Mid Century Modern Plaques
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Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Plaque
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Mid-Century Modern tiled wall plaque in rosewood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Three Mid-Century Modern Teak and Terracotta Wall Plaques
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Three beautiful Mid-Century Modern handmade teak and terracotta wall plaques.
The writing on the
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Terracotta, Teak
American Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Tiki Wall Plaque
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting solid walnut wall plaque circa 1970s, not signed.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Maurice Chalvignac Mid-Century Modern Art Pottery Decorative Wall Plaque
By Maurice Chalvignac
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
and dates to approximately 1965 and done in his signature Mid-Century Modern style. The sculpture is
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Teak, Pine
Mid-Century Modern Wood Mounted Bronze Plaque of a Rotund Woman signed Fane
By Lawrence Fane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern sculpture.
Depicting the outlines of a rotund female nude in a
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
H 2.13 in W 4.5 in D 11 in
Mid-Century Modern Stoneware Wall Plaque by Roland Zobel France
By Roland Zobel
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Sublime ceramic image on wooden wall plaque 1960s relief with beautiful colors.
Roland Zobel (died
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque "Sailing" by Helmut Schaffenacker
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque "Sailing" by Helmut Schaffenacker
The plaque is
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
H 18.9 in W 9.85 in D 0.99 in
Mid-Century Modern Large Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque by Helmut Schaffenacker
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern large relief tile handmade fat lava Helmut Schaffenacker ceramic wall plaque
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
American Mid-Century Gold World Map Plaque
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century oval shaped metal wall plaque map of the world with gold continents in relief
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal, Gold
French Mid-Century Equestrian Glass Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
French 1940s etched & painted glass wall plaque of stylized equestrian with floral background in
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Copper Enameled Wall Plaques, circa 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural wall plaques. Modern day couple in three sections
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Meissen Mid-Century Porcelain Wall Plaque with Angel Fish
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning German mid-century porcelain wall plaque or tile decorated with Angel fish by world
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Set in Hardwood & Brown Leather, 1960, Brazil Plaque
Located in New York, NY
Available immediately, these Mid-Century Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Faux Leather, are stunning
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Hardwood
H 31.11 in W 19.69 in D 23.23 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Plaque by Harris and Ros Barron Boston Artists
By Harris Barron
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-century ceramic plaque, hand made by Boston Massachusetts artists Harris and Ros Barron
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
H 14.25 in W 31.25 in D 1.25 in
Mid-century modern pottery wall plaque with an abstract pattern, from Tilgmans
By Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
-century modern pottery design.
The history of the company is old but by the late 1960s they had
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Free Shipping
H 9.05 in W 9.05 in D 1.18 in
Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Panels Plaques of Bacchus by Bertoni
Located in Antwerp, BE
A terrific ceramic wall piece of Bacchus by the Italian ceramic artist H Bertoni.
This piece features a roman male figure with an harp resting on a stump.
Measures: Height 105 cm.
W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Ceramic
Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large Mid-Century Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with Agate Mineral Plaque Attr. to Willy Daro
By Willy Daro
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A Mid-Century Modern Table lamp, in the manner of Willy Daro. The base is made of chrome plated
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Agate, Brass
Free Shipping
H 17.72 in W 9.85 in D 5.91 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstand Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern blonde wood nightstand or end table by Northern Furniture Company. The piece has
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Plaques Aimo Nietosvuori for Jie Verkstad, 1970s
By JIE Gantofta
Located in Miami, FL
Whimsical trio of ceramic wall plaques designed by Aimo Nietosvuori (b. 1933-Finland) for the
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
H 6.5 in W 8.75 in D 1.5 in
Mid-Century Art Wall Plaque Crane Birds German Drosselbach
Located in Mimizan, FR
Mid-Century German Drosselbach wall art plaque, circa 1950-1960 very stylish
Two crane birds
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Enamel
Large Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large Mid-Century Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque of Owls on a Branch by EGO, Sweden, 1960s
By Ego Stengods
Located in Barcelona, ES
Charming glazed ceramic wall plaque depicting three owls sitting on a branch. Fabricated by EGO
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 1.19 in
Mid Century Helmut Schaffenacker, Germany Pottery Wall Plaque Horses, c1960s
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time and infuse your living space with the allure of mid-century modern design with
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
H 16.93 in W 10.6 in D 0.8 in
3 Carved Wood Plaques Outsider Modern Mid 20th Century Latin Gay LGBT Beefcake
Located in New York, NY
3 Carved Wood Plaques Outsider Modern Mid 20th Century Latin Gay Male LGBT Beefcake
Each plaque is
Category
20th Century Outsider Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century French Ceramic Wall Plaque or Decorative Plate, 1960s
By Le Cyclope
Located in London, GB
Highly decorative mid-century pottery wall plaque or plate by le Cyclope art pottery, in the style
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray . Versatile use
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Bronze
H 1.75 in W 16 in D 9 in
Signed Mid-Century Asian Modern Brass Sculpture Wall Plaque After Kelvin Laverne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A brass wall sculpture circa 1960's most likely from Cambodia. Comes signed and with framed. Free continental USA shipping available.
Category
Vintage 1960s Cambodian Chinoiserie Metalwork
Materials
Brass
H 51 in W 16 in D 1.25 in
Ceramica D'Amore Vietri Mid-Century Italian Painted Pottery Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Italian small rounded wall plaque hand decorated with a geometrical pattern by Ceramica
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Decorative Relief Plaque, English, Bronze Plate, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Wonderfully cheerful relief with a nicely weathered appearance
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
H 12.21 in W 8.27 in D 0.4 in
Vintage Elephant Relief Plaque, English, Bronze Outdoor Plate, Mid Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage elephant relief plaque. An English, bronze outdoor plate, dating to the mid 20th
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
H 11.62 in W 8.08 in D 1.38 in
Mid-Century Virgin to the Child Enamelled Plaque, French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus enameled wall plaque.
French, mid-century.
Reproduction from a stained
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Religious Items
Materials
Enamel
Mid-Century Jie Gantofta Sweden Floral Wall Plaque Tile
By JIE Gantofta
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Swedish ceramic floral wall plaque by Jie Gantofta Sweden. Created by designer Aimo
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Hans Michael Kissel Designed Mid-Century Brutalist Honorary Brass Cast Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Michael Kissel designed plaque to be given out as an honorary award by the prime minister of
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Brass
H 11.38 in W 10.25 in D 1.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Full 1960s bedroom set with decorative black plaques and ornate gold leafing. Long and tall chest
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Materials
Mahogany
1950s Mid-Century Wall Plaque Adam Dworski Wye Pottery Woman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A Ceramic Wall Plaque made by Croatian Ceramicist Adam Dworski who set up Wye Pottery Studio in
Category
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Scandinavian Mid-Century Stoneware Wall Plaque with Fish by Tilgmans Pottery
By Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice stoneware wall plaque relief of a fish and a snail in bright colors by Tilgmans Pottery Sweden
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
H 12.6 in W 6.3 in D 0.99 in
Helmut Friedrich Schéffenacker Mid Centry Wall Plaque
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Rare midcentury handmade wall plaque made by Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker. He was born
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Ego Stengods Mid Century Ceramic Wall Plaque of Blue Fish Sweden
By Ego Stengods
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Blue fish embossed ceramic plate from the 1960s from the Ego Stengods workshops in Sweden.
Very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Free Shipping
H 5.11 in W 5.9 in D 1.57 in
Mexican Modern Miguel Pineda Enamel Wall Plaque
By Miguel Pineda
Located in San Diego, CA
Enamel plaque by Mexican artist Miguel Pineda. This abstract still life is signed on the front and
Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Italian Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Sconces, Pair
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Italian Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern pair of wall sconces with black enameled and brass elements on
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Italian Mid-Century Modern Travertine Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
. signed on a brass plaque "H.R." Base is 10" square x 20" tall. Overall height is 34 1
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Enamel Artwork by Judith Daner
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern Enamel Artwork by Judith Danner. Amazing piece of work by a very talented artist
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Plaque of Goddess on Demons
Located in New York, NY
Relief wall plaque of composite material, depicting the Indian goddess Shiva dancing on the dwarves
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Gennarelli Mid-Century Modern 'Torso' Carved Granite Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern 'Torso' direct carving in granite of a woman's torso, by A. Gennarelli. The
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite
Abstract Cast Bronze Decorative Plaque Sculpture
By Edgar Britton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract case bronze decorative plaque in the style of Edgar Britton. This weighty sculptural piece
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Canoa Armchairs by Gelli, Mid-Century Modern- 60'
By Gelli Indústria de Móveis
Located in Houston, TX
Currently available for acquisition, these exquisite examples of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Abalone, Linen, Hardwood
Italian Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque "Fisherman and His Catch" 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Ceramic Wall plaque. A combination of glossy glaze decoration on a textured satin grayish
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Clay
Abstract Architectural Plaque
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large scaled and masterfully rendered earth toned sculptural horizontal plaque made of a ceramic
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1970s Modern Brutalist Wall Art Bronzed Metal Fish on Wood Plaque
By Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modern Brutalist wall art bronzed metal fish on wood plaque
18.5 w x 8 h x 1.5 d
Original
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Plaque
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the enigmatic world of Marcello Fantoni's ceramic mastery with this captivating plaque
Category
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Marquetry Geometric Panel Wall Art, Mid Century Modern
Located in Sherborne, GB
. There is an artist's plaque, but unfortunately I have not been able to identify the artist. I'm sure
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Headboard
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Mid-Century Modern mahogany headboard with rattan caning designed by Edward Wormley
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Rattan, Mahogany
H 38.5 in W 56.25 in D 1.25 in
S & B Evans, London Earthenware Pottery Grotesque Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and well made mid-century earthenware glazed grotesque plaque by S & B Evans & Sons
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Ceramic Wall Plaque
By Roger Capron
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning portrait/figural wall sculpture in the style of Roger Capron. This piece is made of hand sculpted tiles mounted on wood for an oversized wall sculpture presentation. Col...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Swedish Mid-Century Modern 'Paradiset' Sofa, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sheepskin
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Stamford, CT
Swedish Mid-Century Modern 'Paradiset' Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sheepskin
Chic
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
H 33 in W 57 in D 33 in
Bronze Flower Sculpture Plaque
By Ruth Asawa
Located in New York, NY
Ruth Asawa
Bronze Flower, 1979
Cast Bronze relief plaque with original presentation box
5 1/4 × 6 1
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Wall Plaque Caveman and Woman
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Bradenton, FL
incredible! These are very unique pieces of Mid-Century Modern art. There is a firing crack at the bottom
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Marcello Fantoni Wall Plaque
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Chicago, IL
Marcello Fantoni rare studio wall plaque. Marked: Fantoni, Italy.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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Mid Century Modern Plaques For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid century modern plaques available for sale. Frequently made of ceramic, metal and wood, all mid century modern plaques available were constructed with great care. There are 307 antique and vintage mid century modern plaques for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century modern plaques have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mid century modern plaques to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern mid century modern plaques are of considerable interest. Mid century modern plaques have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Marcello Fantoni, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and Emaus are consistently popular.
How Much are Mid Century Modern Plaques?
The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,078, while they’re typically $86 on the low end and $27,500 highest priced.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 Mid Century Modern Plaques
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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, 2021Mid 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, 2021Mid 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, 2024The 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. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, 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.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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, 2021Most 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.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024There 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2022Yes, 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-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, 2024There 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, 2023Some 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, 2019The 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.
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The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
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Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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