Mid Century Modern Architecture
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Mid-Century Modern Architectural Double Cone Planter by Bauer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern architectural double cone planter by Bauer.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Travel Guide East Coast USA
Located in New York City, NY
architecture.
From the publisher of Mid-Century Modern Architecture Travel Guide: West Coast USA.
Sam
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Books
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Chrome 4 Light Chrome Table Lamp
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid-Century Modern architectural chrome 4 light chrome table lamp.
Additional information
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Model of an Atlantic City Hotel, circa 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very cool Mid-Century Modern Architectural Model of an Atlantic City hotel, incredible detail
Category
Vintage 1960s American Models and Miniatures
Materials
Lucite
H 15.5 in W 35.5 in D 23.5 in
Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes.. Salvaged from an
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Architectural X-Form Bookcases or Étagères, Pair Available
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern architectural X-form bookcases or étagères., priced individually. These
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Iron
H 79.88 in W 29.88 in D 13.88 in
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Pottery Monumental White Cylindrical Pot
By Architectural Pottery
Located in Topeka, KS
Iconic vintage Mid-Century Modern monumental white cylindrical pot by Architectural Pottery of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Danish Mid-Century Modern architectural armchair, 1960’s
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Modern Danish design armchair from 1960’s on crafted stained oak frame with the seat and backrest
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
California Captured Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Marvin Rand
Located in New York City, NY
The style and mythology of Mid-Century Modern California architecture as seen through the expert
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Books
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Brass Globe Bookend & Decorative Object, 1970s
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern polished brass ball orb sculptural bookend. The design features a round
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Glass Floor Lamp by Max Buguara
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and elegant floor lamp designed by Max Buguara. Glass shaft connecting brass elements on a unique style. Some wear to the brass. In excellent vintage condition with minimal ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
10 Mid Century Modern Architectural Abstract Stained Glass Paneled Doors C1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Extremely Rare set of 10 steel doors with individual and different stained glass panels, which are 23.5 x 72. Door size is 30.5 x 84 x 2. Panels can be removed. So beautiful the colo...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Modern Doors and Gates
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel, Lead, Aluminum
H 84 in W 30.5 in D 2 in
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Architectural TABLE LAMP, AUDOUX-MINNET style, France 1950
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in PARIS, FR
A small Architectural, Modernist, Rustic Modern, Brutalist, Fifties table lamp or night light
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo
H 12.6 in W 7.88 in D 6.7 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Architectural Square Marble Column Table Lamps Style
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rectangular Italian marble blocks. Simple, elegant form representative of midcentury Minimalist design. Slight variances in graining and color. Marble lamps have been polished and re...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
H 19.5 in W 4 in D 4 in
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Floor Lamp by Franco Buzzi for O-Luce, Italy
By Franco Buzzi, O-Luce
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern Italian architectural floor lamp. Features asymmetrical frame with geometric arm
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass, Iron, Metal
H 76 in W 46.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Built in Dimer Architectural "L" Shape Floor Lamp
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern architectural circa 1970s floor lamp Sonneman Kovach attr.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century Modern Eames Flag from IBM Pavilion Worlds Fair 1964
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
mid-century modern architectural elements and design designed for the IBM pavilions. The flag is made
Category
Mid-20th Century American Architectural Elements
Materials
Enamel, Steel
Walnut Square Tower Shape Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern architectural shape walnut floor lamp.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
1970s Architectural Art Oil Painting Canvas Stone Arch Bridge
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Oil on Canvas Painting Stone Bridge Mid Century Modern Architectural Artwork.
Signed Art hard to
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Mid Century Modern Ceramic Egg Shaped Vase by Malcolm Leland circa 1950s
By Malcolm Leland
Located in Troy, MI
Rare Malcolm Leland Ceramic Egg Shaped Vase Mid Century Modern Architectural Pottery 1950s
Model
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Black Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Double Coned Planter Usa Architectural Vessel
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid Century Modern Black Ceramic Double Coned Planter USA 1960s Architectural Vessel.
This Black
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jar...
Materials
Ceramic
H 12 in W 12 in D 12 in
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Chandelier with Green and Grey Teardrop Glass, 1960's
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern architectural pendant light with four sided frame. Chandelier has chrome frame
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
H 11.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Mid-Century Walnut Milk Glass Cylinder Table Lamps By Byron Botker For Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co., Byron Botker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive pair of mid-century modern, architectural table lamps by Byron Botker for Modeline Lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Milk Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Architectural Pottery "Double Cone" Planter by LaGardo Tackett
By Architectural Pottery, Lagardo Tackett
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Pottery sculptural "Double Cone" Planter by LaGardo Tackett
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Clay
Abe Check Blue Velvet Cushion
By One Nine Eight Five
Located in London, GB
Abe is inspired by the geometric forms found in mid-century modern architecture, something that’s
Category
2010s British Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws
Materials
Cotton, Velvet
Pair of American Mid-Century Wooden Architectural Elements
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American (20th Century) large stripped wood architectual elements having a ball finial top
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern Wood Architectural Piece, circa 1960
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover a rare piece of Mid-Century Modern design with this Charlotte Perriand architectural piece
Category
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models
Materials
Wood
No Reserve
H 92.92 in W 55.12 in D 2.37 in
Francisco Artigas, Amazing Large Format Book on Mexican Modern Architecture
By Francisco Artigas
Located in Mexico, DF
(from there the name "Pedregal") that were successfully integrated into the Mid-Century Modern
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Books
Materials
Other
H 16 in W 16 in D 1.18 in
Large Italian Travertine Coat Tree
Located in Dronten, NL
practical piece is really an eye-catcher and can complement any Mid-Century Modern architectural interior.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Travertine, Steel, Chrome
1970s Italian Postmodern Pair of Gold Brass and Crystal Glass Urban Design Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage exceptional one-of-a-kind Italian pair of Mid-Century Modern architectural sculpture table
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
H 24.5 in W 13.75 in D 6 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Glazed Ceramic Tile Multicolored Motif 1960s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage multicolored naive art motif donkey cart ceramic tile Italy 1960s.
A
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Pottery
H 5.91 in W 5.91 in D 0.4 in
Bronze Push-Pull Handle with Architectural Tools Design European 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A square push-pull door handle made of bronze featuring a raised design of simple architectural
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
H 6.11 in W 6.11 in D 3.35 in
Mid-Century Modern Mexican Room Divider with Shelves in Mahogany and Brass
By Eugenio Escudero
Located in Mexico, DF
Amazing Mid-Century Modern Mexican room divider formed with two structures in mahogany and polished
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern Push & Pull Marbled Glass Door Handle Italy 1960s
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare & elegant Mid-Century Modern pull & push door handle.
Designed and manufactured
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
H 7.88 in W 9.26 in D 2.96 in
Set of Impressive Mid-Century Modern French Parlour Doors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large French architectural doors with charming detailing. Over nine feet tall, can be used as a
Category
Early 20th Century French Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Very elegant Mid-Century Modern Brass and Metal Christmas Tree Stand, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Elegant and stylish, typical 1950s. White and gold. Slight signs of use, see pictures.
The opening for the tree is about 5.5cm wide.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal, Brass
Cast Aluminum Architectural Elements, 1960s
By Donald Drumm
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Cast Aluminum Architectural Elements, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Large Venini Glass Rope Design Door Handle Pull Murano Italy
By Venini
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent door handle by Venini in Diamante glass rope form. Thick, heavy glass with striated blood red interior twist. In metal mounts with screw holes for mounting. In very good ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Crystal, Metal
H 12.75 in W 2.5 in D 3 in
Modernist Architectural Aluminum Panels / Railings
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We're offering a 9.5 foot section of aluminum railing from an apartment building that went thru a remodel. We had this one sand blasted to reveal the original patina. Our welder has ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-20th Century French Iron Element
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century iron element. This element is an original front of a balcony 1940. It is covered
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Mid-20th Century Crouching Plaster Panther
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-20th Century plaster crouching panther that was likely a table base, now a very cool piece of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster
Architectural Wooden Ornament Sculpture Tuning Fork
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning tropical wood sculpture is architecturally impressive with its stylized tuning fork
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Architectural Models
Materials
Wood
Minimalist Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table
By Branco & Preto
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Brazilian rosewood Mid-Century Modern architectural coffee table.
Refined geometrical
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
Pair of Architectural Aerodynamic Aluminium Push Pull Door Handles
Located in London, GB
Pair of Mid Century Modern aluminum cast push and pull door handles shaped like wings.
They will
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Architectural Push Pull Door Handle in Petrified Wood
Located in London, GB
request. See our complete listings by The Moderns in London.
Similar listings are Item Reference
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Modernist Translucent Architectural Panel with Repeating Curlicue Field Motif
By Jasper Johns
Located in New York, NY
Groovy architectural panel constructed of translucent plastic with embedded wood curlicue elements
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Plastic, Wood
1940s Mid Century Italian Capital for Column
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian stone capital for column 1940s.
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Italian Designer, Small Architectural Wall Elements, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of brass architectural wall elements designed and produced by an Italian Designer, Italy
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
H 1.2 in W 4.12 in D 0.87 in
Italian Designer, Small Architectural Wall Elements, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of brass architectural wall element designed and produced by an Italian Designer, Italy
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Architectural Bronze Push Pull Door Handle Wave Relief
Located in London, GB
Artistic bronze cast door handle with a textural relief like a wave, suitable for push and pull doors.
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Architectural Pair Bronze Bird Door Handles Cast in Bronze
By Michael Harjes
Located in London, GB
Norse origin and first appeared in the 14th century as 'dova' or 'douve'. When we gaze upon the push and
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Mid Century Red & Ivory Bakelite Pull Knobs Set of Twelve
Located in Van Nuys, CA
distinctive appearance in deep colors like brown and red. Iconic in Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern designs
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bakelite
Architectural Push Pull Door Handle in Petrified Wood and Bronze
Located in London, GB
request. See our complete listings by The Moderns in London.
Similar listings are Item Reference
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Architectural Pairs of Smoke Glass Push Pull Double Door Handles
Located in London, GB
door handles.
We have a large collection of door handles available, see all listings by The moderns
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Chrome
Architectural Push Pull Door Handles and Letterbox with Crater Relief
Located in London, GB
of the doors.
The Moderns have a large collection of different designs and shapes of bronze door
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Architectural Pairs of pink Glass Push Pull Double Door Handles
Located in London, GB
moderns in the satagory Building and Garden elements.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Large Scale 1960s Custom Walnut and Gold Anodized Aluminum Architectural Screen
Located in Dallas, TX
This one of a kind Mid-Century Modern screen was custom made in the 1960s for a commercial
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Aluminum
H 102 in W 23.88 in D 2.25 in
Cased Architectural Model with House and Property
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine detailed model diorama made for a potential client possibly in Florida or California. A white washed four part house with gable roofs, and an openwork frame for the lanai cove...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models
Materials
Lucite
Push Pull Architectural Door Handle in Rose Quarz and Bronze
Located in London, GB
Rose Quartz and Bronze push and pull door handle, made from a semi precious stone in soft pink, set into a bronze holder that follows its natural shape and is made to measure. It is ...
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Architectural Large Push and Pull Bronze Door Handle with Medieval Torch
Located in London, GB
The Moderns, in bronzw, cast glass, wood, petiified wood.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
H 16.93 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in
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Mid Century Modern Architecture For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern architecture you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, ceramic and wood, every mid century modern architecture was constructed with great care. Find 1643 options for an antique or vintage mid century modern architecture now, or shop our selection of 22 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern architecture — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A mid century modern architecture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. Architectural Pottery, David Cressey and John Follis each produced at least one beautiful mid century modern architecture that is worth considering.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Architecture?
The average selling price for a mid century modern architecture at 1stDibs is $2,400, while they’re typically $10 on the low end and $1,151,500 for the highest priced.
A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Questions About Mid Century Modern Architecture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid 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, 2021Mid 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. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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, 2024The 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. - Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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, 2021Most 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.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, 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, 2022Yes, 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.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2022Yes, 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, 2024There 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-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, 2024There 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 ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019The 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.
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Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
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The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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