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 Canvas

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Female Oil Painting Mid Century Canvas Modernist Oil Portrait

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School Desert Landscape - Abstract French Mid Century Gouache on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid Century St Tropez Harbour Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

French Mid Century Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Oil Provence Purple Orange Gold Yellow, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

Mid Century French1950's Mid Century French Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Interior Scene, c. 1950's

1960s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolParis Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French Mid Century Pink Flowers in Blue Turquoise Vase Signed 1950's Oil on Canvas, 1950's

1950s Figurative Paintings

Mid 20th Century Dutch SchoolThe Bar - Mid 20th Century Dutch Naif Interior Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

European Mid CenturyLarge 1950's Portrait of Dashing Gentleman Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950's

20th Century Modern Still-life Paintings

British Mid 20th CenturyLarge Mid 20th Century Signed Oil Painting Still Life Flowers in Interior

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Swedish SchoolCoastal Landscape - Large Mid Century Swedish Scandinavian Modernist Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century English SchoolTerraced Houses - Mid 20th Century English London Architectural Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist Mid Century1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolBoats on a River - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School1950's French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries & Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

French Mid Century Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950's French Oil Paint, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Mid Century French1950's French Impressionist Signed Oil Northern France Open Landscape Framed

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Interior Paintings

Mid 20th Century English ImpressionistSunflowers in Vase 1950's English Impressionist Signed Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950's

1960s Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Belgian SchoolBridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

French Mid Century huge 1950's French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid Century 1960's French Oil Oxen & Cart in Sun Scorched South of France Landscape, 1960's

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Mid Century on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

French Mid 20th CenturyLarge 1950's French Signed Oil Painting Ladies Washing Clothes at Public Baths, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Italian Mid 20th CenturySigned Italian Oil Painting c. 1950's Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Francesco Lavagna (active in Naples in the mid-18th century)18th Century by Francesco Lavagna Pair of Flower Vases Oil on Canvas , 18th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

French Mid 20th Century1950s French Signed Oil Painting Shabby Chic Vintage Flowers in Vase Still Life

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Pascal Cucaro Oil Canvas Mid-Century Painting

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Oval Portrait - Oil on Canvas - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Still-life Prints

Still Life - Oil on Canvas - Mid 20th Century, Mid 19th Century

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Abstract Acrylic on Canvas Signed R. Brandely

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Large Abstract Oil on Canvas by Leson

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Abstract Painting on Canvas

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Oil Painting on Canvas

Mid-20th Century French Paintings

Mid Century Impasto Oil on Canvas Signed T. Rolland

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Oval Still Life - Oil on Canvas - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings

Francisco Sainz Signed Mid-Century Oil on Canvas Abstract Portrait

Vintage 1960s Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School
Desert Landscape - Abstract French Mid Century Gouache on Canvas Painting, c.1950

French Mid Century
St Tropez Harbour Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1950's

French Mid Century
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Oil Provence Purple Orange Gold Yellow, 1950's

Mid Century French
1950's Mid Century French Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Interior Scene, c. 1950's

Mid 20th Century French School
Paris Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

French Mid Century
Pink Flowers in Blue Turquoise Vase Signed 1950's Oil on Canvas, 1950's

Mid 20th Century Dutch School
The Bar - Mid 20th Century Dutch Naif Interior Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1950

European Mid Century
Large 1950's Portrait of Dashing Gentleman Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950's

British Mid 20th Century
Large Mid 20th Century Signed Oil Painting Still Life Flowers in Interior

Mid 20th Century Swedish School
Coastal Landscape - Large Mid Century Swedish Scandinavian Modernist Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century English School
Terraced Houses - Mid 20th Century English London Architectural Oil Painting, c.1960

French Cubist Mid Century
1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Boats on a River - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
1950's French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries & Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950's

French Mid Century
Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950's French Oil Paint, 1950's

Mid Century French
1950's French Impressionist Signed Oil Northern France Open Landscape Framed

Mid 20th Century English Impressionist
Sunflowers in Vase 1950's English Impressionist Signed Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950's

Mid 20th Century Belgian School
Bridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

French Mid Century
huge 1950's French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950's

French Mid Century
1960's French Oil Oxen & Cart in Sun Scorched South of France Landscape, 1960's

French Mid 20th Century
Large 1950's French Signed Oil Painting Ladies Washing Clothes at Public Baths, 1950's

Italian Mid 20th Century
Signed Italian Oil Painting c. 1950's Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

Francesco Lavagna (active in Naples in the mid-18th century)
18th Century by Francesco Lavagna Pair of Flower Vases Oil on Canvas , 18th Century

French Mid 20th Century
1950s French Signed Oil Painting Shabby Chic Vintage Flowers in Vase Still Life

Alberto Sillani
Landscape - Oil on Canvas by Alberto Sillani - Mid-20th Century , Mid-20th Century

Mid 20th Century French School
French 1950's Interior Room Scene Woodburner Stove Attic Room Oil Painting

Umberto Carabella
Country - Oil on Canvas by U. Carabella . Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th century

André Tardieu
Mid-century Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas., 1976