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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
Antique early 20th century landscape oil painting of desert landscape
Located in Ebberup, DK
This is an original antique oil on cardboard impressionist painting from 1903. The motive is a desert landscape with mountains in the background kept in warm and intriguing colours.
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Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Paintings
Materials
Paint
$568 Sale Price
20% Off
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Perfect Size Art Deco Pendant Flush Mount Alabaster Shade & Bronze Stem, 1920s
Located in Lisse, NL
* Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Flush Mount
Materials
Alabaster, Metal, Wire, Brass
Pair Of Machine Age Art Deco Tables by Modernage Furniture Company C. 1930's
Located in Bernville, PA
Pair of American Art Deco side tables retailed and made by the Modernage Furniture Company. A three-quarter circle holds a long shelf with a smaller shelf at the apex. They are known...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Side Tables
Materials
Maple
Shagreen Sculptural Dining Table in Shagreen Rattan and Brass 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 Dining Room Tables
Materials
Brass
Shagreen Sculptural Dining Table in Shagreen Rattan and Brass 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 Dining Room Tables
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Style Yellow and Beige Marbled Glass Pendant Light, Germany, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Art Deco-style yellow and beige marbled glass pendant light, Germany, circa the 1950s.
This elegant pendant light features a beautifully scalloped glass shade in a striking yellow a...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass