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Breakfront By Century

19th Century English Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows
19th Century English Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows

19th Century English Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Impressive large 19th Century English carved mahogany breakfront library bookcase with stunning carved detail and greek key moulding.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English George II Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet
Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet

Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet

By Drexel

Located in Big Flats, NY

A Mid Century Modern breakfront cabinet by Drexel of the Profiles line offers glass upper over mahogany and ebonized cabinet base, maker label as photographed, 20thC Measures- 80''H...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Glass

19th Century Irish Mahogany Breakfront Wardrobe by Robert Strahan of Dublin
19th Century Irish Mahogany Breakfront Wardrobe by Robert Strahan of Dublin

19th Century Irish Mahogany Breakfront Wardrobe by Robert Strahan of Dublin

By Robert Strahan

Located in Glasgow, GB

A superb quality and impressive Irish early Victorian flame mahogany breakfront gentleman’s wardrobe by Robert Strahan & Co of Dublin.

Category

Antique 19th Century Irish William IV Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Late 19th Century English Four Door Breakfront Bookcase By Maple & Co., London
Late 19th Century English Four Door Breakfront Bookcase By Maple & Co., London

Late 19th Century English Four Door Breakfront Bookcase By Maple & Co., London

By Maple & Co.

Located in Dublin, IE

A fine late 19th century four door breakfront bookcase by Maple & Co, the upper section with the swan neck break front cornice cresting above four geometric glazed doors, with shelve...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Exceptional Custom Mahogany Breakfront Server Cabinet by Joseph Gerte, Boston
Exceptional Custom Mahogany Breakfront Server Cabinet by Joseph Gerte, Boston

Exceptional Custom Mahogany Breakfront Server Cabinet by Joseph Gerte, Boston

By Joseph Gerte

Located in Milford, NH

All the drawers feature brass scrollwork handles. This breakfront dates to the mid-20th century and is in very good to excellent overall condition, with only a few minor corner rubs,...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood

A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows

A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows, the shaped top with a turned baluster gallery above four doors with pleated silk panels behind diamond trellis grille...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

A Fine Late Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet by Gillows, c.1825
A Fine Late Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet by Gillows, c.1825

A Fine Late Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet by Gillows, c.1825

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Fine Late Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet by Gillows, c.1825 Executed in finely figured Goncalo Alves this breakfront side cabinet is unusual in that it retains its original pierc...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Cent
Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Cent

Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Cent

By Drexel

Located in Worcester, GB

Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Century A substantial and finely crafted fitted cabinet by American luxury maker Drexel Heritage.

Category

Late 20th Century American Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT

Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT

By John Widdicomb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT. Decorative forged brass window grills have hinges and can be opened to maintain and clean the glass.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Imposing Period Georgian Fireplace in Calacatta Oro Marble
Imposing Period Georgian Fireplace in Calacatta Oro Marble

Imposing Period Georgian Fireplace in Calacatta Oro Marble

Located in London, GB

The jambs with scrolled carved brackets, surmounted by moulded breakfront shelf. 18th century, with some later additions.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Marble

French Stone Fireplace in the Louis XVI Style
French Stone Fireplace in the Louis XVI Style

French Stone Fireplace in the Louis XVI Style

Located in London, GB

The frieze with carved handed C-scroll surmounted by breakfront shelf. 19th century. Measures: Shelf width: 1455 mm / 57 1/4 in Overall height: 1005 mm / 39 5/8 in Opening height: ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone

Recent Sales

Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront by Stickley, 20" Century
Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront by Stickley, 20" Century

Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront by Stickley, 20" Century

Unavailable

H 96.25 in W 71.5 in D 18.5 in

Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront by Stickley, 20" Century

Located in Savannah, GA

Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront by Stickley, 20th Century

Category

20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger
Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger

Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger

Unavailable

H 74.75 in W 60 in D 15.5 in

Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger

By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger

Located in Asheville, NC

Lovely two-piece cabinet designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1948. Lower portion of the cabinet features three diamond inlay doors with brass pulls. Each side has two adjus...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Regency mahogany breakfront bookcase, by George Oakley.
Regency mahogany breakfront bookcase, by George Oakley.

