20th Century Mid Century Modern
2,123
233,396
1,183
364
to
21,299
137,042
91,078
233,893
233,069
233,159
188,807
19,699
6,159
2,902
884
528
392
165
156
132
91
78
69
52
39
23
22
15
51
253
233,077
1,547
3,672
160,567
20,989
262
76
593
690
747
3,423
3,344
1,743
641
260
86,932
84,270
44,992
39,399
34,205
140,010
59,550
55,168
44,986
39,904
1,788
1,689
1,665
1,469
1,458
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern Hand Carved Carrara Marble Vase Vessel Italy
Located in Miami, FL
20th century Mid-Century Modern hand carved veined white Carrara marble vase, vessel made in Italy
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid-20th Century Mid Century Modern King Sized Double Paneled Walnut Headboard
By Broyhill
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern king sized double paneled walnut headboard. Beautiful original
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Walnut
H 37.25 in W 78.25 in D 1.5 in
Jaques Adnet Style Magazine Rack, Mid-20th Century
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Jaques Adnet style magazine rack, mid-20th century.
Mid-Century Modern wrought Iron Faux bamboo
Category
Mid-20th Century English Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Iron
European Midcentury Cubist Painting 'Nude' by Koroly Glonczy, Hungary, 1957
By Koroly Glonczy
Located in New York, NY
and contemporary art. European 20th century, Mid-Century Modern.
Category
Vintage 1950s Hungarian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
H 20 in W 15.75 in D 0.1 in
Abstract Stoneware Ceramic Vase or Flower Pot Sculpture by Jean Linard La Borne
By Jean Linard
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Linard
Original and elegant abstract ceramic flower pot.
20th century Mid-Century Modern
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardi...
Materials
Ceramic
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Vintage Royal Dux Porcelain Figurine Lady with Doves, Bohemia 1960s
By Royal Dux Bohemia
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A very beautiful Royal Dux Bohemia porcelain sculpture, mid-20th century, mid-century modern period
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Art Deco Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
1970s Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Oversized Cognac Lounge Armchairs
By Roche Bobois
Located in Birmingham, AL
A pair of late 20th century mid-century modern French oversized patinated cognac leather lounge
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Scandinavian Blue and Grey Ceramic Table Lamp Per Linnemann for Palshus Design
By Per Linnemann-Schmidt
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
with elegant blue and grey ceramic glazes colors.
20th century Mid-Century Modern decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
H 10.63 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Rare Italian Silver Plated Wine Bottle Holder, in the Style of Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Catania, IT
20Th Century, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Italian hand hammered
Silver Plated Wine Bottle Holder, in
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12.6 in W 9.5 in D 3.9 in
Silvio Giovenetti '20th c.' MCM Abstract Acid Etched Stainless Steel, circa 1971
By Silvio Giovenetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Silvio Giovenetti (20th century) Mid-Century Modern abstract acid etched stainless steel, circa
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Steel
H 32 in W 44 in D 3 in
Monumental Karl Springer Style Waterfall Bench or Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
20th century Mid-Century Modern monumental waterfall bench seat, coffee cocktail table, or console
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Decorative Glass Plate with Iron Base by Argentine A. Churba
By Alberto Churba
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century Mid-Century Modern large decorative glass plate with iron base by argentine
Category
Vintage 1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
Italian Art Deco Style Mid-Century Modern Tea Set by Montagnani
By Montagnani
Located in Northampton, GB
dating to the late 20th century Mid-Century Modern period circa 1980, very much inspired by the Art Deco
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Metal
Vintage Murano Glass Cat Figurine by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in Forney, TX
in Venice, Italy, in the late 20th
century, mid-century modern style, figural feline form, clear
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Century Walnut & Cane King Headboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Century King Headboard. Featuring a straight line design
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Cane, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Henredon Sofa Modified Lawson Style Yellow & Beige Striped
By Henredon
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Henredon Modified Lawson style sofa with original
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Feathers
H 32 in W 81 in D 34.25 in
MCM White Dome Swag Pendant Hanging Light Fixture or Lamp Style of Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Mid Century Modern white enameled metal dome swag pendant hanging light
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Modern Furniture and Decoration
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Tivoli, NY
An incredible guide to high-end modern and innovative mid-century furniture and decoration and
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books
Materials
Paper
Vintage Century Furniture Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Century Furniture Black Lacquered Sideboard. Featuring a straight
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
MCM Gold Spun Fiberglass String Swag Pendant Hanging Light Fixture or Lamp
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Mid-20th Century Mid Century Modern gold spun fiberglass string swag or pendant hanging
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Wire
Century Furniture Four Door Parquet Credenza
By Century Furniture
Located in West Chester, PA
Century Furniture four door credenza with parquet door fronts. The left doors contain three pocket
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Teak coffee table with suspended top
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, IT
Teak coffee table with three legs held by a structure with crossed spokes and suspended top.
1960's Italian manufacture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Teak
Italian 1950's elegant coffee table in dark mahogany
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, IT
COD-1511
Italian 1950's elegant coffee table in dark polished wood with fine bronze tips and a very special light brown marble top.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Center desk with beautiful cross on the base
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2470
Center desk in walnut with beautiful cross on the base and little houses on the top.
