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Dean Santner Hand Mirror California Mid Century Modern Design
By Dean Santner
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a rare handcrafted walnut wood mirror by California designer Dean Santner. Circa 1970s. It
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Hidden File Drawer Glenn California Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Table Desk
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice low profile writing table with a hidden file drawer.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 29 in W 50 in D 24 in
Stanley Young for Glenn of California Mid-Century Modern Chest in Dark Espresso
By Glenn of California, Stanley Young
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Stanley young for Glenn of California four drawer chest of drawers on tapered
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
H 37.5 in W 32.75 in D 17.75 in
Lou Hodges California Mid Century Modern walnut Bookcase with Cabinet Wall Unit
By Lou Hodges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful massive solid walnut wall unit designed by Lou Hodges California Design, circa 1970's
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
H 78 in W 34 in D 18 in
Californian Modern Dining Chairs in White Boucle Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Streamlined Californian Mid-Century Modern side chairs with white bouclé terry upholstery and sleek
Category
20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Iron and Walnut Chests Designed by Donald Knorr for Vista
By Donald Knorr
Located in Stamford, CT
A great example of California Mid-Century Modern design. Designed by Donald Knorr for Vista. Steel
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
50s California Modern Brayton Laguna Pottery African Busts Male, Female
By Ganine
Located in Miami, FL
rare and highly collectible pair of California Mid-Century Modern ceramic pottery busts by Brayton
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage MCM Wicker Accented Nightstands by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Vintage Pair of Glenn of California Mid
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example of Jerome’s ceramic
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example of Jerome’s ceramic
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
central figures in creating the California mid century modern aesthetic. This example of Jerome’s ceramic
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Lagardo Tackett Hourglass Planter Architectural Pottery CA
By Lagardo Tackett, Architectural Pottery
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Representing the epitome of California Midcentury Modern design; simple sensible and minimalist.
20.5 x 11
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Pottery
1960s Massive Coned Planters Pair by Willy Guhl for Eternit, California Style
By Lagardo Tackett, Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
California Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic. No chips, cracks or repairs.
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Cement
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example of Jerome’s ceramic
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example of Jerome’s ceramic
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
Lightcraft of California Chandelier with 3 Cascading Smoke Glass Orb Globes
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible Lightcraft of California Mid-Century Modern black and brass chandelier or ceiling light
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Julius Shulman: Palm Springs - Michael Stern & Alan Hess - 1st ed. signed 2008
Located in CA, CA
photography; much of Shulman’s oeuvre is based on Californian mid-century modern houses, and this volume
Category
Early 2000s Books
Materials
Paper
H 12.21 in W 10.24 in D 1.19 in
California Originals Ewer Vase Mid-Century Modern
By California Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Bright and distinct ewer vase was made by California Originals pottery in 1950s-1960s. It is
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pitchers
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Bentwood Magazine Rack by Martin California
By Martin California
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous, colorful and Sculptural magazine rack by Martin California c1960. Bentwood with
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Bentwood, Paint
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Pottery Monumental White Cylindrical Pot
By Architectural Pottery
Located in Topeka, KS
and you know it. Almost every California Mid-Century Modern home had one; especially if they were
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Six Mid-Century Modern Glenn of California Dining Chairs
By Glenn of California
Located in Pasadena, TX
Glenn of California
A set of six Mid-Century Modern Glenn of California dining chairs with white
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs By Karpen Of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs By Karpen Of California.
This sculptural pair of mid
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chenille, Wood
Magnificent Pair Karpen of California "Horn Chair" Mid-Century Modern
By Karpen of California
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of "horn chair" by Karpen of California reupholstered in a gorgeous Maharam pebble
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Beatrice Wood Signed Pink Lava Glaze Midcentury California Studio Pottery Bowl
By Beatrice Wood
Located in Studio City, CA
Famed California Mid-Century Modern artist Beatrice Wood signed bowl featuring a unique pink lava
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
H 1 in W 6.25 in D 6.1 in
Mid Century Modern Art Pottery Table Lamp By Tye Of California
By TYE of California
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern, studio art pottery table lamp by Tye Of California features a faceted body with
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
1950's Mid Century Modern Karpen of California Channel Back Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in Stafford, TX
STUNNING 1950's Mid Century Modern Karpen of California Channel Back Lounge Chairs Reupholstered In
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern "Tye of California" White and Gold Ceramic Table Lamps
By TYE of California
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern "Tye of California" white and gold ceramic table lamps circa 1956
The main
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Reglor of California Plaster Table Lamp Gaucho Girl 1950s.
By Reglor Of California
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful Mid Century Reglor Plaster Lamp depicts an Argentinan Gaucho Girl with her bandana
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Karpen of California Mid Century Slipper Chair - Pair
By Karpen of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Karpen of California Mid Century Slipper Chair - Pair
Each chair measures: 34.5 wide x 30 deep x
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Karpen of California Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chair
By Karpen of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Karpen of California mid century slipper lounge chair
This chair measures: 35 wide x 26 deep x
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1960 Vintage John Kalpe Bedroom Set 5 Pieces
Located in Monrovia, CA
Original To Its Design.
California Mid Century Modern Furniture Manufacturers Designs Were Featured In The
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Glenn Of California Night Stands Designed By John Kapel
By John Kapel, Glenn of California
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Stunning Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by John Kapel for Glenn of California
Up
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Walnut
H 22.75 in W 24 in D 18 in
Karpen of California Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Karpen of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Karpen of California Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair
Each chair measures: 37 wide x 29
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Table Lamp by Tye of California
By TYE of California
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Stunning ceramic table lamp with inner body light for extra glow. Sold with original finial. No shade.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
top that adds modern elegance and visual contrast
Ready to elevate your space with this mid-century
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Karpen of California Mid Century Walnut Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Karpen of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Karpen of California Mid Century Walnut Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair
Each lounge chair measures: 30
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut tambour door credenza manufactured by Glenn of California in the United States
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Laminate, Rosewood, Walnut
Glenn of California Style Mid Century Single Drawer Walnut Nightstand
By Glenn of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Glenn of California style mid century single drawer walnut nightstand
Nightstand measures: 18.75
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools by Vista of California - Set of Three
By Knoll, Vista of California
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Mid-century Modern barstools for sale. The metal bases were previously
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by John Kapel for Glenn Of California, c1960s
By John Kapel, Glenn of California
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning Mid Century Modern 8-Drawer Dresser designed by the renowned John Kapel for
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
H 30 in W 83.25 in D 20 in
Mid Century California Modern Mahogany Chair, Signed GS
Located in San Francisco, CA
Solid mahogany Mid-Century Modern chair. Carved initials GS on the underside of the seat (maker
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
George Nelson styled Mid Century Walnut Desk by Vista of California
By Vista of California
Located in Cincinnati, OH
area all with sculptural brushed aluminum pulls . The satin black frame gives the piece a rich modern
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Vista of California Mahogany and Steel Dresser by Don Knorr
By Vista of California, Don Knorr
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage double dresser in mahogany designed by Don Knorr for Vista of California circa 1950's. This
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Steel
H 34 in W 61.25 in D 20.25 in
Mid-Century Reglor Table Lamp by Bernie & Rena Stein, California 1951
By Reglor Of California
Located in Munich, DE
original mid-century lamp has been given a new silk shade and electric cabling, everything else is pure
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Plaster
1960s Mid Century Two-Tone "Colormates" Campaign Dresser by Morris of California
By Morris of California
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
bedroom with this 1960s Mid-Century Modern two-tone "Colormates" campaign dresser by Morris of California
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Laminate
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 17.75 in
Wonderful Karpen of California High Back Walnut Slipper Lounge Mid Century
By Karpen of California
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Karpen of California high back walnut slipper lounge chair. This chair retains its
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern California Architecture Silver Gelatin Sepia Photograph
Located in Studio City, CA
and photography collection.
Would be a nice addition to any Mid-Century Modern or California Art or
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Wood, Paper
H 22.75 in W 28.5 in D 1.5 in
Ultra Rare Karpen of California Tufted Sofa Sectional Walnut Leg Mid-Century
By Karpen of California
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Ultra rare Karpen of California tufted back 2 piece sofa sectional. This super sexy sofa can be
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
H 31 in W 109 in D 36 in
Kipp Stewart for Glenn of California Mid Century Walnut Desk
By Kipp Stewart, Glenn of California
Located in Countryside, IL
Kipp Stewart for Glenn of California Mid Century Walnut Desk
This desk measures: 54 wide x 27.75
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
Expertly Restored - California Modern Sculptural High-Back Lounge Chair
By Karpen of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Pair of Stanley Young for Glenn of California Mid-Century Walnut 4-Drawer Bach
By Glenn of California, Stanley Young
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century walnut bachelor's chests with four drawers in descending size with
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
H 25.25 in W 32.75 in D 18.75 in
Milo Baughman for Glenn of California Mid Century Long Dowel Bench
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Glenn of California Mid Century Long Dowel Bench
This bench measures: 81 wide x
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Barbara Willis Signed Large Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
By Barbara Willis
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed and gorgeously glazed large stoneware Mid-century Modern low bowl by
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
H 2.5 in W 17 in D 7 in
John Kapel for Glenn of California Mid Century Walnut Dining Table
By Glenn of California, John Kapel
Located in Countryside, IL
John Kapel for Glenn of California mid century walnut dining table
The table measures: 45.25
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Walnut
Awesome Huge Green Thick Drip Glaze Lamp, Mid-Century Modern
By California Pottery
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Awesome huge green thick drip glaze table lamp. This lamp is really big standing at 42"t total including its original barrel lamp shade. This gorgeous lamp command attention w...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Pottery, Wood
Laura Andreson Signed Glazed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl
By Laura Andreson
Located in Studio City, CA
/ aqua color with delicate splashes of greens. Gorgeous in its Mid-Century Modern design.
Signed on
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
H 2.6 in W 6 in D 6 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Oak with Black Lacquered Square Top Cocktail Table
By Martin California
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple yet elegant design by Martin of California. Oak & maple hardwoods with a black
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple, Oak
H 16 in W 41 in D 41 in
Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Robert Baron for Glenn of California, c1960s
By Glenn of California, Richard Thompson
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning Mid Century Modern dresser designed by the renowned Robert Baron for Glenn
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
H 30.5 in W 64.75 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Lava Glazed Blue Ceramic California Studio Pottery Plate
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed and blue lava crater glazed studio pottery plate in the style of Mid-Century
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Pair of minimalistic Mid-Century Modern Nightstands – California Modern by Furni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: Furniture Guild of California
Timeless and collectible, this pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands by
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Birch
H 24 in W 20 in D 16 in
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California Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic california mid century modern available at 1stDibs. A california mid century modern — often made from wood, walnut and metal — can elevate any home. Find 1880 options for an antique or vintage california mid century modern now, or shop our selection of 25 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer california mid century modern, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A california mid century modern is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made california mid century modern has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Glenn of California, Milo Baughman and Greta Magnusson-Grossman are consistently popular.
How Much is a California Mid Century Modern?
Prices for a california mid century modern start at $45 and top out at $67,500 with the average selling for $2,439.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Questions About California Mid Century Modern
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
- Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The 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 ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.
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