1950s Mid Century Modern
519
129,380
1,730
291
to
10,746
69,018
59,587
130,391
129,094
129,322
121,192
5,597
815
333
241
115
31
27
22
18
8
7
5
5
5
5
2
2
127
215
129,008
2,021
150
121,312
1,291
15
1
32
139
1,005
84,128
4,400
737
128
65
62,753
57,450
36,056
24,597
20,240
88,216
37,405
35,292
33,251
18,771
2,980
2,004
1,528
1,387
1,341
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Marcel Breuer Style Desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Lucca, IT
Marcel Breuer style desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern.
Category
Vintage 1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1950's Mid Century Modern Solid Mahogany Center Table
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Solid Mahogany Center Table. This center table can be used for all types
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
Materials
Wood
1950's Mid Century Modern Fully Compartmentalized Dry Bar
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Fully Compartmentalized Walnut Dry Bar. Doors open to reveal bottle
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Walnut
1950s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern lounge chair for sale. The legs have been professionally
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Textile, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair Pair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Incredible pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs that are newly upholstered in
Fine
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Atomic Table Lamp Pair
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Atomic Table Lamp Pair
15 h at shortest 23.25 at tallest to socket
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Large 1950's Mid Century Modern Signed Orange Art Glass Vase
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Orange Art Glass Large Vase/ Vesset. This piece is signed. Highly
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Art Glass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Baumritter Lounge Chair
By Viko Baumritter
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original 1950's Midcentury Modern lounge chair for sale. Rare one from Baumritter, and has
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950's Mid-Century Modern Leather End Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Mid-Century Modern side table for sale. In the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1950's Mid Century Modern Kidney Shape Tesselated Stone Coffee/ Cocktail Table
By Maitland Smith
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Kidney Shaped Tesselated Stone Coffee/ Cocktail Table. Coordinating
Category
Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone
H 16.5 in W 33.75 in D 47.5 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Burbank, CA
Original 1950's Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by American of Martinsville, and
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wood
Bowl Murano Barovier Zebrato 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Design Gold Powder
By Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bowl Murano Barovier Zebrato 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian design gold powder.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Murano Glass
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
1950's Mid Century Modern Nickel "Swan" Magazine Rack attrib. Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Nickel "Swan" Form Magazine Rack. Very detailed and very beautiful. Made
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Nickel
1950s Mid Century Modern Faux Bamboo GiltMetal Coffee/Coctail Table Smoked Glass
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern Faux Bamboo Gilt Metal Coffee Table with Smoked Glass top. Very lovely
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
H 16.5 in W 24 in D 26 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chairs With Donghia Mohair Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of 1950's mid-century modern Italian lounge chairs in the style of Marco Zanuso
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Brass
H 35.5 in W 27.5 in D 31 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Baby Carriage Pram Stroller by Giordani
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian baby carriage pram stroller by Giordani
Excellent conditions
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Materials
Steel
H 46.07 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Dresser by Crawford
By Crawford Furniture
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Midcentury Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by Crawford Furniture, and made of
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Maple
1950's Mid Century Modern Large White Outstreched Glazed Ceramic Hand w/ Shades
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Modern White Glazed Ceramic Outstreched Hand Wall Sconce. Amber tone shade
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
H 6 in W 10.5 in D 7 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Folding Daybed / Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Midcentury Modern foldable sofa / daybed for sale. Originally from the 1950's, and
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Silk
Gio Ponti Style of a 1950s Mid-Century Modern Armchair with Original Upholstery
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Gio Ponti in the style of.
A 1950s Mid-Century Modern armchair with roll-over flat armrests a
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
H 34 in W 26 in D 17.5 in
Pair 1950s Mid Century Modern Murano Pink w/ Gold Dust Figural Parrots- Barovier
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning Pair of 1950's Mid Century Modern Murano Pink Art Glass Parrots with Gold Dust worked in
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Art Glass
H 21.75 in W 3.5 in D 8.5 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern 2 Woven Cane Doors Wood Cabinet Brass Knobs American
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Charming 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chest, cabinet in Wood with 2 handwoven Doors.
The Interior
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Cane
H 30 in W 29 in D 17.25 in
Pair of Aerodynamic 1950's Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs Edward Wormley Style
By Edward Wormley
Located in Wayne, NJ
This is a pair of 1950's Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs that appear to have been reupholstered in
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Fabric
H 29.75 in W 27.75 in D 31 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilded Glass Under spirit Cherries Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Styling: The 1950s Mid-Century Modern style often featured iconic design elements such as tapered legs
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass
Materials
Glass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass italian Picture Frame
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A picture frame that embodies the essence of the 1950s Mid-Century Modern era, crafted with
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Brown Goatskin Thermos Carafe by Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A 1950s Mid-Century Modern brass and brown Goatskin Thermos Carafe designed by Aldo Tura and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
H 13 in W 5.52 in D 4.34 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Set of 3 Nesting Tables by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Burbank, CA
We have a beautiful set of original 1950’s Mid-century Modern nesting tables for sale. They were
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Ta...
