Question 1

What is an MCM piece of furniture?

Accepted Answer

An MCM piece of furniture was produced during the mid-20th century and reflects the characteristics of mid-century modern style. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that describe many examples of vintage mid-century modern furniture. Furniture created by designers working in this style often featured materials like teak, rosewood, oak, steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Shop a large selection of vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How can you tell if a piece of furniture is MCM?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a piece of furniture is MCM, consider its characteristics. MCM, or mid-century modern, furniture is often easy to spot because of its simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Pieces may be constructed from natural materials, such as alluring woods like teak, rosewood and oak, and synthetic materials, including steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Maker's marks can also provide clues about the style of your furniture. Some well-known designers who worked in the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. For other makers, you can conduct online research using trusted resources to learn whether they adhered to mid-century modern design principles and were active during the mid-20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 3

How old is vintage furniture?

Accepted Answer

A piece of furniture must be at least 20 years old to be considered vintage.

Question 4

How do you identify vintage furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage furniture, you'll need to determine if its production year was 20 to 99 years ago. One way to do so is to research your piece. Start by finding maker's marks and looking them up on trusted online resources. Once you know the maker, you can then learn more about its history and offerings to get a rough idea of the approximate age of your item. Another option is to ask a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer to date your furniture. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of vintage furniture.

Question 5

Is vintage furniture worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many believe that vintage furniture is worth it. Vintage pieces can offer unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless beauty while making living spaces more unique. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in vintage furniture is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of vintage furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 6

How can I tell if bamboo furniture is vintage?

Accepted Answer

The first step in determining if an item is vintage bamboo is to first make sure it’s bamboo. Bamboo is inflexible, so if there are curved shapes in the design it is actually rattan, not bamboo. Your next step is to understand the style of the piece of furniture, the brand, and look for telltale signs that it is an authentic piece from that brand. Shop a range of antique and modern bamboo furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How do I identify vintage patio furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage patio furniture, start with the maker's markings. You will usually find stamps, tags or labels with the maker's name in hidden places, such as under seats and tabletops. By comparing the marking with images shared by trusted online resources, you can learn who produced your patio furniture. Then, you can continue your research to find out more about the style name, year of production and other characteristics. Typically, patio furniture must be at least 20 years old and no more than 99 years old to be categorized as vintage. For help with the identification process, turn to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a large collection of vintage patio furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I identify vintage Lane furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Lane furniture, examine your piece in search of its date code. Most Lane furniture displays a series of numbers that tells you when it was made when read in reverse. For example, a piece that reads “2971120” would be “02 11 79,” indicating that Lane crafted it on February 11, 1979. To be considered vintage, a Lane furnishing must be at least 20 years old. For further assistance with making an identification, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Lane furniture.

Question 9

How do I know if my Drexel furniture is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To know if your Drexel furniture is vintage, examine its serial number, which you will usually find in a hidden spot, such as beneath a tabletop or on the back or bottom of a casegood. By cross-referencing this number with information available on trusted online resources, you should be able to estimate the year of production. Drexel furniture produced more than 20 years ago would qualify as vintage. If you need assistance with dating your piece, seek the advice of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Drexel furniture.

Question 10

How do I identify vintage Thomasville furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Thomasville furniture, look for the maker's mark, usually found in a discreet place, such as under a seat or tabletop or on the base or back of casegoods. Thomasville typically stamped pieces with its wordmark, which may read "Thomasville Chair Company" or "Thomasville Furniture," depending on the age of your piece. To find out more about your piece, you can conduct research using trustworthy online resources. If you need help with identification, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of Thomasville furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How do you identify vintage wicker furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage wicker furniture, first try looking for a maker's marking, usually found under tabletops or seats. If you find a marking, you can use trusted online resources to determine which company or artisan crafted your furniture. Then, you can read further to determine when they were active and producing pieces like yours. To be vintage, your furniture must be at least 20 but no more than 99 years old. If you don't see a marking or have trouble conducting research, consider having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you. Find an assortment of vintage wicker furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How can you tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage?

Accepted Answer

One way to tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage is to look for markings that indicate who produced it. Markings may appear on the underside, back and legs of wrought iron tables and chairs. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours. Consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer if you can't find markings or have difficulty dating a piece.

