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
Large Art Déco Pendant Light, Germany 1920s - 1930s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Large pendant lamp from the 1920s - 1940s with a marbled glass shade and rope suspension in good condition. The lamp has a large shade with a scalloped top edge that opens slightly o...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Walnut Wood and Aluminum Box, France circa 1930
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning decorative lidded box dates from the Art Deco period. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1930. The important rectangular shape is made of varnished walnut w...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
A Gorgeous French Leather Club Chair, Chapeau de Gendarme Model Circa 1950’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A Fabulous French Leather Club Chair, Chapeau de Gendarme Model, Circa 1950’s
This is a great compact, original French leather club chair. The lovely, full grain thick leather is in...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Club Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of Six Simon Gate Glasses Crystal Sandvik Orrefors Sweden 1930s
By Orrefors, Simon Gate
Located in Basel, BS
Set of six Simon Gate glasses, model ‚Stork‘ for Sandvik/Orrefors in Sweden in the late 1920s, to mid 1930s.
Delicate, hand-crafted crystal glass in Sandviks signature color of lig...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Crystal Serveware
Materials
Crystal
1920s Amsterdam School Art Deco Dark Oak Two-Tiered Side Table w/ Bent Legs
By Hendrik Petrus Berlage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Art Deco side table exemplifies the distinctive Amsterdam School movement that flourished from the 1910s through 1930s as Holland's spirited response to international Art Deco ...
Category
Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Side Tables
Materials
Oak
MARVELOUS Bronze Art Deco Chandelier / Pendant with SIX LARGE Alabaster Shades
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking and exclusive 1920s bronze and alabaster light fixture for the perfect atmosphere.
If you are looking for a remarkable light fixture to grace your living space then this an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze


