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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

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.

Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Swiss Mid Century

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Late 1960 s Burkart Ceramic Vase, Switzerland

2010s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Pair of Willy Guhl Loop Chairs, Switzerland

Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Antiquities

Swiss butter board dated 1849 with Geneva symbol

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Mid Century Brutalist cast metal Crucifix

Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Black Forest Side Tables

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Tilt-Top Table with Village Scene

Vintage 1940s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Quilts and Blankets

1943 Original Military Swiss Army Wool Blanket

Mid-20th Century Swiss Sofas

1960s Swiss Leather Sofa Ds 86 By De Sede

Mid-20th Century Swiss Sofas

1960s Swiss Leather Sofa Ds 47 By De Sede

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Swiss Alps Solid Pine Lamps

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Eternit Cement Planter, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Religious Items

Mid Century cast metal Brutalist Crucifix

Mid-20th Century Swiss Sofas

1960s Swiss Leather Sofa Ds 86 By De Sede

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Mid Century Wall Mirror

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

De Sede Leather Coffee Table, Switzerland, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

1960s Teak Cabinet / Highboard by SEM, Switzerland

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s (Pair) Switzerland

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid Century Apothecary Bottle - AMMON. HYDRIC. SOL

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Minilux Desk Lamp by Baltensweiler Switzerland, 1950s

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Diabolo Spindel Planter - Eternit AG, Switzerland

Antique Mid-18th Century Swiss Folk Art Side Chairs

18th Century Folk Art Carved Chair Swiss Alp History Escabelle Tyrolean Sgabello

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl 23" Concrete Bowl, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

20th Century Swiss Vintage Eternit Biomorphic Garden Planter by Willy Guhl

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vases

Luzern Handgemalt Vase EM #549P, Swiss

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Musical Instruments

A fully restored and working late 19 Century Swiss cylinder music box

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Chalice Shaped Planter, 1960s Switzerland

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

USM Haller Sideboard with Three Doors, Switzerland, circa 1970

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

DS12 Modular Sofa from de Sede, Switzerland, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Swiss Sofas

1970s Swiss Leather Sofa Ds 47 By De Sede

Early 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Willy Guhl Hexagonal Planter - Eternit AG, Switzerland

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Pendant Lamp by Temde, 1960s, Switzerland

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Small Willy Guhl Amoeba Planter, 1960s Switzerland

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Robert Haussmann Club Chairs Pair Switzerland 1950

Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Black Forest Mantel Clocks

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Mantel Clock with Cherubs and Bird

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments