What makes a dresser mid-century?

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.

What color should I paint my mid century modern home?

There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.

Painted Mid Century Dresser

Black Lacquer Dresser

Mid Century Bachelors Chest

Sculptural Dresser

Tall Painted Cabinet

Brass Pulls Midcentury Dresser

California Vista

Bachelor Dresser

1960 Wood Dresser

Painted Mid Century Dresser For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic painted mid century dresser available at 1stDibs. Each painted mid century dresser for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and paint. If you’re shopping for a painted mid century dresser, we have 280 options in-stock, while there are 3 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer painted mid century dresser, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each painted mid century dresser bearing mid-century modern, Hollywood Regency or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one painted mid century dresser that is appealing in its simplicity, but George Nelson, John Widdicomb and American of Martinsville produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Painted Mid Century Dresser?

A painted mid century dresser can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,838, while the lowest priced sells for $95 and the highest can go for as much as $110,226.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Painted Mid Century Dresser

What makes a dresser mid-century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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.
What color should I paint my mid century modern home?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.

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