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 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 period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. The mid-century modern period in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs now.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 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.

Mid Century Backgammon

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Mid-Century 1960's Designer Style Backgammon Set

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Style Game Table, Linen Wrapped, Backgammon

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Pierre Acrylic Backgammon Table

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games

Alessandro Albrizzi Backgammon Set

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Chess and Backgammon Board

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Iron and Oak Backgammon Table

20th Century British Games

20th Century British Backgammon & Draughts Game Box, circa 1950

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Game Boards

Travel Set Wicker Backgammon Set, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Game Tables

White Faux Alligator Skin Backgammon Table

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Maison Jansen Modernist Backgammon Games Table

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Backgammon Game Board and Carrying Case in Brown and White

Mid-20th Century Game Tables

Antique Leather Games Table Backgammon or Chess

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Suede Backgammon and Chess Table, 1990s USA

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Maison Jansen Modernist Backgammon Table, 1970s France

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern North and South American Rugs

Mcm Hand-Woven "Backgammon Board" Wool Rug

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Backgammon Dominos Briefcase with Multiple Game Set

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Games

Italian Marble Backgammon and Chess Board Game, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

1960s Middle Eastern Backgammon Game Board Chess Box

Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Game Boards

Vintage Wood Backgammon Set Game Box, circa 1950

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Signed Maison Jansen Leather Top Backgammon Game Table

Mid-20th Century Turkish Moorish Games

Moorish Persian Inlaid Micro Mosaic Backgammon and Chess Board

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Islamic Game Tables

Middle Eastern Damascus Inlaid Card Chess Backgammon Game Table

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Sensational Marvin Arenson Signed Backgammon Game Table Cocktail Table

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Game Tables

Tuttuno Backgammon Edition Multipurpose Gaming Table by Impatia

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Karl Springer Rare Backgammon/Games Table in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Games

Vintage Midcentury Large Complete Inlaid Mosaic Backgammon and Chess Game

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games

1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Backgammon in Excellent condition. Made in Italy

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Alain Delon for Maison Jansen Backgammon Game Table & Chairs, Signed

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Arturo Pani Onyx Interchangeable Chess Checkers and Backgammon Game Table

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Islamic Decorative Boxes

Middle Eastern Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box for Game Chess and Backgammon

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Backgammon Table, Chrome Metal and Burlwood Veneer, Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970s

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Attributed Arturo Pani Onyx Walnut Game Table with Chess Checkers and Backgammon

Antique 1830s English George IV Game Tables

An unusual George IV specimen marble backgammon table attributed to Gillows

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Game Tables

French Louis XV Period Tric Trac or Backgammon Table Stamped P. Roussel

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Game Tables

French Mid 19th Century Louis XV St. Marquetry Games Table

Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Mid-20th Century Argentine Wooden Desk/Game Table with Chessboard by Comte S.A.

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Game Tables

19th Century English Victorian Rosewood Games Table

Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Game Tables

18th Century French Rococo Gaming / Console Table with reversible top

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Card Tables and Tea Tables

Antique English 18th Century George II Mahogany Two Tier Card Table

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Game Tables