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Mid Century Photographers

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Every photographer provided an opportunity
By Jennifer Greenburg
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Revising History. Interjecting herself in mid-century images from the 1940’s – 60’s, Greenburg creates
Category

2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

American Photographer Nature Silver Gelatin Vintage Print
By Andreas Feininger
Located in Surfside, FL
photographer and a writer on photographic technique. He was noted for his dynamic black-and-white scenes of
Category

Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

American Photographer Nest Silver Gelatin Vintage Print
By Andreas Feininger
Located in Surfside, FL
photographer and a writer on photographic technique. He was noted for his dynamic black-and-white scenes of
Category

Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

The Who Sell Out
By David Montgomery (photographer)
Located in New York, NY
Limited Edition Archival Print Signed by the Photographer Please allow extra production time Other
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Rolling Stones
By David Montgomery (photographer)
Located in New York, NY
Limited Edition Archival Print Signed by the Photographer Please allow extra production time Other
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Electric Ladyland Cover, London, 1967
By David Montgomery (photographer)
Located in New York, NY
Limited Edition Archival Print Signed by the Photographer Please allow extra production time Other
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones, "Sticky Fingers"
By David Montgomery (photographer)
Located in New York, NY
Limited Edition Archival Print Signed by the Photographer Please allow extra production time Other
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Keith Richards, "Sticky Fingers", 1971
By David Montgomery (photographer)
Located in New York, NY
Limited Edition Archival Print Signed by the Photographer Please allow extra production time Other
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

OAS - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
OAS, the vintage photograph is an original photograph realized by an Anonymous photographer Good
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

OAS - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 Century
No Reserve
H 3.94 in W 4.73 in D 0.04 in
Algeria, historical photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear and hand-notes
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Burning House - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
moment by an Anonymous photographer Good conditions.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The Firefighter - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
The Firefighter is an original vintage photograph realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Algeria's 1960 - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Djebel Amour - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
photographer. With the typed note of a short description in Italian on a paper attached to the rear of the
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Policemen, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Injured, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Players (Signed and dated by Tina Barney) monograph by renowned photographer
By Tina Barney
Located in New York, NY
became one of the first photographers to work in the "directional style" when she forfeited the
Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset, Board

The Fighting Police, Historical Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "ASSOCIATED PRESS" on the rear. Good conditions.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Parade in Algeria, Historical Photograph - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
photographer. With the stamp of copyright "ASSOCIATED PRESS" and Hand-notes on the rear Good conditions.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The War Trench - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Among the Rocks, Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. Good conditions. A drastic moment had been captured, the difficulty of the way and
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ambulances, Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Military in Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Military in Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Scientific Instruments -Vintage Black and White Photo - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
photographer in the mid-20th century, in an interior laboratory. With the handwriting on the rear. Stamp of
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The War, Historical Photograph - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good conditions
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Restaurant in Algeria, the Vintage Photograph - Mid-20 century
Located in Roma, IT
an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "ASSOCIATED PRESS" on the rear. Good
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Military in Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Two Rifle Demonstrators, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
photograph realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The French Flag, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The Roof of Bugeaud, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good conditions
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Lithograph

Portrait of Prof. Giuseppe Lugli - Original Photos - Mid-20 Century
Located in Roma, IT
by an Anonymous photographer. Hand-notes on the rear. Good conditions.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Gendarmes on guard, Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good conditions
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Inside the Barricade, Algeria - Original Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good conditions
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Audouin Dolfuss -Vintage Black and White Photo - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Anonymous photographer. With the typed notes in Italian " the description" on the rear. Good conditions
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Astract Composition - Original Oil Paint by André Rogi - Mid 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
-born French photographer and artist. She was the first wife of André Kertész.
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Crowd Behind the Policemen, Algeria - Vintage Photograph - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
by an Anonymous photographer. With the stamp of copyright "Associated Press Photo" on the rear. Good
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ex Libris Imperiosa Fames - Woodcut by Jose Manuel Ballester - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
conditions. Jose Manuel Ballester (1960) is a painter and photographer, graduated in Fine Arts in 1984 from
Category

Mid-20th Century Symbolist Figurative Prints

Materials

Woodcut

Algeria, the Post Office Surrounded by Police - Vintage photo - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
, realized by an anonymous photographer With the stamp of Associated Press photo and typed-note on the rear
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Prof. Pietro Valdoni and Prof. Angelo Biocca - Vintage Photo - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
an Anonymous photographer. With the typed notes in Italian " the description" on the rear. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Portrait of Dr. T. Keith Glennan in Technology Laboratory - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
an Anonymous photographer. With the typed notes on the rear. Good conditions except for a slight
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Nobel Prize dedication in which King Olav shake hands... - Mid 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
white photograph realized by an Anonymous photographer. With the typed notes on the paper attached to
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Parisian Balcony — Mid-Century Photogravure
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
, blur, and reflection, aligning himself with the avant-garde photographers of the early 20th Century
Category

1940s Modern Figurative Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Mid Century Sierra Mountaintops Landscape
By Ralph Edward Joosten
Located in Soquel, CA
accomplished artist and photographer who lived in Santa Cruz, California for many years. He studied painting at
Category

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pont Marie, Paris — Mid-Century Photogravure
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
himself with the avant-garde photographers of the early 20th Century. Esteemed creative researcher Julia
Category

1940s Modern Figurative Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Mid Century Wilder Ranch Landscape Photograph
By Vester Dick
Located in Soquel, CA
The White Barn at Wilder Ranch, a color photograph by Vestor Dick, master photographer (American
Category

