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TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Dark Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Light Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Clear Ash, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Clear Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-Century Furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Dark Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Light Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish- Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

Mid-Century Australian Modern Teak Sofa & Armchairs by Parker Furniture, 1950s
By Parker Furniture
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Parker Furniture in 1956. Parker has a legacy of creating some of the finest Mid-Century furniture. These
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Plywood Mid Century Modern Kone Lounge Chairs by Australian designer Roger McLay
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Kone lounge chairs, designed by Australian industrial designer Roger McLay. The seat is formed
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern abstract on board by Margaret Malval. Colorful composition in a nice gray and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
H 18.5 in W 28.5 in D 1.75 in
Outdoor Trend Module Lounge and Footstool, Designed in 1970
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge & footstool set. The best in Australian Furniture Design… one of
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge ( Foot stool sold separately) The best in Australian furniture design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
H 30.91 in W 30.32 in D 37.41 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
An expertly restored 20th-century vintage armchairs or lounge chair in typical Italian mid-century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E14
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
H 13.78 in W 3.94 in D 10.63 in
Ray Austin Crooke, (Australian 1922-2015) Gouache On Paper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gouache on paper depicting a tropical landscape with a structure partially hidden behind shrubbery, blue waters in the background with green rolling hills in the distance set against...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
Located in New York, NY
more than 290 architects, the Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses showcases work by such icons as Marcel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Books

Materials

Paper

Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
H 13.375 in W 9.5 in D 1.55 in
TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
By TH Brown, Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Trend Foot stool The best in Australian furniture design. One of Australia’s all time design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
H 17.72 in W 30.32 in D 21.26 in
Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Mid-Century Modern Oil on Canvas Painting Sebastion
Located in Montreal, QC
in very precise detail. Sebastion’s work has been sold throughout America, Australia and Europe and
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French collectible mid-century lounge chair or armchair in a tubular black re-lacquered
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
H 40.16 in W 26.19 in D 29.14 in
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Expressionist Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
- at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York, in 1961. Other examples of the Neo-Dadaist-style "junk art
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Green Diabolo Table Desk, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Green Table Desk, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb, is
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
Located in LYON, FR
63cm, D 56cm Located in Wollongong Australia. Please contact us for an Australia wide shipping quote
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
H 34.65 in W 24.81 in D 22.05 in
Hayward Veal Australian Nocturne Cityscape Painting
By Hayward Veal
Located in Essex, MA
An oil on board painting by Australian painter W. Hayward Veal (1913-1968), entitled Nocturne No. 4
Category

Vintage 1940s Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Pine, Masonite, Wood, Paint

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s Dimension Height: 11.81 in (30 cm) Width
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Abstract Expressionist Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
" - at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York, in 1961. Other examples of the Neo-Dadaist-style "junk art
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Original Australian Vintage Poster, 'MARYSVILLE' Victorian Railways
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This original poster was created to promote tourism to the Australian town of Marysville. At that
Category

Vintage 1930s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

Mid-Century 70's Dining Suite
Located in LYON, FR
Mid-70's Set of tub chairs and table. Apparently custon designed by an architect for his own home
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Grant Featherston, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Australia, 1950s
By Grant Featherston
Located in High Point, NC
Kennett Bros. & Rayner, Australia, 1950s. 14” seat height
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Midnight Modern, Tom Blachford Mid Century Classic Porsche
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford. Moonlight Classic Porsche in Palm Springs
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Midnight Modern, Tom Blachford Mid Century Classic Porsche
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford. Moonlight Classic Porsche in Palm Springs
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Vintage Oil Painting on Canvas by George Walsh, Australia
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage signed oil painting on canvas by George Walsh, Australia. Original authentic landscape
Category

20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Paul Soldner Signed Large Raku Fired Mid-Century Modern Vessel Sculpture Vase
By Paul Soldner
Located in Studio City, CA
2004 titled "Inferno") Australian National Gallery, Sydney, Australia National Museum of Modern Art
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Paul Soldner Large Raku Fired Mid-Century Modern Vessel Wall Relief Sculpture
By Paul Soldner
Located in Studio City, CA
"Inferno") Australian National Gallery, Sydney, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Koyoto, Japan
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E14 / E15 Edison screw fit
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Guglielmo Ulrich Attr Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Honey Shearling
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Stamford, CT
Guglielmo Ulrich Attribution, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sheepskin Lounge Chairs, Shearling
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Walnut

Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
By Fred Lowen
Located in LYON, FR
require a personalised Australia wide quote.
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
H 34.65 in W 29.93 in D 35.83 in
Patio Table & Benches by Jensen-Jarrah, Made in Australia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Proudly made in Australia from fine Australian Jarrah wood timber, this furniture set is crafted with the
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Handmade Wall Ceramic Mask by DYBDAHL, 1960s Denmark
By Margrethe Dybdahl
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Handmade Wall Ceramic Mask by DYBDAHL, 1960s Denmark Dimensions Height: 5.11 in
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Mid Century Modern Crystal Chandelier attr. to Bakalowits, Austria 1960s
By Bakalowits & Söhne
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous and very elegant Mid Century Modern chandelier attributed
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Modern Classic Chevrolet Corvette Mid Century, Limited Edition Photograph
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford. Moonlight Classic Car in Palm Springs.
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Mid Century Mercedes SL, Midnight Modern Series Contemporary Photography
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palm Springs Mid Century Modern Architecture, Vintage Classic Mercedes SL, Palm Desert, Limited
Category

2010s American Modern Color Photography

Materials

Cotton, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper

Modern Classic Chevrolet Corvette Mid Century, Limited Edition Photograph
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford. Moonlight Classic Car in Palm Springs.
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper

Vintage Porsche Alfa Romeo Mid Century Modern Architecture Photograph
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Landscape, Vintage Car, Palm Tree, Classic Porsche, Mid Century Modern, Limited Series. Archival
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Peter Voulkos Signed Mid-Century Modern Stoneware Pottery Vase, circa 1950s
By Peter Voulkos
Located in Studio City, CA
, Melbourne, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. Japan Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Mid Century Steve McQueen Home, Midnight Modern Architecture Photography
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Palm Springs Architecture. Steve McQueen vintage car photographed for the first
Category

2010s American Modern Color Photography

Materials

Cotton, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper

Tom Blachford Mid Century Modern Architecture Classic Poolside Ferarri
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford. Moonlight Classic Ferrari Poolside in Palm
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Mid Century Modern Architecture Classic Porsche Photograph Raspberry Moonlight
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Architecture Classic Porsche Photograph Raspberry Moonlight. Classic Car in Palm
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper

Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair in Australian Sheepskin
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
could really curl up in.’ This mid-century classic supports countless positions and offers a comforting
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Mid Century Modern Architecture Photograph - Jennings Pool - Tom Blachford's
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inkjet Print on Semi Gloss 100% Cotton Paper. Mid Century Modern Architecture Design. Tom Blachford
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Peter Voulkos Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Plate Charger
By Peter Voulkos
Located in Studio City, CA
, Melbourne, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. Japan Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Church and Churchyard - Landscape Painting, Mid-20th Century, Oil Paint, Modern
By Joan Gillchrest
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
- and her Australian mother was an accomplished pianist. Sir George Gilbert Scott was her great
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
By Parker Furniture
Located in LYON, FR
, W 38cm Please contact us for an Australia wide quote.
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking ...

Materials

Teak

1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
H 17.33 in W 35.44 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp made in Glass and Metal, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp made in Glass and Metal, 1950s Dimension Height: 25.59 in (64 cm
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Jenny Kee Hand Knitted Wool Cardigan, Australia, circa 1980
Located in Pymble, NSW
A beautiful hand-knitted wool cardigan by Jenny Kee, with original label and in almost unused condition. Purchased from Jenny in circa 1980 from her studio in the Blue Mountains west...
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Brass and Glass, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Brass and Glass, 1960s Dimension Height: 16.92 in (43 cm
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
By Fred Lowen
Located in LYON, FR
been sanded and refinished. Excellent Patina. H 90cm, D 90cm, W 66cm Located in Wollongong Australia
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
H 15.75 in W 25.99 in D 35.44 in
Mid Century Vintage 356 Porsche, Midnight Modern Architecture Palm Springs
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Palm Springs Architecture. Steve McQueen. Classic Vintage 356 Porsche, Midnight
Category

2010s American Modern Color Photography

Materials

Cotton, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper

Mid Century Blue 356 Porsche, Midnight Modern Architecture Palm Springs
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Palm Springs Architecture.Blue vintage Porsche Car photographed in Palm Desert
Category

2010s American Modern Color Photography

Materials

Cotton, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper

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Australia Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Australia mid century modern you’re looking for. A Australia mid century modern — often made from wood, metal and fabric — can elevate any home. There are 165 variations of the antique or vintage Australia mid century modern you’re looking for, while we also have 15 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the Australia mid century modern you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right Australia mid century modern, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Australia mid century modern over the years, but those crafted by Grant Featherston, Peter Brown (Australian) and Daydream Production are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Australia Mid Century Modern?

Prices for a Australia mid century modern start at $80 and top out at $26,000 with the average selling for $1,300.

A Close Look at mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Australia Mid Century Modern
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    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.

Read More

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