Materials
Brass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Vista of California - Set of Three
By Vista of California, Knoll
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Mid-century Modern barstools for sale. The metal bases were previously
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
1950s Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Italian Magazine Rack
Located in Aci Castello, IT
look. This 1950s mid-century modern brass magazine rack still looks stylish and relevant in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Hall Tree
Located in Charleston, SC
doors, an umbrella stand, a funky mirror with a curved shape and modern etching in the glass, and a
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal, Brass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Atomic Dresser
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's, and constructed
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brown Goatskin and Brass Carafe By Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura, Macabo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
, it's in lovely vintage conditions. A 1950s Mid-Century Modern Brown Goatskin and Brass Carafe by Aldo
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
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
circa 1950's Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Coffee Cocktail Table Part Suite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1950’s Mid-Century Modern French
Category
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
H 14.77 in W 51.19 in D 23.63 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Dresser
By Morris of California
Located in Burbank, CA
We have this lovely original Mid-century Modern dresser for sale. It was professionally refinished
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Pair of circa 1950's Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Side Tables Part Suite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original pair of circa 1950’s Mid Century Modern
Category
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Brass
H 16.15 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Guido Gambone Green Snake Vase, 1950s, Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vessel, Italy
By Guido Gambone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Guido Gambone green snake vase, 1950s, Mid-Century Modern ceramic vessel, Italy. Guido Gambone
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
H 12 in W 5 in D 5 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern couch for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's, and is an original Paul
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Trim Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern gondola armchair for sale. Incredibly solid, and very well constructed
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern armchair for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's by Thonet, and
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Walnut
1950s Mid-Century Modern French Brass Coffee Table
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
1950s modern solid brass French coffee table with antique mirror top.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of Italian armchairs, circa 1950s. Newly restored with blonde finish. Wood frame and
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Venini Six-Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Original Mid-Century Modern Venini 1950s six-light fixture. This chandelier has beehive shaped hand
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Glass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs, a Pair
By Monteverdi-Young
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs for sale. From the 1950's, and have been professionally
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Console Table / Bench
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Midcentury Modern console table / shelf for sale. Made of walnut, and has been
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Materials
Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Dresser W/ Metal Drawers
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Made of solid ash and solid brass, and has been professionally
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Italian Column Ashtray
Located in Aci Castello, IT
, contributing to the overall modern aesthetic of the space. The 1950s was a prime period for the Mid-Century
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
1950's Mid Century Modern Chinoise Asian Red Cabinet
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Mid Century Chinoise Red Cabinet. Good storage and brass hardware.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Italian Umbrella Stand
By San Marino Pottery
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A modernist hand-painted ceramic umbrella stand designed and manufactured in the small republic of San Marino in the center of Italy, the decor it's very popular in the Fifties, cer...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Mid-Century Modern Sage Lounge Armchairs - a Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a stunning vintage pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs, circa the
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Hardwood
1950s Mid Century Modern Office Chair by Jorge Rasmussen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century office chair designed and manufactured by Jorgen Rasmussen in Denmark circa 1950s. This
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
1950's Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Drexel Sideboard
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Burbank, CA
1950's, and part of the Profile series. Has been beautifully restored, and in wonderful restored
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Side Armchairs, a Pair
By Monteverdi-Young
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern pair of arm chairs for sale. From the 1950's, and have been
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Walnut
1950s Mid-Century Modern Black Glass & Steel Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
A European Mid-Century Modern coffee table from the 1950s, crafted with a combination of glass and
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Pair 1950s Mid Century Modern Bachelors Chests/ Night Stands
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Mid Century Modern Large Bachelors Chests/ Night Stands. Beautiful brass hardware. Opens to
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of D...
Materials
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Stilnovo Style Sputnik Italian Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
of art, embodying the spirit of innovation and optimism that defined the mid-century modern era. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Pair of 1950's Mid-Century Modern Arlus Pendant Lights
By Arlus
Located in London, GB
-Century Modern style pendants by Arlus, circa 1950s France.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail
Category
Vintage 1950s French Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Rare 1950's Mid Century Modern Triangular Wedge Shaped Mirror
Located in Leicester, GB
A rare midcentury triangular mirror. The mirror has a gorgeous minimal style, with a frameless glass, wooden back and metal clasps at the edges. I haven't seen this wedge shaped tria...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror
Typical Austrian Original 1950s Mid-Century Modern Crystal Chandelier
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A typical Austrian post-war manufactured chandelier, delicate works with hand-cut crystal hangings, a handblown column and six flames.
Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Max Bill Style Tulip Floor Lamp
By Bill Curry, Eero Saarinen, Max Bill
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-century Modern floor lamp for sale. Dates back to the 1950’s, and in excellent
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
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1950s Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic 1950s mid century modern available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and brass, every 1950s mid century modern was constructed with great care. Find 78551 options for an antique or vintage 1950s mid century modern now, or shop our selection of 43 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect 1950s mid century modern — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A 1950s mid century modern is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are sought with frequency. Paul McCobb, Edward Wormley and Dunbar each produced at least one beautiful 1950s mid century modern that is worth considering.
How Much is a 1950s Mid Century Modern?
A 1950s mid century modern can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,753, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $964,920.
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 1950s Mid Century Modern
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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 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 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
- 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.
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