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 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 6

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 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

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 11

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 12

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 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

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.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 19

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

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.

Mid Century Portraits

1950s Photorealist Portrait Paintings

Abel WarshawskyMid Century Portrait of Wine Enologist Claude Wolf, 1956

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Jon BlanchetteMid Century Portrait of Woman, 1960s

1940s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

M. Ray StancliffMid Century Portrait of Two Children in Traditional Dress, circa 1940s-1950s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Jon BlanchetteMid Century Portrait -- Freckled Red Head Boy, 1960s

1950s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Helen Enoch GleiforstMid Century Portrait of a Girl in Bonnet, 1950

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Jon BlanchetteMid Century Portrait of Woman in Red Hat, c.1960s-1970s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Mid Century Portrait of a Girl on Board

1950s Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

William Clothier WattsMid Century Portrait of a Gentleman, 1956

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marjorie May BlakeMid Century Portrait of a Clown #5, c. 1960s-1970s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Portrait of a Woman with Pearls

1960s Photorealist Portrait Paintings

W.S. BylityplisMid Century Portrait of Raymond L. Hanson, Large-Scale Photo-Realist Figurative, 1963

1950s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Myrtle Cureton Mid Century Portrait of the Artist, c.1957

1950s Post-War Portrait Paintings

Abel WarshawskyMid Century Portrait of Artist Doris Rohr of Carmel, 1952

1950s Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Butcher AmericanMid-Century Portrait of a Man, 1956

1950s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Pascal Cucaro, 1915-2003Mid-Century Portrait of a Young Girl, 1960

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Irina Belotelkin RoublonMid Century Portrait Charlotte with Flowers, Circa 1960

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

"Man in Green Sweater, " Striking Mid-Century Portrait by Zimmerman, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardFrench Mid-Century Portrait of Woman with White Veil in Dreamlike Setting

1950s American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Mid-Century Portrait of a Young Girl with Red Hair, 1951

1950s American Realist Portrait Paintings

William Robert Shulgold "Child Star" Mid Century Portrait of a Boy with Brown Eyes Oil on Canvas, 1955

Late 20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013)GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - MID CENTURY PORTRAIT LADY, c. 1990's

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Lily HarmonMid Century Portrait of Actress Paula Laurence - Wife of Joseph Hirshhorn, 1955

1960s Realist Portrait Paintings

Alfred JonniauxMid Century Portrait of a San Francisco Lady by Alfred Jonniaux, Circa 1950s

1940s American Impressionist Figurative Prints

Ben MessickYoung Girl by the Window, Mid-century Portrait, c. 1940

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Henry LambMid Century Portrait Post Impressionist Oil of Henrietta Phipps artists daughter, 1956

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerMid Century Portrait of a Young Mexican Girl, c.mid-1950s

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerMid-Century Portrait of an Elegant Woman (unfinished), c.mid-1950s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Portrait of an African American Man, 1960

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Takanori Kinoshita (1894-1973) Japanese Mid Century Portrait Painting

1950s American Realist Figurative Photography

Mid Century Portrait of a Ballerina - Hand Painted Photograph, c.1957

Mid-20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Paintings

Vintage mid century portrait of a ballerina, oil on canvas

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Yellow and Blue Mid-century Portrait of a Young Woman, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

A. VilysenA. Vilysen - 1976 Oil, Portrait of Tommy, 1976

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Gordon CookPair of Mid Century Blocking Portrait Study, Mid Century Portrait of a Woman, c.1960s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Sol JasnerMid Century Garden Portrait of a Woman in Lavender, c.1960s

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage mid century portrait oil painting from Denmark with old woman from Fur

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Painting Mid-Century Portrait of a Lady Mid-Century Modern Art, Signed, C 1950

Mid-20th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 20th Century Pastel - Lady In A Summer Dress, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Robert Floodstrand"Ear of Corn, Sioux", Mid Century Native American Portrait, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Abel Warshawsky
Mid Century Portrait of Wine Enologist Claude Wolf, 1956

Jon Blanchette
Mid Century Portrait of Woman, 1960s

M. Ray Stancliff
Mid Century Portrait of Two Children in Traditional Dress, circa 1940s-1950s

Jon Blanchette
Mid Century Portrait -- Freckled Red Head Boy, 1960s

Helen Enoch Gleiforst
Mid Century Portrait of a Girl in Bonnet, 1950

Jon Blanchette
Mid Century Portrait of Woman in Red Hat, c.1960s-1970s

William Clothier Watts
Mid Century Portrait of a Gentleman, 1956

Marjorie May Blake
Mid Century Portrait of a Clown #5, c. 1960s-1970s

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Portrait of a Woman with Pearls

W.S. Bylityplis
Mid Century Portrait of Raymond L. Hanson, Large-Scale Photo-Realist Figurative, 1963

Myrtle Cureton
Mid Century Portrait of the Artist, c.1957

Abel Warshawsky
Mid Century Portrait of Artist Doris Rohr of Carmel, 1952

Butcher American
Mid-Century Portrait of a Man, 1956

Pascal Cucaro, 1915-2003
Mid-Century Portrait of a Young Girl, 1960

Irina Belotelkin Roublon
Mid Century Portrait Charlotte with Flowers, Circa 1960

Anne Marie Migette Perard
French Mid-Century Portrait of Woman with White Veil in Dreamlike Setting

William Robert Shulgold
"Child Star" Mid Century Portrait of a Boy with Brown Eyes Oil on Canvas, 1955

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013)
GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - MID CENTURY PORTRAIT LADY, c. 1990's

Lily Harmon
Mid Century Portrait of Actress Paula Laurence - Wife of Joseph Hirshhorn, 1955

Alfred Jonniaux
Mid Century Portrait of a San Francisco Lady by Alfred Jonniaux, Circa 1950s

Ben Messick
Young Girl by the Window, Mid-century Portrait, c. 1940

Henry Lamb
Mid Century Portrait Post Impressionist Oil of Henrietta Phipps artists daughter, 1956

Joseph Yeager
Mid Century Portrait of a Young Mexican Girl, c.mid-1950s

Joseph Yeager
Mid-Century Portrait of an Elegant Woman (unfinished), c.mid-1950s

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Portrait of an African American Man, 1960

A. Vilysen
A. Vilysen - 1976 Oil, Portrait of Tommy, 1976

Gordon Cook
Pair of Mid Century Blocking Portrait Study, Mid Century Portrait of a Woman, c.1960s

Sol Jasner
Mid Century Garden Portrait of a Woman in Lavender, c.1960s

Robert Floodstrand
"Ear of Corn, Sioux", Mid Century Native American Portrait, c.1950

Ewin Wiesner
Ewin Wiesner - Fine 1943 Oil, Red Haired Woman, 1943

Ralph Edward Joosten
Mid Century Figurative Portrait of a Boy with Toy Car, c.1960s

Barbara Mari Berkman
Mid Century La Prima Vera Portrait of Girl with Balloon, 1965

Max Moreau
Portrait of Young Girl Gouache Painting by Max Moreau, circa 1950, 1950

Mid 20th Century French School
The Fisherman - Mid 20th Century French Naïf Naive Portrait Oil Painting, 1946

Mid 16th Century English School
Portrait of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Mid 16th Century Oil

Mid 20th Century French School
Portrait of a Black Man - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, c1969

French Mid Century
huge 1950's French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950's

Mid 16th Century English School
Portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer, Oil on Oak Panel Portrait, 16th Century

Eugene de Sala
'Study of a Woman', Copenhagen, Danish Modernism, Benezit, Thieme-Becker

Kate Gray
English mid century oil painting Portrait of Saluki dog, circa 1960

French Mid Century
Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950's French Oil Paint, 1950's

John Dalziel Kenworthy
John Dalzell Kenworthy ARCA (1858-1954) original oil painting GARDENER PORTRAIT, 1945

Mid 16th Century English School
Possible Portrait of William Shakespeare

Mid 20th Century British School
Portrait of a Young Man - Large Modern British Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, 1962

Mid Century French
1950's French Impressionist Signed Oil Northern France Open Landscape Framed

Mid 20th Century British School
Portrait of a Young Man - Modern British Impressionist Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

G Villet
French Mid Century Oil on Canvas Equestrian Portrait, 1962