Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if a piece of furniture is MCM?

1 Answer
How can you tell if a piece of furniture is MCM?
To tell if a piece of furniture is MCM, consider its characteristics. MCM, or mid-century modern, furniture is often easy to spot because of its simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Pieces may be constructed from natural materials, such as alluring woods like teak, rosewood and oak, and synthetic materials, including steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Maker's marks can also provide clues about the style of your furniture. Some well-known designers who worked in the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. For other makers, you can conduct online research using trusted resources to learn whether they adhered to mid-century modern design principles and were active during the mid-20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
20th century design decorative or jewelry box by Charnaux La Borne 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Claudie Charnaux Guillaume - La Borne 20th century design decorative or jewelry ceramic box Signed under the base Black and colored stoneware ceramic glazes colors Original perf...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Wicker Fisch Celling Light, France 1960s
Located in Hannover, DE
This charming little French pendant light is a real gem! It'll add a touch of elegance to any room, no matter what style it is. I'm happy to tell you that the total length is 63 cm, ...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wicker

Scandinavian Functionalist Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
This wonderful and rare flush mount ceiling light is a standout example of the Nordic Functionalism from the 1930s, a design movement that sought to merge beautiful craftsmanship wit...
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

3 Tone Blue Metal Pendant Lamp by Lamell-Star-Leuchten, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3 Tone Blue Metal Pendant Lamp by Lamell-Star-Leuchten, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use...
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Gorgeous Brass Lizard Nutcracker Vintage, France, 1960s Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s french large and heavy nutcracker shaped like an lizard. Nice addition to your room, to use it as is or just for your collection of bronze items. Found at an esta...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Line Vautrin School Talosel and Mirror Table Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Talosel and mirror table lamp or sconce was executed by one of Line Vautrin's (1913-1977) students circa 1960. This marvelous table lamp features pearlized yellow resin, or...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Resin, Talosel

Shop All