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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Bureau

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Mid-Century Nine Drawer Library Card Catalog by Library Bureau Sole Makers

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Industrial Brushed Steel Desk By Library Bureau Makers

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Mid 20th Century Danish Bureau

Antique Mid-18th Century George III Bookcases

Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Retro Mid Century Teak Secretaire Bureau

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mid-Century Teak Bureau Table with Drawers

Antique Mid-18th Century Dutch Baroque Secretaires

Frisian Baroque Oakwood Bureau, Mid-18th Century

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Bookcases

Mid-18th Century Mahogany Small Bureau Bookcase

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Desks

Mid-Century Solid Teakwood Bureau Germany, 1950

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Very Fine Mid-20th Century Inlaid Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Mid-Century Modern Teak Rolltop Desk Bureau, 1960s

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Secretaires

18th Century Walnut Bureau

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Mid-Century Modern Desk Sideboard Bureau Secretaire Belgium Design, 1960s

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Mid-Century Teak Chest of Drawers / Writing Desk / Bureau by Meredew

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walnut Ash Desk Bureau Secretary, 1950s, Italy

Antique 18th Century Desks and Writing Tables

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bureau

Antique 18th Century Bookcases

Small Size Mid-18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase or Cabinet

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-century Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Bureau, 1960s, Brazil

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Bureau

Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Desks and Writing Tables

Chinese Export 18th Century Lacquer Bureau on Stand

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks

French Mid-19th Century Louis XV Style Tulipwood and Kingwood Bureau Plat

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks

French Mid-19th Century Louis XV Style Kingwood and Ormolu Bureau Plat

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Mid 18th Century French Louis XVI Period Tulipwood and Ormolu Bureau Plat

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Style Teak Roll Top Cylinder Desk Bureau 1968

Antique Mid-18th Century Irish George II Desks and Writing Tables

18th Century George II Writing Bureau

Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

French 18th Century Louis XV Bureau Plat, Writing Desk

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Mid Century Modern Vintage Secretaire Writing Bureau Desk by G plan Danish Style

Antique Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Bureau Plat

Late 20th Century Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

John Vesey Mid-Century Modern Desk or Bureau plat, Steel and Bronze

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs

18th Century French Caned Bergère de Bureau

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Models and Miniatures

Georgian 18th Century Elm Table Top Bureau

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Cabinets

18th Century Italian Walnut Lombardy Bureau Cabinet

Antique Mid-18th Century Norwegian Baroque Revival Secretaires

18th century Norwegian carved oak bureau bookcase

Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Baroque Desks

18th Century Spanish Bureau Desk Walnut Wood

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires

18th Century Italian Walnut Parquetry Important Bureau Cabinet Trumeaux

Antique Mid-19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

Royal Empire Desk/Bureau Plat, Gilt Bronze, 19th Century

Mid-20th Century French Desks

20th Century Inlaid Wood French Bureau Desk, 1960

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires

18th Century Italian Walnut Parquetry Important Bureau Cabinet Trumeaux

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires