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Mid Century Modern Accessories

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Mid-Century Modern Silver Plated Accessory Box
Located in New York, NY
This handsome early Mid-Century Modern accessory box was realized in the United States circa 1940
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Soda Siphon Seltzer Glass Bottle with Metal Mesh
Located in New Orleans, LA
rat pack)…. so very cool! Just place it on your bar for the ultimate Mid-Century Modern accessory
Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Document File
By Paul McCobb
Located in Denton, TX
mid-century modern desk top document file classic walnut with stainless steel squared post that
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Document File
Mid-Century Modern Document File
H 6.13 in W 12.13 in D 9.75 in
Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage onyx card holder, 1960s. Most likely from Italy, Mexico, or Pakistan. Tones of pistachio, rust, and toffee. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 4” W ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Onyx

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

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

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Desk Accessories, Letter Holder black Color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder. Great patina to leather. Good vintage condition. Paris, in the traditions of French big houses like Lancel or Dior.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Magazine Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slat magazine holder, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Hollywood Regency 22k Gold Painted Vases by Imperial Glass Co. c. 1965
Located in Saint Louis, MO
1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with other Mid Century Modern accessories and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Vases

Materials

Gold

Vintage Mid Century Modern Small Round Onyx Stone Ashtray
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern small round ashtray made from a beautifully layered and striated piece
Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Magazine Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slat magazine holder, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Mid Century Modern Amber Paper Weight
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Paper Weight Amber or Mustard Colored . Mid Century Modern Table Decor. Possibly Glass
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass

Desk Accessories Letter Holder Swans Silver plated Color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Desk Accessories Letter Holder Swans Silver plated metal and Color. France 20th Century
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tissue Box Cover
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM walnut tissue box cover, circa 1980s. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures: 10.25"W x 5.5"D x 3.5"H. The box appears to have had minimal use and has...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tissue Box Cover
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tissue Box Cover
H 3.5 in W 10.25 in D 5.5 in
Rattan Pencil Reed Desk Organizer Mid Century Modern
Located in Oxford, GB
This elegant mid century modern rattan pencil reed desk organizer features a beautiful texture and
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Rattan

Mid Century Modern Fontana arte letter rack.
By Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Thick pale glass letter rack useful for a desk. This is an early Model due to the pale green colour of the glass. The metal partitions that hold the letters are in nickel. The glass...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

Pair Mid-Century Modern Baccarat Geometric Shaped Crystal Cigar Ashtrays
By Cristalleries De Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your smoking experience with this exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modern Baccarat Geometric
Category

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

Materials

Crystal

Puiforcat 20th Century Desk Accessories Letter Holder Silver and Wood
By Puiforcat
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Puiforcat Elegant letter holder in silver and wood by Puiforcat 20th century desk accessories
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Modern Studio Craft Rosewood Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern studio craft rosewood jewelry box.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Metal Toy, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Modern lacquered metal toy, circa 1950 By unknown designer. In original condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Metal Toy, circa 1950
Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Metal Toy, circa 1950
No Reserve
H 0.6 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Mid-Century Modern Textured Gold Frog Tape Dispenser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Textured Gold Tone Metal Frog Tape Dispenser, 1960's This vintage two piece tape dispenser is from Ted Arnold Ltd. The charming frog with green glass eyes is stamped on the inside l...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Single Letter Tray in Burlwwod
Located in San Diego, CA
A well constructed mid-century modern single letter tray in burl, circa 1970s. The piece is in very
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Burl

Mid-Century Modern Fan by Femesa, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Fan by Femesa. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1960. In original condition with
Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Fan by Femesa, circa 1960
Mid-Century Modern Fan by Femesa, circa 1960
No Reserve
H 7.09 in W 7.09 in D 3.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Georg Petersens Danish Mobelfabrik Desk Organizer
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century teak Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik desk organizer. Circa 1960's. Danish teak desktop
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Teak

Teak Dice Pen Holder, by Sowe Konst , Swedish Modern Desk Accessory, 1960s
By Sowe Konst
Located in Delft, NL
pen / pencil holder Swedish modern desk accessory, 1960s Marked with a burnished mark " S.K. Sowe
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish More Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

NOS - Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Style Brass Initial "R" Paperweight, Japan
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
NOS in box Mid-Century Modern Brass letter or initial "R" paperweight in the style of Carl Auböck
Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

NOS - Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Style Brass Initial "J" Paperweight, Japan
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
NOS in box Mid-Century Modern Brass letter or initial "J" paperweight in the style of Carl Auböck
Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Blue Green Art Glass Ashtray Catchall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Blue Green Art Glass Ashtray Catchall (Price is per piece
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Modern Vintage Pink Stone Carved Apple Paper Weight - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty pink vintage carved stone apple. Created from either alabaster, granite, or rose quartz this heavy piece will be a great addition to a desk or bookshelf. It is round with so...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Puzzle by Barbini
By Barbini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Barbini Murano is a prominent glasswork company based on the island of Murano in Italy. They are known for their exquisite Murano glass pieces, which encompass a wide range of decora...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bookends 1960s Set of 2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian bookends Made with metal.   
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bent Lucite & Chrome Paper Basket & Letter Holder
By Neal Small Design Studio
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern paper basket and letter holder Letter holder with dimensions: 3 x 7 x
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Orrefors Sweden Crystal Gorilla Paperweight Desk Accessory
By Orrefors, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Ferndale, MI
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Gorilla paperweight figurine. Original label intact, etched signature, Orrefors GC 480715.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Mid Century Modern Rotating Cube Cork and Chrome Desk Organizer
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern cube shaped desk organizer or desk accessory in cork and chrome. Has two
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Orange Pen Holder by Royal Haeger
By Royal Haeger
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Mid-Century Modern ceramic orange pen holder / desk accessory by Royal Haeger. Measures
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Ceramic

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

1950s Fontana Arte Attributed Mid-Century Modern Glass Italian Desk Set
By Fontana Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
characteristics of mid-century modern design, from its sleek lines to its attention to detail. This exquisite
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Cut Glass

Mid-Century Modern Baseball Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern baseball paperweight- executed in translucent crystal- represents
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Daum France Crystal Desktop Accessory Paperweight Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning crystal abstract freeform desktop paperweight is by Daum, France. The sculpture features a French design of the 1950s with a mouth-blown clear crystal in an abstract fi...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

1950s Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk Organizer
By Paul McCobb, Winchester Furniture
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb Planner Group desk organizer by Winchendon Furniture. Made in the 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Ashtray Mid-Century, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bochum, NRW
Beautiful item, in very good original condition, stoneware, green glaze, and plant relief. Marked under the bottom and rest of original manufacturer label to the base. Just as nice a...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Stoneware

Blown Ultraviolet Murano Art Glass Paperweight Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Murano 5
Located in Miami, FL
Blown Ultraviolet Art glass paperweight made in Italy. Mid-Century Modern collector's piece, great
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Solid Green Marble Perpetual Desk Top Calendar
By Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
Handcrafted unique rare perpetual calendar circa 1970's solid green marble with gold numbers days and months, great design, and craftsmanship some of the lettering it's faded due to ...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Chrome and Lucite Table Sculpture, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern abstract chrome and Lucite table or desk sculpture from circa 1970. Form fit
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Tomado Holland Mid-Century-Modern Metal Desk Office Paper Waste Basket
By Tomado
Located in Atlanta, GA
A functional 1960s Mid-Century-Modern desk accessory, office waste-basket designed by Tomado
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Oversized Lucite Clothespin Paperweight / Pen Holder / Desk Accessory
Located in San Diego, CA
Oversized Lucite clothespin paperweight / pen Holder / desk Accessory, circa 1970s. The piece is
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

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 top or anywhere you need a fun surprise. The lighter looks to be in good working order.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice metal dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room. Found at an estate sale in Nur...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fish Aquarium Made of Murano Glass
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Houston, TX
Murano glass aquarium with sticker still attached. In excellent condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Crystal Owl Paperweight by Baccarat of France
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
in modern history, this piece promises to be a winning addition to any home or office, and also a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

One Mid-Century Modern Faceted Glass Diamond Shaped Figurine Paperweight Desk
Located in Miami, FL
One Mid-Century Modern faceted glass diamond shaped magnifying paperweight, Figurine, Sculpture or
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Faraone Italian Silver Ashtray and Matchbox in Mid-Century Modern Style
Located in New York, NY
Faraone, Italian silver ashtray with an integrated matchbox on top in Mid-Century Modern style
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Modern Murano Art Glass Blue and Clear Apple Sculpture Paperweight
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Barbini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid Century Modern Murano art glass in turquoise and clear apple fruit glass sculpture or
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Vistosi Italian Mid-Century Modern Cased Murano Glass Bullseye Paperweight
By Vistosi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Murano glass paperweight. By Vistosi. In the form of a black (or deep amethsyt) ameoba shape with a green & white bullseye pattern. Simply a great Italian glass paper...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Vintage English Metal Diamond Patterned Vase or Pen Holder Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
diamond patterned indented silver is unusual. It could be used for makeup brushes, a desk accessory, a
Category

Vintage 1960s Welsh Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Silver

Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal

Three Mid-Century Modern Resin Pressed Yellow & Orange Dried Blooms Paperweights
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three Mid-Century Modern resin pressed yellow and orange dried blooms paperweights.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Mid-Century Modern Venini Centerpiece Murano Black Glass Layered Glass White
By Venini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Modern Venini centerpiece Murano black glass, layered glass white the two little
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Murano Glass

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

Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Le Tanneur, Paris
By Le Tanneur
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Desk accessories, letter holder by Le Tanneur, Paris, in the traditions of French big houses like
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

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Mid Century Modern Accessories For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of mid century modern accessories is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid century modern accessories — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. There are 2919 antique and vintage mid century modern accessories for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 38 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century modern accessories have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mid century modern accessories to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern mid century modern accessories are of considerable interest. Many mid century modern accessories are appealing in their simplicity, but Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Fratelli Toso and Walter Bosse produced popular mid century modern accessories that are worth a look.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Accessories?

Prices for mid century modern accessories can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, mid century modern accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $80,000, while the average can fetch as much as $475.
Questions About Mid Century Modern Accessories
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

    Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

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