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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Chicken

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Mid-Century Diamond Sapphire 18k Gold Enamel Chicken Brooch

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Pair of Mid Century Brass Chickens

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Pair of Chinese Mid-Century White Porcelain Chickens

Antique Mid-19th Century French Cabinets

French Mid-19th Century Painted Cabinet with Chicken Wire Doors

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century Signed Landscape -- Old Country Cottage with Chickens , 1955

1870s Victorian Animal Paintings

Charles-Emile JacqueFrench 19th century Chickens in a barn or chicken coop interior, circa 1870

Vintage 1960s Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures

Mid 20th Century Oriental Carved Gilt-Wood Wall Sculpture Rooster Chickens

1950s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Clifford EllisClifford Ellis Corsham Court Hens Chicken Shed c. 1950 mid century watercolour, c. 1950

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Turkish Rugs

Chicken Rooster Vintage Turkish Square Rug

1870s Victorian Animal Paintings

Charles-Emile JacqueFrench 19th century Chickens in a landscape, circa 1870

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

"Chickens" by Clifford Jones

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Chicken cutter vienna around 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawLingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawLingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawLingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawLingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawLingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Mache Paper Chicken, circa 1970

Mid-19th Century Academic Animal Paintings

Claude Guilleminet Chickens in the Farmyard in pair, Circa 1850

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Vintage Covered Ceramic Chicken Tureen Vessel, Signed

Mid-20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Hans-Ulrich MuhlhausenHans-Ulrich Muhlhausen - Chickens and Pigeons

Mid-20th Century American Animal Sculptures

Vintage Cast Iron Chicken Boot Scraper

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Monumental Ceramic Wall Plate with a Chicken

Antique Mid-19th Century French Black Forest Animal Sculptures

19th century Pair Black Forest Chicken Vase Epergne Candleholder Carved Wood Set

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Modernist Elephant and Chicken by Deru Germany

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Y. Blanchon1930's Watercolour French Landscape Chickens in Farmyard, 1930's

Mid-20th Century French Bookcases

French Painted Wood Bookcase with Chicken-Wire Door Fronts, 6.75 Ft Tall

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Abstract blue chicken wall sculpture signed and dated 1960

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

1940s Studio Pottery Chicken Pitcher by Emily Reinse

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Weinberg style abstract chicken form black wrought wirework basket

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Vintage Ginny and Paul Anthony Studio Pottery Chicken Tureen

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Y. Blanchon1930's Gouache Painting French Farm Chickens In Courtyard , 1930's

Mid-20th Century Victorian Abstract Paintings

Tommaso PrincipeVINTAGE ENGLISH OIL PAINTING - FARMYARD BUILDINGS WITH TRACTOR & CHICKENS, c.1980's

Mid-19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

A Country Scene With a Woman Feeding the Chickens, circa 1850

Early 20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Japanese Mid-Size 6-Panel Byôbu 屏風 Screen with Chicken Family in a Flower Field

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Yoruba Tribal Maternity Offering Bowl Figure Chicken, Nigeria Africa weathered

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Jørgen Morgensen for Royal Copenhagen Midcentury Art Pottery Chicken Dish

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Foro, Original Vintage Poster, Vote PRL, Politics Party, Chicken, Sheep, 1947

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Ceramic fruit bowl representing a chicken. French work. Circa 1970

Mid-19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles-Emile Jacque
French 19th century Chickens in a barn or chicken coop interior, circa 1870

Clifford Ellis
Clifford Ellis Corsham Court Hens Chicken Shed c. 1950 mid century watercolour, c. 1950

Charles-Emile Jacque
French 19th century Chickens in a landscape, circa 1870

Mark Shaw
Lingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mark Shaw
Lingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mark Shaw
Lingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mark Shaw
Lingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Mark Shaw
Lingerie - Chicken Ballerina my Maidenform., 2018

Claude Guilleminet
Chickens in the Farmyard in pair, Circa 1850

Hans-Ulrich Muhlhausen
Hans-Ulrich Muhlhausen - Chickens and Pigeons

Y. Blanchon
1930's Watercolour French Landscape Chickens in Farmyard, 1930's

Y. Blanchon
1930's Gouache Painting French Farm Chickens In Courtyard , 1930's

Tommaso Principe
VINTAGE ENGLISH OIL PAINTING - FARMYARD BUILDINGS WITH TRACTOR & CHICKENS, c.1980's

Paul René YARDIN
YARDIN COROT 19th French countryside Landscape orchard chicken Picardy Salon , 1850

Marc Sterling
Still life with chicken. Oil on canvas, 50 x 61 cm

Retta Scott
Horses, Chicken, Ducks, Rooster and Pigs - Children's Book -Female Illustrator , 1953