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.

Mid Century Church

Late 20th Century British Decorative Objects

Mid-Century Church's Silver Metal Shoe Trees

1960s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Frank Blasingame Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Hand Hammered Copper Bowl

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Mid-Century Lane "Perception" Extendable Dining Table by Warren Church

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Mid-Century "Perception" Sideboard by Warren Church for Lane Furniture

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

Mid-Century Lane Coffee Table by Warren Church

Mid-20th Century English Ties

Vintage Church’s all-silk green tie with jacquard plaid motif

21st Century and Contemporary British Boots

Church's Burgundy Patent Brogue Chelsea Boots Size IT 38.5

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Warren Church for Lane Perception Mid Century Walnut Single Nightstand

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Classic Mid-Century Modern Walnut Server by Warren Church for Lane

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Mid Century Modern "Perception" Walnut Dresser by Warren Church for Lane

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Warren Church Lane Perception Walnut Oak Mahogany Mid Century Tall Chest Dresser

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

The Church - Watercolor - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Tourmanin Church - Original Lithograph - Mid-19th Century, Mid-19th Century

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Vintage Lane Furniture "Perception" Cupboard by Warren Church

Mid-20th Century Interior Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - Church Flowers, unknown

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Warren Church Designed Dresser for Lane

Mid-20th Century Figurative Photography

Old days Photo - Church - Vintage Photo - mid-20th Century, mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Old Days Photo - Church - Vintage Photo - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

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

Vintage "Perception" Stone Inlay Coffee Table by Warren Church for Lane

19th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - Alpine Church, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Frank DuffieldBritish Mid 20th Century Impressionist Painting The Village Church , Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Old days Photo - Church Tower - Vintage Photo - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Robert FonteneThe Church - Original Drawing by R. Fontene - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th century

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Edoardo BarberisInterior of Church - Pastel Drawing by E. Barberis - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Pair of Warren Church End Table Cabinets for Lane

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

MCM Console Cabinet & Mirror Style Lane Perception Basket Weave Warren Church

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Large Scale Brutalist Church Candlestick of Cast Bronze Mid-20th Century Germany

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Warren Church for Lane Perception MCM Rectangle Nightstand Side End Table

Early 19th Century Figurative Prints

The Church of the Holy Grave - Original Lithograph - Mid-19th Century, Mid-19th Century

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Leonard Machin RoweMid 20th Century Belgium, Ghent, St Nicholas Church, 1950's

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Leonard Machin RoweMid 20th Century Belgium, Ostend Church and Harbour, 1950's

Mid-20th Century French Paintings

Mid-20th Century Modernist French Oil Painting of a Church

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

A. VerbitskiMid Century Industrial Scene and Church Ruins Russian Cityscape, c.1950s

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - Church in the Winter Sun, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Prints

André Roland BrudieuxThe Church - Original Pencil on Paper by A.R. Brudieux - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

19th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - St Mary's Church, Nether Alderley, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Gote Pawlack - Mid 20th Century Oil, Church on the River, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Large Mid-Century Era Brass Plated Christian Church Cross or Crucifix

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Frank Blasingame
Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

Frank Duffield
British Mid 20th Century Impressionist Painting The Village Church , Mid 20th Century

Robert Fontene
The Church - Original Drawing by R. Fontene - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th century

Edoardo Barberis
Interior of Church - Pastel Drawing by E. Barberis - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Leonard Machin Rowe
Mid 20th Century Belgium, Ghent, St Nicholas Church, 1950's

Leonard Machin Rowe
Mid 20th Century Belgium, Ostend Church and Harbour, 1950's

A. Verbitski
Mid Century Industrial Scene and Church Ruins Russian Cityscape, c.1950s

André Roland Brudieux
The Church - Original Pencil on Paper by A.R. Brudieux - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Slim Aarons
Slim Aarons, Tyrolean Churches (Mid-Century Modern Landscape Photography), 1990

P. Martin
P. Martin - Signed Mid 20th Century Pastel, View of the Church, Unknown

Jean Laforgue
Old Provence Church Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Signed Painting

Joan Gillchrest
Church and Churchyard - Landscape Painting, Mid-20th Century, Oil Paint, Modern

Lamar Briggs
"ABSTRACT CHURCH TOWER", Mid Century Modern

Leon Worley
"Avon River - Christ Church, New Zealand" - Mid Century Figurative Landscape , 1959

Eric E. Cox
Eric E. Cox - Signed Mid 20th Century Pastel, Bury Church, Sussex, Unknown

Jean Laforgue
Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Painting Interior Of A French Church