Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Related Questions
- What is the difference between Memphis and Art Deco?1 Answer
- What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?1 Answer
- What is the difference between Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry?1 Answer
- What is the difference between art and fine art?1 Answer
- What is the difference between modern art and contemporary art?1 Answer
Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
Art Deco Period Photo Frame Handmade in Oak with Fan Sides, circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful photo frame from the Art Deco period, handmade from oak with a fan design and with a glass insert, which we date to circa 1925.
The photo size is 3.5 inches wide...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Picture Frames
Materials
Oak, Glass
Large Art Deco Pendant Lamp with marbled glass, Germany, 1930s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Large Art Deco rod pendant light from the 1930s - 1940s with a beautifully contoured beige glass shade. The glass shade is marbled and in very good condition, with the lower decorati...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Cast Iron Art Deco Clear Holophane Glass Wall Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French cast iron wall light
Rust brown cast iron, brass top and clear Holophane glass
Size wall plate 190 × 30 mm
Weight: 3.20 kg / 7.1 lb
Priced per individual item. All lamps ha...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Iron
Beehive Opaline Glass & Burnished Brass Ball Pendant, Germany 1930s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This elegant Art Deco pendant was designed and manufactured in Germany in the 1930s during the Bauhaus period.
The light features a ribbed marbled opaline glass shade in warm honey...
Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Pendant Light, Pink Marbled Glass Shade, Bakelite Holder, Germany 1930s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Pink Art Deco rod pendant light from the first half of the last century - 1930s - with a curved glass shade.
This rod pendant light looks especially good with antique furnishings.
...
Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Opaline Glass & Burnished Brass Tassel Ball Pendants, Germany 1930s, Set of 2
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
German Art Deco Opaline Pendants, 1930s, Bauhaus era
The lights feature elegant German Art Deco design with a patinated brass rod and canopy, complemented by a decorative moss green...
Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass


