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TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Dark Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Light Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Clear Ash, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Clear Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-Century Furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Dark Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Light Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish- Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

Mid-Century Australian Modern Teak Sofa & Armchairs by Parker Furniture, 1950s
By Parker Furniture
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Parker Furniture in 1956. Parker has a legacy of creating some of the finest Mid-Century furniture. These
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Plywood Mid Century Modern Kone Lounge Chairs by Australian designer Roger McLay
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Kone lounge chairs, designed by Australian industrial designer Roger McLay. The seat is formed
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Outdoor Trend Module Lounge and Footstool, Designed in 1970
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge & footstool set. The best in Australian Furniture Design… one of
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge ( Foot stool sold separately) The best in Australian furniture design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
H 30.91 in W 30.32 in D 37.41 in
Mid-Century Modern "Australia Model 50-4" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Australia Model 50-4" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Frank Pash Australian Outback Painting
Located in Seaford, GB
Vintage Frank Pash Australian Outback Painting – Rare Collectable Artwork Frank Pash, Australian
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Frank Pash Australian Outback Painting
Vintage Frank Pash Australian Outback Painting
H 48.04 in W 72.05 in D 1.97 in
Ray Austin Crooke, (Australian 1922-2015) Gouache On Paper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gouache on paper depicting a tropical landscape with a structure partially hidden behind shrubbery, blue waters in the background with green rolling hills in the distance set against...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
By Peter Brown (Australian), TH Brown
Located in Adelaide, SA
Trend Foot stool The best in Australian furniture design. One of Australia’s all time design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
H 17.72 in W 30.32 in D 21.26 in
Hayward Veal Australian Nocturne Cityscape Painting
By Hayward Veal
Located in Essex, MA
An oil on board painting by Australian painter W. Hayward Veal (1913-1968), entitled Nocturne No. 4
Category

Vintage 1940s Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Pine, Masonite, Wood, Paint

'Batman' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
, this fabulously kitsch and colourful Australian Daybill poster advertised the first full length feature
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

Grant Featherston, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Australia, 1950s
By Grant Featherston
Located in High Point, NC
Kennett Bros. & Rayner, Australia, 1950s. 14” seat height
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Art Deco Original Australian Vintage Poster, 'MARYSVILLE' Victorian Railways
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This original poster was created to promote tourism to the Australian town of Marysville. At that
Category

Vintage 1930s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

Vintage Oil Painting on Canvas by George Walsh, Australia
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage signed oil painting on canvas by George Walsh, Australia. Original authentic landscape
Category

20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

The Beatles Australian Tour 1964 Official Souvenir booklet.
By Aztec Services
Located in Pymble, NSW
A rare Beatles tour souvenir program from their tour of Australia in 1964 In excellent condition
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

'Superman Flies Again' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1954
Located in Devon, GB
Superman jets off on this super rare stone lithography daybill poster for the Australian release of
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Patio Table & Benches by Jensen-Jarrah, Made in Australia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Proudly made in Australia from fine Australian Jarrah wood timber, this furniture set is crafted with the
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wood

'Cool Hand Luke' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1967
Located in Devon, GB
An uber cool Australian Daybill for the 1967 American prison drama 'Cool Hand Luke' starring Paul
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Paul Newman 'The Hustler' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
A sumptuous stone lithography daybill for the first Australian release of 1961 classic drama 'The
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

Large Teak Wood Fruit-bowl 1970s Australia
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice large Vintage Teak wood fruit bowl .1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Teak

Large Teak  Wood Fruit-bowl  1970s Australia
Large Teak  Wood Fruit-bowl  1970s Australia
H 8.67 in W 10.24 in D 30.32 in
Hitchcock 'The Birds' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
A stunning stone lithography Australian daybill poster for Alfred Hitchcock's psychological
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

'Lawrence of Arabia' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
Best Picture. Printed in stunning stone lithography, the Australian daybill poster utilised the same
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

Jenny Kee Hand Knitted Wool Cardigan, Australia, circa 1980
Located in Pymble, NSW
A beautiful hand-knitted wool cardigan by Jenny Kee, with original label and in almost unused condition. Purchased from Jenny in circa 1980 from her studio in the Blue Mountains west...
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

'Thunderbirds Are Go' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
Printed in stunning stone lithography, this explosive Australian Daybill poster advertised the
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

'Please, Not Now!' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
rom-com 'La Bride sur le cou,' released in Australia and the UK as 'Please, Not Now!' and in the US as
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair in Australian Sheepskin
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
could really curl up in.’ This mid-century classic supports countless positions and offers a comforting
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

'To Kill a Mockingbird' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
A scarce original stone lithograph poster for the first Australian release of the 1962 American
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

