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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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.

Question 14

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 15

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Jaguar Mid Century

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Compulsion Gallery Pewter Jaguar 1955-1959 Edition Mark i Car Must See Pictures

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia

Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1950, Rare Collection Car, A+ Condition incl. Expert Op.

2010s American Modern Color Photography

Tom BlachfordMid Century Jaguar E-Type, Midnight Modern Architecture Palm Springs, 2020

Antique Mid-19th Century French Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures

Mid 19th Century Animalier Bronze entitled "Jaguar Debout" by Antoine L Barye

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Persian Rugs

Persian Pictorial Jaguar Animal Rug

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Jaguar Ceramic Italian circa's 1960

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool

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

Vintage Iconic Jaguar Car Hood Ornament Mascot on Lucite Base

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool Iron Structure

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Carved and Painted Wood Jaguar or Big Cat

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Jaguar Coffee and Cocktail Table by Mario López Torres

Mid-20th Century American Paintings

Vintage Boho Original Jaguar Oil Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century European Modern Animal Sculptures

Mogens Bøggild, Bronze Sculpture of a Deer and Jaguar

Mid-20th Century French Modern Animal Sculptures

French Modern Carved Wood Sculpture of Black Panther/ Jaguar

Mid-20th Century Italian Collectible Jewelry

Cartier Gold Buckle Belt with 5 Small Golden Jaguar Buttons

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James Audubon"The Jaguar", an Original 19th C. Audubon Hand Colored Quadruped Lithograph, 1849-1854

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

British 1960'sClassic Jaguar Motor Racing Action Scene Original 1960's Signed Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Rare Jaguar Wood Figure Found in Chilapa, Guerrero, Southern México, ca. 1940

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

Nicola Voci 'Jaguar' Coffee Table in Bronze, Burl Wood and Beveled Glass 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Vintage Hand Painted Ceramic Pair of Fighting Jaguars by Giovanni Ronzan, Italy

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Edwin Scheier 1964 Modernist Sculpture of Man Riding Jaguar Which Has Eaten Man

Vintage 1950s Mexican Sculptures and Carvings

Mid-Century Jaguar Carving

Vintage 1950s Mexican Wall-mounted Sculptures

Mid Century Chato Castillo Divorced Metals Jaguar Wall Plaque

Vintage 1950s Mexican Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid Century Jaguar Coffee Table Stand Solid Carved Wood

Mid-20th Century Mexican Tribal Masks

Leather Jaguar Ceremonial Masks from Zitlala Guerrero, Mexico

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Unique Jaguar Chair by One Off Ltd., circa 1988

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Furniture and Collectibles

Large Bronze Jaguar by Romano Conti, Signed, circa 1980

Mid-19th Century Academic Animal Prints

Asiatic Lion, Lioness, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jaguar Antique Print, 1866

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Animal Sculptures

Large Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Sculpture of a Seated Jaguar

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Rare to Find Folk Art Jaguar Mask Found in Zitlala, Guerrero, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Jaguar Ceramic Italian circa's 1960

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

1970's Vintage Ceramic Jaguar Scuplture

Mid-20th Century Argentine Art Deco Paintings

Jaguar an Art Deco Painting by Puig

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Benches

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Jaguar Sculpture in Gilded Bronze on Marble Base

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Real Size Jaguar Ceramic Sculpture by Cerámica de Cuernavaca

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Modern Wall Mirrors

Cease Fire Wall Mounted Mirror, Jaguar Military Airplane Rotor

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Medium Compulsion Gallery Pewter E-Type Jaguar Coup circa 1950s-1960s Car

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Tom Blachford
Mid Century Jaguar E-Type, Midnight Modern Architecture Palm Springs, 2020

John James Audubon
"The Jaguar", an Original 19th C. Audubon Hand Colored Quadruped Lithograph, 1849-1854

British 1960's
Classic Jaguar Motor Racing Action Scene Original 1960's Signed Oil Painting

French School
Jaguar Laying on Branch Huge French Signed Oil Painting Wooden Frame