Question 1

What color wood is mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

There 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.

Question 2

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Mid Century Wood

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Midcentury Wood Crucifix

Vintage 1960s Bookcases

Italian Mid-Century Wood and Leather Shelf

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid Century Wood Bench, Winchendon Furniture Co.

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Italian mid-century wood archive stand, 1940s

Vintage 1950s Italian Umbrella Stands

Mid-Century Wood and Brass Umbrella Stand, Italy 1950s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Midcentury Wood Slat and Iron Magazine Holder

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Wood & Rope Oval Gueridon Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Pair of Mid-century wood Bench by Ico & Luisa Parisi - 1950s

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Pair of Midcentury Wood Shelves, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Shelves

Mid-Century Wood, Leather and Brass Shelve, Italy, 1960s - 2 available

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Set of 4 Mid-Century Wood and Leather Dining Chairs, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1970s Belgian Armchairs

Set of 4 Mid-Century Wood Metal and Green Canvas Folding Armchairs

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Italian Mid-Century Wood and Brass Details Dresser Mirror, 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Mid Century Wood and Opaline Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Midcentury Wood Casket, Cigarette Case, or Jewelry Box, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1950s German Art Deco Serving Tables

Mid-century Wood and Wicker 2-layer Magazine/Newspaper Stand, 1950s, Germany

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Ta...

Mid-Century Wood and Leather Mimiset by Brabantia, the Netherlands 1950's

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints

Mid-Century Wood Block Owl Print "Three Eyes" by Kaoru Kawano

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Midcentury Wood and Brass Italian Magazine Rack in Ico Parisi Style, 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Console Tables

Mid-Century Wood Brass And Marble Top Console Attributed To Paolo Buffa 1950s

Vintage 1960s Italian Wall Lights and Sconces

Set Of 7 Mid-Century Wood And Brass Wall Lamps Italian Design 1960s

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

Midcentury Wood Serving Bar Cart with Enameled Metal Bottle Holder, 1960s

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

Italian Design Midcentury Wood and Iron Square Coffee Italian Table, 1960s

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Northern European Midcentury Wood Yellow and Black Formica Coffee Tables, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mid-Century Wood Framed Copper Enamelled Artwork of a Horse, circa 1960

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Cabinets

Restored Vintage Mid-Century Wood Cabinet with Burl Door Details

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Midcentury Wood Chandelier, 1970s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Vintage Mid-Century Wood Plank Bookends

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Wood Foldable Arm Chair

Vintage 1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Wood Chandelier, 1980's

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Wood Chandelier, 1970's

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Mid-Century Wood and Metal Armchair

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Set of Three Original Midcentury Wood Spindle Back Chairs with Teak Seat

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Midcentury Wood Italian Magazine Rack Attributed to Ico Parisi, 1950s

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

Midcentury Wood Brass and Enameled Metal Serving Bar Cart and Bottle Holder 1960

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

American Mid-Century Wood Block Table Lamp

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Italian Midcentury Wood Dining Table

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Midcentury Wood Specimen Table Lamp

Vintage 1970s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Midcentury Wood Floor Lamp, 1970s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants