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Vintage 1930s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings
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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.
Finding the Right paintings for You
When paired with the perfect frame, the right antique and vintage paintings and other wall decorations can either subtly showcase your personality or steal the show altogether.
The earliest paintings were created on the walls of caves, proving even our ancient ancestors knew that striking artwork is meant to be on display. Cave paintings on an Indonesian island are reportedly older than the earliest cave art in Spain and France, and the figurative paintings back then were produced with inorganic pigments like iron oxide.
Later, the people of Ancient Greece — who learned about art from the Egyptians before them — conceived panel paintings of wax and tempera that were collected and publicly displayed. In the centuries that followed, artists would be commissioned to create large-scale wall murals and frescoed ceilings in sprawling European palaces and in the homes of the aristocracy.
Today, 1stDibs makes it easy for you to celebrate this rich history in your own home. Our collection of paintings includes Art Deco paintings, baroque art and a broad range of other categories. Search by material, period or other attributes to find the right fit — browse an array of 19th century landscape paintings in giltwood frames or abstract oil paintings and portraits made during the 1950s and ‘60s.
An understated contemporary work can complement your space’s color palette without drawing the focus away from the other pivotal design choices you’ve made over the years. Roy Lichtenstein’s Pop art, on the other hand, demands attention with its array of vibrant hues and subjects inspired by popular culture.
Whether you aim to create a gallery in your home or build a single, stunning focal point, you can find what you’re looking for in an extensive inventory of paintings on 1stDibs.
- Does Fendi have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Fendi is known to hold sales on different items. Sales vary from location to location. For more information, contact your local authorized Fendi retailer. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary Fendi apparel and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- Does Mikimoto have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, the Mikimoto online store sometimes runs sales, especially around Valentine's Day and at the start of the holiday season. Third-party retailers may also discount prices on Mikimoto pieces, and you may find deals on their jewelry year-round on various online platforms. Shop a variety of expertly vetted Mikimoto jewelry on 1stDibs.
- When does Fendi go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Fendi tends to go on sale at the end of the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons to make room for new inventory. At other times of the year, authorized brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms may offer sale prices on the brand's apparel and accessories. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Fendi.
- When is Gucci’s private sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gucci was known to have a private sale twice a year; however, the last known sale happened in 2016. But don’t fret, you can find vintage and contemporary Gucci looks from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Does Balenciaga goes on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Balenciaga boutiques have a couple of sales a year, but that depends on the store and the country in which it’s located. Additionally, Balenciaga’s retail partners often have sales and those sales may or may not include items by the brand. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Balenciaga haute couture from top sellers around the world.
- Does dior go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dior boutiques often have sales at the end of the season on select items. The best way to find out is to ask your nearest location or keep an eye on the inventory. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Dior clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Does Louis Vuitton have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024No, Louis Vuitton products are never marked down — and unless they are secondhand, any discounted Louis Vuitton items are likely to be counterfeit. To ensure you purchase authentic, high quality Louis Vuitton products, look for a reputable seller. Shop authentic Louis Vuitton handbags and purses, clothing and accessories from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Does Versace go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can find great sales on Versace's ready-to-wear items, bags, accessories and even home decor on the brand’s website, its brick-and-mortar boutiques, or through various online and in-store retailers. On 1stDibs, find Versace clothes, accessories and home decor from top sellers around the world.
- Does Stuart Weitzman have sales?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Yes, Stuart Weitzman does have sales. The luxury brand runs promotional sales on its official website and brick-and-mortar stores. Often, these sales occur at the end of seasons and at certain times of the year, such as Black Friday. Explore a collection of Stuart Weitzman shoes from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No. While Gucci doesn’t participate in Cyber Monday sales, you will be able to find genuine Gucci items, new or vintage, from the luxury fashion house on trusted online platforms at great price points. On 1stDibs, find a variety of authentic Gucci pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, Christian Louboutin does have sales. The French luxury brand offers sales on select pieces at both its online stores and brick-and-mortar boutiques at different times throughout the year. Authorized online and brick-and-mortar retailers may also discount select styles or offer promotions at various times, such as for Black Friday or at the end of the season. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, Herman Miller has two sales each year. The first takes place in the spring, and the second is usually in the fall around the start of shopping for the holiday season. Year-round, other online platforms may offer discounts on Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Herman Miller furniture.
- Does Hermes ever go on sale?1 AnswerChicjoySeptember 24, 2020
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior runs sales for Black Friday and other occasions throughout the year. Promotions vary and usually do not include all the items in the online store's inventory. You also may find Dior apparel, jewelry and accessories available at discounted prices year-round on online platforms. Shop a large selection of Dior on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No Louis Vuitton never has sales. On 1stDibs, however, you can find Louis Vuitton bags in a variety of styles and colors at a range of prices.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Roche Bobois does have sales. Specifically, the luxury furniture manufacturer usually discounts items twice per year in the winter and spring. Throughout the year, you may find their pieces available for reduced prices on some reputable online platforms, as well. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Roche Bobois.
- Do Loewe bags go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Loewe bags typically do not go on sale on the brand's official online store or at their brick-and-mortar locations. Authorized third-party retailers do sometimes discount bags, and you may find them at reduced prices on reputable online platforms. Shop a variety of Loewe bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Herman Miller actually has two sales each year rather than one annual sale. The specific dates of the sales vary. However, most years, the sales take place once in the spring and once in the fall. You may find Herman Miller available for discounted prices on other online platforms year-round. Find a collection of Herman Miller furniture on 1stDibs.
- Does Saint Laurent go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can find Saint Laurent pieces on sale from their home websites or authorized third-party websites. However, their sales are often not advertised or are invite-only — but some retailers who carry Saint Laurent have items on sale occasionally. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Saint Laurent pieces from top sellers worldwide.
- Does Rolex ever go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, Rolex doesn't usually go on sale. In fact, the Swiss watchmaker has policies against discounts that its authorized dealers must abide by in order to retain their relationship with Rolex. However, you can sometimes find Rolex watches available for reduced prices on the secondary market through estate sales, auction houses and select online platforms. Explore a variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.