Questions & Answers
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What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?
1 Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
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Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
Swedish Grace Art Deco Set of 2 chairs and sofa velvet Sweden, 1930s
By OPE Möbler
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This set of furniture containing 2 chairs and one sofa are gifted with wonderful curved lines and newly upholstery. The mustard yellow velvet gives a modern and sophisticated look.
...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Birch
A 1930s Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak French Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a 1930s French Art Deco hand-carved oak box, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and geometric flair characteristic of the Art Deco period.
Solid oak wood, noted for i...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Materials
Oak
Shagreen Side Table with a Sculptural Bronze Patina Brass Base by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Side Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique French Holophane Prismatic Glass Pendant Street Light, c.1930
By Holophane
Located in London, GB
An elegantly formed Holophane street light, made in France. c.1930.
Spun copper lamp body above rippled glass shade and internal reflector. Converted to use as a pendant. Some den...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Copper
Macassar Wood Night Stand with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Night Stands
Materials
Brass
Art Deco, Guillerme et Chambron Inspired, Oak Sideboard with Black Lacquered Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely Art Deco, Guillerme et Chambron inspired, oak sideboard with black lacquered wood top. Two pull out drawers and a storage cubby nestled between two larger storage cabinets wit...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sideboards
Materials
Oak