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 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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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

1870s Victorian Landscape Paintings

Josef Carl PuttnerThe Grand Tour Venice - 19th Century Venetian Oil Painting St Mark s Sq Canal, 1879

Vintage 1950s Canadian Late Victorian Paintings

Oval Ship Painting of the "Doris Susan" Schooner, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Resting At Waters Edge - Mid Century Seascape, c.1950s

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Roland BachMid Century Seascape -- Pine Tree in Dunes, Circa 1950

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Original French Mid-Century Seascape Art Exhibit Poster by Zemborain dated 1965

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Crashing Waves - Mid Century Seascape, c.1960 s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Stormy Seas - Mid Century Seascape, c.1960 s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ray Radliff"Blue Pacific" - Mid Century Seascape, circa 1950s-1960s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Elizabeth CassidyMid Century Seascape -- Incoming Tide, circa 1960

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Margaret Esther RogersBeyond the Tide Pool - Mid Century Seascape

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Trees on the Coast, Mid Century Seascape, 1940s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Dorothy Ruth Houghton RichBoats at Moss Landing Harbor, Mid Century Seascape

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Tibor K Thomas"Sailboats at the Beach" Impressionist Mid Century Seascape Oil Painting Canvas, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Helen SkeltonMid-Century Pescadero Coast Seascape, Circa 1960

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century San Francisco Bay Seascape, 1963

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

R. PearsonMid Century Big Sur Cove Seascape, 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Genevieve RogersMarble Sea, Mid Century California Seascape, c.1950s

Mid-20th Century American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerMid Century Coastal Bluffs and Seagull Seascape, c. 1940s-1950s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

James Riley StevensonMid Century Crashing Wave - Carmel Beach Seascape

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Swedish Mid CenturyMid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting, mid 20th century

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Hartzell Harrison RayMid Century Incoming Tide Seascape, 1965

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Maxine ShattuckAbstract Seascape, Oil Painting by Maxine Shattuck, circa 1968

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jack Banham Coggins S.S. Matsonia, Matson Steamship Hawaii - Mid Century Maritime Seascape, c.1945

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Seascape - Original Watercolor - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

1960s Realist Landscape Paintings

Paul TilleyMid Century Carmel Seascape, 1962

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Seascape - Oil on Canvas - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

PouilsMid-Century Gloucester Harbor Seascape, 1940

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

F.L. CameMid Century Monterey Bay Coast Seascape, 1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Jean DelpechSeascape - Drawing by Jean Delpech - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Oscar JamiesonMid Century Memphis Ferryboat Seascape, 1951

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joyce MaryattMid Century California Sunset Seascape, c.1960s

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Warren Chase MerrittMid Century Capitola Beach Seascape, 1949

1950s Realist Landscape Paintings

Cecil F. ChamberlinMid Century Ocean Sunset Seascape, 1955

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

J. A. DockerayMid Century Half Moon Bay Seascape, 1960

20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Scottish Impressionist Seascape Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jack Banham Coggins S.S. Mariposa, Matson Steamship - Historical Maritime Seascape Illustration, c.1945

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Impressionist Seascape Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Poul MøllerDanish Mid Century Colourfield Seascape, The Tempest, 1977

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Juan Sevilla Saez"Coastal Seascape with Sailboats" Abstract Multicolored Mid-Century Oil Painting, Mid-20th Century

1960s Fauvist Landscape Paintings

Josef Carl Puttner
The Grand Tour Venice - 19th Century Venetian Oil Painting St Mark s Sq Canal, 1879

Roland Bach
Mid Century Seascape -- Pine Tree in Dunes, Circa 1950

Ray Radliff
"Blue Pacific" - Mid Century Seascape, circa 1950s-1960s

Elizabeth Cassidy
Mid Century Seascape -- Incoming Tide, circa 1960

Margaret Esther Rogers
Beyond the Tide Pool - Mid Century Seascape

Dorothy Ruth Houghton Rich
Boats at Moss Landing Harbor, Mid Century Seascape

Tibor K Thomas
"Sailboats at the Beach" Impressionist Mid Century Seascape Oil Painting Canvas, Mid-20th Century

Helen Skelton
Mid-Century Pescadero Coast Seascape, Circa 1960

R. Pearson
Mid Century Big Sur Cove Seascape, 1950s

Genevieve Rogers
Marble Sea, Mid Century California Seascape, c.1950s

Joseph Yeager
Mid Century Coastal Bluffs and Seagull Seascape, c. 1940s-1950s

James Riley Stevenson
Mid Century Crashing Wave - Carmel Beach Seascape

Swedish Mid Century
Mid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting, mid 20th century

Hartzell Harrison Ray
Mid Century Incoming Tide Seascape, 1965

Maxine Shattuck
Abstract Seascape, Oil Painting by Maxine Shattuck, circa 1968

Jack Banham Coggins
S.S. Matsonia, Matson Steamship Hawaii - Mid Century Maritime Seascape, c.1945

Paul Tilley
Mid Century Carmel Seascape, 1962

Pouils
Mid-Century Gloucester Harbor Seascape, 1940

F.L. Came
Mid Century Monterey Bay Coast Seascape, 1960

Jean Delpech
Seascape - Drawing by Jean Delpech - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

Oscar Jamieson
Mid Century Memphis Ferryboat Seascape, 1951

Joyce Maryatt
Mid Century California Sunset Seascape, c.1960s

Warren Chase Merritt
Mid Century Capitola Beach Seascape, 1949

Cecil F. Chamberlin
Mid Century Ocean Sunset Seascape, 1955

J. A. Dockeray
Mid Century Half Moon Bay Seascape, 1960

Jack Banham Coggins
S.S. Mariposa, Matson Steamship - Historical Maritime Seascape Illustration, c.1945

Poul Møller
Danish Mid Century Colourfield Seascape, The Tempest, 1977

Juan Sevilla Saez
"Coastal Seascape with Sailboats" Abstract Multicolored Mid-Century Oil Painting, Mid-20th Century

Clavel
Mid Century Modern Fauvist Sailboats - Urban Seascape, c.1960s

Joseph Frey
Seagull Flying Above Crashing Waves, Mid Century California Seascape, mid 20th century

Ruby Lockett
Mid Century Hudson Bay Misty Morning Seascape, circa 1950

Marshall Everett Merritt
"Autumn Moon", Mid Century Monterey Coast Horizontal Nocturnal Seascape, c.1960s

Jane McCullough
Mid Century California Seascape at Near Point, Carmel, 1952

John Stoll
Mid Century Cape of Good Hope Seascape Etching, c.1940s

Keith Lindberg
Off Point Lobos Mid Century Figurative Seascape by Keith Lindberg, 1960s

Grace Gilbert
Sunrise Seascape, mid 20th Century

Ralph Victor Murray
Big Sur California Seascape Original Mid-Century Oil on Linen, 1950s

Ray Mathewson
Sail Boat Races Sausalito, Mid Century Modern Abstract Geometric Seascape, c.1960s

Gerard Lucas-Larsen
Waves Breaking - Large Mid 20th Century Oil on Canvas Seascape Coastal Painting, c.1960

Jean Chauffray
French Expressionist avant garde Seascape Marine Landscape Modernist Mid Century, ca 1948