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's the difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau lighting design?1 Answer
Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
Rare René Drouet Pair of Easy Chairs in Beige Pierre Frey Mohair
By René Drouet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
René Drouet, pair of lounge chairs, Pierre Frey Bold Dune mohair, lacquered wood, France, 1940s
These magnificent lounge chairs by the French decorator René Drouet, are a quintessen...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Austrian Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Moritz Hergesell for Anton Hergesell, pair of lounge chairs, mahogany, fabric, Austria, late 1920s
This pair of lounge chairs can likely be situated within the context...
Category
Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
$27,500 / set
Italian Art Deco Bar Cabinet in Red Stained Walnut, Brass and Mirrored Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar cabinet, red stained walnut, brass, mirrored glass, Italy, 1940s
This Italian bar cabinet from the 1940s is defined by its rounded shape and finely ribbed exterior. Executed in ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
Italian Art Deco Six Arm Chandelier with in Murano Glass 107cm/42 in Wide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Italian Art Deco chandelier, Murano glass, silver lacquered steel and brass, Italy, 1940s
This exceptionally elegant chandelier features six sweeping Murano glass arms, each support...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Steel
Rare Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo Easy Chair in Pierre Frey Lilac Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, lounge chair, variation on model '4949', stained teak, reupholstered in Pierre Frey Bold 'Piggy' mohair, Italy, late 1930s/1940s
A b...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Teak
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero, writing desk, walnut, Italy, first half of the 1940s
This writing desk, designed by Paolo Buffa and meticulously crafted by Galdino Maspero in the f...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
