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Perforated Mid Century

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Richard Galef Wire Perforated Metal Stand/ Rack in Brass Finish
By Richard Galef
Located in San Diego, CA
The 1950s Classic midcentury, atomic age era stand/rack original used for the telephone, phone directory, this one its in brass finish with some wear light rust and patina due to age...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Richard Galef Wire Perforated Metal Stand/ Rack in Brass Finish
By Richard Galef
Located in San Diego, CA
The 1950s Classic midcentury, atomic age era Stand/rack original used for the telephone, pen holder and phone directory, this one its in brass finish with some wear and patina due to...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

1950s Italian White Perforated Cone Sconce Attributed to Gino Sarfatti
By Gino Sarfatti, Arteluce, Jacques Biny
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Italian white perforated cone sconce attributed to Gino Sarfatti. Executed in brass and white
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Holm-Sorensen 1950s Three-Shaded Perforated Copper Chandelier Tynell era
By Holm Sørensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
. Color: Copper and white. Have a look at my other Danish and Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Copper

Lightolier Chandelier after Gino Sarfatti in Perforated Brass and Frosted Glass
By Gino Sarfatti, Lightolier
Located in Dallas, TX
consists of eight perforated brass bowls with frosted glass diffusers concentrically mounted around a
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s French Perforated Metal Wall Mount Coat Rack with Hat Stand
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Atlanta, GA
, circa 1950s. Wall mount black metal frame with "fleur de lis" perforated sheet metal hat rack and pillow
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Mathieu Matégot Yellow Tray, Perforated Metal, Brass, Enamel, France, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mathieu Matégot (1910-2001) Yellow Tray, France, c. 1950 Perforated Metal, brass rod detail, enamel
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Stilnovo Modern Italian Black Wall Sconce Perforated Cone Patinated Brass, 1960s
By Gino Sarfatti, Stilnovo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern Italian perforated cone single wall sconce in black attributed to Gino Sarfatti
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

French Wire Floor Lamp with Red Perforated Metal Shade, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
An excellent condition 1950s tripod floor lamp with red cage shade. With a bajonette fitting.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

Rare 1950s Robert Mathieu Perforated White Metal and Brass Wall Sconce
By Stilnovo, Robert Mathieu
Located in Glendale, CA
functional wall lamp highly indicative of the iconic mid-century Italian designs of Stilnovo. Price is per
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mathieu Mategot "Venise" Serving Cart, Trolley in Perforated Metal, France 1956
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
tubular metal, black lacquered perforated metal, brass rings and a glass top, circa 1956. Literature
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Table Lamp Model. 407024 in Perforated Brass Wood, Pohjoismainen Sähkö 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
. This lamp depicts everything that makes Finnish mid-century lighting so internationally sought after
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

French Perforated Metal Wall Lamp 1950 s Mathieu Matégot Style, G537
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Wall lamp in perforated metal in the taste of the work of Matégot of the 50's. Structure in
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Enameled Perforated Metal Wall Sconce by Rene Mathieu
By Rene Mathieu
Located in Hanover, MA
Fantastic pair of 1950's French wall appliques by Rene Mathiue with yellow enameled cone light with asymmetrical circular perforations and a formed metal reflector vaguely in the sha...
Category

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

Modernist Perforated Brass and Walnut Chandelier with Three Double Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Gorgeous modernist brass and walnut chandelier featuring three double sconces (sockets on both the bottom and top). Measurements below are taken from the top of the accent ball, ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Small Wall Lights / Sconces, Perforated Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wall lights / sconces. Designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Brass screens rest on original porcelain wall mounts Other designers of the period include Paavo Tynell...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian 1950s Floor Lamp with Articulated Black Perforated Shades and Brass
By Lumen
Located in London, GB
Original Mid-Century Modern floor lamp with three Articulatedvperforated black shades on adjustable
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Midcentury French Design Curved Brass Gold Wall Sculpture Perforated Metal, 1950
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Big midcentury French design curved brass gold wall sculpture perforated metal, 1950. Lamp bulb
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Swedish Modern Perforated Brass Pendants By Boréns Sweden, 1950s
By Boréns Borås
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
out of perforated polished solid brass. Very good condition with nice patina. New electricity E27
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1950s Mauri Almari Perforated Brass Sconces for Itsu
By Mauri Almari, Itsu
Located in Glendale, CA
A contemporary of Paavo Tynell, the refined work of Mauri Almari has made him an increasingly valued midcentury Finnish designer by collectors in the know. Executed in beautifully pa...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Brass Free Standing Torchiere Table Lamp with Perforated Cone Shade
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Unique Googie brass and white enamel freestanding torchiere table lamp with perforated cone shade
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Two Pairs of Brass Perforated Sconces by Hans Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two pairs of brass and glass perforated sconces. Designed by Hans Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

