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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Cubist

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Mid-century Cubist Portrait of Harlequin

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Cubist Painting of an Industrial Building

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Cubist Style Still Life

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Cubist Figure Painting by Louise Pershing

20th Century French Fireplaces and Mantels

Mid-Century Cubist Fireplace

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Mid Century Cubist Needlepoint Picasso

Vintage 1960s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Vintage Mid-Century Cubist Handknotted Rug

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

Mid-Century Cubist Plaster Nude Study, 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Midcentury Cubist Sculpture by Oronzio Maldarelli

1960s Cubist Figurative Paintings

LouyotMid Century Cubist Oil Painting of Woman with Flowers in Style of Jacques Villon, 1964

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Lane Furniture American Mid-Century Cubist Blond Wood Headboard

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century Cubist Lamps Marianna Von Allesch Style - a Pair

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Theo and Susan Harlander Brooklin Pottery, Mid-Century Cubist Plate

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Milo Baughman StyleGrey Velvet Mid-century Cubist Modern Club Chair

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Paintings

1950s "Shapes with Figure" Mid Century Cubist Nude Gouache Painting, c. 1950

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Vintage Mid Century Cubist Nocturnal Moody Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 1940

Mid-20th Century Cubist Still-life Prints

Fausto Maria CasottiFlowers by the Window, Mid Century Cubist Still-Life Limited Edition Lithograph, mid 20th century

20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Theo and Susan Harlander Brooklin Pottery Monumental Mid-Century Cubist Bowl

1950s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Paula Melcher'Man Playing a Banjo', American Mid-Century Cubist-Derived Figural Oil, Fifties, 1956

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Bela De Kristo"Nature morte" Bela de Kristo, Mid-century Cubist Still Life Abstract Cello, circa 1956

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

XL Italo Valenti Mid Century Cubist Abstract Mixed Media Sailboat Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Turkish Rugs

1950's Zeki Muren Turkish Sivas Carpet with Midcentury Cubist Style

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jard...

Vintage Mid Century Glazed Octagonal Planter Cubist Brutal Terracotta

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Monumental Mid Century Cubist Modern Table Lamp or Floor Lamp by Marbro in Gold

Louise PershingCubist Figure with Broom, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

Original Cubist Oil on Canvas by Artist: Vickers, 1953

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-Century Cork and Table Lamps

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid-Century Futuristic French Cubist Cityscape. Oil and Acrylic on Canvas., 1970s

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

European Mid CenturyMid Century European Cubist Abstract Geometric Shapes Composition Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist Mid Century1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

1970s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Italian SchoolSnowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Swedish Mid CenturyMid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting, mid 20th century

1960s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolParis Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist 20th CenturyBlue Grey Cubist French Signed Oil Painting c.1970's Period, 1970's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist 1950'sLarge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Sailboats in Abstract Harmony, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist 1950'sLarge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Thick Impasto Oil Painting Abstract Shapes, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist 1950'sLarge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Sailing Yachts Flotilla at Sea, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French cubist1970's French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting Signed, Blue & White Flowers in Vase, 1970's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting, C.1950's

Louyot
Mid Century Cubist Oil Painting of Woman with Flowers in Style of Jacques Villon, 1964

Fausto Maria Casotti
Flowers by the Window, Mid Century Cubist Still-Life Limited Edition Lithograph, mid 20th century

Paula Melcher
'Man Playing a Banjo', American Mid-Century Cubist-Derived Figural Oil, Fifties, 1956

Bela De Kristo
"Nature morte" Bela de Kristo, Mid-century Cubist Still Life Abstract Cello, circa 1956

Louise Pershing
Cubist Figure with Broom, Mid-20th Century

European Mid Century
Mid Century European Cubist Abstract Geometric Shapes Composition Oil Painting

French Cubist Mid Century
1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Mid 20th Century Italian School
Snowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

Mid 20th Century French School
Cafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

Swedish Mid Century
Mid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting, mid 20th century

Mid 20th Century French School
Paris Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

French Cubist 20th Century
Blue Grey Cubist French Signed Oil Painting c.1970's Period, 1970's

French Cubist 1950's
Large Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Sailboats in Abstract Harmony, 1950's

French Cubist 1950's
Large Mid 20th Century French Cubist Thick Impasto Oil Painting Abstract Shapes, 1950's

French Cubist 1950's
Large Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Sailing Yachts Flotilla at Sea, 1950's

French cubist
1970's French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting Signed, Blue & White Flowers in Vase, 1970's

1960's French Cubist
Large 1960's French Cubist Oil Painting on Canvas Amazing Shapes & Colors, 1960's

Jean Besnard
Amazing Mid 20th Century Cubist Abstract Cubist Oil Painting Listed Artist

Colbert Cassan (1899-1979)
Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Cityscape of Lucerne Switzerland Oil Painting, Mid 20th Century

Marcel Seignonbos
Colorful Cubist Portrait of Woman Holding Fruit Interior Scene Mid 20th Century, mid 20th Century

French School
Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Abstract Shapes & Colors

Therese Hummel
Mid 20th-Century French Cubist Portrait Abstract Nude with Book, 1950

Therese Hummel
Mid 20th-Century French Oil Cubist Nude Woman Reading Portrait, 1950

Therese Hummel
Mid 20th-Century French Cubist Portrait Reclining Posed Nude Woman, 1950

William Arkle
Original oil painting ENGLISH MID 20th CENTURY CUBIST STYLE LANDSCAPE, 1955

French School
Mid 20th Century French Cubist Still Life Painting Glass Dome & Candlestick, 1950's

Michele Bardet
Large Mid 20th Century Original French Cubist Oil Painting Tomatoes & Shapes, 1950's

Alain Mettais Cartier
French Cubist mid century 1950s Portrait of a young girl, 1948

French School
Very Large Mid Century French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting - Color & Shapes

French School
Mid Century French Cubist Still Life Oil Mandolin Abstract Interior Scene

Therese Hummel
Mid 20th-Century French Painting Cubist Abstract Nude in Reclining Pose, 1950