Walter Lamb’s adventurous works and those of other mid-century designers noted for their seminal outdoor furniture — a list that includes Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green, Russell Woodard, Maurizio Tempestini for John B. Salterini and Richard Schultz for Knoll — is often found among the offerings of 1stDibs dealers.

In colder regions, wrought iron, which can be left outdoors all year round, was the material of choice in outdoor furniture designs for the Atomic Age.

Shop a variety of vintage wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

Question 14

How do I identify vintage Woodard patio furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Woodard patio furniture, look for the maker's markings. On three-piece sets, you'll typically find paper labels that bear the brand name underneath the cushions. Sofa and chair frames may also feature welded-on metal labels bearing the brand name. For wrought iron pieces, check the frame for an embossed "Woodard" mark. Once you find the markings, you can use trusted online resources to determine a rough idea of the age of your piece. Anything produced more than 20 years ago, but less than a century ago, is vintage. Pieces more than 100 years old are antique, while those made within the last two decades are contemporary. If you're unable to locate any markings, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with identification and dating. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Woodard furniture.

Question 15

How do you find out how much vintage furniture is worth?

Accepted Answer

To find out how much vintage furniture is worth, look at the history of sale prices for comparable pieces on trusted online platforms. You can begin your research by determining the maker of your furniture. Since the condition of your furniture will also impact its value, you may also wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate it. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage furniture.

Vintage Mcm Furniture

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests o...

Vintage MCM Lane Mosaics Gentlemen s Chest

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Vintage MCM Lane Alpha Burl Wood Bar Cart

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Vintage MCM VanLeigh Crest Dressers - a Pair

Mid-20th Century North American Ming Credenzas

Vintage MCM Century Black Lacquered Pagoda Credenza

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Vintage MCM Ramseur Seagrass China Cabinet

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage MCM Lane Book Matched Burl Wood Dining Table

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Vintage MCM Walnut Credenza by United

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Vintage Mcm Lane Perception Walnut Gentleman s Chest / Highboy Dresser

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage Sligh Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Kneehole Writing Desk MCM

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests

Vintage MCM Lane Cedar Blanket Chest With Tapered Legs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Vintage MCM Kagan Style 2 Piece Sectional Sofa by Thomasville Furniture Co.

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

2 Vintage Stanley Danish Scandinavian Modern Walnut Dining Side Chairs Vinyl MCM

Mid-20th Century North American Dressers

Vintage MCM 9 Drawer Dresser

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Vintage MCM Diamond Gentlemen’s Dresser

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

Vintage MCM French Plank Console Table

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage MCM Signed Original Oil Portrait

Mid-20th Century North American Paintings

Vintage MCM Abstract Original Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century North American Paintings

Vintage MCM Original Abstract Oil Painting

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Signed MCM Abstract Oil Painting

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

Vintage Mid Century 1960s G Plan Round Astro Coffee Table In Teak And Glass Mcm

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Vintage Cork Dresser MCM 70s

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage MCM Wood Trimmed Leather Sofa

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

MCM Vintage Walnut Highboy Dresser

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage MCM Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs

Mid-20th Century North American Brutalist Wall-mounted Sculptures

Vintage MCM Brutalist Copper Wall Sculpture

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage MCM Pedestal Dining Game Table

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Vintage MCM Russell Woodard “Sculptura” Arm Chair

Mid-20th Century North American Wardrobes and Armoires

Vintage MCM Pencil Reed Wall Unit

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Vintage MCM Console Sofa Table by BERNHARDT

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage MCM Original Oil Portrait on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage Swedish MCM Teak Expanding Dining Table

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage MCM Burl Wood Parsons Dining Table

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage MCM Mobler Danish Teak Dining Table

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage MCM Custom Built Plywood Writing Desk

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Vintage Danish Rosewood MCM credenza restored

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage MCM Alma Walnut Boomerang Executive Desk

Mid-20th Century North American Beds and Bed Frames

Vintage MCM Spun Fiberglass Queen Headboard

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Vintage Baldwin Acrosonic Scandinavian Piano MCM

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Vintage MCM Torch Cut Brass Tree Sculpture

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