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What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?
1 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.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
Pair of Bonacina armchairs in rattan and bamboo, Italy, 1960s
By Bonacina
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of Bonacina armchairs in rattan and bamboo, Italy, 1950s
Two rare and spectacular rattan armchairs, perfect for decorating a veranda, garden or living room. Refined and elegant...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model 31N Ceiling Lamp
Located in Centreville, VA
Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for a half century by the original manufacture...
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Elegant Dutch Pendant in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pendant, in brass and metal, The Netherlands 1970s.
This elegant pendant light features a striking combination of bronze and brass tones. The shade is designed as a metal globe wit...
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
20th Century Large Exotic Embossed Leather Vertical Valet Wardrobe Trunk
Located in Encinitas, CA
Mid century embossed leather steamer trunk on caster wheels, with brass plated hardware. A vertical trunk - a royal traveling companion functioning as a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Zig Zag Chair by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1934. Relaunched in 1973/ 2011.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Designed by Gerrit Rietveld, this chair provided an early example of a ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Charlotte Perriand Berger Wood Stool by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool model Berger designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953-61.
Relaunched by Cassina in 2011.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Reclaiming simple materials and basic shapes, with an eye to architecture and mountain life...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum