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
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Shop for Art Deco Furniture on 1stDibs
1930s Art Deco Set of Six Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, solid oak, fabric, Europe, 1930s
These six solid oak dining chairs date from the 1930s and show a clear Art Deco influence. The most distinctive feature is...
Category
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Art Deco Pendant Light Signed Arvers (André Delatte)
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Deco pendant light, circa 1930.
Molded-pressed glass bowl featuring a dahlia motif with blue patina. Signed "Arvers" (Arvers France mark), a line created by André Delatte for his...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Hand-Painted White Scalloped Bowl by Arthur Percy, Gefle, 1930s
By Gefle, Arthur Percy
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elegant Swedish Art Deco serving bowl designed by Arthur Percy (1886–1976) for Gefle Porslinsfabrik, from the Gyllen series. The organically scalloped, undulating form gives the bowl...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Stoneware
Jindřich Halabala Lounge Chairs in Beige Tibetan Lambswool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jindrich Halabala, lounge chairs, model 'H269', stained beech, Tibetan lambswool, Czech Republic, 1930s.
Extraordinary easy chairs in beige Tibetan lambswool upholstery. These chair...
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Beech
Jindrich Halabala Round Stool in Decorative Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jindrich Halabala for UP Závody, footstool, tabouret, ottoman, fabric, oak, Czech Republic, 1930s.
This poetic pouf, designed in the 1930s at the height of the Art Deco movement, st...
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Stools
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Art Deco Style Shagreen & Ebony Cocktail or Round Coffee Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Art Deco Style Shagreen & Ebony Cocktail or Round Coffee Table
Category
1990s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Shagreen

