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 Sewing

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Decorative Boxes

Antique Georgian Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Decorative Boxes

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Inlay Tea Caddy Sewing Box Desk Storage

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Victorian Trunks and Luggage

19th Century Spanish Victorian Carved Walnut and Bronze Reliefs Sewing Table

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Large Oak Sewing Box, 1950s, Holland

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

19th Century Walnut and Brass Dome-Top Wood English Sewing Box

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Stools

1950s Pierre Jeanneret Sewing Stool for Chandigarh

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Stools

Black Faux Leather Sewing Stool, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Rare sewing table by Finn Juhl

Antique Mid-19th Century American William and Mary Industrial and Work T...

19th Century William and Mary Mahogany Two-Drawer Sewing Table or Side Table

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Game Tables

19th Century English William IV Period Mahogany Games Table Sewing Stand

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Elegant Dutch Teak Collectors Cabinet and Sewing Table

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Tables

William Herrick Cast Iron Sewing Machine Base Live Edge Walnut Top Console Table

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Decorative Boxes

English Boulle Sewing Box by Friedrich Ludwig Hausburg

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Industrial and Work Tables

1930s Oak Sewing Box Table with Drawer

1990s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Midcentury Esstisch Glastisch Singer Nähmaschinen Gusseisen Unikat

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Industrial and Work Tables

1800s Work Table Sewing Table or Vanity

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Tables

Hans J. Wegner Teak At-33 Sewing Table

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Gabriella Crespi Silver Plate Sewing Egg Box, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Spanish Decorative Boxes

Sewing and Wooden Jewellery Box with Inlaid Inlay

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables

1960s Danish Teak Sewing Cart or Side Table

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Regency Side Tables

19th C Dutch Marquetry Inlay Regency Style Drop Leaf Sewing Stand Side End Table

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck Danish Teak and Wicker Drop Leaf Sewing Table

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck Teak Wood Drop Leaf Woven Basket Sewing Table

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Sewing Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Adjustable Singer Sewing Machinist Industrial Stool Swivel Chair

Mid-19th Century Hudson River School Portrait Paintings

Portrait of Young Woman Sewing in a Rocking Chair, c. 1860s

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models

Visetta Italvisetta Sewing Machine Design by Gio Ponti, 1948

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Sewing or Jewelry Cabinet with Cabriole Legs and Lined Interior

Antique Mid-19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes

19C Anglo Ceylonese Sewing Box of Museum Quality

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Side Tables

William IV Period English Sewing Stand Work Table

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

1960s Vintage Ikea Coffee / Sewing Table in Teak + Oak

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Sewing cabinet with reed basket by horn collection, West Germany

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Hans J. Wegner Sewing Table, Model AT-33, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Hans J. Wegner AT-33 Sewing Drop-leaf Side Table

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Danish Modern Teak + Cane Coffee / Sewing Table with Storage

Antique Mid-19th Century English Jewelry Boxes

Antique English Sewing Box or Jewel Box, circa 1850-1860

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Industrial and Work Tables

Louis Philippe Period French Walnut Sewing Stand Work Table

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Vintage Teak Sewing Table by Erik Severin Hansen for Haslev, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Retro Charm Bracelets

Adolf Adler
Israeli Judaica Old Jewish Woman Sewing Expressionist Oil Painting

Guy Nicod
Cubist Artist Studio With Sewing Mannequins Spools Of Thread And Surreal Mirror