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

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 19

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Mid Century Showcase

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage Danish Mid-century Modern Extendable Dining Table with Slide-Out Leaves

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Crystal Serveware

Vintage Crystal Brandy Decanter, English, Cut Glass Spirit Vessel, Mid Century

Mid-20th Century Cabinets

Mid Century Modern Cabinet or Book Shelf Sliding Doors and Brass Toned Hardware

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Mid-Century Modern Guarujá Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1959

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Cocktail Pourer, English, Cut Glass, Punch Jug, Mid Century, Circa 1960

20th Century Czech Chairs

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Molded Chair With Upholstered Cushion

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Two 1970s Mid-Century Modern Clear and Brown Petal Murano Glass Wall Sconces

Mid-20th Century Wall Mirrors

1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Italian Wall Mirror

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Extra Long Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza with Cane Accents, c. 1960s

Mid-20th Century Collectible Jewelry

Mid-Century Heavy 925 Sterling Silver "Zig-Zag" Nuts Balls Links Bar Bracelet

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Pair of Modernist Lounge Chairs, by Martin Eisler, Brazilian Mid-Century Design

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

A 1960s Flavio Poli Mid-Century Modern Italian Sommerso Red Murano Glass Vase

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Vintage Enameled Cast Iron Bowl and Cup Set – Timo Sarpaneva Style, Mid-Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Italian Big Wall Mirror

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Walnut Dresser w/ Cane Doors

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-century Pair of Cylindircal Brass Table Lamps ‘B-010’ by Bergboms, 1960s.

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Japanese Studio Pottery Stoneware Bottle Vase with Ash Glaze

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modernist Sculptural Quartz Crystal Table Lamp by Carole Stupell

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

A 1970s High Quality Mid-Century Modern Brass and Leather Italian Picture Frame

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Newly Refinished-Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Tweed Dining Chairs

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Hand-Blown Rose Murano Glass Nickel Undulating Pendant Chandelier

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Set of 48+ Glashütte Limburg Wall Sconces, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Tables

Distinctive Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables Glass Tops and Z-Leg c. 1960s

Mid-20th Century Spanish Rustic Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Big Spanish Hand-Forged Iron Wall Sconces, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Translucent Glass Table Lamps with Brass Fittings

Late 20th Century American American Classical Ceramics

Mid 20th Century Jt Abernathy Distinctive Blue Glaze Bowl

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs in Reddish Brown Upholstery

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Extra Large 12-buIb Italian Mid Century Brass Chandelier, Oscar Torlasco Attr.

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

1958 Mid-century Modern Cylinder Acrylic Steel Pendant, 2 Available

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Ch...

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Wood and Brass Italian Commodes

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Shell Armchair by LB Kofod Larsen for Christensen Larsen

Vintage 1950s French Antiquities

Mid-20th Century Ceramic Lamp Base with Nautical Anchor Design - 2Y312

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Mid Century Modern Teak Sideboard by Tom Robertson for A.H. McIntosh, Scotland

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Italian Pendant Chandelier with Brass and Opaline Glass

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Lounge Armchairs, a Pair

Vintage 1960s Peruvian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Set of Three Vintage Peruvian Mid-Century Hand-Painted Wooden Wall Mirrors

Vintage 1960s Italian Cabinets

Mid-Century Italian Lacquered Hand Painted Gold Wood Vitrine

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Mid-century Original Vintage Chair Lupina by Niko Kralj For Stol Kamnik 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Italian Mid-Century Modern, Ceiling Pendant, Brass, Opaline Glass, Italy, 1950s

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases