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 Seascape

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Peter Monamy18th Century Oil Painting Marine Seascape by Peter Monamy, c. 1740

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Paintings

17th Century Oil on Canvas Flemish Antique Seascape Painting, 1650

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Seascape Oil Painting on Canvas

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Paintings

19th Century Oil on Canvas Pair of Paintings Seascape with Boats

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Paintings

Shoreline Seascape Oil on Board

Mid-20th Century Naturalistic Landscape Paintings

Woodstock Style Naturalistic Impressionist Seascape Painting Signed Mara, Mid 20th Century

Antique Mid-19th Century English Greek Revival Paintings

Mid 19th C. Maritime Seascape Oil Painting on Canvas Manner of Adolphus Knell

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair Of Ceramic Seascape Lamps

Mid-20th Century Italian Decorative Art

Original Signed Guido Odierna “Capri” Oil on Canvas Seascape

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Compostion Seascape Lamps

Mid-20th Century Dutch Paintings

20th Century Oil on Canvas Dutch Seascape with Boats Signed Painting, 1960

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Original Vintage French Seascape Painting, Signed

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Harold Mesibov, 1956 Modern Seascape Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Alfred BirdseyAbstract Impressionist Watercolor Tropical Bermuda Seascape with Sailboat, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century North American Bohemian Paintings

Vintage Original Seascape Oil on Canvas

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Italian Seascape signed by Giuseppe Cavalleri

Mid-20th Century Italian Other Paintings

Italian Modernist Impressionist Oil Painting Seascape Village

Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Alfred BirdseyAbstract Impressionist Watercolor Tropical Bermuda Seascape Nautical Port Scene, 20th Century

Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Paintings

19th Century Seascape Oil Painting of Ships Off the Coast, Signed H.Quast

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Original Signed Seascape Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century North American Paintings

Vintage Signed Original Seascape Oil on Canvas

Mid-20th Century American Paintings

Seascape Painting "Heaven and Sea" by Alexander Dzigurski

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Robert Auguste Jaeger aka Le VeneurLa Croisette, Cannes, French Oil on Board Seascape, 1950s

Antique Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Paintings

Seascape with Sidewheel Steamship, by B. Wallis, circa 1850

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bennett BradburyBennett Bradbury California Coastal Seascape Oil Painting C.1970, Circa 1970

Vintage 1980s Uruguayan Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Seascape Oil by Uruguayan Artist Carlos Perez Franco

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Vintage Coastal Seascape Oil Painting, Signed F. Weber 1957

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bertha Hatton DukeBertha Hatton Duke "Seascape" Original Oil Painting C.1950, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century American Paintings

Vintage Regency Original Figurative Seascape Oil Painting on Board

Mid-20th Century Danish Paintings

Original Seascape Oil Painting with Cows by Gunnar Bundgaard

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Yonia FainJewish Mexican Avant Garde Abstract Expressionist Seascape Gouache Painting, c.1940 s-1950 s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Landscape Paintings

Lamar Briggs“Guusin Flight” Pink and Purple Toned Abstract Seascape with Seagulls Painting, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Antique Watercolor Painting, Lighthouse Seascape by Paul Ernst Wilke, c1940

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

4 Vintage Gold Georges Briard "Seascape" Double Old Fashioned Glasses

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

4 Vintage Gold Georges Briard "Seascape" Double Old Fashioned Glasses

Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Paintings

Francois-Etienne Musin (Belgian 1820-1888) Marine Seascape Oil on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

1957 Vintage Modernist Swedish Framed Seascape Oil Painting - The Boat, 1957

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

4 Vintage Double Old Fashioned Glasses, Seascape Pattern, Signed Georges Briard

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bowls and Baskets

Ceramic bowl with abstract seascape by Quinto Ghermandi for Mascarella

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Peter Monamy
18th Century Oil Painting Marine Seascape by Peter Monamy, c. 1740

Alfred Birdsey
Abstract Impressionist Watercolor Tropical Bermuda Seascape with Sailboat, 20th Century

Alfred Birdsey
Abstract Impressionist Watercolor Tropical Bermuda Seascape Nautical Port Scene, 20th Century

Robert Auguste Jaeger aka Le Veneur
La Croisette, Cannes, French Oil on Board Seascape, 1950s

Bennett Bradbury
Bennett Bradbury California Coastal Seascape Oil Painting C.1970, Circa 1970

Bertha Hatton Duke
Bertha Hatton Duke "Seascape" Original Oil Painting C.1950, Circa 1950

Yonia Fain
Jewish Mexican Avant Garde Abstract Expressionist Seascape Gouache Painting, c.1940 s-1950 s

Lamar Briggs
“Guusin Flight” Pink and Purple Toned Abstract Seascape with Seagulls Painting, 20th Century

Motke Blum
Israeli Modernist Abstract Expressionist Seascape Oil Painting Tel Aviv Harbor

Gyrth Russell
Original Seascape Seaside Sailing oil painting by Canadian Gyrth Russell, 1965

Mourelle
Mourelle - French School Mid 20th Century Oil, Sailboat on the Waves, unknown

Bruno
Mid Century Post Impressionist Harbour Scene, The Boats at Crepuscule, 1965

Josef Carl Puttner
The Grand Tour Venice - Large 19th Century Venetian Oil Painting Ducal Palace, 1879