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

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 6

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

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 13

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 15

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 16

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Clown

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Jerry W WardMid Century Abstract Expressionist Clown Diva, 1960

1960s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie May BlakeMid Century Pink Clown (Portrait #3), circa 1960s

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marjorie May BlakeMid Century Portrait of a Clown #5, c. 1960s-1970s

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Marjorie May BlakeDiminutive Mid Century Expressionist Clown Portrait #1, c.1960s

Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Iver Rose Oil Painting of a Clown Soldier

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Signed Mid Century Painting of Clowns by George Russin

Mid-20th Century Figurative Prints

Mino MaccariHand Fan Clown - Original Woodcut Print by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures

Italian Silver & Mixed Metal Set of 3 Realistic Circus Clowns Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Ella RaayoniTorn Fabric Collage Dada "Clown Face" Mid Century Modern Israeli

1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Michael Frary"THE CLOWN" MICHAEL FRARY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS ARTIST, Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art

Mid-Century Era Molded Fiberglass Carnival Clown Head or Midway Game Component

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Red Blue Yellow Murano Glass Clown, Italy, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

PeyotSad clown

1960s Outsider Art Portrait Paintings

Mid Century Pulp Art - Sad Clown Portrait with Green, Yellow, & Red , c.1960s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century Sierra Mountains Double Sided Landscape - (w/ Clown verso painting), 1965

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid Century Modern Portrait Polka Dot Suit Clown by Joan Tidwell , 1958

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Murano Glass Clown

Vintage 1960s American Drawings

Benjamin Glicker Signed Mid Century Modern Clown Portrait Drawing on Paper Frame

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

Walter Martin BaumhoferClown and Dancer

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Abstract Prints

Nahum TschacbasovMid Century Modern Clown print, hand signed 144/250 Russian born American artist, 1956

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Clown Face Baking Pan, Chocolate Mold, 20th Century

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Abram KrolPolish French Ecole de Paris Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Clown Juggler, c.1950s

Vintage 1960s Drawings

Benjamin Glicker Signed Mid Century Modern 2 Clowns Drawing on Paper Framed 60s

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Abram KrolPolish French Ecole de Paris Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Clown Juggler, c.1950s

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

George De GoyaAbstract Self Portrait - Clowns - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media by George De Goya, Circa 1960

1950s Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Clown in Yellow, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Prints

Georges RouaultClown et Enfant (Clown and Child) From the suite Cirque (Circus), 1930

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Benton ScottClown, Medrano Circus, France, c.1960

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Benton ScottClown, Medrano Circus, France, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Yvette BossiereHuge Colourful 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Musical Clowns Gathered, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Animal Paintings

Henry BotkinClown with Orange Wig

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

George Crionas "Golf Clowns" Watercolor

Mid-20th Century American Country Figurative Sculptures

American Country Carved Wooden Clown

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Expressive Clown Painting, signed, c. 1950

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Set of Three Murano Glass Clowns

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Expressionist Clown Portrait After Bernard Buffett, 1965

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Marcel Gromaire Original Watercolor - Circus Clown

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Venetian Murano Clown Under The Mushroom

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Happy Clown Painting by Charles Levier

Vintage 1950s Figurative Sculptures

Jerry W Ward
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Clown Diva, 1960

Marjorie May Blake
Mid Century Pink Clown (Portrait #3), circa 1960s

Marjorie May Blake
Mid Century Portrait of a Clown #5, c. 1960s-1970s

Marjorie May Blake
Diminutive Mid Century Expressionist Clown Portrait #1, c.1960s

Mino Maccari
Hand Fan Clown - Original Woodcut Print by Mino Maccari - Mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Ella Raayoni
Torn Fabric Collage Dada "Clown Face" Mid Century Modern Israeli

Michael Frary
"THE CLOWN" MICHAEL FRARY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS ARTIST, Circa 1960

Peyot
Sad clown

Walter Martin Baumhofer
Clown and Dancer

Nahum Tschacbasov
Mid Century Modern Clown print, hand signed 144/250 Russian born American artist, 1956

Abram Krol
Polish French Ecole de Paris Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Clown Juggler, c.1950s

Abram Krol
Polish French Ecole de Paris Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Clown Juggler, c.1950s

George De Goya
Abstract Self Portrait - Clowns - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media by George De Goya, Circa 1960

Georges Rouault
Clown et Enfant (Clown and Child) From the suite Cirque (Circus), 1930

Benton Scott
Clown, Medrano Circus, France, c.1960

Benton Scott
Clown, Medrano Circus, France, c.1960

Yvette Bossiere
Huge Colourful 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Musical Clowns Gathered, 20th Century

Henry Botkin
Clown with Orange Wig

Jose Maria de Servin
Folk Art Mexican Girl, Circus Clown Juggler