pelican Framed Painting, 1940

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French SchoolMediterranean Coastal Landscape Garden View and Seascape Cote d Azur Riviera

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Camille HilaireSeascape : Waves on the Coast Rocks - Original oil on canvas, Signed

Antique Mid-19th Century Paintings

Antique Seascape Print of “The America” Winner of the Cowes Club Cup C1851

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Emile GruppeSeascape at Naples Beach, Florida- Coastal Landscape Oil Painting in Gold Frame

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

C BenaliImpressionist Seascape of Cap Corse and The Ligurian Sea. Oil on Board., 1954

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Signed and Framed Original Painting of Seascape With Waves on Canvas.

Mid-20th Century Croatian Paintings

Painting of a Croatian Seascape Town by Branko Porobic (Yugoslavian 1909-2004)

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Roger BonafeROGER BONAFE (B.1932) ORIGINAL PAINTING FRENCH MODERNIST - MED SEASCAPE AND SUN, c. 1980 s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ltd SALE XXL Italo Valenti Mid Century Cubist Abstract Sailboat Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardMid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Pastel of Sailboat and Lighthouse at Port

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Robert Trenaman BackBritish 20th C painting of a moody seascape by maritime artist Trenaman Back

Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1950s British Coastal Scene Seascape Oil on Board Painting by Arthur E. Milne

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardMid-20th Century French Pastel Harbour Scene With Boats and Pier and Figures

1950s Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Donald J. PhillipsMid Century Modern Boats and Bridge, Abstracted Maritime Landscape Painting, 1950

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Pierre NeveuHarbourfront with Yellow Facades and Moored Boat Italian Riviera Watercolour

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Lila C. Knowles - the Sea - Framed Oil Painting - Canada - circa 1943

20th Century Rococo Paintings

Pierre Neveu
French Brittany Harbour Scene Coastal Watercolour Seascape by Pierre Neveu

Pierre Neveu
French Brittany Harbour View Coastal Watercolour Seascape by Pierre Neveu

Patrick von Kalckreuth
Patrick von Kalckreuth (Germany, 1892–1970) oil on canvas, Antique Seascape

Josine Vignon
1950s French Post Impressionist Provencal Olive Grove Hill Seascape, 1950s

Helen Marie Stockton
Bass Rocks, Gloucester Impressionist Seascape; New Jersey Artist Helen Stockton, ca 1950

Arthur R. Safford
After The Storm, Seascape, Nautical, Maritime, Sailing Ships, Boston Artist, circa 1960s

Camille Meriot
Vintage French Signed Impressionist Crayon Drawing Brittany Coastline Seascape, c. 1940 s

Lucia Fortuny
"Port de Plaisance" Pointillistic Seascape with Sailboats Oil Painting on Canvas, 1972

John Steane (b.1931)
Dorset Coastal Cliffs Seascape with Rock Formations Watercolour 1970, 1977

Richard Kimbel
“Mending Nets”, Rockport, MA, bearskin neck Seascape of Fishermen working

Nicolai Cikovsky
"On the Beach, " Nicolai Cikovsky, American Impressionism, Landscape Seascape

Simeon Marcus Larson
1857 Swedish Romantic Oil Seascape Sailing Fishing Boats Signed by Marcus Larson, e.g. 1857

French School
Mediterranean Coastal Landscape Garden View and Seascape Cote d Azur Riviera

Camille Hilaire
Seascape : Waves on the Coast Rocks - Original oil on canvas, Signed

Emile Gruppe
Seascape at Naples Beach, Florida- Coastal Landscape Oil Painting in Gold Frame

C Benali
Impressionist Seascape of Cap Corse and The Ligurian Sea. Oil on Board., 1954

Roger Bonafe
ROGER BONAFE (B.1932) ORIGINAL PAINTING FRENCH MODERNIST - MED SEASCAPE AND SUN, c. 1980 s

Anne Marie Migette Perard
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Pastel of Sailboat and Lighthouse at Port

Robert Trenaman Back
British 20th C painting of a moody seascape by maritime artist Trenaman Back

Anne Marie Migette Perard
Mid-20th Century French Pastel Harbour Scene With Boats and Pier and Figures

Donald J. Phillips
Mid Century Modern Boats and Bridge, Abstracted Maritime Landscape Painting, 1950

Pierre Neveu
Harbourfront with Yellow Facades and Moored Boat Italian Riviera Watercolour

John O Shea
1920s Big Sur "Coastal Scene"- "John O Shea and Friends" Exhibition, 1993, 1929

Julie Brookman
Aphotic Break, Mid Century abstract seascape, encaustic on panel, 2019

Mauritz Frederick Hendrick de Haas
Seascape, circa 1863-67

John Callow
St Michael s Mount, Cornwall - 19th century, old master, oil, Seascape painting, 19th century

Henry Scott
Clipper Ship - Seascape Marine Painting by Henry Scott

John Whorf
Seascape; Christmas Rush, Washington Street John Whorf Watercolor

Ross Curtis
Abstracted Cityscape In Cool Colors Mid Century Watercolor

John Whorf
John Whorf Original Watercolor Painting Seascape Harbor Signed Framed Artwork

Claudio Simonetti
Claudio Simonetti Original Painting Oil On Board Signed Seascape Italy Framed