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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 11

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 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 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 18

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 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.

Turquoise Mid Century Modern

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Italian Murano Blue Art Glass Bowl Barovier et Toso

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Remini Blue Ceramic Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large Ornate Art Pottery Base Table Lamp

1980s Realist Landscape Photography

Slim AaronsCavallo Bathers, Corsica, Estate Edition, 1984

1980s Realist Landscape Photography

Slim AaronsCavallo Bathers, Corsica, Estate Edition, 1984

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Color Photography

Reinhard GörnerReinhard Görner: Colored Columns III: Neue Museum, Berlin, 2009

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Maura SegalOrange Lipstick turquoise Mid Century Modern style, 2017

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Mid-Century Modern Italian Turquoise Velvet Sofa, 1950s

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Pottery Lamp in Turquoise Blue, Denmark C. 1960s

2010s Modern Abstract Prints

Liz Roache"The Interaction of Red and Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century, Fine Art Print, 1994

2010s Modern Abstract Prints

Liz Roache"The Interaction of Red and Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century Fine Art Print, 1994

2010s Modern Abstract Prints

Liz Roache"Pink Through Red on Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century, Contemporary Fine Art Print, 1992

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Mid Century Chinise Pair of Turquoise Foo Porcelain Peacocks 50s

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Blue Turquoise Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century Sculptural Turquoise and Brass Lamps by Rembrandt

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Set of three Mid Century Turquoise Foo Ducks, made of Chinese Porcelain 50s

Vintage 1950s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-century female sculpture with silk black, turquoise, gold shade by Izsépy

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

One of a kind monumental turquoise blue ovoid mid century lamp attr Paul Hanson

Mid-20th Century French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Boucheron Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Bitossi Turquoise Vase

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

American Modern Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Covered Vessel of a Stylized Lady Tozai

2010s Modern Abstract Prints

Liz Roache" The Interaction of Lime and Turquoise" Modern, Contemporary, Fine Art Print, 2010

Mid-20th Century French Modern Cocktail Rings

Boucheron Yellow 18 Karat Gold Turquoise Diamond Dress Ring

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Daum France Crystal Ducklings Turquoise Glass

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Pierced Ceramic Seedpot- Turquoise

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Turquoise Alfredo Barbini Murano Vase

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Pierced Turquoise Column Vessel/Candleholder

Mid-20th Century American Modern Drop Earrings

e1128 turquoise circle drop earrings

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Turquoise Blue Murano Glass Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Ceramic Bamboo Wall Pocket Vase in Turquoise

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculp...

Pierced Ceramic Teardrop Vase/Sculpture-Turquoise

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Turquoise Italian Lamps

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Turquoise Ceramic Lamps

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

1950s, Wing Chair, Completely Restaured, Turquoise

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Aimee-Pierced Ceramic Tabletop Sculpture Turquoise

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Amelie-Pierced Ceramic Tabletop Sculpture Turquoise

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Aimee-Pierced Ceramic Tabletop Sculpture Turquoise

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

1960s Bowl, Turquoise Gold Blue, Brass

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Turquoise Footrest Oak 1970s Vintage Danish Design

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Slim Aarons
Cavallo Bathers, Corsica, Estate Edition, 1984

Slim Aarons
Cavallo Bathers, Corsica, Estate Edition, 1984

Reinhard Görner
Reinhard Görner: Colored Columns III: Neue Museum, Berlin, 2009

Maura Segal
Orange Lipstick turquoise Mid Century Modern style, 2017

Liz Roache
"The Interaction of Red and Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century, Fine Art Print, 1994

Liz Roache
"The Interaction of Red and Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century Fine Art Print, 1994

Liz Roache
"Pink Through Red on Turquoise" Modern, Mid Century, Contemporary Fine Art Print, 1992

Liz Roache
" The Interaction of Lime and Turquoise" Modern, Contemporary, Fine Art Print, 2010