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Mid Century Lighting

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Catellani & Smith Italian Mid Century Lighting 90's
By Enzo Catellani, Catellani & Smith
Located in bari, IT
Wall lamp whose shape resembles a moon, effective and suggestive piece of furniture. Diffuser disc made of aluminum covered in free leaf, 90s production designer Enzo Catellani for C...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Gold Leaf

Exquisite Danish Modern 3 Shade Glass and Walnut Lamp 1950s Mid Century Lighting
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Peoria, AZ
. This lamp is a striking example of the best of Mid Century Modern Danish Modern design! Great design
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Art Deco 1930 White Ceramic Table Lamp Mid Century Lighting Jean Besnard Style
By Jean Besnard
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
mid century design original perfect condition new electrical system Ceramic height 18 cm
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Space Age Eyeball Wall Light Mid Century Lighting Brown Arc Lamp by Herda, 1970s
By Herda
Located in ROTTERDAM, ZH
Rare arc wall lamp in sparkled brownish colour from the Dutch brand Herda. The shade can be turned any direction desirable and positioned inside or outside the arc. The lamp has a sw...
Category

20th Century Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Jo Wallis Brutalist Lamps
By Jo Wallis
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Spectacular example of Brutalist Mid Century lighting. Plaster form lamps with deep detail. Packs a
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Plaster

Handmade 20th Mid Century Brown Stoneware Ceramic Table Lamp Signed 1970
By La Borne Potters
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
ceramic table lamp. 20th mid century lighting Original light brown stoneware ceramic glaze color
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Tall Camer Glass Waterfall Four Foot Tall Chandelier
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent, cascading Camer glass waterfall chandelier. Iconic mid-century lighting. Each heavy
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Pair of Chrome And Walnut Mid Century Lamps By Laurel Lamp Co.
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Bernville, PA
illustration of Mid Century lighting. Excellent craftsmanship of walnut veneer with three protruding aluminum
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Chandelier in Chrome and Cream by Gaetano Sciolari
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in London, GB
Mid Century lighting designers Gaetano Sciolari, Italy, marked with the original label in the ceiling
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Shiny Blue Ceramic Table Lamp Attributed to Pol Chambost, circa 1960
By Pol Chambost
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
lighting Shiny blue ceramic glaze color Electric system is ok Sold without lampshade Ceramic
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Modern White with Gold Table Lamps, a Pair
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
century lighting option with out the towering lamps of the era. Both lamps have a matching white glaze
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Petite French Rattan Table Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
base bulb Last photo is for reference only We have a large selection of vintage French mid century
Category

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Materials

Rattan

Vintage Brass and Lucite Floor Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful floor lamp combines brass and lucite to create a stylish mid-century lighting
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Tall Rembrandt Brass and Glazed Pottery Table Lamp
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Amazing Danish-influenced table lamp, nearly four feet tall, from the custom Mid-Century lighting
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Iron and Brass Tripod Floor Lamp, Europe 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
, serving both a functional and a purely aesthetic role. Mid-century lighting is more than just a trend
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass, Iron

Italian Three-Arm Floor Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Highland, IN
A wonderful example of Italian midcentury lighting, this three-arm floor lamp has conical-shades in
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mobile Chandelier by Le Lampade
By Stilnovo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Inspired by Italian midcentury lighting design this mobile like chandelier features a brass piping
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

Norbert Pierlot circa 1950 Elegant White and Grey Ceramic Table Lamp Design
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
century midcentury lighting Unique piece realized, circa 1950. Original perfect conditions
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Pottery

Custom Italian Counter Balance by Le Lampade
By Stilnovo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Vintage style three arm floating chandelier, inspired by Italian midcentury lighting designs this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

Custom Italian Counter Balance by Le Lampade
By Stilnovo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Vintage style three arm floating chandelier, inspired by Italian midcentury lighting designs this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

A postmodern floor lamp by Frederick Ramond, signed, 20th century.
By Frederick Raymond
Located in View Park, CA
and sculptural floor lamp takes its cue from mid century lighting icons George Kovacs and Robert
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Seldom Seen Modernist Silver and Crystal Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Buffalo, NY
traditional space. Gaetano Sciolari was a famous mid-century lighting designer who designs are very much in
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Lead, Silver Plate

Pair of Attr. Th. Valentiner Danish Mid-Century Brass Wall Sconces
By Th. Valentiner
Located in Norwalk, CT
products remain a staple of mid-century lighting. Part of the Danish Functionalist school of aesthetic
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Minimalist Floor Lamp Torchiere by Laurel Lamp.
By Gio Ponti
Located in Peoria, AZ
GOOD DESIGN! ITALIAN TYLE LAUREL FLOOR LAMP / TORCHIERE MID CENTURY LIGHTING SCULPTURE BLACK
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Maison Baguès Parrot and Urn Wall Sconces
By Maison Baguès
Located in London, GB
in Paris in the 1960s. Luxury mid-century lighting. Rewired. Since the 1860s, the renowned
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Italian Yellow Metal and Opaline Glass Wall Lamp, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Varese, Lombardia
body with an opaline folded glass. The lamp has never been used (it comes from a midcentury lightings
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Small Pair of Italian Bent Glass and Brass 1940s Sconces
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Varese, Lombardia
: the sconces have never been used (they come from a midcentury lightings store remainings), so they
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Up Light Table Lamp Atomic Italian Design Angelo Lelli 1950
By Angelo Lelii
Located in Peoria, AZ
your Case Study Home, Palm Springs atomic ranch home or West Palm Beach estate! Mid Century Lighting
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Starlight 3 Shade Mid Century Modern Floor Pole Lamp! 1950s Brass After Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Peoria, AZ
! Exquisite Mid Century Lighting For Your Incredible Interiors!
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Stilnovo Rare Six-Light Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
leading mid-century lighting makers. Rewired for U.S. standards with custom ceiling plate.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Bicentric Wall Sconce in Natural Brass & Green Enamel Mesh, Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
The Bicentric wall sconce is a playful 21st century spin on mid-century French modernism, featuring
Category

2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Enamel, Bronze, Brass

Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern Atomic Blender Design! MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
MID CENTURY LIGHTING! ATOMIC AWESOME! DIMENSIONS: HEIGHT: 29" SHADE: 18" REMBRANDT INVERTED SHADE
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Petite Centric Wall Sconce in Enamel Mesh & Oil-Rubbed Bronze Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
. This line, designed in 2019 by Blueprint Lighting, pays homage to the midcentury lighting designs of
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Petite Centric Wall Sconce in White Enamel Mesh & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
. This line, designed in 2019 by Blueprint Lighting, pays homage to the midcentury lighting designs of
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Petite Centric Wall Sconce in Fuschia Enamel Mesh & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
. This line, designed in 2019 by Blueprint Lighting, pays homage to the midcentury lighting designs of
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Petite Centric Wall Sconce in Black Enamel Mesh and Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
. This line, designed in 2019 by Blueprint Lighting, pays homage to the midcentury lighting designs of
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel

Art Deco Style Mid Century Etched Glass Lead Table Lantern Lamp
Located in Lomita, CA
Angeles studio props auction of mid century lighting. They provide a post modern elegance, even slightly
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Rare Tony Paul Mid Century Table Lamp! Westwood Industries 1960 Crystal Art Deco
By Westwood Industries, Tony Paul
Located in Peoria, AZ
! Iconic Mid Century Lighting For Your Design-Conscious Interiors!
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ceiling or Wall Light, Germany 1960s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Almelo, NL
collection. When you choose for used mid-century lighting, you use what is already there, making it
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Stilnovo Rare Pair of Monumental Eight-Light Wall Sconces, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
-garde design and impeccable craftsmanship by one of Italy's leading midcentury lighting makers. Each
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Mid-Century Brass Ceiling Lights with Four Pearl White Glass Globes
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
used mid-century lighting is sustainable and allows for multiple lifetimes of use. Each piece has a
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce Rare Pair of Sconces
By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce
Located in New York, NY
lighting manufacturers. Newly rewired to U.S. standards with custom backplates and UL listed. Literature
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass Ceiling Chandeliers with Four Pearl White Glass Globes
Located in Almelo, NL
used mid-century lighting is sustainable and allows for multiple lifetimes of use. Each piece has a
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Stilnovo Rare Large Pair of Sconces Model 2128 in Brass and Glass, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
the avant-garde design and impeccable craftsmanship by one of Italy's leading midcentury lighting
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Clay Michie For Knoll Swing Arm Saucer Desk Lamp, 1950s Mid Century Good Design
By Clay Michie
Located in Peoria, AZ
: Approximately 17" Tall Base: 8" Shade Diameter: 11" Here is the large, iconic, mid century award winning desk
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Stilnovo 1950s Chandelier in Brass and 4 Conical Opals, Vintage Italian Design
By Stilnovo
Located in Rome, IT
lighting object that we attribute to the production of Stilnovo in the 1950s. Clear lines and geometric
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Iron

