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

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 Zebra

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Austrian Midcentury Black and White Glazed Ceramic Zebra by Leopold Anzengruber

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Armchairs

Pair of Hollywood Regency Painted Chair in Quadrille Green Zebra Fabric

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Zebra Boxes on Stands

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Hollywood Regency Style Zebra Wood End Tables / Nightstands or Chests, a Pair

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Tucroma Chairs in black leather and zebra fabric, Guido Faleschini, Mariani

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Zebra Sculpture Designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s

Antique Mid-19th Century Regency Benches

Regency Style Ebonized and Gilded Wood Scroll-Arm Zebra Striped Cowhide Bench

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Flat-Weave Tribal Kilim Room Size Accent Rug

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Brazilian Modern Sculpture of a Zebra in Resin, Abraham Palatinik, 1960s

Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vases

Albert Hallam for Beswick, Zebrette Series Zebra Stripe Décor Modernist Vase

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pai of Peil Puzler zebra glass and ceramic wall lamps sconce , 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Pair of Vintage Zebra Print Velvet Side Chairs with Ebonized Wood Frame, Italy

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals

Karl Springer Pair of Illuminating Pedestals in Zebra Skins and Lucite, 1970s

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

New Pair of Milo Baughman Style Parsons Chairs in Designer Celadon Zebra Fabric

Vintage 1950s French Chairs

Set of 2 French Mid Century Chairs

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks

A rare zebra wood desk designed by Peter Protzmann for Herman Miller, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Set of Four MR 10 Side Chairs, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, with Zebra Pillows

Mid-20th Century German Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of 1970s German Peill Putzler "Zebra" Wall Lights or Ceiling Flush Mounts

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

set of 3 space age "ZEBRA" glass wall light by Peill Putzler, Germany, 1980s

Vintage 1940s Dry Bars

French Art Deco Mid Century Bar and Sideboard

Mid-20th Century Tables

Round Zebrawood-Veneer Occasional Table

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank" Lounge Chair in Shearling

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage Florence Knoll Sofa Restored in Loro Piana Aubergine Cashmere

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Model 6833 Leather Sling Sofa, George Nelson for Herman Miller

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

1970 s Monumental Mastercraft Display Cases, Bar Cabinet, set of 3

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Exotic Wood Bentwood Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Midcentury Secretary Cabinet by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

1950s Round Table, Nickel-Plated Steel and Zebrano Veneer, Italy

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Milo Baughman Credenza

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

Chrome, Zebrawood and Smoked Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Peter Protzmann

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Custom Zebrawood Paul McCobb Cabinets

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Set of 6 High Class Italian Bar Stools by Emilio Nanni Superb design

Mid-20th Century Italian Lounge Chairs

1970s Leather and Zebrano Lounge Armchair on Aluminium Base

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Pair of James Mont Style Zebrawood and Ebonized Saber Leg Nightstands

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Rosewood French Modernist Dining Table

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Midcentury Slat Daybed, Sofa, Mahogany and Zebrano Wood, France, 1950s

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

1960 s Vintage Chest of Drawers by Loughborough

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

T333 Desk by Eugenio Gerli and Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks

1970s Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Zebrawood Executive Desk

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands