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Murano Hand Blown Glass Mid Century Modern Elephant Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in VALENCIA, ES
with the Varobier & Toso production circa the Mid-Century period.
Measurements:
H. 18cm/ 7in (to the
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 7.09 in W 7.09 in D 5.52 in
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Rocking Elephant
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This stylized elephant is an original variation to the classical rocking horse.
It would be great
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Materials
Pine
Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s
The proportions are wonderfully genuine, the horse
Category
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Rare Large Mid-Century Modern Brass Elephant, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare Large Mid-Century Modern Brass Elephant, 1960s
The proportions are wonderfully genuine, the
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Italian Alabaster Elephant Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Italian sculpture in alabaster, perfect for as desk decorative piece
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Alabaster
Large Decorative Brown Leather Elephant Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large decorative brown leather elephant sculpture, Mid-Century Modern.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
H 40.56 in W 24.81 in D 33.47 in
Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Ceramic Emerald Green Elephant Ashtray
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A green and yellow ceramic elephant ashtray or catchall. Reminiscent of the ever-popular
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Ashtrays
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Mid Century Elephant Bookends, Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century solid cast glass stylized elephant bookends. Backs are polished smooth, while fronts
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Faux Elephant Tusk Coffee Table, 1970-1980s
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid-Century Modern Faux Elephant Tusk coffee table - 1970s-1980s.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Steuben Glass Elephant
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century Steuben clear glass small figure of an elephant (AS IS-CHIP TO EAR)
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Small Mid-Century Elephant Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM elephant sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls
Materials
Hide
Large Mid Century Brass Elephant Sculpture Statue
Located in West Hartford, CT
Large vintage heavy brass elephant statue stands with its trunk up which is said to bring good
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptures of Horse & Elephant with Elongated Legs
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern sculptures of horse & elephant with elongated legs
Offered for sale is a pair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Brown Terra Cotta Elephant Garden Planters Tables, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of brown terra cotta elephant garden tables, Mid-Century Modern.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Terracotta
H 22.44 in W 17.71 in D 9 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Elephant Sculpture Silver Plated and Marble, 1960s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Sculpture of elephant silver plated and marble base, also can be used as holder for things like
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Silver Plate
H 9.45 in W 13.78 in D 9.45 in
Mid-Century Italian Glazed Earthenware Elephant Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fanciful vintage Italian white glazed terra cotta elephant fern or drinks stand hand decorated in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Luca CL Marked Colorful Ceramic Elephant Sculpture Mid-Century Modern Italy 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Luca CL Marked colorful ceramic elephant sculpture Mid-Century Modern Italy 1970.
Marked at the
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
H 5 in W 6.25 in D 3 in
Pair of Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Elephant Bust Table Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Two dramatic white ceramic table lamps in the shape of an elephant bust, sitting on a cool piece of
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Small Elephant Sculpture Made of Lead
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Mid Century small elephant sculpture made of lead, very heavy, no signature or marking.
Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Brutalist Sculptures
Materials
Lead
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass Elephant Bookends by Wayne Husted
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass Elephant bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Glass
H 6.5 in W 5.63 in D 2 in
Sophisticated Mid-Century Pair of Elephant Candleholders
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Sophisticated Mid-Century pair of elephant candleholders crafted with mixed metals. The candle cups
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Candle Holders
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Elephants by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 4 elephants by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Travertine
H 2.96 in W 4.14 in D 1.19 in
Mid Century Danish Children's Rocking Elephant C.1960
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Danish Children's Rocking Elephant C.1960
Excellent design element to a children's
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Materials
Plywood
Mid Century Large Brass Base Elephant Sculptures - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Mid Century Large Brass Base Elephant Sculptures - Pair
This sculpture measures: 24 wide x 26 deep
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Rosewood “Elephant” Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
Wear consistent with age and use. As a vintage item, light cosmetic wear might be present but with no structural damage. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century, Bohemian Hand-Carved Elephant Side Table
Located in Schagen, NL
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern and Hand-Carved Elephant Side Table.
The table was made from teak
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Bohemian Side Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Movable Elephant Made of Rope and Iron Wire by Jørgen Bloch
By Jorgen Bloch
Located in Doornspijk, NL
sleek interior, but also in a mid-century modern environment as well as sitting on a classic fireplace
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wire
H 7.49 in W 2.37 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cerused Oak Elephant Chairs in Cowhide
By Art Decor
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb pair of club chairs in cerused oak and genuine cowhide. The chairs are in very good condtion and have no issues beyond normal use and extremely minor signs of any us...
