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

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Seascape

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Paintings

Antique Mid 19th Century Seascape Oil Painting with Rocks and Ship

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

harriet bullisVintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Seascape Framed Female Artist Oil Painting, 1950

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Italo Botti"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Painting of Boats, Beach, Ocean, Sky, Sand

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Prints

Kaiko MotiSeascape II, c.1965

1960s Modern Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Seascape Framed Oil Painting - By the Boats, 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Original Seascape Painting

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Frederick Donald BlakeMorning Light Seascape - Mid 20th Century Oil of Boats England by Donald Blake, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Seascape Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

James DaltonSeascape, Monterey Area, c.1960

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ocean Rolling Over the Rocks, Seascape, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Theodora KaneLovely Impressionist Landscape / Seascape, 1960 s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Framed Tropical Seascape Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Original Large Vintage Oil painting on Canvas, Seascape, Seascape, Framed

Mid-20th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Emile RAMPELBERGUntitled : Seascape with sailboats, Unknown

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Virginia ShacklesRocky Seascape; Monterey, California

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Regatta - Sailboat Race Seascape, c.1960s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Sunset Seascape - Small Plein Air Oil Painting on Canvas, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Unknown Expressionist Paintings

Vintage Nautical Seascape Ocean Waves Crashing Oil Painting Fukazen Co

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Two Anchored Sailboats - Nautical Seascape in Watercolor on Paper, mid 20th Century

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Chinese School Seascape Painting, Oil on Canvas

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Bea Sonnenberg Evening Waves , Pacific Coastal Seascape, Circa 1965

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Modernist Japanese Seascape with Sun, 1960s

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Ships in Distress 18th Century Old Master Marine Seascape oil on canvas c1750, 1750

Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

French Dock and Seascape by Cesar Vilol

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Hawaiian Seascape Painting by WPA Artist Paul Rockwood

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Karl Schmidt (b.1890)Karl Schmidt "Monhegan" Seascape Painting Museum Deaccession, 1955

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Romantic Paintings

Italian "Grand Tour" Seascape Painting By Domenico Ammirato

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Coastal Original Seascape Oil Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century North American Paintings

Vintage Coastal Original Oil Seascape Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Achille-Émile Othon FrieszBoats in a Harbour - 20th Century Oil Boats in Seascape Landscape by A Friesz, c.1930

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

1970s Original Charles Camoin Seascape Art Exhibiton Poster

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

1970s Original Charles Camoin Seascape Art Exhibiton Poster

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

1970s Original Charles Camoin Seascape Art Exhibiton Poster

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

1970s Original Charles Camoin Seascape Art Exhibiton Poster

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Vintage Set of 6 Georges Briard Gold Seascape Highball Glasses

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Robert Kaess California Listed Artist Abstract Seascape Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Vintage Expressionist Swedish Seascape Framed Oil Painting - The Trawler, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine Vignon1950s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Windswept Beach Seascape, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Art

Richard Blow Attb Pietra Dura , Painting in Stone "Seascape "Montici

Mid-20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

harriet bullis
Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Seascape Framed Female Artist Oil Painting, 1950

Italo Botti
"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Painting of Boats, Beach, Ocean, Sky, Sand

Kaiko Moti
Seascape II, c.1965

Frederick Donald Blake
Morning Light Seascape - Mid 20th Century Oil of Boats England by Donald Blake, Circa 1950

James Dalton
Seascape, Monterey Area, c.1960

Theodora Kane
Lovely Impressionist Landscape / Seascape, 1960 s

Emile RAMPELBERG
Untitled : Seascape with sailboats, Unknown

Virginia Shackles
Rocky Seascape; Monterey, California

Bea Sonnenberg
Evening Waves , Pacific Coastal Seascape, Circa 1965

Karl Schmidt (b.1890)
Karl Schmidt "Monhegan" Seascape Painting Museum Deaccession, 1955

Achille-Émile Othon Friesz
Boats in a Harbour - 20th Century Oil Boats in Seascape Landscape by A Friesz, c.1930

Josine Vignon
1950s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Windswept Beach Seascape, 1950s

Alois Arnegger
Ligurian Seascape, Italy, Alois Arnegger, Vienna 1879 – 1967, Austrian Painter

French School
Tranquil Seascape 20th Cent. French Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Turquoise

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

Shiume
Sausalito Harbor Sailboats, MidCentury Abstract Expressionist Bay Area Seascape, c.1960s

Harry Ballinger
Boats at Pigeon Cove, seascape by famous artist (and author) of Rockport, MA

Poul Møller
Danish Colourfield Oil on Board of a House by Cliffs and Seascape., 1976

Regine David
Coastal Cliffs and Tranquil Sea Under a Vast Sky A Serene Seascape, 1950 s