Questions & Answers
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How can you tell if a piece of furniture is MCM?
1 Answer

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
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Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller
Located in Bath, GB
A superb mid-century modern letter opener made by the highly collectable silversmith, Brian Leslie Fuller.
Made from solid English silver fully hallmarked for London 1979 together ...
Category
Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Letter Openers
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ice Glass Wall Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful ice glass wall lamp from the 1960s.
Very pleasant lighting effect thanks to the ice glass, which creates an elegant sparkling play of light in the room.
Great design a...
Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Large MCM Glass Lotus Petal Salad Bowl
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large mid century glass lotus shaped bowl by Indiana Glass. Beautiful vibrant green color to the glass. Slightly textured exterior and smooth interior. Made of thick heavy glass. A...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
Materials
Glass
Elegant Murano pink Poliedri Chandelier - Carlo Scarpa design
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Elegant Italian chandelier made from 32 beautiful Murano pink "polyhedron" glasses. Structure in gold and brass colored metal. Overall, this chandelier is both a functional light sou...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Murano Chandelier, 24 Clear and Amber
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Vintage Italian Murano chandelier in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 24 glasses in a nickel metal frame. The originality of this chandelier is given by the glass, wonderful works ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-century inspired Floe bookcase in walnut
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Inspired by mid-century modernism, Floe is made from solid hardwood using real joinery. With its low profile, Floe will fit nicely under a window by the wall, or against the back of...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut