Mid Century Modern Owl
7
to
88
603
272
886
649
205
170
115
93
15
14
9
9
8
7
5
4
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
34
29
28
24
23
Sort By
Mid-Century Modern Signed Owl Framed Print
Located in Montreal, QC
Mid-Century Modern print featuring a perched owl. Signed, on the lower right corner. Professionally
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Degroot Owl Sculpture
By Degroot
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Brutalist metal and brass sculpture by Degroot.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Hanging Owl Ashtray
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern ceramic hanging owl ashtray. Nice vibrant orange ceramic color.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Signed Steuben Mid Century Modern Crystal Perched Owl Figurine
By Steuben Glass
Located in Naples, FL
the beauty of the mid-century modern style, making it a perfect addition to any decorative crystal
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Monumental Brutalist Owl, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful Brutalist owl sculpture, handmade, copper and brass, modernist, signed Italy.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Brutalist Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
Mid-Century Modern Carrara Marble Abstract Owl Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
1980's Mid-Century Modern abstract carved marble owl sculpture with black base, in vintage original
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Ceramic Owl Lamps, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two ceramic owl table lamps.
Measures: Diameter 44 cm.
Height 82 cm.
Height ceramic base 50 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Large Mid-Century Owl Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
look great on any mid-century design piece of furniture. It is beautifully made and in perfect
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Picasso Style Stoneware Sculpture of Owls
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylized midcentury modern stoneware sculpture of 3 owls.
Note: There's a single owl that
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Owl Money Bank
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Money Bank of an Owl in Italian Silver Plate.
This charming money bank comes in two parts
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Silver Plate
Italian Mid-Century Modern Solid Alabaster Owl Sculpture Paperweight
By Berkeley House
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical solid alabaster owl, paperweight made in Italy circa 1960s rare and very collectible
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Alabaster
Vintage Cast Solid Brass Owl Bookends Mid-Century Modern 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cast solid Brass Owl Figurine Sculpture Bookends Mid-Century Modern 1950s.
Detailed Pair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Picasso Style Stoneware Pottery Sculpture of Owl
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylized hand made mid century modern Picasso style stoneware pottery artwork sculpture of owl
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Owl - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Owl is a pencil drawing realized by Reynold Arnould (Le Havre 1919 - Parigi 1980).
Good condition
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Animal Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Pencil
No Reserve
H 11.82 in W 8.67 in D 0.08 in
1960s Vintage Stoneware Owl Totem Vase Vintage Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Cool, abstracted Owl, bird motif vase. 6 inches high.
Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Crystal Owl Paperweight by Baccarat of France
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
stylized perched owl. With its elegant form and impeccable construction by one of the great luxury brands
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Owl Mid-Century Modern Pitcher Ceramic Pitcher Reminiscent Pablo Picasso, 1960
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Owl Mid-Century Modern pitcher ceramic pitcher, the style is very reminiscent of the famous artist
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
H 13.78 in W 5.52 in D 7.09 in
Mid-Century Modern Handcrafted Marked Blenko Thick Clear Glass Owl Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern handcrafted Blenko thick glass owl bookends.
Original label on back of each.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
H 7 in W 5.5 in D 1.75 in
Vintage Cast Brass Owl Figurine Sculpture Bookends Mid-Century Modern 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cast Brass Owl Figurine Sculpture Bookends Mid-Century Modern a Pair.
Detailed Pair of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Bookends
Materials
Brass
1970's Mid-Century Modern Signed Carved Stone Abstract Owl Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
1970's "signed" carved stone abstract owl sculpture, in vintage original condition with some wear
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Marked White Royal Dux Porcelain Snow Owl, Animal Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
By Royal Dux Bohemia
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Royal Dux Bohemia white royal dux porcelain snow owl, animal Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Category
Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
H 9.75 in W 6 in D 7 in
Vintage Curtis Jere Large Brutalist Brass Owl Sculpture Mid Century Modern 1960s
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Troy, MI
Highly sought after brutalist owl sculpture by Curtis Jere 1967
Oversized abstract modern form with
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
H 14 in W 13 in D 9 in
Mid Century Ceramic Bird Owl Sculpture 1960s
By Dora De Larios
Located in San Diego, CA
A nicely crafted ceramic sculpture of a stylized bird, perhaps an owl. Beautiful surface design
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Albert Leon Wilson Signed Mid-Century Modern Abstract Owl Bird Buckle Sculpture
By Albert Leon Wilson
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, quite whimsical, engaging Mid-century Modern abstract owl/bird sculpture/belt buckle
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Iron
H 4.5 in W 3.25 in D 2 in
RAAK Amsterdam C-1651 ‘Night Owl’ Sconce/ Wall Lamp, Mid-Century Modern
By RAAK
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
the essence of Mid-Century Modern design. Where wall lamps or sconces usually come as a pair, you only
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
H 10.24 in W 8.27 in D 8.27 in
Owl Mauro Manetti Gold Plate & Insulated Ice Bucket Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Mauro Manetti
Located in Miami, FL
1940s original Mauro Manetti gold plate owl ice bucket with metal insulation, made in Italy.
Keeps
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
Mid-Century Hand Carved Zebra Wood Owl Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool mid-century hand carved owl sculpture made of zebra wood. The piece has tremendous
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Zebra Wood
8 Mid Century Modern 22K Gold Enameled Owl Motif Highball Glasses by Culver
By Culver Ltd.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
8 Culver, Signed Vintage Mid-Century Barware, 22K Gilded Gold Owls, Highball Tumbler Drinking
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Owl Sculpture by Paul Ballardo, 1970s
By Paul Bellardo
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century owl sculpture by Paul Ballardo for Austin Enterprises. Large scale table top or mantle
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Mid Century Cast Owl Wall Sculpture by Barbara Field
By C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid century Owl wall sculpture made of a composite material and sand giving the piece a coastal
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Composition
Modern Blenko Glass Owl Bookends
By Joel Myers
Located in Cathedral City, CA
1960s Modern Blenko glass owl bookends Joel Myers, USA.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Owl Cast Iron Andirons, circa 1970, France.
By Edouard Schenck
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice owl andirons, circa 1960, France.
Fine and detailed metal work.
Cast and wrought iron
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Materials
Iron
Whimsical Pair of Walnut Signed Deborah Bump Owl Bookends Mid-Century Modern
By Deborah Bump
Located in Pemberton, NJ
well-known Minimalist Mid-Century style. This is the 1st pair of bookends I have ever seen from this
Category
Vintage 1970s American Bookends
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque of Owls on a Branch by EGO, Sweden, 1960s
By Ego Stengods
Located in Barcelona, ES
Charming glazed ceramic wall plaque depicting three owls sitting on a branch. Fabricated by EGO
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Wood Block Owl Print "Three Eyes" by Kaoru Kawano
By Kaoru Kawano
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century wood block print of two owls known as "Three Eyes" by Kaoru Kawano, circa 1950s. The
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century 1960s Italian Majolica Terracotta Large Snow Owl Statue - Sculpture
By Guido Cacciapuoti
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large 1960s Italian Mid-Century majolica or maiolica glazed hand painted terracotta snow owl state
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
H 28 in W 9 in D 10.5 in
Mid-Century Hand Carved Alabaster Owl Sculptures with Glass Eyes Bookends 1950s
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful, meaningful, practical and decorative mid-century bookends.
Given the fact that owls are
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Alabaster
Free Shipping
H 7 in W 3.1 in D 2.8 in
Mid-20th Century Glazed Earthenware Owl in Stunning Color and Mint Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and highly decorative owl.
This stunning owl will look great on any midcentury design piece
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Free Shipping
H 9.65 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Mid Century Brutalist Torch Cut Brass and Copper Owl Sculpture, 1970s Green Eyes
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Peoria, AZ
Adorable!
Mid Cnetury Modern
Brutalist Torch Cut
Metal Owl
Green Eyes
Here is a marvelous 1970s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 8 in W 6 in D 5 in
Midcentury Murano Crystal Owl
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A Beautiful heavy crystal stylized owl sculpture with floating bubbles throughout. Mid 20th century
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Post Modern Ceramic Owl Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Attractive white on white ceramic owl, marked Made in Italy A 66. This example is in very good
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Big ice bucket in form of an owl, vintage 1960/70 Mid-Century, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
beautifully executed ice bucket is in the shape of an owl of an eclectic design.
The wonderfully crafted owl
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Hammered Copper patinated Owl Sculpture in the Style of Los Castillo
By Los Castillo
Located in San Diego, CA
Eclectic MCM patinated copper, hand-hammered, owl sculpture in the style of Mexican artisans Los
Category
20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper
H 5.25 in W 3 in D 2.75 in
Danish Modern Decorative Glass Owl Sculpture by Viking
By Viking Glass Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Well done sculpture in glass by Viking Glass, circa 1970s.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Sizable Mid-20th Century Carved Oak Owl, Rare and Symbol of Learning and Wisdom
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully carved owl.
This hand-carved owl is well loved by its previous owners and
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Free Shipping
H 14.5 in W 6 in D 6 in
Purple Glass Owl Vase
Located in Vallejo, CA
A wonderful mid century glass vase in the shape of an owl. Beautiful hobnail texture and purple
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Green Glass Owl Vase
Located in Vallejo, CA
A wonderful mid century glass vase in the shape of an owl. Beautiful hobnail texture and green
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Aluminum Owl Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Aluminum Owl bookends, weighted cast aluminum. Nice Image and useful!
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
ABRAHAM PALATNIK, monochromatic owl
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
A Mid-Century Modern art owl designed by Abraham Palatnik. Original label on bottom: Made in Brazil
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
Mid-Century Modern Pair Couroc Trays & Orange Vintage Plastic Salad Serving Set
By Culver Ltd., The Couroc Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage mid-century modern 6 gold embossed owl Tom Collins Culver glasses (2 with
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Gold
H 5.5 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
Organic Modern Pair Stylized Studio Stoneware Pottery Owls 1950 Barbara Garrett
Located in Miami, FL
Barbara Garrett (1930-2020) pair of Organic Mid Century Modern Pottery Owls. Both pieces with
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
MCM Brutalist Owl Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool midcentury Brutalist owl sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is made of raw welded sheet
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Modernist Rosewood Owl Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist rosewood owl sculpture, on base, circa 1950s. The piece is in very good
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Rosewood
Judith Bledsoe A Parliament of Owls Signed Modern Lithograph 294/300 Framed
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
. An illustrative owl scene that adds an element of joie de vivre and Bohemian glamour to a modern
Category
20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
H 32 in W 21.75 in D 2 in
White Owl Bird Porcelain Object Sculpture
By Royal Dux Bohemia
Located in New York, NY
A white porcelain owl bird, Mid-Century Modern period, by Royal Dux Bohemia, circa mid-20th century
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Owl (Rose Ground)
By Graham Sutherland
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Owl (Rose Ground)" from the suite "Bestiary and some Correspondences" 1968 is
Category
Mid-20th Century Surrealist Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Two Owl Table lamps
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two table lamps with owls.
Measures:
Height ceramic base 50 cm.
Total height 77 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Sergio Bustamante Ceramic Owl
By Sergio Bustamante
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Bustamante ceramic owl sculpture, signed 16/100 in excellent original condition.
Category
Vintage 1980s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Owl Ceramic by Dominique Pouchain
By Dominique Pouchain
Located in Lasne, BE
Ceramics in the shape of a owl stamped Dominique Pouchain.
Category
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Owl Dish in Pewter
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique midcentury pewter owl dish with striking blue eyes. The dish is very heavy
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Pewter
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Mid Century Modern Owl", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Mid Century Modern Owl For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern owl you’re looking for. Each mid century modern owl for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, ceramic and glass. If you’re shopping for a mid century modern owl, we have 351 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern owl — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A mid century modern owl made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern owl over the years, but those crafted by Curtis Jere, Bitossi and Blenko are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Owl?
Prices for a mid century modern owl start at $62 and top out at $28,000 with the average selling for $750.
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 Owl
- 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. - 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 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.
- 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, 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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
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.
More Ways To Browse
Sapphire Vintage Fine Jewellery
Estate Jewelry Yellow Sapphire
Real Retro Jewelry
14k Modernist Jewelry
Blue Sapphire Gold Pin
Gold Diamonds Sapphires Enamel
Retro Estate Brooch
Blue Sapphire And Diamond Pin
Sapphire Pin White Gold
Modernist Vintage Fine Jewellery
18k Gold Owl
Owl Diamond
Vintage Sapphire Brooch
Diamond And Sapphire Cabochons Brooch
Vintage Brooch Diamond Sapphire
Fun Brooch
Modernist Diamond Sapphire
Gold Owl Brooch