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Mid C Century Modern

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Sterling Silver Bowl by C. Zurita Hallmarked Mid-Century Modern
By C. Zurita
Located in North Miami, FL
corners of the design make for asymmetry. The height on other side rises to 5" H. This is Mid-Century
Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Scalloped Bowl by C. Zurita
By C. Zurita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Mexican sterling silver bowl by the maker C. Zurita. With a nod to the eponymous design
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Ebonized 12-Drawer Dresser
By Century Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
interior decors. Enjoy! :) Designer: Century Furniture Manufacturer: Century Furniture Materials
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Rare Mid-Century Danish Modern C. B. Hansens Etablissement Table
By C.B.Hansen
Located in Forney, TX
Hansen. This exceptional example was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the mid-20th century
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Louis XV Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Linocut Portrait
By M.C. Escher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting, Mid-Century Modern, Brutalist, linocut portrait on wood block in the manner of M.C
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Decorative Art

Mid Century Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Dining Table by Hans C. Andersen
By Hans C. Andersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teak dining table designed by Hans C. Andersen.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Teak

Elegant Mid-Century Modern Teak Side Table by Hans C. Andersen for Artek 1960s
By Artek, Hans C. Andersen
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern occasional side table. Designed by Hans C. Andersen and
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage C. Jeré Mid-Century Modern Style Abstract Brushed Steel Table Sculpture
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage contemporary modern Curtis Jeré clear lacquered brushed steel metal abstract form table
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of C&B Coronado Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa, C&B Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian pair of C&B Italia "Coronado" armchairs by Tobia Scarpa with their
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-20th Century Torino Ceramic Sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C.I.A. Manna
By C.I.A. Manna
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Torino ceramic semi-nude woman sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C.I.A. Manna By
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp, c.1940s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp, c.1940s
Category

20th Century Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp, c.1940s
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp, c.1940s
H 72.05 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Modern Tufted Mahogany Bench, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A original 1950s mid-century modern tufted bench, meticulously restored to its former glory by
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Vintage Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Footed Bowl or Dish by Zurita
By C. Zurita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage, Mid-Century Modern Mexican Sterling Silver three footed dish or bowl by the maker, C
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs, c.1950
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs, c.1950
Category

Vintage 1950s Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs, c.1950
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs, c.1950
H 35.04 in W 23.82 in D 25.2 in
FRENCH Mid Century MODERN BOOKCASE, c. 1950's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
French Mid Century Modern Bookcase, c. 1950's. This incredible piece features plenty of shelving
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Ebonized Mahogany Nightstands, C. 1950s
By Unagusta
Located in Westport, CT
, combined with meticulous restoration, seamlessly blend mid-century charm with modern sophistication
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Dark Walnut Credenza, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
shelving, there's also a silverware drawer in the middle. Other designers in the modern-rustic style
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Glass Top Side Tables - Set of 2
By C.E. Waltman
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Glass Top Side Tables. Featuring a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid Century MODERN Walnut DRESSER / Highboy, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser / Highboy, c. 1960's. This solid dresser offers a ton of storage
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Writing Table Desk, American, c.1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern walnut writing table desk, American, c.1960s. Surfboard top & floating cabinet
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century MODERN Walnut BEDROOM SET, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Bedroom Set, c. 1960's. This magnificent set consists of a long dresser
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century MODERN Walnut CREDENZA / Dresser, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza / Dresser consisting of six spacious drawers for all your
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Abstract C. Dengler Vintage Oil
By Candy Dengler
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage modern abstract oil painting, signed by Candy Dengler. The wooden frame shows
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid Century Modern Abstract Floral Still Life Colored Lithograph, Signed, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid Century Modern Abstract Floral Still Life Colored Lithograph, Pencil Signed, 20th C Measures
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Credenza / Bar, C. 1960s
By Bodafors
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish teak highboard credenza / sideboard by Beril Fridhagen for Bodafors, c
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Knoll School Black Swivel Womb Chair & Ottoman, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid Century Modern Knoll School Black Swivel Womb Chair & Ottoman with Aluminum Bases, 20th C
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Credenza / Sideboard, C. 1960s
By Bodafors
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish teak highboard credenza / sideboard by Beril Fridhagen for Bodafors, c
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Model 108-C Wave Chaise
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
A gorgeous mid century modern wave chaise designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Model
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Horn Lamp, c. 1980
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage tessellated horn lamp attributed to Enrique Garcel. Lamp has architectural column design comprised of mosaic squares of inlaid horn. The lacquered horn features gradient hues...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Large pair of round-square polished aluminium modernist gueridons - Mid XXth c.
By Modern Age
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Great pair of round-square large modernist style gueridon made of polished aluminium and glass mirror On the back of the upper mirror is fixed another mirror underneath which is re...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Gueridon

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century MODERN Italian CREDENZA / Long DRESSER, c. 1950's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Truly Incredible Mid Century Modern Six Drawer Long Dresser, c. 1950’s. A rare example of Italian
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century MODERN Walnut NIGHTSTANDS, a PAIR, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Nightstands, c. 1960's. This lovely pair offers a single
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern C. Jere Style Ship Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful mid-century wall art features a three dimensional sailboat sculpture with plenty of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Armchairs 'C', a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern BRNO style chrome cantilever lounge armchairs (C), a pair. Item features
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Danish Modern Hans Olsen C/S Mobler Sofa
By Hans Olsen
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Hans Olsen C/S Mobler Sofa Above average vintage condition and
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

Sheepskin Sofa by Fritz Henningsen C.1950 Mid-Century Modern
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Sheepskin covered sofa by Fritz Henningsen C.1950. MCM Century Modern.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fur, Sheepskin

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza on Brass Legs, C. 1960s.
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Westport, CT
embodies the essence of mid-century modern design. Its rich walnut grain veneer radiates warmth and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

DANISH Mid Century MODERN Teak Credenza / SIDEBOARD, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Stunning Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Highboard Credenza / Sideboard, c. 1960's. This incredible
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Seating Set, c.1900
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Seating Set, c.1900.
Category

Antique Early 1900s Living Room Sets

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Seating Set, c.1900
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Seating Set, c.1900
H 38.59 in W 48.43 in D 14.57 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Floor Lamp, Lacquered Aluminum Shades with Three Arms
By G.C.M.E
Located in San Francisco, CA
A favorite among lovers of Mid-Century Modern design, this iconic floor lamp is in very good
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchair in Rosewood by Tora Arquitetura, c. 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Arquitetura. Preserves seal. We turn our gaze to the modern production in an integral way, always open to
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Four Panel Painted Room Divider, C 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern four panel painted and gilt wood fantasy room divider. C 1950
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Starburst German Catchall
Located in Charleston, SC
Great minimalist colors in this ceramic ashtray/catchall. This is one from my personal collection, I hope you love it as much as I do. I love the starburst effect made in this on...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Large DANISH Mid Century Modern ROSEWOOD BOOKCASE, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Exquisite Mid Century Modern ROSEWOOD bookcase featuring 8 wide and spacious shelving areas
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist C Jere Tree Sculpture Signed
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A great Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere brass, copper and metal life-size tree sculpture. Rare form
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Mounted Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Sculpted Legs Vintage Mid Century Modern Lowboy Dresser c. 1960s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Denville, NJ
vintage furniture piece that will stand the test of time. This vintage mid-century modern lowboy dresser
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Painting Mid-Century Portrait of a Lady Mid-Century Modern Art, Signed, C 1950
Located in New York, NY
Decorative, midcentury painting of a lady, circa 1950. Signed by H. Quat. Framed in a gold frame with a linen liner.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Broyhill Saga Vintage Mid Century Modern China Cabinet c. 1960s
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Denville, NJ
Modern Broyhill Saga China Cabinet, a standout piece from Broyhill's celebrated Mid-Century modern
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk, Style of Gio Ponti, c 1950s, Refinished
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern desk produced in Italy circa 1950s. Featuring black steel
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

C J Rosengaard Danish Hardwood Mid Century Modern Extending Dining Table 6-10
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, Mid-Century Modern, Danish Rosewood C
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Mucki Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Mucki bench, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1958 and manufactured by Oca, is a versatile and stunning piece suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Featuring a low rect...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Mid-Century Modern, French Set of Chrome & Resin Inlaid Tables by Accolay
By J. C. Accolay
Located in Lisse, NL
think of an interior where this rare set of tables would not look great. However, in a midcentury modern
Category

Mid-20th Century French Organic Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Chrome

Large Mid-Century Modern Walnut Three Panel Mirror, C. 1960s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern walnut three panel mirror, c. 1960s. The glass is crystal clear and the
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid Century MODERN Milo Baughman for Drexel NIGHTSTANDS, c. 1950's
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Nightstands, designed by Milo Baughman for Drexel, c. 1950’s. Sleek and
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern "Perception" Walnut Dresser by Warren Church for Lane
By Warren C. Church, Lane Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous mid century modern “perception” walnut dresser designed by Warren Church for Lane, in the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

DANISH Mid Century Modern ROSEWOOD Hanging NIGHTSTANDS / Bedside Tables, c. 1950
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Petite pair of Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Hanging Nightstands / Bedside Tables, c. 1960's
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Coffee Table, c. 1970's
Located in Deland, FL
Gorgeous, vintage, solid teak coffee table with exposed finger joints. The minimalist Danish Modern
Category

Vintage 1970s Thai Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Classic Mid-Century Modern Walnut Server by Warren Church for Lane
By Warren C. Church, Lane Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern walnut server by Warren Church for lane, wonderful warm walnut patina
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Sheepskin Chair by Fritz Henningson, C.1950 Mid-Century Modern
By Fritz Heningsen
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Faux fur chair made in Sweden in excellent original condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Perfect Size WALNUT Mid Century Modern DINING TABLE, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Perfectly sized Mid Century Modern WALNUT DINING TABLE, c. 1960's. Comfortably seats 4-6 guests yet
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

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Mid C Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid c century modern for your home. Each mid c century modern for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and glass. Find 345943 options for an antique or vintage mid c century modern now, or shop our selection of 10878 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mid c century modern you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid c 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. Milo Baughman, Knoll and Herman Miller each produced at least one beautiful mid c century modern that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid C Century Modern?

A mid c century modern can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,445, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $3,500,000.

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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 C Century Modern
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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 22, 2021
    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.
  • 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, 2021
    Mid 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, 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, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs 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, 2022
    Yes, 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, 2024
    There 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-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, 2024
    There 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, 2023
    Some 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, 2019
    The 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.

Read More

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