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
Harald Notini for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik '10770' Pendant Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Harald Notini for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, pendant lamp '10770', nickel-plated aluminum, glass, Sweden 1940s
Elegant pendant lamp designed by Harald Notini for Arvid Böhlmarks La...
Category
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Nickel
Edward Hald for Orrefors Chandelier in Brass and Glass
By Edward Hald, Orrefors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Hald for Orrefors chandelier, 'HD 8532', Sweden, 1940s
Elegant chandelier designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors in the 1940s. Model HD 8532 features a finely crafted glass sha...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Mogens Koch for Rud Radmussen Modular Book Case in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Koch for Rud Rasmussen, modular bookcase, mahogany, Denmark, design 1928
Modular book case or wall unit by Danish designer Mogens Koch. This piece is constructed from multipe...
Category
Vintage 1920s Danish Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Style Amboyna and Palmwood Console, Sofa Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid twentieth century French Art Deco style console table is constructed of amboyna with palmwood trim. The narrow 16 inch deep top has a central field of amboyna and a stair st...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables
Materials
Palmwood, Amboyna
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides and door...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Side Tables
Materials
Brass
French “Clichy” Pink Reeded Glass & Brass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp
Brass glass holder
Weight : 0.90 kg / 2 lb
Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass


