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

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

1 Answer
What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?
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
Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam School accent table with pewter top, 1920s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A very decorative 1920s Amsterdam School accent table, combining bold design with practical ingenuity. Its removable pewter top - originally intended to make cleaning easy - sits ne...
Category

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Pewter

Amsterdam School Art Deco side table in oak with octagonal top, 1920s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
An impressive Dutch Art Deco side table in oak and oak veneer, dating from the 1920s and exemplary of Amsterdam School design. This geometric piece features an octagonal top with qua...
Category

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Louis Dage French Art Deco Stoneware Table Lamp, 1920
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco stoneware table lamp by Louis DAGE (Antony, Paris), France, 1920s. Stoneware, brass & fabric. Important enamel applications. Height: 15.75"(40cm), Width: 9.85"(25cm)....
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Rochard Panther Art Deco
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Deco panther circa 1930. Spelter sculpture with black patina on a marble base, signed R. Rochard for Irénée Félix René Rochard. In perfect condition. Length: 65 cm Width: 14 cm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Spelter

George Leleu bronze chandelier original, french 1930
Located in La xara, VC
Georges Leleu was a prominent French designer renowned for creating Art Deco chandeliers during the early 20th century, notably in the 1920s and 1930s. His chandeliers are characteri...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Round Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Round Pewter Vase on foot made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Round pewter vase on foot. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1728 * Year: 1935 * Condition: Fair vintage condition....
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Vases

Materials

Pewter

Shop All