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Tubular Mid Century

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Rare Tubular Midcentury Armchair, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - confortable - in functionalism style
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Rare Tubular Midcentury Armchair, 1950s
Rare Tubular Midcentury Armchair, 1950s
H 37.01 in W 24.02 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Tubular Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal and milk glass mid-century sconces. Wired for US electrical.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Tubular Sconces
Mid-Century Tubular Sconces
H 31.75 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Mid-century Bauhaus tubular sofa
By Kem Weber
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1950s, and is therefore described as original Bauhaus. The tubular frame has welded joints and the seat
Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Bauhaus tubular sofa
Mid-century Bauhaus tubular sofa
H 31.5 in W 49.22 in D 27.56 in
German Mid-Century Modern Tubular Metal and Glass Pendant
Located in New York, NY
German Mid-Century Modern pendant light with three cascading tubular metal lights. Each tube has
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-century design tubular steel etagere
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century design tubular steel etagere in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-century design tubular steel etagere
Mid-century design tubular steel etagere
H 69.69 in W 68.9 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Nessen Tubular Ceramic White Table Lamp
By Nessen Lighting
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Le Shoppe Too presents this minimalist white tubular ceramic table lamp. Signed Nessen. In very
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Belgian Mid-Century Tubular Sun Lounger
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Funky sun lounger/chaise longue made of tubular metal with original off-white paint. Wooden arm
Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wood, Rubber

Belgian Mid-Century Tubular Sun Lounger
Belgian Mid-Century Tubular Sun Lounger
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 78.75 in
Mid-Century Brushed Tubular Steel Contoured Cantilever Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four, mid-century, tubular, brushed steel, dining side chairs with cantilever bases and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Tubular Stand Flowers, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Lacquered metal, wood New Lacquer Good Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Easels

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Tubular Stand Flowers, 1960's
Mid-Century Tubular Stand Flowers, 1960's
H 37.41 in W 7.09 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Tubular Steel Chair with Green Fabric
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Modern tubular steel chair with green fabric. By unknown manufacturer from France
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mies Van Der Rohe Tubular Chrome Arm Chair Mid Century Modern
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Sleek and timeless, this Mies van der Rohe Tubular Chrome Arm Chair is a masterpiece of Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Rocking Chair
By Charles Stendig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage metal and vinyl rocking chair features a stylish chrome frame with unique circular rockers. Vintage vinyl covering is sculpted for ergonomic comfort, making this a great...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

4 Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Cantilever Dining Armchairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 4 vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern tubular chrome cantilever dining armchairs. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Huge Mid-Century 72 Bulb Tubular Sculpture Chandelier
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Truly remarkable vintage chandelier from the 1960's. Requires 72 individual dimmable S11 bulbs(included). 36 facing up and 36 facing down. Each bulb is hidden behind an angular cu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Wire

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Tubular Lucite Bar Cart
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Exceptional lucite bar cart attributed to Charles Hollis Jones from the late sixties. Tubular frame
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Tubular Steel Coffee Table Slezák
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Based on the design by Marcel Breuer, manufactured by Kovona, former Slezák company in Czechoslovakia early 1950's. Chrome plated steel tubes in very good original condition with onl...
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Tubular Steel Coffee Table Slezák
Mid-Century Tubular Steel Coffee Table Slezák
H 19.69 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Mid-Century Brass Tubular Side Table Bases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Pair of Brass Contemporary End Lamp Tables Amazing modern pair of end tables. This set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Accent Chair by Thonet Industries
By Thonet
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern tubular chrome accent chair What a find. Offered is a vintage Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

French Industrial Mid-Century Tubular Stools, 'Up to 20'
Located in London, GB
Industrial tubular metal cafe style stools. France, c1950s. In original red vinyl which
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Space Age Yellow Tubular Desk Lamp
By Targetti Sankey
Located in Woodford Green, GB
Space age tubular 'Elbow' desk lamp by E.Bellini for Targetti Sankey, produced in Italy in the 70's
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Retro Patinated Bronze Tubular Large Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern retro patinated bronze tubular large 4 light fixture.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Modern Chrome Tubular Glass Top Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous pair of mid-century chrome tubular side tables with glass tops.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Chrome and Glass Tubular Side Table
By Strässle International, Paul Tuttle
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern chrome and glass end or accent table featuring a sculptural tubular frame with a
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Directional Mid Century Modern Tubular Aluminum Base Swivel Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Directional Mid Century Modern Tubular Aluminum Base Swivel Ottoman. Item features a vinyl
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Mid Century Retro Tubular vinyl 4 Stacking dining Chairs, 50s
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
Set of 4 very retro and unique dining chairs. Metal mid century tubular stacking chairs. Vinyl
Category

Mid-20th Century British Space Age Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Camer Glass Tubular Cylinder Hanging Chandelier
By Camer Glass
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning Camer glass cylindrical chandelier. Nothing short of spectacular. The glass is so smooth it feels like Lucite, yet it is glass. Very rare to see a Camer with cylindrical sha...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel, Chrome

French Mid Century Plastic String Chair with Tubular Steel Frame
By Woodard Furniture Co., Philippe Starck
Located in New York, NY
Stylish mid century side chair having a tubular steel frame and plastic string wrap upholstered
Category

Mid-20th Century French Post-Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Bauhaus Mid-Century Modern Tubular and Plywood Armchair, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bauhaus chair by unknown designer, probably Gispen. Manufactured in Holland, circa 1930. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. Some restoration...
Category

Vintage 1930s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Brueton Mid-Century Modern Tubular Steel Cat Eye Chairs, a Pair
By Brueton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brueton Mid-Century Modern tubular steel cat eye chairs - a pair. Item features brushed
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid-century Italian Modern Sciolari Trapezoidal Tubular Glass & Steel Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare steel and glass Italian modern / Postmodern design. Glass tubes serve to refract and emit light in a gorgeous manner and the trapezoidal ring that holds the tubes echoes around ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Arm Chair with Burlap Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern tubular chrome arm chair with burlap seat. Item features tubular chrome frame
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Italian Tubular Brass Bar Serving Cart by Morex
By Morex
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Exceptional three-tier rolling bar service cart by Italian maker Morex. Smoke glass shelving contrast on sculpted brass tube frame make this a stunning visual in many style decors. T...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

Vintage Children's Small Mid Century Tubular Metal Side Chairs - A Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Children's Small Mid Century Tubular Metal Side Chairs - A Pair. Item featured is a Small
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Brass Tubular Steel Étagère / Flower Stand, 1950s/60s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern brass tubular steel étagère / flower stand, 1950s/60s. Very good condition
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Tubular Aluminum & Glass Chrome Etagere Shelf Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very unique vintage etagere in thick tubular aluminum with. 5" oval smoked glass shelves from the
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Cantilever Side Chair with Burlap Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern tubular chrome cantilever side chair with burlap seat. Item features tubular
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-centrury Chrome Tubular Chair, 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage chrome chair, newly upholstered by previous owner. The upholstery shows some sighns of use (see photo). Seat hight is 43 cm. There is another chair available, but it has slig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-centrury Chrome   Tubular Chair, 1970's
Mid-centrury Chrome   Tubular Chair, 1970's
H 31.89 in W 23.23 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Modernist Tubular Chrome Chandelier in the Manner of Sciolari
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century tubular chrome chandelier in the manner of Gaetano Sciolari. A central chromed dome
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Arne Norell Leather and Chrome Tubular Safari Danish Mid-Century Modern Chair
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Arne Norell Safari Chair. Tubular chrome and brown leather. Labeled.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Tubular Brass Floor Lamp with French Milk Glass Shade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American Modern floor lamp with brass rod construction supported by a round tubular brass base (ca
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Tubular Chrome Column Base Coffee Table, Round Glass Top
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Awesome Mid-Century Modern period piece. Chromed tubular base with a round 36 inch diameter glass
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Palatial Mid-Century Modern Murano Camer Tubular Glass Square Chandelier XL
Located in West Hartford, CT
This Mid-Century Modern chandelier measures four feet square and each piece of Murano Camer Glass
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Dining Chairs, 1970's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful set of four Mid-Century Modern chrome frame dining chairs featuring a sculptural tubular
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Abstract Tubular Brass Pipe Sticks and Square Brown Marble Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern handmade abstract geometric table sculpture made out of tubular Brass pieces
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