Regency mahogany breakfront bookcase, by George Oakley.

By George Oakley

Located in New York, NY

Regency neo-classical ebony-inlaid mahogany breakfront bookcase in the Grecian style after a design by George Oakley. The
pediment centering anthemion decoration over glazed ...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Victorian 2-Door Breakfront Mahogany Bookcase by Fras & Jas Smith, Glasgow
Victorian 2-Door Breakfront Mahogany Bookcase by Fras & Jas Smith, Glasgow

Victorian 2-Door Breakfront Mahogany Bookcase by Fras & Jas Smith, Glasgow

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Exhibition quality Victorian 4-door breakfront mahogany bookcase, circa 1890. Surmounted by a tiered moulded cornice with a Gothic apron over 4 tall glazed doors, separated and flank...

Category

Antique 19th Century Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Breakfront by Vanleigh Furniture
Mid-Century Breakfront by Vanleigh Furniture

Mid-Century Breakfront by Vanleigh Furniture

Sold

H 60.5 in W 63.25 in D 20.5 in

Mid-Century Breakfront by Vanleigh Furniture

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid 20th Century Modern Van Leigh New York - Montreal Walnut Breakfront.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Breakfront by Broyhill, circa 1960
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Breakfront by Broyhill, circa 1960

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Breakfront by Broyhill, circa 1960

By Broyhill

Located in Big Flats, NY

A vintage Mid-Century Modern breakfront cabinet by Broyhill offers walnut construction with upper double glass door case surmounting lower with two central stacked drawers flanked by...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Important Vitrine/Breakfront by Francois Linke
Important Vitrine/Breakfront by Francois Linke

Important Vitrine/Breakfront by Francois Linke

Located in New Orleans, LA

A monumental and rare breakfront vitrine by renowned French ébéniste François Linke, featuring ormolu mounts designed by Parisian sculptor Léon Messagé.

“M. (F.) Link...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Vitrines

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

20th Century George ll Style Breakfront Bookcase
20th Century George ll Style Breakfront Bookcase

20th Century George ll Style Breakfront Bookcase

Sold

H 86.62 in W 66.15 in D 18.12 in

20th Century George ll Style Breakfront Bookcase

By Wade Furniture Co.

Located in Bagshot, GB

A George ll style breakfront bookcase by Wade, late 20th century, with pierced swan neck pediment, above four astragal glazed doors enclosing siz glazed shelves, the base with four c...

Category

Late 20th Century European George II Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mahogany breakfront bookcase by Edwards and Roberts
Mahogany breakfront bookcase by Edwards and Roberts

Mahogany breakfront bookcase by Edwards and Roberts

By Edwards & Roberts

Located in Cheshire, GB

Large antique four door mahogany and marquetry inlaid breakfront bookcase cupboard by Edwards and Roberts. Having pierced swan neck pediment above four large astragal glazed doors op...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Large Triple Breakfront Dresser by John Widdicomb
Large Triple Breakfront Dresser by John Widdicomb

Large Triple Breakfront Dresser by John Widdicomb

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Charleston, WV

Widdicomb, Dale Ford Dresser chest Measures: 31.75" tall x 72 wide x 20 inch deep. Featuring a breakfront style, sculpted finger pulls, dividers within certain drawers and a central...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Aluminum

19th Century Victorian Burr Walnut Breakfront Wardrobe by R Crosby & Sons, 1827
19th Century Victorian Burr Walnut Breakfront Wardrobe by R Crosby & Sons, 1827

19th Century Victorian Burr Walnut Breakfront Wardrobe by R Crosby & Sons, 1827

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality Victorian burr walnut breakfront wardrobe by R. Crosby & Sons of Liverpool, Established in 1827. The wardrobe has a stepped cornice above three doors, the ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

English Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Restall Brown & Clennell
English Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Restall Brown & Clennell

English Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Restall Brown & Clennell

By Restall Brown & Clennell

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous English Georgian or Sheraton style breakfront bookcase cabinet By Restall Brown & Clennell England, Late 20th Century Gorgeous mahogany and satinwood, with mullioned gl...

