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 fine art and decorative art?1 Answer
Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
Pair of Late Art Deco Italian Table Lamps in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of table lamps, glass, brass, Italy, 1940s
Charming pair of Italian table lamps in the style of Barovier & Toso, circa 1940s. Featuring elegant brass frames with beautifull...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
French 1940s Sideboard with Carved Star Motif in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, oak, France, 1940s
This French oak sideboard from the 1940s reflects a calm and balanced design typical of the period. Made from oak, it shows a beautiful natural grain a...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sideboards
Materials
Oak
Large Antique 14" GEC Moonstone Opaline Glass Plafonnier Light Pendant, C.1930
Located in London, GB
A large Moonstone plafonnier pendant light. c.1930
Heavy duty pressed milk glass of fluted design, supported by cast brass reed and ribbon decorated ring, chain, hanger and ceiling ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Glass
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero, writing desk, walnut, Italy, late 1930s/early 1940s
This writing desk, designed by Paolo Buffa and meticulously crafted by Galdino Maspero in the la...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs in Birch Bentwood, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant and sculptural pair of Swedish Art Deco club chairs from the 1930s, distinguished by their striking curved birch bentwood armrests and generous proportions. The sweeping arms...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch, Bentwood
Diskometal Vase by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Bottle-shaped Diskometal Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s.
* Bottle-shaped metal vase
* Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch
* Manufacturer: Just An...
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Vases
Materials
Metal