Italian manufacture, 1960's
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Lounge Chairs by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of Very Comfortable Century
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Burl & Smoked Glass Extendable Dining Table by Century
By Century Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Burl & smoked glass extendable dining table by Century Furniture. This table is a show stopper for
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Low Slung Lounge Chair by Century Furniture Company
By Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Great Art Deco Revival low slung lounge chair with cream lacquer frame, brass feet, and upholstered seat and back. The chair is in very good condition, showing only light cosmetic we...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chair, Europe 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
upholstery and dark wood further exudes mid-century elegance and sophistication in this piece.
The design
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Chin Hua Display Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua display cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
Raymond K. Sobota started
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Burl
Pair of Century Furniture Cos Barrel Back Chairs with Walnut Legs and Casters
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Great pair of barrel chairs in a very cool batik fabric. These chairs are classic lounge chairs with generous proportions and walnut legs with casters.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Cotton
H 29.5 in W 27.5 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, Europe Late 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the midst of the swinging 1960s a remarkable design style emerged, a kind of mature mid-century
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Century Chinoserie Rattan Wood Monumental Coffee Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
delightful mid century design, assuring a striking proportioned profile view from all angles. The details on
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail T...
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Crakeled Ceramic Tea Pot Attributed Green Color 20 th Century France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
.
France 20th Century.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Modern Swedish Geometric Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Geometric wool rug
Size: 4'4" × 6'8" (132 × 203 cm)
This vintage flat
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavia...
Materials
Wool
Decorative Brass Headboard, Mid-20th Century, Italian Modern
Located in London, GB
Decorative brass headboard, mid-20th century, Italian.
Attractive piece with nice worn vintage
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th Century Vintage Mid-Century Modern Signed Original Oil Portrait of Man
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage signed original oil portrait. A period composition of a man with his arms crossed. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a New Jersey estate.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
H 36 in W 33 in D 1.5 in
Nordic Modern Sofa in Sheepskin, Scandinavia mid-20th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
vapid styling. 20th century Nordic designers have been masters at achieving this, aided by the master
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Rattan Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
A midcentury, possibly Italian organic modern sofa in handcrafted rattan. Strong and sturdy woven
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Vase / Piece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid-20th century modern art deco style heart shape top decorative piece / vase. The piece is in
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Vases
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rio Vista, CA
designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the top dramatic mid-century modern style with an
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century modern Sculpture of monkeys in marble, 20th century
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century modern Sculpture of monkeys in marble, 20th century
Sculpture depicting two
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble
H 21.66 in W 16.93 in D 8.67 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
-Century Modern sofa. Perfect for adding a unique look to any living room. Please confirm item location
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Scandinavian Modern White Sheepskin Lounge Chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern sheepskin chairs attributed to Arne Norell, Sweden from the mid 20th century
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Birch
Mid-20th Century Traveling Trunk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A zinc clad traveling trunk, Mid-20th Century. Wide black metal bindings, brass plated studs
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Materials
Brass, Zinc
Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nice mid-century dresser with wicker accent panels. Top doors open to reveal shelving and five
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect for any home office or study, this beautiful Mid-Century Modern desk shows off a rich
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large Mid-Century Modern combines rich woodgrain and quality materials with tambour doors that
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
Mid-20th Century Modern Swedish Rya Green, Blue Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th Century Modern Swedish Rya green, blue rug
Size: 4'5" × 8'6" (134 × 259 cm).
This vintage
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This attractive vintage modern sofa boasts a single overstuffed cushion covered in a plush royal
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Hourglass King Headboard
Located in west palm beach, FL
A gorgeous vintage Mid-Century modern walnut hourglass design headboard in a king size. Acquired at
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Walnut
Armchair, France, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Armchair with ebonized frame and newly upholstered seat and backrest in grey velvet.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Radiant teak wood grain and an understated design make this vintage credenza an elegant addition to any interior. Sliding doors reveal spacious shelving for organization. Please conf...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Teak
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Anatolian Modern Style Runner
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Turkish Anatolian modern style runner handmade during the mid-20th century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool
Multifunctional Table, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Coffee table with oval table top and conical legs and x-shaped brace. By extending the table top and inserting a center piece (black), it can be converted into a dining table. Dimens...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Asia Modern Chinese Horseshoe Style Lounge Chair by Century Furniture after Mont
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Century Furniture Co. in the style of James Mont. The chair features a solid oak frame, in original dark
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
H 30.5 in W 29.5 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century modern chrome bench. Nice architectural bench of chrome-plated steel. Minor surface
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Turkish Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold and brilliant mid-20th century Turkish rug with four large stylized floral medallions woven
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool
Burl Table, Mid 20th Century, Finland
Located in Helsinki, FI
Burl table from the Mid 20th Century. Swivel cup underneath the table top. Good vintage condition
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tables
Materials
Burl
Pink Stools, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of cylindrical stools with pink faux fur cover.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Stools
Materials
Faux Fur
Mid-Century Modern Teak Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern cabinet offers generous storage and organization with its many drawers and
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Teak
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20th Century Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the 20th century mid century modern you’re looking for. A 20th century mid century modern — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. Find 150968 options for an antique or vintage 20th century mid century modern now, or shop our selection of 13 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the 20th century mid century modern you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each 20th century mid century modern bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one 20th century mid century modern that is appealing in its simplicity, but Milo Baughman, Herman Miller and Knoll produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a 20th Century Mid Century Modern?
Prices for a 20th century mid century modern start at $1 and top out at $881,721 with the average selling for $2,101.
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 legendary 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.
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 20th Century 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- 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 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. - 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 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, 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, 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, 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 ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.
- 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.
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