Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted 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.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 10

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Question 13

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted 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.

Question 15

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Mid Century Adam

Mid-20th Century American Adam Style Sofas

Mid-Century Adam Style Painted Sofa / Settee

Antique Mid-18th Century English Adam Style Fireplaces and Mantels

Extremely Refined Adam Period Chimneypiece Carved in White Statuary Marble

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage Stackable Mid-Century Dining Chairs, Adam Stegner for Pagholz Flötotto

Antique Mid-19th Century English Adam Style Fireplaces and Mantels

Fine Free-Standing Fire Grate in the Manner of Robert Adam

Antique Mid-18th Century English Adam Style End Tables

Period English Robert Adam Painted Neoclassical Work Table, circa 1770

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Adam Grant Oil on Board Painting, Titled "Circus Couple"

Mid-19th Century Romantic Landscape Paintings

Hippolyte ADAMADAM Marine tempest rescue boats romantic french painting ISABEY 19th , 1820-1859

Vintage 1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Posters

The Wedding, Vintage Polish Theatre Poster by Adam Killian, 1968

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Prints

Carlo LeviAdam and Eve - Lithograph by Carlo Levi - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Adam D'apres MazoisCoup Du Camp - Original Etching by Adam D'apres Mazois - Late 20th Century, Late 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Adam Style Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Mid-Century English Regency Adam Style Mahogany Nesting Tables, Set of 3

20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

12 Le Cirque N.Y. Villeroy & Boch 9" Soup Bowls Designed by Adam D. Tihany

20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

12 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 12" Plates Designed By Adam D. Tihany For Villeroy & Boch

20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

12 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 11" Plates Designed By Adam D. Tihany For Villeroy & Boch

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

1960s Adam Hoff & Poul Østergaard Teak Coat Hanger

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Vintage Mark Adam Co. Mid-Century Modern Stacking Folding Leg Tables, Set of 3

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Five Adam Stegner Sculpted Dining Chairs for Pagholz Flötotto

Vintage 1970s American Greco Roman Table Lamps

Handsome mid century classical revival decorator pottery table lamp

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

1950s Mid-Century Wall Plaque Adam Dworski Wye Pottery Woman

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Adam Hoff & Poul Østergaard, Folding Coat Rack, Denmark, 1960's

Mid-20th Century English Adam Style Fireplaces and Mantels

20th Century Georgian Style Marble Fireplace Mantelpiece

Antique Mid-19th Century English Adam Style Wall Mirrors

Pair of 19th Century Adam Style Giltwood Mirrors

Antique Mid-18th Century Neoclassical Architectural Elements

Mid 18th Century George III Neoclassical Statuary Marble Fireplace after Adam

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Coaster Reclining "Adam” 7 of 8, 1965, Mid-century

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Coaster Reclining "Adam” 2 of 8, 1965, Mid-century

Early 20th Century Adam Style Wall Mirrors

Adam Style Neoclassical Wall Mirror

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Adam George III Lacquered Style Italian Design, 1962

Vintage 1950s German Scandinavian Modern Children's Furniture

Adam Stegner Flötotto Germany 1960’s Pagholz wood (school) children’s chair

Antique Mid-19th Century English Adam Style Fireplace Tools and Chimney ...

English 19th Century "Adam" Style Chased and Pierced Brass Fireplace Fender

Antique Mid-18th Century British Adam Style Commodes and Chests of Drawers

English Adam Ince & Mayhew Mahogany Commode

1960s Expressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

John T. Stephens'Leaving the Garden of Eden', Mid-century American Expressionist, Adam and Eve, Circa 1965

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Adam Style Urns

Two Carved Antique Adam Style Sandstone Garden Urns

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Mid-Century Modern Danish Virum Møbelsnedkeri Teak Coat Rack

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Paintings

Gina PhillipsAdam's Shoes, 2008

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Adam D Tihany & Joseph Mancini K6 'Wassily' Blown Glass Table Lamp for Foscarini

Antique 1830s English Neoclassical Console Tables

19th Century Neo-Classical Console Table

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Batman stereo radio bar by Adalberto dal Lago & Adam Tihany for G. Rossi , 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Batman stereo radio bar by Adalberto dal Lago & Adam Tihany for G. Rossi , 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Batman stereo radio bar by Adalberto dal Lago & Adam Tihany for G. Rossi , 1970s

2010s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Hippolyte ADAM
ADAM Marine tempest rescue boats romantic french painting ISABEY 19th , 1820-1859

Carlo Levi
Adam and Eve - Lithograph by Carlo Levi - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Adam D'apres Mazois
Coup Du Camp - Original Etching by Adam D'apres Mazois - Late 20th Century, Late 20th Century

John T. Stephens
'Leaving the Garden of Eden', Mid-century American Expressionist, Adam and Eve, Circa 1965

Gina Phillips
Adam's Shoes, 2008

Gina Phillips
Adam and Eve, 2010

Gina Phillips
Adam and Eve Tree I, 2010