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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Are Wassily chairs mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

Question 14

What color wood is mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is a tulip table mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is Art Deco mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

Question 17

What are the defining characteristics of mid-century modern design?

Accepted Answer

The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What color should I paint my mid century modern home?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What defines mid-century modern home decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

Question 20

Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?

Accepted Answer

Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

Texas Mid Century Modern

1960s Modern Landscape Paintings

Margaret Putnam"Sand, Sea, and Sky" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Large, Circa 1960s

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Otis Dozier"MESAS" TEXAS MODERNIST OTIS DOZIER 1957 MCM MID CENTURY MODERN, DATED 1957

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Michael Frary"Sunrise Over the Islands" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Oil/Canvas Tapestry, Circa 1960

1950s Modern More Art

Harding BlackHARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS PLANTER. MASTER GALZER DATED 1959, 1959

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1""Floral, Black, White Orange" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Texas Artist, 1972

1950s Modern More Art

Harding BlackLARGE HARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS. MASTER GALZER DATED 1952, 1952

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1"New York, New York" MCM Mid Century Modern Stitchery Texas Artist, 1972

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1""Floral, Black, White Orange" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Texas Artist, 1972

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1"Happy Coterie" MCM Mid Century Modern Cat Tapestry Large Texas Artist, Circa 1960s

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1"Good Luck" MCM Mid Century Modern Luck Items Tapestry Texas Artist, Circa 1960s

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Cecil Lang Casebier"Contruction Number 2" Texas Mid Century painting. 1955, 1955

1940s Modern Landscape Paintings

Everett Spruce"BARNYARD" Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist (1908-2002), Circa 1940s

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Everett Spruce"LAKE SIDE AFTERNOON" Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist, Dated 1984

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

David Brownlow"CITY OF DREAMS" Mid Century Modern TEXAS CITYSCAPE FORT WORTH MCM MODERNIST, 1957

1970s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Frary"SHRIMP BOATS" TEXAS WATERCOLOR MID CENTURY GALVESTON, SMITH POINT, PALACIOS, Circa 1980S

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Bill CondonSea Wolf, Texas, 1958

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Everett Spruce"Bee Hives With Rider" Bicyclist 36 x 24 Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist, Circa 1980

1940s Modern More Art

Harding Black"ATOMIC AVOVADO VASE" 1949 One of Texas the World s Master Glazers MID CENTURY, Dated 1949

2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Modern Texas Natural Oak Floating Three Drawer Side Table Chest by Norm Stoeker

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Edward Wormley Big Texan Oversized Beige and Green Patterned Upholstered Sofa

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Statues

Martha Mood, "Amy" Bust, Texas, Circa 1960s

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Bronze Angel Sculpture by Texas artist Betty Gerald

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Metal Sculpture by Texas Artist Jacqui Von Honts

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Midcentury Texas Longhorn Mounted with Tooled Leather

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Dunbar "Big Texan" Sofa by Edward Wormley

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Vintage Western Tooled Leather Horse Saddle Line of Texas

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memor...

Vintage Western Ranch Saddlery Tooled Leather Saddle Line of Texas

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Painting "The Awakening of Gulliver" by Texas Artist Jacqui Von Honts

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Dunbar ‘Big Texan’ Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Statues

Texas Artistan, Sam Murray Vintage Faux Bois Garden Sculpture

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Vintage Round Ceramic Cream and Blue Lone Star Beer Ashtray - Texas

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Vintage 1961 Harding Black Large Turquoise Glazed Texas Pottery Planter

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Fountains

Patinated Silicon Bronze Fountain Sculpture by Texas Artist Harvey J Bott

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lamar Briggs"HOUSTON SUNSET" TEXAS MID CENTURY MODERN LANDSCAPE LAMAR BRIGGS (1935-2015), Mid Century Modern

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Margaret Putnam"The Iron Tree" Mid Century Modern Texas, Circa 1968

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Michael Frary"The Moon Party" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Oil Heavy impasto, Circa 1960

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Harding Black Texas Artist Signed Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Mugs Cups

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1"Yellow Flowers" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Large Texas Artist, 1972

1970s Other Art Style More Art

Martha Mood 1Azul, Azul MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Large Texas Artist, 1972

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Margaret Putnam
"Sand, Sea, and Sky" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Large, Circa 1960s

Otis Dozier
"MESAS" TEXAS MODERNIST OTIS DOZIER 1957 MCM MID CENTURY MODERN, DATED 1957

Michael Frary
"Sunrise Over the Islands" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Oil/Canvas Tapestry, Circa 1960

Harding Black
HARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS PLANTER. MASTER GALZER DATED 1959, 1959

Martha Mood 1
""Floral, Black, White Orange" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Texas Artist, 1972

Harding Black
LARGE HARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS. MASTER GALZER DATED 1952, 1952

Martha Mood 1
"New York, New York" MCM Mid Century Modern Stitchery Texas Artist, 1972

Martha Mood 1
""Floral, Black, White Orange" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Texas Artist, 1972

Martha Mood 1
"Happy Coterie" MCM Mid Century Modern Cat Tapestry Large Texas Artist, Circa 1960s

Martha Mood 1
"Good Luck" MCM Mid Century Modern Luck Items Tapestry Texas Artist, Circa 1960s

Cecil Lang Casebier
"Contruction Number 2" Texas Mid Century painting. 1955, 1955

Everett Spruce
"BARNYARD" Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist (1908-2002), Circa 1940s

Everett Spruce
"LAKE SIDE AFTERNOON" Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist, Dated 1984

David Brownlow
"CITY OF DREAMS" Mid Century Modern TEXAS CITYSCAPE FORT WORTH MCM MODERNIST, 1957

Michael Frary
"SHRIMP BOATS" TEXAS WATERCOLOR MID CENTURY GALVESTON, SMITH POINT, PALACIOS, Circa 1980S

Bill Condon
Sea Wolf, Texas, 1958

Everett Spruce
"Bee Hives With Rider" Bicyclist 36 x 24 Texas Finest Mid Century Modernist, Circa 1980

Harding Black
"ATOMIC AVOVADO VASE" 1949 One of Texas the World s Master Glazers MID CENTURY, Dated 1949

Lamar Briggs
"HOUSTON SUNSET" TEXAS MID CENTURY MODERN LANDSCAPE LAMAR BRIGGS (1935-2015), Mid Century Modern

Margaret Putnam
"The Iron Tree" Mid Century Modern Texas, Circa 1968

Michael Frary
"The Moon Party" Mid Century Modern Texas Painting Oil Heavy impasto, Circa 1960

Martha Mood 1
"Yellow Flowers" MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Large Texas Artist, 1972

Martha Mood 1
Azul, Azul MCM Mid Century Modern Tapestry Large Texas Artist, 1972

Duanye Hatchett
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting, 1990

Duanye Hatchett
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting, 1990

Duanye Hatchett
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting, 1990

Duanye Hatchett
Large Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Action Painting, 1990

Michael Frary
"ANGUS AND PUMPJACKS" TEXAS WATERCOLOR MID CENTURY, 1978

Georges Schreiber
In Texas, 1941

La Vora Norman
Mid Century Vintage Cloudcroft New Mexico Painting, Exhibited 1953; Texas Artist, 1953