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Color

Mid Century Vintage -- Arab Couple - Palestine
By Eva Korn
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning black and white photograph of Arab couple by photographer Eva Korn (German, 20th c
Category

1950s Photorealist Figurative Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Constantine Bay Cornwall - Mid 20th Century English Impressionist Beach Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
This very beautiful mid 20th century impressionist oil on board by Gilbert Adams depicts
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Slim Aarons 'Courchevel' - Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
that capture the luxury, glamour, and jet-set lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Renowned for his
Category

1970s Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

C Print

Slim Aarons 'Klosters' Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
. Aarons began his career as a combat photographer in World War II. Though he earned a Purple Heart for his
Category

1960s Modern Figurative Photography

Materials

Lambda

Tugboat, River Seine, Paris — Mid-Century Photogravure
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
reflection, aligning himself with the avant-garde photographers of the early 20th Century. Esteemed creative
Category

1940s Modern Figurative Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Portrait of a Young Girl, Mid-20th Century Pastel Drawing, Signed
By Alan Durman
Located in London, GB
was a verstile artist and photographer, born in Weymouth, Dorset, who trained there with a
Category

Mid-20th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Paper

Deep Surf, Laguna Beach - Mid Century Seascape
By Raphael G. Wolff
Located in Soquel, CA
Missouri on June 3, 1901. Wolff settled in Los Angeles in 1936. He was a photographer and also produced
Category

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Slim Aarons 'Las Brisas' Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
capture the luxury, glamour, and jet-set lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Renowned for his candid
Category

1960s Modern Color Photography

Materials

C Print

Midnight Modern, Tom Blachford Mid Century Classic Porsche
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
of Palm Springs and Mid Century, Blachford’s large scale works explores some of the outer reaches of
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Midnight Modern, Tom Blachford Mid Century Classic Porsche
By Tom Blachford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
of Palm Springs and Mid Century, Blachford’s large scale works explores some of the outer reaches of
Category

2010s American Modern Landscape Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Slim Aarons 'Snowmass Gathering' - Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
synonymous with images that capture the luxury, glamour, and jet-set lifestyle of the mid-20th century
Category

1960s Modern Color Photography

Materials

C Print

Slim Aarons 'Verbier View' Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
lifestyles. Aarons began his career as a combat photographer in World War II. Though he earned a Purple
Category

1960s Modern Figurative Photography

Materials

Lambda

Slim Aarons 'Las Brisas' Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
capture the luxury, glamour, and jet-set lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Renowned for his candid
Category

1960s Modern Color Photography

Materials

C Print

Slim Aarons 'Christmas Swim' - Mid-century Modern Photography
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
that capture the luxury, glamour, and jet-set lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Renowned for his
Category

1950s Modern Color Photography

Materials

C Print

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Mid Century Photographers For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century photographers available on 1stDibs. Today, if you’re looking for minimalist editions of these works and are unable to find the perfect match for your home, our selection also includes modern. These items have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Adding a colorful piece of art to a room that is mostly decorated in warm neutral tones can yield a welcome change — see the mid century photographers on 1stDibs that include elements of black, gray, beige, blue and more. There have been many well-done artworks of this subject over the years, but those made by Stefanie Schneider, Barrie Wentzell, Kind of Cyan, Jake Chessum and Michael Zagaris are often thought to be among the most beautiful. The range of these distinct pieces — often created in paper, c print and photographic paper — can elevate any room of your home. If space is limited, there are small mid century photographers measuring 1.5 across, while our inventory also includes pieces up to 255.91 inches across to better suit those in the market for large iterations.

How Much are Mid Century Photographers?

Prices for art of this kind can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — mid century photographers in our inventory begin at $20 and can go as high as $275,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,065.

Finding the Right Photography for You

Find a broad range of photography on 1stDibs today.

The first permanent image created by a camera — which materialized during the 1820s — is attributed to Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The French inventor was on to something for sure. Kodak introduced roll film in the 1880s, allowing photography to become more democratic, although cameras wouldn’t be universally accessible until several decades later. 

Digital photographic techniques, software, smartphone cameras and social-networking platforms such as Instagram have made it even easier in the modern era for budding photographers to capture the world around them as well as disseminate their images far and wide. 

What might leading figures of visual art such as Andy Warhol have done with these tools at their disposal?

Today, when we aren’t looking at the digital photos that inundate us on our phones, we look to the past to celebrate the photographers who have broken rules as well as records — provocative and prolific artists like Horst P. Horst, Lillian Bassman and Helmut Newton, who altered the face of fashion and portrait photography; visionary documentary photographers such as Gordon Parks, whose best-known work was guided by social justice; and pioneers of street photography such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, who shot for revolutionary travel magazines like Holiday with the likes of globetrotting society lensman Slim Aarons.

Find photographers you may not know in Introspective and The Study — where you’ll read about Berenice Abbott, who positioned herself atop skyscrapers for the perfect shot, or “conceptual artist-adventurer” Charles Lindsay, whose work combines scientific rigor with artistic expression, or Massimo Listri, known for his epic interiors of opulent Old World libraries. Photographer Jeannette Montgomery Barron was given a Kodak camera as a child. Later, she shot on Polaroid film before buying her first 35mm camera in her teens. Barron's stunning portraits of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Warhol and other artists chronicle a crucial chapter of New York’s cultural history.

Throughout the past two centuries, photographers have used their medium to create expressive work that has resonated for generations. Shop a voluminous collection of this powerful fine photography on 1stDibs. Search by photographer to find the perfect piece for your living room wall, or spend some time with the work organized under various categories, such as landscape photography, nude photography and more. 

Questions About Mid Century Photographers
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.