Category

Late 20th Century English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood

Georgian Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Beacon Hill
Georgian Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Beacon Hill

Georgian Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Beacon Hill

By Beacon Hill

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style breakfront bookcase or china cabinet with secretary desk By Beacon Hill USA, Mid-20th Century Flame mahogany, with mullioned glass f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Louis XVI Breakfront Commode, circa 1770, stamped by FCFranc
18th Century French Louis XVI Breakfront Commode, circa 1770, stamped by FCFranc

18th Century French Louis XVI Breakfront Commode, circa 1770, stamped by FCFranc

Located in Berlin, DE

18th Century French Louis XVI Breakfront Commode, circa 1770, stamped by FCFranc A Louis XVI gilt bronze mounted kingwood and amaranth break front commode or chest of drawers, with ...

Category

Antique 1770s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Hickory
Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Hickory

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Hickory

By Hickory Manufacturing Company

Located in South Bend, IN

USA, Late-20th century. Book-matched flame mahogany, with mullioned glass front doors and original brass hardware.

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Mahogany Bubble Glass Breakfront Cabinet Bookcase by Vanleigh
Antique Georgian Mahogany Bubble Glass Breakfront Cabinet Bookcase by Vanleigh

Antique Georgian Mahogany Bubble Glass Breakfront Cabinet Bookcase by Vanleigh

By Vanleigh Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 80" H x 58" W x 16" D x 27.5" Leg clearance.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Craftique
Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Craftique

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Craftique

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet In the manner of Baker Furniture By Craftique USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany with satinwo...

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Thomasville
Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Thomasville

Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Thomasville

By Thomasville

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Thomasville USA, circa 1980s. Flame mahogany, with mullioned glass front doors and ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Georgian Style Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Maple & Co.
Georgian Style Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Maple & Co.

Georgian Style Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Maple & Co.

By Maple & Co.

Located in Montreal, QC

George III style mahogany breakfront three bay bookcase cabinet, the ogee dentillated over blind fretwork cornice with four astragal glazed doors over one long and two short drawers ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

French Provincial Solid Cherry Breakfront Bookcase or Bar Cabinet by Grange
French Provincial Solid Cherry Breakfront Bookcase or Bar Cabinet by Grange

French Provincial Solid Cherry Breakfront Bookcase or Bar Cabinet by Grange

By Grange

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional French Country breakfront bookcase or sideboard bar cabinet By Grange France, early 21st century Solid cherrywood, with brass hardware and accents.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Breakfront in Bleached Mahogany by "Tommi Parzinger" for "Charak"
Breakfront in Bleached Mahogany by "Tommi Parzinger" for "Charak"

Breakfront in Bleached Mahogany by "Tommi Parzinger" for "Charak"

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Bleached Mahogany two-piece cabinet, the top section has three diamond etched doors with nine interior shelves in a vivid honeysuckle pink hue, the bottom has three doors and bears t...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Louis XVI Revival Breakfront Console Table and Wall Mirror by H & L Epstein
Louis XVI Revival Breakfront Console Table and Wall Mirror by H & L Epstein

Louis XVI Revival Breakfront Console Table and Wall Mirror by H & L Epstein

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in Cheshire, GB

Console table Louis XVI revival console table, the breakfront marble top to the freeze having gilt metal mounts, and enamel plaques decorated with scenes of courting couples, raised...

Category

Early 20th Century English Louis XVI Console Tables

Chippendale Burl Mahogany Breakfront/China Cabinet by Century Furniture
Chippendale Burl Mahogany Breakfront/China Cabinet by Century Furniture

Chippendale Burl Mahogany Breakfront/China Cabinet by Century Furniture

By Century Furniture

Located in Wilmington, DE

Chippendale Burl Mahogany Breakfront/China Cabinet by Century Furniture Offered is a Chippendale Burl Mahogany Breakfront/China Cabinet by Century Furniture.

Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Century Furniture Georgian Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase
Century Furniture Georgian Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase

Century Furniture Georgian Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase

By Century Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style breakfront bookcase cabinet By Century Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous mahogany, with mullioned glass front doors and original brass ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinoiserie Breakfront by Karges
Vintage Chinoiserie Breakfront by Karges

Vintage Chinoiserie Breakfront by Karges

Sold

H 80 in W 72 in D 18.5 in

Vintage Chinoiserie Breakfront by Karges

By Karges Furniture

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Stunning and impressive chinoiserie style breakfront. Four handblown glass doors with fretwork over three drawers. The middle drawer opens to reveal a leather top writing surface. Th...

Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Antique Four Door Breakfront Bookcase by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century
Antique Four Door Breakfront Bookcase by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century

Antique Four Door Breakfront Bookcase by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century

By Edwards & Roberts

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful antique top quality Sheraton Revival flame mahogany four door breakfront bookcase, masterfully crafted in rich mahogany by the world renowned London cabinet ma...

Category

Antique 1890s English Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Period Regency Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows
Period Regency Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows

Period Regency Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase by Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Essex, MA

Period Regency breakfront bookcase attributed to Gillows. Satinwood desk interior. Well Fenestrated top. Original throughout Provenance: Collection Mrs. Henry Ford, II.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Paul McCobb Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Modern Breakfront, Rare
Paul McCobb Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Modern Breakfront, Rare

Paul McCobb Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Modern Breakfront, Rare

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Miami, FL

Paul McCobb Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Modern Breakfront, Rare Offered for sale is a rare Mid-century Modern breakfront by the iconic American designer Paul McCobb for Calvin Fur...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

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Breakfront By Century For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the breakfront by century you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, glass and mahogany, every breakfront by century was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a breakfront by century — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A breakfront by century, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI or Victorian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made breakfront by century over the years, but those crafted by Harvey Probber, Baker Furniture Company and Bethlehem Furniture are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Breakfront By Century?

Prices for a breakfront by century can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $1,250,000, while the average can fetch as much as $7,300.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Breakfront By Century

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A breakfront bookcase is usually a large wooden bookcase that houses either books or dishes. They’re similar in appearance to hutches in that they have glass-fronted shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A breakfront cabinet is a cabinet whose center portion projects beyond the end sections. Shop gorgeous breakfront cabinets at 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    Breakfront furniture is typically a large bureau or hutch used for displaying and storing either books or china. Breakfront furniture typically consists of three connected sections, one of which protrudes in front of the two flanking it.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The difference between a hutch and a breakfront is their shape. Both types of storage furniture feature sectioned designs. On a breakfront, the center sections are deeper, causing them to project outward more than the rest of the piece. A hutch normally has sections of equal depth. Some also have protruding shelves. Find a collection of breakfronts and hutches on 1stDibs.
  • 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 ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 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 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 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 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    Realism developed in Manila during the late 20th century. Filipino artists working in the 1970s and ’80s began producing works with elements of Social Realism to comment on the social and economic conditions that resulted from the martial rule of the Marcos regime. One of the leading figures of the movement was Nestor Garcia Leynes, Sr, a painter who brought awareness to the plight of rural Filipinos through his works depicting mothers and children. Find a selection of realist art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Century Furniture still exists. The brand operates from its corporate headquarters located in Hickory, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1947, and RHF Investments, Inc., acquired the company in 2013. You'll find a range of Century Furniture on 1stDibs.

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