Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 7

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 10

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Question 13

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

Mid 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.

Question 15

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 16

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 17

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 18

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Mid Century Nyc

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century NYC Park Avenue Street Scene with Public Bus Boudreau, circa 1960

1960s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Albert Al HirschfeldMission Impossible Original TV Guide Drawing Illustration Caricature Mid Century, 1966

1930s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Max Arthur CohnNYC Cityscape American Scene Social Realism Mid-Century, c. 1930

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Donald Stacy1950s "Lounge" Mid Century Figurative Ink Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Crossed Arms" Mid Century Abstract Expressionist NYC Female Artist, 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Donald Stacy1950s "Mask" Mid Century Nude Ink Figure Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Donald Stacy1950s "Red Sun" Mid Century Abstract Art Students League NYC, c. 1950

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Custom Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Creative Woodwork Co., NYC

1940s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

David FredenthalNYC Watercolor Drawing American Modern 20th Century Modernism Mid-Century WPA, c. 1948

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Girl with Beret" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

1940s American Modern Interior Paintings

Sam Norkin"Backstage, Ambassador" Broadway Theatre NYC Mid-century Modern Modernist Cubist, circa 1945

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Mid Century Articulating Swing Arm Chrome Floor Lamp by Nessen Studios NYC

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Richard HuntingtonRichard Huntington 1960s Geometric Abstraction Large Mid Century Modern NYC, 1968

1960s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Peter PassuntinoMid Century Ink Wash Bizare Female Figure Original NYC Artist, c..1960

20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Frank KleinholzMid Century Mothers, Children Oil Painting Frank Kleinholz WPA Era NYC Tenements, 20th century

1930s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Phillip Goodwin"Times Square" Mid 20th Century 1937 Modernism Broadway Drawing NYC Cityscape, 1937

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Mid Century modern - Grand Server boomerang bar /table 1960s, NYC Worlds Fair

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Belgian Street Vendors Side Table Vintage Mid-Century Industrial Cafe Bistro NYC

1960s American Modern Interior Paintings

David AtkinsNYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism Contemporary, c. 1960s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 7" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

1930s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph Solman"Rail Yard" Urban Industrial WPA American Scene Drawing NYC Mid-Century, 1930s

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

1950s "Mark" Oil Pastel and Gouache Figurative Painting NYC Modern Mid Century, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Michael Knigin1967 "Abstract 8" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Trew HockerNYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Modernism WPA Realism industrial Colorful, 1947

1940s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Reginald MarshReginald Marsh "Brooklyn Bridge" NYC Modernism WPA Mid-Century Watercolor Modern, 1940

1930s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Ernest FieneNYC Cityscape American Scene WPA Modern Realism Mid 20th Century Architectural, 1930

1950s Cubist Abstract Paintings

Augustus Goertz Mid Century Modernist NYC Cubist Abstract Large Framed Exhibited Oil Painting, 1958

1930s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Cecil Crosley BellBrooklyn Bridge NYC American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA, c. 1930s

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Agnes Hart"Union Square" NYC American Scene Social Realism Modernism WPA Mid-20th Century, 1940

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Ludwig Bemelmans, 1898-1962"Coney Island" Brooklyn NYC Amusement Park Mid-century American Scene WPA Modern, c. 1940s

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Daniel Ralph CelentanoNYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern 1930s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

1950s Mid-Century Robert Kayton NYC Flag Cord Plywood Chair like Klaus Grabe

1930s American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

alfred miraGreenwich Village NYC WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Ashcan Modern Realism, c. 1930s

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Donald DeskeyAbstract Mid-20th Century Oil Non Objective NYC Radio City Music Hall, 1970s

1930s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Cecil Crosley BellNYC EL American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA Era Figurative, c. 1939

1940s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Staats Cotsworth"Time Remembered" Mid 20th Century NYC Modern American Scene WPA El Railway 1940, c. 1940

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Georgina Klitgaard"War Brides, Wash Sq NYC" American Scene WWII Modernism WPA Mid-Century Oil, 1942

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Eugene SavageNYC 1939 World's Fair Mural Study American Scene WPA Modern Mid 20th Century, 1939

1930s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Albert Al Hirschfeld
Mission Impossible Original TV Guide Drawing Illustration Caricature Mid Century, 1966

Max Arthur Cohn
NYC Cityscape American Scene Social Realism Mid-Century, c. 1930

Donald Stacy
1950s "Lounge" Mid Century Figurative Ink Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Crossed Arms" Mid Century Abstract Expressionist NYC Female Artist, 1960s

Donald Stacy
1950s "Mask" Mid Century Nude Ink Figure Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950s

Donald Stacy
1950s "Red Sun" Mid Century Abstract Art Students League NYC, c. 1950

David Fredenthal
NYC Watercolor Drawing American Modern 20th Century Modernism Mid-Century WPA, c. 1948

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Girl with Beret" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Sam Norkin
"Backstage, Ambassador" Broadway Theatre NYC Mid-century Modern Modernist Cubist, circa 1945

Richard Huntington
Richard Huntington 1960s Geometric Abstraction Large Mid Century Modern NYC, 1968

Peter Passuntino
Mid Century Ink Wash Bizare Female Figure Original NYC Artist, c..1960

Frank Kleinholz
Mid Century Mothers, Children Oil Painting Frank Kleinholz WPA Era NYC Tenements, 20th century

Phillip Goodwin
"Times Square" Mid 20th Century 1937 Modernism Broadway Drawing NYC Cityscape, 1937

David Atkins
NYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism Contemporary, c. 1960s

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 7" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Joseph Solman
"Rail Yard" Urban Industrial WPA American Scene Drawing NYC Mid-Century, 1930s

Michael Knigin
1967 "Abstract 8" Ink Brush Drawing NYC Artist Michael Knigin Mid Century, 1967

Trew Hocker
NYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Modernism WPA Realism industrial Colorful, 1947

Reginald Marsh
Reginald Marsh "Brooklyn Bridge" NYC Modernism WPA Mid-Century Watercolor Modern, 1940

Ernest Fiene
NYC Cityscape American Scene WPA Modern Realism Mid 20th Century Architectural, 1930

Augustus Goertz
Mid Century Modernist NYC Cubist Abstract Large Framed Exhibited Oil Painting, 1958

Cecil Crosley Bell
Brooklyn Bridge NYC American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA, c. 1930s

Agnes Hart
"Union Square" NYC American Scene Social Realism Modernism WPA Mid-20th Century, 1940

Ludwig Bemelmans, 1898-1962
"Coney Island" Brooklyn NYC Amusement Park Mid-century American Scene WPA Modern, c. 1940s

Daniel Ralph Celentano
NYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern 1930s

alfred mira
Greenwich Village NYC WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Ashcan Modern Realism, c. 1930s

Donald Deskey
Abstract Mid-20th Century Oil Non Objective NYC Radio City Music Hall, 1970s

Cecil Crosley Bell
NYC EL American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA Era Figurative, c. 1939

Staats Cotsworth
"Time Remembered" Mid 20th Century NYC Modern American Scene WPA El Railway 1940, c. 1940

Georgina Klitgaard
"War Brides, Wash Sq NYC" American Scene WWII Modernism WPA Mid-Century Oil, 1942

Eugene Savage
NYC 1939 World's Fair Mural Study American Scene WPA Modern Mid 20th Century, 1939

Max Arthur Cohn
6th Avenue El at 8th St NYC Cityscape American Scene Social Realism Mid-Century, c. 1930

Underwood & Underwood
NYC 1939 World's Fair 5 - 8 x 10 photographs Mid 20th Century WPA Architectural, 1939

Alexander Kachinsky
Alexander Kachinsky, Uptown, NYC, about 1940

Christopher Willett
"Mid Town NYC" Impressionist Snow Scene in New York City Oil Painting Framed, 20th Century

Norman Barr
Norman Barr, Delancey Street (NYC), 1940

Werner Koepf
Greenwich Village, NYC, New York City, 1940

Norman Barr
Fulton St. Fish Market, Crating (NYC), 1940

Norman Barr
Norman Barr, Farm, North Bronx (NYC), 1940

Norman Barr
Norman Barr, Fulton St. Fish Market (NYC), 1939

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972
"Saint Paul's Chapel" Impressionist Winter Street Scene in Lower Manhattan NYC, Mid-20th Century

Jack McClain
Jack McClain, (Evening in the City) (NYC), 21949

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972
"Evening at the Grand Army Plaza" Impressionist 5th Ave NYC Oil Painting Canvas, Mid-20th Century

Boris Vassiloff
Marinescape with Boat Long Island NYC Oil Painting

Ary Stillman
NYC School Abstract Expressionist Russian-American Painter Pastel Drawing

Robert Gwathmey
Vintage Lithograph Poster Robert Gwathmey Terry Dintenfass Gallery NYC