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Mid Century Lighter

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Vintage Metal and Brass Lighter, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage metal and brass lighter is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern Georges Briard Stained Mosaic Lighter
By Georges Briard
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-century modern Georges Briard blue and green mosaic stained glass lighter. Colorful and stylish
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid century ceramic lighter by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern ceramic lighter by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy 1960s. Tones of espresso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Metal

Ronson Mid-Century Era Silver Plated Figural 'Decanter' Table Lighter
By Ronson
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
the period Mid-Century Modern style. The lighter is composed of a cast and silver plated base with a
Category

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

Materials

Lead, Metal, Silver Plate

Mid Century Modern Novelty Pro Golf Ball Table Desk Lighter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This mid-century vintage lighter is a unique collectible or gift, shaped like a golf ball and clubs
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Mid Century Enameled Brass Lighter & Ashtray Set by Sascha Brastoff
By Sascha Brastoff
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original matching enameled brass cloisonne Ashtray and Lighter featuring an Autumn, Fall scene of
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Copper

Mid-Century Brass Toned Figural Aladdin's Oil Lamp Styled Table Lighter
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
and date to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The base of the
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Spelter

Dunhill Mid-Century Modern Chrome Stylized Sabre Jet Airplane Table Lighter
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
1960 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The lighter is made in the likeness of the F-86
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Whimsical Thick Lucite Whale Lighter Mid-Century Regency Modern
By Guzzini
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous thick lucite sculpted whale lighter. Add some whimsy with a touch of glam to your table
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid 20th Century Modern Table lighter by Dieter Rams for Braun
By Dieter Rams, Braun
Located in Brugge, BE
1968-1970 Germany Brushed metal 8.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter Dieter Rams, born in 1932, is a renowned German industrial designer closely associated with Braun, Vitsœ, and the funct...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

11pc Mid Century Arrowsmith Mahogany Sterling Silver Salad Bowl Tongs Lighter
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century eleven piece Arrowsmith salad serving set featuring turned mahogany bowls with sterling
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-century Raymor Glazed Ceramic Smoking Set Italy, Box, Lighter and Ashtray
By Raymor
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century Raymor Glazed Ceramic Smoking Set Italy, Box, Lighter and Ashtray Offered for sale is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Table top smoking set, ashtray and table lighter, Italy 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century Table top smoking set, ashtray and table lighter Italy 1950s wood & brass 18 x 12 x
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Transparent Faceted Art Glass Chrome Gas Lighter Japan 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern transparent art Glass lighter with Chrome hardware from the 1970s, made in Japan
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Set of Ceramic Lighter and Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni 1950s
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Marcello Fantoni for Raymor Ceramic Lighter and Ashtray Set Italian Pottery Mid Century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Blue Murano Glass w/ Gold Leaf Table Lighter, Italy
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original blue murano glass with gold leaf table lighter. This lighter features hand-crafted and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Modern Cobalt Murano Glass & Brass Table Lighter W/ Copper Striker
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage circa 1960 mid century modern cobalt murano glass & brass lighter w/ Copper Striker. Made
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Lighter Key
Located in Paris, FR
Large lighter key Circa 1970 Nonfunctional.
Category

Mid-20th Century More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Large Lighter Key
Large Lighter Key
H 0.4 in W 2.37 in D 11.03 in
Vintage Italian Set of Ashtray and Lighter in Bras, Mid-Century from the 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
An elegant set consisting of a lighter and ashtray or brass tray, vintage from the 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Sancai Meiping Mounted Lighter mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
into a functional butane table lighter. The intricate brass mounting work dates from mid 20th century
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Art Deco Silver Table Lighter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful Aluminum Art Deco Table lighter by Saroma, made in Japan, 1960. A compliment to the
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Art Deco Silver Table Lighter
Art Deco Silver Table Lighter
H 2.75 in W 4.5 in D 2.25 in
Vintage Faceted Lucite Table Lighter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Mid-Century Modern lucite table lighter with faceted corners and decorative elements, and new
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Faceted Lucite Table Lighter
Vintage Faceted Lucite Table Lighter
H 5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
1970s Shell Lighter, France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1970 shell lighter, will feet well with modern ahtrays.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

1970s Shell Lighter, France
1970s Shell Lighter, France
H 3.94 in Dm 4.73 in
Lot of 5 Lighters, Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Half Giant Lighters
By Dunhill
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Lot of 5 Rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill Aquarium table lighters (made in England) Each of these
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Chrome, Silver Plate

Murano Glass Table Lighter
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Italian 1970s clear Murano glass lighter.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Glass Table Lighter
Murano Glass Table Lighter
H 7 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Federal Eagle Metal Table Lighter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful Americana metal federal eagle table lighter. This piece will look great on a coffee
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Barware

Materials

Metal

Ronson Large Table Lighter 1980
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Ronson Large Table Lighter 1980
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plexiglass

Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
H 3.35 in W 2.37 in D 4.34 in
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
H 6.7 in W 13 in D 7.88 in
Collection of Nine Vintage Lighters
Located in South Salem, NY
A collection of nine vintage lighters. All nine are from various parts of Europe. We do not
Category

Mid-20th Century French More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Collection of Nine Vintage Lighters
Collection of Nine Vintage Lighters
H 2.5 in W 3.75 in D 1.25 in
Vintage Acrylic Italian Lighter 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage acrylic Italian lighter.  
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Acrylic Italian Lighter 1980
Vintage Acrylic Italian Lighter 1980
H 7 in W 4.5 in D 2.5 in
Dunhill 'The Light' Novelty Petrol Lighter
Located in London, by appointment only
Dunhill ‘The Light’ novelty petrol lighter in immaculate original museum condition. Stored in a
Category

