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
1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Cartier in Excellent condition.
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Cartier with is red leather original box 2-doors case . The box is lined in silk, stamped with the Les Must de Cartier logo and includ...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Games

Materials

Paper

Large Vintage Glass Ceiling or Wall Light Flushmount, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful vintage hand made blown glass flushmount. Germany, 1960s. Lamp sockets: E27 (US E26). .
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass

Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 41 acid-etched amber glass petals
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 41 acid-etched with an amber spot inside glasses, in a golden painted metal frame. This chandelier is a unique piece, glass created ...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. Made of solid b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Japanese 18th Century Style Lacquered Coffee Table With Scenes of Horses
Located in Stamford, CT
Japanese style equestrian themed lacquered square coffee table with a lift top that opens to a large storage area. The top and sides decorated with decoupage equestrian scenes of ind...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Italian ceiling lamp by Stilnovo from the 1960s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted opaline glass shade, accente...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Shop All