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What years are mid century modern?

1 Answer
What years are mid century modern?
The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
Huge “Bastiano” 4 seater sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 60s
Located in Padova, IT
Thanks to a scholarship obtained in 1958, Lella studied Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology school of architecture and worked as a junior designer in the presti...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid Century Japanese Segmented Wood Fish
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made and decorative Japanese Mid Century segmented and angle cut Wood Fish for wall hanging or other display. The Fish in a pleasing Amber tone stain with some interesting da...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Modern Orange & Gold Coffee Tea Lunch Dessert by Dorothy Thorpe, Set
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rare Midcentury Modern set for eight (8) orange (or persimmon) and gold ceramic dining set by American designer Dorothy C. Thorpe, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Set ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Saporiti 'Confidential' Cognac Leather Sofa by Alberto Rosselli, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saporiti 'Confidential' cognac leather sofa by Alberto Rosselli. This luxury 3 seater sofa with nappa leather and polyurethane injected foam cushions brings timeless design to any sp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Set of Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs in Mohair, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
Set of vintage Gio Ponti style sculpted walnut lounge chairs, fully restored by Stamford Modern. The gorgeous walnut frames are beautifully refinished and paired with elegant brass s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Quadrifoglio table lamp by Harvey Guzzini, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Quadrifoglio lamp, Harvey Guzzini, 1970s. A stunning and very rare early edition vintage table Lamp designed by Harvey Guzzini in Italy. This model ...
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

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