A set of mid century modern tubular arm chairs by Global Upholstery Company
Located in Houston, TX
A set of mid century modern tubular arm chairs by Global Upholstery Company, circa 1970s. Made in
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Two Tier Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern chrome coffee table with smoked level up glass top and clear glass in low shelve.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe Beige Brno Tubular Chair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous vintage Brno tubular chair in beige fabric. An icon of mid-century modern originally
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Tubular Chrome & Wood by Geraldo Barros, 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
unmistakably Mid-Century Modern. This table effortlessly flexes into any Mid-Century Modern, modern, Danish
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Chrome

3 Patinated Mid-Century Modern Industrial Chic Tubular Steel Stacking Chairs
By Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Breuer, Le Corbusier
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
3 structurally sound and heavily patinated Mid-Century Modern Industrial Chic Tubular Steel
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Chairs

Materials

Steel

Red Sculptural Tubular Steel and Wood Mid-Century Modern Children Chair, 1950's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Red Sculptural Tubular steel and Wood Mid-Century Modern Children chair, 1950's With lovely
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of Mid Century Gray Leather Chrome Tubular Lounge Chairs by Cy Mann
By Cy Mann
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of beautiful cantilevered gray leather lounge or office chairs with chrome tubular frames by
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Tubular Brass Cantilever Bar Stools, Set of 3
By Chromcraft, Marcel Breuer
Located in Harlingen, TX
-century modern design features a tubular brass finish metal frame, rattan back with looped and wrapped
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian mid-century modern Chairs in straw, black wood and tubular steel, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Chairs in straw, black wood and tubular steel, 1970s Set of 4 chairs
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Mid Century Modern Style Tubular Rod Chandelier Jonathan Adler Milano
By Jonathan Adler, Robert Abbey
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Modern tubular Milano chandelier by Jonathan Alder, for Robert Abbey. This sculptural tiered
Category

2010s Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Table Sculpture Lamp in Solid Chrome After Rougier
By Design Line
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural table lamp made by Designline. It features heavy chrome construction with sliced nickel tubes. It takes one standard bulb up to 100 watts. It has a very long cord with t...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Table Sculpture Lamp in Black & White After Rougier
By Design Line
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural table lamp made by Designline. It features all metal construction with bright white powder coated tubes and black base. It takes one standard bulb up to 100 watts. It ha...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Table Sculpture Lamp in Brass & White After Rougier
By Design Line
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural table lamp made by Designline. It features heavy brass construction with sliced nickel tubes. It takes one standard bulb up to 100 watts. It has a very long cord with th...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Nickel, Brass

Unique Mid-Century Modern Pop Art Metal Tubular Pillar Floor or Accent Lamp
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern or Pop Art styled floor lamp is unsigned, but presumed to have originated
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

1 of 4 Mid-Century Chrome Tubular Steel and Striped Upholstery Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Four vintage comfortable Mid-Century modern armchairs with a chromed metal structure and beige
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Space Age Modern Tubular Table Lamp After Rougier & Panton
By Verner Panton, Roger Rougier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modernist decorator accent lamp after Rougier or Panton. It consists of gel coated ABS with plastic tubes with a brass powder coated steel base.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

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Tubular Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the tubular mid century you’re looking for. A tubular mid century — often made from metal, chrome and glass — can elevate any home. There are 633 variations of the antique or vintage tubular mid century you’re looking for, while we also have 5 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a tubular mid century — 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 tubular mid century, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made tubular mid century has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll and Doria Leuchten Germany are consistently popular.

How Much is a Tubular Mid Century?

A tubular mid century can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,197, while the lowest priced sells for $10 and the highest can go for as much as $28,500.

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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 Tubular Mid Century
  • 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 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 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

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

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.

Read More

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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.

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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.