What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

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.

What is a mid-century sofa?

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.

What is mid-century artwork?

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.

What is mid century decor?

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.

What is a mid-century chair?

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.

What is mid century furniture?

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.

What is mid-century jewelry?

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.

What does mid century mean?

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.

What does mid century modern mean?

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.

What is mid century modern furniture?

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.

Is Eames mid-century modern?

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.

What years are mid century modern?

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.

What years are considered mid-century?

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.

Are the 1970s mid-century?

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.

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

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.

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

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.

How do you identify mid century lamps?

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.

Why is mid century modern popular?

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.

What makes a dresser mid-century?

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.

Is rattan mid-century modern?

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.

Mid Century Record

Record Player Cabinet

Silhouette Photography

Record Bar

Record Rack

Vinyl Albums

Walnut Record Storage

Record Table

Stereo Furniture

$875

Mid-Century Modern Panasonic Stereo Console Record Player in Walnut Cabinet

By Panasonic

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Ideal as a functional record player console, media cabinet, or decorative statement piece, the stereo offers timeless appeal for collectors of vintage audio equipment and Mid-Century...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

$2,300 / item

HIFI Vinyl LP Storage Bench / Record Shelf Mid-Century Modern Walnut Pete Deeble

By Pete Deeble

Located in Long Beach, CA

This is an original design, but with a strong influence of Mid Century Danish Modern. The bench is roughly 67" long, 19" tall (20.5" tall if you include the cushion) and 14" deep.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955

$13,260

Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955

By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner

Located in New York, NY

A Caviúna record player produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, with designs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This record player has two hanging doors that ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

$5,652

Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Console Record Player attributed to Ico Parisi design

By Ico Parisi

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Aesthetic appeal: The combination of walnut burl, ebonized details and streamlined form makes it a perfect fit for Art Deco, mid-century modern, or eclectic interiors. Conversation ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Musical Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Record, Geneva, 20th Century Gouache on Paper Original Advertisement, 1946

$731

Record, Geneva, 20th Century Gouache on Paper Original Advertisement

Located in London, GB

C.M. European 1946 Record, Geneva Gouache on paper Image size: 38 x 24 inches £400

Category

Mid-20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

$2,200 / set

Broyhill 'Brasilia' End Tables / Record Cabinets

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of mid-century modern iconic end table cabinet by Broyhill for their 'Brasilia' line. Featuring the unmistakable sculpted arches on each door, walnut grain throughout, and taper...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Vintage DIA Brass Server / Record Console

$2,000

$450

Antique Philco Tube Radio Table Record Player Mahogany Case Model 46-1203

By Radiobar Corp. and Philco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12" H x 23" W x 16" D.

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Record display stand for Pink Floyd's album Animals, 1977

Located in bruxelles, BE

Thermoformed plastic vinyl record display stand in the shape of a pig, created in a limited edition of only 200 copies to promote Pink Floyd's album Animals in France. Wear and tear ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Music Stands

Materials

Plastic

Josef AlbersJosef Albers Record Cover Art (Josef Albers album art), 1961

$180

Josef Albers Record Cover Art (Josef Albers album art)

By Josef Albers

Located in NEW YORK, NY

Josef Albers Album Art circa early 1960s: Vinyl record cover (containing its original record) brilliantly illustrated by Josef Albers in the early 1960s. Looks fantastic framed. Off...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern More Art

Materials

Offset

Space-Age Red Plastic Cube Modular Shelving Record Storage

$1,200 / set

Space-Age Red Plastic Cube Modular Shelving Record Storage

Located in Lake Worth, FL

These can be configured any way you like, they are not connected. The mid-century modern design and vibrant red color make it a unique and eye-catching addition to any indoor space.

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Plastic

Norwegian Modern Teak Record or Magazine Cart by Rolf Hesland

$1,200

Midcentury Cat Shaped Magazine Stand or Record Rack, Iron, Italy, 1950s

Located in Vienna, AT

Sculptural Italian midcentury cat shaped wire newspaper stand / magazine rack / record holder from the 1950s. Handmade of lacquered iron with nice white rubber shoes. Measurements: 2...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Mid-20th Century German Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Wall Mounted Media Record Audio Cabinet after Jens Risom

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 9 in W 12 in D 4.5 in

Vintage Sony Television Video Record Head Component As Sculpture Mounted ON SALE

Located in Dallas, TX

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTE: This Antique May Qualify For Our GALLERY WIDE ~EXTRA~ 10-25% OFF SALE, Going On NOW. Please Inquire. ~~~~...

