Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 10

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 17

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 19

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Impasto Mid Century

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Girl with Beret" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

1950s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Impressionistic Blue Vase with Flowers, 1960

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid-20th Century Large Abstract Impasto Painting , Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Italian SchoolMarket Day - Mid 20th Century Italian Impressionist Town Street Oil Painting, c.1960

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Impasto Cityscape by Coletta

1960s Fauvist Still-life Paintings

Bonnie YankauerFauvist Mid Century Floral Impasto Still Life

Mid-20th Century Modern Still-life Paintings

Nona Beck LinnemanMid Century Modern Impasto Zinnia Floral Still Life

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Fernand AudetMid 20th Century French Impasto Oil Painting on Canvas Still Life , Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fernand AudetVenice Back Streets Mid 20th Century French Impasto Oil Painting on Canvas, Mid 20th Century

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-century Modern Still Life Tomato with Vase Impasto Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century American Other Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil Impasto Painting on Canvas - Landscape Overlooking Ocean

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

French SchoolMid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Impasto Floral Still Life Oil Painting, circa 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Other Paintings

Mid 20th Century Original Oil Impasto Painting on Canvas- Venetian Scene- Signed

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Duanye HatchettMid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1992

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Duanye HatchettMid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1991

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

French Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Fruit & Flowers Mod Impasto

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

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

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Italo Botti"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Paining of Boats Beach and Ocean

1960s Fauvist Still-life Paintings

Virginia Sevier RogersFauvist Grapes and Bananas, Mid Century Modern Impasto Fruit Still-Life, c.1960

1940s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Dorothy Rossen GreenbergThe Fishmonger, Mid-Century 1940's New York Impasto Figurative Cityscape, 1948

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Huib Van Vugt (1923-2008)Mid Century Modern Impasto Oil Painting - Venice St. Mark's Basilica at Sunset, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century Land Landscape Paintings

Charles Wyatt WarrenMountain Lake Landscape Impasto Oil Painting by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Land Landscape Paintings

Charles Wyatt WarrenMountain Lake Landscape Impasto Oil Painting by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Impasto Figurative Art Painting

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

20th Century French SchoolMid Century French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Apples on Green Table Interior

Mid-20th Century Land Landscape Paintings

Charles Wyatt WarrenImpasto Oil Painting of Harbour Scene in Wales by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Land Landscape Paintings

Charles Wyatt WarrenImpasto Oil Painting of Welsh Mountain Lake Scene by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

20th century Canadian SchoolMid 20th Century Canadian snow covered landscape, Halliburton Highlands Ontario, Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Stunning British 20th Century Abstract - Thick Impasto Oil - Bright Colours, circa 1970

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Signed Impasto French Street Scene Painting

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonSnowy Rooftops French Thick Impasto Oil, 1960's

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Impasto Paint Encrusted Artist Palettes, 1940-1950

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Photo Realistic Impasto Painting by Colin Chillag

Vintage 1960s Paintings

Signed Impasto on Board of Sailboat

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Impasto Winter Scene Oil on Canvas by American Artist David Crespi

Mid-20th Century Arts and Crafts Paintings

Impasto Impressionistic Painting of Daisies on the Style of Van Gogh

Mid-20th Century North American Paintings

Vintage Boho Original Oil Impasto Abstract Expressionist Painting

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Girl with Beret" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Sylvia Rutkoff
"Girl with Doll" Impasto Mid Century Abstract Expressionism NYC Female Artist, 1950s

Mid 20th Century Italian School
Market Day - Mid 20th Century Italian Impressionist Town Street Oil Painting, c.1960

Bonnie Yankauer
Fauvist Mid Century Floral Impasto Still Life

Nona Beck Linneman
Mid Century Modern Impasto Zinnia Floral Still Life

Fernand Audet
Mid 20th Century French Impasto Oil Painting on Canvas Still Life , Mid 20th Century

Fernand Audet
Venice Back Streets Mid 20th Century French Impasto Oil Painting on Canvas, Mid 20th Century

French School
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil

Duanye Hatchett
Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1992

Duanye Hatchett
Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1991

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

Italo Botti
"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Paining of Boats Beach and Ocean

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Fauvist Grapes and Bananas, Mid Century Modern Impasto Fruit Still-Life, c.1960

Dorothy Rossen Greenberg
The Fishmonger, Mid-Century 1940's New York Impasto Figurative Cityscape, 1948

Huib Van Vugt (1923-2008)
Mid Century Modern Impasto Oil Painting - Venice St. Mark's Basilica at Sunset, Circa 1950

Charles Wyatt Warren
Mountain Lake Landscape Impasto Oil Painting by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Charles Wyatt Warren
Mountain Lake Landscape Impasto Oil Painting by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

20th Century French School
Mid Century French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Apples on Green Table Interior

Charles Wyatt Warren
Impasto Oil Painting of Harbour Scene in Wales by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Charles Wyatt Warren
Impasto Oil Painting of Welsh Mountain Lake Scene by 20th Century British Artist, Mid-20th Century

20th century Canadian School
Mid 20th Century Canadian snow covered landscape, Halliburton Highlands Ontario, Circa 1960

Josine Vignon
Snowy Rooftops French Thick Impasto Oil, 1960's

F. Christensen
Mid Century Floral Still-Life , Mid 20th Century

Charles Wyatt Warren
Impasto Oil Painting of River Mountain Scene in Wales by British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Alphons Müller
Swiss Alps Fauvist Modern Impasto Landscape - Original Oil on Canvas, Mid 20th Century

Josine Vignon
Storm Over Clouds Rooftops Signed Thick Impasto Oil, 1960's

Jacques Pinon
French Spring Landscape, Expressionist Impasto Oil On Canvas., 1970s

Charles Wyatt Warren
Original Impasto Oil Painting of River Mountain Scene in Wales by British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Charles Wyatt Warren
Vintage Impasto Oil Painting of River Mountain Scene in Wales by British Artist, Mid-20th Century

Josine Vignon
Two Blue Dancing Birds Thick Oil Impasto Animal Abstract, 1960's

Josine Vignon
Grey Sky Roof Top Landscape Impressionist Thick Oil Impasto, 1960's

Josine Vignon
French Village Boat Port Landscape Signed Thick Impasto Oil, 1960's

Josine Vignon
Village In Provence Landscape Signed Thick Impasto French Oil, 1960's

Katharina Husslein
Free Spirit - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Katharina Husslein
Mirrored Dreams - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

G. Raybaud
Vintage French Signed Oil Thick Impasto Paint Still Life Flowers, c. 1970's

Nancy Bailey
Working Boats, Porthleven, Cornwall.Coastal. Fishing Pots.Impasto.Harbor.Jetty., 1973

Helen Layfield Bradley
Sunshine & Shadows. Lake District.Helen Layfield Bradley.Original Oil Impasto. , 1965

Josine Vignon
Olive Tree Path to Provence Building Thick Oil Impasto Landscape, 1960's