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.

Pewter Mid Century

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vases

20th C. Signed Jean Marais Pewter Finished Terracotta Vase of Two Nudes inc Book

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

E. Reekie - 1968 Oil, Study with Pewter, Glass, and Fruit, 1968

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair of Large Faux Bamboo Chrome Pewter Chandeliers Light Fixtures

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Paintings

Vintage 1970s still life oil painting of lemon and pitcher in pewter

Vintage 1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Girandoles

Swedish Modern Neoclassical Gilt Pewter Mirror /Wall Sconce, Carl Bergstrom 1930

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

Frederick Dymond (1902-1981)- Framed Oil, Still Life of a Pewter Tankard Fruit, Unknown

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Convex Mirrors

Small Convex Mirror in Silver Pewter, with Flower Decoration, circa 1960-1970

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Table Lamps

Mid-Century Ystad-Metall Table Lamp with Patinated Globe and Bird Motif, Sweden

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Pair of Cast Metal Lamps with Intertwined Dolphins in a Pewter Hue

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Console Tables

Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Patchwork Hanging Shelf Console Table Mirror

Antique Mid-19th Century French Country Platters and Serveware

Pair of Tin 19th Century French Serving Plates

Mid-20th Century American Federal Dinner Plates

Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments

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

Merton Gershun "Accord" Coffee Table by Merton Gershun

Antique Mid-18th Century Rococo Delft and Faience

Delft Polychrome Butter Dish with Kakiemon Decoration, 18th Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vintage Large Oversized Italian Salt Pepper Mill

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

19th Century Burr Amboyna Glove Box by Paul Sormani, 114 Rue du Temple, Paris

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Caddies

19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet

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

Rare And Exceptional Bronze Door Stands By Philip And Kelvin Laverne “Festival”

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Boxes

Bone and Stone Lidded Box

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Extraordinary Phillip And Kelvin LaVerne Bronze “Festival” Bronze Console

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Japanese Rinpa Lacquer Box, "Irises at Yatsuhashi", by Santo Kyosui, Edo Period

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Mirrors

Mirror Designed by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930

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

Philip and Kelvin Laverne Round Chan Coffee Table in Bronze Relief 1960 s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Philip and Kelvin Laverne Chinoiserie Chan Center Table, New York, circa 1960 s

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

Philip and Kelvin Laverne Ming side table

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Adam and Eve" Wall Sculpture 1960s (Signed)

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Large "Rainforest" Painting on Bronze 1970s (Signed)

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Unique "Caribbean" Painting on Bronze 1960s (Signed)

Antique Mid-19th Century German Renaissance Porcelain

Antique German KPM Porcelain Lidded Bartmann Jug Tankard

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Evans Patchwork Coffee Table w/Slate Top, 1970

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Philip Kelvin Laverne Acid Etched Bronze "Michelangelo" Coffee Table

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

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Eternal Forest" Coffee Table 1960s (Signed)

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

Phillip and Kelvin Laverne Ming Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Painting "Rhapsody #1" 1972 (Signed and Dated)

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

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Stunning "Ming 133" Coffee Table 1960s (Signed)

Antique Early 1900s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

V&B Villeroy and Boch Mettlach 1 Liter Beer Stein Lidded Antique Germany 1900s

Mid-20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Phillip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Coffee Table

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

American Walnut 6 Drawers Two Doors Compartment 67" Long Dresser Credenza MINT

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings