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Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Plaque
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Mid-Century Modern tiled wall plaque in rosewood.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Plaque
Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Plaque
H 76 in W 17.25 in D 1.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Wall Plaque by Marianne Starck Denmark
By Marianne Starck
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Amazing wall plaque ‘Birds’ in reliëf by Marianne Starck. Beautiful art of work and in very good
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

American Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Tiki Wall Plaque
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting solid walnut wall plaque circa 1970s, not signed.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Wall Plaque by Marianne Starck Denmark
By Marianne Starck
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Amazing ceramic tile ‘Birds’ in reliëf by Marianne Starck. Beautiful art of work and in very good condition. I have also a 40cm piece for sale.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Maurice Chalvignac Mid-Century Modern Art Pottery Decorative Wall Plaque
By Maurice Chalvignac
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
and dates to approximately 1965 and done in his signature Mid-Century Modern style. The sculpture is
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Pottery, Teak, Pine

Mid-Century Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s
Mid-Century Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s
H 11.42 in W 11.42 in D 1.57 in
Mid-Century Modern Wood Mounted Bronze Plaque of a Rotund Woman signed Fane
By Lawrence Fane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern sculpture. Depicting the outlines of a rotund female nude in a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1950s Mid-Century Modern Iron Framed Hand Painted Ceramic Italian Plaque
By San Marino Pottery
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian ceramic plaque, framed in iron, is a vibrant and expressive
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque "Sailing" by Helmut Schaffenacker
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque "Sailing" by Helmut Schaffenacker The plaque is
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Large Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque by Helmut Schaffenacker
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern large relief tile handmade fat lava Helmut Schaffenacker ceramic wall plaque
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

American Mid-Century Gold World Map Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century oval shaped metal wall plaque map of the world with gold continents in relief
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Metal, Gold

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Copper Enameled Wall Plaques, circa 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural wall plaques. Modern day couple in three sections
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Studio Pottery Face Plaque, Mid 20th Century
Located in London, London
Studio Pottery Face Plaque, Mid-20th Century A compelling ceramic face plaque, likely mid-20th
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Studio Pottery Face Plaque, Mid 20th Century
Studio Pottery Face Plaque, Mid 20th Century
H 11.42 in W 11.42 in D 0.79 in
French Mid-Century Equestrian Glass Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
French 1940s etched & painted glass wall plaque of stylized equestrian with floral background in
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass

Italian Mid-Century Signed Modernist Art Pottery Wall Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Italian mid-century modernist art pottery wall plaque or shallow bowl decorated with a
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Meissen Mid-Century Porcelain Wall Plaque with Angel Fish
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning German mid-century porcelain wall plaque or tile decorated with Angel fish by world
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Plate, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Plaque by Harris and Ros Barron Boston Artists
By Harris Barron
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-century ceramic plaque, hand made by Boston Massachusetts artists Harris and Ros Barron
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pottery Wall Plaque by Gerda Heuckeroth for Ceramano Keramik
By Gerda Heuckeroth, Ceramano
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Amazing rare abstract wall plaque made by Ceramano Germany in the sixties. It is a huge and heavy
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Tiled Wall Panels Plaques of Bacchus by Bertoni
Located in Antwerp, BE
A terrific ceramic wall piece of Bacchus by the Italian ceramic artist H Bertoni. This piece features a roman male figure with an harp resting on a stump. Measures: Height 105 cm. W...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Ceramic

Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris.
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Plaques Aimo Nietosvuori for Jie Verkstad, 1970s
By JIE Gantofta
Located in Miami, FL
Whimsical trio of ceramic wall plaques designed by Aimo Nietosvuori (b. 1933-Finland) for the
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Set of 3 Mid-Century Minimalist Wooden Wall Plaques, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Minimalist Wooden Wall Plaques, 1960s, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Pottery Wall Plaque with Chicken Rooster Decor, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Pottery Wall Plaque with Chicken Rooster Decor, 1960s, in Very Good conditions
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Mid-Century Stoneware Wall Plaque by Tilgmans Pottery
By Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice stoneware wall plaque relief in blue, brown and green by Tilgmans Pottery Sweden. At the
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque of Owls on a Branch by EGO, Sweden, 1960s
By Ego Stengods
Located in Barcelona, ES
Charming glazed ceramic wall plaque depicting three owls sitting on a branch. Fabricated by EGO
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Large Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large Mid-Century Wall Plaque Flowers Picard Vallauris.
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

3 Carved Wood Plaques Outsider Modern Mid 20th Century Latin Gay LGBT Beefcake
Located in New York, NY
3 Carved Wood Plaques Outsider Modern Mid 20th Century Latin Gay Male LGBT Beefcake Each plaque is
Category

20th Century Outsider Art Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century French Ceramic Wall Plaque or Decorative Plate, 1960s
By Le Cyclope
Located in London, GB
Highly decorative mid-century pottery wall plaque or plate by le Cyclope art pottery, in the style
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Mid-Century Asian Modern Brass Sculpture Wall Plaque After Kelvin Laverne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A brass wall sculpture circa 1960's most likely from Cambodia. Comes signed and with framed. Free continental USA shipping available.
Category

Vintage 1960s Cambodian Chinoiserie Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century German White January Calendar Wall Plate Plaque, 1960s
By Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German White January Calendar Wall Plate Plaque by Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, in
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Wall Plaque with Fish Design, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Wall Plaque with Fish Design, 1960s, in Very Good conditions
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Danish Decorative Bronze Plaque Of King And Queen or Jewelry Tray . Versatile use
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Bronze

Ceramica D'Amore Vietri Mid-Century Italian Painted Pottery Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Italian small rounded wall plaque hand decorated with a geometrical pattern by Ceramica
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century German White Calendar Wall Plate Plaque by Bjørn Wiinblad
By Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German White Calendar Wall Plate Plaque by Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, in Very Good
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Wall Plaque by Marianne Stark, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Wall Plaque by Marianne Stark for Michael Andersen, 1960s, in
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modernist Equestrian Bronze Relief Plaque signed Franz Mikorey
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist Equestrian Bronze Relief Plaque signed Franz Mikorey originates
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Virgin to the Child Enamelled Plaque, French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus enameled wall plaque. French, mid-century. Reproduction from a stained
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Elephant Relief Plaque, English, Bronze Outdoor Plate, Mid Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage elephant relief plaque. An English, bronze outdoor plate, dating to the mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Decorative Relief Plaque, English, Bronze Plate, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Wonderfully cheerful relief with a nicely weathered appearance
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Bronze

1950s Mid-Century Wall Plaque Adam Dworski Wye Pottery Woman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A Ceramic Wall Plaque made by Croatian Ceramicist Adam Dworski who set up Wye Pottery Studio in
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Wall Plaque Plate by Helle Allpass, 1960s
By Helle Allpass
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Wall Plaque Plate by Helle Allpass, Danmark, 1960s, in Very Good
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Mid-Century Stoneware Wall Plaque with Fish by Tilgmans Pottery
By Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice stoneware wall plaque relief of a fish and a snail in bright colors by Tilgmans Pottery Sweden
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Ceramic, Iron and Concrete Wall Plaque with Fish Relief
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful, German Mid-Century mosaic that uses a combination of vividly colored ceramic tiles and
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Ego Stengods Mid Century Ceramic Wall Plaque of Blue Fish Sweden
By Ego Stengods
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Blue fish embossed ceramic plate from the 1960s from the Ego Stengods workshops in Sweden. Very good condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Helmut Friedrich Schéffenacker Mid Centry Wall Plaque
By Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Rare midcentury handmade wall plaque made by Helmut Friedrich Schäffenacker. He was born
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Wall Plaque Plate by Heinz Theo Dietz, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Wall Plaque Plate by Heinz Theo Dietz, 1960s, in Very Good
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Swedish Ceramic Deer Motif Wall Plaque Tile by Eivor Lang, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Ceramic Deer Motif Wall Plaque Tile by Eivor Lang for Tilgmans Keramik, 1960s
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mexican Modern Miguel Pineda Enamel Wall Plaque
By Miguel Pineda
Located in San Diego, CA
Enamel plaque by Mexican artist Miguel Pineda. This abstract still life is signed on the front and
Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Italian Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque "Fisherman and His Catch" 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Ceramic Wall plaque.  A combination of glossy glaze decoration on a textured satin grayish
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Clay

Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Plaque
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the enigmatic world of Marcello Fantoni's ceramic mastery with this captivating plaque
Category

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Plaque
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Plaque
H 15.5 in W 10.5 in D 0.75 in
Vintage Ceramic Wall Plaque
By Roger Capron
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning portrait/figural wall sculpture in the style of Roger Capron. This piece is made of hand sculpted tiles mounted on wood for an oversized wall sculpture presentation. Col...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Ceramic Wall Plaque
Vintage Ceramic Wall Plaque
H 68 in W 47 in D 2 in
Marcello Fantoni Ceramic Wall Plaque Caveman and Woman
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Bradenton, FL
incredible! These are very unique pieces of Mid-Century Modern art. There is a firing crack at the bottom
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Marcello Fantoni Wall Plaque
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Chicago, IL
Marcello Fantoni rare studio wall plaque. Marked: Fantoni, Italy.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Marcello Fantoni Wall Plaque
Marcello Fantoni Wall Plaque
H 18 in W 8 in D 2 in
Wall Plaque Bullfighter and Bull
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A wall plaque in slate depicting a bullfighter and bull. Produced sometime during the 1970's. In
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Slate

Wall Plaque Bullfighter and Bull
Wall Plaque Bullfighter and Bull
H 14.57 in W 25.6 in D 0.79 in
Italian Nautical Tile Wall Plaque / Art "Fish Tank"
By Vietri
Located in Fulton, CA
Vietri Italian hand painted ceramic tile wall plaque or wall art. Twelve tiles professionally
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Modern abstract HARRIS STRONG 6 TILE PLAQUE FRAMED with original label on back
By Harris Strong
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modern abstract HARRIS STRONG 6 TILE PLAQUE FRAMED with original label on back.. Unusual subject
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Hand Crafted Wet-Cut Mosaic Modern Wall Hanging Plaque Art Sculptural Tiles
By Harris Strong, Waylande Gregory
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Modern wall art sculpture by Donald C. Rattino This work has been featured in several juried art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Wood

20th Century Amphora Ceramic Wall Plaque of a Girl with Doll, Labeled
Located in Markington, GB
20th century amphora wall plaque of a girl with doll, we currently have four of the amphora plaques
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Bronze plaque by Pal Kepenyes
Located in Winnetka, IL
A patinated bronze round plaque in relief depicting the mythological figure of Medusa by Pal
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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Mid Century Modern Plaques For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid century modern plaques available for sale. Frequently made of ceramic, metal and wood, all mid century modern plaques available were constructed with great care. There are 307 antique and vintage mid century modern plaques for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century modern plaques have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mid century modern plaques to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern mid century modern plaques are of considerable interest. Mid century modern plaques have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Marcello Fantoni, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and Emaus are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Plaques?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,078, while they’re typically $86 on the low end and $27,500 highest priced.

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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 Mid Century Modern Plaques
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    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 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, 2021
    Mid 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, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs 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, 2024
    There 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-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, 2024
    There 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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some 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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There 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.