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What years are mid century modern?
1 Answer
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.
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 ExpertApril 25, 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