1960s Perforated Black and Brass Wall Lamp Attributed to Jacques Biny
By Jacques Biny
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Perforated Black and Brass Wall Lamp Attributed to Jacques Biny. An exceptionally clean and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Perforated Metal Table Lamp by Barba Corsini for Gaudi s Casa Mila
By Barba Corsini
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
he designed a furniture line called La Pedrera, in which a perforated metal lamp, a chair with a
Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1950s Perforated Metal Brass Sconces Attributed to Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1950s perforated metal & brass sconces attributed to Mathieu Matégot. Executed in
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Pair of 1960s Perforated Black Wall Lamps Attributed to Jacques Biny
By Jacques Biny
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1960s Perforated Black Wall Lamps Attributed to Jacques Biny. An exceptionally clean and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

German Brass Atomic Tripod Table Lamp 1960 s with Perforated Shade
Located in Krefeld, DE
Midcentury tripod table in brass and black lacquered shade. The central black perforated cone
Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

Pilastro Style Perforated Red and Yellow Telephone Table w/ Black Enameled Frame
By Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pilastro style telephone table with enameled black wire frame and red perforated tray table with
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Console Tables in Perforated Sheet Metal and Metal, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of consoles with two interchangeable and removable rows in perforated sheet metal decorated
Category

Mid-20th Century French Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

A Pair of Perforated Brass and Metal Wall Sconces, Europe 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
These early 1950s wall sconces show the lesser seen whimsical side of mid-century design. While
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Perforated Metal Pedestals in the Style of Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of perforated metal pedestals in the style of Mathieu Mategot, designer unknown. Geometric
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Pedestals

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1960s White Perforated Wall Lamps Attributed to Jacques Biny
By Jacques Biny
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1960s White Perforated Wall Lamps Attributed to Jacques Biny. An exceptionally clean and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

1950s Perforated Italian Wall Lamp Attributed to Giuseppe Ostuni for Oluce
By Oluce, Giuseppe Ostuni
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s perforated Italian wall lamp attributed to Giuseppe Ostuni for Oluce. Executed in brass and
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Dutch Birch Pastoe Side Table with Perforated Metal Rack by Cees Braakman, 1950
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Rare side table with black perforated metal rack for a book, magazines or the telephone directory
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Perforated Steel Sconces in the Pierre Guariche Style, G685
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
, lampshade in beige lacquered perforated metal (original paint). Shade adjustable from top to bottom. Very
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Monumental 1960s Louis Kalff Black and White Perforated Sconces for Philips
By Philips, Louis Kalff
Located in Glendale, CA
Monumental 1960s Louis Kalff black and white perforated Sconces for Philips. A quintessentially
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

1960s Sputnik Chandelier Five Perforated Brass Shades Style Paavo Tynell, Italy
By Stilnovo, Paavo Tynell
Located in Chula Vista, CA
. Features five perforated brass shades. Spectacular presence. Unmarked, attributed to style of Finnish
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Iron

1950s American Modern Turquoise Orange Black Perforated Metal Mesh Pendant Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Triple layer perforated metal mesh pendant lamp in original turquoise, orange and black circa
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of Perforated Steel Seat Italian Stool In the Style of Mategot 1960s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mathieu Mategot with perforated steel sheet seat and tubular steel structure. Good Vintage condition with
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

1950s Glass Perforated Metal Pendant Attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Bruno Gatta, Stilnovo
Located in Glendale, CA
. Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting design companies in Italy during the mid-century era
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Metal

1950s Glass Perforated Metal Pendant Attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Glass & perforated metal pendant attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. A quintessentially
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1960s Perforated Brass Double Cylindrical Sconces by Stilux Milano
By Stilux
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1960s Perforated Brass Double Cylindrical Sconces by Stilux Milano Executed in sculptural
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Richard Galef Wire Perforated Metal Wall Towel Rack in Brass Finish
By Richard Galef
Located in San Diego, CA
The 1950s Classic midcentury, atomic age era wall towel rack this one its in brass finish with some light wear and patina due to age. Designed by Richard Galef for Ravenware. A very ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large 1950s Stilnovo Perforated Black Metal Brass Articulating Sconces
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 1950s Stilnovo articulating perforated black metal and brass sconce. Executed in black
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Pilastro Wire Frame Side Table with Perforated Magazine Rack in Black and White
By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pilastro wire frame side table with magazine rack. Black frame with perforated white enameled metal
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

1960s Glass Perforated Metal Pendant Attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Glass & perforated metal pendant attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. A quintessentially
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950 s French Solid Brass with Perforated Lamps Shades Tripod Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of 1950's solid brass French tripod floor lamps with original perforated brass plated
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Large Italian Midcentury Perforated Metal Pendant Lamps by Arredoluce
By Arredoluce
Located in München, DE
Set of 3 Large Mid-Century Modern conical perforated metal pendant lamps. Attributed to Arredoluce
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Very Nice Large Heavy Midcentury Perforated Sheet Wall Mirror by the Vereinigte
Located in München, DE
Beautiful large heavy midcentury perforated metal wall mirror from the Vereinigten Werkstätten
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

Miniature Perforated Brass Table Lamp in the Manner of Sarfatti, Italy, 1950s
By Gino Sarfatti
Located in New York, NY
Italy, 1950s An elegant miniature table lamp in the manner of Gino Sarfatti, perforated oxidized
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Miniature Perforated Brass Table Lamp in the Manner of Sarfatti, Italy, 1950s
By Gino Sarfatti
Located in New York, NY
Italy, 1950s. An elegant miniature table lamp in the manner of Gino Sarfatti Perforated oxidized
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Brass and Glass Perforated Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in London, GB
perforated brass light diffuser that creates subtle atmospheric diffused light.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1950s Italian White Perforated Sconces Attributed to Gino Sarfatti
By Gino Sarfatti, Jacques Biny, Arteluce
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1950s Italian white articulating sconces attributed to Gino Sarfatti. Executed in brass and white painted aluminum. Sconces pivot up/down and left/right on a ball joint. Cust...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Mategot Style Wall Mirror with Red Metal Perforated Shelf White Frame, 1950 s
By Mathieu Matégot, Artimeta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Mathieu Mategot style wall mount mirror with red enameled perforated shelf and white
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal

Firefly Brass and Perforated Metal Wall Sconce by Daydream, Australia, 1950s
By Daydream Production
Located in Melbourne, AU
A restored, collectable Daydream wall light. The 'Firefly' model, as you can see in original advertising included with these images. The light has been professionally stripped and ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Sheet Metal

Vintage Stilnovo Floor Lamp, Black, White and Red Perforated Shade, Marble Base
By Stilnovo
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Stilnovo mid-century vintage floor lamp in black, white and red. This elegant Stilnovo floor lamp
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

1960s Gino Sarfatti Perforated Brass and Opaline Glass Flush Mount for Arteluce
By Gino Sarfatti
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Gino Sarfatti Perforated Brass and Opaline Glass Flush Mount for Arteluce. Executed in
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

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Perforated Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal perforated mid century for your home. Each perforated mid century for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. There are 502 variations of the antique or vintage perforated mid century you’re looking for, while we also have 31 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer perforated mid century, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A perforated mid century is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Industrial and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. Mathieu Matégot, Disderot and Lightolier each produced at least one beautiful perforated mid century that is worth considering.

How Much is a Perforated Mid Century?

The average selling price for a perforated mid century at 1stDibs is $1,805, while they’re typically $169 on the low end and $25,200 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Perforated Mid Century
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.