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 Tansu

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Meiji Merchant s Chest or Tansu

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Sideboards

Set of 2 japanese 19th century wabi tansu sideboards cabinets

Mid-20th Century Campaign Cabinets

Midcentury Korean Elm Tansu Butterfly Chest Campaign Cabinet Sideboard

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Furniture

20th Century Japanese Old Shelf Drawer / Tansu Chest / Wooden Exhibition Stand

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Japanese Cherry Lacquer Tansu Chest, c. 1880

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture

Vintage Korean Elm Brass Bound Bandaji Tansu Scholars Chest Wedding Cabinet

Mid-20th Century Korean Furniture

Vintage Korean Tansu-Style Cabinet Lingerie Dresser Burl Wood Brass Chest

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets

Late Edo Period Japanese Tansu Cabinet Wabi Sabi

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Campaign Desks

Handmade Antique Japanese Tansu Campaign Desk Cabinet

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Furniture

19th Antique Japanese Choba Tansu Keyaki and Kiri Wood

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Baker Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Korean Tansu Walnut Nightstand

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Ladders

Rare Late Edo Period Japanese Tansu Steps Wabi Sabi

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Japanese Fine Original Antique Five-Drawer Chest, 100% Original Tansu

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Furniture

Japanese Master Carpenter s Tansu 51 Professional Nomi Carpenter s Carving Tools

Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Cabinets

Japanese Antique Cabinet 1920s-1940s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Antique Mid-18th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1716s-1736s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Shelves

Japanese Antique Black Shelf 1900s-1940s / Tansu Bookshelf Wabisabi

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets

Japanese Antique Tansu / Drawer Cabinet / Edo Period / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Mid-20th Century Javanese Cabinets

Vintage Javanese Staircase Tansu in Japanese Style with Four Drawers and Doors

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Japanese Original Antique "Flying Birds" Five-Drawer Chest, 100% Original Tansu

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Large Japanese Keyaki Wood Iron Mounted Tansu Chest with 8 Drawers

Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Sideboards

Japanese small Black Tansu 1920-1940 / Showa Period/Cabinet Sideboard Wabisabi /

Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Japanese Black Tansu 1920-1940 / Showa Period / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi sabi /

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Dressers

Rare C. 1850 Antique Japanese 2-Part Tansu Chest with Original Patina

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Furniture

Antique Japanese Edo Era (c 1860) Bodansu Personal Tansu Red Lacquer 24"W

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Pair of Mid-19th Century Japanese Tansu

Mid-20th Century Korean Chinoiserie Night Stands

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Asian Tansu Matching Hand Painted Cabinets

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Night Stands

Pair of 19th Century Tansu Nightstands

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of D...

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Tansu-Inspired Dresser, circa 1950s

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Mid Century Modern Rosewood Japanese Jewelry Dresser Tansu Box

Mid-20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Japanese Tansu Chest

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Night Stands

Pair Chinoiserie Henredon Tansu Campaign Chests Nightstands Mid-Century Modern

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Exciting Pair of Baker Modern Asian Tansu Chest Chinoiserie Mid-Century Modern

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Night Stands

Pair of 19th Century Tansu Bedside Cabinets

Mid-20th Century Japanese Dressers

Japanese Tansu with Iron Hardware

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

1900s-30s Japanese antique mid Mizuya tansu kitchen chest. wabi sab

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

1860s-1920s Japanese antique rustic wabi sabi mid tansu chest of drawers

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

1860s-80s Japanese antique mid size Urushi Tansu chest of drawers, wabi sabi

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Furniture