Materials

Paper

Credenza Record Cabinet for Vinyl LPs and Audio/Visual Storage

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 14.57 in

Vintage Brown Brionvega RR 126 Record Player Sideboard Radio, 1965 David Bowie

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Brionvega

Located in Auerbach, Saxony

Recently got sold on a famous British auctioneer as a collectible of the estate of David Bowie. Own a collectible like David bowie did. Fully serviced extremely stylish and fabulous ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Vintage White Brionvega RR 126 Record Player Sideboard Radio, 1965 David Bowie

Unavailable

H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 14.37 in

Vintage White Brionvega RR 126 Record Player Sideboard Radio, 1965 David Bowie

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Brionvega

Located in Auerbach, Saxony

Recently got sold on a famous British auctioneer as a collectible of the estate of David Bowie. Own a collectible like David bowie did. Fully serviced extremely stylish and fabulous ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

$377

Dm 1.54 in

Lip Gold Plated Vintage New circa 1974 Mechanical Wristwatch

By LIP 8

Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

LIP New vintage watch from stock, circa 1974. Gold plated, brown bracelet. Brown dial. Indexes and gold needles. Date 3H. Mechanical movement. Warranty 1 year.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Canterbury Steel Incabloc Military Style Wrist Watch

$550

Dm 1.23 in

Canterbury Steel Incabloc Military Style Wrist Watch

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

With it's case intentionally left in original condition, proudly showing signs of use from its journey thru time from the Pre-War 11 Era, this vintage American made steel 31mm Canter...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Colin RuffellModernist English 1970's, Interior with an old record player Port decanter glass, circa 1970

$4,500

$13,143

$1,500

$676Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.93 in W 44.89 in D 20.08 in

Mid-Century Upcycled Cabinet on High Gloss, 1960's

Located in Praha, CZ

- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, glass, veneer - Good, original condition - Black top glass is new.

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Wood

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Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum

$4,862 / item

H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in

Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum

By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri

Located in Meolo, Venezia

Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

1970s Milo Baughman in Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Brown Lattice Velvet Sectional

$5,950 / set

H 28 in W 158 in D 37 in

1970s Milo Baughman in Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Brown Lattice Velvet Sectional

By Jack Lenor Larsen

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Extremely rare two pieces sectional by Milo Baughman upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen fabric.. This beautiful cotton velvet cut lattice sectional is statement piece which is also com...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Unique Quartered Dial circa 1950's

$875

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Unique Quartered Dial circa 1950's

By Gruen

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 28mm MOVEMENT / ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Vintage Tissot Navigator World Time Automatic Wrist Watch

$3,295

$895

$17,300

H 2.13 in W 0.56 in Dm 1.62 in

Franck Muller Stainless Steel Conquistador Cortez Chronograph

By Franck Muller

Located in Stamford, CT

This 27.5mm factory original, Franck Muller stainless steel conquistador Cortez chronograph is a masterpiece of horological elegance. Large 54mm robust stainless steel case with blac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Waltham 14Kt Two Tone "Sapphire" Series Hand Engraved with Original Strap 1927

$3,500

Waltham 14Kt Two Tone "Sapphire" Series Hand Engraved with Original Strap 1927

By Waltham Watch Company

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1927 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 34mm Length X 27mm Width...

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Get Updated with New Arrivals

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Mid Century Record For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century record available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, walnut and metal, every mid century record was constructed with great care. Find 134 options for an antique or vintage mid century record now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century record — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A mid century record made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century record over the years, but those crafted by Paul McCobb, Rolf Hesland and Bruksbo are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Record?

The average selling price for a mid century record at 1stDibs is $1,250, while they’re typically $99 on the low end and $21,514 for the highest priced.

Questions About Mid Century Record

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?
1 Answer
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.
What is a mid-century sofa?
1 Answer
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.
What is mid-century artwork?
1 Answer
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.
What is mid century decor?
1 Answer
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.
What is a mid-century chair?
1 Answer
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.
What is mid century furniture?
1 Answer
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.
What is mid-century jewelry?
1 Answer
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.
What does mid century mean?
1 Answer
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.
What does mid century modern mean?
1 Answer
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.
What is mid century modern furniture?
2 Answers
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.
Is Eames mid-century modern?
1 Answer
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.
What years are mid century modern?
1 Answer
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.
What years are considered mid-century?
1 Answer
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.
Are the 1970s mid-century?
1 Answer
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.
How can you tell if furniture is mid century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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.
How can you tell if a chair is mid century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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.
How do you identify mid century lamps?
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1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
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.
Why is mid century modern popular?
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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.
What makes a dresser mid-century?
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1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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.
Is rattan mid-century modern?
1 Answer
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.