Category
Vintage 1950s European Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cowhide, Oak
The Blue Elephant. Mid-Century Gouache on Handmade Paper.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid-century gouache on handmade paper of a blue elephant in landscape by French artist Valeriane
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Animal Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Handmade Paper
H 32.88 in W 26.97 in D 0.6 in
Mid-Century Travertine Elephant Letter Holder / Sculpture by Fratelli Mannelli
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool mid-century modern Italian travertine elephant letter holder / sculpture by Fratelli
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Travertine
H 4.5 in W 4.75 in D 1.25 in
Vintage Elephant Relief Plaque, English, Bronze Outdoor Plate, Mid Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage elephant relief plaque. An English, bronze outdoor plate, dating to the mid 20th
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
H 11.62 in W 8.08 in D 1.38 in
1960s Modern Leather Elephant Table Sculpture
By Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury Modern Leather Elephant Table Sculpture
13.5 d x 13.25 tall x 4.75 w
Original vintage
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Pair of Balinese Hand-Carved Hardwood Elephant Chairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of chairs in the shape of elephants. Each chair is hand-carved from a single piece
Category
Vintage 1960s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Exotic Mid Century Lacquered Faux Elephant Tusk Sculptures
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Exotic mid century lacquered faux elephant tusk sculptures
USA, Circa 1980s
Of large
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Cast Iron Triple Elephant Head Center Dining Table, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Cast Iron Triple Elephant Head Center Dining Table, 1960. Elephant Head Pedestal Table
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Red Mile Style Faux Elephant Foot Stool or Bench
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Mid-Century Modern faux elephant foot base with zebra print upholstered seat.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Stools
Whimsical Pair of Glazed Terracotta Elephant Stool Tables Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Whimsical pair of glazed terra cotta elephant stools or tables. We love the petite size and low
Category
Vintage 1970s Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Terracotta
Elephant Teapot, Elephant Pitcher, Elephant Jug, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elephant pitcher - elephant jug.
A beautiful vintage pitcher in the shape of an elephant.
It's a
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
American Mid-Century Steuben Clear Glass Small Figure of a Trumpeting Elephant
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century Steuben clear glass small figure of a trumpeting elephant.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
1950s Scandanavian Teak Elephant Sculpture Danish Modern
Located in Spring Valley, CA
Beautiful pair of teak wood elephant figurines. Designer is unkown, but in the manner of Arne
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Teak
Brass Elephant Sculpture, Sitting Elephant, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass elephant sculpture - Brass sitting elephant sculpture.
A great decorative elephant statue
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Handcrafted Fruitwood Elephant Figurals
Located in Germantown, MD
handcrafted fruitwood elephant figurals in good vintage condition.
Measures 18 inches in width
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Wooden Carved African Elephant Stool, Mid Century in Wabi Sabi Style, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Sculptural solid wooden vintage stool. Made in Africa, mid 20th century.
A charming decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century African Primitive Stools
Materials
Hardwood
H 19.3 in W 23.63 in D 13 in
Decorative Object Elephant Porcelain Midcentury Modern Italian Design 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very nice and large elephant in white enamelled porcelain with golden definitions. Italian
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
No Reserve
H 12.21 in W 10.63 in D 11.42 in
Three Decorative Elephant Sculpture Statues Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Three decorative elephant sculpture statues made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
H 3.13 in W 4.5 in D 1.63 in
Mid Century Modern Eames DSS Chairs - Set of 8
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pleased to offer a great collection of 8 Mid Century Modern Herman Miller Eames DSS stacking chairs
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Faux Tusk End Tables by Tommaso Barbi Italy
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique pair of brass and faux ivory elephant tusk composed of faux marble(painted) and brass tusks
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Elephant Bamboo Console Table
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Vintage console table constructed of jumbo bamboo, often referred to as "elephant bamboo". Smoked
Category
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Console Tables
Materials
Glass, Bamboo
Fife Decorative Elephant Herd Sculpture Statue Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Fife decorative elephant sculpture statue made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
H 3.38 in W 4.63 in D 2 in
Leather Elephant Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Leather elephant sculpture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Babanki Elephant Mask Cameroon
Located in London, Lambeth
The use of elephant masks is considered a special privilege because the elephant is a majestic
Category
Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Vintage Elephant Bamboo Dining Chairs
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fantastic Upholstered Elephant Bamboo Dining Chairs. Classic design that packs a punch.
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo
Antique Azerbaijan Rug with Mid-Century Modern Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60892 antique Azerbaijan rug with Mid-Century Modern Tribal style 05'01 x 08'01. With its warm hues
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Two Decorative Elephant Sculpture Statue Made of Brass Midcentury Modern German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two decorative elephant sculpture statue made of brass. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
H 3.38 in W 4.63 in D 2 in
20th Century English Vintage Elephant Footstool by Dimitri Omersa
By Dimitri Omersa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage English leather elephant by Dimitri Omersa in good condition. The elephant is a wonderful
Category
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
Dansk Silverplate Elephant Figurine
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage silver-plate elephant figurine/paperweight by Dansk.
Manufacturer: Dansk
Origin
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver
Vintage Kay Bojesen Articulating Wood Toy Elephant
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Chicago, IL
A early Vintage Kay Bojesen Articulating wood toy elephant. signed with early Denmark signature on
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Elephant Face Persian Kilim
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Square size Persian kilim from the late 20th century within an elephant's face
Measures
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Elephant Face Persian Kilim
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Square size Persian kilim from the late 20th century depicting a pigeon within an
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Ceramic Elephant Ashtray
Located in Fort Washington, MD
If you love Garden elephant stools this Ashtray is for you!
Beautiful Hand- Painted with the same
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Ceramic
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Mid Century Modern Elephant For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century modern elephant for your home. Each mid century modern elephant for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, plastic and ceramic. Find 553 options for an antique or vintage mid century modern elephant now, or shop our selection of 5 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century modern elephant — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century modern elephant, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern elephant over the years, but those crafted by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Walter Bosse are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Elephant?
A mid century modern elephant can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,257, while the lowest priced sells for $60 and the highest can go for as much as $59,560.
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 Elephant
- 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.
- 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 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. - 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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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Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
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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.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
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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