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

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.

Pearl Mid Century

Mid-20th Century European Other Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Exotic Wood and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Longcase Clock – 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring ca. 1950

Mid-20th Century Modern Beaded Necklaces

Midcentury Pearl Necklace with Jade Clasp Luxury Cultured Akoya Pearls

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Weingrill Vintage Cord Spiral Torpedo pearl earrings 18 KT

Mid-20th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Antique Micromosaic Roman Architecture Scene Pearl and Gold Ring

Mid-20th Century North American Retro Clip-on Earrings

Platinum Natural Marquise Diamond Cultured Pearl Clip On Earrings

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modernist Brooches

Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist 970 Silver Pearl Brooch or Pin

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Gold and Seed Pearls Agate Cameo Brooch, 19th Century

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Multi Gems Mother of Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace

Mid-20th Century More Necklaces

Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace

Antique Mid-19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

19th-Century Pine Lap Desk Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage 1950s Collectible Jewelry

Mid-century South Sea Roud Pearl Choker Necklace on Silk Cord w/ Silver Clasp

Mid-20th Century German Brooches

Grosse 1960s Modern Brooch with Pearls

Antique Mid-19th Century European Drop Earrings

Green Enamel Natural Pearl Forget Me Not Earrings

Mid-20th Century Swedish Stud Earrings

Swedish goldsmith. A pair of ear studs in gold with cultured pearls. Mid-20th C.

Mid-20th Century Unknown Dangle Earrings

Cultured Pearl Coral and Gold Dangle Earrings, Pair

Mid-20th Century Retro Beaded Necklaces

Cultured Pearl Necklace With 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Pearl Earrings Handmade Midcentury

Mid-20th Century Unknown Early Victorian Brooches

Stickpin Pearl and Stone

Antique Mid-18th Century English Victorian Brooches

Antique 19th Century Victorian Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant Pearls and Diamonds

Mid-20th Century Beaded Bracelets

18K Gold and Cultured Pearl Bracelet

Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Brooches

14K Gold Art Nouveau Stick Pin with Enamel and Pearl Accents Early 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Beaded Bracelets

1960 3 Strand Baroque Cultured Pearl Bracelet White Gold Pearl Diamond

Mid-20th Century American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

LB offers Vintage Sterling Brooches Pearl Pendant Peacock Pearls Silver Necklace

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

Vintage Mid Century Modern Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Vintage Silver Serving Tray ft Birds, Mother of Pearl

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Brooches

Art Deco Style Handcrafted 6.30 Carat Oval Cut Opal Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Midcentury Vintage "Butterfly" Brooch Carved Jade and 3 Cultured Pearls 14 Karat

Mid-20th Century More Necklaces

1950s Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace

Mid-20th Century American Victorian Link Bracelets

14k Gold and Colored Stone Mid-20th Century "Victorian Tribute" Slide Bracelet

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Mother of Pearl Chess Board

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Spinel and Pearl Gold Brooch

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Drop Earrings

Vintage Peridot Pearl Brass Earrings

Mid-20th Century Retro Fashion Rings

Vintage Knot Pearl Ring in 14k

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Chairs

Mid Victorian Ebonized Chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay.

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Solitaire Rings

Signed Wesley Emmons Asymmetric Modernist 14K Gold Pearl Cocktail Ring

Mid-20th Century Choker Necklaces

Vintage Torsade Style 15 Multi Strand Pearl 14k Gold Necklace

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Coral Pearl Multi Row Pendant Necklace

Antique 1850s English Artisan Link Bracelets

Mid 19th Century Snake Bracelet circa 1860

Mid-20th Century Brooches