Rare Rembrandt Mid Century Modern Table Lamp! Atomic Ranch Decor! MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
atomic ranch or West palm Beach estate! Monumental Rembrandt Mid Century Lighting For Your Masterpiece
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Wall Lamps, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Italian mid-20th century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Wall Lamps, Italy, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Italian Mid-20th Century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Opal, Brass

Rare 1960s Cascading Stilnovo Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
displays the avant-garde design and meticulous craftsmanship by one of Italy's leading mid-century lighting
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Rare Mid Century Modern FIBERGLASS REFLECTOR DESK LAMP! BILL LAM STUDIO 1950s
By Bill Lam
Located in Peoria, AZ
ranch home or West Palm Beach estate! Mid Century Lighting For Your Incredibly Well Furnished
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Wall Lamps, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Italian Mid-20th century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Iconic! Kurt Versen Gooseneck Table Desk Lamp. Mid Century Modern 40s Red #4410
By Kurt Versen
Located in Peoria, AZ
ICONIC! KURT VERSEN GOOSE NECK DESK LAMP! MID CENTURY DESIGN AT ITS FINEST! GORGEOUS RED
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid Century American 1960s Black Ceramic Lamp With Brass and Wood Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
any collector or lover of vintage mid century lighting design, and is sure to be a treasured addition
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Ceiling Light in Black with Brass Detail
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
found interpretation of the Mid-Century Modern era. With a set of spotlights all arranged much like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...

Materials

Brass

Ceiling Light in Black with Brass Detail
Ceiling Light in Black with Brass Detail
H 45.28 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern "Twilight Zone" Lamp MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
MID CENTURY LIGHTING! ATOMIC AWESOME! DIMENSIONS: HEIGHT: 38.5" SHADE: 19" MILK GLASS DIFFUSER
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Table lamp, Designed By Poul Henningsen, Model 3/2, Made By Louis Poulsen
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
is a masterpiece of mid-century lighting design and Danish craftsmanship. Poul Henningsen's design
Category

Early 2000s Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Harvey Guzzini Chrome and Travertine Base Arc Table Lamp
By Harvey Guzzini
Located in Toronto, ON
century lighting designs featuring table lamps, floor lamps, pendant lamps, and more. Guzzini worked with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Travertine, Chrome

Hans-Agne Jakobsson "V361" Wall Light for AB Markaryd, Sweden 1950s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Utrecht, NL
mid-century lighting. The term “louvered” refers to the arrangement of slats or layers in a parallel
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Hans-Agne Jakobsson Pair of "V361" Wall Lights for AB Markaryd, Sweden 1950s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Utrecht, NL
of mid-century lighting. The term “louvered” refers to the arrangement of slats or layers in a
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Lighting For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of mid century lighting available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of mid century lighting — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. Find 91564 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of mid century lighting now, or shop our selection of 3963 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect object in our assortment of mid century lighting — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each option in this array of mid century lighting bearing Mid-Century Modern, Industrial or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo and Kalmar Lighting each produced at least one beautiful piece of mid century lighting that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid Century Lighting?

A piece of mid century lighting can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,212, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $982,587.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat. 

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Mid Century Lighting
  • 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 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 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 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 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, 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.