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

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 Swag

Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Chandeliers and Pendants

Morihiro Sangyo Blanc de Chine Chinoiserie Pendant Swag Light Lantern Chandelier

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Vintage Regency Brass Swag and Tassle Lamps - A Pair

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Coc...

George Nelson Swag Leg Cocktail Table for Herman Miller

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Brass Swag Shape Base Lucite Mount Table Hall Lamp

Mid-20th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants

An Elaborate French Iron 8-Light Chandelier w/Deep Swag Arms Fleur-De-Lis Top

Mid-20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

Pair of Carved Wood and Gilded Bow with Swag Mirrors

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

19th C. French Gilt Bronze Ormolu Bow Garland Appliqué Tabletop Fragment Swag

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

Burnt Bamboo Rattan and Wicker Pendant Swag Light with Glass Diffuser

Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Pair of English Neoclassical Style 1850s Carved Pine Overdoors with Swag Motifs

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Urns

Pair of Vintage White Painted Concrete Garden Urns with Swag Detailing

Mid-20th Century Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants

Italian Bohemian Chic Caged Purple Glass and Gold Pendant Swag Lamp

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Dining Room Tables

Italian Vintage Neoclassical Style Pine Dining Table with Marble Top and Swags

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace...

English 1780s Georgian Period Pine Mirror with Original Glass and Carved Swags

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Armchairs

Vintage Regency Hand Painted Tromp L’oiel Swag Arm Chairs, a Pair

Antique 1660s French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Christian Dior Signed 1960s Snake Chain Gold-Tone Metal Graceful Swag Belt

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

Pair of Gold Italian Leaf and Chain Swag Wall Lights, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tables

Pair of Early Foil Label Original George Nelson Herman Miller Swag Leg Tables

Mid-20th Century Louis XVI Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair of Palatial Bronze and Crystal Swag Design Louis XVI Style Chandeliers

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

1960s Vintage Bentwood Globe Pendant Lamp Swag Light Cabin Modern Lodge Lantern

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set 4 George Nelson, 1st Year Production Daf Swag Leg Dining Chair / Fiberglass

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

1950s Italian Wall Lamp Pretty Two Arm Swag Sconce Style Fontana Arte Italy

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Louis Philippe Wall Mirrors

Danish Antique Decorative Arched Mirror in Mahogany w/ a Carved Bonnet and Swag

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Table Lamps

Victorian Hand Painted Ceramic Oil Lamps with Chain Swags Lion Masks, C.1850

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Substantial Pair Marty Leiman for Laurel Lamp Chrome Black "Swag" Table Lamps

Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Marie Therese 8-Light Crystal Chandelier with Cut Glass Bowl, Drops and Swags

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Large Cenedese Murano Signed Art Glass Bowl in Swags of Blue with Gold Dust

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Grape Pendant Light Fixture Circa 1950s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Modern Fredrick Ramond Style Brass and Smoked Glass Chandelier

Vintage 1960s Spanish Colonial Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair of Mid-Century Amber Crackle Glass Spanish Pendant Lamps Blown in Iron

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

Fratelli Fanciullacci Pendant Light c.1960

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Lucite Ribbon Prism Chandelier in the Style of Triedri and Carlo Nason 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Lucite Ribbon Prism Chandelier in the Style of Triedri and Carlo Nason 1970s

Antique 18th Century British George II Coffee and Tea Sets

George II Sterling Silver Coffee Pot Likely by William Skeen

Vintage 1940s Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Sparta Rug, Neutral Palette and Tones

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Table Lamps

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Tole Lamp with Custom Finish Swag

Antique Mid-19th Century American Planters and Jardinieres

Pair of Cast Stone Greek Key and Swag Relief Urns

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Paul Secon for Sompex Pendant Lamp "Swag"

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Swag Leg Chair 1958 by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

DAF Swag Leg Fibreglass Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables