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.

Turquoise Mid Century Modern

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Daybed or Sofa Antimott Turquoise-Blue by Wilhelm Knoll, 1950-1960

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Turquoise and White Murano Glass Table Lamps

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Turquoise Leather Swivel Armchair Desk Chair Retro G Plan Eames Era

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pedestals

Plinth in Turquoise Colour Glass and Brass Decorations, Italy, 1980s

Vintage 1970s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Mdina Glass Goblet of Turquoise Color Malta, circa 1975, Signed

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Large Ceramic Art Tile, Fish in Ocean Blue Turquoise Red Glaze, Germany, 1950s

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

One-of-a-kind Karlsruhe Majolica art ceramic Elephant Plate Black Turquoise

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Archimede Seguso - Turquoise and Gold Murano Lamps on Black Lacquer

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Carlo Zauli Midcentury Mythological Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Italian Vase, 1950s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Turquoise Snakeskin Game Table in the Style of Karl Springer, c. 1970 s

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Midcentury Teak Sofa with Turquoise Upholstery by Grete Jalk for France Son

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Finnish Riihimaki Turquoise Art Glass Vase Riihi by Tamara Aladin, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Silvered Brass and Copper Pitcher, Turquoise Coral, Los Castillo Taxco, Mex 1960

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

1960s Turquoise Blue Lava Drip Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp on Walnut Base

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

Willy Rizzo, Brass, Chromed and Turquoise Glass Top Coffee Table, Italy, 1970

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano Tapio Wirkkala Art Glass bowl "Inari" turquoise yellow handblown Venini

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

1960s Pair of Walnut and Turquoise Ceramic Drip Glaze Table Lamps

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Table Lamps in Turquoise Glass, Brass and Chrome, Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Fulvio Bianconi for Venini 1970s Turquoise Vase with Applied Lines

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Danish Dining Chairs Model J48 by Poul Volther in Oak and Turquoise Fabric

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

Bowl with impressed plant design, turquoise glaze by Toini Muona

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Large Handblown Glass Bottle, Turquoise with Gold Leaf Stopper by Vetro Vero

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Turquoise Bright Pink Murano Sommerso Glass Vase by Flavio Poli, Italy, 1960s

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

Romeo Rega Pair of Gilded Brass Turquoise Glass Midcentury Coffee Tables, 1970

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Vintage Italian Handblown Glass Lamps in Turquoise and Yellow

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Ventana Ottoman by Sally Sirkin Lewis Turquoise Velvet with Macassar Veneer Base

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Vase with Glossy Turquoise Glaze by Nils Kahler for Herman A. Kahler Keramik

Vintage 1970s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

1970 Indian Handwoven Kilim Rug with Wool and Cotton Beige and Turquoise Blue

2010s Modern Abstract Prints

Liz Roache"Sky Blue Slime Green" Modern, Contemporary, Fine Art Print, 2010

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Jewelry

Set of 18k Gold Earrings, Brooch, Ring Set with Pearl and Turquiose Cabochons

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Bracelets

Vintage 18K Gold Persian Turquoise Italian Florette Bracelet

Mid-20th Century French Romantic Modern Bracelets

French Turquoise Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Gate Bracelet

1970s Pop Art More Art

Mike JoyceDavid Bowie, Ziggy Stardust Re-Imagined, 2015

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid-century Modern Turquoise Bench

1990s American Modern Sofas

Mid-Century Modern Turquoise Cloud Sofa

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Lovely Mid-century Modern Turquoise Tufted Tuxedo Sofa

20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches

Persian Turquoise Flower Brooch Pin Gold Retro Mid-Century Modern

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Rainbow Pottery Mid-Century Modern Turquoise Vase with Double Handles

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Glazed Turquoise Porcelain Table Lamp

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Liz Roache
"Sky Blue Slime Green" Modern, Contemporary, Fine Art Print, 2010

Mike Joyce
David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust Re-Imagined, 2015