Mid-20th Century Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Alfred Dunhill Service Size Aquarium Lighter
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Northampton, GB
Aquarium lighter by Alfred Dunhill. This charming bright blue aquarium lighter has reverse
Category

Mid-20th Century British Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Gold Plate

Horn Lighter, Carl Auböck Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Lighter for the table and for decoration by Carl Auböck.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Horn Lighter, Carl Auböck Vienna, Austria
Horn Lighter, Carl Auböck Vienna, Austria
H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
Hermes Silver Cube Lighter, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent cube lighter by Hermes, Paris, circa 1960s France. Hermes H displayed on all 4 sides
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal, Silver

Hermes Silver Cube Lighter, 1960s France
Hermes Silver Cube Lighter, 1960s France
H 2.5 in W 2.32 in D 2.32 in
1970s Lucite Ashtray and Lighter Set
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1970s Lucite chrome ashtray and lighter desk set. Lighter measurements: Width 3.75
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Fully Brass Italian Lighter 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fully Brass Vintage Lighter made in Italy 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian 925 Sterling Silver Pear Table Lighter by Mario Buccellati
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Braintree, GB
. Fine form and rich patina. Lighter needs a flint and fluid. Made in Italy, mid 20th century. Maker
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Vintage Cannon Shaped Iron and Brass Table Lighter
Located in New York, NY
Vintage cannon shaped iron and brass novelty table lighter.  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Lighter
By Dunhill
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill aquarium table lighter (made in England) Each of these lighters
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Lighter
By Dunhill
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill aquarium table lighter (made in England) Each of these lighters
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Lighter
By Dunhill
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill aquarium table lighter (made in England) Each of these lighters
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Vintage "LaPaglia" Table Lighter by Georg Jensen
By Georg Jensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage "LaPaglia" table lighter by Georg Jensen, circa 1950s. The lighter is in good vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

19th Century Victorian Solid Silver Lighter & Vesta Case, London, c.1853
By Thornhill, Henry William Dee
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique mid-19th Century very rare Victorian solid silver vesta case and lighter, in a shape of a
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Silver

Victorian Cast Iron Bar/counter Cigarette Lighter
By Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in Dereham, GB
Victorian Cast Iron Bar/counter Cigarette Lighter In the Form of a smoking Gentleman. Hat Hinges
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

1970s Marble Bronze and Brass Lighter France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1970s Marble Bronze and Brass Lighter France
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

1960s St Dupont Lighter Silver Design Horizontal
By S.T. Dupont
Located in Biella, IT
S.T. Dupont France lighter sophisticated horizontal line1 first edit two tone silverplate and gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Chrome Midcentury Leather Wrapped Letter Opener Lighter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original midcentury leather wrapped letter opener lighter with a blank monogram. The lighter
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Modern Lighter Ronson Silver 925 Design 1960s
By Ronson
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare Ronson pocket lighter in 925 silver with an elegant line. Italy of the 60s. Note: We try to
Category

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

Materials

Silver

1960s World Globe Brass Cigarette Lighter Germany
By Arthur Court
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s World Globe Brass Cigarette Lighter Germany 4 h x 2.5 diameter Original unrestored preowned
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

1960s Dunhill Lift Arm Ostrich Leather Lighter
By Dunhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Dunhill lift arm lighter made in the 1960s. Body wrapped in ostrich leather that has a
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Lighter by Esa Fredigolli 1960s
By Esa Fedrigolli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural decorative lighter bronze Italian lighter designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart. Signed
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Bronze

Hollywood Regency 420 or Cigarette Lighter with Greek Key Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fluid, it makes a delightful addition to any cocktail table or bar setting with mid-century flair
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer
By Cartier
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer 18k Gold Plated Beautiful vintage Cartier
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Lacquer

1960s Mod Cigarette Table Lighter Teakwood BV Norway
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Decorative Table Cigarette Lighter Teakwood BV NORWAY Stamped by maker 3 diameter x 4.5 tall
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Teak

Vintage Carl Aubock Large Ram’s Horn Table Lighter with Chrome Accents ~ Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent condition! Natural ram’s Horn is fitted with chrome details along with a lighter (in
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Ashtrays

Materials

Chrome

1960s Pierre Cardin Acrylic Coffee Table Lighter Signed
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Rare acrylic and brass table lighter with laminate backing by Pierre Cardin. Signed piece.
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Brutalist travertine table lighter, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Firenze, IT
Brutalist travertine table lighter Designed and manufactured by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Travertine

Lighter Cigarette Case Tobacco Accessories Ronson Varaflame Midcentury 1960s
By Ronson
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare Ronson lighter set with case. Inside the Ronson book-opening case, there is a support for the
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Modern Swedish Geometric Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Geometric wool rug Size: 4'4" × 6'8" (132 × 203 cm) This vintage flat
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavia...

Materials

Wool

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Mid Century Lighter For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century lighter for your home. Frequently made of metal, plastic and lucite, every mid century lighter was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century lighter — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A mid century lighter is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made mid century lighter has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Dunhill, Alfred Dunhill and Tommaso Barbi are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Lighter?

A mid century lighter can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $499, while the lowest priced sells for $55 and the highest can go for as much as $16,988.
Questions About Mid Century Lighter
  • 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 ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 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 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 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 ExpertMay 3, 2024
    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.
  • 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 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 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.