'An American in Paris' Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1951
Located in Devon, GB
Printed in stunning stone lithography, this scarce Australian Daybill poster joyfully declared the
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Trench Art Copper Bullet Paperweight 1944 Australia Sterling Silver Florin
Located in Stamford, CT
caliber mounted on an Australian Sterling Silver Florin. Showing the portrait of King George VI, father
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
Printed in stunning stone lithography, this incredibly rare Australian three-sheet poster
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

McLaren Pottery (Australia) Vintage 1960s 11.5" Ceramic Bull, in Green Grey
By Gus McLaren
Located in NEWTOWN, AU
Australian Army during World War II. After the war, he studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

McLaren Pottery (Australia) Vintage 1960s 11" Ceramic Horse, in Stone Grey
By Gus McLaren
Located in NEWTOWN, AU
Australian Army during World War II. After the war, he studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1980's Retro Rug Wall or Tapestry by Designer Rugs of Australia, Space Fantasy
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer rugs of Australia, circa 1980s wool wall tapestry, hanging or rug, titled Space Fantasy
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 2 Seater Sofa
By Wittmann
Located in Countryside, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 2 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 80 wide x 36 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Wittmann
Located in Countryside, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 40
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa
By Wittmann
Located in Countryside, IL
Wittmann Atrium Mid Century Austria Modular 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 160 wide x 36 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Australian Sheepskin
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
womb chair and ottoman will be made to order with the finest Australian sheepskins. Please note, as
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Vintage Mid century coffee table with worked copper top
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Superb midcentury coffee table composed of a worked and colored copper top with Modernist style patterns. It is attached to a plywood plate. The legs and frame are made of wood. Magn...
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Mid Century Handmade Ceramic Tile Mosaic Coffee Table by Gerard Havekes 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional one of a kind table by Australian ceramic artist Gerard Havekes (1925-2011) Circa
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia" Denmark 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, FR
Very Rare Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia" Beautiful & confortable armchair made in
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Mid century Barsony Beautiful African Female Figure Table Lamp
By Barsony Ceramics 1
Located in Weesp, NL
Australia in the 1950s. This beauty will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Nylon

Set of Ten Original Mid-Century Earthenware Terracotta Planter Pots, 1950s
Located in Melbourne, AU
inches/13cm high with lovely colour variations (see images). These pots were produced in Australia in
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Earthenware, Terracotta

Mid-20th Century Silver Tea and Coffee Service by Hardy Bros
By Hardy Bros.
Located in Pymble, NSW
, coffee pot, hot water pot, sugar basin and creamer. Decorated in a mid-century pattern with plain bodies
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Yellow and Blue Mid-century Portrait of a Young Woman, unsigned circa 1960
Located in Melbourne, AU
A lovely portrait of an adolescent woman, by an unknown but highly skilled artist. This portrait captures the sensitivity, vulnerability and defiance of young womanhood. It reference...
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

Ellis Ceramics (Australia) 1960s Ceramic 8.5" Horse, in Red
By Ellis Ceramics
Located in NEWTOWN, AU
Ellis Ceramics was an Australian pottery set up in 1953 by a Czechoslovakian couple, Dasa and Milda
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Australian National Art Gallery Jack Wanuwun 1988. Exhibition Poster.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Print is of a 1987 artwork titled “ Barnumbirr the Morning Star.” eclectic tribal style of Art. Red and yellow primary tones. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Murano Sommerso Orange Blue Italian Art Glass Australia Kangaroo Sculpture
By Alfredo Barbini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
. Mid-century era It measures 9" tall.
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Joe 700 Ceiling Lamp minimal, 20th century modern handmade by Wende Reid
By Wende Reid
Located in Paddington, NSW
This classic, tailored, double ceiling lamp, inspired by old Hollywood and menswear is reminiscent of the 1940s and the early simplicity of Art Deco. Its clean shape is the perfect ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

James Bond 'You Only Live Twice' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1967
By Robert E. McGinnis
Located in Devon, GB
bathhouse. This rare Australian One Sheet reproduces the more sought after 'bathtub' artwork by Robert
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Linen

ILLUM WIKKELSØ, a sofa 'Australia Modell 50-4' for Søren Willadsen, with ottoman
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, FR
The low lines typical of Danish design make The Australia a perfect piece of furniture. A subtle
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Modern Industrial Metal Garden Chairs "STAK-A-BYE" by Harry Sebel
By Harry Sebel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great Matched pair of Mid Century Modern / Industrial "Stak-a-Bye" metal chairs with their original
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal, Steel

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Australian Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Australian mid century modern for your home. Each Australian mid century modern for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and ceramic. There are 86 variations of the antique or vintage Australian mid century modern you’re looking for, while we also have 4 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer Australian mid century modern, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An Australian mid century modern is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. Donald Brown, Daydream Production and Ellis each produced at least one beautiful Australian mid century modern that is worth considering.

How Much is an Australian Mid Century Modern?

Prices for an Australian mid century modern start at $80 and top out at $20,000 with the average selling for $1,100.

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 Australian Mid Century Modern
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.